If you’re considering purchasing a walk-in tub, you might be weighing your options between Safe Step and Ella's Bubbles — they’re both reputable walk-in tub companies. The two brands offer similar features in their walk-in tubs; for example, both have customizable options for jets, hydrotherapy and chromotherapy.
There are some differences between the two companies. Safe Step manufactures and customizes tubs based on individual customer needs. Ella’s Bubbles offers a large variety of walk-in tub options, but Safe Step includes installation in the final cost and labor in the warranty, while Ella’s Bubbles doesn’t.
Safe Step is best for customers who don’t need a large selection to choose from and want a custom tub. Safe Step manufactures its own tubs based on individual needs.
Ella’s Bubbles is best for customers who want a large variety of options to choose from and either don't need installation services or plan to hire a local contractor.
Key insights
Safe Step is an all-in-one service selling tubs and completing installations, while Ella's Bubbles only sells tubs.
Jump to insightElla's Bubbles has over 28 walk-in tub models to choose from, compared to Safe Step's two customizable standard and hybrid models.
Jump to insightYou can either hire a local contractor to install an Ella's Bubbles tub or install it yourself. Either way, its warranty does not cover labor.
Jump to insightSafe Step vs. Ella's Bubbles cost and installation
Safe Step and Ella's Bubbles have completely different business models. Safe Step is an all-in-one service where you get a single price for the tub and the complete installation after an in-home visit.
Ella's Bubbles is a product-focused company that lists its prices online, but you are responsible for finding and hiring your own installer. This is less convenient, but it gives you more control over the total cost.
Keep in mind that the starting prices listed below are tub-only prices. Safe Step also includes tub installation with their services, which can run the total costs up to $10,000 to $26,000. Installation costs for an Ella's Bubbles walk-in tub will vary by the installer you hire, impacting the all-in cost.
 |  | |
| Basic tub starting price | $3,000 | $3,800 |
| Financing offered | Undisclosed | Financing partners include Mobility Trust, Synchrony, Klarna and PayPal |
| Discounts offered | Yes | Yes |
| In-home quotes required | Yes | No |
| Labor warranty | Lifetime | Not included |
| Parts warranty | Lifetime | Limited lifetime |
| Tub warranty | Lifetime | Limited lifetime |
| $3,000 | Undisclosed | Yes | Yes | Lifetime | Lifetime | Lifetime |
| $3,800 | Financing partners include Mobility Trust, Synchrony, Klarna and PayPal | Yes | No | Not included | Limited lifetime | Limited lifetime |
Safe Step vs. Ella's Bubbles types of walk-in tubs
Safe Step focuses on a limited number of customizable tubs, offering a standard model and a hybrid tub/shower.
Ella's Bubbles has the largest and most diverse selection of tubs in the industry. It has over 28 different models, with many options specifically designed for wheelchair users, bariatric individuals and couples who want a two-person tub. It also offers a lay-down walk-in tub, allowing you to fully recline as opposed to options with a built-in seat.
| | |
| Soaker tub | Yes | Yes |
| Wheelchair-accessible tub | Yes | Yes |
| Bariatric tub | True | True |
| Tub/shower combo | Yes | Yes |
| Two-seat tub | No | Yes |
| Yes | Yes | True | Yes | No |
| Yes | Yes | True | Yes | Yes |
Safe Step vs. Ella's Bubbles features
Safe Step focuses on safety and comfort features, like the MicroSoothe Air Therapy system and a heated seat and backrest that come standard. Its walk-in tubs feature inward-swinging doors.
Ella's Bubbles is known for its innovative technology, such as a fast, gravity-powered drain that doesn't need an electric pump. It also offers unique features like an independent foot massage and a variety of secure, easy-to-use door designs, including inward- and outward-swinging doors that accommodate different bathroom sizes and accessibility needs.
| | |
| Step-in height | 4 inches | 3.5 to 7 inches |
| Fast drain | Yes | Yes |
| Quick filling | Yes | Yes |
| Grab bars included | Yes | Yes |
| Number of hydro jets | 10 | Varies |
| Number of air jets | 16 | Varies |
| Chromotherapy offered | Yes | Yes |
| Heated seats option | Yes | Yes |
| Heated backrest option | Yes | Yes |
| Remote control option | Yes | No |
| Showerhead options | Yes | Yes |
| 4 inches | Yes | Yes | Yes | 10 | 16 | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| |||||||||||
| 3.5 to 7 inches | Yes | Yes | Yes | Varies | Varies | Yes | Yes | Yes | No | Yes |
Safe Step vs. Ella's Bubbles installation services
When you buy from Safe Step, a complete professional installation by its certified team is always included in the price.
Ella's Bubbles does not provide any installation services. After you purchase a tub, you are fully responsible for finding, hiring and managing your own local plumber and electrician to complete the installation. Be sure to get any labor warranties in writing from your chosen contractors, as the Ella's Bubbles warranty does not cover labor.
| | |
| Bathroom door resizing | Yes | No |
| Old tub removal | Yes | No |
| Wall repair and repaint | Yes | No |
| Electrical wiring | Yes | No |
| Flooring touch-up | Yes | No |
| Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| No | No | No | No | No |
Safe Step vs. Ella's Bubbles reviews
| | |
| Overall star rating | 4.8 | 4.5 |
| Verified customer reviews | Read reviews | Read reviews |
| 4.8 | Read reviews |
| 4.5 | Read reviews |
What Safe Step customers say
Safe Step walk-in tub customers give the company good reviews on ConsumerAffairs.com. Reviewers are pleased with the start-to-finish process and interactions with installers and sales representatives, saying representatives are helpful and professional.
"They worked nonstop. They were precious. Also, the tub is of great quality. It has helped with the aches and pains I have with arthritis and the water helps my blood circulation in my legs and my back.”
What Ella’s Bubbles customers say
Most Ella's Bubbles customers are happy with the customer service, tub features and easy DIY installation. A few customers had delivery or installation issues, drain problems or difficulty exiting the tub with its inward-swinging-door models.
"I purchased a walk-in shower from Ella’s Bubbles, and everybody was great and very professional. I love them all ... got the tiles on the wall, a stool that I can sit on, the grab bar, and the pretty beautiful long shower. It’s the top-of-the-line.”
Bottom line: Safe Step or Ella’s Bubbles?
Safe Step and Ella’s Bubbles both offer good options for walk-in tubs. Whether you're looking for particular safety features or for better comfort or pain management options, both companies should have tubs for you to choose from. Both offer various options in terms of jets, with hydrotherapy and chromotherapy features available. One key difference, though, is that Safe Step installs your tub for you, while Ella's Bubbles requires you to take the extra step of finding and hiring a local contractor.
Article sources
ConsumerAffairs writers primarily rely on government data, industry experts and original research from other reputable publications to inform their work. Specific sources for this article include:
Ella's Bubbles, "Ella Brand Walk-In Tubs." Accessed Nov. 8, 2026.
Safe Step, "Home page." Accessed Nov. 8, 2026.
