5 Best Bathtubs (2023 Guide)

Whether you’re performing a complete bathroom renovation or you’re just in the market for a new tub, our team has evaluated the best bathtubs to help you find the ideal fit for your home.

In this review, we’ll provide our top recommended models, discuss various tub types and factors to consider when choosing a bathtub, cover optional features, and answer some frequently asked questions.

Top 5 Bathtubs

• 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 Bathtub Overall

Pros and Cons

✔ Made from acrylic that’s reinforced with fiberglass for long-lasting durability
✔ Has a high load capacity of 1,750 pounds
✔ Comes with a drain that you can purchase in different finishes

✘ May be difficult for people with limited mobility to climb into
✘ Has a 6-year surface warranty that doesn’t cover scratches

What Customers Are Saying

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.

Best Alcove Bathtub

Pros and Cons

✔ Has a tile flange and apron
✔ Can choose a left- or right-facing drain
✔ Can stretch your legs out

✘ Doesn’t include a drain kit
✘ Fits only in a 60-by-30-inch cutout

What Customers Are Saying

Customers we found 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.

Best Standard Bathtub

Pros and Cons

✔ Features contoured lumbar support
✔ Compatible with universal and deep-soak drains
✔ Has a pre-leveled bottom for easier DIY installation

✘ Doesn’t have a left drain option
✘ Not the best for soaking because it’s only 18 inches deep

What Customers Are Saying

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.

Best Freestanding Bathtub

Pros and Cons

✔ Offers one- or two-person bathing
✔ Uses a double-walled design to keep the water at your desired temperature
✔ Comes with matching drain and overflow hardware

✘ Comes with a short 1-year warranty
✘ May not fit in small bathrooms

What Customers Are Saying

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. Others said that it cracked easily.

Best Walk-In Bathtub

Pros and Cons

✔ Can latch the door once you’re inside
✔ Has a textured floor to prevent slipping
✔ Include a pre-installed faucet and additional hardware

✘ Has extra features that bring up its price
✘ Weighs 160 pounds without water in it

What Customers Are Saying

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.

Bathtub Buying Guide

This buying guide will help you identify the most important factors to consider before you select your ideal soaking bathtub to relax in.

Bathtub Types

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 in. They often have a built-in seat and a rectangular or square shape.

Capacity

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.

Drain Location

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.

Finish

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 finish:

• Blue
• Green
• Metallic
• Pink
• Purple
• Red
• Yellow

Material Composition

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

Size

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.

Weight

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. 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 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.

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 refinish 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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