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Whether you’re performing a complete bathroom renovation or you’re just in the market for a new tub, buying and installing a new bathtub is a major project for your home.
However, not all bathtubs are the same. Finding the best tub for your needs can depend on several different factors, such as your bathroom setup, design preferences, budget, how tall you are, and more. Tubs can vary significantly in price depending on the type. Smaller portable or alcove tubs can sometimes cost as little as $500-$600, while more high-end tubs can exceed $1,000 or even $1,500. You’ll also need to add in extra cost for installation, unless you plan to DIY it.
To help you narrow down your choices and find the best bathtub for you, we researched the best bathtub models available. Overall, our top choice is the FerdY Acrylic Freestanding Bathtub, which is a freestanding tub that comes in a variety of finish options and has a 15-inch soaking depth. Read our guide below for more of our top picks.
Best Bathtubs: Our Top 7 Picks
- Best Overall: FerdY Acrylic Freestanding Bathtub
- Best Alcove Tub: Kingston Brass Alcove Bathtub
- Best Standard Tub: American Standard Apron Bathtub
- Best Freestanding Tub: WOODBRIDGE Bathtub
- Best Walk-In Tub: Empava Freestanding Walk-In Bathtub
- Best Design: KOHLER K-20201 Alcove Bath
- Best Portable: ELDERFLOWER & BERRIES Portable Bathtub
Compare Top Bathtubs
| Product | Water Capacity | Design Type | Warranty | Weight | Dimensions | ||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| FerdY Acrylic Freestanding Bathtub | 52 gallons | Freestanding | 6-year (structural and surface) | 91 pounds | 55.1 x 28 x 22.8 inches | ||
| Kingston Brass Alcove Bathtub | 58 gallons | Alcove | Lifetime | 95 pounds | 60 x 30.7 x 22.1 inches | ||
| American Standard Apron Bathtub | 48 gallons | Alcove | Lifetime | 96 pounds | 60 x 30 x 19 inches | ||
| WOODBRIDGE Bathtub | 55 gallons | Freestanding | 1-year | 114 pounds | 59 x 32 x 23 inches | ||
| Empava Freestanding Walk-In Bathtub | 94 gallons | Walk-in | 3-year | 160 pounds | 52.5 x 26.5 x 40 inches | ||
| KOHLER K-20201 Alcove Bath | 68 gallons | Alcove | 1-year | 128 pounds | 60 x 30 x 19 inches | ||
| ELDERFLOWER & BERRIES Portable Bathtub | 55 gallons | Portable | Not listed | 23 pounds | 56 x 23 x 23 inches | ||
| Product | Water Capacity | Design Type | Warranty | Weight | Dimensions |
Best Bathtub Overall
FerdY Acrylic Freestanding Bathtub
- $959.99
Prices taken at time of publishing.
Good For: Homeowners looking for a for a freestanding tub with a durable design.
What Are People Saying About the FerdY Acrylic Freestanding Bathtub?
We noticed that those who were happy with this soaking tub said that it was comfortable to sit in and made from sturdy materials. They also mentioned its stylish, modern design. However, unhappy customers found installation to be a challenge, and others said it was hard to get in and out of.
“Very happy with this purchase. I had been wanting a standalone tub for several years, and I assumed I would have to pay a fortune to get one I liked. This one is affordable, lightweight and easy to install. It keeps the water hot/warm for my entire soak. It also stays white and cleans easily. I love it! Highly recommend! I don’t often write reviews but this one really deserved it. Comes in different sizes. Awesome!” — Pam via Amazon
“….Very slippery, small and hard to get out of. I’ll need to buy a gripper mat for it. I do not recommend this tub to anyone over 50. It’s very pretty to look at.” — Renee via Amazon
Best Alcove Bathtub
Kingston Brass Alcove Bathtub
- $599.99
- $829.95
- 28% off
Prices taken at time of publishing.
Good For: Customers seeing a wide-angled alcove tub with left- and right-handed drains.
What Are People Saying About the Kingston Brass Alcove Bathtub?
We found that customers were pleased with how easy to install and comfortable to use this affordable tub was. However, we also noted some users felt that the manufacturer sacrificed durability for this affordability, as the tub didn’t last for them, while others noted a design flaw that caused water to drain unexpectedly.
“Best purchase of my whole, newly remodeled bathroom! This deep soaker is amazing! The clean, straight lines set the tone for all of my purchases for this room. The price was amazing, and my contractor wanted to know where I bought it for future remodels.” — Cecelia Harkins via Amazon
“I will give it three stars. It is a really nice and deep bathtub and easy to install. But like others have noted, it has a very large ledge around it, which is nice, especially since it is a soaking tub. The bad is that the ledge is slightly angled out instead of in where it should be so that water drains. I would give it four or five if it weren’t for this. You need something to dry the ledge after showers, or you will quickly notice mold and other stuff growing cause of sitting water” — Joel via Amazon
Best Standard Bathtub
American Standard Apron Bathtub
- $668.85
Prices taken at time of publishing.
Good For: Homeowners looking for an alcove tub that’s lower to the ground.
What Are People Saying About the American Standard Apron Bathtub?
Overall, we found that customers thought that this alcove bathtub was durable, specifically noting its scratch-resistant finish. Our research also showed displeased customers did struggle to get water to drain from it properly, though.
“Bought this and installed ourselves! Super easy to put in. It is so deep and comfortable! Dream tub for sure!” — Chelsea McMahon via Amazon
“…The front and back short sides are level yet the lip on the long wall side slightly angles towards the wall, causing water to pool against the wall, which would eventually lead to discoloration and mold growth on the tile grout. And yes, this is not an above ground rough in. I had to chisel away concrete in the slab to fit the drain and footline to the waste, and now I have to chisel it all out again. This would have been a great tub if not for a few design issues.” — Junior via Amazon
Best Freestanding Bathtub
WOODBRIDGE Freestanding Bathtub
- $719.99
Prices taken at time of publishing.
Good For: Homeowners seeking a stylish, durable tub that’s big enough for two-person soaking.
What Are People Saying About the WOODBRIDGE Freestanding Bathtub?
Our research showed that customers found this tub to be both easy to install and drain. They also appreciated how helpful and responsive the manufacturer’s customer service team was. However, we also found that some customers received the incorrect finish. Some shorter reviewers found it difficult to climb out of.
“Beautiful tub. Best value on the market. What makes it even better is Woodbridge’s amazing customer service. We broke a part and they replaced it free of charge even though it was our fault. You don’t find too many companies like that anymore. Stick with Woodbridge, you cannot go wrong.” — William Powell via Amazon
“We purchased this for a master bathroom remodel. It’s a lovely addition and was fairly easy to install (I recommend purchasing a freestanding tub rough-in drain kit.. It’s comfortable and drains easily. My only complaint is the height – I’m 5-foot-2, and it’s a bit tall to climb in and out of. I would buy again, though.” — Steph via Amazon
Best Walk-In Bathtub
Empava Freestanding Walk-In Bathtub
- $1,379.99
Prices taken at time of publishing.
Good For: Homeowners seeking a walk-in tub that’s good for those with limited mobility.
What Are People Saying About the Empava Freestanding Walk-In Bathtub?
Customers who left positive reviews of this model said that it was sturdy and easy to install. They also found it to be the perfect solution for those with limited mobility. However, we did note that some customers who left negative reviews said it was prone to leaks.
“Okay, this tub is amazing. The shape is so beautiful and practical. I looked at so many tubs when shopping for this, and almost no other had this beautiful curved shape. Now that it’s installed, I keep noticing how not-pretty the other not-curved tubs are. This one is just gorgeous in my remodeled bathroom. The size is big enough to totally immerse my 5-foot-4 body, it retains heat really well, and the overall footprint is small enough to fit in my space.” — mcz via Amazon
“We’ve had the tub for a couple of months waiting for the remodel and just installed it yesterday. It looks good, but the drain leaks. The tub comes with an ABS coupler and a PVC drain, and we started with the ABS since it matched the drain pipes, but we had no luck with getting a seal that did not leak around the edges of the drain … I would suggest making sure the drain is snug in there before you install the tub because it’s a lot harder to do now that it’s in place.” — Tom S. via Amazon
Best Design
KOHLER K-20201 Alcove Bath
- $1,041
Prices taken at time of publishing.
Good for: Homeowners looking for a well-designed tub that can fit into any bathroom setup.
What Are People Saying About the KOHLER K-20201 Alcove Bath?
We found that customers who gave this bathtub a positive review liked that it had a stylish design and that it was easy to get in and out of. Others appreciated how deep it was, making it good for soaking. However, some customers felt this tub scratched too easily, and others said the acrylic coating was too thin, leading to chipping.
“My kids and I love this tub! It’s a deep soaking tub and it is perfect for my kids and their bath time. The only small detail is that it is slippery when wet. Otherwise, we truly love it!… I can’t wait to take a bath for myself in there as well. Very easy to clean too.” — Jeanette via Amazon
“Chipped after using for one week. Dropped a squeegee. Kohler’s one-year warranty doesn’t cover ‘that,’ even though the coating is the thinnest you could possibly imagine. They also don’t have a repair kit. … If you feel like you need this tub, plan to buy your own repair kit and you’ll definitely need a bath mat, whether you think they are tacky and high maintenance or not.” — flower via Amazon
Best Portable
ELDERFLOWER & BERRIES Portable Bathtub
- $239
Prices taken at time of publishing.
Good for: Customers looking for a portable tub they can bring on the go.
What Are People Saying About the ELDERFLOWER & BERRIES Portable Bathtub?
Several reviewers who gave this product a satisfactory review were impressed with how quickly it set up and collapsed and how easy it was to fill and drain. Others liked that it was deep and comfortable to sit in. However, some found that it was not deep enough for taller people to comfortably sit in, and others felt it was not made with durable parts.
“…My husband recently surprised me with this for my birthday and I didn’t even know something this awesome existed. It’s huge, very roomy. Extremely lightweight [and] easy to fold/unfold. Super easy to fill and drain. Stays warm for a long time. Bubble friendly. Neck cushion is perfect — dish soap holder is sturdy and strong.” — Britt Krohne via Amazon
“My husband is a bather. Our house doesn’t have a bathtub, so I bought this for him to try. He couldn’t put his legs straight in (his inseam is 32”, and he’s 6-foot-2). I tried sitting in it and I fit (5-foot-6), though I will say it’s kind of narrow (my husband said that was okay because it felt like it was “hugging” him). We sent it back because he wasn’t going to be fully comfortable in it. I will say it pops down very fast, though it takes a bit of finagling to get it to collapse again.” — C. Aaron via Amazon
What To Know Before Buying a Bathtub
Before purchasing a new bathtub, several important factors must be considered to ensure that it is a good fit for your specific situation. When researching tubs, start off by considering what type of tub (alcove, drop-in, freestanding, walk-in, or portable). Then, consider the size and capacity of the tub to ensure it fits your needs.
From there, you can further narrow down your options by looking at the weight, drain location, finish, design, and materials. Read our buying guide below for more information on finding the best bathtub for your home.
What are the different types of bathtubs?
The right type of bathtub ensures comfort, durability, functionality, and compatibility with your existing bathroom space. Bathtubs fall into the following categories.
Alcove
Alcove bathtubs fit into an existing space in your bathroom and are enclosed on three sides. They usually have a rectangular shape.
Drop-In
Drop-in tubs are similar to alcove tubs in that they have a rectangular shape. However, they’re only enclosed on one or two sides instead of three.
Freestanding
Freestanding bathtubs are open on all sides, and they usually have an oval shape. These tubs are often deep, making them ideal for soaking. Freestanding models with four legs to elevate the tub are known as clawfoot tubs.
Walk-In
This type of tub has an opening for walking in instead of stepping over the edge. They often have a built-in seat and a rectangular or square shape.
Portable
Portable tubs can be brought with you on the go and are a good fit for small apartments and trailers. They can inflate and deflate or be collapsed in minutes and then stored away when not in use.
How is the capacity of a bathtub measured?
Capacity refers to the amount of water, in gallons, a bathtub can hold before it overflows or begins to drain. Choose a bathtub with a higher capacity to cover your entire body with water.
What should you look for in the drain location of a tub?
Install your bathtub over an existing drain in your bathroom, as this allows the water to drain without pooling. To do that, make sure that you choose a bathtub with a drain on the same side as your floor drain. Manufacturers usually list if the drain is on the left or right side of the tub.
What finishes are bathtubs offered in?
Many bathtubs are offered in a standard white or off-white finish. This is the most common bathtub color. However, you may be able to find a bathtub in the following color finishes:
- Blue
- Green
- Metallic
- Pink
- Purple
- Red
- Yellow
What material are bathtubs made from?
Choose a bathtub material that matches the aesthetics of your bathroom design and doesn’t exceed your floor’s weight limit. While acrylic bathtubs are typically the most affordable, other common materials include:
- Cast iron
- Ceramic
- Copper
- Enameled steel
- Fiberglass
- Porcelain
- Resin
What is the standard size of a bathtub?
Choose a tub that fits in the available space in your bathroom. Standard bathtubs are around 60 inches long and 30 inches wide and generally fit into small spaces. Extended bathtub sizes are suitable for taller users and measure up to 70 inches long.
How much do bathtubs typically weigh?
Bathtubs can range from lightweight plastic models to heavy metal and ceramic models. Add the weight of water to that, and a full tub can weigh anywhere from several hundred to a thousand pounds. Make sure that your bathroom floor can handle the weight of the tub you select. Otherwise, your floor could crack or sag.
Steps for Properly Cleaning a Bathtub
Regular maintenance and upkeep on your tub are important to ensure you’re keeping it in peak condition. Every once in a while, you will also want to give your tub a good deep cleaning. We created the following guide for cleaning your tub that will help you keep it looking like new.
- Gather Supplies: Before you start cleaning, it’s important to gather the necessary supplies. The items you will need to clean your tub properly are a mild bathroom cleaner, a scrub brush or sponge, a non-abrasive cleaning cloth, baking soda, vinegar, rubber gloves, and a spray bottle.
- Remove Items and Debris: Clear the bathtub of any personal items, such as soap dishes, toys, or removable mats. Remove any visible debris or hair from the bathtub surface.
- Pre-Treat Stains: If you have any stubborn stains or soap scum buildup, pre-treat them before cleaning to ensure they will get removed. Create a paste by mixing baking soda with a small amount of water and applying it to the stains. Allow it to sit for 15-20 minutes to loosen the stain.
- Apply the Cleaner Properly: When applying a spray cleaner to your tub, spray it evenly across the entire surface of the tub and ensure that you cover the walls, corners, and hard-to-reach areas.
- Address Grout and Tile: If your bathtub has tile or grout, clean these areas separately. Use a grout brush or an old toothbrush and a mild tile or grout cleaner to scrub the grout lines in your tub. Rinse with water afterward to remove any leftover residue.
- Rinse the Bathtub After Cleaning: After scrubbing, rinse the entire bathtub with warm water. Ensure that all cleaning residue and cleaner are thoroughly washed away. Use a removable showerhead or a bucket to rinse the walls and corners.
- Dry and Polish: Use a non-abrasive cleaning cloth to dry the bathtub and remove any remaining moisture. This helps prevent water spots and streaks, leaving your tub looking clean and shiny.
Bathtub FAQ
Is an acrylic or a porcelain bathtub better?
Acrylic bathtubs are better than porcelain bathtubs because they’re less expensive, easier to install, and weigh less. Additionally, acrylic bathtubs are more resistant to mildew compared to porcelain bathtubs. However, porcelain tubs are more durable, easier to clean, and typically last longer.
Can I install my bathtub by myself?
DIY enthusiasts can install new bathtubs themselves as long as they follow proper procedures, such as wearing work gloves and shutting off the water. However, because bathtubs are heavy and bulky, we recommend enlisting the help of at least one other person to avoid injury when you’re lifting and placing it. If you’re not confident installing it yourself, the cost of installing a bathtub can be anywhere from a few hundred dollars to several thousand dollars, depending on the surrounding material and type of bathtub you’re installing.
How often should I clean my bathtub?
Cleaning your bathtub once per week or so to prevent to help the buildup of grime is recommended.
What do I do if my bathtub develops a crack?
If you see a large crack in your bathtub, it’s probably time to start looking for a new one because cracks can lead to leaking and pooling on the floor. However, if there’s only a small crack or a few chips, you have a couple of other options. You can fix the cracks in a bathtub yourself by refinishing it with a polyurethane coating or glue a vinyl or acrylic liner to its interior.
How We Selected the Best Bathtubs
To provide our readers with the best tub recommendations possible, we rely on several key sources of information to help guide our selection process.
Initial Research: Our research process began by generating a list of tubs with a significant number of verified-buyer reviews and an average customer review rating of 4–5 stars. We looked at positive and negative reviews alike, focusing on information from both satisfied and critical buyers.
Expert Insights: Through our years of experience, we’ve learned that listening to what others have to say is key to building accurate, well-rounded articles. To complement our in-house expertise, our team looked at reviews and videos from trusted publications and independent testers, spoke with subject matter experts, and drew insights from reader contributions.
Final Product Selection: We then began fine-tuning our list by replacing older models with the latest versions and eliminating any discontinued models. From there, we pared the list down further by comparing each model’s feature set and selecting the best-in-class options for a variety of buyers, budgets, and scenarios.
Why You Can Trust Us
This Old House has empowered homeowners and DIY-ers for more than four decades with top-notch home improvement advice in the form of television programs, print media, and digital content.
Our team focuses on creating in-depth product and service review content. To date, we’ve published over 1,600 reviews on products in the home improvement space, from ceiling fans and floor coating to doorbell cameras and garage door openers.
Once we conclude our research, we craft a comprehensive, user-friendly article of recommended products and additional information to help our readers make the right purchase.
Questions or Comments?
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