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.
Safe Step vs. Boca cost and installation
Both Safe Step and Boca require you to get a price quote for their tubs rather than listing prices online. Safe Step's model is all-inclusive, meaning its price always includes the complete installation by its own certified team.
Boca is more flexible; it can arrange for a trained installer to do the work, but it also provides detailed guides for customers who want to hire their own local contractor.
 |  | |
| Basic tub starting price | $2,500 | $12,000 |
| Financing offered | Available through third-party lenders | In-house and third-party financing available |
| Discounts offered | Yes | Yes |
| In-home quotes required | Yes | Varies by location |
| Labor warranty | Lifetime | One year when factory-trained installer is used |
| Parts warranty | Lifetime | Lifetime |
| Tub warranty | Lifetime | Lifetime |
| $2,500 | Available through third-party lenders | Yes | Yes | Lifetime | Lifetime | Lifetime |
| $12,000 | In-house and third-party financing available | Yes | Varies by location | One year when factory-trained installer is used | Lifetime | Lifetime |
Safe Step vs. Boca types of walk-in tubs
Safe Step focuses on two main platforms: a standard walk-in tub and a hybrid tub that also works as a shower.
Boca has a more diverse product line organized by size, including "Petite" tubs for smaller bathrooms, "Wide" tubs for larger individuals and a unique two-seater tub for couples.
| | |
| Soaker tub | Yes | Yes |
| Wheelchair-accessible tub | Yes | No |
| Bariatric tub | True | True |
| Tub/shower combo | Yes | Yes |
| Two-seat tubs | No | Yes |
| Yes | Yes | True | Yes | No |
| Yes | No | True | Yes | Yes |
Safe Step vs. Boca features
Safe Step is known for its comfort and therapy features, such as the MicroSoothe system for skin care and a heated seat and backrest.
Boca's primary focus is on safety. Its most important feature is an industry-leading low step-in of 2 inches or less, which makes it one of the safest tubs available for preventing trips and falls.
| | |
| Step-in height | 4 inches | 2 inches |
| Fast drain | Yes | Yes |
| Quick filling | Yes | Yes |
| Grab bars included | Yes | Yes |
| Number of hydro jets | 10 | 10 |
| Number of air jets | 16 | 18 |
| Chromotherapy offered | Yes | Yes |
| Heated seats option | Yes | Yes |
| Heated backrest option | Yes | Yes |
| Remote control option | Yes | Yes |
| Showerhead options | Yes | Yes |
| 4 inches | Yes | Yes | Yes | 10 | 16 | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| 2 inches | Yes | Yes | Yes | 10 | 18 | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes |
Safe Step vs. Boca installation services
With Safe Step, a complete professional installation is always part of the package. Its team handles the entire job, from removing the old tub to all the plumbing and electrical work.
Boca gives you a choice. You can have it arrange for a full-service installation with one of its trained professionals, or you can hire your own handyman, and Boca will provide them with helpful videos and instructions.
| | |
| Bathroom door resizing | Yes | Yes |
| Old tub removal | Yes | Yes |
| Wall repair and repaint | Yes | No |
| Electrical wiring | Yes | Yes |
| Flooring touch-up | Yes | Yes |
| Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Yes | Yes | No | Yes | Yes |
Safe Step vs. Boca reviews
| | |
| Overall star rating | 4.8 | 4.8 |
| Verified customer reviews | Read reviews | Read reviews |
| 4.8 | Read reviews |
| 4.8 | Read reviews |
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.
“Safe Step's walk-in tub wasn't cheap but it would last forever. And if we ever moved, they said we could take it with us. The sales rep was very nice and answered all our questions.”
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.
“I really like our walk-in tub. ... It’s made in America. I read all of the pros and cons on Bathing Safety and their tubs seemed really good. Also, their salesman and the installer were wonderful. I got the walk-in tub for my wife, and it serves her purpose well because she can hardly walk.”
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.
