Plunge Air vs. Cold Pod: $150 barrel or $3,391 setup?

If you've been tuning into wellness podcasts or scrolling through recovery tips on social media, chances are you've heard the buzz about cold plunges — those icy tubs people willingly dip into for a few minutes (or seconds) of self-care. And if you're thinking about hopping on the cold plunge train, choosing the right setup can feel overwhelming. That's why we decided to do a Plunge Air vs. Cold Pod review.

While they couldn't be more different — from price to design to features — they're both popular options in the wellness space. Plunge sits at the premium end of the market, with models ranging from $3,391 to a whopping $8,491. The brand's original plunge tub has earned its place on countless "best of" lists, thanks to its sleek design and high-end performance — the kind of thing you could imagine having seen on MTV Cribs if cold plunges had been a thing back then.

The Plunge Air is the company's more portable option, offering many of the same high-quality features as the original but in an inflatable design that weighs just 28 pounds (when empty, of course) — way more flexible and move-friendly than its 238-pound sibling. The Cold Pod is at the budget-conscious end of the spectrum, offering a no-frills way to get extra chilly. I first came across it on social media, where I saw people posting pictures of themselves sitting in the icy baths while camping. The barrel-shaped tub is easy to assemble, easy to travel with (it weighs less than 8 pounds unfilled) and costs just $150 (or less, at sites such as Amazon).

So, which option is right for you? We tested both to find out. As a registered dietitian and wellness editor, I put both units to the test over the course of two months, evaluating each on ease of use, setup, material quality, cleaning, key features, cost and overall value. Here's what I discovered.

Meet the contenders

Plunge Air vs. Cold Pod at a glance

Plunge Air vs. Cold Pod: Head-to-head comparison

Space requirements

Both the Plunge Air and Cold Pod are designed with portability in mind, but they differ in where they can actually be used.

The Cold Pod keeps things simple. Its cordless, lightweight design means you can set it up just about anywhere: The garage, basement, front porch — or even bring it along on a vacation or camping trip. You don't need to be near an outlet, and since there's no built-in heater, it's safe for indoor and outdoor use. Plus, it's light enough that you don't have to worry about its weight stressing a deck or upper-level floor.

The Plunge Air, on the other hand, offers a more high-tech experience, which comes with added setup requirements. You’ll need access to a standard 110-volt outlet (ideally dedicated), and a location that can support some serious weight — over 900 pounds when filled. So, unless your deck is reinforced, it's best suited for a ground-level area or sturdy basement floor.

If you choose the chiller-only model, it can be used indoors or out. But if you go for the dual-temperature version (chiller + heater), outdoor use is recommended due to condensation. And to get the most out of the Plunge app (for tracking sessions or adjusting temps), you'll want to make sure you're within Wi-Fi range.

Winner: The Cold Pod. While both are technically portable, the Cold Pod offers maximum flexibility.

Setup

Neither product is difficult to set up. The Cold Pod comes with a simple manual and took me less than six minutes to assemble (not counting the time to fill it up). All you have to do is slide in the six support legs and inflate the top ring. Honestly, I probably could've assembled it even quicker, but one of the legs was a little stubborn and didn't want to slide into its spot right away.

The Plunge Air is bigger and has more parts, so it makes sense that it took a bit longer. From start to finish (again, not counting filling it with water), it took about 30 minutes. A good chunk of that time was spent unpacking and figuring out where everything went, so I expect future setups will be closer to 15 minutes. Inflating the tub itself took under two minutes, and the Plunge app guided me through the whole process, making it smooth and painless.

Winner: The Cold Pod, but just by an inch. Once you're used to where the tubes connect and which side to put the chiller on, the Plunge Air really wouldn't take that much longer to set up.

Design

A major difference between the Plunge Air and Cold Pod is their tub design. The Plunge Air has a bathtub-style shape that lets you stretch out and rest your head against the sloped back. I found it really comfortable to sit in (even as my arms and legs were covered in goosebumps), and it made it easier to relax and focus on breath work compared to the Cold Pod.

Speaking of which, the Cold Pod is barrel-shaped, so there's less room to move around. I'm 5'5" and didn't feel all that cramped, but since the sides aren't designed to support an adult's weight, you basically have to stay in a squat position within the barrel, which isn't all that relaxing. For anyone much taller than me, the confined space is likely to feel more, well, confining. The Cold Pod does come in an XL version for taller folks, but it still uses the same barrel shape, so it may not be a comfortable option for some people.

Winner: The Plunge Air. Being able to stretch out and lean against the side made it more comfortable and easier to get in and out of.

Materials and durability

Both cold plunges are designed with durability in mind.

The Cold Pod is made from thermo-insulated, PVC-coated nylon that feels thick and fairly tear-resistant. The metal legs are solid and not easy to bend. The drainage spout feels like the main weak spot. It's made of plastic and doesn't seem quite as tough as the rest of the tub. I've had mine for about two months with no issues, but some Amazon reviews complain of leaks after a few months of use. The good news is that one reviewer reports the Cold Pod's customer service is responsive if something does go wrong.

The Plunge Air is made from UV-resistant drop-stitch material, and it feels very durable. It even comes with a repair kit in case you ever need to patch a small hole. The chiller is sturdy and not easy to tip over, but if you're taking it on the go, you'll want to make sure it's well-secured to avoid dents or damage. The tubing feels solid and is less likely to break, even if it takes a bump.

Winner: The Plunge Air. Given the difference in price, it's not surprising that the Air feels sturdier and more durable.

Cooling performance

Another key difference — and, in my opinion, a potential deal breaker — is how these cold plunges get cold.

The Cold Pod's basic design means it's up to you to chill the water to the frigid temps you're seeking. You’ll need cold water and plenty of ice (a thermometer is also handy if you want to hit a specific temperature). I used two bags of ice to get the water close to 60°F, but for a chillier experience, you'd likely need three to four bags. The tub is insulated, but the ice eventually melts, so you'll have to add more every time you use it. This can add up, either in the cost of buying bags of ice or in the time and freezer space needed if you go the DIY route with the company's molds for big cubes.

The Plunge Air, on the other hand, comes with the brand's standard chiller, which lets you set and maintain an exact temperature for your entire session, no ice required. Fair warning: The chiller is pretty loud when it first kicks on and adjusts to your chosen temp, but once it's there, it quiets down considerably. You can adjust the temperature right on the chiller or through the Plunge app.

Winner: The Plunge Air. If you plan to plunge regularly, the Air's built-in chiller is the way to go.

Features and accessories

In addition to its built-in chiller, the Plunge Air stands out for its pro features. It includes a filtration system and smart capabilities that let you record your sessions, adjust the temperature, listen to guided breathing exercises and join challenges using your smartphone. For an additional cost, you can add heat functionality, which warms the water up to 104°F, so you can enjoy hot and cold water therapy.

The Air also comes with practical basics like a manual pump and a backpack for easy travel or storage. Plus, the included repair kit is a nice touch. While the Plunge Air feels sturdy, it's reassuring to have what you need if one of the sides needs a quick patch.

The Cold Pod doesn't have the same bells and whistles as its pricier competitor. Instead, it includes the essentials you need to get started and maintain and store the tub: a manual pump, insulated cover, drain hose and carrying bag. At the time of this review, the Cold Pod also includes a "space cover," adding an extra layer of insulation to help keep the water cold.

Winner: The Plunge Air. While it's a larger investment, the Plunge Air's features make it better suited for serious users who want added convenience and better precision.

Maintenance

To keep your ice bath clean and safe to use, it's essential to stay on top of regular maintenance. The Cold Pod makes this easy to do with dual drainage options at the bottom. Cleaning is simple too: You just need warm water and a clean rag. Since it doesn't have a built-in filtration system, you'll need to drain and clean it more often than the Plunge Air. The company suggests every two weeks, but depending on your water quality and any debris, you might need to clean it more frequently.

The Plunge Air's maintenance is a bit more like a hot tub. You'll need to swap out filters and use special chemicals to keep the water clean and balanced. The cleaning itself is pretty easy, but depending on where you set up the tub, you may need to have a few buckets handy to drain the water into. The main downside is the ongoing cost. Plunge offers maintenance kits starting at $143, which include filter replacements, pH testing strips and cleaning solutions. The company recommends changing the filter monthly and doing a deep clean every six months.

Winner: The Cold Pod. It's simpler (and cheaper) to clean, but because it lacks a filtration system, you'll need to do it more often.

Price, returns and warranty

There's no denying that these two cold plunges are very different — and those differences are reflected in their prices.

The Cold Pod costs $150 (or less when it's on sale). While it doesn't have ongoing maintenance costs, if you choose not to make your own ice, you'll need to factor in the cost (and time) of buying multiple bags of ice each time you use it. When purchased on the company's website, the Cold Pod ships for free and has a 14-day return policy. As long as you remember to activate it, the Cold Pod includes a 1-year warranty, which covers manufacturing defects. However, accidental damage, regular wear and tear and damage due to misuse or improper maintenance aren't covered.

The Plunge Air with Standard Chiller costs a whopping $3,391, though eligible customers can take advantage of 0% interest financing. Shipping is free, and you have 30 days to return the unit if it's not the right fit. Just keep in mind that there's a 15% restocking fee, and you'll be on the hook for return shipping costs. Like the Cold Pod, the Plunge Air is backed by a 1-year limited warranty, which covers manufacturing defects in the tub shell, plumbing components and any factory-installed parts.

Which cold plunge should you buy?

Our health content is for informational purposes only and is not intended as professional medical advice. Consult a medical professional on questions about your health.