
- Step-in height
- 2 inches
- Financing
- Yes
- Warranty
- Limited lifetime on defects, shell and other components
Choosing the best walk-in tub depends on accessibility, bathroom space and key features like fast drains or hydrotherapy jets. Based on thousands of verified reviews, safety features and pricing, Boca is the best overall walk-in tub company in 2025. Kohler stands out for affordability, while American Standard is our top pick for hydrotherapy.
Each brand offers multiple models to suit different needs — we’ll help you compare your options.
Our research team compared popular walk-in tub companies and chose our top six based on customer satisfaction in eight categories. We also considered step-in height, discounts and availability of luxury features.
Read our full methodology for details on how we selected our top picks. Our picks may be Authorized Partners that compensate us — this does not affect our recommendations or evaluations. Our publishing policy ensures that the journalistic content and user reviews on ConsumerAffairs remain independent of commercial influences.
Company | Customer rating | Our pick for | Step-in height | Number of jets (air and hydro) | Pro installation | |
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
![]() | 4.9
274 reviews
274 reviews
| Best overall | 2 inches | 18 air jets; 10 hydrojets | Get Started | |
![]() | 4.9
1,044 reviews
1,044 reviews
| Accessibility | 3 inches | 17 air jets; 10 hydro jets | Get Started | |
![]() | 4.6
2,324 reviews
2,324 reviews
| Hydrotherapy | 3 inches | 44 total | Get Started | |
![]() | 4.6
431 reviews
431 reviews
| Added features | 5 inches | 20 air jets; 6 hydro jets | Learn more | |
![]() | 4.6
1,477 reviews
1,477 reviews
| Professional installation | 4.5 inches | Customizable | Learn more | |
![]() | 4.0
185 reviews
185 reviews
| Affordability | 3.75 inches | 24 to 40 | Get Started |
Jump into our guides and start learning
Walk-in tubs provide a safer bathing option for those with mobility challenges, making them an essential product for aging in place.
Most standard walk-in tub models include safety features, including a low-step threshold, grab bars and an anti-slip surface. More expensive models include luxury and therapeutic upgrades like massage jets, heated seating, shower wands and other features.
So, which walk-in tub is right for you or your loved one? In this guide, we break down how walk-in bathtubs work, their costs and how to choose the best walk-in tub model for your particular needs.
The average price of a walk-in tub is $2,000 to $7,000 for a standard walk-in tub, but high-end models with hydrotherapy features can cost up to $20,000.
Jump to insightMedicare and Medicaid don’t typically cover walk-in tubs, but you may qualify for financial assistance through VA programs, home modification grants and state programs.
Jump to insightWhen shopping, make sure the brand carries the style of bathtub — lay-down, two-person, bariatric, etc. — that fits your needs.
Jump to insightLook for a walk-in tub company with a generous warranty and a history of happy customers.
Jump to insightWalk-in tubs feature a watertight door that allows users to enter and exit without stepping over a high rim. After entering and securing the door, the user can sit in the built-in seat, fill the tub with water and bathe. When finished, the user can drain the water and exit through the door.
To choose a walk-in tub for yourself or a loved one, prioritize safety, ease of use and therapeutic benefits. Look for essential features like a low-step threshold, slip-resistant flooring, built-in grab bars, a watertight door and intuitive touch controls. Optional upgrades like anti-scald technology, heated seats, hydrotherapy jets, and fast fill and drain systems can enhance comfort and usability.
Stick with established brands known for quality and strong customer feedback. Marilyn Rantz, professor emerita at the University of Missouri Sinclair School of Nursing, advises trying a tub in person to ensure you can comfortably enter, sit and exit without strain.
Be sure to account for both the price of the tub and installation costs. If needed, research financing plans, rebates or home modification grants to help offset expenses.
If balance or mobility is a concern, look for tubs with an ultralow threshold (2 to 3 inches) for easier entry. Also, be sure to ask what kind of handrails and grab bars come standard and what customization options are available. User-friendly controls and easily accessible shelves also improve safety and convenience. Standard safety features generally include:
Air jets provide a full-body massage to relieve muscle tension. Hydrojets perform a similar function but offer a stronger massage and adjustable pressure controls. Chromotherapy uses LED light to stimulate physical and psychological responses (e.g., green light for calm, yellow for energy).
Quick drain and fill features are also important — you don’t want to get cold while sitting for a long time in a not-quite-full tub.
These are common comfort features on walk-in tubs:
Here’s what to check in a warranty:
Walk-in tubs cost between $2,000 to $7,000 for a standard model, while high-end models with several luxury features can exceed $20,000. Installation can also be pricey, especially if your bathroom needs a big renovation to accommodate the tub or you need a new, higher-capacity water heater. The average cost to install a walk-in tub falls between $2,000 and $8,000.
Medicare and Medicaid typically do not cover walk-in tubs.
Though the upfront cost may cause sticker shock, it’s important to consider long-term savings. If a walk-in tub allows you to age in place, it could be far more cost-effective than assisted living or nursing home expenses.
The total price depends on features, materials and installation requirements, so be sure to factor in additional plumbing or electrical modifications if needed.
The cost of a walk-in tub installation depends on the complexity of the job, the model you’re installing and any additional features. If plumbing and electrical modifications are required, and the footprint of your old bathtub differs from the new tub, installation costs are much higher than a straightforward tub replacement.
Modification | Cost |
---|---|
Tub replacement | $1,500 to $3,500 |
Electrical modifications | $250 to $2,500 |
Plumbing upgrades | $500 to $3,000 |
Wall reinforcement | $500 to $2,000 |
Total installation cost | $1,500 to $12,000 |
To save money on a walk-in tub, explore financial assistance programs for walk-in tubs, consider financing options and look for manufacturer rebates or discounts. You can also purchase a smaller size or choose fewer luxury features.
To buy a walk-in bathtub, evaluate your needs, space and budget. You’ll also want to do the following:
Independent installers may be less expensive than having in-house installers do the job, but make sure they’re licensed and insured. Don’t forget to factor in plumbing and electrical upgrades in your budget.
A walk-in tub is worth it for individuals with mobility issues or who value enhanced safety and comfort in their bathing experience. If you prefer to age in place rather than moving to a nursing home or similar facility, a walk-in tub is likely worth the price.
The two major benefits of a walk-in tub are safety and therapy. Slips and falls are more common in bathrooms than in any other room, and a walk-in tub can mitigate many of these risks. Being able to submerge your entire body in water and using features like air jets, hydrojets, aromatherapy, chromotherapy and heated seats can also contribute to a more comfortable experience.
Still, it’s important to consider the cost of a walk-in tub, the space requirements for installation, increased water and energy consumption, and extra maintenance that a walk-in tub requires. Ultimately, whether a walk-in tub is worth it depends on individual needs and priorities.
If you’re still on the fence about whether a walk-in tub is right for you, explore the pros and cons of installing one. For most homeowners, the biggest drawback is the cost. Even if you can afford the tub — as well as installation — keep in mind that these tubs use quite a bit of water (average tubs hold about 50 gallons; walk-in models often hold around 80 gallons). So, your water bill could also increase.
Walk-in tubs designed for accessibility must meet Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) standards, ensuring they are safe and functional for individuals with mobility challenges.
Key ADA requirements for walk-in tubs include:
Most walk-in tubs meet ADA standards, but it's important to double-check specifications — especially if you have specific mobility needs.
Low-end walk-in tub models typically range from around $2,000 to $5,000 — but keep in mind this usually doesn’t include installation costs. Adding on therapeutic elements like chromotherapy or hydrojets will increase the price and may require upgrading or replacing electrical or plumbing lines.
The average cost of a basic walk-in tub is around $5,000, but the style of tub and features you choose can dramatically increase the unit cost — you could end up paying $10,000 to $20,000.
No, Medicare and Medicaid do not typically cover walk-in tubs. While both programs pay for some durable medical equipment (equipment intended for everyday use, like oxygen tanks, wheelchairs and hospital beds), walk-in tubs are not classified as such, even with a doctor's recommendation.
If you have Medicare Advantage, it's possible your plan may pay part or all of certain related home modifications, thanks to expanded rules from the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services that allow for "non-medical" supplemental benefits. However, these vary widely by plan and may require a physician referral or prior authorization.
» RELATED: Are walk-in tubs tax deductible?
Typically, it takes about five to 15 minutes to fill the tub and an additional five to 15 minutes to drain it, depending on features like quick drain and fill technology. The time it takes for a walk-in tub to fill and drain can vary significantly based on the model of the tub and the water pressure in your home. Quick drain systems can help minimize the waiting time, making the experience more comfortable. Some of the walk-in tub companies we highlight above can fill and drain in as little as two minutes.
In some cases, a walk-in tub can add value to your home. If your neighborhood is popular among older adults and retirees, for instance, the presence of a walk-in tub could be a real selling point.
If it’s your only bathtub, though, or if you don’t also have a shower, a walk-in tub could negatively affect your home’s value. Ultimately, the cost-benefit depends on how much you spend on the tub.
You’ll need an area of at least 30 inches by 60 inches for a walk-in tub. Most homes (even many mobile homes) can accommodate a walk-in tub in the existing bathroom space. Before installing a walk-in tub, consider the size of your doorway openings (to get the unit into the house and into the bathroom) and the opening of your current shower or tub.
Most bathrooms require at least some remodeling for a walk-in tub installation, but the extent of this can vary greatly. Many of these remodels include widening the space the shower occupies or reconfiguring plumbing and electrical lines, which could add thousands to your total cost.
If you’re concerned about making too many changes (and the associated costs), address this during your in-home consultation so your rep can work with you on a solution.
» RELATED: Best bathroom remodeling companies
The ConsumerAffairs Research Team used a research-backed, data-driven approach informed by our expert editors to choose the best extended car warranty companies. We looked at thousands of verified reviews, safety features like step-in height and grab bars, luxury features like hydrojets and discounts.
Companies were given a score out of 10 for each metric, with 10 going to the company with the highest value and other companies receiving relative scores. We then weighted each metric and added together the nine metric scores to get a final score.
We asked experts how walk-in tubs and other bathroom upgrades can help older adults maintain safety, independence and peace of mind at home.
Pamela Toto
Professor and director, occupational therapy program, University of Pittsburgh
Traditional bathtubs and tub/shower combinations present a challenge because they require good balance, strength and flexibility to step in and out of the bathtub (and even greater strength, flexibility and balance to actually sit in the bathtub basin and get out of the tub.) A walk-in shower (full remodel, no threshold to enter) eliminates the need to “step over” the bathtub edge to enter and exit, eliminating the associated risk of falling during that transition. Being able to bathe and shower independently and safely is important for our physical and mental well-being. In addition to keeping us clean, it also increases our quality of life and allows us to engage in our homes and communities confidently.
There are many types of walk-in tubs, and it’s important to consider each option since not all of them will be ideal for solving all individual mobility challenges. For example, many have raised surfaces that individuals must step over to enter or exit the tub, increasing the risk of a fall or injury.
Leon Watts III
Learning and development specialist, University of Southern California
When individuals have limited mobility, they are likely to have experienced at least one fall already. If an individual has experienced a hard fall resulting in an injury, they may develop a fear of falling again that heightens their risk of future falls. They might also require assistance to perform many of their daily functions, like transferring and bathing. Assistive devices like walk-in bathtubs increase a person’s confidence and reduce the risk of another fall, helping caregivers provide safer service for themselves and the person they care for.
Quality of life is another factor to consider when purchasing a walk-in tub. Buyers must ask if the product can help provide additional safety, comfort and enjoyment while bathing. When mobility challenges have become a factor in someone’s life, what is the reduction of a risk of falling or injury worth? I can assure everyone that additional safety and comfort can cost less than injuries on many levels.
The population of those aged 65 and older is growing by 12,000 every day. Longer life spans are changing how younger and less physically challenged people consider purchases like a walk-in tub. Luckily, more manufacturers and models exist for buying these assistive devices than years ago.
While there are many benefits associated with walk-in tubs, they may not be the best solution for everyone. A person’s ability to safely use a walk-in tub and their home’s ability to allow easier installation could drive up costs, making the purchase less likely.
Marilyn Rantz
Professor emerita, nursing, University of MissouriStaying active and independent is critical at any age, especially as we get older. Walk-in tubs address one of the biggest safety risks in the bathroom — stepping over the high edge of a traditional tub. This movement can be difficult and even dangerous for those with limited mobility. Walk-in tubs eliminate that high step, making it safer and more manageable. I recommend that anyone considering one thoroughly test it out by sitting in it and stepping in and out. Taking these steps will ensure it’s a helpful solution. It’s vital that a walk-in tub provides the right clearance and stability.
Read their bioPamela Toto
Professor and director, occupational therapy program, University of PittsburghThe primary type of injury would be a fall-related injury. The most common fall-related injuries for older adults are hip fractures, wrist fractures and head injuries (e.g., hitting their head on the fall).
Read their bioLeon Watts III
Learning and development specialist, University of Southern CaliforniaThese features offer people, with or without assistance, more independence and safety confidence:
Corinna Loeckenhoff
Professor, psychology and gerontology, Weill Cornell Medicine
Multiple psychological barriers might discourage older adults from investing in a walk-in tub even though it would be beneficial from an ergonomics/fall prevention perspective and within their financial means.
First, there is a barrier to acknowledging that one is experiencing age-related physical limitations because it conjures up stereotypes of frail older adults. From a self-image perspective, getting a walk-in tub may make people feel like they’re “getting old,” and they may want to distance themselves from that idea.
Framing the purchase of a walk-in tub from a positive angle, such as noting that it can help maintain independence in later life, can help address those concerns. There is also a social stigma around disability that is known to prevent people from using other forms of assistive devices (walkers/canes, hearing aids), and this likely extends to walk-in tubs. In this regard, people may be more willing to get a walk-in tub if it’s in a part of the house that is hidden from casual visitors.
More broadly, older adults tend to avoid/postpone decisions that they find stressful. Rather than explicitly deciding against a walk-in tub, they may postpone purchasing one and arrange themselves with the status quo. This decision subjects them to avoidable pain and puts them at a higher risk of potential falls. Again, putting a positive angle on the decision (highlighting benefits in terms of convenience and maintaining independence) may help to overcome decision aversion.
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Company | Customer rating | About | Learn More |
---|---|---|---|
![]() | 4.2
3,065 reviews
| Offers walk-in tubs, showers and shower-bath combos. Includes standard safety features plus spa-like hydrotherapy systems. Financing and discounts available. Limited lifetime warranty on tubs, parts and labor. | Get Started |
![]() | 4.6
2,324 reviews
| Find soaker tubs, two-seaters and shower-bath combos. Features quick-drain, air jets and whirlpool massage system. Financing options and free evaluations. Costs start at $4,600 to $8,400, not including installation. | Get Started |
![]() | 4.9
1,044 reviews
| Select from multiple colors, styles and designs. Soaker and shower-tub combos feature proprietary air jets and heated surfaces. Costs include installation and a limited lifetime warranty. Financing options available. | Get Started |
![]() | 4.9
274 reviews
| Find soaker and bariatric tubs plus shower-bath combos and two-seaters. Features internal frame design with two-inch step-in threshold. Provides free quotes. Comes with a lifetime warranty on the tub and parts. | Get Started |
![]() | 4.6
1,477 reviews
| Sells compact and luxury baths. Wheelchair-accessible and bariatric tubs available. Costs include installation services and a lifetime warranty. Get a quote for pricing. | Read reviews |
![]() | 4.0
185 reviews
| Sells more than 28 unique models of walk-in tubs, including two-seat, wheelchair accessible, inward/outward door and shower combo kits. Offers fast fill and dual drain technology. Includes lifetime limited warranty. | Get Started |
![]() | 4.6
431 reviews
| Manufactures soaker, shower-tub combo and bariatric baths. Features hydro- and air-massage systems. Comes with a limited lifetime warranty on the tub and parts. Get a quote for pricing. Installation not included. | Read reviews |
![]() | 4.7
17 reviews
| Comes with standard safety features. Optional upgrades include faucet sets, marine-grade fiberglass shells and glass shower doors. Provides free in-home estimates. Financing available. | Read reviews |
![]() | 4.2
351 reviews
| Specializes in shower conversions and full bathroom remodels. Services for windows, siding and roofing also available. Custom design and installation provided. Free consultations. | Learn More |
![]() | 3.0
View profile
| Soaker walk-in tubs are made from gelcoat with reinforced fiberglass. Drain time within two minutes. Comes with a one-year warranty. Costs $1,999 to $4,620, not including installation. | Read reviews |
![]() | 2.2
77 reviews
| Designs and sells accessibility solutions like walk-in tubs, home elevators, power lift recliners and stair lifts. Bluetooth-compatible devices available. Basic tub starting price is $2,493 (not including installation). | Read reviews |
![]() | 1.2
13 reviews
| Specializes in walk-in tubs and stair lifts. Standard tub features include control panel, grab bars and 2-inch speed drain. Stair lifts have up to 600-pound weight capacity and aluminum grade track. | Read reviews |
![]() | No reviews | Features high chair seat, temperature-controlled water, simple latch and hand-held showerhead. Upgrade options include chromotherapy, aromatherapy and sanitizers. Place orders over the phone. Pricing varies. | |
![]() | No reviews | Features 2.5-inch step-in height. Options include heated backrests and showerhead. Comes with lifetime warranty on the tub and five-year warranty on the motor. In-home quote required for cost estimate. Limited availability. | |
![]() | No reviews | Manufactures Freedom Stairlifts and Freedom Bath walk-in tubs and showers. Wheelchair-accessible tubs include grab bars. Basic tub starting price is $4,840, not including installation. | |
![]() | No reviews | Offers modern walk-in tubs. Free delivery in continental U.S. Three- to five-year warranty. Comprehensive safety features. Military discounts. Solid refund/return policy. No physical stores. Doesn’t offer installation. | |
![]() | No reviews | Sells and installs seven Boca walk-in tub models. ADA-compliant features like grab bars and slip-resistant coating. One-day installations. Provides free quotes. Lifetime warranty on parts and components. | |
![]() | No reviews | Offers steam shower systems and customizable walk-in tubs. Ability to order online. Limited warranty on walk-in tubs. Prices range from $1,900 to $4,590, not including installation. | |
![]() | No reviews | Offers walk-in tubs with 3- to 6-inch step-in. Models include compact tubs, deep tubs and wide tubs. Wheelchair-accessible. Provides in-home quotes and installation. Financing is available. Limited lifetime warranty. | |
![]() | No reviews | Quality walk-in tub installation. All-inclusive pricing, no surprise fees. Direct installs by experienced pros. Lifetime warranty covers parts, labor and install. Available only in AZ and parts of NV. Limited public details. | |
![]() | No reviews | Walk-in tubs manufacturer. Products available throughout the United States. Offers 14 tub models with up to eight specialized features. Warranties offered. | |
![]() | No reviews | Large selection of tubs. Walk-in, drop-in and freestanding options available. Partnered with The Home Depot. Offers home delivery and expert installations. Strong warranties. Free phone consultation. |