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Experience faster recovery, fewer muscle aches, and even a better night’s sleep.

If you were ever a student athlete, chances are that you have had your experiences with the benefits of ice baths. But once most of us are done with collegiate athletics, ice baths—and proper recovery—are quick to go out the door. While not the most pleasant sensation, ice baths are great for boosting circulation, decreasing inflammation, and helping your muscles recover quicker. If you are looking to up your recovery game, ice bathing is a super beneficial way to do so—and it can be quite affordable. While there are quite a few options out there, we have gathered our favorite ice baths on the market for a pleasantly chilly recovery.

Taking an ice bath after a hard workout is a great way to recover faster. And while many athletes generally accept this to be true, most of us don't truly know why. An ice bath works by decreasing inflammation and increase circulation, which gets the blood flowing and essentially helps flush out metabolic waste post-workout. Ice baths are also said to have a positive impact on the central nervous system, which can help improve sleep. The great thing about ice baths is that they’re accessible even for newbies, and as long as you don’t stay in too long—and don’t have any cardiovascular issues—they can only stand to improve your performance and general health.

There are lots of ice bath tub options on the market. On the more affordable side, you have inflatable tubs. These are great for travel or use at home and are generally pretty comfortable to sit in, but they tend not to last as long as solid tubs, and they will pretty much have to be refilled for every use. The second tier are solid tubs. These are a bit more expensive, but they can pretty much last a lifetime. They are generally made from heavy-duty plastic that can withstand the elements, and even though you will have to change the water from time to time, they drain easily.

Finally, there are the spa models. These can be very expensive—sometimes costing upwards of $10K. These are much more permanent fixtures and are a great investment if you're an avid ice bather. Most spa-style models come with filters, which means that you won't have to change the water once your tub is filled, and most will be able to accommodate either ice baths or hot ones.

To find the best options among the many ice bath tubs out there, we researched the most popular models available. We then took into account price, materials, durability, and size. Finally, we consulted more than 3,300 reviews, written by people who’ve bought these models on sites like Amazon, to settle on the seven you'll find below.

For more great recovery tools, check out our picks for the best foam rollers, back massagers, and foot massagers!

While it's true that this ice barrel is on the pricier side, it is deceptively large (holding up to 105 gallons) and incredibly durable. It comes with a cover, lid, stand, and steps that help you get in, and has extra thick walls that ensure that it stays cold. It's also super easy to maintain: Simply drain and replace the water every four weeks or so, and add ice to cool it down.

It won't pop or break, and it's made from nontoxic polyurethane that can hold up against the elements all year long.

This tub is foldable, portable, and great for storing when not in use. It can also be used as not only an ice bath, but as a warm water bath as well; it even has insulation to help retain your desired temperature. It uses PVC piping to help give it rigidity so it won't bend or tip over, and it has a drain near the bottom that can help you empty the water quickly.

If you are a Wim Hof disciple, or an amateur endurance athlete, you may want to invest in something a bit more permanent. While this ice tub is certainly on the pricey end of the spectrum, it is beautifully and durably made, and won't be an eyesore on a back porch. It is safe for both indoor and outdoor use, and has a temperature-control system that allows you to get the bath just right with the touch of a button.

It's also somewhat customizable: you can choose the type of wood and the base color used in the model you purchase. You also have the option of adding a light—for an additional $320—if you plan to use it at night.

If you are going for a portable budget option, this could be the right choice for you. It collapses into a flat disk when not in use, and will cost you under $60. The package includes the bathtub, frame pipes, inflatable cover, drain pipe, pump, and an inflatable pillow.

While this is not the sturdiest tub on the list, it is great for travel, and unlike some inflatable options, it does drain from the bottom.

Another pricey pick, the Cold Plunge gives you a spa-like experience in your very own yard. The sleek design fits in with any aesthetic, and it is safe for use both indoors and out. It was designed with ease of use in mind, so it is truly a “plug-and-plunge” experience.

Once you fill the tub with water, simply turn it on, set the temperature—which can go as low as 39 degrees Fahrenheit—and it is ready to use. Unlike a fill-and-dump tub, you won’t have to change the water since it goes through a filtration cycle with every use.

While this isn't technically an ice tub, if you're looking for something affordable, durable, and large, it will certainly do the job. This stock tank comes in a 150-gallon size, which should be large enough for most bathers, though it also comes both larger and smaller so you can find the size that best fits your needs. It is seamless, easy to clean, and easy to drain. While it's not insulated like some other options, it is super durable and will hold up for years outside, as it is constructed for daily livestock use.

This tub may be large when all blown-up, but when it comes time to put it away, it deflates to fit easily in a drawer, sit on a shelf, or get tucked under the bed. The PVC plastic ensures that it is long-lasting and resistant to punctures and tears. The design allows for a comfortable lounging position and because it is a blow-up design, it is super comfortable and padded. It also has a cup holder, which is great for staying hydrated after a hard workout.