Float Tank vs. Float Room: Which is Better for You?

Key Takeaways


  • Float tanks offer a more intense sensory deprivation experience, ideal for those seeking deep relaxation.

  • Float rooms provide a spacious environment with customizable options, perfect for those who prefer more movement and comfort.

  • Both float tanks and float rooms deliver significant float therapy benefits, including stress relief, pain management, and enhanced mental clarity.

  • Float therapy is beneficial during pregnancy, with both tanks and rooms offering relief from physical discomfort.

  • The choice between a float tank and a float room depends on personal preferences, comfort levels, and desired sensory experiences.


Float therapy has become a popular wellness practice, offering a unique way to relieve stress, manage pain, and enhance overall well-being. But when it comes to experiencing float therapy, you might be wondering whether to choose a float tank or a float room.

Both options offer the core float therapy benefits, but they cater to different preferences and needs. In this comprehensive guide, we’ll explore the differences between a float tank and a float room, discuss the pros and cons of each, and help you determine which option is best for you.

What is a Float Tank?

A float tank is the traditional setup for float therapy. It’s an enclosed, pod-like structure filled with water that has been saturated with Epsom salts. The high concentration of salts allows you to float effortlessly, creating a sensation of weightlessness.

The tank is designed to block out external stimuli, such as light and sound, providing an environment conducive to deep relaxation and sensory deprivation.

Pros of a Float Tank

  1. Complete Sensory Deprivation: The enclosed nature of a float tank ensures minimal external stimuli, allowing for a profound sensory deprivation experience. This deepens relaxation and can enhance the mental and emotional float therapy benefits.

  2. Enhanced Weightlessness: The size and design of a float tank maximize the sensation of weightlessness, which can be particularly beneficial for those seeking relief from physical pain or discomfort.

  3. Personal Space: The compact, enclosed space can create a sense of being in your own personal sanctuary, allowing you to fully disconnect from the outside world.

Cons of a Float Tank

  1. Claustrophobia Concerns: The enclosed nature of a float tank can be intimidating for those who experience claustrophobia or discomfort in small spaces.

  2. Limited Movement: The smaller size of a float tank might restrict movement, which can be a downside for individuals who prefer to stretch or change positions during their session.

  3. Initial Adjustment: For first-time floaters, adjusting to the complete darkness and silence of a float tank may take some time, potentially reducing the immediate effectiveness of the session.

What is a Float Room?

A float room is a modern variation of the traditional float tank. It offers a larger, open space, often similar in size to a small room or large shower stall.

Like the float tank, the float room is filled with Epsom salt-saturated water to create a buoyant environment, but it provides more space and often includes features like soft lighting and sound options.

Pros of a Float Room

  1. Spacious Environment: The most significant advantage of a float room is the extra space it provides. This allows for more freedom of movement, which can be especially beneficial for individuals who prefer a less confined environment.

  2. Accommodates Claustrophobia: Float rooms are ideal for those who might feel anxious in an enclosed space. The larger, open design can make the experience feel less restrictive and more comfortable.

  3. Customizable Experience: Many float rooms offer the option to control lighting and sound, allowing users to tailor their experience to their comfort level. This flexibility can enhance the overall benefits of float tanks.

Cons of a Float Room

  1. Reduced Sensory Deprivation: The open design and customizable features of a float room might reduce the intensity of the sensory deprivation experience compared to a float tank.

  2. Potential for Distractions: With more space and optional lighting and sound, it might be harder to achieve the same deep level of relaxation that a float tank offers.

  3. Less Intense Weightlessness: The larger size of a float room might slightly reduce the sensation of weightlessness compared to a float tank, although this difference is typically minor.

Float Tank vs. Float Room: Which is Better for You?

Choosing between a float tank and a float room depends on your personal preferences and what you hope to achieve from your float therapy sessions. Here’s a quick guide to help you decide:

  • Choose a Float Tank if You Want:

    • A more intense sensory deprivation experience.

    • Enhanced feelings of weightlessness.

    • A smaller, enclosed space that feels like a personal sanctuary.

  • Choose a Float Room if You Want:

    • A more spacious environment with the ability to move freely.

    • A less confined experience, especially if you’re prone to claustrophobia.

    • The option to customize your session with lighting and sound.

Both float tanks and float rooms offer significant float therapy benefits, including stress relief, pain management, and improved mental clarity. However, the choice between the two will ultimately depend on your comfort level and the specific experience you’re seeking.

Cost Comparison: Float Room vs. Float Tank

Float Tank Costs

Float tanks are traditional, pod-like enclosures designed to provide an immersive sensory deprivation experience. 

  • Session Pricing: A single float session in a float tank usually ranges from $50 to $100, depending on the location and duration (typically 60 to 90 minutes). 

  • Membership Packages: Many facilities offer membership or package deals that reduce the cost per session. For example, a monthly membership might cost $150 to $250 and include 3 to 5 float sessions.

  • Custom Features: High-end float tanks with advanced features (e.g., better soundproofing, customizable lighting, or built-in speakers for guided meditation) might command a premium price, both per session and overall.

Float Room Costs

Float rooms are larger, open spaces that provide a similar floating experience but with more room to move and often with customizable features like soft lighting or sound. 

  • Session Pricing: A single float session in a float room can range from $60 to $120, depending on the facility and location. 

  • Membership Packages: These packages might be slightly more expensive, ranging from $180 to $300 per month, with 3 to 5 float sessions included.

  • Custom Features: Float rooms with additional features like controlled lighting, sound options, or extra space for stretching might also come at a higher price per session. 

Book Your Float Session at Pause Studio Today!

Ready to discover the profound benefits of float therapy? At Pause Studio, we offer both state-of-the-art float tanks and spacious float rooms, ensuring you can choose the perfect environment for your needs.

Explore the transformative power of float therapy in an environment tailored to your preferences. Whether you choose a float tank or a float room, our team at Pause Studio is here to guide you through every step, ensuring a soothing and refreshing experience.

Schedule your session at one of our locations today and start experiencing the life-changing benefits of float therapy!

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