Walk-In Showers vs. Walk-In Tubs

How walk-in showers differ from walk-in tubs

Walk-in showers can be accessible to people with mobility issues, including wheelchair users. However, they might present more of a fall risk than walk-in tubs.

Entry mechanisms and threshold height

• Walk-in showers are showers with a low or no threshold. This allows easy entry without stepping over a high ledge, making them safer and more accessible.
• Walk-in tubs have doors and let you walk right in over a low threshold. That means you avoid having to step over a high bathtub wall.

Common safety features

• Walk-in showers often include slip-resistant flooring, grab bars, built-in seating and handheld showerheads. The open design reduces tripping hazards and makes it easier for caregivers to assist if needed.
• Walk-in tubs commonly include nonslip floors, grab bars, one or more seats and anti-scald valves. Some models offer features such as jets, chromotherapy (light therapy), aromatherapy and quick-draining technology.

Which is safer?

Dominic Telymonde, vice president of sales at Boca, said in an email that tubs were safer because they offered more “grab points” than walk-in showers.

Both can have similar safety features, like low step-in entries, nonslip flooring and grab bars.

They are often designed with ADA (Americans with Disabilities Act) guidelines in mind and provide added safety for people with balance or mobility issues.

Walk-in showers can also lower fall risk compared to traditional fixtures, but walk-in tubs have more comprehensive safety features as standard equipment.

Cost comparison: Walk-in showers vs. tubs

For walk-in showers, prefab kits can cost between $800 and $2,500, depending on the size and quality of the shower. Custom-built walk-in showers are considerably more expensive, costing $6,500 to $17,000 or more.

Check if installation is included in the price of your tub or shower.

Walk-in bathtub costs range from $2,000 for basic models to $20,000 for luxury ones. While there are affordable and expensive options for both, costs vary significantly depending on the brand, size, type, features and personalization options you choose.

Walk-in shower installation costs

"With a prefab walk-in shower kit, installation can range from $1,500 to $2,500. If you’re not using a prefab kit, installation costs are highly variable, with some people spending over $20,000 total,” Telymonde said.

Anecdotally, Bob in Arizona spent $10,000 on a walk-in shower, and Shannon in California paid $15,000.

Walk-in bathtub installation costs

Installing a walk-in bathtub costs anywhere between $2,500 and $8,000, depending on the complexity of the job, according to Brandon Walker, superintendent at ASAP Restoration.

On the high end, Kathleen in Arizona paid $25,000 on her walk-in tub plus installation.

Additional cost considerations

You should also consider how much other work needs to be done in your bathroom and elsewhere in your home. Will you be keeping the same layout or doing a full makeover? Will you need a new hot water heater to accommodate your tub's volume?

Benefits of a walk-in shower

Walk-in showers have many benefits that make them appealing, especially if you or a loved one finds sitting down difficult:

• Space-efficient: Walk-in showers generally require less square footage than walk-in tubs, making them ideal for smaller bathrooms.
• Easy maintenance: There are fewer surfaces where water, dirt and soap scum can collect. This can make a significant difference in convenience for older adults and people who have trouble kneeling or bending over.
• Design variety: Walk-in showers are available in a wide variety of styles. With walk-in tubs, you're usually limited to only a handful of designs.
• Customizable safety features: If you're willing to pay extra, your walk-in shower provider might let you add accessibility features like nonslip flooring, grab bars and anti-scald valves.
• Modern appeal: Walk-in showers are currently trendy. If you decide to sell your home, a walk-in shower can be a selling point.

Drawbacks of a walk-in shower

People who aren’t comfortable standing or have trouble keeping their balance may not like a walk-in shower. That’s why a walk-in bathtub may be a better fit for people who have limited mobility.

• No soaking option: You can’t take baths, which some people prefer for relaxation or therapy.
• Water splashing: Without proper design or a good door, water may leak onto the floor.
• Cold feel: The open style can feel draftier than a bathtub or enclosed shower.
• Higher cost for upgrades: Custom features like benches, tile walls or special showerheads can raise the price.
• Potential resale concerns: Any added home value depends heavily on the market. For instance, families with young kids often prefer at least one bathtub.

Benefits of a walk-in tub

Like walk-in showers, walk-in tubs have a lot of benefits worth considering:

• Seated bathing: Walk-in tubs are ideal for people who have difficulty standing for long periods or have a greater risk of falling in the bath. Because you don't have to stand, your injury risk should be lower.
• Superior accessibility: A walk-in tub has a built-in door and low step-in entry, making it much more accessible than a standard bathtub and often more accessible than a walk-in shower.
• Greater depth: Compared to a standard bathtub or shower, walk-in tubs have higher walls, allowing for more depth. This makes it easier to immerse yourself and simplifies washing your hair and upper body.

Drawbacks of walk-in tubs

Common complaints include issues with water temperature, slow drainage and high costs. Some buyers also mention disappointment with follow-up service. Other potential drawbacks include:

• Higher cost than standard bathtubs
• Installation may require electrical and plumbing work
• May require a water heater upgrade
• Longer fill and drain times (unless you upgrade to a quick-drain feature)
• Cannot exit until fully drained or you risk flooding
• Usually not covered by Medicare

» MORE: Pros and cons of walk-in tubs

What reviewers say

Customer reviews highlight both the benefits and challenges of walk-in showers and tubs. Here’s what real homeowners had to say, from the features they love to the frustrations they’ve faced during installation and use.

Walk-in shower review analysis

Customer feedback on walk-in showers is mixed. Some praised the installation process and final product, while others reported delays, installation mistakes and poor customer service.

One reviewer on our site, Mary in California, was thrilled with her installation:

“We had a walk-in shower installed and it's perfectly what we wanted. We like the wall texture, which is a flat finish that is shiny and very easy to clean. There's no lift on the shower floor so we don't stub our toes and it's doing exactly what we wanted it to do.”

But not all experiences were positive. James in Colorado described design flaws and poor follow-up in a review:

“When you close the sliding glass doors on the shower totally, there's a one-inch gap in the center where they don't connect.”

James tried to solve the problem. Unfortunately, the company rep “never showed up to fix the slider on the shower. Now when I turn it on, water goes on the floor,” he said.

Key takeaway

Overall, reviewers highlight both the convenience and modern look of walk-in showers, but also warn about inconsistent quality and service.

» EXPLORE: Walk-in shower-tub combos

Walk-in tub review analysis

Reviews of walk-in tubs are also mixed. Many customers appreciate the safety features and therapeutic benefits. Others report problems with installation, customer support and functionality.

Walk-in showers may be better for homeowners focused on style and resale value.

For example, Marie in Florida wasn’t entirely satisfied with her walk-in tub installation:

“The team initially did well with their work; however, I specifically requested for tile installation to extend all the way to the ceiling, and what they completed was not up to my expectations. The tiling stopped several inches short of the ceiling, leaving some unfilled gaps, which feels unfinished and adds to a lingering dissatisfaction,” she told us.

Despite that, Marie was impressed with the product: “As for the tub itself, it's superb and meets every promised feature according to my grandson's enthusiastic experience; although I personally haven’t used it yet. There's no fault with the tub's quality or its luxurious features like LED lighting.”

Key takeaway

Overall, walk-in tubs earn positive marks for comfort and safety, but some customers find the cost and installation process disappointing.

» EXPLORE: Walk-in tub alternatives

Should you choose a walk-in tub or shower?

Choosing between a walk-in tub and a walk-in shower depends on all of the above factors, so consider your budget, your space, your bathing needs and how big of a renovation you’re willing to take on.

Both walk-in tubs and showers have their advantages and drawbacks, so be sure to consider your unique needs before making your final choice.

While a walk-in bathtub may be a better option for those who have more limited mobility, walk-in showers may be better for those who are concerned about style and resale value.

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