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If you’ve fallen in the past, have difficulty getting in and out of a bathtub, or are concerned about your safety while bathing, you may want to consider investing in a walk-in bathtub as part of a comprehensive home falls prevention plan. With built-in safety features and a lower threshold to step over than traditional bathtubs, walk-in tubs can lower your risk of falls and injuries in the bathroom. In fact, many walk-in tubs are now compliant with the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA).
But how do you choose the best walk-in bath from all the choices available? There are soaker tubs (typically deeper with more room and no jets), whirlpool tubs (tubs with air or water jets), and various safety features to consider. Our Reviews Team has conducted in-depth research to find the best walk-in bathtubs on the market. We’ve compiled the results from our hands-on testing, analysis of customer reviews, and research on pricing and features to help you make an informed decision.
Walk-in tubs provide a safe and convenient way for people with mobility, balance, or strength issues to bathe. When shopping for the best bathtub with a door, keep in mind safety should be your primary concern.
Nancy Mitchell, RN, is a senior care nurse who explained that not all walk-in tubs are created equal. “The major safety concerns relate to the height of the step threshold, number and placement of mobility bars, and overall ease of operation (how easy it is to reach the console, change settings, etc.),” said Mitchell.
These safety concerns should be considered when choosing a walk-in bath that best fits your needs. For some people, a roll-in shower without a threshold may be a more appropriate option. A roll-in shower requires a bathroom remodel, yet may be comparable in price to a walk-in tub plus the installation. An occupational therapist can assess your needs and help determine what is best for you.
Doors that open outward give you more room inside to sit down before closing the door, but they also require extra room outside the tub to accommodate opening the door. While inward swinging doors give you less room inside the tub to close the door and sit down, they require no room outside to open and carry a lower risk of leaking, because the water pressure from inside the bathtub helps keep the door closed.
Walk-in baths generally use more water than standard bathtubs. About 50 to 80 gallons is a common volume for a walk-in tub, compared to 30 to 60 gallons for a standard tub. It’s important to know whether your hot water heater can supply enough hot water for a bath. In general, standard-sized walk-in tubs require at least a 50-gallon water heater, while larger-sized tubs (such as models for patients with obesity or couples) will need a 75-gallon water heater. Some walk-in bathtubs come with an in-line heater to help supply hot water as well.
Because the threshold of a walk-in tub is so low, users must get into the tub and then fill it up, which can take 10–15 minutes for the largest models. Filling time also depends on your home’s water pressure. You may also wish to adjust the water temperature before filling up the tub so you don’t have to wait for the water to reach your desired temperature. While the filling time isn’t a problem for most people, waiting in the tub while it drains may be a different story.
People who are mobile and have good balance can begin drying off as the tub is draining, but people with mobility issues are at risk of getting chilled while they wait. Those customers may want to invest in a tub with a double drain or a fast-draining system (such as American Standard) to speed up the wait time.
There are four main types of walk-in tubs:
Walk-in bathtubs can seem like complicated appliances to purchase if you’re new to them. Manufacturers offer a wide range of options, styles, and price points. But we’ve simplified the process by dividing the factors into categories and explaining each one.
The cost of walk-in tubs varies quite a bit depending on size and features. The models chosen by our Reviews Team are some of the most affordable walk-in bathtubs on the market, but installation will add to the cost of your new walk-in tub.
The cost of installation can vary as well and is affected by how much work, if any, needs to be done on the existing plumbing and electrical system, as well as any other construction needed for installation of the new tub.
Measure the space of your current tub or shower (or wherever you’re planning to install the new walk-in tub). When shopping, have these measurements handy so you can choose a walk-in bathtub that’s the same size. If it’s smaller, that’s usually fine too—many come with an extender kit to fill in any remaining gaps at the end or on one side.
Most walk-in tubs are about 40 inches high, compared to the standard 20-inch height of most standard bathtubs. This extra height accommodates the bench and allows the bather to be submerged in water.
It’s important to know what size of seat you will need to bathe safely and comfortably. A member of our Reviews Team (see figure 1 below) sat in a few different models with seats that measured 23 inches wide by 15 inches deep, which is standard for many walk-in tubs. While she found those seats to be adequately sized for her 5-foot 5-inch frame, someone taller and/or larger would likely have felt cramped.
Bathtubs with doors come in all different sizes, including those for couples and larger people. If you’re concerned about having enough room on the seat, look around to find a model that’s big enough for your comfort.
You also don’t want a seat that isn’t deep enough. This could be a matter not only of convenience but also safety; a shallow seat may cause you to slip off when turning around while bathing or reaching for something behind you, for instance.
In addition to the walk-in bath’s dimensions, check to see which side the drain is on. You’ll want to make sure it’s on the same side as your current tub’s drain to avoid extra plumbing costs during installation.
The hallmark of a walk-in tub is that it has a much lower threshold to step over than a standard bathtub. But not all walk-in thresholds are equal. Some are taller than others (typically between three and seven inches), which the models above demonstrate, and some are shorter to allow for easier access for wheelchair users to transfer.
Most walk-in baths on the market come with the following standard safety features:
Some walk-in tubs also offer overheating protection (also known as anti-scald valves). As an added safety measure, the Consumer Product Safety Commission recommends setting the maximum temperature on your water heater to 120 degrees Fahrenheit to prevent burns. [1]Consumer Product Safety Commission. Avoiding Tap Water Scalds. Found on the internet at https://www.cpsc.gov/s3fs-public/5098-Tap-Water-Scalds.pdf
The design and safety features of walk-in tubs can also help caregivers who may need to bathe older adults or people with a disability. A walk-in tub makes it easier for caregivers to move around in the bathroom without getting wet, and reach all angles of the bathtub to help someone bathe.
In addition to the standard features above that help ensure your safety while bathing, many walk-in tub makers offer some or all of the following special features.
This is an important factor, especially if you buy a large walk-in tub or have problems with mobility and balance. Walk-in baths are harder to clean than standard tubs or showers due to their larger size and depth compared to standard tubs.
If you have a caregiver or housekeeper who can clean the tub, that is a definite plus. Certain tubs are also self-cleaning, which means the jets spray a cleaner into the tub after each use. In the case of Ella’s Bubbles walk-in tubs, the ozone created during use and automatic emptying of the jets after use also helps clean the inside of the tub.
For larger people or those in wheelchairs, it’s important to pay close attention to the size of the seat and the width of the door on any tub you’re interested in.
First, decide what size seat you will feel comfortable sitting on to bathe without bumping the sides of the tub. It’s often not possible to try a tub out before purchasing it, but you can use the seat measurements from a manufacturer’s website or brochure and compare them to a chair or recliner you often use at home.
Practice reaching behind your back and turning in the seat to make sure you can move around without losing your balance. If you’re concerned about having enough room in the tub, it’s worth the time and effort to make sure you’re happy with the size offered before ordering one. Ending up with a seat that’s too narrow or not deep enough to sit on safely will affect your experience (and possibly your safety) while using a walk-in tub.
Next, check out the door. Look at the width to make sure you can get in and out easily. For people in wheelchairs, walk-in tub manufacturers offer accessible tubs with wide doors that swing out to allow easy transfer onto the tub seat.
It’s a good idea to have an occupational or physical therapist, or a nurse experienced in older adult care conduct a home safety evaluation before purchasing a walk-in tub with an outward-swinging door. They can evaluate your bathroom space, spot any hazards that need to be addressed when installing the tub, and talk you through getting in and out of the tub. You can usually set up an evaluation by asking your doctor for a prescription, which will ensure that insurance or Medicare pays for it.
Unfortunately, you won’t be able to try out most walk-in tubs before ordering them. While some box stores do have a few models on their floor, most of the options are only available to look at online. Bath remodeling companies and walk-in tub manufacturers have even fewer choices to see in-person before buying.
Instead, they send a representative to your home to measure your bathroom space and look through models with you online. You make your choices on the model and features you want, and complete the ordering process with the representative. This can feel like a high-pressure sale for some people, although it does give you the chance to ask questions and speak to someone knowledgeable about that brand.
Buying a walk-in bathtub from a home improvement store can give you some of the best return options, as most of the large chains have store-wide return policies on all of their items. For instance, Home Depot offers standard 90-day returns on its walk-in tubs.
Manufacturers’ return policies vary, though. While some manufacturers such as Ariel provide a 90-day return policy similar to most home improvement stores, others, like AmeriGlide, do not accept any returns on their walk-in bathtubs.
American Standard and Ella’s Bubbles fall in the middle, both accepting returns within 30 days. Ella’s Bubbles charges a 25% restocking fee, though, which could be up to $2,000, depending on the cost of the tub.
One company the Reviews Team called (but didn’t include in this review) would not give a definite answer on returns, saying it would depend on the circumstances and how much the tub had been customized.
It’s important to see the return policy in writing before ordering, so you know what recourse you have if the tub arrives damaged or you simply don’t like it once you see it in person. For example, the seat may not be comfortable, or it may be hard to reach the faucet and controls while seated in the tub. One of our Reviews Team members was surprised at how much pressure it took to hold the door closed while latching the handle on several walk-in tub models.
Whatever the case, your new walk-in tub needs to be easy for you to use. After all, convenience is one of the major reasons many people buy a walk-in tub in the first place. If it’s not easy to use, it won’t be convenient for you to take a bath in.
Our Reviews Team recommends buying a walk-in bathtub from a company with a return window. This will give you the chance to sit in the tub, try out the door and controls, and make sure the grab bars are conveniently placed for you, all before installing it.
If it doesn’t seem like a good fit, you can exchange the tub for a different model. While returning an item this large is a hassle, it’s far better to get the right model than to spend thousands of dollars on a walk-in tub that doesn’t meet your needs.
Most manufacturers provide a lifetime warranty on the door seal. This is critical because without a secure, waterproof seal, you won’t be able to use your walk-in tub. On other parts such as the jets, controls, and tub shell, 5-10 years of warranty coverage is standard.
Many tubs on the market have ADA-compliant features, which means they adhere to specific standards that improve accessibility for all users. These standards include a seat, non-slip floors, and a hand-held showerhead. ADA-complaint seats must measure between 17–19 inches tall and 15 inches deep with a grab bar near by to help you get in and out of the tub. While ADA-compliance isn’t always necessary in the home, it helps you understand which safety and accessibility features are helpful when shopping for a walk-in tub.
Most walk-in bathtubs cost between $5,000 and $20,000 for the tub and installation. They are a significant investment, often costing more than a standard tub or shower.
Keep in mind that walk-in baths are seen as a home upgrade and can add value to your house. If and when you decide to sell your home, having a bathroom with a walk-in bathtub and other safety features can be an attractive selling point. With an ever-growing number of people wanting to age in place, you can see this as a smart investment in your home.
The final cost of a walk-in bath breaks down into two parts: the tub itself and the installation. While the price of most walk-in bathtubs is around $2,000 to $10,000, installation can add another $1,000 to $10,000 depending on a number of factors, such as the amount of construction needed, bathroom layout, and the existing plumbing and electrical configuration.
“Even the most basic conversion from traditional tub to walk-in tub will require a competent, experienced plumbing professional, as well as decorators/contractors to finish the job,” said senior care nurse Nancy Mitchell, RN.
Purchasing a bath with a door and paying for its installation represents a significant investment. Although the cost of walk-in tubs can be steep, it’s a necessary expense in some cases to ensure your safety or that of a loved one while bathing.
The good news is, with a little research and creativity, you can save money when buying a walk-in tub. Read on to see your options.
If you have a plumber or other handyman in your network of family and friends, you may be able to save thousands on installation fees by purchasing a walk-in tub from a home improvement store or an online retailer such as Wayfair or Amazon. These companies sell only the tub and don’t usually include installation.
Keep in mind, though, that whoever installs your new tub should have experience with both plumbing and remodeling to do the job right. You don’t want problems with leakage or parts failure due to faulty installation. But if you trust their expertise and skills, this can be a great cost-saving measure.
Making use of the financing plans some walk-in tub manufacturers offer is another way to save money. In June 2022, for example, American Standard offered $1,500 off plus no interest or payments for 12 months.
Don’t forget to search for good deals. As with most retail products, holiday sales are common. If you know you’ll be investing in a walk-in tub soon, wait until a week before the next big holiday and start watching the websites and store ads for the brand you’re interested in.
Chances are, you’ll be able to get money off at these times. For instance, Ariel was offering 20% off all walk-in tub models the week of July 4.
Some companies (especially big box stores like Home Depot and Lowe’s) will match the price of any competitor for the same tub. This means if you find the exact tub with the same measurements and features at another retailer (including the manufacturer), you can see if a store near you will match that price.
If you find a retailer offering free shipping or less expensive installation and will also match the price of a competitor, this can be a great cost-saving measure.
The U.S. Department of Agriculture offers Rural Repair and Rehabilitation grants and loans to help low-income people who don’t qualify for other financing to modernize and upgrade their homes, including the addition of walk-in tubs. You can visit their website to find out more details and fill out an application.
Programs such as Rebuilding Together, Habitat for Humanity, and other local programs are available in many parts of the country that help low-income older adults and persons with disabilities purchase and install walk-in tubs.
Contact your local area agency on aging or Center for Independent Living to learn what’s available in your community.
If you simply cannot afford a walk-in tub but need the convenience and safety of a low threshold, you can buy a conversion kit for your existing bathtub. Available from AmeriGlide and home improvement stores for $230 to $600, conversion kits involve cutting an opening in the side of your existing bathtub and installing a door with a waterproof seal. Your tub will then function very similarly to a walk-in tub, minus the raised seat and extra features.
Not only is the cost of a conversion kit far cheaper than a walk-in tub, you’ll pay much less in installation because there will be no removal of the old tub or adjustments to plumbing and electrical lines. You can also have extra grab bars and handles installed at the same time for added safety.
If you need a built-in seat, jets, fast draining, or other extra features, this may not be your best bet. But if cost is your primary concern, a conversion kit could be just what you’re looking for.
Unfortunately, Medicare will not cover the expense of walk-in baths because they are not considered durable medical equipment.
In some states, Medicaid will help pay for the cost of a walk-in tub under certain circumstances. This can include situations in which someone is transitioning from a nursing facility to their own home and certain modifications are medically necessary.
If you’re enrolled in Medicaid, check with your state’s Medicaid program to see if it can provide coverage for your walk-in tub. [5]Medicaid.gov. Medicaid and CHIP How-To Information. Found on the internet at https://www.medicaid.gov/about-us/beneficiary-resources/index.html#when2contactstate
Anyone who is concerned about their safety in the bathroom, especially those at risk of falling or losing their balance, could benefit from a walk-in bathtub. A bathtub with a door is one of the safety features that may allow you or a loved one to continue living at home even when extra care and precautions are needed.
In a study of adults over age 65, researchers found more people fell in the bathroom than in any other room of their home. Bathroom falls were also more than twice as likely to cause injuries than falls in other rooms. [6]Stevens JA, et al. Circumstances and outcomes of falls among high risk community-dwelling older adults. Found on the internet at https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC4700929/#__ffn_sectitle And bathrooms are the third most common room where serious falls happen. [7]Moreland BL, et al. A Descriptive Analysis of Location of Older Adult Falls That Resulted in Emergency Department Visits in the United States, 2015. Found on the internet at https://journals.sagepub.com/doi/10.1177/1559827620942187 It’s a smart idea to have a medical alert system in the bathroom for safety in case of a fall or other emergency.
Check out NCOA’s FallsFree CheckUp tool to see if you’re at increased risk of falling.
These tubs are also appropriate for certain people who use wheelchairs as some types allow for easier and safer transfer from a wheelchair to the seat in the tub compared to a traditional tub.
In addition to the added safety a walk-in tub provides, many people enjoy the convenience of stepping over a low threshold and sitting on a secure, comfortable seat while bathing.
Our Reviews Team recommends products and services we believe provide value in the lives of our readers. We’ve spent more than 400 hours conducting in-depth research on the best walk-in tubs to give you the most accurate review. To make these selections, we:
Based on independent research and consulting with geriatric care experts, our Reviews Team has determined the following factors to be important for our readers when shopping for a walk-in tub:
We had all of our selections medically reviewed by an expert in the field to ensure each brand and model is appropriate for our readers’ needs.
| Tub cost | Varies based on customization | $6,566 | Varies based on customization | $1,999 | $5,722 | $4,673+ | $3,866 |
| Type | Walk-in tub, walk-in shower, hybrid walk-in tub with shower | Whirlpool | Whirlpool tub with shower | Soaker | Soaker | Whirlpool | Soaker |
| Threshold height (inches) | 4 | 6 | 3 | 5 | 6 | 4.5 | 6.25 |
| Special features | MicroSoothe Air Therapy System, heated seat and backrest, floating, water-resistant remote control | Water/air jets, bidet jets, colored LED lights, foot massage | Hand-held shower, 10 water jets, 17 air jets | Hand-held shower | Quick drain system, hand-held shower | Water/air jets, bidet jets, colored LED lights, foot massage | Hand-held shower |
| Safety features | Two grab bars, anti-slip floor and seat | Two grab bars, slip-resistant flooring | Grab bar | Grab bar, slip-resistant floor | Two grab bars, slip-resistant flooring | Two grab bars, slip-resistant flooring | Slip-resistant floor |
| Warranty | Lifetime Warranty on the tub, including any manufacturing defects, Lifetime Warranty on the door seal, faucets, water pumps, heaters, blowers, parts & labor, 2-year warranty on caulking | Limited lifetime on parts, non-transferable | Limited lifetime on all bath components | 1 year | Lifetime warranty (door seal), 10 years (tub shell), 5 years (all other parts) | Limited lifetime on parts, non-transferable | Lifetime warranty (door seal), 10 years (tub), 5 years (pump and motor), 1 year (faucet) |
The walk-in tub market is filled with options covering a wide range of prices, sizes, and features. After researching the best walk-in tub brands, our Reviews Team likes the features of the Safe Step Walk-In Tub. But it’s important to consider your budget and your present and future needs when deciding on the best walk-in bathtub for you.
Have questions about this review? Email us at reviewsteam@ncoa.org.
It costs $2,500–$8,000 to install a walk-in tub, according to Kohler. The final cost will vary depending on several factors, such as the size of your walk-in tub, any plumbing or electrical upgrades you need to make, your water heater capacity, and removal of the old tub.
There are four main types of walk-in tubs:
Some of the best walk-in tubs on the market include the Safe Step Walk-In Tub, which we named “Best Overall,” the Ella Ultimate Walk-In Tub, which we named “Best Features,” the Kohler Walk-In Tub With Shower Package, which we named “Best Shower and Tub Combo,” and the Ariel Walkin 3052 Soaker, which we named “Most Affordable.”
Walk-in bathtubs are a safer option than traditional bathtubs because they have a lower threshold that helps minimize falls when entering the bathtub, and a built-in seat, which helps prevent slipping when inside the bathtub.
The best walk-in tubs can cost from $2,000–$20,000, depending on various factors such as tub size, any electrical or plumbing work needed, and installation cost.
For people at risk of falling or with compromised balance and strength, walk-in tubs can be not only a convenience but a necessity, making them well worth the expense.
While walk-in bathtubs are a several-thousand-dollar investment, there are reasonably priced options available. Looking for sales, taking advantage of government grants, and using financing when necessary are all ways to help pay for a walk-in tub.
Unfortunately, insurance does not cover the cost of walk-in tubs in most cases.
Walk-in tubs are constructed of fiberglass with a gelcoat or acrylic topcoat for a smooth finish and durability.
Yes, walk-in tubs do come with some type of warranty. Check with your manufacturer and the store you buy the walk-in tub from to see how long the warranty lasts, what it covers, and whether it can be transferred to a new homeowner if you were to sell your home.
Most walk-in tubs hold 50–80 gallons, compared to 30–60 gallons for a standard tub.
Walk-in tubs typically use more water than standard bathtubs, and you may need a large water heater to make sure you don’t run out of hot water before the tub is full. Check with the manufacturer to see what size water heater they recommend for the model you’re interested in.
