The 11 Best Cold Plunges of 2024, Plus Benefits and Tips from a PT

"If you’re living in a small home but still want a cold plunge under your own roof, this pick’s ability to squeeze into narrow spaces will come in handy. The Nordic Wave Viking includes everything you need to start plunging in a compact barrel-shaped package. 

Even with the steps added on, it still fits on a small patio with ease, thanks to its 41in (3.41ft) height and 36in (3ft) depth. Thanks to its space-friendly design, we gave this tub a 4 out of 5 for portability. “This tub is a barrel design so the footprint doesn’t take up a ton of space,” according to our tester, who gave it a 4 out of 5 for size and portability. “It also only weighs about 60 pounds and the separate chiller is 55 pounds, so you could move this around if needed.” 

Our testers had no issue setting up the tub without a white glove service, so we gave the delivery and set up a 5 out of 5. “Getting this tub in place and working was seamless,” one tester said. “It only took about 10 minutes to set it up and adding water took about a half hour.” So, if you’re someone who doesn’t have a ton of tools and isn’t comfortable putting pieces together, this process is a breeze. 

There’s no need for special components here either; this plunge conveniently uses a standard home outlet. Note: It may trip the breaker if you’re cooling aggressively or have other devices plugged into the same outlet, some reviews say. The stainless steel material and two-inch insulation helps keep water cold at temperatures as low as 38 degrees Fahrenheit, helping you save on energy usage. 

We gave the durability a 4.5 out of 5, as it’s made with a heavy duty plastic that’s thick and can hold up for a long time. It also won’t change shape like some flimsier, inflatable options. “All of the components and parts feel and look premium,” our tester said after using the tub for a two-minute plunge. 

Unfortunately, though, this isn’t a lie-down kind of tub, hence the space-friendly design. For ergonomics we gave it a 4 out of 5 because our tester felt a little cramped. “I’m six feet tall and I had to squat in order to get the water above my shoulders,” they said. “There’s no seat inside so you have to just sit in place.” But for athletes short on space who don’t need to lay down for their plunge, this high-quality pick is a good choice."