Ella’s Bubbles earned the top spot in our rankings of the best walk-in tubs thanks to its standout safety features, comfort-focused design, and range of customizable options. A walk-in tub is designed to provide a safer, more accessible bathing experience, which is especially important for people with mobility challenges.
To help you find the right fit for your home, our team reviewed leading brands, comparing walk-in tub costs, customer feedback, therapeutic features, and more. Whether you’re replacing an old tub or outfitting a new bathroom, this guide highlights the top choices to support a safer and more comfortable daily routine.
Key Takeaways
- Ella’s Bubbles offers features and affordability that make it our top choice for walk-in tubs.
- Walk-in tub installation costs an average of $4,632, depending on size, materials, brand, and other factors.
- Kohler offers the best customization options among major walk-in tub manufacturers.
The Best Walk-in Tub Brands of 2025
After analyzing each company’s product selection and evaluating safety and comfort features, we found these walk-in tubs as the best options:
- Ella's Bubbles: Best Overall
- Leaf Home Safety Solutions: Best Accessibility
- American Standard: Best Service
- Hydro Dimensions
- Kohler: Most Customization
Compare the Top Walk-In Tub Brands
Not much separates the best walk-in tub manufacturers as far as features, cost, and warranties. But a few major brands, such as Ella’s Bubbles, Leaf Home Safety Solutions, American Standard, and Kohler, stand out for having a variety of options, customizability, competitive costs, and solid reputations. The table below shows how we rated some of the leading walk-in tub brands.
| Provider | Our Rating | Cost | Warranty |
|---|---|---|---|
 | $2,521–$12,696 | Limited lifetime | |
| Contact for a quote | Limited lifetime | |
$3,951–$9,423 | Limited lifetime | ||
 | $5,000–$8,764 | Limited lifetime | |
$3,000 to $10,000 | Limited lifetime |
Our Reviews of the Best Walk-In Tubs
Ella’s Bubbles
Pros and Cons
Pros
- Includes a limited lifetime warranty on the tub and a five-year warranty on parts
- Offers both wheelchair-accessible and two-person tubs
- Has a large selection of tub options, both for safety and luxury
Cons
- Cost information doesn’t include labor rates
- Some customer reviews mention that the seats are hard
Our Review and Insights
Ella’s Bubbles has a broad selection of walk-in tub types and competitive prices, making it our top pick. The company offers more than 20 walk-in tub models, including soaking, two-person, bariatric, and wheelchair-accessible versions. It also has many safety feature options, such as The American Disabilities Act (ADA)-compliant seats, handheld shower heads, nonslip surfaces, heated backrests, 360-degree swivel trays, and ergonomic controls. Ella’s Bubbles also offers aromatherapy and chromotherapy add-ons for a more therapeutic, luxurious bathing experience.
Recommended Walk-In Tub Model
The standout model from Ella’s Bubbles is the Acrylic Ultimate tub with dual drain technology. It’s the largest single-person walk-in tub offered in this model range. While shopping on the company’s website, we found the Ultimate tub has extra leg room and a longer seat for hamstring support. In addition, the tub has 17 air jets and 17 hydro jets and a standard, built-in foot massager.
Features
Ella’s Bubbles walk-in tubs include the following standard and safety features designed for ease of use.
Ergonomics:
- 360-degree swivel tray
- Heated backrest and seat system
- L-shaped outward-swinging door with aluminum frame
- Three-speed variable push controls
Massage features:
- Air jets
- Six-jetted independent hydro foot-and-calf massager
- Stainless-steel removable inward-swinging door
Safety features:
- Auto-purge system
- Anti-scald valves
- ADA-compliant seats
- Grab bars
- Ozone sterilization
- Two 2-inch gravity-driven drains with four outlets for quick draining
Therapeutic features:
- LED chromotherapy
- Aromatherapy system
- Infusion MicroBubble therapy add-on
Leaf Home Safety Solutions
Pros and Cons
Pros
- Allows you to fully customize your walk-in tub design, components, and features
- Includes wheelchair-accessible models
- Provides calf-massaging jets in all models, while other brands offer it as an add-on
Cons
- Lacks pricing transparency (quotes require home inspections)
- Doesn’t offer walk-in tub packages in all ZIP codes
Our Review and Insights
Leaf Home Safety Solutions is another solid choice for walk-in tubs. It offers four models ranging from its entry-level Prime model to its fully featured Pinnacle Plus. According to a Leaf Home representative, the company allows you to customize all aspects of your walk-in tub, including the tub color, therapeutic features, and wall surrounds. To obtain pricing, however, you must set up an appointment with a Leaf Home inspector. The representative we spoke with said the inspector would bring walk-in tub models and materials for you to touch and experience.
Recommended Walk-In Tub Model
Leaf Home’s Pinnacle Plus model offers the most extensive list of features of all its walk-in tub models. We secret-shopped on Leaf Home’s website and found that Pinnacle Plus includes the Pure Bubbles skin therapy system, while its other models only offer this system as an add-on. Additionally, it includes the company’s aromatherapy system for a more relaxing bathing experience.
Features
Leaf Home Safety Solutions offers walk-in tubs with the following features:
Ergonomics:
- 13–22-inch soaking depth
- 23 1/4-inch wide seat
- 70–95-gallon operating capacity
- Adjustable handheld showerhead
- Bidet
- In-swing and out-swing doors
- In-tub control panel
- Mounted towel bar
- Removable headrest
Massage features:
- 20 invisible air jets
- Comfort heated seat system
- Six back True Massage Preferred jets
- Two calf-centered True Stream Preferred jets
- Two foot-centered Luxury Sole Soothers jets
Safety features:
- Grab bars
- Ozone sterilizer
- Two-inch speed drain technology
Therapeutic features:
- Pure Bubbles skin therapy system
- Aromatherapy
American Standard
Pros and Cons
Pros
- Brings 150-plus years of experience
- Conducts in-home evaluations to create the perfect tub
- Offers custom design options
Cons
- Some users complain of slow response times for warranty claims in online reviews
- Varies its lifetime warranty stipulations on acrylic tubs and gelcoat tubs
Our Review and Insights
American Standard is a household name in appliances with more than 150 years of experience in tubs. The company offers various walk-in tub types, including deep soaking tubs, combination massage tubs, walk-in whirlpool tubs, and walk-in air baths. American Standard builds its walk-in tubs with high-quality materials, such as gelcoat and acrylic. It also includes built-in aromatherapy, chromotherapy, grab bars, and nonslip flooring, all of which are ADA-compliant. Plus, the company protects its tubs with a lifetime warranty that extends to labor.
Recommended Walk-In Tub Model
American Standard’s Acrylic Luxury model is our pick due to its durable acrylic material, air spa system, and included in-line water heater. In addition, the Acrylic Luxury model includes a self-cleaning ozone sanitation system, which cleans the tub with each use.
Features
American Standard’s list of features consists of the following:
Ergonomics:
- ADA-compliant built-in seat
- Brass fixtures and faucets
- One-touch control system
- Outward-opening door models designed for wheelchair access
Massage features:
- 44 air and water jets for whole-body hydrotherapy
- Jets targeted for your back, feet, legs, and wrists
Safety features:
- Automatic water purging system
- Leak-free door system
- Self-cleaning sanitary ozone system
- Slip-resistant textured floor surface
- Quick-drain water removal system
Therapeutic features:
- Built-in aromatherapy
- Seven-color chromotherapy
Hydro Dimensions
Pros and Cons
Pros
- Offers extensive massage therapy add-ons
- Offers add-on ultra-violet (UV) or ozone sanitation systems
- Includes a limited lifetime warranty on the tub, system, and faucet
Cons
- Only includes a one-year warranty on parts and labor
- Varies availability of particular models according to your local dealership
Our Review and Insights
The Hydro Dimensions Speciality Series is for people with limited mobility or who require a larger bathing area.Those who wish to enjoy a deeper soaking experience can opt for the HD Series 3260 model, which includes extensive add-ons and different air and water jets designed to improve the tub’s massage therapy capability. We recommend the company’s additional dual-jetted air massage therapy features, which include options for 10 upper-system water jets, five lower-system water jets, 20 premium air jets, an automatic purge cycle, and an electronic control panel. The Hydro Dimensions PureBubbles skin therapy feature is ideal for those who need skin therapy, including the company’s patented system that uses microbubbles to deeply clean pores.
Recommended Walk-In Tub Model
The standout model Hydro Dimensions offers is the HD Series 3260. This model is one of its largest, holding up to 70 gallons of water unoccupied. It’s also one of Hydro Dimension’s sturdiest models with six leveling legs to support its stainless steel frame. In addition, you can choose from five different hydrotherapy systems to customize the tub to your needs.
Features
Hydro Dimensions’ walk-in tubs include many standard and safety features designed for ease of use. They consist of the following:
Ergonomics:
- 17-inch-high ADA-compliant seat
- Extension panels for 60-inch wall-to-wall installation
- Five-piece polished chrome faucet with handheld showerhead
- Removable front access panels
- Sure-lock tub door latch system
Massage features:
- Custom jetting and pump locations
- Optional heated backrest
- Three massage therapy packages for hydro and air jets
Safety features:
- Built-in safety grab bar
- Cable-operated polished chrome waste and overflow drain
- Medical-grade UV light to combat bacteria buildup
- Ozone sanitation
Therapeutic features:
- 20-color LED chromotherapy add-on
- Aromatherapy add-on
- PureBubbles skin therapy system
Kohler
Pros and Cons
Pros
- Offers numerous customization options
- Includes a lifetime warranty on material defects and workmanship
- Has a user-friendly website with a transparent installation process
Cons
- Requires an agent to visit your home for accurate pricing
- Offers narrower door options than several other brands
Our Review and Insights
Kohler offers one base model you can customize with safety and comfort features. Its basic soaker tub can include safety features such as a low step-in, ergonomic control panel, handrails, an extra-wide entry door, and a multifunctional handheld showerhead. You can also add luxury comfort features, such as increased depth, hydrotherapy whirlpool jets, BubbleMassage air jets, or a Bask heated backrest.
When you order your Kohler tub, you can choose from brush nickel or chrome faucet fixtures, two classic bath colors of white or biscuit (an off-white shade), and wall finishings in eight colors. You can also transform your Kohler bath into a shower combo with modern, contemporary, or traditional showerhead styles. These options make Kohler more customizable than other brands despite its safety and luxury add-ons being standard.
Recommended Walk-In Tub Model
While Kohler only offers one model, its extensive list of customizable options and therapeutic features allows you to build your ideal walk-in tub.
Features
Kohler walk-in tubs include low step thresholds and many other standard and safety features. They consist of the following:
Ergonomics:
- 21.5-inch-wide seat
- Eight LuxStone bath wall options
- Multifunction handheld shower
- Optional built-in shelving and storage
- Three faucet design options
Massage features:
- 17 three-speed air bubble jets
- Adjustable heated backrest
Safety features:
- 3-inch step threshold
- Easy-to-grip handrails
- Fast-fill and fast-drain systems
Therapeutic features:
- 10 adjustable hydrotherapy jets
How Much Do Walk-In Tubs Cost?
The biggest factors that influence the cost of a walk-in tub are the material, the type of tub being installed, and the brand you choose.
The cost of installing a walk-in tub starts to make sense when you break the price down by its components. Each part of the project comes with its own costs for materials and labor, which can include specialized training for tasks like electrical and plumbing work.
The table below shows the cost of the major components of a walk-in tub installation based on a large walk-in tub, which typically measures 60-by-32 inches.
| Item | Labor | Materials | Total |
|---|---|---|---|
| Door | $130 | $630 | $760 |
| Drain | $96 | $152 | $248 |
| Faucet | $148 | $217 | $365 |
| Liner | $218 | $1,467 | $1,685 |
| Overflow | $96 | $15 | $111 |
| Spout | $20 | $52 | $72 |
| Surround | $127 | $34 | $161 |
| Tile | $105 | $76 | $181 |
| Tub | $265 | $784 | $1,049 |
| Total | $1,205 | $3,427 | $4,632 |
How To Save on Walk-In Tubs
To help you save on your walk-in tub, we came up with a few ways you can cut costs.
- Go minimalist: The price of extra features can add up quickly, so consider whether you need add-ons such as chromotherapy lights or air bath jets.
- Minimize labor costs: Have the new tub installed in the same space as the old one.
- Look for payment plans: Many retailers allow you to pay in installments. Some offer no-interest payments for a pre-determined length of time.
- Get multiple estimates: The prices of most walk-in tubs are only available by quote, so request several to compare and find the best deal.
- Buy materials yourself: You’ll probably need materials such as tiles and tub surrounds in addition to the tub. If possible, buy these yourself instead of through the installation contractor.
- Look for local grants: Some areas of the United States offer home modification grants for elderly adults and people with disabilities to make their homes more accessible.
Before You Buy a Walk-In Tub
A walk-in bathtub installation is an expensive and sometimes intimidating project. We suggest consulting various experts, including your primary doctor and an occupational therapist, to decide if this type of tub is the right purchase for you. Request quotes from at least three walk-in tub brands before buying. This will ensure you get a tub that matches your health and safety needs, as well as your budget and desired comfort features.
Walk-In Tub Buying Guide
How Do Walk-In Tubs Work?
These are the main steps to using a walk-in tub. The following steps refer to a basic soaker walk-in bathtub.
- First, you access the bath via a low-entry step and door.
- Then, you close and seal the door. Companies design doors and closures to do this with little effort or strength, ideal for those with arthritis or other mobility issues. The bath is completely watertight, so there’s no danger of spills or leakages on your bathroom floor.
- Next, you fill the tub using a thermostatically controlled mixer tap. In other words, you use an ergonomically designed control panel to fill the bath. The fill time can vary due to the water pressure in your home. Sometimes, an additional pump is required to speed up this process, but your installer will check this before beginning work.
- Enjoy the bath and any additional luxury or comfort features it offers.
- Finally, drain the bath before you open the door. Once you drain the tub, you can safely exit.
Types of Walk-In Tubs
There are multiple types of walk-in tubs. Each type fulfills different needs.
- Bariatric tubs: Bariatric walk-in tubs have sturdier seat designs to improve comfort and safety for larger people. Standard walk-in tubs accommodate people up to 300 pounds, but bariatric tubs increase capacity up to 600 pounds.
- Hydrotherapy tubs: A hydrotherapy tub operates like a conventional whirlpool tub but features therapeutically placed water jets to target sore muscles. Consult your doctor before using a hydrotherapy tub if you experience hypertension or other cardiovascular conditions.
- Soaking tubs: These tubs are deep enough for your torso and lower body to fully submerge while seated on a built-in seat or bench. Soaker tubs don’t include water or air jets, so the bathwater remains still for a deep soak.
- Wheelchair-accessible tubs: These tubs use a sliding wall to create an extra-wide entry and often feature an adjustable chair.
- Two-person tubs: These tubs allow bathers to face each other and assist one another if needed. Sharing a bath with your loved one is a relaxing experience, and many of these tubs replicate the atmosphere of a high-end spa with LED lighting and built-in aromatic features.
What Walk-In Tub Features Should You Look For?
Walk-in tubs provide features in two main categories: safety and comfort. Safety features are often required for certain homeowners to bathe, while comfort features create a more therapeutic bathing experience. Below are some features we recommend looking for to ensure you receive a quality walk-in tub.
- Aromatherapy add-on: Aromatherapy is a holistic healing treatment that uses natural plant extracts to promote health and overall well-being. Typically, a walk-in tub uses an aromatherapy canister in a four-part plumbing assembly.
- Chromotherapy add-on: Chromotherapy, or color therapy, uses colored lights to create a therapeutic bathing experience. Combining chromotherapy with hydrotherapy creates soothing effects and helps enhance your mood and overall well-being.
- Step threshold: Step threshold refers to the height of a tub’s raised strip of tile, marble, or other material that prevents water from leaking out. Kohler’s walk-in tubs have a three inch threshold, while others can reach as tall as seven inches.
- Handrails and grab bars: Grab bars and handrails are standard for walk-in tubs. We recommend checking with your contractor or the manufacturer to determine if it can move the tub’s built-in grab bars to meet your mobility needs.
- Nonslip surface: Most walk-in tubs have nonslip surfaces. The best nonslip surfaces are textured rather than smooth. You can add a bath mat or traction stickers inside the tub for increased safety.
- Quick drains: These systems drain the tub in four minutes or less, while conventional drain tubs take anywhere from 6–15 minutes.
- Self-cleaning: Self-cleaning features may be jets that spray antibacterial and anti-mold chemicals or ultraviolet lights that eliminate bacteria. Other tubs also have ozone sanitation, in which ozone-enriched water kills microbes.
- In-line water heating: An in-line heater provides a consistent hot water supply and doesn’t require filling up a larger reservoir with hot water.
- Pillows: You can increase your walk-in tub’s comfort with ergonomic pillows and headrests. Some headrests include a heating feature for maximum comfort.
- Handheld showerhead: A handheld showerhead makes bathing easier for people with mobility challenges. It also helps with shampooing and tub cleaning.
Are Walk-In Tubs ADA Compliant?
An ADA-compliant tub meets or exceeds standards set by Section 4.20 of The Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) accessibility guidelines. This section outlines the features that make a bathtub safe and easy to use for older adults and people with disabilities. Check with the manufacturer to see if the model you’re interested in meets ADA-compliant requirements.
Here are some of the most important ADA-compliant requirements a walk-in tub must meet:
- Grab bars: The ADA requires grab bars and handrails to ensure enhanced balance and stability.
- Floor space: An ADA-compliant tub must have an unobstructed floor space at least 30 inches wide and 60 inches long.
- Seat: Tub seats must be fortified and stable, with handholds on each side for effortless climbing.
- Showerheads: Whether a handheld showerhead or a fixed shower, an ADA-compliant tub must use a hose at least 60 inches long. Showerhead placement must be away from grab bars and rails.
Does Insurance or Medicare Cover Walk-In Tubs?
According to medicare.org, most Medicare plans don’t consider walk-in tubs as durable medical equipment (DME). Therefore, if you have Original Medicare Part A, it won’t cover the cost of a walk-in tub. However, some Medicare Part B plans could cover up to 80% of walk-in tub costs under its DME provision if you meet several criteria:
- A doctor’s letter stating that the walk-in tub is medically necessary
- Proof that you purchased the walk-in tub from a DME provider
Part C (Medicare Advantage) plans may also cover a walk-in tub since it could classify as an aging-in-place home improvement. Additionally, if you qualify for Medicaid, you may have access to financial assistance from your state.
Are Walk-In Tubs Worth It?
A walk-in tub is a great way to upgrade your home with a safer, more comfortable, therapeutic bathing experience. But as with any home upgrade, deciding whether or not to get a walk-in tub is a big decision.
Check with your doctor to fully understand the benefit of installing a walk-in tub. In addition, review your budget or consult with your financial planner to determine what you can afford. Explore different financing options, and check with your local aging agency about Medicaid or Veterans Affairs (VA) assistance.
You can also consult an occupational therapist, a medical professional trained to help with home modifications and provide hands-on training to seniors as they adapt to changes in their home environment. Contact the American Occupational Therapy Association or your state’s occupational therapy association.
FAQs About Walk-In Tubs
What is the best walk-in tub brand?
Based on our comprehensive review, we consider Ella’s Bubbles the best walk-in tub brand. The company offers competitive pricing for a broad selection of soaker and hydrotherapy tubs. However, the best walk-in tub for you will depend on your health needs and budget.
What is the average price of a walk-in tub?
The average price of a walk-in tub is about $4,600, based on cost information sourced from the Homewyse Contractor Pricing Guide.
What is the best material for a walk-in tub?
Acrylic is the preferred material for luxury walk-in tubs because it’s lightweight and durable, with an expected life span of more than 30 years. However, most walk-in tubs use fiberglass with a gel coating because it’s more affordable. It’s also reasonably sturdy, with an average life span of 10–15 years.
What is the best walk-in tub for people with limited mobility?
Any walk-in tub with features geared toward wheelchair accessibility is great for people with limited mobility. These tubs have additional handrails and a more open and spacious design to move around in. We recommend Meditub for the best wheelchair-accessible tubs.
What is the difference between a walk-in tub and a bathtub?
A walk-in tub has a lower threshold and higher walls than a standard bathtub. It also has a built-in seat and a door that opens to allow the bather inside.
Our Rating Methodology
We are committed to providing comprehensive and unbiased reviews to our readers. This means earning your trust through transparent reviews and data to support our ratings and recommendations. Our rating system for walk-in tub providers is on a 100-point scale based on six factors, which we use to determine a 5-star scale for each product:
- Types (10 points): We browse each provider’s catalog to learn which types of walk-in tubs it offers, including two-person tubs, bariatric tubs, hydrotherapy tubs, deep soaker tubs, and wheelchair-accessible tubs. Providers that offer more types score higher.
- Safety features (25 points): We ensure the provider offers ADA-compliant tub models. We also assess the inclusion of other important safety features, like handrails, a non-slip floor, a quick-drain system, and anti-scald technology.
- Ergonomics (15 points): We verify that each walk-in tub provider’s design, buttons, and other functions are easily accessible and to use. Walk-in tubs with features such as easy-lock handles, outward-swinging doors, pillows, and three-inch step thresholds scored higher.
- Warranty options (20 points): We analyze each provider’s warranty to determine its length and whether it covers more than just a few parts. Providers with more comprehensive warranties, such as a limited lifetime warranty on the whole tub, receive more points than providers with a limited warranty, such as a 10-year warranty.
- Average cost (15 points): We average the price of each provider’s tub selection to determine a typical cost range. The more affordable a provider’s pricing, the more points it receives.
- Extra features (15 points): We consider any extra comfort features a provider can add to its tubs, such as handheld showerheads, extra water jets, and aromatherapy and chromotherapy add-ons.
