Best Walk-In Tubs of 2023

American Standard has a wide selection, including two-seaters, tub-shower combos, bariatric and wheelchair-accessible models. It’s an excellent walk-in tub for seniors because of the low step threshold and easy-to-open door that can open inward or outward.

The company’s tubs drain quickly, so you don’t have to wait very long to get out once you’re done. They also have many comfort features, including heated seats and remote control options to customize your bathing experience.

American Standard provides a lifetime warranty on the Liberation tub model’s fixtures, parts, labor and installation. Acrylic tubs come with a 15-years warranty on the tub shell and a 10-year warranty on other components; Gelcoat models have a 10-year warranty on the tub shell and a 5-year warranty on other parts.

Safe Step received some of the best feedback about wheelchair accessibility during our recent phone surveys of walk-in tub customers. All tubs come with standard anti-slip and temperature safety features. Its hydrotherapy system is great for arthritis and joint pain.

At the time of publication, the company offers discounts on shower package upgrades and SpaSounds built-in speakers. Compared with American Standard, it’s better for those who want to customize their tub rather than select from several models.

Safe Step provides a lifetime warranty on the tub (including any manufacturing defects), door seal, faucets, water pumps, heaters, blowers, parts and labor. There’s also a two-year warranty on caulking.

Independent Home provides professional installation with bathroom door replacement if necessary, electrical wiring, wall repair, flooring touch-up and old tub removal. The company stands out with its options for wheelchair-accessible, bariatric or specialized walk-in tubs.

Standard safety features include anti-slip floors, grab bars, low-entry door threshold and overflow drainage. Tubs come with 17-inch ADA-compliant seating and a self-purging cleaning system. Built-in microbubbles, chromotherapy and aromatherapy benefits are also nice.

Independent Home includes a lifetime guarantee on major tub components.

Kohler walk-in tubs come with standard safety features like handrails, textured surfaces, wide doors and a control panel. You can also get whirlpool jets, heated backrests and wide seats for added comfort.

Kohler stands out from its competitors for its design options. You can find a selection of classic and contemporary colors, finishes and showerheads. The LuxStone designs feature dynamic patterns inspired by marble and stone.

Kohler provides a lifetime tub warranty. It covers manufacturing defects related to the bath door seal, hydrotherapy systems, faucet and hand shower.

Ella’s Bubbles stands out for its selection of quality walk-in tubs — you can find U-shape, L-shape and S-shape doors that swing outward or inward. Different sizes are also available, and the largest holds up to 95 gallons of water. We also like that it only takes about 80 seconds to drain.

Compared with Hydro Dimensions, Ella’s Bubbles’ tubs have more jets and showerhead options. Unlike our other top picks, you can install the tub yourself or hire a local contractor (the company provides a network of installers to choose from).

Ella’s Bubbles provides a limited lifetime warranty on the tub and a five-year warranty on parts. If needed, it includes free parts but does not cover labor or shipping costs.

Hydro Dimensions is a good walk-in tub option for those who want style plus accessibility. You can find different packages for faucets and fixtures, natural stone surround kits and custom shower curtains for a more sophisticated look.

Optional upgrades include the Safe-T drain, which can drain the tub in about a minute and a half. Massage therapy hydro jets, heated seats and UV sanitation upgrades are also available.

Compared with Kohler, Hydro Dimensions has more models to choose from, including bariatric tubs (the Plus Size series holds up to 90 gallons). However, the tub’s price does not include installation services.

The bathtub’s shell, door seal, motors, electronic controls and supporting equipment come with a limited lifetime warranty. Labor is covered for one year.

Although models vary, most walk-in tubs offer a few of the same amenities, and they generally work the same way. 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 therapeutic features, such as air jets, hydrojets or chromotherapy.

When you're shopping around, 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.

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, then evaluate your needs and budget.

Safety and comfort features

For most users, safety and comfort are the main draws of a walk-in tub. Almost all tubs come standard with nonslip surfaces and a low step-in height of anywhere from 2 to 7 inches — for comparison, a standard tub is 14 to 16 inches tall.

If you’re concerned about balance issues or mobility, look for models with an ultralow threshold height of 2 to 3 inches. Also, be sure to ask what kind of handrails and grab bars come standard and what customizations are available. Adding extra grab bars typically doesn't increase the cost by much, and it can make a big difference in how steady you feel.

Therapy features

Walk-in tubs are also known for their therapeutic properties. Features like air jets, hydrotherapy, heated seats, aromatherapy and chromotherapy can enhance the spa-like experience of your tub. Entry-level soaking tubs usually don’t come with these features, but you can often add them on for an extra cost. Doctors may recommend these tubs if you have joint tension, sore muscles, poor circulation or arthritis.

Air jets are one of the most popular additional features — they can provide a full-body massage to relax and relieve muscle tension. Hydrojets perform a similar function but offer a stronger massage and come with adjustable pressure controls. Chromotherapy uses LED light displays to stimulate physical and psychological responses, such as green light for a calming environment, red to stimulate your circulatory system and yellow to energize you.

Cost

Walk-in tubs can be prohibitively expensive, especially when you factor in installation costs. Knowing in advance how much a walk-in tub costs is essential, as is understanding the factors that affect the total price. On the low end, you can get an entry-level soaker tub for around $2,000, though this price only includes the most basic installation needs.

On average, you might expect to spend between $2,000 to $5,000, though tubs with added hydrotherapy features can cost upward of $7,000 to $10,000. This can often cause a bit of "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 purchasing a walk-in tub means you can stay in your home longer.

Though a walk-in tub isn’t financially feasible for some homeowners, there are financing options out there. Unfortunately, neither Medicaid nor Medicare currently covers this expense, but 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 and benches, or bath lifts.

Other considerations

Walk-in tubs also typically require professional installation, it may be necessary to do some minor remodeling. Any time you remodel your home, take time to research your options and the companies you’ll be working with. Even if you’re still undecided about a walk-in tub, you can benefit from visiting a local showroom with questions for the company representative.

If you’re honest and upfront about your financial concerns and health needs, the company may be able to offer options you haven’t considered yet. Among other things, be sure to ask how the manufacturer guarantees its work, what warranties it offers and what the purchase and installation timeline looks like.

The type of walk-in tub you need 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 walk-in tub available. Like most walk-in tubs, these come with an outward- or inward-swinging door, a low step threshold and a molded seat. They have a deeper soaking tub than a standard bathtub and typically feature at least one grab bar. Soaker tubs 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 tub 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 tubs are ideal for bathers who weigh over 300 pounds and need more space for a comfortable and accessible bathing experience.
• Walk-in shower: Walk-in showers are a popular alternative to tubs for those living in smaller homes, though most buyers will want to compare the two before deciding on a model. Walk-in showers typically cost less than walk-in tubs (though they both require professional installation), and they usually have options for either standing or sitting.
• 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 showerhead and bath screen. They often have optional therapeutic features.