The 8 Best Small Bathtubs of 2023

Best Overall

Fine Fixtures Drop-In Soaking Bathtub

4.4

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The Fine Fixtures Drop-In Soaking Bathtub earns our best overall spot for its small footprint and generous soaking depth. Despite being just 48 inches long, it provides a luxurious 17.75 inches of soaking depth—one of the deeper options on our list. It also has an angled back for lounging (though, depending on your height, you might not be able to stretch out a lot). Even so, the deeper tub means you can still do plenty of soaking.

This tub is made of acrylic, which is one of the more common materials for alcove tubs, since it's chip- and crack-resistant and also very lightweight. It’s reinforced with fiberglass, making it even more durable. Overall, it weighs just 44 pounds and holds over 50 gallons of water when filled. The soaking depth is the major benefit, especially given its smaller footprint in the room.

This is a drop-in tub, which means that you will need to build a frame for it. It can attach to the wall on one side while the floor actually supports the weight on the tub. It does not come with a front apron or any hardware. You will need to purchase those separately, which increases the overall cost but also adds the chance to customize.

Price at time of publish: $724

_{Dimensions: 48.25 x 32.13 x 19.125 inches | Weight: 44.09 pounds | Material: Acrylic | Shape: Rectangle | Capacity: 51.78 gallons}

Best Budget

Swiss Madison Drop-In Soaking Acrylic Bathtub

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This acrylic tub from Swiss Madison is just right for small spaces. At just 48 inches long, it’s shorter than some other options, making it perfect for nooks in a small bathroom. It is made of acrylic and weighs only 52 pounds—but because it's reinforced with fiberglass, it's still extra-durable, and it resists cracking.

This is a drop-in tub, which means you’ll need to have the right setup before installing it. You also may need to build out the area with supports for the tub before purchasing, which can add to the overall cost. It also does not come with an apron. You can tile or install another acrylic apron yourself for a custom look. Again, this adds to the overall cost. Fortunately, the tub itself is budget-friendly, so you can spend your money getting the bathroom of your dreams.

Price at time of publish: $584

_{Dimensions: 48 x 32 x 20 inches | Weight: 52 pounds | Material: Acrylic | Shape: Rectangle | Capacity: 55 gallons}

Best Design

Kohler K-1490 Greek 48-Inch Drop-in Soaking Bathtub

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This drop-in tub measures 48 inches long and 32 inches wide. Despite its small footprint, it still holds a whopping 68 gallons of water and provides up to 17.9 inches of soaking depth. The design also includes built-in armrests inside the basin for soaking and relaxing.

Like other drop-in models, you will need to build out the surrounding area and install tile or an apron. It also does not come with fixtures. This is an expensive tub already and the added cost of installation materials, construction, and fixtures can make this a pricey project.

Price at time of publish: $1,960

_{Dimensions: 48 x 32 x 23.4 inches | Weight: 60 pounds | Material: Acrylic | Shape: Rectangle | Capacity: 68 gallons}

Best Freestanding

Woodbridge Freestanding Soaking Acrylic Bathtub

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The sloped back on this freestanding soaking tub provides just the right way for you to relax and enjoy without taking up a lot of space. The overall tub is 54 inches long and the soaking depth is 13.75 inches. It's made of acrylic, making it both lightweight and resistant to cracking and chipping.

This tub comes is available in five different finishes. It comes as a single piece, so make sure to measure your doorways before you purchase. If you have narrow doors, which are common in smaller bathrooms and older homes, it might not fit through, even though it fits in the space.

Price at time of publish: $820

_{Dimensions: 54 x 28.38 x 28.875 inches | Weight: 70 pounds | Material: Acrylic | Shape: Oval | Capacity: 45 gallons}

Best Modern

Heatgene Freestanding Soaking Acrylic Bathtub

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The square shape and high sides of the Heatgene Freestanding Soaking Tub are bound to create a statement in your bathroom. But don’t let its design fool you: this is also an incredibly functional tub, with a soaking depth of 21.65 inches. It’s small enough to fit in the corner of your bathroom, yet stylish enough to put center stage.

This tub has a built-in seat so that you can relax in comfort, although it is not great for lounging, because the back is not sloped. You may also need to make some adjustments to your bathroom’s plumbing. It includes a chrome drain assembly, but you will need to purchase a separate faucet, which is also freestanding. That adds to the already high cost of this tub.

Price at time of publish: $1,800

_{Dimensions: 39 x 39 x 28.74 inches | Weight: 154 pounds | Material: Acrylic | Shape: Square | Capacity: 70 gallons}

Best Walk-In

Universal Tubs HD Series 46 in. Walk-In Whirlpool Bath Tub

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No matter the size, walk-in bathtubs are expensive. But if you have accessibility or mobility issues, having the option to enjoy a bath may be worth the expensive price tag. Fortunately, the Universal Tubs HD Series Walk-In Whirlpool Bath Tub comes with plenty of customization options, so you can get the setup that works best for your home and needs. Just note that you may need to pay for professional installation, since the plumbing setup of a walk-in tub can be more complicated than a standard tub.

The tub comes in two lengths: the smaller option is just 46 inches long, while the larger option measures about 53 inches. It has a built-in seat and jets for added comfort. You can choose for the door to open to the left or right, and the drain can be located on the left or right of the basin. This tub comes in two neutral colors: white, and biscuit.

Price at time of publish: $3,882

_{Dimensions: 45.5 x 26 x 37.5 inches | Weight: 170 pounds | Material: Fiberglass | Shape: Rectangle | Capacity: 46 gallons}

Best Claw-Footed

Barclay Demille 51" Clawfoot Soaking Acrylic Bathtub

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If you want to give your small bathroom some high style, consider a claw-footed bathtub like this one from Barclay. The tub itself is made with lightweight acrylic, while the feet are made of aluminum. It does not include fixtures, so make sure you purchase a freestanding set that matches the finish of the feet, which are available in oil-rubbed bronze, brushed nickel, polished chrome, and polished brass.

This is an expensive tub, especially considering it is only 51 inches long and doesn’t include fixtures. The soaking depth is 13 inches, but it does include a sloped back so you can lounge easily. The high price tag really covers the statement-making style of the claw foot. Keep in mind that you will need to climb up into the tub as well.

Price at time of publish: $1,789

_{Dimensions: 51 x 26.25 x 32.13 inches | Weight: 200 pounds | Material: Acrylic | Shape: Oval | Capacity: 35 gallons}