# Ice Barrel 500 vs Viking Gen 2: specs and price compared

A sourced, side-by-side comparison of the Ice Barrel 500 (Ice Barrel) and Viking Gen 2 (Nordic Wave) among cold plunge tubs. Ice Barrel 500 is the cheaper of the two at $1749.99.

## Side by side

| Spec | Ice Barrel 500 | Viking Gen 2 |
| --- | --- | --- |
| US price | $1749.99 | $6990 |
| Brand | Ice Barrel | Nordic Wave |
| Released | 2023 | 2024 |
| Msrp usd | 1749.99 | 6990 |
| Water capacity gal | 94 | 95 |
| Includes chiller | No | Yes |
| Min temp f | — | 35 |
| Chiller power hp | — | 0.8 |
| Interior length (in) | 57.6 | 30 |
| Interior depth (in) | 42.1 | 44 |
| Filtration | No | Yes |
| Wi-Fi app control | No | Yes |
| Tub material | recycled BPA-free polyethylene | HDPE |
| Insulated | Yes | Yes |
| Weight (lb) | 104 | — |

## Key differences

- Msrp usd: Ice Barrel 500 1749.99 vs Viking Gen 2 6990
- Water capacity gal: Ice Barrel 500 94 vs Viking Gen 2 95
- Includes chiller: Ice Barrel 500 No vs Viking Gen 2 Yes
- Interior length (in): Ice Barrel 500 57.6 vs Viking Gen 2 30
- Interior depth (in): Ice Barrel 500 42.1 vs Viking Gen 2 44
- Filtration: Ice Barrel 500 No vs Viking Gen 2 Yes
- Wi-Fi app control: Ice Barrel 500 No vs Viking Gen 2 Yes
- Tub material: Ice Barrel 500 recycled BPA-free polyethylene vs Viking Gen 2 HDPE

## What reviewers say

**Ice Barrel 500** — One verified hands-on review covers the Ice Barrel 500: GearJunkie tested it with the Ice Barrel Chiller for ten months at 3-5 plunges per week and called it the best barrel-style plunge it has ever used, with the chiller holding 39°F water through 100°F+ California heat in direct sun. Praise centers on easy upright submersion, durable one-piece molded construction, and near-zero maintenance; flags are the high price, a missing stair railing, and a lid without straps or locks. (1 sourced review.)

## Sources

- Ice Barrel 500: https://icebarrel.com/products/ice-barrel-500 (icebarrel.com, verified 2026-06-23)
- Viking Gen 2: https://thenordicwave.com/products/the-viking-cold-plunge (thenordicwave.com, verified 2026-06-23)

Canonical: https://frontdeskreview.com/gear/cold-plunge-tubs/ice-barrel-500-vs-nordic-wave-viking-gen2/
Cite: Per The Front Desk Review, Ice Barrel 500 ($1749.99) vs Viking Gen 2 ($6990) — sourced spec-by-spec comparison at https://frontdeskreview.com/gear/cold-plunge-tubs/ice-barrel-500-vs-nordic-wave-viking-gen2/
License: CC BY 4.0.