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The Best Walk-In Tubs of 2024

Top10.com Staff
Walk in tubs

If you have mobility issues, standard bathtubs can be difficult or impossible to use without help. To maintain your independence and avoid costly in-home carer fees, you might opt to install a walk-in bathtub in your bathroom.

However, choosing the right tub for your needs can be daunting. Read on to find out what the benefits of a walk-in tub are, and what types are available to purchase. We’ve even created a list of some excellent walk-in tub companies and a guide on how to buy the perfect tub for you.

Breaking Down Our Top 10 Choices: Which Walk In-Tub Brand is Best For Your Needs?

  • KOHLER - Our best walk-in tub brand overall
  • Safe Step - Best for safe independent bathing
  • American Standard - Best for affordable prices
  • Ella's Bubbles - Best for innovative designs
  • Walk-in Tub Prices - Best for those looking for a good price comparison tool
  • Independent Home - Best for stress-free installation
  • Walk-in Tubs for Seniors - Best for finding family-owned contractors
  • Walk-in Bathtub Shop - Best for a simple signup process
  • Angi - Best for large contractor directory
  • Find A Tub - Best for contacting local contractors
Show more

A Closer Look at the Top Walk-in Tubs

    1
    KOHLER
    An ideal walk-in tub with a long list of safety ...Shop Now
    • Best For - Advanced hydrotherapy
    • Price range - Custom pricing
    • Main safety features - Low step, handrails, textured surfaces, wide door
    An ideal walk-in tub with a long list of safety a...
    800-958-7052Shop Now

    The KOHLER Walk-In Bath, also known as the Belay™ Walk-In Bath, stands out for its innovative hydrotherapy tech and stylish design. With a large range of safety and comfort features on offer, KOHLER has created an attractive product that’s sure to be a hit with customers who can afford its hefty price tag.

    KOHLER Pros & Cons

    PROS

    Low 3-inch threshold
    Built-in handrails
    Adjustable hand shower

    CONS

    Can’t order directly
    Could be cheaper
    kohler logo
    KOHLER
    800-958-7052Shop Now
    2
    Safe Step
    Enjoy a safer, more comfortable, and more luxuri...Shop Now
    • Best For - Safety, hydrotherapy, or independent bathing
    • Price range - Available through free in-home consultation
    • Main safety features - Anti-scalding tech, built-in grab bars, anti-slip flooring, low-entry door, sanitary gel coating
    Enjoy a safer, more comfortable, and more luxurio...

    Safe Step is a US-based contractor that designs, builds, and installs walk-in tubs and showers for convenience and peace of mind. Safe Step walk-in tubs come with a lifetime guarantee and convenient features like fast-filling tubs and conveniently-placed towel bars.

    Safe Step Pros & Cons

    PROS

    Financing and discounts available
    Lots of advanced therapy options
    Safety features built-in

    CONS

    Not a lot of models
    Need a large water heater or tankless system
    3
    American Standard
    Accessible walk-in baths that provide comfort, s...Shop Now
    • Best For - Wide range of quality products
    • Price range - $5,000 - $16,000 including installation
    • Main safety features - Chair-height seat, grab bars, anti-scald control
    Accessible walk-in baths that provide comfort, sa...

    American Standard carries a variety of high-quality walk-in tubs with numerous added feature options. With the largest network of walk-in tub installers in North America and 140 years in the bathroom business, American Standard is a standard-setting company that stands behind its products.

    American Standard Pros & Cons

    PROS

    Well-known and reputable brand
    Numerous product options
    Good customer service

    CONS

    May be pricier than other options
    No custom sizes
    american-standard logo
    American Standard

Best Walk-In Tubs of 2023

*Subject to 3rd party credit approval. Minimum monthly payments required. Receive a free American Standard Cadet Toilet with full installation of a Liberation Walk-In Bath, Liberation Shower, or Deluxe Shower. Offer valid only while supplies last. Limit one per household. Must be first time purchaser. All offers subject to change prior to purchase. See AmericanStandardBathtubs.com for other restrictions and for licensing, warranty, and company information. CA: CSLB B982796; NYC: HIC 2022748-DCA; Safety Tubs Co. LLC does not sell in Nassau NY, Westchester NY, Putnam NY, Rockland NY, Suffolk NY. *12-month Financing Details: Subject to credit approval. Prior sales excluded. A minimum purchase of $10,000.00 is required. Terms and Conditions apply. No interest will be assessed on the promotional purchase if you pay the promotional purchase in full within 12 months from the purchase date. An interest rate of 17.99% will be charged to your account for 84 months for any balance that remains if the promotional purchase is not paid in full within 12 months. Customer must pay applicable sales tax. Not valid with any other offer or promotion. See the Design Consultant for details. Other restrictions apply. We reserve the right to discontinue or alter the terms without notice. Offer valid thru Sep, 30, 2024. **Installation Promo: 50% off installation is equal to 10% off of the net total project price. Discount applied at time of purchase. Receive free toilet with full installation of eligible purchase. Terms and Conditions apply. We reserve the right to discontinue or alter the terms without notice. Offer valid thru Sep, 30, 2024. See AmericanStandardBathtubs.com for additional information.


Interested in a Walk-in Tub?

If you have mobility issues, standard bathtubs can be difficult or impossible to use without help. To maintain your independence and avoid costly in-home carer fees, you might opt to install a walk-in bathtub in your bathroom.

However, choosing the right tub for your needs can be daunting. Read on to find out what the benefits of a walk-in tub are, and what types are available to purchase. We’ve even created a list of some excellent walk-in tub companies and a guide on how to buy the perfect tub for you.

What are Walk-in-Tubs?

Walk-in bathtubs are designed unique due to their built-in doors. These open to allow easy entry and exit rather than having to step over the high wall on a standard tub. Walk-in tubs are designed to be more accessible and comfortable for those with mobility issues. The features include usually non-slip textured flooring and built-in grab bars, allowing you to bathe independently when you might otherwise require help from a carer. However, you’ll need to wait inside the bath while the water fills and empties, as the watertight door seal becomes part of the bath wall once closed.

Types of Walk-in-Tubs

  • Soaker tubs: The simplest and most affordable type of walk-in tub. These include a door and a seat, submerging you to the waist or neck once filled. The upright seated position helps you to use features such as taps, shower heads, and control panels. This design often looks like a standard bathtub from the outside but is much easier to maneuver with limited mobility. 

  • Wheelchair-accessible tubs: These tubs include a wider door than soaker tubs, allowing for easier transfer from a wheelchair into the bath seat. The door swings outwards and allows you to slide laterally from your chair into the seat, rather than needing to step into the tub and turn around. Grab bars are strategically placed with the wheelchair user in mind.

  • Bariatric tubs: Usually designed for people who weigh over 300 pounds, although different brands vary. These baths are spacious, with wider seats and doors than standard walk-in tubs. They are often—but not always—wheelchair accessible. They cost more than standard walk-in tubs and require a higher water consumption to fill the larger capacity, so it’s best to try one for size before purchasing.

  • Hydrotherapy tubs: Whirlpool jets are a common addition to higher-end models of walk-in tubs. These jets are placed strategically to deliver targeted streams of water to areas such as the calves, back, and shoulders. This targeted pressure can promote circulation, decrease pain, and control inflammation. The jets can even be warm to add heat therapy to the treatment.

  • Aerotherapy tubs: Air jets are another feature of more expensive walk-in tubs. These provide a more diffuse pressure than whirlpool jets, using streams of warm air rather than water. Air jets may relax and invigorate you, giving a gentler whole-body massage that you may prefer over the vigorous hydrotherapy massage.

Who Needs a Walk-in Tub?

Simply put, a walk-in bathtub could benefit you if you have mobility issues that make using a standard tub difficult, uncomfortable, or risky. For example, you may have a disability that requires you to use a wheelchair, making a lateral slide transfer onto a bath seat essential. 

If your mobility has reduced with age but you still want to bathe without help, a walk-in tub could give you the confidence to do so. It might also allow you to “age in place,” continuing to lead your daily life in your own home as you grow older.

How Much Do the Best Walk-in Tubs Cost?

Depending on which type of walk-in tub you need and what additional features you want, the price will vary. Ella’s Bubbles offers a compact tub for $3,870, while Kohler states that a specialty tub with accessories could cost over $20,000.

The cost of labor to install your new bath depends on your location, contractor, tub, and bathroom layout. Upscale brands offer a comprehensive walk-in tub installation service for $2,500-$8,000, whereas finding a third-party contractor could cost between $700 and $3,000.

Finally, you’ll need to think about the cost of maintaining your tub. Servicing may be included in your limited lifetime warranty or regular warranty, but if not, you’ll need to pay for specialized cleaning and routine repairs.

How to Pick and Compare the Best Walk-In Tub for You

The first thing you’ll need to decide is which type of walk-in tub you need, according to your specific mobility issues. Then, look for these features to ensure that you get the best product for your budget:

  • Low walk-in threshold height: All walk-in tubs have a lower step-in height than a standard tub, but the height of individual models can vary from three to seven inches. For maximum ease of use, look for a low threshold of around three inches. However, if you can manage a slightly higher step then you will have a larger choice of products.

  • Quick drainage: You’ll need to sit inside the bath while it’s emptying because the door seals to form part of the tub wall. To avoid catching a chill from waiting around in a cool bathroom, look for a tub that drains quickly. Tubs may use two drains or a mechanically assisted drain to make your waiting time as short as possible.

  • Hand-held shower heads: Without a shower attachment, you may need to submerge your head or use a bowl to wash your hair. This isn’t practical for everyone, so this addition could make washing your upper body easier. A shower attachment also provides a way of quickly washing without needing to fill up the bath.

  • Make sure the tub fits: The last thing you want is to invest in a new tub, only to find that it doesn’t fit you or your bathroom. If you weigh over 300 pounds or are very tall, you should look into buying a larger tub that will be comfortable for you. Your dealer may check your bathroom dimensions before selling you a tub, but if not, you should check this thoroughly yourself.

  • Make sure your hot water tank is big enough: The capacity of each walk-in bath model should be provided by the dealer or website. Check that your water heater tank can provide enough water to fill your tub, especially if you’re interested in a bariatric or two-seater tub. If you’re committed to a particular model but your water tank isn’t big enough, you may need to replace your tank.

Compare the Best Walk-in-Tubs

Feature

Kohler

American Standard

Walk-in-Tub Prices

Ella’s Bubbles

Walk-in Bathtub Shop

Independent Home

Walk-inTub for Seniors

Angi

HomeAdvisor

Simple Home Quotes

Non-slip surfaces

✓ 

✓ 

✓ 

✓ 

✓ 

✓ 

✓ 

✓ 

✓ 

✓ 

Low-entry 

✓ 

✓ 

✓ 

✓ 

✓ 

✓ 

✓ 

✓ 

✓ 

✓ 

Safety bars

✓ 

✓ 

✓ 

✓ 

✓ 

✓ 

✓ 

✓ 

✓ 

✓ 

Hydrotherapy features

✓ 

✓ 

✓ 

✓ 

✓ 

✓ 

✓ 

✓ 

✓ 

✓ 

Custom designs

✓ 

✗ 

✓ 

✗ 

✓ 

✓ 

✓ 

✓ 

✓ 

✓ 


Bottom Line

If you have mobility issues and can afford to have a walk-in bathtub installed in your bathroom, this may increase your quality of life by helping you to live independently. Make sure that you research tub designs, dealers, and contractors thoroughly, though, before making this investment. Bear in mind that there are large variations in the price, features, and quality of each product and service. The best walk-in tubs provide high-quality safety features, no-hassle installation services, and warranties for peace of mind.

Frequently Asked Questions
Is a walk-in tub right for me?+-

If you have limited mobility for any reason and find using a standard bathtub difficult, a walk-in tub could be right for you. They’re a safe alternative to standard tubs and could allow you to bathe independently when you would otherwise need help.

Are walk-in tubs covered by insurance?+-

Original Medicare usually doesn’t cover the cost of walk-in bathtubs, because Medicare Part B doesn’t define these tubs as medically necessary. If you have a Medicare Advantage Plan and can provide a doctor’s letter stating that a walk-in tub is medically necessary, you may be able to get a portion of the cost covered.

Do you have to pay for walk-in tub installation?+-

Yes, you’ll either be charged by your walk-in tub dealer for a comprehensive installation service, or you’ll need to source a third-party contractor yourself. It may be tempting to have a friend or family member install your bathtub for free, but improper installation could void your warranty and cost you much more in future repair fees.

Are all walk-in tubs ADA compliant?+-

Not all walk-in tub manufacturers advertise ADA compliance on their products. You should inform your dealer if you are specifically looking for ADA-compliant tubs, or look for brands such as American Standard which advertises this on its website.

How much do the best walk-in tubs cost?+-

Most basic walk-in tubs cost between $2,000 and $6,000, but those with additional features, such as hydrotherapy tubs, can be as much as $20,000. You also need to consider installation costs, which range from $700 to $8,000.

Will Medicare or Medicaid pay for a walk-in tub?+-

Original Medicare is very unlikely to pay for a walk-in tub, but Medicare Advantage may contribute to one if you can prove that this is a medical necessity. Each state has a different Medicaid program, so depending on your location you may be able to access financial assistance this way.

Does a walk-in bathtub add value to a house?+-

Having a walk-in bathtub installed in your home could add value if you live somewhere that’s popular with older people. If a large proportion of potential buyers have limited mobility, the addition of a walk-in tub could make your house more attractive and increase interest.

What are the disadvantages of walk-in tubs?+-

One of the main downsides of walk-in bathtubs is that they’re generally more expensive than standard tubs. They will also likely need more maintenance and routine repairs, as they often include features that aren’t present in a standard tub, such as watertight door seals, drain pumps, water jets, and control panels.

Top10.com Staff
Top10.com's editorial staff is a professional team of editors and writers with dozens of years of experience covering consumer, financial and business products and services.