Two Very Different Approaches to Cold Therapy
The Plunge All-In and the Ice Barrel 500 represent opposite ends of the cold plunge spectrum. The All-In is a premium all-in-one system with a $7,990 price tag and integrated smart features. The Ice Barrel 500 is a $1,500 insulated barrel that works with ice or an optional chiller. Understanding the differences will help you choose the right investment for your cold therapy practice.
Price Comparison
The most obvious difference is price. The Plunge All-In costs $7,990 for the cold-only model. The Ice Barrel 500 costs $1,500 for the barrel alone, or approximately $4,500 when bundled with the Ice Barrel Chiller. Even with a chiller, the Ice Barrel system costs roughly half the All-In price.
However, price alone does not tell the full story. The All-In includes everything in one integrated unit with smartphone control, while the Ice Barrel requires purchasing and connecting a separate chiller if you want automated temperature control.
Temperature Performance
The Plunge All-In reaches 37 degrees Fahrenheit with its integrated 1 HP chiller. This is automatic and consistent: set your temperature via the app, and the water stays cold without any effort on your part.
The Ice Barrel 500 temperature depends on your cooling method. With ice alone, you are looking at 45 to 55 degrees depending on ice quantity. With the Ice Barrel Chiller, it reaches 37 degrees Fahrenheit, matching the Plunge.
Design and Comfort
The Plunge All-In offers a horizontal bathtub-style position with 64 inches of legroom. Most users can fully recline, making longer sessions more comfortable.
The Ice Barrel 500 uses an upright seated position. While the built-in steps and texturized seat improve the experience, some users find the vertical position less relaxing than lying down. The 94-gallon capacity provides adequate immersion up to the neck.
Smart Features
The Plunge All-In includes WiFi smartphone app control, underwater LED lighting, and a phone holder. You can monitor and adjust temperature remotely, schedule sessions, and track your cold exposure history.
The Ice Barrel 500 has no built-in smart features. If you add the Ice Barrel Chiller, you get WiFi app control, but the barrel itself remains a simple analog experience.
Maintenance
The All-In features a 20-micron ozone filtration system that cycles water every 10 minutes. Filter changes are easy with the accessible filter compartment.
The Ice Barrel 500 has no built-in filtration. If using ice only, you will need to drain and refill regularly. Adding the Ice Barrel Chiller brings built-in filtration, significantly reducing maintenance.
Our Verdict
Choose the Plunge All-In if you want a premium, set-and-forget experience with smart features and are willing to pay for the convenience. Choose the Ice Barrel 500 if you want a more affordable path into cold therapy with the flexibility to start with ice and upgrade to a chiller later.
Both deliver effective cold water therapy. The right choice depends on your budget, space, and how much convenience matters in your daily routine.
