Best Walk-In Tubs of 2025

Methodology

Our research team compared 14 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.

Walk-in tubs help those with mobility issues bathe safely, which is one of the keys to aging in place.

According to an analysis of consumer ratings on our site, walk-in tub companies earned an average satisfaction rating of 4.5 stars over a recent seven-year period, with 92% of walk-in tub customers reporting happiness or satisfaction. Product features and installation quality appear to be top drivers of higher ratings.

Most basic walk-in tub models come with safety features like handrails and low step-in heights, but more expensive models include massage jets, shower wands, heated backs or seats and other therapy features. So which is the right walk-in tub for you?

In this guide, learn how walk-in tubs work, what they cost and how to choose the best walk-in tub model for your particular needs.

How do walk-in tubs work?

Walk-in tubs have a seat and a door so you can step in without climbing over the side. They come equipped with grab bars and handrails to provide support, accessibility and comfort for the bather.

With a walk-in tub, you simply:

1. Open the door.
2. Step in and sit down.
3. Shut the door.
4. Fill the tub and bathe.
5. Empty the tub when you’re finished.
6. Exit the tub once it’s empty.

Most walk-in tubs offer the same basic amenities. Almost all come equipped with an outward- or inward-swinging door, a low step-in threshold, a molded ergonomic seat and basic safety features, including nonslip surfaces and grab bars, that make it easier to get in and out.

Most walk-in tub manufacturers also offer optional therapeutic features, like air jets, hydrojets, aromatherapy and chromotherapy.

What to look for in a walk-in tub

Start by identifying your specific needs, such as whether you require additional space, ADA compliance or therapeutic features like massage jets or heated seats. Look for a company with a good warranty and reliable customer service. Consider your budget, including both the cost of the tub and installation, and explore financing or grant options if necessary.

Stick to reputable manufacturers with a history of quality products and excellent customer service. Read reviews, talk to friends or family members for recommendations and, if possible, visit showrooms to see and try out the models before you buy.

» MORE: Questions to ask a walk-in tub company

Pros and cons of walk-in tubs 

If you’d prefer to age in place versus moving to a nursing home or similar facility, a walk-in tub is likely worth the price.

Generally, as long as your bathroom is large enough, installation is possible — in some cases, though, it might cost as much as or more than the tub itself.

If you’re still on the fence about whether a walk-in tub is right for you, check out more on the pros and cons of installing one, then evaluate your needs and budget.

Reasons for getting a walk-in tub

According to our analysis of data from 117,152 ConsumerAffairs users who wanted to buy a walk-in tub between January 2024 and October 2024:

• Medical reasons were the primary motivator for 64% of those interested in getting a walk-in tub, while 17% cited a walk-in tub as a general home upgrade.
• A few (9%) potential buyers said a geriatric care manager recommended a walk-in tub for them.
• While 70% of individuals wanted a walk-in tub for themselves, 29% reached out on behalf of a loved one (15% for a spouse; 14% for a parent).

Types of walk-in tubs

There are six types of walk-in tubs. The right type of walk-in tub for you depends mostly on how much space you have, your size, your mobility needs and the level of luxury you’re looking for.

• Soaker tub: This is the most basic type of walk-in tub available. Like most walk-in tubs, these come with an outward- or inward-swinging door, a low threshold and a molded seat. They have a deeper soaking tub than a standard bathtub and typically feature at least one grab bar. Soaker bathtubs are ideal for someone who wants the safety benefits of a walk-in tub but isn't interested in the therapeutic features that come with a luxury model.
• Lay-down tub: A lay-down walk-in tub is considerably wider than a soaker tub, but it typically doesn’t come with a molded seat or bench. Instead, it’s designed like a regular bathtub that you can lie down in, but it still features a low step-in height and watertight door. This is a good option for users who have relatively good mobility and want to fully recline for a more relaxed experience.
• Bariatric tub: Bariatric walk-in tubs are ideal for bathers who weigh over 300 pounds and need more space for a comfortable and accessible bathing experience.
• Wheelchair-accessible tub: A wheelchair-accessible tub has additional features that make it ADA-compliant. These typically include a wider, L-shaped door and slide-in seating.
• Combination walk-in shower-tub: For users who want the option of both a traditional shower and a soaking tub, a combo walk-in shower-tub fits the bill. These combination units feature a standard walk-in soaker tub outfitted with a grab bar, showerhead and bath screen. They often have optional therapeutic features.
• Two-person tub: These tubs, also called “companion” tubs, are slightly larger than standard walk-in tub models. They’re meant to provide enough room for two users with limited mobility.

ADA-compliant walk-in tubs

According to ADA accessibility standards, a walk-in tub’s seat must be at least 17 to 19 inches tall and 15 inches deep. Though most walk-in tubs should comply with regulations set by the Americans with Disabilities Act, it’s important to double-check, especially if you deal with mobility issues.

The grab bars must also meet certain standards in terms of size and spacing, and the space in front of the entrance to the tub must be at least 30 inches wide for clearance.

Walk-in tub conversion kits

A walk-in tub conversion kit offers a less expensive and less invasive alternative to a full walk-in remodel. Essentially, this type of kit modifies your existing tub to make it easier to enter and exit.

This works by cutting out a section of your tub and inserting a new piece to create a lower step-in point. You can choose between basic step-in kits or convertible models that allow for both showering and bathing. While this method is quicker and cheaper than a full tub replacement, it permanently alters your tub and may not be suitable for all tub types.

» LEARN MORE: 8 aging-in-place home modifications for seniors

How much do walk-in tubs cost?

You can expect to spend between $2,000 to $7,000 for a walk-in tub, though tubs with added hydrotherapy features can cost upward of $10,000. This can bring on some sticker shock, but when you factor these upfront expenses into the overall costs of aging in place, you’ll likely save money in the long run if the purchase means you can stay in your home longer.

On the low end, you can get an entry-level soaker tub for around $2,000 to $5,000, though this price only includes the most basic installation needs.

Does Medicare or Medicaid cover walk-in tubs?

While both Medicare and Medicaid pay for some durable medical equipment (equipment intended for everyday use — e.g., oxygen tanks, wheelchairs and hospital beds), neither currently covers walk-in tubs, even if your doctor recommends one for you.

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 Center 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?

How to save money on walk-in tubs

Walk-in tubs aren’t financially feasible for many homeowners, but knowing in advance how much a walk-in tub costs and understanding factors that affect the price is essential.

There are also financing options out there. For instance, you may be eligible for VA programs, home modification grants or funding through state-run aid agencies. After you weigh all your options, if you still conclude that a walk-in tub is out of reach for you financially, consider less expensive safety alternatives, like shower chairs, benches and bath lifts.

How do walk-in tub customers rate the experience?

We analyzed seven years of consumer ratings of walk-in tub companies on our site and calculated an overall satisfaction rating of 4.5 stars.

Other key takeaways from our analysis of walk-in tub companies on ConsumerAffairs include:

• About 92% of the walk-in tub customers were happy or satisfied with their experience, while only about 8% were upset.
• Customers who mention the walk-in tub’s features or installation are more likely to give better reviews.
• On the flip side, reviews that mention maintenance are associated with lower satisfaction.
• The price of a walk-in tub doesn’t seem to be as big a consideration for consumers. Cost doesn't factor as heavily into reviews as other aspects, like customer service, product features and installation.
• Our analysis showed that installation is important to walk-in tub customers. We found that reviewers talk about it more than other aspects, and 75% of the mentions of installation are positive.

To decide our six top picks for buyers with different priorities (like our pick for hydrotherapy), as well as our top overall walk-in tub company, we used a weighted scoring system that took into account both reviews about each company from ConsumerAffairs users and specific company offerings that we researched.

We conducted sentence-by-sentence sentiment analysis of thousands of reviews on our site from Nov. 1, 2017, to Oct. 31, 2024, to identify the aspects people care about most — and which companies they’re happiest with in terms of these aspects. For walk-in tubs, these included:

• Product features
• Installation
• Customer service
• Price
• Maintenance
• Fill/drain time
• Warranty
• Marketing tactics

We then carefully selected the most important offerings consumers should consider before choosing a walk-in tub and researched these offerings at each company. For walk-in tubs, these features included:

• Step-in height
• Discounts
• Luxury features
• Number of jets

The company with the highest score in each category’s uniquely weighted formula was given the “Our pick for” designation. In some cases where a single company received the top score across multiple categories, the company with the second-highest score was named the winner.

We asked experts how walk-in tubs and other bathroom upgrades can help older adults maintain safety, independence, and peace of mind at home.