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The 11 Best Bathtubs of 2024

These bathtubs will turn your bathroom into a functional, welcoming space.

Pottery Barn Lolog 72-Inch Clawfoot Painted Bathtub

The Spruce / Amelia Manley

When you’re choosing the best bathtub for your home, it’s important to think about how you’d like to use it. Are you looking for a soothing respite in a spa-like soaking tub? Or maybe you need a functional, space-saving tub that’ll work for cleaning kids or pets–or a walk-in tub that’ll accommodate mobility challenges. Whatever you’re looking for, there’s a bathtub available at just about any price point to meet your needs. 

But it’s easy to get mixed up while shopping for bathtubs; plenty look pretty identical. “Almost all of our clients in larger homes are looking for a modern spa experience with a freestanding sleek white acrylic tub,” said Becky Morgan, an interior designer with Sasha Marie Interiors in Westchester, New York. “In kids’ bathrooms or a more standard layout in a smaller bathroom, people tend to go with a simple alcove tub.” So, how do you decide? We researched the best bathtubs based on style, size, function, material, special features, and value to help guide your search for the right fit for any bathroom.

What We Like
  • Overflow assembly integrated

  • High-quality, durable acrylic

  • Rich in value

  • Sleek, contemporary design

What We Don't Like
  • Hardware is an added cost

  • Only one-year warranty

The Vanity Art Bordeaux 59 in. Acrylic Flatbottom Freestanding Bathtub gives you a desirable, high-end look for an affordable price, delivering great value for your money. This tub also looks great in any bathroom, with a sleek shape and durable acrylic for a stress-free soak. It comes in three different lengths—54 inches for a small bathroom, a popular 59-inch length, and a 67-inch size that should be roomy enough for just about anybody. 

This bathtub comes with an installed overflow assembly to ensure that you won’t accidentally flood your bathroom if you leave the faucet running. However, it’s worth noting that the warranty is just one year, and any hardware you may need comes at an additional cost. Overall, though, the look, construction, and versatile length choices combined with the value make this our top choice for a modern bathtub.

Dimensions: 59 x 29.5 x 23 inches | Material: Acrylic | Type: Freestanding

What We Like
  • Deep soaking tub with extra depth

  • Works alone or with a shower

  • Sleek, contemporary design

What We Don't Like
  • Overflow assembly and hardware are added costs

  • One-year warranty

The Kingston Brass Contemporary Rectangular Alcove Bathtub is a budget-friendly alcove bathtub with a more attractive, sleek, modern look than many other alcove-style tubs. It offers a 14-inch soaking depth, which is more than most alcove tubs. Built out of solid acrylic and reinforced with resin and fiberglass, it’s relatively easy to install and creates clean, contemporary lines in any bathroom. You can use it as a standalone tub or pair it with an existing shower for extra versatility. Best of all, the affordable price of this tub makes it great for those in need of a value-rich option. 

Note that this bathtub doesn’t include an overflow assembly and other hardware, and the warranty is just one year. However, if you’re looking for style and deep soaking space on a budget, it’ll fit the bill nicely.

Dimensions: 60 x 30.7 x 22 inches |  Materials: Acrylic |  Type: Alcove

Can I install a bathtub myself?

In most cases, installing a tub is a job for a professional plumber. Installation for a bathtub can be more involved with disconnecting and reconnecting plumbing and sometimes swapping out existing valves.

What We Like
  • Includes slip-resistant floor, grab bar, and ADA-compliant contoured seating

  • 12 whirlpool massage jets

  • Fills up and drains quickly

  • 10-year warranty

What We Don't Like
  • Not designed for wheelchair transfers

Walk-in bathtubs allow people who have mobility challenges to enter the tub through a door instead of having to climb over the side. The Universal Tubs HD Series Walk-In Whirlpool Bath Tub is much pricier than a typical bathtub, but it boasts one of the lowest prices you’ll find for a walk-in tub, which can easily run from $5,000 to $10,000. This tub doesn’t skimp on quality, safety, or comfort despite its lower price! It includes a zero-entry door, slip-resistant floor, grab bar, and ADA-compliant contoured seating. 

When it comes to filling and heating, this walk-in tub features an inline heater to keep it warm through your entire bath, plus 12 whirlpool jets to soothe arthritic joints and aching muscles. Its basin fills up and drains quickly with help from the included quick-fill faucet and power-assisted fast drain. These are key features since the tub has a soaking depth of 32 inches—three times deeper than a typical alcove tub.

Finally, this tub has a 10-year warranty, along with a lifetime warranty for the seal on the door—a detail that’s comforting, given the hefty price tag. The one drawback to this Universal Tub is it’s not specifically designed for wheelchair transfers, unlike other walk-in tubs that do have that feature.

Dimensions: 59 x 30 x 39 inches | Material: Acrylic | Type: Walk-in alcove tub

What We Like
  • Made from durable, lightweight acrylic

  • Customizable with various bathtub finishes and clawfoot finishes

  • Generous capacity

What We Don't Like
  • Faucet and hardware not included

There’s something so classic, beautiful, and luxurious about an old-fashioned cast-iron clawfoot tub. The downside? They’re expensive and very heavy, potentially requiring structural reinforcement to your home. That’s why we love the Pottery Barn Lolog Clawfoot Painted Bathtub. Made from acrylic, this tub is lightweight, easy-care, and less expensive than its cast-iron counterpart. It’s also 72 inches long, significantly longer than a standard 60-inch tub, which means you’ll enjoy enough capacity to accommodate people of different heights and body sizes comfortably.

You can customize this tub by choosing among four body colors (white, light gray, dark gray, and black) and three clawfoot finishes (chrome, brushed nickel, and oil-rubbed bronze). However, hardware isn’t included. The warranty on this bathtub is also limited; it carries just a limited lifetime warranty for defects in the materials and a one-year warranty on the painted surfaces. Ultimately, though, its roomy length and customizable nature make it a great (and stylish!) pick for anyone who's seeking a claw-footed tub.

Dimensions:  72 x 31 x 32 inches | Materials: Acrylic | Type: Freestanding

Why are some bathtubs more expensive than others?

Tub prices can vary, based on the material and style. Fiberglass tubs are generally the least expensive material, while heavy, long-lasting enameled cast iron is generally the most expensive. Alcove tubs are generally less expensive than freestanding tubs, since they only have one exposed side. Tubs with jets are generally much more expensive than tubs without jets.

What We Like
  • Much deeper than standard tubs

  • Sleek, attractive kidney shape

  • Can fit two people comfortably

What We Don’t Like
  • May have fit issues with hardware

If you love the look of a modern yet understated bathtub, check out the Wyndham Collection Rebecca Flatbottom Bathtub. We love that it’s especially spacious without a high price tag, giving you a lot of bang for your buck. It’s even longer than our best overall pick, the Vanity Art Bordeaux Freestanding Bathtub, making it a great option if you want something a bit more roomy. Plus, this bathtub offers enough depth and length to fit two people comfortably. 

This tub is constructed of durable acrylic with a sleek, attractive shape and a luxurious, high-end look. The tub’s kidney shape makes it a standout, eye-catching addition to any bathroom, and it can make yours feel like a luxury spa. We also like that the tub includes the drain and a built-in overflow system, which eliminates the need to purchase and install these components yourself.

However, you’ll want to be mindful of the hardware as you get the tub installed and up and running. The hardware can have some slight fit issues, but this should only slow down the process slightly. Overall, this tub is relatively simple to install and set up.

Dimensions: 65 x 30 x 23 inches | Material: Acrylic | Type: Alcove

Best Whirlpool Jetted Tub

Jacuzzi Alcove Acrylic Whirlpool Tub

Jacuzzi Signature 60-Inch Alcove Acrylic Whirlpool Tub
PHOTO:

Build

What We Like
  • Provides a powerful, targeted massage

  • Slip-resistant bottom

  • Includes overflow assembly

What We Don't Like
  • Drain and faucet not included

  • Jets can be difficult to keep clean and mildew-free

The Jacuzzi Signature 60” Alcove Acrylic Whirlpool Tub can give you a powerful, targeted water-jet massage, right in the comfort of your home. It’s like the best of a traditional Jacuzzi, turned into a bathtub that’s roomy and offers a 14-inch soaking depth–plus the physical perks of powerful massage jets! This 60-inch long tub is made from acrylic and lined with six signature Jacuzzi jets that can be adjusted to target different muscles or areas of the body. It is made in the U.S., has a lifetime limited warranty, and is constructed with both a slip-resistant bottom and an included overflow assembly, which you won’t have to purchase and install separately.

The one cautionary note for this tub (and all water-jet tubs, really) is that they can be difficult to keep clean, as the jets themselves are prone to mildew. While mildew remover can certainly help with this, it’s worth noting. To avoid buildup over time, you’ll want to make sure to inspect and clean the jets regularly.

Dimensions: 60 x 30 x 19 inches | Material: Acrylic | Type: Alcove

What We Like
  • 12 air jets create a relaxing massage

  • Comes with a remote control

  • Stylish and minimalistic design

What We Don't Like
  • Foam insulation costs extra


Unlike a water-jet tub that gives you a powerful, targeted massage, the Signature Hardware Boyce Acrylic Tub creates a gentle and effective all-around massage experience. It features 12 air jets and even comes with a floating remote control for easy adjustments. The air jet experience is thousands of air bubbles that offer a relaxing touch. It’s a great option for those who want a spa-like bath feature without the drawbacks of more powerful jetted tubs.

Compared to the Jacuzzi Alcove Acrylic Whirlpool Tub (our best whirlpool jetted tub) and other water-jet designs, air jets are easier to keep clean and less prone to mildew. This tub is made of acrylic and boasts an oversized construction, giving you plenty of space to lie back comfortably. Plus, the drain and overflow system are built into the tub, making installation a breeze. You can also opt to add foam insulation to the tub, which can help improve heat retention and prevent temperature fluctuations—just note that this will cost you extra.

Dimensions: 64.75 x 29.5 x 23.63 inches | Materials: Acrylic | Type: Freestanding

What We Like
  • Generous soaking depth

  • Molded lumbar support

  • Slip-resistant floor

  • Eight color choices

What We Don't Like
  • Fiberglass isn’t highly durable

  • Can spring cracks and leaks

Kohler’s Underscore Soaking Alcove Bathtub has a sleek, contemporary design and comes in eight colors. If you’re looking for a tub that fits your existing alcove, this is a great option. Made from durable acrylic, it’s not only customizable to your personal style, but also filled with little extra features. You’ll enjoy a slip-resistant floor, a 15.5-inch soaking depth (which is more than most alcove tubs!), and molded lumbar support for comfort. Customers note that they love the angle of this tub, which makes it perfect for leaning back, lounging, and relaxing while almost fully submerged. 

However, there is one aspect of this tub that reviewers don’t love: its fiberglass construction. It isn’t made with the most durable fiberglass, and over time it can develop wear, which may turn into cracks that spring leaks. Make sure you’re properly caring for and cleaning the tub, which can extend its lifespan.

Dimensions: 60 x 32 x 22 inches | Materials: Acrylic | Type: Alcove

What We Like
  • Unique slipper shape

  • Quick-filling

  • Improved mold resistance and heat retention

  • Impressive 25-year limited warranty

What We Don't Like
  • Drain can be tricky to install

The Ove Decors Rachel Freestanding Soaking Bathtub is one of the longest tubs on our list, and it also offers the deepest soaking depth of 22.75 inches. A soaking tub is ideal if you have trouble getting comfortable and fully submerged in typical tubs and this one will cover you comfortably. Made of durable acrylic, it’s constructed to make maintenance easy, with increased mold resistance and improved heat retention. The slipper shape has a sleek design, with unique, stylish sloping lines that make any bathroom pop with modern flair. 

We also like that this bathtub carries a generous 25-year limited warranty. Overflow assembly is included, but you’ll need to buy the faucet separately. Some customers do note that installing the drain can be tricky with imperfect threads, but it’s a minor inconvenience.

Dimensions: 70 x 34.25 x 30 inches | Materials: Acrylic | Type: Freestanding

Wayfair Fine Fixtures Drop-In Soaking Bathtub
PHOTO:

Wayfair

What We Like
  • Compact size

  • Strong fiberglass-reinforced acrylic

  • Angled back adds comfort

What We Don't Like
  • Frame needed for installation

  • Does not include apron or hardware

The Fine Fixtures Drop-In Soaking Bathtub occupies the smallest footprint of all the tubs on our list, measuring just over 48 inches long and 32 inches wide. This makes it a great option for smaller bathrooms, but it doesn’t sacrifice much in the way of soaking space! This is a drop-in bathtub, which means that it fits inside a prepared deck without a finished exterior. Unless you have a preexisting 

While you may not be able to stretch out a ton, you should still be able to submerge in this small bathtub considering its generous 18-inch soaking depth. We also appreciate its angled side, which allows you to rest your head comfortably despite the tight squeeze. 

This value-packed bathtub is made from acrylic and reinforced with fiberglass, giving it a surprisingly durable construction given the price tag and size. Additionally, it doesn’t come with a front apron (the decorative panel covering the front of the bathtub) or hardware (including faucets and handles). That being said, if you have a tiny bathroom, or if you’re remodeling a space that already has a deck base of this size, this soaking-ready tub makes an excellent choice.

Dimensions: 48.25 x 32.13 x 19.13 inches | Materials: Acrylic | Type: Drop-in

What We Like
  • Standout rubberwood construction

  • Includes wooden hanging basket and removable wooden seat

  • Generous size

What We Don't Like
  • No overflow assembly, faucet included

  • Expensive

You don’t see wooden bathtubs very often, but for the right high-budget rustic or earthy space, the Alfi Brand Wood Freestanding Bathtub could be a fun choice. This tub is made from durable rubberwood, and it comes with a removable wooden seat so you can settle into the 66-gallon soaking capacity in comfort. It even comes with a wooden hanging basket to hold your bath supplies. It’s a great option for those with more rustic bathroom aesthetics, and it makes a statement wherever it’s installed.

Note that there’s no overflow assembly or faucet included. However, it is pretty easy to install–just line it up with your drain, and you’ll have it up and ready for use in no time at all!

Dimensions: 57.25 x 26.75 x 23.63 inches | Materials: Rubber wood, polished chrome | Type: Freestanding

Which bathtub material is easiest to maintain?

Acrylic tubs are the easiest to maintain, tend to look good longer than less-expensive fiberglass tubs, and generally don’t need to be refinished for at least 10 years.

Final Verdict

Our best overall pick is the Vanity Art Bordeaux Bathtub, an affordable option that comes in two sizes and has a generous capacity and a sleek freestanding design. For something a bit more affordable, check out the Kingston Brass Alcove Bathtub, our best budget pick.

What to Look for in a Bathtub

Style, Size and Depth

There are four primary types of bathtubs, and you’ll want to consider your bathroom layout and personal preferences when choosing one.

  • Alcove tubs fit inside a three-sided alcove and are often used for smaller bathrooms and tub/shower combos. The standard dimensions for an alcove tub are 60 inches by 32 inches with a standard soaking depth of 9 to 12 inches—great for bathing kids, but not enough space for most adults to submerge fully. Alcove tubs are generally the least expensive and the easiest for your plumber to install.
  • If you’re going for more of a spa experience, you’ll want a freestanding tub, best for larger bathrooms and primary suites. Freestanding tubs are generally similar in size to alcove tubs at 60 to 65 inches by 30 to 32 inches, but they tend to have a soaking depth of 14 to 22 inches, with plenty of room for an adult to submerge. Freestanding tubs can be a variety of shapes but are usually oval. The Wyndham Collection Acrylic Flatbottom Bathtub (best modern) has a unique kidney-shaped design that adds understated charm to any bathroom.
  • Drop-in tubs fit into a prepared deck and offer a finished and customized look. They also tend to cost more than alcove tubs and require a bit more space. Note that these will require a more intensive installation if you don’t have a pre-existing drop-in setup.
  • Corner tubs are less common today, but Interior Designer Becky Morgan sometimes uses them if they work well with an existing layout or architectural feature, such as a corner tub in a room with a steeply pitched roof. They typically have a triangular shape and can be quite large.

Any tub style can come with or without jets. Jets aren’t very common, largely because tubs with jets are significantly more expensive to purchase and install, and more difficult to keep clean. When clients do want jets, Morgan recommends air jets instead of water jets. Air jets create a relaxing massage experience by releasing jets of air instead of jets of water, which makes them less prone to mildew. Our favorite is the Signature Hardware 65" Boyce Acrylic Tub (best air jetted tub).

Material

Bathtubs can be made out of several different materials:

  • Acrylic bathtubs are the most common option. They’re affordable, lightweight, usually easy to install, durable, and easy to clean and maintain, and they have a repairable surface. “Acrylic is the most popular option we use,” Morgan said. “They look great and are lighter to transport and less expensive than cast iron or porcelain, and easy to take care of, and they usually don’t need to be refinished for at least 10 years.” Almost all of the tubs on this list are made from acrylic, besides the Alfi Brand Wood Freestanding Bathtub (best wooden).
  • Fiberglass tubs are also lightweight and affordable but might not look good as long as acrylic. Fiberglass is often used for tub/shower combos.
  • Porcelain-enameled steel tubs are also common and generally affordable. This material is heavier than acrylic or fiberglass but lighter than enameled cast iron.
  • Enamel cast iron tubs are very durable, extremely heavy, and more expensive. Because these tubs are so heavy, they may require structural reinforcement. These tubs can be refinished when damaged, are resistant to chipping and scratching, and are excellent for heat retention.
  • Cast polymer bathtubs are made from cultured stone blended with polymers and resins similar to Corian counters. These tubs are affordable, easy to clean, and stain-resistant, but they can sometimes get irreparable cracks.

Installation Requirements

Installing a bathtub is a highly involved process, requiring multiple complex steps and careful attention to detail. “Tubs should be installed by professional plumbers,” Morgan says. “I would not recommend that even the most ambitious DIYer attempt to install a new tub or swap out an old one. You’re setting yourself up for water leaks or fittings not working correctly.”

If you’re considering installing a tub made from cast iron or other heavy material, you should also have a contractor or structural engineer look at your bathroom space to make sure it can support the tub’s weight.

The Checkout Counter

Before you check out, consider these products you may also need.

  1. Genteele Memory Foam Bath Mat: Step out of your bathtub onto this ultra-plush bath mat that feels dense and cushiony underfoot. It’s highly absorbent and has a grippy bottom to prevent slipping.
  2. Frontgate Egyptian Cotton Bath Towels: Made from luxurious long-staple Turkish cotton, this bath towel delivers both softness and absorbency. Its thick, fluffy, and quick-drying construction makes it one of the most luxe options out there.
  3. Basic Concepts Bath Pillow: Lay back and relax against this supportive and comfortable bath pillow, sure to provide a spa-like experience. It suctions to the side of your bathtub and has an attached hook for convenient air drying.
  4. Quiet Town Sun Shower Curtain: Prevent your bathroom floor from unnecessary spills with this high-quality shower liner. Constructed from thick vinyl material with a weighted bottom, this shower liner stays in place nicely and is easy to clean.
  5. Zadro Medium Towel Warmer Bucket: Keep your towels nice and toasty with this compact plug-in towel warmer. We love that it’s easy to use, comes with a built-in timer, and is incredibly effective.

Why Trust The Spruce?

This article was written by Missy Keenan, a freelance writer with more than two decades of experience as a journalist and communications professional, with a special interest in all things home and garden. She has written hundreds of articles for publications, including Do It Yourself, Secrets of Getting Organized, DSM, and Glamour magazines; USA Today; The Des Moines Register; and Iowa Gardening. For this article, Keenan spent hours researching bathtubs, evaluating a variety of bathtub styles, and considering size, function, material, special features, and value.

Our Experts:

  • Becky Morgan, interior designer with Sasha Marie Interiors in Westchester, New York
  • Bianca Pineda, commerce writer at The Spruce
  • Emma Phelps, associate commerce editor at The Spruce
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