Safe Step vs. BOCA

What is the difference between Safe Step and BOCA?

Buying a walk-in tub is a big deal, so we’ve compared two major walk-in tub companies to help you make the right purchase. BOCA and Safe Step have several significant differences, but it’s up to you to decide which one better fits your needs.

• Safe Step is best for customers who want inclusive service that comes with installation.
• BOCA is best for budget-conscious consumers or those who need an even lower step-in height.

Reputation on ConsumerAffairs

Overall star rating	4.3	4.9
Verified customer reviews	Read reviews	Read reviews

	4.3	Read reviews
	4.9	Read reviews

Cost

Basic tub starting price	Only available with quote	$6,930
Installation	Included	Available for additional cost
Financing offered
Discounts offered
In-home quotes required		Varies by location
Warranty - Labor	Lifetime	One year when factory-trained installer is used
Warranty - Parts	Lifetime	Lifetime
Warranty - Tub	Lifetime	Lifetime

	Only available with quote	Included				Lifetime	Lifetime	Lifetime
	$6,930	Available for additional cost			Varies by location	One year when factory-trained installer is used	Lifetime	Lifetime

Available walk-in tub types

Soaker tub
Wheelchair-accessible tub		—
Bariatric tub
Tub/shower combo
Two-seat tubs	—

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Tub features

Step-in height	4 inches	2 inches
Fast drain
Quick filling
Grab bars included
Number of hydro jets	Not disclosed	10
Number of air jets	Not disclosed	18
Chromotherapy offered
Heated seats option
Heated backrest option
Remote control option
Showerhead options

	4 inches				Not disclosed	Not disclosed
	2 inches				10	18

Services included with installation

Bathroom door resizing
Old tub removal
Wall repair and repaint		—
Electrical wiring
Flooring touch-up		—

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Safe Step

Safe Step offers walk-in tubs, walk-in showers and hybrid tubs, which are a combination of the two. Its products are all made in the U.S., and they’re customizable to meet your needs.

Safe Step’s walk-in tubs can fit in a standard tub space, and they have an entrance threshold of 4 inches. Potential tub features include:

• Hydrotherapy jets
• Air jets
• Chromotherapy
• Aromatherapy
• A hand-held shower wand
• A heated seat and backrest
• A rapid-fill faucet
• A quick-drain system

Safe Step also offers a low-price guarantee and a lifetime warranty. Financing and special offers are available.

What Safe Step customers say

Safe Step’s reviews on our site are overall very positive, with customers often mentioning that they liked the installation and customer service. However, some reviewers had the opposite experience, complaining about the installation and missing parts. Given its overall strong rating, these problems seem to be a minority of cases, though.

BOCA

BOCA offers its walk-in tubs in seven different sizes:

• Petite Narrow: This size is 26 inches wide, 51 inches long and 36 inches tall. It's recommended for people 6’2” or shorter, and it has a weight limit of 210 pounds or less.
• Petite Short: This size is 30 inches wide, 47 inches long and 36 inches tall. It’s best for those who are 6 feet tall or shorter, and it has a weight limit of 280 pounds.
• Standard: This is BOCA’s most popular size at 30 inches wide, 51 inches long and 36 inches tall. It has a weight limit of 280 pounds and is best for people 6’2” tall or shorter.
• Wide: This size is 32 inches wide, 56 inches long and 36 inches tall. It’s best for people weighing 450 pounds or less who are 6’4” tall or shorter.
• Deep Soaker: This tub is 30 inches wide, 51 inches long and 40 inches tall. It's best for people 6’2” or taller, and it has a weight limit of 320 pounds.
• Two-Seater: This size has two seats facing each other and dimensions of 32 inches wide by 62 inches long and 36 inches tall.
• Wide / Deep: This size is best for people who are 6’6” or shorter and 450 pounds or less. Its dimensions are 32 inches wide by 56 inches long and 40 inches tall.

All of these sizes have an entrance threshold of 2 inches or less, and each has standard features that include grab bars, fast fill and drain times and left- or right-handed doors. Premium features include air jets, water jets, chromotherapy, a heated seat and back, a massage system, extra grab bars, custom colors and an overhead rainfall system. BOCA manufactures all its walk-in tubs in Woodstock, Georgia. Installation is available, but it’s not included in BOCA’s walk-in tub prices.

What BOCA customers say

BOCA has an excellent rating on our site at the time of publishing. Reviewers often mention satisfaction with the brand’s customer service and how well its products accommodate their disabilities or injuries. Negative reviews are hard to come by, but moderate (3-star) reviews mention ergonomic issues like uncomfortable seats and a slippery floor. However, these are isolated complaints.

Bottom line: Safe Step or BOCA?

Safe Step and BOCA both offer great options for walk-in tubs. Both companies make their products in the United States, and each offers lifetime warranties. The most significant differences are in their products and the levels of service they provide — BOCA offers more tub models, while Safe Step is a better option if you want installation included.

To learn more about your walk-in tub purchase, read up on walk-in tub costs and how to get financial assistance.