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The Spruce / Chloe Jeong
A good bathtub can enhance your bathroom's design and be completely rejuvenating.
We researched top options, considering the material, shape, cost, and special features. Our favorite, the Vanity Art VA6815 Bordeaux 59-inch Freestanding Bathtub, offers durable materials, an elegant and high-end shape, and customization options for a personalized feel.
Here are the best bathtubs to make your home a spa-like oasis.
Best Overall: Vanity Art VA6815 Bordeaux 59 in. Freestanding Bathtub
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Courtesy of Wayfair
Two sizes available
Overflow already integrated
Relatively affordable
Can only be freestanding
Who else recommends it? Insider also picked Vanity Art’s Bordeaux Freestanding Bathtub.
What do buyers say? 900+ Wayfair reviewers rated this product 5 stars.
A bathtub is a hub of relaxation and, as such, should be comfortable, luxurious, and functional—all of which describes the Vanity Art VA6815 Bordeaux Freestanding Bathtub. It's our top choice because of its sleek, freestanding shape and durable acrylic material that won't wear down over time. At 59.1 inches, it's wide and long enough to fit different body sizes. If you have the extra room, it's also available in a 67.3-inch size.
While this model doesn't come with hardware, you have the freedom to choose whichever metals and fixtures will best match the space. There's also an overflow drain at the top to keep water from rising over the tub's edge as a safety precaution. Despite all the features, this product is also reasonably priced, making it an ideal upgrade for any bathroom.
Best Budget: Kingston Brass 60-Inch Alcove Acrylic Bathtub
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Affordable
Durable
Comes in alcove or freestanding styles
Drain and overflow are an added cost
You might think it shouldn’t be possible to order a bathtub online and get it shipped to your home for free. But thanks to Amazon, you actually can. Kingston Brass Store’s Alcove Bathtub is a budget-friendly alcove bathtub that makes for an easy addition to any space. The acrylic tub comes reinforced with fiberglass and resin. And thanks to its versatile design, you can easily nestle it between two walls or leave it freestanding. Save money by scoring the tub on its own, or upgrade to get an option that comes with a drain and overflow.
Best Walk-In: Universal Tubs HD Series 53 in. Walk-In Whirlpool Bath Tub
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Slip-resistant floor
Includes 13 whirlpool massage jets
Fills up and drains quickly
Has an inline heater
Expensive
Universal Tubs’ Walk-In Bathtub was designed with comfort and safety in mind—and it shows. The tub’s low-entry threshold and slip-resistant floor make it easy to step inside, and you can grip a nearby safety bar to steady yourself as you do. Once you’re inside the tub, you can settle into the built-in contoured seat, and you can activate the 13 whirlpool massage jets that line the interior. The tub promises to fill up quickly and drain in as little as a minute. And it comes equipped with an inline heater that keeps the tub warm throughout your entire soak.
Best Clawfoot: Pottery Barn Lolog Clawfoot Painted Bathtub
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Courtesy of Pottery Barn
Durable
Claw feet come in various finishes
Generous capacity
Expensive
Clawfoot tubs are undeniably pretty, and Pottery Barn’s Lolog Clawfoot Bathtub is no exception. The 72-inch tub is long enough to comfortably accommodate people of different heights, but the intricately detailed claw feet leave it feeling more delicate than bulky. Customize your tub by choosing between four colors (white, light gray, dark gray, and black) and three clawfoot finishes (shiny chrome, brushed nickel, or oil-rubbed bronze) to ensure it's perfect for your space.
Best Jetted: Jacuzzi Signature Alcove Whirlpool Bathtub
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Courtesy of Wayfair
Durable
Limited lifetime warranty
Generous capacity
Drain and faucet not included
Jacuzzi’s Signature Alcove Whirlpool Bathtub makes it easy to bring the luxury of a vacation home to your bathroom. The sculpted acrylic tub is finished with a high-gloss coating that promises to make the tub both durable and easy to clean. And the interior is lined with Jacuzzi jets, which will produce a whirlpool of water—offering you a gentle massage. At 60 inches long, the tub is large enough to comfortably accommodate people of different heights, and its contoured interior promises a cozy place for you to settle into every time you soak.
Best Alcove: Kohler Underscore Soaking Alcove Bathtub
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Durable
Slip-resistant floor
Comes in various colors
Affordable
A bit smaller than other options
If you’re looking for a classic alcove bathtub, you can’t go wrong with Kohler’s Underscore Alcove Bathtub. The acrylic tub promises to be both sleek and durable, and its interior is textured to give you plenty of grip. At 60 inches, the tub is long enough to be comfortable but small enough to fit inside most bathrooms. And because it comes in an array of different neutrals—including crisp white, sleek black, and light gray—you can pick an option that fits your style.
Best Deep: Ove Decors Rachel Freestanding Soaking Acrylic Bathtub
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Courtesy of Wayfair
22.75-inch soaking depth
Overflow drain
25-year limited warranty
Slipper design means it must be freestanding
Looking for a deep tub that offers a seriously cozy soak? Ove Decors Rachel Soaking Tub promises to get the job done. With a 22.75-inch soaking depth, this tub is considerably deep—and it has a large capacity of 62 gallons. It's made of acrylic and has a stylish slipper design that'll make a statement in any bathroom. And though it comes equipped with a shiny chrome drain, it ships faucet-free, so you’ll have the opportunity to customize some of your hardware.
Best Small: Kohler K-1490 Greek 48" x 32" Drop-in Soaking Bathtub
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Courtesy of Wayfair
Small footprint
Durable
Built-in pillow
Comes in various finishes
No inline heater
Short warranty
Kohler’s Greek Drop-In Bathtub makes navigating a small space no problem. At 48 inches long and 32 inches wide, this tub boasts an incredibly compact footprint—but its 18-inch soaking depth will make sure you have plenty of room to settle in and relax. The acrylic tub comes with a built-in vinyl bath pillow that you can rest your head on every time you soak. And because the tub is available in a few different neutral finishes, you can easily find an option that suits your space.
Best Wooden: Alfi Brand Wood Freestanding Bathtub
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Durable
Comes with a free wooden hanging basket
Generous size
No overflow drain
Wooden bathtubs aren’t the kind of thing you see every day. But they do exist—and Alfi Brand’s Wood Freestanding Bathtub is one of the most solid options around. The bathtub is crafted from durable rubberwood, and it comes with a removable wooden seat you can settle into every time you soak. At 57 inches long and 26 inches wide, the tub is large enough to comfortably accommodate people of many different heights. And it’s sure to make a striking addition to any rustic or earthy bathroom.
Best Copper: Signature Hardware Norah Victorian Copper Clawfoot Tub
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Drain comes in various finishes
Generous size
Handmade
Requires special care
If you’re looking for a bathtub that knows how to make a statement, Signature Hardware’s Norah Victorian Copper Clawfoot Tub is sure to deliver. The copper tub boasts a classic slipper silhouette: One side of the tub rises up and the other dips down, creating a strikingly unbalanced shape. The copper tub rests on four intricately detailed claw feet, which are rendered in matching copper. When you shop the tub, you’ll have the opportunity to customize your overflow, both in terms of style and finish, so you can ensure your tub’s hardware suits the rest of your space.
Overall, we recommend the Vanity Art Bordeaux Bathtub (view at Home Depot), an affordable option that comes in two sizes, has a generous capacity, and has sleek design. If you're looking for something budget-friendly, check out the Kingston Brass Alcove Bathtub (view at Amazon), a straightforward tub that can be purchased with or without integrated drain and overflow.
What to Look for in a Bathtub
Size
If you’re navigating a small space, you might want to opt for a shorter and smaller tub. But if you’re tall, you might prefer a large tub that can comfortably accommodate you. Be sure to double-check the height and width of a bathtub before buying it and whether it will fit your space and needs.
Depth
Height and width aren’t the only dimensions worth taking into consideration. A bathtub’s depth is also pretty important. If you want a deep, luxurious soak, you might want a taller bathtub. But if you’re hoping to conserve water, you might prefer a shallower one. (Consider, too, how robust your hot water heater is and whether it can keep the hot water flowing long enough to fill a deep tub.)
The average bathtub has a soaking depth between 14 and 17 inches, but you can find even deeper options if you do some searching.
Style
Bathtubs come in tons of different styles, including walk-in, clawfoot, jetted, alcove, and more. None of these options is necessarily better or worse than another; it depends on personal needs and taste.
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How do you clean a bathtub?
To clean your bathtub, all you need to do is follow 7 simple steps. Start by emptying your bathtub. Then, wipe down your walls with an all-purpose cleaner and clean your tiles with a tile cleaner. Pour a half-cup of baking soda, followed by a half-cup of white vinegar, down your drain to cleanse it. And apply an all-purpose cleaner or tub cleaner to the rest of your tub. Let this cleaner sit for a few minutes, before wiping it down with a cleaning cloth. And if you encounter persistent stains or scum, spray them with your tub/all-purpose cleaner and scrub them with a cleaning brush. To finish off the job, give your tub a quick rinse and wipe it dry.
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What are bathtubs made out of?
Bathtubs can be made out of several different materials. Some of the most popular options include:
- Porcelain-enameled steel bathtubs (steel sheets coated with porcelain enamel)
- Acrylic bathtubs (acrylic sheets reinforced with fiberglass)
- Fiberglass bathtubs (polyester resin reinforced with fiberglass)
- Enamel cast iron bathtubs (iron coated with porcelain enamel)
- Cast polymer bathtubs (cultured marble, granite, or onyx blended with polymers and resins)
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Who installs bathtubs?
Installing a bathtub requires disconnecting and reconnecting plumbing. So you’ll probably want to hire a plumber to handle the job. If you want to save money on the project, you may be able to hire a general contractor or a handyperson to handle the first part of the install. But you’ll probably still want a plumber to handle the plumbing involved in the job.
Why Trust The Spruce?
As a seasoned lifestyle writer, Lindsey Lanquist understands what a difference a great product recommendation can make. That’s why she makes sure to recommend products that are stylish, reliable, and well-reviewed by those who’ve tried them. To make this list, she selected tubs based on their durability, functionality, and ability to be customized.