Our Top Pick

Ella’s Bubbles

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• Most models to choose from
• Free, personal virtual tours of showroom

• Highest water capacity

American Standard

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• Most jets of any tub we tested
• Lifetime warranty on tub and installation

• Strategic jet placement helps ease pain

Safe Step

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• Lowest price on this list
• Great warranty terms

• Free extra grab bar and extra-tall toilet

One of the best ways to help reduce falls in the home and age in place is through home safety modifications, like replacing your traditional bathtub with a walk-in version. Walk-in tubs have lower thresholds so you don’t have to step as high to get into them. This can result in fewer falls and injuries compared to traditional bathtubs and allows for safer entry and exit. Many walk-in tubs come in wheelchair-accessible and bariatric versions (made for higher-weight and taller people). When we surveyed 600 people with mobility issues, 65% said they chose to install home modifications like walk-in tubs to increase their safety and prevent falls.¹

In our review of the best walk-in tubs, we highlight different features, outline the benefits and drawbacks of each brand, and explain how to find the right walk-in tub for you.

Best walk-in tubs in 2025

• Ella’s Bubbles: Best Overall
• American Standard: Best Comfort Features
• Safe Step: Best for Seniors
• Kohler: Best Luxury

Comparing the best walk-in tubs

*Wheelchair-accessible tubs have a “roll-in threshold,” which is an ultra-low barrier (up to 0.5″ high) that lets a wheelchair pass over with little to no resistance. 

What we look for in the best walk-in tubs

We looked for the following features when choosing the best walk-in tubs:

Safety features

Safety features, like grab bars and floors with no-slip grip, can make it easier to get in and out of the tub. These features are especially important because about half of all falls in older adults occur in the home.²

Low threshold height

A low threshold height makes it easier to step in and out of the tub without having to lift your foot high and risk falling. The average tub threshold height is between 14–20 inches (″), based on our research. We looked for walk-in tubs with threshold heights of 3″ or less.

Good warranty

A good warranty helps cover any damage or wear and tear across the tub’s lifetime to save you money on repairs and give you peace of mind. We looked for companies that offered warranties on both the tub and the installation. Learn more in our article about how much walk-in tubs cost.

Expert installation

Some manufacturers offer installation services through their own company instead of requiring you to find a local contractor or use a big-box store like Home Depot. We think using a manufacturer’s installation services is best because those professionals have more experience installing that specific tub. This helps reduce the chances of damage or incorrect installation.

Ella’s Bubbles: Best Walk-In Tub Overall

We chose Ella’s Bubbles as our Best Walk-In Tub Overall because they offer the most model options out of any of the companies we tested (six compared to one to two), including wheelchair-accessible and bariatric tubs built for higher-weight or taller people. It earned the highest score of all the walk-in tub companies we tested. Ella’s Bubbles also offers free personal, virtual tours of their different tubs, making it easier to see models if you don’t live near a showroom.

Ella’s Bubbles

Best Walk-In Tub Overall

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• Free virtual tours of the tubs available
• Highest water capacity of any tub we tested

• Standout feature: Six different models to choose from (compared to one to two from other companies)

Ella’s Bubbles Walk-In Tub features

• Tub types: Walk-in tub, hybrid shower, wheelchair-accessible, bariatric
• Lowest (non-wheelchair tub) threshold height: 3 inches (″)
• Max. weight capacity: No set weight capacity
• ADA compliant: Yes

Why we chose Ella’s Bubbles as the Best Walk-In Tub Overall

We chose Ella’s Bubbles as the Best Walk-In Tub Overall because they earned a near-perfect 9.9/10 for their tubs’ variety, comfort features, and accessibility. From walk-in tubs, hybrid showers, wheelchair-accessible tubs, and tubs made for people more than 7 feet tall, they offer the widest range of tub models on this list. When we say “model,” we mean Ella’s Bubbles offers six completely distinct types of tubs. Some are two-seaters, some are made for lying down, etc. Other companies we tested had many slight variations of the same one or two models—one that opens inward, another with the door on the left of the tub, etc. But Ella’s six models were all completely different from each other.

Ella’s Bubbles tubs also include features such as air and hydro jets, fast fill, and quick drain. At 100 gallons, they have the highest water capacity out of any tubs we tested (the next highest was Kohler at 85 gallons). This also makes Ella’s Bubbles the largest tubs on this list.

We love the option to have a free one-on-one live video call to see models in action. During that call, a team member from Ella’s Bubbles walks you through the showroom and demonstrates each model for you. Some models are even working and filled with water so you can see how the jets and other features operate. That’s a nice difference from normal showrooms that usually just show non-working models. Ella’s Bubbles will also show you how to take your measurements during the call to help you find the right size. This one-on-one approach is unique in the industry.

Ella’s Bubbles pros and cons

Our testing experience with Ella’s Bubbles Walk-In Tubs

When we called Ella’s Bubbles to discuss their walk-in tubs, our testers were impressed by the helpful and friendly staff. “Overall, I had a great sales experience,” said one tester. “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 also liked how many tub varieties Ella’s Bubbles offers. “I really love all the different design options for this company,” one tester said. “We started with 20+ options (from six main models) and narrowed it down to two based on my needs.” The other companies on this list only offer one to two main models (that you can customize with things like the number of jets and which way the door swings). But Ella’s Bubbles has six completely different models you can choose from. 

Like the other companies on this list, Ella’s Bubbles has an extra-low 3″ threshold, slip-resistant grippy floors, and grab bars for extra safety. The tubs come in a variety of sizes, including two-seaters or ones that are extra tall. Other companies on this list make bariatric walk-in tubs (for higher-weight people), but no others make two-seater tubs or tubs for extra-tall people (more than 7 feet tall). 

Ella’s Bubbles also features a quick drain system (using a unique two-drain design) that typically empties the tub in 80–200 seconds. This is especially fast compared to the average of 5–15 minutes we’ve seen in our research. Fast-drain features are helpful for walk-in tubs, since you need to wait until the water empties to open the door. 

It’s worth noting that Ella’s Bubbles walk-in tubs have a maximum of 34 jets, which is average. Jets spray water or air to help soothe muscles and offer hydrotherapy. American Standard has the most on this list at 44. Typically, the more jets the tub has, the more targeted relief you can feel.

The biggest drawback of Ella’s Bubbles is that they don’t offer installation. Instead, they recommend contractors in your area. “They said they could suggest contractors, but to go with someone we felt confident or comfortable with,” one tester said. “They would work to answer any of their questions, but they do not schedule or assist with construction.” If you’re not comfortable coordinating the installation on your own, you may want to consider a company like American Standard, which includes installation as part of its service. Plus, Ella’s Bubbles tubs come fully assembled, so you’ll want to double-check that the tub you ordered will fit through your home’s doors. This is especially important for people who live in mobile homes, which tend to have narrower doorways.

The Ella’s Bubbles customer experience

• Warranty: Limited lifetime on tub only
• Financing: Yes
• Returns: 30-day return policy

Customer service

You can contact Ella’s Bubbles customer service by:

• Phone: 800-480-6850, Monday through Friday from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. CT
• Email: info@ellasbubbles.com
• Live chat: Available on the website
• Online form: Available on the website

American Standard: Best Walk-In Tub Comfort Features

We chose American Standard for the Best Walk-In Tub Comfort Features because it earned the highest comfort score (9.3/10) of any walk-in tub we tested. A big reason: American Standard offers the most jets on this list (44, with Ella’s Bubbles coming in next with 34). Not only do they have the most jets, but they also place them in strategic locations to help soothe common pressure points and reduce chronic pain. American Standard is a great option if you have joint issues or want a tub that provides a comforting, therapeutic experience.

American Standard

Best Walk-In Tub Comfort Features

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• Soothing features like aromatherapy and chromotherapy
• Highest comfort score on this list

• Standout feature: 44 jets (most of any brand we tested)

American Standard Walk-In Tub features

• Tub types: Soaking, wheelchair-accessible, whirlpool, bariatric
• Lowest (non-wheelchair tub) threshold height: 3″
• Max. weight capacity: 600 lbs
• ADA compliant: Yes

Why we chose American Standard as the Best Comfort Features

We chose American Standard as the Best Walk-in Tub for Comfort Features because it earned the highest comfort score among all the brands we tested. No other company had as many comfort features (like aromatherapy, chromatherapy, and jets that shoot out air and water). American Standard has 44 jets in strategic places to help relieve pressure in your joints—and studies have shown that hydrotherapy can be effective at reducing chronic pain.³ 

American Standard pros and cons

Our testing experience with American Standard Walk-In Tubs

When we tested American Standard’s tub, the salesman came to our tester’s house to give them a presentation. This is the typical way you would learn about these tubs if you don’t live near a showroom. You can also possibly see samples in person at a local big-box store like Home Depot or Lowe’s, but you won’t be speaking to a representative of the company.

“I had a great sales experience with American Standard,” one tester said.”They came to my home, and in the days leading up to it sent me reminder texts and even a reminder call the day before. They were friendly, professional, knowledgeable, and didn't press me for a sale.”

Where American Standard really shines is in their comfort features. They offer a wide range of add-ons, such as chromotherapy (choosing different colors of lights) and aromatherapy (choosing different smells). Chromotherapy, which uses different colors to help promote well-being, has been shown to improve the cognitive ability of older adults.⁴ It has also been shown to reduce chronic pain intensity and frequency. Also, research has shown that aromatherapy can have a positive impact on older adults’ physical and mental health.⁵

American Standard has the highest number of jets on this list at 44, compared to the next highest number of 34 (Ella’s Bubbles). Not only does American Standard have the most jets, but we like where those jets are placed. Other companies have fewer jets, and they’re typically placed on the back. American Standard has jets in the usual locations, but also in less-common places like the floor to provide foot relief, and next to the seat/on an armrest to help soothe joints like your elbows or wrists. 

“I love baths and my previous tub was difficult to get out of,” said one respondent to our July 2025 survey of people with mobility issues. “My new walk-in tub is easy to get in and out, and it has jets which are great for my joints,” they said.¹ Another respondent shared how they’ve been able to reduce pain with the help of their walk-in tub. “I take my daily Epsom salt soaks in my walk-in tub at the end of the day,” they said. “It has really reduced my discomfort and inflammation.”

Testers thought it was clear who could benefit from an American Standard walk-in tub. “I'd recommend this walk-in tub to anybody who's looking for the therapeutic and pain-relieving effects of a walk-in tub,” one tester said.

American Standard also features several patented innovations, including an air purge that blasts air through the pipes to clean them and remove bacterial growth. This helps to keep the tub cleaner, a nice benefit if you have mobility issues that make cleaning more difficult. Kohler and Ella’s Bubbles also have this feature.

Unlike Ella’s Bubbles, which has a large variety of models, American Standard only has one (the Liberation tub). You can choose between a lot of different features, or whether the tub is made from acrylic or gelcoat, but you can only choose from two colors. If you are looking for a walk-in tub with a variety of design options, Kohler might be a better choice.

If you have chronic pain issues, switching your mattress may help. See our review of the best mattresses and these others for ways a new mattress may help ease your pain:

• Best mattress for hip pain
• Best mattress for neck pain
• Best mattress for sciatica
• Best mattress for back pain

The American Standard customer experience

• Warranty: Lifetime on tub and installation
• Financing: Yes
• Returns: 30-day returns

Customer service

You can contact American Standard customer service by:

• Phone: 855-225-2183, Monday through Friday from 8 a.m. to 7 p.m. ET
• Contact Us form: Available on the website 

Safe Step: Best Walk-In Tub for Seniors

We chose Safe Step as the Best Walk-In Tub for Seniors because it is the most affordable tub on the list (about $900 less than the next least-expensive brand) and has a great lifetime warranty for both the tub and installation. Only one other brand on this list, American Standard, offers a lifetime warranty on both tub and installation. We think Safe Step is a more affordable and accessible choice for older adults who may be on a budget.

Safe Step

Best Walk-In Tub for Seniors

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• Lifetime warranty on both tub and installation
• Financing available through the manufacturer

• Standout feature: Lowest price on this list (about $900 less than the next least-expensive brand)

Safe Step Walk-In Tub features

• Tub types: Soaking, whirlpool, wheelchair accessible, bariatric
• Lowest (non-wheelchair tub) threshold height: 2″
• Max. weight capacity: 600 lbs
• ADA compliant: Yes

Why we chose Safe Step as the Best Walk-In Tub for Seniors

We chose Safe Step as the Best Walk-In Tub for Seniors because it has the lowest starting cost of any tub on this list by $900. Not only that, but Safe Step ties with American Standard for the best warranty terms (lifetime warranty on both the bathtub and its installation). For older adults who may be on a fixed budget, we think the lowest price, coupled with the strongest warranty, gives them the best deal. 

We also like that Safe Step offers an extra grab bar and an extra-tall toilet for free with your purchase. Grab bars can make it easier to exit the tub safely, and extra-tall toilets help make it safer to stand up and sit down. These types of accessories are especially helpful for older adults with balance or mobility issues. Lastly, Safe Step has the lowest threshold height of any non-wheelchair tub on this list (2″).

Safe Step pros and cons

Our testing experience with Safe Step Walk-In Tubs

Our testers loved speaking with the Safe Step representative and found the process to be straightforward—even fun. “This by far was the best sales experience I had,” one tester said. “Jake was my sales representative who had been working in the walk-in tub industry for 20 years. Not only was he knowledgeable, but he was charismatic and made the process feel more fun. His presentation was very well thought out, and he had videos, testimonials, and explained everything from front to back.”

Once our tester met with Jake, they learned about the different features Safe Step offers. Safe Step includes most of the comfort features other tubs on this list have (like aromatherapy and chromotherapy). But it’s the only one on this list that comes with built-in, waterproof Bluetooth speakers. 

We also appreciated that Safe Step offers a free grab bar and an extra-tall toilet to help reduce falls risk. These additions are great for older adults who have balance issues or are concerned about their ability to safely move around their bathroom. Safe Step even has the lowest threshold of any non-wheelchair tub on this list at 2″ (the brand also makes wheelchair-accessible tubs with an ultra-low threshold of 0.75″). 

Plus, with starting costs almost $1,000 less than the next least-expensive brand on this list,  Safe Step is by far the most affordable walk-in tub we tested. Safe Step also offers financing and a lifetime warranty on both the tub and installation. Walk-in tub brands usually only provide a warranty on the tub itself—not on the installation. We appreciate that Safe Step offers both to help give you peace of mind. “They offered multiple financing options creating a lower barrier of entry for lots of income ranges,” one tester said.

Our testers loved Safe Step, but the brand has some drawbacks. Safe Step has the least amount of jets (26, compared to American Standard’s 44), and the tub only has a 70-gallon maximum capacity (Ella’s Bubbles has 100). If you want more jets or would prefer a larger tub, Safe Step might not be the best tub for you.

It’s also important to note Safe Step had a product recall more than a decade ago due to the seat heater getting stuck in the “on” position. But the company addressed the recall promptly.⁷ 

The Safe Step customer experience

• Warranty: Lifetime on tub and installation
• Financing: Yes
• Returns: Yes (consumer covers shipping fee)

Customer service

You can contact Safe Step customer service by:

• Phone: 888-703-1582, Monday through Friday from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. CT
• Contact form: Available on the website
• Live chat: Available on the website

Kohler: Best Luxury Walk-In Tub

We chose Kohler as the Best Luxury Walk-In Tub because no other walk-in tub company offers the luxurious design options that Kohler has. They are the only company on our list to offer additional features, such as stone wall inserts, that create an upscale look for your tub and bathroom. The rest of the companies on this list offer a more “plug-and-play” experience where they install the walk-in tub in your existing bathroom, and that’s it. Kohler offers high-end design options that can make your walk-in tub feel like a more seamless part of your bathroom.

Kohler

Best Luxury Walk-In Tub

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• Luxury design options
• Legacy company with more than 150 years in business

• Standout feature: Highest quality design options (luxury stone walls, upscale accessories, and more)

Kohler Walk-In Tub features

• Tub types: Soaking and whirlpool
• Threshold height: 3″
• Max. weight capacity: 600 lbs
• ADA compliant: Yes

Why we chose Kohler as the Best Luxury Walk-In Tub

We chose Kohler as the Best Luxury Walk-In Tub because the company offers the most luxurious design options on the market. Most walk-in tubs tend to look somewhat clinical and offer limited options for customization, such as color or accessories. You can choose from two different colors as well as faucet finishes (brushed nickel or polished chrome), and eight different options for stone wall coverings, including subway tile and a design that mimics Calcutta marble. Kohler also offers a wealth of design inspiration, making it easier for you to integrate your walk-in tub seamlessly into your bathroom.

Kohler pros and cons

Our testing experience with Kohler Walk-In Tubs

Kohler is one of the most well-known home design and product brands on the market. It’s been around for more than 150 years and created the first modern bathtub by coating a cast-iron horse trough with white enamel.⁸ 

Its legacy carries through in its walk-in tub design choices. Our testers appreciated the variety of upscale design options available. 

Most other brands tend to look hospital-like and give you maybe one or two design options. With Kohler, you can choose the color, faucet, walls, and they even give you six different showerhead options if you want a hybrid walk-in tub and shower combination. Being able to customize your tub with stone walls may help make your walk-in tub a more seamless part of your bathroom.

Kohler has the most luxe design options, but for a company focused on luxury, our testers said the sales process didn’t stand out.

The initial call to set up the appointment was brief, but when the salesperson met with our tester in person, they didn’t seem prepared or very knowledgeable. “Overall, the sales experience was pretty average,” the tester said. “I felt like this representative wasn't as knowledgeable as they should be when selling a product in the $25k+ range. I asked him several questions, like the threshold height, and he struggled to remember the dimensions. He also wasn't as knowledgeable about the install process, which led to me not feeling fully confident.”

With the luxurious design comes a higher price tag. Kohler has the highest starting cost on this list.

Kohler only has two tubs—soaking or whirlpool—and doesn’t offer a specific wheelchair-accessible option or bariatric option for higher-weight people (though their existing tubs can handle bathers up to 600 lbs). 

Kohler also offers the second-lowest number of jets (27) and is missing some comfort features the other brands have, like chromotherapy, aromatherapy, and, in Safe Step’s case, Bluetooth speakers. If you’re not as particular about design choices and are more focused on comfort features and budget, a different brand might be better.

The Kohler customer experience

• Warranty: Limited lifetime on tub and install
• Financing: Yes
• Returns: Yes

Customer service

You can contact Kohler customer service by:

• Phone: 800-707-5276, Monday through Friday from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. CT
• Contact form: Available on the website

Walk-in tubs that didn’t make the cut

Not every walk-in tub we tested made it into our review. Our testers had an overwhelmingly negative experience with Independent Home.

Independent Home

When our tester called Independent Home, they found the salesperson to be pushy and demanding. They assumed the marital status and orientation of our caller, requesting that ‘the husband’ be available during the appointment time, even though our tester is not married.

“The salesperson was also very adamant I did not miss my appointment time,” the tester said. “He said, ‘If I send someone out there, I need to make sure they aren’t wasting their time. Some of our salespeople are driving an hour or more to make your appointment.’”

After all of that, Independent Home didn’t even show up to the appointment, and they didn’t call to tell our tester they wouldn’t make it. Due to this lack of professionalism, we cannot recommend Independent Home.

Our process testing the best walk-in tubs

Our team has spent hundreds of hours researching and testing walk-in tub brands so you can feel confident in our reviews. We work with experts in medicine, mobility, aging, physical therapy, and occupational therapy. Those experts help us learn what features are most important when searching for the best walk-in tubs.

For this review, we personally tested five brands of walk-in tubs identified through our research to offer safe, comfortable, and therapeutic tubs. While we didn’t sit in these tubs ourselves, we mystery shopped the process like a consumer would. That means we called each company and set up a free, in-home quote to understand the buying process.

We considered these important factors when researching the best walk-in tubs for older adults:

Safety features

We researched the most common safety features in walk-in tubs and compiled a list of which brands offer which safety features. We prioritized brands with the highest number of safety features, like extra grab bars and no-slip floors.

Low threshold height

Walk-in tubs should have the lowest threshold height possible. That way, users only need to step over a small barrier to get into the tub instead of lifting their whole leg. We confirmed every brand on this list offers the industry standard of 3” threshold heights or lower. 

Good warranty

With an expensive product like a walk-in tub that must be installed, a good warranty is crucial. We ensured that every brand offers a basic warranty on their product, but prioritized companies offering a lifetime warranty on both the installation and the bathtub itself.

How do walk-in tubs work? 

Walk-in tubs are taller than the average tub and have a bench for you to sit on. Some walk-in tubs come in lie-down versions, but most are designed for you to sit upright. A wide door swings out or in, and you step in over a very low threshold (usually 3”), eliminating the need for you to lift your foot or leg over the side. They are typically designed to empty quickly so that you don’t have to sit in cold water for a long time. Walk-in tubs sometimes have a detachable shower head. They look similar to a hot tub.

Types of walk-in tubs

Walk-in tubs can come in a huge variety of sizes, styles, and features, but these are the four main models of tubs:

• Soaker: A typical tub style that fills with water and has no jets.
• Whirlpool: Like a soaker tub, but has hydro or air jets for a spa-like experience.
• Wheelchair accessible: Designed for a wheelchair user to safely enter and exit the tub.
• Bariatric: Designed for higher-weight people (typically more than 300 lbs) to comfortably fit inside.

How much do the best walk-in tubs cost?

The price of a walk-in tub varies significantly by a wide range of factors, including style, features, and size. The price of installation can vary, too, whether you choose to go through the manufacturer or a local contractor. According to our research, the average price to install a walk-in tub is $5,000. For most accurate pricing for your desired tub, please contact your preferred company for a personalized quote. The company should give you a free quote. If that’s not an option, we don’t recommend working with that brand.

Walk-in tubs cost estimate by tub type

*Installation fees depend on individual circumstances, including any additions or modifications to electrical or plumbing systems, structural changes, and regional differences in the cost of goods and labor.

The pricing of wheelchair-accessible and bariatric tubs varies depending on your personal needs. We recommend calling your preferred company for a quote.

How to save money on walk-in tubs

The best walk-in tubs, like the best stair lifts or other home safety modifications, can be expensive. But there are ways you can save money. Some companies sell used tubs for a lower price than buying new.

All of the companies on our list offer financing, so you can pay over time instead of all at once. And if you can choose a local contractor, you can compare installation prices and go with the most affordable option.

In our 2025 focus group of older adults with mobility issues, some of the participants explained that it was actually more cost-effective for them to move into a different home (single-story or trailer from a multi-story home) than pay for home safety modifications.³ While we hope to provide the resources and information to make it easier to age in place, it’s important to remember that everyone’s best decision is different. 

Does Medicare cover walk-in tubs?

No, Medicare does not typically cover walk-in tubs. Some Medicare Advantage policies might cover a walk-in tub, either partially or in full, but it depends on your specific policy. Check with your insurance provider for more information.

Are walk-in tubs covered by insurance?

No, walk-in tubs are not typically covered by insurance. Double-check your specific policy to be sure, but it’s usually not the case.

Where to buy walk-in tubs

You can buy a walk-in tub either through the manufacturer or a big-box home improvement store like Home Depot or Lowe’s. Buying from the manufacturer tends to be a better experience because of financial incentives and certified installers. But a home improvement store might be helpful if you want to see the tubs in person and don’t live near a showroom.

Walk-in tub warranties

Walk-in tub warranties are designed to cover either the tub, the installation, or sometimes both. Warranties are a great way to save money on repairs. They also help keep the repair process smooth, since the manufacturer will either repair or replace the covered parts themselves. With a lifetime warranty on both the tub and the installation, we think Safe Step and American Standard have the best warranty on the list.

Benefits of walk-in tubs

Walk-in tubs have a lot of benefits, such as better safety and a reduced falls risk, but they are especially beneficial to older adults. The security features of a walk-in tub can help older adults feel more willing to bathe by themselves, increasing their independence and quality of life.⁹ In our 2025 survey of people with mobility issues, 86% of respondents said their walk-in tub had either a very positive or positive impact on their lives. Only 1% said it had a negative impact.¹

“After injuring my knee, having my walk-in tub was really helpful for me to not stress when bathing,” one survey respondent said. Another added, “It made me more independent so I no longer need to ask others for constant help.”

Of all the rooms in an average home, bathrooms have the highest number of fall-related risks.¹⁰ “Research tells us that bathrooms are a high-risk area for older adult falls,” said Nina Pflumm Herndon, MAG, CMC, CLPF, the founder and executive director of Sage Eldercare Solutions in San Francisco. “Walk in tubs eliminate one of the dangers in the bathroom: imbalance or falls that happen as people step over a tub wall. Being able to bathe safely is a quality of life issue— we've all had the experience of our outlook brightening or 'feeling better' after a shower or bath. It's not just about the functional need of bathing, but also supporting well being.”

If you have balance or mobility issues, a walk-in tub could make you feel safer and more independent. If you want to learn more about other tools for increasing independence in the home, read our guide to the best medical alert systems.

What to consider when buying a walk-in tub

When purchasing a walk-in tub, consider these factors:

• What type of tub (soaker, whirlpool, bariatric) would best fit your needs?
• What comfort features are you looking for?
• Do you need a wheelchair-accessible tub?
• What’s your budget?
• Do you prefer a local contractor?

Frequently asked questions

Does Medicare cover a walk-in tub?

No, Medicare does not typically cover a walk-in tub. Some Medicare Advantage policies might, but it depends.

What is the best walk-in tub?

We picked Ella’s Bubbles as the best walk-in tub because of their wide range of tub models and knowledgeable customer service.

What size heater do I need for a walk-in tub?

A walk-in tub needs a minimum of a 50-gallon water heater.

Questions? Email us at reviewsteam@ncoa.org.