With so many slick surfaces and fall risks, the bathroom can be a tricky area to navigate. Shower chairs provide stability and support to make the bathing experience easier for older adults, people with disabilities and those recovering from surgery. Below, compare our top picks for shower chairs, stools and seats.
To select our favorite shower chairs, we looked for pieces made from sturdy materials that are easy to assemble and install. We chose models with overall positive customer reviews and gave preference to those with standout features like premium foam padding on the seat, back or armrest, innovative hygienic designs and adjustable heights.
Medline Shower Chair
The Medline shower chair is one of our top picks because it has great reviews on Amazon, padded armrests and back support — all for less than $50. The aluminum frame is adjustable and features nonslip feet. It’s made with rust-resistant and latex-free materials.
The ComfortAble Deluxe Shower Chair is one of the most expensive on our list, but we think it’s worth it for the extra comfort. Polyurethane padding on the seat and armrests is designed to minimize the risk of skin tears and discomfort, plus it’s easy to clean. The seat is sturdy, adjustable in height and outfitted in a bright blue for ultimate visibility.
This could be an especially good pick for those with visual impairment or dementia. The brighter color helps prevent trips and falls caused by limited eyesight. The blue padding also helps prevent staining and discoloration, which is a common issue with white and gray plastic shower chairs.
The Drive Medical RTL12505 is made from durable and easy-to-clean plastic. This Premium series model doesn’t come with padding like some of the other chairs on our list, but it still provides back and arm support. The height is adjustable in half-inch increments without the use of tools. According to reviews on Amazon, it’s also well made and simple to assemble.
This rotating bath seat makes it easier to maneuver in and around the shower. The seat is cushioned for comfort and swivels 360 degrees, helping you to enter and exit the tub easily. The adjustable stool can be raised to nearly 21 inches tall. It's made from lightweight aluminum (resistant to rust) and the legs have nonslip tips for added safety. You can also keep small items — soap, loofah, shampoo, etc. — within reach in the storage tray below.
This shower chair has a hygienic design with a backrest and armrests to make getting in and out of the tub easier and safer. The seat has a U-shaped cutout for more comfortable and cleaner bathing, and its height is adjustable from 16 to 21 inches.
The chair also has padded arms so you can bolster yourself as you sit down and lift yourself up. Its frame is constructed from a combination of plastic and aluminum, which makes it durable and simple to clean, according to some reviews on Amazon.
Health Line’s shower stool is designed to reduce shaking and improve sturdiness. Its built-in handle provides more stability and support while you bathe. The height can be adjusted from 16 to 19 inches, which makes it ideal for smaller tubs. We also like that the seat features a detachable cushion for padding and drainage holes to prevent slippage. This shower stool could be a good choice for bariatric patients — it has the highest weight limit of all our top picks.
Dr. Kay's Adjustable Height Bath and Shower Bench is a lightweight and stable aluminum shower seat. It’s one of our top picks because it's relatively affordable and has great reviews on Amazon. We also like that it comes with a wide base and anti-slip platform grips. It isn’t padded, but it’s designed for easy by-hand assembly without confusing tools or instructions.
This NOVA chair features dual-sided handles, skid-resistant rubber tips at the feet and a backrest for added support. We also like that it has a wide base and built-in drainage holes. According to Amazon reviews, the chair is well made and functional. The adjustable seat is simple to assemble and disassemble, making it a smart option for those who travel.
The most expensive shower chair on our list comes with a transfer bench and swivel seat. This Platinum Health chair is designed to help facilitate easy and safe transfers in and out of the tub. It’s pricier than the others, but its features and mechanisms are more advanced.
We like that the swivel seat comes with padding on the seat, back and armrests. Like some of our other top picks, the high-contrast blue color makes the seat more visible for individuals with impaired vision. This model is most suitable for someone who needs extra help getting in and out of a shower stall.
When shopping for a shower chair, be sure to consider the features you need and the chair’s weight limit. We compared some of the most important features of our top picks to make your decision easier.
Frame material
Backrest
Padded
Weight limit
Medline Shower Chair
Aluminum
350 pounds
ComfortAble Deluxe
Aluminum
310 pounds
Drive Medical RTL12505
Plastic
350 pounds
Carex Easy Swivel Stool
Aluminum and plastic
300 pounds
NOVA Hygienic Shower Chair
Aluminum and plastic
300 pounds
Health Line Shower Stool
Aluminum and plastic
550 pounds
Dr. Kay’s Adjustable Shower Bench
Anodized aluminum
250 pounds
Nova Medical Shower Chair
Aluminum and plastic
500 pounds
Carousel Sliding Shower Bench
Aluminum and polyurethane
330 pounds
Medline Shower Chair
ComfortAble Deluxe
Drive Medical RTL12505
Carex Easy Swivel Stool
NOVA Hygienic Shower Chair
Health Line Shower Stool
Dr. Kay’s Adjustable Shower Bench
Nova Medical Shower Chair
Carousel Sliding Shower Bench
Frame material
Aluminum
Aluminum
Plastic
Aluminum and plastic
Aluminum and plastic
Aluminum and plastic
Anodized aluminum
Aluminum and plastic
Aluminum and polyurethane
Backrest
Padded
Weight limit
350 pounds
310 pounds
350 pounds
300 pounds
300 pounds
550 pounds
250 pounds
500 pounds
330 pounds
What to look for in a shower seat or stool
There are many types of shower seats and bath stools available on the market today, ranging from the most basic models to high-end luxury designs. You can choose between a standard seat, a stool or an easy-transfer bench.
Chair sizes can vary quite a bit, so consider the size of the user and the size of their shower. Some might benefit most from a chair with an adjustable seat height. As you compare models, consider the following factors to make sure your pick promotes safety and comfort:
Stability: Look for models that are sturdy and include non-slip grips on the feet. Reading reviews will help give you an idea of whether or not you can expect the chair to wobble or break.
Support: Not all chairs include a back or armrests. If you or your loved one has balance issues or back problems, look for models with built-in support for the back and sides.
Comfort: Many of the most comfortable bath chairs include foam padding or removable cushions. These help reduce skin irritation and minimize contact with cold surfaces.
Ultimately, the right chair greatly depends on individual needs and the home environment. For example, a lightweight stool could be a better option for those who live with others. A company representative or your doctor can help you figure out which one makes the most sense for your situation.
Shower chair FAQ
What is a shower chair?
A shower chair is a seat designed specifically for use in the bathtub or shower. Most shower chairs are made out of plastic or aluminum. They often feature armrests, backs and grab bars, and they’re usually portable, lightweight stools or chairs designed to increase comfort and safety for those with mobility issues while they bathe.
How much do shower chairs cost?
The average price for a sturdy shower chair averages between $50 and $75. However, they can cost anywhere from $20 to $900.
Where can I buy a shower chair?
You can buy shower chairs online (as with the products listed above) and from retailers such as
Home Depot
and
Walgreens.
Does insurance cover shower chairs?
It depends. If your doctor deems a shower chair a medical necessity, you could receive Durable Medical Equipment coverage through Medicare Part B. However, shower chairs aren’t automatically considered necessary for medical purposes. If you have a flexible or health savings account (FSA or HSA), though, you can use those funds to pay for a shower chair.
How do you use a shower chair?
You can use a shower chair just like any other chair — use your hands for support when getting in and out of the chair to avoid falling. You might also want to put anti-slip mats underneath the chair to keep it in place.
Bottom line
Bathrooms are considered a high-risk zone for falls, especially for older adults and those with mobility or balance issues. Luckily, some products, such as shower chairs, grab bars and walk-in tubs, can help make your bathroom a safer environment.
Buying a shower chair is a fairly simple process for most individuals. While there are a few options in terms of style and features, for the most part, the buying process is pretty straightforward. Knowing what features you want, like seat storage or comfortable armrests, should make finding the right option in your budget fairly easy.
