The Best Walk-In Tubs of 2026
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American Standard Gelcoat Premium Series Walk-in Tub
This walk-in tub from American Standard has a shower wand for those who prefer not to soak. Read More
Pros
- Low door threshold
- Handheld showerhead and safety rails
- Arthritis friendly
Cons
- No whirlpool function
- No heaters
- Only one interior handrail
Ella's Bubbles Transfer60
If you need a walk-in tub that's wide enough to accommodate a wheelchair, the Transfer60 has an extra-wide entry point for easy transitions. Read More
Pros
- Large 36-inch L-shaped outward swing door
- 22-inch wide molded seat
- Hydro massage and air massage
Cons
- Pricey compared to other walk-in tubs
Universal Tubs Builder's Choice 60 in. Walk-In Soaking Bath Tub
The Builder's Choice walk-in tub offers a feature set that takes pricing into account without completely sacrificing safety. Read More
Pros
- Budget-friendly compared to other walk-ins
- Retrofit design easily replaces most existing baths
- ADA-compliant molded bathing seat
Cons
- 5.5-inch entry is higher than some walk-ins
Therapeutic Tubs Medispa
The Medispa walk-in tub takes ADA compliance and safety consideration to the next level with three grab bars and slip-resistant flooring. Read More
Pros
- 4-inch low entry threshold
- ADA-compliant seating
- Air and hydro-powered jets
Cons
- Jets may be loud
- Users may need to cover the sides if it’s freestanding
Universal Tubs HD Series 3053
The HD Series 3053 tub occupies a sweet spot with mid-range pricing and top-tier features. It has slip-resistant floors and colorful lights. Read More
Pros
- Air and hydro massage therapy
- Comprehensive safety suite
- Fast draining
Cons
- Mid-tier pricing, but still a bit expensive comparatively
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American Standard Gelcoat Premium Series Walk-in Tub
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Ella's Bubbles Transfer60
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Universal Tubs Builder's Choice 60 in. Walk-In Soaking Bath Tub
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Therapeutic Tubs Medispa
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Universal Tubs HD Series 3053
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Empava 53WIT373
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Kohler Walk-In Bath
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What to look for in a walk-in tub
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What types of walk-in tubs exist?
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How much do walk-in tubs cost with installation?
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Will Medicare or Medicaid pay for a walk-in tub?
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Which safety features can walk-in tubs have?
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How quick drains work in walk-in tubs
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Can walk-in tubs have showerheads?
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In-swing versus out-swing doors in walk-in tubs
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What is the average weight capacity of a walk-in tub?
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More articles you might enjoy
- Best Walk-In Tub Shower Combination American Standard Gelcoat Premium Series Walk-in Tub
- Best Wheelchair-Accessible Tub Ella's Bubbles Transfer60
- Best Value Walk-In Tub Universal Tubs Builder's Choice 60 in. Walk-In Soaking Bath Tub
- Best Walk-In Tub For Safety Therapeutic Tubs Medispa
- Best Mid-Range Walk-In Tub Universal Tubs HD Series 3053
- Best Small-Size Walk-In Tub Empava 53WIT373
- Best Customizable Walk-In Tub Kohler Walk-In Bath
- What to look for in a walk-in tub
- What types of walk-in tubs exist?
- How much do walk-in tubs cost with installation?
- Will Medicare or Medicaid pay for a walk-in tub?
- Which safety features can walk-in tubs have?
- How quick drains work in walk-in tubs
- Can walk-in tubs have showerheads?
- In-swing versus out-swing doors in walk-in tubs
- What is the average weight capacity of a walk-in tub?
- More articles you might enjoy
According to the most recent statistics from AARP, 76% of Americans age 50 and older would prefer to age in place. And while the desire to spend your golden years in the home you know and love is completely understandable, logistics and safety are a whole other ballgame.
Bathrooms, in particular, are notorious for being the most dangerous room in the house. And while you can’t do much about waning mobility, flexibility, and balance, you could make a few safety upgrades to help you get by as these things become more problematic. One bathroom upgrade that’s worthy of serious consideration for those who want to remain in their homes is a walk-in tub.
Make no mistake, walk-in tubs are an investment, but they can mean the difference between aging in place or moving to an assisted living facility. The best walk-in tubs are equipped with safety features like lower thresholds, handrails, seats, and textured floors, all of which work in concert to help seniors maintain their independence and minimize their risk of falls and injuries. Some tubs, like the American Standard Gelcoat Premium Series (available at Amazon for $5,307.64) even have shower heads for times when a full soak isn’t necessary.
Ahead we’ve rounded up seven of the best walk-in tubs that are worthy contenders for anyone looking to give their bathroom a smart safety upgrade.
Editor's Note: The recommendations in this guide are based on thorough product and market research by our team of expert product reviewers. The picks are based on examining user reviews, product specifications, and, in some limited cases, our experience with the specific products named.
This American Standard tub offers the flexibility of a shower head and a soaking tub that's both safe and easy to enter.
This Ella's Bubbles tub is large and luxurious for those who need extra space to transfer out of a wheelchair.
This Universal Tubs model is a great value despite being a little light on features.
This Therapeutic Tubs product has ADA-compliant seating and three grab bars for added bathroom security.
This Universal Tubs HD model is a bit pricy compared to some of the value-driven picks on our list, but it sports a few luxurious features that won't shatter your bank account.
If you're working with a tiny area, this Empava walk-in tub is equal parts compact and affordable.
Kohler walk-in tubs are technically only one model, but that model supports a wide variety of customizable configurations.
What to look for in a walk-in tub
Walk-in tubs are excellent safety upgrades for seniors who choose to age in place, but they’re not all created equal. When shopping for a walk-in tub, be sure to consider the many options available, the standard safety features of each, and, of course, the cost. And don’t forget to weigh “nice-to-haves” like quick drains and showerheads.
What types of walk-in tubs exist?
Some walk-in tubs offer better support for wheelchair transfers than others.
While all walk-in tubs share the same common denominator of an open-entry door with a low step-in threshold, there are four distinct types of walk-in tubs:
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Soaker tubs are designed with higher walls to allow bathers to submerge deeper while sitting on the tub seat.
- Whirlpool walk-in tubs are equipped with air jets, hydro jets, or sometimes both to help users target and massage sore muscles.
- Wheelchair-accessible walk-in tubs typically feature a wider door for entry and a lower threshold to allow easier transitions from a wheelchair to the tub seat.
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Bariatric walk-in tubs are designed for users who weigh more than 300 pounds.
How much do walk-in tubs cost with installation?
The cost of a walk-in tub can range anywhere from $2,000 to $10,000 for the unit alone. But beyond the price of the tub itself, anyone thinking about putting one in should consider the total cost of installation, which can include retrofitting the bathroom itself and dealing with any plumbing issues that may arise, all of which are in addition to the cost of the tub.
According to The Home Depot, a standard cost to install a walk-in tub runs about $10,000 on average. The tub’s size, material, features, grab bars, and door style all contribute to what that extra fee will be. Generally speaking, the bigger your tub is and the more bells and whistles it has, the more one can expect to pay for the installation.
Will Medicare or Medicaid pay for a walk-in tub?
Because walk-in tubs are not considered durable medical equipment, Medicare will typically not cover any portion of the cost or installation one requires. That said, it’s always possible to ask an insurance professional about certain edge cases for which a person may qualify.
And, a doctor may be able to justify a prescription for the tub after it’s fully installed. The sad reality is, however, that someone looking to add a walk-in tub to their home shouldn’t plan the job with any expectation of Medicare coverage.
As for Medicaid, that level of coverage varies widely based on the Medicaid plan in each individual state. You may need to contact an insurance professional to know which state programs might include assistance for walk-in tubs. As much as we’d like to provide clear guidance, Medicaid coverage possibilities for walk-in tubs appear anything but standard.
Which safety features can walk-in tubs have?
While walk-in tubs are designed to mitigate the safety hazards of a standard bathtub, they can be hazardous themselves if they're not equipped with the proper safety features. The most important safety features to look for in any walk-in tub include:
- Low-entry thresholds
- Safety bars around the tub
- Textured surfaces to reduce the likelihood of slip-and-fall accidents
How quick drains work in walk-in tubs
By design, walk-in tubs allow for easier entries and exits, courtesy of doors that swing open and close. So, anyone thinking about buying one needs to know and understand its implications for use.
A door that fully opens and closes not only means that the user must sit in the tub as it’s filling up, but they also have to wait until the tub is completely drained before exiting. For some, this may be a small price to pay considering all that a walk-in tub can offer, but sitting in a tub as it takes time to drain can be a deal-breaker for others.
That said, many manufacturers have equipped their tubs with quick-draining technology. In many cases, this allows a walk-in tub to drain in 1 minute or less, so you don’t have to sit there for any longer than is comfortable.
Can walk-in tubs have showerheads?
Buying a walk-in tub doesn’t necessarily mean you have to give up showers for good. In fact, many walk-in tubs on the market are now equipped with built-in shower heads, essentially allowing the tubs to pull double duty. If having a shower from time to time matters to you, be sure to look for a walk-in tub that’s equipped with a shower head, and, keeping ease of use in mind, look for one with a generous extendable hose.
In-swing versus out-swing doors in walk-in tubs
This Empava walk-in tub has an in-swing door that requires less space.
While many walk-in tubs are outfitted with in-swing doors, some wheelchair-accessible tubs are designed with wider, out-swinging doors. And while this type of door will certainly help bathers with easy transitions, it’s important to keep in mind what that means in terms of space and accommodations. An in-swinging door may work just fine in most bathrooms as is, but out-swinging doors typically require more free space.
If you need a wheelchair-accessible walk-in tub, you have to consider the logistics. Ultimately, your current setup could preclude a walk-in tub, stymie your plans, or add a few thousand dollars to your remodel.
What is the average weight capacity of a walk-in tub?
Walk-in tubs come in a wide range of sizes. While smaller tubs can hold 60 gallons of water, some tubs can hold 75 gallons or more. To that end, users are cautioned to consider whether their water heaters can keep up—or if one bath will knock out your hot water for a few hours.
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Meet the writer
Sharon Brandwein is a writer specializing in parenting, aging-in-place, commerce, and content marketing. Her work has also appeared on Bustle, Elite Daily, ABCNews, Motherly, and Parents. When she’s not busy curating a wardrobe for her puppy, you can find her writing about motherhood and documenting her life as a writer at After The Byline.
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