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The Spruce / Jay Wilde
When you’re choosing the best bathtub for your home, it’s important to think about how you’d like to use it. Are you looking for a soothing respite in a spa-like soaking tub? Or maybe you need a functional, space-saving tub that’ll work for cleaning kids or pets–or a walk-in tub that’ll accommodate mobility challenges. Whatever you’re looking for, there’s a bathtub available at just about any price point to meet your needs.
But it’s easy to get mixed up while shopping for bathtubs; plenty look pretty identical. “Almost all of our clients in larger homes are looking for a modern spa experience with a freestanding sleek white acrylic tub,” said Becky Morgan, an interior designer with Sasha Marie Interiors in Westchester, New York. “In kids’ bathrooms or a more standard layout in a smaller bathroom, people tend to go with a simple alcove tub.” So, how do you decide? We researched the best bathtubs based on style, size, function, material, special features, and value to help guide your search for the right fit for any bathroom.
Best Overall
Vanity Art 59-Inch Bordeaux Freestanding Acrylic Bathtub
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All Modern
Overflow assembly integrated
High-quality, durable acrylic
Rich in value
Sleek, contemporary design
Hardware is an added cost
Only one-year warranty
The Vanity Art Bordeaux 59 in. Acrylic Flatbottom Freestanding Bathtub gives you a desirable, high-end look for an affordable price, delivering great value for your money. This tub also looks great in any bathroom, with a sleek shape and durable acrylic for a stress-free soak. It comes in three different lengths—54 inches for a small bathroom, a popular 59-inch length, and a 67-inch size that should be roomy enough for just about anybody.
This bathtub comes with an installed overflow assembly to ensure that you won’t accidentally flood your bathroom if you leave the faucet running. However, it’s worth noting that the warranty is just one year, and any hardware you may need comes at an additional cost. Overall, though, the look, construction, and versatile length choices combined with the value make this our top choice for a modern bathtub.
Price at time of publish: $692
Dimensions: 59 x 29.5 x 23 inches | Material: Acrylic | Type: Freestanding
Best Budget
Kingston Brass 60-Inch Contemporary Alcove Acrylic Bathtub
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Amazon
Deep soaking tub with extra depth
Works alone or with a shower
Sleek, contemporary design
Overflow assembly and hardware are added costs
One-year warranty
The Kingston Brass Contemporary Rectangular Alcove Bathtub is a budget-friendly alcove bathtub with a more attractive, sleek, modern look than many other alcove-style tubs. It offers a 14-inch soaking depth, which is more than most alcove tubs. Built out of solid acrylic and reinforced with resin and fiberglass, it’s relatively easy to install and and creates clean, contemporary lines in any bathroom. You can use it as a standalone tub or pair it with an existing shower for extra versatility. Best of all, the affordable price of this tub makes it great for those in need of a value-rich option.
Note that this bathtub doesn’t include an overflow assembly and other hardware, and the warranty is just one year. Customer reviews do mention that the tub can show signs of wear relatively quickly, so its warranty may not cover longer-term problems, but if you’re looking for style and deep soaking space on a budget, it’ll fit the bill nicely.
Price at time of publish: $540
Dimensions: 60 x 30.7 x 22 inches | Materials: Acrylic | Type: Alcove
Best Walk-In
Universal Tubs HD Series 60-Inch Quick Fill Walk-In Whirlpool Bath Tub
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Home Depot
Includes slip-resistant floor, grab bar, and ADA-compliant contoured seating
12 whirlpool massage jets
Fills up and drains quickly
10-year warranty
Not designed for wheelchair transfers
Walk-in bathtubs allow people who have mobility challenges to enter the tub through a door instead of having to climb over the side. The Universal Tubs HD Series Walk-In Whirlpool Bath Tub is much pricier than a typical bathtub, but it boasts one of the lowest prices you’ll find for a walk-in tub, which can easily run from $5,000 to $10,000. This tub doesn’t skimp on quality, safety, or comfort despite its lower price! It includes a zero-entry door, slip-resistant floor, grab bar, and ADA-compliant contoured seating.
When it comes to filling and heating, this walk-in tub features an inline heater to keep it warm through your entire bath, plus 12 whirlpool jets to soothe arthritic joints and aching muscles. Its basin fills up and drains quickly with help from the included quick-fill faucet and power-assisted fast drain. These are key features since the tub has a soaking depth of 32 inches—three times deeper than a typical alcove tub.
Finally, this tub has a 10-year warranty, along with a lifetime warranty for the seal on the door—a detail that’s comforting, given the hefty price tag. The one drawback to this Universal Tub is it’s not specifically designed for wheelchair transfers, unlike other walk-in tubs that do have that feature.
Price at time of publish: $4,506
Dimensions: 59 x 30 x 39 inches | Material: Acrylic | Type: Walk-in alcove tub
Best Luxury
Pottery Barn Lolog 72-Inch Clawfoot Painted Bathtub
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Pottery Barn
Made from durable, lightweight acrylic
Customizable with various bathtub finishes and clawfoot finishes
Generous capacity
Faucet and hardware not included
Expensive
There’s something so classic, beautiful, and luxurious about an old-fashioned cast-iron clawfoot tub. The downside? They’re expensive and very heavy, potentially requiring structural reinforcement to your home. That’s why we love the Pottery Barn Lolog Clawfoot Painted Bathtub. Made from acrylic, this tub is lightweight, easy-care, and less expensive than its cast-iron counterpart. It’s also 72 inches long, significantly longer than a standard 60-inch tub, which means you’ll enjoy enough capacity to accommodate people of different heights and body sizes comfortably.
You can customize this tub by choosing among four body colors (white, light gray, dark gray, and black) and three clawfoot finishes (chrome, brushed nickel, and oil-rubbed bronze). However, hardware isn’t included. The warranty on this bathtub is also limited; it carries just a limited lifetime warranty for defects in the materials and a one-year warranty on the painted surfaces. Ultimately, though, its roomy length and customizable nature make it a great (and stylish!) pick for anyone who's seeking a claw-footed tub.
Price at time of publish: $2,140 and up, depending on finish chosen
Dimensions: 72 x 31 x 32 inches | Materials: Acrylic | Type: Freestanding
Best Affordable Luxury
Wyndham Collection Rebecca 65-Inch Acrylic Flatbottom Bathtub
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Home Depot
Much deeper than standard tubs
Sleek, attractive kidney shape
Can fit two people comfortably
Faucet and overflow mechanism not included
May have fit issues with hardware
The Wyndham Collection Rebecca Flatbottom Bathtub is an especially long and spacious tub without a high price, giving you a lot of bang for your buck. This tub is constructed of durable acrylic with a sleek, attractive shape and a luxurious, high-end look. The kidney shape of the tub makes it a standout, eye-catching addition to any bathroom, and it can make yours feel like a luxury spa. “Our client wanted a spa-like tub with a curved kidney shape,” Morgan said. “She’s really happy with this tub, and it’s a crazy-affordable price.”
Plus, this bathtub is also surprisingly roomy, with enough depth and length to comfortably fit two people. However, you will need to purchase the overflow mechanism and faucet separately, as they aren’t included; this can lead to fit or installation issues, according to some customers. Overall, though, this tub is relatively simple to install and set up.
Price at time of publish: $934
Dimensions: 65 x 30 x 23 inches | Material: Acrylic | Type: Alcove
Best Whirlpool Jetted Tub
Jacuzzi Signature 60-Inch Alcove Acrylic Whirlpool Tub
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Build
Provides a powerful, targeted massage
Slip-resistant bottom
Includes overflow assembly
Drain and faucet not included
Jets can be difficult to keep clean and mildew-free
The Jacuzzi Signature 60” Alcove Acrylic Whirlpool Tub can give you a powerful, targeted water-jet massage, right in the comfort of your home. It’s like the best of a traditional Jacuzzi, turned into a bathtub that’s roomy and offers great soaking depth–plus the physical perks of powerful massage jets! Made of durable, easy-care acrylic, the 60-inch long tub with a 14-inch soaking depth is lined with six signature Jacuzzi jets that can be adjusted to target different muscles or areas of the body. It is made in the U.S., has a lifetime limited warranty, and is constructed with both a slip-resistant bottom and an included overflow assembly so your bathroom won’t flood while you soak and relax.
The one cautionary note for this tub (and all water-jet tubs, really) is that they can be difficult to keep clean, as the jets themselves are prone to mildew. To avoid this issue, you’ll want to make sure to inspect and clean the jets regularly.
Price at time of publish: $1,316
Dimensions: 60 x 30 x 19 inches | Material: Acrylic | Type: Alcove
Best Air Jetted Tub
Empava 59-Inch Acrylic Freestanding Air Bath
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Lowe's
48 air pin-hole jets create a relaxing massage
Heavy-duty steel frame and fiberglass construction
Easy-to-clean air jets
Runs somewhat small for larger individuals
Unlike a water-jet tub that gives you a powerful, targeted massage, the Empava Freestanding Air Bath creates a gentle all-around massage experience. It features an impressive 48 air pin-hole jets instead of a few strategically-placed (and powerful) spa jets. The result is thousands of air bubbles that offer a gentle, relaxing touch. It’s a great option for those who want a spa-like bath experience, but without the drawbacks of more powerful jetted tubs.
Also unlike water-jet tubs, air jets are easier to keep clean and less prone to mildew. This tub is made of durable acrylic and a tough steel frame, which gives it the ability to support up to 440 pounds of weight. It also includes the faucet and overflow assembly, measures 59 inches long, and has a nice 21-inch soaking depth that lets you really sink into the bubbles. Some customers do note that it can run a little small for taller or bigger users, but that shouldn’t be a concern for everyone.
Price at time of publish: $1,678
Dimensions: 59 x 32 x 30 inches | Material: Acrylic | Type: Freestanding
Best Alcove
Kohler Underscore 60-Inch Soaking Alcove Bathtub
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Amazon
Generous soaking depth
Molded lumbar support
Slip-resistant floor
Eight color choices
Fiberglass isn’t highly durable
Can spring cracks and leaks
Kohler’s Underscore Soaking Alcove Bathtub has a sleek, contemporary design and comes in eight colors. If you’re looking for a tub that fits your existing alcove, this is a great option. Made from durable acrylic, it’s not only customizable to your personal style, but also filled with little extra features. You’ll enjoy a slip-resistant floor, a 15.5-inch soaking depth (which is more than most alcove tubs!), and molded lumbar support for comfort. Customers note that they love the angle of this tub, which makes it perfect for leaning back, lounging, and relaxing while almost fully submerged.
However, there is one aspect of this tub that reviewers don’t love: its fiberglass construction. It isn’t made with the most durable fiberglass, and over time it can develop wear, which may turn into cracks that spring leaks. Make sure you’re properly caring for and cleaning the tub, which can extend its lifespan.
Price at time of publish: $1,041
Dimensions: 60 x 32 x 22 inches | Materials: Acrylic | Type: Alcove
Best Freestanding
Ove Decors Rachel 70-Inch Freestanding Soaking Acrylic Bathtub
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Wayfair
Unique slipper shape
Quick-filling
Improved mold resistance and heat retention
Impressive 25-year limited warranty
Drain can be tricky to install
The Ove Decors Rachel Freestanding Soaking Bathtub is one of the longest tubs on our list, and it also offers the deepest soaking depth of 22.75 inches. If you have trouble getting comfortable and fully submerged in typical tubs, this one will cover you comfortably. Made of durable acrylic, it’s constructed to make maintenance easy, with increased mold resistance and improved heat retention. The slipper shape has a sleek design, with unique, stylish sloping lines that make any bathroom pop with modern flair.
We also like that this bathtub carries a generous 25-year limited warranty. Overflow assembly is included, but you’ll need to buy the faucet separately. Some customers do note that installing the drain can be tricky with imperfect threads, but it’s a minor inconvenience.
Price at time of publish: $1,272
Dimensions: 70 x 34.25 x 30 inches | Materials: Acrylic | Type: Freestanding
Best For Small Spaces
Kohler K-1490 Greek 48-Inch Drop-in Soaking Bathtub
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Kohler
Small footprint
Generous soaking depth
Built-in vinyl bath pillow
Five color choices
Expensive
Needs separate deck base to drop into
Kohler’s Greek Drop-In Soaking Bathtub occupies the smallest footprint of all the tubs on our list, measuring just 48 inches long and 32 inches wide. This makes it a great option for smaller bathrooms, but it doesn’t sacrifice much in the way of soaking space! With a generous 18-inch soaking depth, you should still be able to submerge in this tub while resting your head on the built-in vinyl bath pillow. The tub comes in five different neutral colors to suit your space, and the overflow assembly is included.
The primary drawback of this bathtub is its price tag. Not only is it more expensive, but it also needs a separate deck base to drop the tub into. It’s an investment, but if you have a tiny bathroom, or if you’re remodeling a space that already has a deck base of this size, this soaking-ready tub makes an excellent choice.
Price at time of publish: $1,932
Dimensions: 48 x 32 x 23.4 inches | Materials: Acrylic | Type: Drop-in
Best Wooden
Alfi Brand 57-Inch Natural Wood Freestanding Soaking Bathtub
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Amazon
Standout rubberwood construction
Includes wooden hanging basket and removable wooden seat
Generous size
No overflow assembly, faucet included
Expensive
You don’t see wooden bathtubs very often, but for the right high-budget rustic or earthy space, the Alfi Brand Wood Freestanding Bathtub could be a fun choice. This tub is made from durable rubberwood, and it comes with a removable wooden seat so you can settle into the 66-gallon soaking capacity in comfort. It even comes with a wooden hanging basket to hold your bath supplies. It’s a great option for those with more rustic bathroom aesthetics, and it makes a statement wherever it’s installed.
Note that there’s no overflow assembly or faucet included. However, it is pretty easy to install–just line it up with your drain, and you’ll have it up and ready for use in no time at all!
Price at time of publish: $2,790
Dimensions: 57.25 x 26.75 x 23.63 inches | Materials: Rubber wood, polished chrome | Type: Freestanding
We recommend the Vanity Art Bordeaux Bathtub, an affordable option that comes in two sizes and has a generous capacity and a sleek freestanding design. For an especially budget-friendly option, check out the Kingston Brass Alcove Bathtub.
What to Look for in a Bathtub
Style, Size and Depth
There are four primary types of bathtubs. Alcove tubs fit inside a three-sided alcove and are often used for smaller bathrooms and tub/shower combos. The standard dimensions for an alcove tub are 60 inches by 32 inches with a standard soaking depth of 9 to 12 inches—great for bathing kids, but not enough space for most adults to submerge fully. Alcove tubs are generally the least expensive and the easiest for your plumber to install.
If you’re going more of a spa experience, you’ll want a freestanding tub, best for larger bathrooms and primary suites. Freestanding tubs are generally similar in size to alcove tubs at 60 to 65 inches by 30 to 32 inches, but they tend to have a soaking depth of 14 to 22 inches, plenty of room for an adult to submerge. Freestanding tubs can be a variety of shapes but are are usually oval.
The other two types of tubs are drop-in tubs that fit into a prepared deck, and corner tubs. These types of tubs are less common today, but Morgan sometimes uses them if they work well with an existing layout or architectural feature, such as a corner tub in a room with a steeply pitched roof.
Any tub styles can come with or without jets. Jets aren’t very common, largely because tubs with jets are significantly more expensive to purchase and install, and more difficult to keep clean. When clients do want jets, Morgan recommends air jets instead of water jets. Air jets create a relaxing massage experience by releasing jets of air instead of jets of water, which makes them less prone to mildew.
Material
Bathtubs can be made out of several different materials:
- Acrylic bathtubs are the most common option. They’re affordable, lightweight, usually easy to install, durable, and easy to clean and maintain, and they have a repairable surface. “Acrylic is the most popular option we use,” Morgan said. “They look great and are lighter to transport and less expensive than cast iron or porcelain, and easy to take care of, and they usually don’t need to be refinished for at least 10 years.” Almost all of the tubs we looked at for this article are made from acrylic.
- Fiberglass tubs are also lightweight and affordable but might not look good as long as acrylic. Fiberglass is often used for tub/shower combos.
- Porcelain-enameled steel tubs are also common and generally affordable. This material is heavier than acrylic or fiberglass but lighter than enameled cast iron.
- Enamel cast iron tubs are very durable, extremely heavy, and more expensive. Because these tubs are so heavy, they may require structural reinforcement. These tubs can be refinished when damaged, are resistant to chipping and scratching, and are excellent for heat retention.
- Cast polymer bathtubs are made from cultured stone blended with polymers and resins similar to Corian counters. These tubs are affordable, easy to clean, and stain resistant, but they can sometimes get irreparable cracks.
Installation Requirements
“Tubs should be installed by professional plumbers,” Morgan said. “I would not recommend that even the most ambitious DIYer attempt to install a new tub or swap out an old one. You’re setting yourself up for water leaks or fittings not working correctly.”
If you’re having a cast-iron tub or other material installed, you should also have a contractor or structural engineer look at the space to make sure it can support the tub’s weight.
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Can I install a bathtub myself?
Installing a bathtub involves disconnecting and reconnecting plumbing and sometimes swapping out existing valves. In most cases, installing a tub is a job for a professional plumber.
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Which bathtub material is easiest to maintain?
Acrylic tubs are the easiest to maintain, tend to look good longer than less-expensive fiberglass tubs, and generally don’t need to be refinished for at least 10 years.
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Why are some tubs more expensive than others?
Tub prices can vary, based on the material and style. Fiberglass tubs are generally the least expensive material, while heavy, long-lasting enameled cast iron is generally the most expensive. Alcove tubs are generally less expensive than freestanding tubs, since they only have one exposed side. Tubs with jets are generally much more expensive than tubs without jets.
Why Trust The Spruce?
This article was written by Missy Keenan, a freelance writer with more than two decades of experience as a journalist and communications professional, with a special interest in all things home and garden. She has written hundreds of articles for publications, including Do It Yourself, Secrets of Getting Organized, DSM, and Glamour magazines; USA Today; The Des Moines Register; and Iowa Gardening. For this article, Keenan spent hours researching bathtubs and consulted with Becky Morgan, an interior designer with Sasha Marie Interiors in Westchester, New York.