6/8
Pros:
- Sleek design to work with many styles
- Extra-deep for full immersion
- Adjustable base to ensure level installation
- Comes in three lengths
Cons:
- Might be too big for some bathrooms
- Not slip-resistant
Installation Type: Freestanding | Bath Therapy Type: Soaking | Size: 60 in. x 32 in. x 23 in. | Shape: Oval | Material: Acrylic
The Rebecca freestanding tub makes a statement with its simple, elegant style. It’s sure to be the focal point of your bathroom. The acrylic finish feels warmer than enamel, and the gently reclining sides allow for mega relaxation. A side-mount faucet placement is prime for a statement fixture—and your toes will never brush that cold metal in your warm bath.
7/8
Pros:
- 6.5-inch step-in height
- Features a seat and sloped backrest
- Made in the USA
Cons:
- Handles and rails not included
Installation Type: Walk-In | Bath Therapy Type: Soaking | Size: 51.5 in. x 30 in. x by 40 in. | Shape: Rectangular | Material: Acrylic
This walk-in tub takes top marks for the low step-in height, right or left drain location and acrylic material with fiberglass reinforcement. Despite being easy to climb into, it offers a substantial depth, making it an ideal spot to soak and relax the day’s worries away. There’s a spacious integrated seat with a sloped backrest for added comfort. As if it wasn’t already one of the best bathtubs, this walk-in has adjustable leveling legs to make installation as painless as possible.
8/8
Pros:
- Has hydro-massage water jets
- Freestanding design
- Faucet and showerhead come pre-drilled and pre-installed
Cons:
- Pump not included
- On the pricier side
Installation Type: Freestanding | Bath Therapy Type: Whirlpool | Size: 71 in. x 33.8 in. x by 22 in. | Shape: Oval | Material: Acrylic
This is not the outdated jetted bathtub from years past! The Empava Whirlpool Bathtub has a sleek, freestanding design, with water jets discreetly located near the bottom of the tub. The hydro-massage system features seven jets to target aches and sore areas, and the tub’s 71-inch length leaves plenty of room to stretch out and relax. Unlike other bathtubs, the faucet is included along with a handheld shower head with three soothing spray settings.
What to Consider When Buying a Bathtub
- Size: The available space determines a lot when it comes to purchasing a bathtub. “With a smaller-sized space, some people choose to have a dual shower/bathtub, while those with ample space have the luxury of choosing a freestanding style,” says Katie Simpson, interior designer at Mackenzie Collier Interiors in Phoenix. You’ll also need to consider the height of your potential tub’s walls, especially if you have little ones or someone with balance issues in your household who may struggle to get in and out.
- Material and weight: These two elements usually go hand in hand. Concrete and cast iron are typically expensive and extremely heavy, but their durability makes them among the best bathtubs you can buy. Fiberglass is lighter and stronger (and requires less maintenance), but can be prone to scratches or warpage over time, according to Arnold Long, general operations manager at Mr. Blue Plumbing. “While higher-quality materials, like cast iron, natural stone and copper, are very popular and desirable, they tend to be too heavy for many homes,” he says.
- Shape: Are you considering a traditional, rectangular alcove tub or a freestanding tub, perhaps with a shower elsewhere? Do you want a corner tub or a deep soaker? Whatever you’re thinking of purchasing, keep in mind that the shape can influence the overall style of the room. “Oval and round tubs tend to lean more modern,” Simpson says, “while rectangular tubs are more traditional.”
Types of Bathtubs
- Alcove bathtub: An alcove bathtub fits into a three-wall nook in your bathroom with only one exposed side. This is ideal for smaller bathrooms where you don’t want the tub taking up too much space.
- Drop-in bathtub: A drop-in bathtub “drops in” to a pre-built deck, so it lacks finished sides and consists of the shell only. This is one of the best bathtubs for people that want a custom look that blends seamlessly with a bathroom’s existing design.
- Freestanding bathtub: If you want to make a statement in your bathroom, consider a freestanding tub. From vintage clawfoot to sleek and modern basins, they come in a variety of styles. A freestanding tub doesn’t connect to any walls and is usually paired with a freestanding floor-mounted faucet—but all of this means the setup will take up a lot of floor space.
- Walk-in bathtub: Often used by older adults or folks with disabilities, a walk-in bathtub is easier to get into through a watertight door, eliminating the need to step over the side. Often, walk-in tubs include additional accessibility and safety features, such as a seat and grab bars.
Why You Should Trust Us
Erica Young is passionate about home decor, organization, cleaning, landscaping, and DIY projects. She also specializes in home trends, lifestyle topics, and parenting humor. She regularly contributes to Family Handyman, Taste of Home, POPSUGAR, The Belladonna, Your Tango, The Organized Mom, Reader’s Digest and Curbly. Young is also a veteran at product testing and finding the best products to feature, including this list of the best bathtubs.
How We Found the Best Bathtubs
As shopping experts, our only job is to help you find a winning product. We start with the research and reporting basics—what products are made of, what they look like and how much they cost—to ensure that we’re only recommending the buys that are worth your time and money. Then, we research the features that speak to the product’s quality, taking advice from industry insiders and subject-matter experts on what makes a product a smart value (or worthy of a splurge). Finally, we comb through user reviews to see how real people interact with the product, and if it stands up to the test.
FAQs
What is the most durable material for a bathtub?
Cast iron is the most durable bathtub material, but it might not be the best choice for everyone. Made with iron ore and coated with enamel, cast iron is resistant to scratching, chipping, denting and staining. However, it’s worth noting that a cast iron tub is extremely heavy (and expensive). For a durable, lightweight material, opt for acrylic.
How much does it cost to install a bathtub?
To install a new freestanding, drop-in or alcove bathtub, you can expect to spend about $500 to $2,000 or more, plus labor. This doesn’t include walk-in bathtubs, which usually require more labor and custom design.
Can I install a bathtub myself?
Yes, you can install a bathtub by yourself, but it’s not for beginners. You should have some experience working with plumbing (P-traps and faucets) and basic carpentry skills. If you replace the shower valve and have copper supply lines, you’ll also need to know how to solder.
