The Best Walk-In Tub Shower Combos of 2026: Reviewed
We reviewed the best walk-in tub shower combinations for safety, comfort, and cost. Here’s what we learned.
- Ella’s Bubbles is our top-rated walk-in tub and shower combination, known for its affordability, design options, and safety features.
- The prices of the walk-in tub shower combos we reviewed in this article start at around $3,000, not including installation. With installation, costs can be as high as $17,000 or more.
- Key features of the walk-in tub and shower combos we reviewed include low-entry thresholds, non-slip surfaces, and therapeutic hydro jets.
- A walk-in tub shower combo could be a good option for older adults with limited mobility or those at greater risk of falling.
NCOA supports everyone’s right to age well. So we take the time to research, test, and recommend products that can help you live a healthier life. We’ve spent hundreds of hours researching and testing walk-in tubs to give you the most accurate product reviews. To find the best walk-in tubs, we:
- Consulted with mobility specialists including gerontologists, physical therapists, and primary care doctors for guidance on choosing the best walk-in tub
- Mystery-shopped five brands by scheduling five free, in-home consultations
- Surveyed more than 500 older adults on their experience using a mobility product like a walk-in tub
- Held a focus group with five older adults who use mobility products like walk-in tubs
- Interviewed experts on the importance of mobility, independence, and aging in place for older adults
- Read thousands of verified customer reviews
Read more about our mobility products review methodology.
For older adults aging in place, home safety modifications like walk-in tub shower combinations can reduce the risk of falling while supporting independence. The best walk-in tub and shower combinations offer a hybrid solution. They combine the safety and accessibility of a walk-in tub with the flexibility of a traditional shower.
In this article, we review and compare top walk-in tub shower brands, including Ella’s Bubbles, Safe Step, and Kohler. While Ella’s Bubbles came out on top, we recommend Safe Step for affordability and Kohler as a luxury option. Keep reading to discover the highlights and drawbacks of each brand and find out which one might be best for your needs.
Ella’s Bubbles
- Wide variety of models and sizes
- Free tours of their virtual showroom
- Excellent customer service
Best walk-in tubs in 2026
- Ella’s Bubbles: Best Overall
- Safe Step: Most Affordable
- Kohler: Best Luxury
Comparing the best walk-in tub shower combinations
| Comparison Features | |||
|---|---|---|---|
| Score (Out of 10) | 9.9 |
9.7 |
9.6 |
| Best for | Bariatric and wheelchair needs |
Those on a budget |
Hydrotherapy and luxury options |
| Standout feature | Big variety of sizes and models |
Lifetime warranty |
Luxury options, like marble walls |
| ADA compliant | Yes |
Yes |
Yes |
| Lowest threshold height (inches) | 3 |
4 |
3 |
| Warranty | Limited Lifetime (No Installation Warranty) |
Lifetime (Including Installation) |
Limited Lifetime (Including Installation) |
| Financing | Yes |
Yes |
Yes |
What we look for in the best walk-in tub shower combinations
Of all home falls, bathroom falls are most likely to result in injury.1 So walk-in tub shower combinations with proven safety features are important. Here’s what we look for in the best walk-in tub shower combos:
Safety features
The best walk-in tub shower combinations offer a variety of safety features to help prevent falls and keep users safe. Look for the following key features:
- Low step-in thresholds (3–7 inches)
- Built-in grab bars
- Leak-proof doors
- Anti-scald technology
- Quick drainage
Low threshold height
Most walk-in tubs have a threshold of 3–7 inches, but even a 7-inch step can be too high for people with severe arthritis, muscle weakness, or other mobility issues. The experts we spoke to agree: The lower the threshold height, the better. The walk-in tub and shower combos in this review have a threshold height of 3–4 inches.
“My tub is … 24 inches that I'd have to step over. And so that's why I don't get into that shower, because it's so high and I might slip. And I have fallen a few times. Fortunately, [I haven't] broken anything, but I'm not going to risk it anymore.”
—NCOA mobility focus group participant2
Warranty
Bathroom modifications can be expensive; it’s important to protect your investment by seeking a good warranty for your walk-in tub and shower combination. Look for a brand that offers a limited lifetime warranty on both the major components (tub shell, door seal, faucets) and the miscellaneous hardware (jets, water pumps, blowers, heaters, etc.). Before making a purchase, talk to your salesperson about the kind of warranty offered. Some manufacturers offer a warranty on both the product and the installation, while others only offer warranties on the product itself.
Therapeutic features
Many walk-in tub brands offer therapeutic features, like water and air jets, aromatherapy, color therapy, and more. While these features can provide deeper relaxation and potential pain relief, they may add to the overall cost of your walk-in tub shower combo.3
“I love baths and the previous tub was difficult to get out of. The new walk-in tub is easy to get in and out [of] plus has jets, which [are] good for my joints.”
—Respondent to our July 2025 mobility survey4
Expert installation
In most cases, installing a walk-in tub shower combination means making changes to an existing bathroom, which can require plumbing, carpentry, and electrical updates. Because not all of the walk-in tub and shower brands we recommend include installation by the manufacturer, you may need to hire an independent contractor. Ask the manufacturer for installer referrals, and, whenever possible, make sure the work is insured.
Affordability
The cost of walk-in tub shower combos ranges from $3,000–$10,000 before installation, which is typically more expensive than the cost of a walk-in tub alone. Our list features brands with high-quality construction and low starting costs to help those on a budget find the best option for their needs.
Ella’s Bubbles: Best Walk-in Tub Shower Combination Overall
We picked Ella’s Bubbles as the best overall walk-in tub shower combination for its wide variety of options, including affordable models and models for couples. While Koehler and Safe Step both offer a single walk-in shower and tub combination, Ella’s Bubbles offers six model types with dozens of design options for each. And we like that any Ella’s Bubbles tub can be converted to a walk-in tub shower combo using the brand’s shower kits, panels, and wall tile options.
- Learn more in our Ella's Bubbles review
- Standout feature: Most design options of any brand we tested
- Scored highest in our testing
- Excellent customer service and positive sales experience
- Tub type(s): Stainless Steel Door, U-Shape Outswing Door, L-Shape Outswing Door, Inward Swing Door, Lie-Dow, and Two-Seat
- Threshold height: 3–6 inches, depending on model
- ADA compliant: Yes
Pros
- Wide variety of models
- Great customer service
- High water capacity
- Virtual demonstrations available
Cons
- Installation not offered
- Limited lifetime warranty on tub only
- Tubs come fully assembled, so may not fit in all homes
Why we chose Ella’s Bubbles as the Best Walk-in Tub Shower Overall
Ella’s Bubbles, also our top pick for the best walk-in tub, earns our top spot for walk-in tub shower combination for its wide range of tub styles, affordable starting prices, and supportive customer service team. The company offers six different models—Stainless Steel Door, U-Shape Outswing Door, L-Shape Outswing Door, Inward Swing Door, Lie-Down, and Two-Seat. From budget-friendly options to bariatric designs to side-by-side seating for couples, Ella’s Bubbles offers flexible choices that can be converted into walk-in tub shower combos using the brand’s shower kits, wall panels, or tile systems. Many buyers also report working with knowledgeable salespeople who didn’t make them feel pressured to make a purchase.
Ella’s Bubbles walk-in tub shower combos may be a good fit for those who want a unique tub style and value a no-pressure sales process. But Ella’s Bubbles doesn’t offer installation. The company will provide you with a list of preferred contractors, but you may want to consider other options if you prefer a company that installs its own tubs. While this may be a negative for some, keep in mind that hiring a local contractor for installation allows you to cost-compare.
Our testing experience with Ella’s Bubbles was largely positive, especially during the sales and consultation process. The sales representative we worked with was knowledgeable, patient, and never pushy. Our tester, who was seeking a tub to be installed at his parents’ house, felt the representative took the time to understand his space constraints and the size and mobility needs of his parents before narrowing down more than 20 tub options to two models suited for their needs. The chosen models were acrylic tubs with extra-large wheelchair-friendly doors for transfer access and a U-shaped door design. Both featured oversized seating, beneficial for a taller, higher-weight person.
While Ella’s Bubbles does not handle installation directly, the company was transparent about the process. They encouraged our tester to choose a contractor they felt comfortable with and remained available to answer installer questions. We also appreciated the pricing flexibility of this approach, as it allows you to work with the contractor of your choice. Although we weren’t able to test the tub in person, the team offered a video walkthrough from their Chicago warehouse using a person with similar proportions to our tester’s larger parent to assess fit. Overall, the experience felt supportive and informative, and we liked that the company offers design variety and accessibility features—particularly for wheelchair users.
Read more in our Ella’s Bubbles review.
Overall, I had a great sales experience. The sales rep was not pushy and answered all my questions in great detail. He seemed very knowledgeable and confident in the product, which put me at ease. We talked about my goals for having the tub and I told him my parents' size and stature, with my dad being the deciding factor in the size of the tub. He narrowed down the options to two tubs … They followed up twice after our call with the options they sent over and were not aggressive in their approach."
—An Ella’s Bubbles tester
The Ella’s Bubbles customer experience
Warranty and payment options:
- Warranty: Limited lifetime warranty on tub only, covering defects in workmanship and materials under normal use; warranty does not cover installation.
- Financing: Yes
- Returns: 30-day return period, but no trial period
You can contact Ella’s Bubbles customer service in the following ways:
- Phone: 800-480-6850, Monday through Friday
- Email: info@ellasbubbles.com
- Live chat: Available on the website
Safe Step: Most Affordable Walk-In Tub Shower Combination
We chose Safe Step as the most affordable walk-in tub shower combination because it offers a low starting cost and a lifetime warranty covering both the product and the installation. We also like that financing is available through the company.
- Standout feature: Lowest overall price
- Lifetime warranty on tub and installation
- Many customizable options
- Tub type: Inward Swing Door
- Threshold height: 4 inches
- ADA compliant: Yes
Pros
- More affordable than other brands
- Lifetime warranty covers tub and installation
- Several design options and therapeutic add-ons
- Financing available through the company
Cons
- Only one step-in tub shower combo available
- Some people may need or prefer an outward-swinging door
Why we chose Safe Step as the Most Affordable Walk-in Tub Shower Combination
We chose Safe Step as the most affordable walk-in tub and shower combination because of everything the company provides for the price. While it isn’t always the lowest-priced option upfront, depending on the model and features you choose, Safe Step includes a lifetime warranty covering both the product and the installation, which can reduce unexpected expenses over time. Financing is available directly through the company, making the investment more manageable for households planning accessibility upgrades.
Safe Step’s design promotes safety and ease of use, with features intended to support older adults and those with limited mobility. A low entry threshold, slip-resistant flooring, and built-in grab bars help reduce falls risk. And comfort features like a heated seat and backrest, an easy-to-use locking handle, and a handheld shower wand make daily bathing more comfortable. Our tester noted the sales experience felt thorough rather than rushed.
Our testing experience with Safe Step
Our testing experience with Safe Step was positive—we found the sales team to be helpful and easy to talk to. The walk-in tub and shower combination provides function and durability. The company is transparent about its Tennessee-based manufacturing process, sharing videos showing how the tub's acrylic frame is reinforced with a welded metal frame. During the initial consultation, the sales representative completed detailed in-home measurements and provided a scaled bathroom drawing, showing how the 58″ x 29″ tub would fit into the space. They also offer two other sizes.
Safe Step’s attention to accessibility is evident in features like slip-resistant flooring and ergonomically placed interior grab bars. The tub, which is Arthritis Foundation approved, has controls designed for users with arthritis. Optional additions, including exterior grab bars, a higher seat, adjustable jets, heated seating, and wellness features like chromotherapy (also called color therapy), allow for customization without compromising usability. Although we didn’t test the tub in person, the sales process was notably thorough and low-pressure. Our tester especially liked that the company handled installation from start to finish, and that both the sales and installation staff had been with the company for several years. The product quality, detailed planning, and lifetime warranty show this company focuses on long-term reliability rather than short-term sales.
They handle the entire sales and installation process and don't contract it out to another business. Their installer has worked for them for 20 years and so has my sales rep. He mentioned they would have to remove the door and casing to get it in place, but they would handle the entire process.”
—A Safe Step tester
The Safe Step customer experience
Warranty and payment options:
- Warranty: Lifetime warranty on both product and installation.
- Financing: Yes
- Returns: Some, but not all, products are eligible for return; no trial period
You can contact Safe Step customer service in the following ways:
- Phone: Call 800-989-5101 for service questions; 888-672-0466 for sales
- Email: No direct email address, but you can fill out a contact form on their website’s contact page
- Live chat: Available on the website
Kohler: Best Luxury Walk-In Tub Shower Combination
Due to its high-end finishes and luxurious add-ons, Kohler stands out as the best luxury option for walk-in tub shower combinations. Kohler’s walk-in tubs are modern and sleek while still maintaining high safety standards and ADA compliance.
- Standout feature: Luxury design options
- Fits footprint of a standard tub for easier installation
- Long-standing, reputable company
- Tub type: Inward Swing Door
- Threshold height: 3 inches
- ADA compliant: Yes
Pros
- Luxury customizations available
- Low step-in threshold
- Limited lifetime warranty includes installation
Cons
- Most expensive option on our list
- Only one step-in tub and shower combo available
- Some people may need or prefer an outward-swinging door
Why we chose Kohler as the Best Luxury Walk-In Tub Shower Combo
Kohler pairs high-end design with accessibility. The Kohler shower package, which can be added to the Kohler walk-in tub, includes a sleek, frameless bath screen and a gooseneck shower arm and showerhead available in multiple styles and finishes. We like the clean, modern look of Kohler designs and appreciate the inclusion of ADA-compliant features, like a low, 3-inch step-in threshold.
Attention to customization and special finishes, like marble walls and heated backrests, are what set Kohler apart as a luxury brand. Each tub is tailored through an in-home consultation, and the company makes an effort to integrate the design seamlessly into the existing bathroom.
Our testing experience with Kohler
Our testing experience with Kohler was mixed. While the company offers luxury finishes, they have just one walk-in tub design, featuring a wide U-shaped door, a low threshold, and lots of comfort features, like adjustable hydrotherapy jets and a heated backrest. For someone seeking a streamlined sales process and a premium product, Kohler’s single high-end tub may meet expectations.
While the sales experience was positive overall, it did leave a few gaps. Scheduling was prompt, and the in-home visit felt low-pressure, but the representative wasn’t able to answer basic questions about dimensions, materials, and installation details. To our tester, the quote and presentation felt a little informal for the high-priced product. Though the Kohler name suggests reliability, our tester had unanswered questions at the end of the sales process. Still, Kohler does offer high-end finishes not available from other brands, like multiple bath wall colors and designs. And their single-model approach might appeal to people who don’t want too much to choose from.
The Kohler customer experience
Warranty and payment options:
- Warranty: Limited lifetime warranty on both product and installation.
- Financing: Yes
- Returns: Items may be returned for a refund within 90 days of purchase; no trial period.
You can contact Kohler customer service in the following ways:
- Phone: Call 800-456-4537, Monday through Friday
- Email: No direct email address, but you can fill out a contact form on the website’s contact page
- Live chat: Available on the website
Walk-in tub shower combinations that didn’t make the cut
Not every walk-in tub we tested made it into our review. Our recommendations are brands we had an overall positive sales experience with and those known for high-quality products. In some cases, our interactions with a brand were so unsatisfactory that we chose not to include them in our final recommendations.
Independent Home
We don’t recommend Independent Home for walk-in tubs or walk-in tub shower combos based on a poor sales experience for our tester. The company was overly pushy during scheduling, insisted all “decision makers” be present, and made repeated incorrect assumptions about our tester’s marital status and who should be involved with financial decisions. Despite multiple confirmation calls, no one from the company showed up for the scheduled appointment, and there was no follow-up or explanation. The lack of professionalism and respect ultimately led us to exclude the brand from our recommendations.
How do walk-in tub showers work?
A walk-in tub shower combination is a hybrid product aimed at providing safer bathing access for older adults and people with disabilities or mobility issues. It’s a walk-in tub with a watertight door, low step-in height, and a built-in seat with the addition of a shower head and, sometimes, a shower enclosure. The watertight door built into the side of the tub, which swings out or in depending on your needs, closes and locks, allowing the user to fill the tub while seated. With a walk-in tub shower combo, you can stand or sit on the built-in seat to shower.
Benefits of choosing a walk-in tub shower combo:
If you’re considering making accessibility modifications to your home, either to age in place or to support mobility issues, a walk-in tub shower combo could be a great option. Here are the potential benefits of a combination walk-in tub and shower:
- Safer access: A low-threshold entry—between 3–4 inches—can reduce the risk of falling when getting in and out of the tub.
- Flexibility: Choose between a seated bath or a standing shower depending on your comfort and daily needs.
- Added comfort and therapy elements: Many walk-in tub shower combos offer therapeutic elements like hydro or air jets, chromotherapy, and heated seats or backrests, all of which can be beneficial for relaxation and joint pain.
- Efficiency: For people with smaller bathrooms, a walk-in tub shower combo may be a more efficient use of space than a separate tub and shower.
What to consider when buying a walk-in tub shower combo
A walk-in tub shower combo is a big investment and may require home modifications. Before you buy, make sure you factor in cost and long-term usability. Here’s what to consider before you buy a walk-in tub shower combo:
- Mobility and safety needs: If safety and ease of access are a priority, look for models with the lowest possible step-in threshold, anti-slip surfaces, built-in seats, and grab bars. “Built-in grab bars are critical, since you can’t add them securely later and the tub’s size makes wall-mounted bars hard to place within safe reach,” said Brandy Archie, OTD/L, CEO and co-founder of AskSAMIE in Kansas City, Missouri. Many older adults with mobility issues struggle with stepping over an interior ledge, even a low one like the ones in walk-in tubs, according to Archie. Know the specifics of your or your family member’s mobility issues before you invest in a tub. “Choose features that help reduce long-term risk as mobility changes,” Archie said. Also, if wheelchair transfers are needed now or in the future, a swing-out door is essential, according to Archie.
- Bathroom layout and space constraints: If you’re replacing an existing tub or shower and want minimal remodeling, choose a walk-in tub and shower combo designed to fit standard tub footprints, like Kohler and many Ella’s Bubbles models.
- Therapy and comfort features: One of the benefits of a soaking tub is added comfort and relaxation. Warm water baths can even help ease pain and increase functional capacity for people with arthritis.5 Many walk-in tub models come with additional therapeutic elements like hydro or air jets and heated seats.
- Installation and budget: Installation plays a major role in the overall cost of a walk-in tub shower combo. Some manufacturers, like Safe Step, include installation with a lifetime warranty, while others, such as Ella’s Bubbles, require the homeowner to hire their own contractor. Installation complexity can vary and may involve plumbing or structural modifications, which can affect both cost and timeline. If a walk-in tub isn’t feasible due to budget or installation constraints, Archie notes alternative options: “A low- or no-threshold walk-in shower paired with a shower chair is adaptable across all ability levels,” she said. “For those who love a good soak, an automatic bath lift can provide the same experience at a fraction of the cost—using the tub they already have.”
How much do the best walk-in tub shower combinations cost?
How much you pay for a walk-in tub shower combination will vary based on the brand, the tub’s features, and the complexity of installation. Because walk-in tubs are custom-fitted to your bathroom, overall cost will vary widely, ranging from $3,000 to $17,000 with installation.
| Comparison Features | Ella’s Bubbles |
Safe Step |
Kohler |
|---|---|---|---|
| Starting cost without installation | $3,950 |
$3,000 |
$4,000 |
| Financing available through manufacturer? | Yes |
Yes |
Yes |
| Warranty | Limited lifetime warranty on tub only |
Lifetime warranty on tub and installation |
Limited lifetime warranty on tub and installation |
| Installation offered by manufacturer? | No |
Yes |
Yes |
How to save money on walk-in tub-shower combinations
If the cost of a walk-in tub shower combination is a concern, look for discounts, manufacturer deals, and financing options. While insurance typically does not cover the cost of a walk-in tub, you may be eligible for help with home modifications. Here are some ways to save money on your walk-in tub shower combination:
- Look into insurance coverage. In most cases, insurance will not cover the cost of a walk-in tub, but there could be exceptions. If you have Medicaid, apply for Medicaid Home and Community Based Services (HCBS) to find out if you qualify for partial coverage. In cases when a walk-in tub is deemed medically necessary, Medicare may also help cover the cost. Find out more in our article about Medicare coverage for walk-in tubs.
- Shop for discounts. Many walk-in tub brands offer deals on holidays like Presidents Day and Black Friday. Many manufacturers, like Ella’s Bubbles, also have warehouse clearance sales, with returned and open-box tubs at discounted prices.
- Check for grant eligibility or other assistance options. For example, Rural Repair and Rehabilitation grants and loans can help people with limited income who don’t qualify for other financing with home upgrades and modifications.
For more information, visit NCOA’s BenefitsCheckUp® to read more about how much walk-in tubs cost.
Where to buy a walk-in tub shower combo
A walk-in tub shower combination can be purchased directly from a manufacturer, like Ella’s Bubbles, Safe Step, or Kohler, or through a home improvement store, like Home Depot or Lowes. If you don’t live near the showroom of a preferred manufacturer, it could be helpful to visit your local home improvement store to see models in person. Keep in mind that home improvement store employees may not be knowledgeable enough about walk-in tubs to thoroughly answer your questions. Buying directly from the manufacturer is often a smoother experience, offering brand-certified installers and more tailored support.
Walk-in tub shower combination warranties
Most walk-in tub shower combinations offer warranties to protect the product, including manufacturing defects in the shell, frame, or electrical components, like the pump or controls. Some brands also guarantee the installation of the tub. The length of these warranties will vary, with some brands offering lifetime warranties and others offering limited lifetime warranties. Be sure to read the fine print and consult with your sales representative. The best warranty on this list comes from Safe Step, which offers a lifetime warranty on both the tub and the installation.
Frequently asked questions
Does Medicare pay for a walk-in tub shower combination?
No, Medicare typically does not cover the cost of a walk-in tub shower combo. In cases when a walk-in tub is considered medically necessary by a health care professional, Medicare may partially cover certain home modifications, which may include a walk-in tub.
What is the best walk-in tub shower combo?
The best walk-in tub shower combo depends on your unique needs. Ella’s Bubbles and Safe Step both offer a high-quality product at a more affordable price; Kohler is more expensive but offers luxury finishes and add-ons, like marble walls and heated backrests.
What is the cost of a walk-in tub with a shower?
Before installation, walk-in tub shower combos start around $3,000. With installation, costs can be as high as $17,000, depending on customizations.
Questions? Email us at reviewsteam@ncoa.org.