The Best Walk-In Tub Manufacturers of 2026
If you’re hoping to age in place, a walk-in tub is one of the best ways to make your home safe for the long haul. These bathroom fixtures, with their combination of low entry thresholds and nonslip surfaces, can help prevent falls — a leading cause of injury for older adults. In fact, one in four older adults report falling each year.1
Through my years as a caregiver, I have seen firsthand how walk-in tubs can prevent injury and alleviate the stress of bathing. Through personal experience with my clients and consultations with manufacturers, I’ve created this list of the best walk-in tub manufacturers, ranking my favorite brands by cost, installation, safety, and comfort.
Helpful Resource: In case of falls in the bathroom, it’s always good to have a medical alert system. To learn more, read my guide to the best medical alert systems.
Best Walk-In Tubs for Seniors in 2026
- Kohler : Best Designs
- American Standard : Best Range of Walk-In Tubs
- Safe Step : Best Therapeutic Options
Our Favorite Tubs Compared
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Kohler
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American Standard
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Safe Step
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|---|---|---|---|
| Rating out of 5 | 4.9 | 4.7 | 4.4 |
| Price range (excludes installation) | $5,000 – $20,000 |
Starting at $7,000 |
$4,000 – $15,000 |
| Standout features |
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| Read More | Kohler Review | American Standard Review | Safe Step Review |
1. Kohler - Best Designs
800-985-2943
What We Like Most:
- Safe water ozone cleaning system
- Quick drain
- Bath walls in many textures, patterns, and colors
- Multiple shower head options
Overview
Kohler proves that a walk-in tub doesn’t have to be an eyesore. My clients who are more concerned with interior design love the fact that they get to choose the color, texture, and pattern of their bathwalls and the design of their showerhead on their walk-in tub/shower combos, be it modern, traditional, or contemporary.
Of course, Kohler walk-in tubs still have the safety features I look for, like grab bars and a three-inch step height, as well as therapeutic features like bubble and hydro-massage jets. Unfortunately, Kohler’s website lacks information about specific models, but I can tell you that my most stylish clients love relaxing and taking care of themselves in their Kohler walk-ins.
Kohler’s walk-in bath systems typically range from $5,000 to $20,000 or more depending on features and customization. You’ll also have to account for installation costs, which can add several thousand dollars to the total project cost.
Pros
- Wide range of luxury features
- Fast fill and drainage systems
- Extra-wide doors
- Optional hydrotherapy and chromotherapy
- Uses Kohler technicians to install tubs
Cons
- Not available in all of the U.S.
2. American Standard - Best Range of Walk-In Tubs
What We Like Most:
- 44 air, water bubble, and hydro-massage jets
- Anti-slip floor and seat
- Lifetime warranty on door seal
- Hydrotherapy, chromotherapy, and aromatherapy available
Overview
Editor’s Note: Currently, you can’t purchase an American Standard walk-in tub on the company’s website, but they do provide links to authorized dealers if available.
American Standard really stands out with a wide range of walk-in tub models. Pricing varies by model and features, and their tubs are sold by third-party retailers and authorized dealers.
When I looked up my San Diego, California, ZIP code, I found six showrooms within 10 miles, and you can also get them from wholesalers and other retailers. The best part? American Standard handles the installation, so you don’t have to stress about finding another company to do that for you.
My clients have had the most success with the Gelcoat Entry Series. The model I tested has many safety features that I look for, like a two-minute drain, a safety grab bar, and a built-in chair. However, it doesn’t skimp on the therapeutic elements of a tub, like whirlpool jets and air jets.
That said, the company has a mixed reputation online, with some negative reviews on Trustpilot and the company is not accredited by the Better Business Bureau. Many people had bad experiences with customer service, but unfortunately, that’s the case for most of the walk-in tub companies on the market. However, my clients had good experiences, so it really depends on the people you’re dealing with.
To purchase a tub from American Standard, you must visit the company’s website and find a showroom, retailer, or wholesaler near you.
Pros
- Lifetime warranty on door seal
- Chromotherapy available in seven colors
- Quick drain
- Bubble and hydro-massage jets
Cons
- Negative customer reviews on Trustpilot and the BBB
- Maximum 15-year warranty on the tubs
3. Safe Step - Best Therapeutic Options
What We Like Most:
- Aromatherapy, chromotherapy, bubble, and hydro-massage jets available
- Anti-scald technology
- Grab bars and a sanitary gel coat
- Four-inch step-in height
Overview
A walk-in tub should be safe, of course, but it should also be relaxing. If you want a spa-like experience in the comfort of your home, consider Safe Step, which manufactures a luxurious walk-in tub with 10 hydro-massage jets and a handheld shower wand for maximum relaxation. Aside from hydrotherapy, my clients love using its chromotherapy and aromatherapy, especially after a hard day of aches and pains. There’s even a built-in bidet for those hard-to-reach places!
But all these therapeutic features don’t take away from the safety of Safe Step tubs, which have a four-inch step-in height, an anti-slip seat and floor, two grab bars, and anti-scald technology.
Safe Step offers one primary walk-in tub model, along with a hybrid tub-shower combination for those who prefer showering flexibility. Compared to American Standard, Safe Step doesn’t offer as large of a selection, but sometimes, having too many choices can be overwhelming. The total cost of the tub, including installation, typically ranges from $5,000 to $15,000, depending on which features you choose to include.
While these prices can be significant, Safe Step tubs include installation as part of the package. Additionally, they come with a lifetime limited warranty. The company maintains positive customer reviews, with customers on Trustpilot praising its quick and professional installation, as well as excellent customer service.
Pros
- Multiple jet and therapy options
- Grab bars and anti-slip surfaces
- Shower wands available
- Built-in towel bars
Cons
- No self-installation option
- Potentially high costs
Honorable Mentions
None of these walk-in tubs made the list, but they could still work for certain groups of people.
Amazon
Amazon offers walk-in tubs manufactured by several different brands, such as Empava and ANZZI, and that start at around $2,000, which is comparable to budget-friendly options from traditional manufacturers. However, once you purchase the tub, you will be responsible for the installation, and the customer service experience may not be ideal.
Home Depot
Home Depot also offers a range of tubs manufactured by several brands, such as Universal and American Standard, and that start around $2,300. That said, the company won't carry the tub inside your home; it will only leave it on your curb, so installing it in your bathroom may not be worth the hassle.
AmeriGlide
Also a manufacturer of stair lifts, AmeriGlide offers walk-in tubs and conversion kits, which can convert your existing tub into a walk-in version. While converting a traditional tub sounds intriguing, our team has yet to test this offering.
What Is the Purpose of a Walk-In Tub?
A walk-in tub makes bath time much easier and safer for anyone with mobility issues, including seniors. Climbing in and out of a standard bathtub can be risky for anyone who suffers from balance problems, joint problems, stiffness, or weakness. It’s all too easy to lose balance and fall, which could result in bruises or even broken bones. A walk-in tub is much easier and safer to get into.
FYI: While Medicare won’t pay for some of the costs of a walk-in tub, there are other forms of financial assistance available. To learn more, check out my guide to paying for a walk-in tub.
What to Look for in a Walk-In Tub
A good walk-in tub should have the following safety features:
Anti-Scald Systems
Anti-scald shower heads regulate the temperature of the water coming out of the showerhead or faucet, even if someone turns a tap on or switches on a water-using appliance elsewhere in the house. This is vital to protect delicate skin from burns. Adults 65 and older are more vulnerable to scald injuries,2 making temperature regulation an essential safety feature.
Anti-Slip Surfaces
Slips and falls are a significant risk for older adults, with bathrooms being one of the most common locations.3 Walk-in tubs should come with anti-slip floors and seats to help reduce the risk of falls.
Quick-Drain Systems
Look for a quick-release drain feature that lets the bath user (or a caregiver or EMT) hit a button and drain the bath rapidly to prevent accidental immersion. Quick-drain systems also make waiting for the bath to drain more comfortable, as users don’t have to sit for a long time before opening the door to leave.
Grab Bars
Many seniors are a little unsteady due to balance and strength issues, especially when entering or exiting a tub or moving from a sitting to standing position. Check for ample safety bars for users to grab.
The above-listed safety features are a must. I also recommend you look out for:
Low Threshold
Many users who choose a walk-in tub do so because climbing into a standard tub is hard for them. Look for a low threshold to make sure the walk-in tub is easy to enter.
Extra-Wide Door
A wider door makes it easier to get in and out of the tub, especially for larger users, or those who suffer from stiffness or pain in their hips.
Self-Cleaning Systems
No one wants a buildup of mold or harmful bacteria in the water lines! Check that the system you choose is self-cleaning to keep water lines flushed and hygienic.
Leakproof Door Seals
Any good tub should have a leakproof door seal with a lifetime guarantee to prevent bathroom flooding.
Lifetime Guarantee
A walk-in tub is a considerable investment. Be sure when purchasing yours that you’re guaranteed for life in case of any problems.
User-Friendly Buttons
Check out the controls on your tub of choice and make sure they’re easy to press, even for arthritic hands.
What Are the Different Types of Walk-In Tubs?
There are several kinds of walk-in tubs to suit different budgets and needs. Here are the most common.
Inward Swinging Door
These are the most common walk-in tubs for home use, as they tend to be both the cheapest and the best to look at. For general use for an older adult with no special requirements (such as needing an extra-large or wheelchair-accessible tub), these are a good choice.
Outward Swinging Door
While not as common as an inward swinging door, an outward swinging door is safer and easier for people with restricted mobility.
Bariatric Tubs
Bariatric walk-in tubs are made for those who weigh 300 pounds or more. They’re very similar to inward swinging tubs and have all the same safety features, but are larger and sturdier with a wider entrance.
Wheelchair-Accessible Tubs
Also known as slide-in tubs, these walk-ins have a wider entrance and no step to climb over, making them ideal for wheelchair users who can be helped from their chair and into the seat. They’re larger and more expensive and take up more space due to their outward opening door, but for wheelchair users, they make bath time much simpler.
How to Choose a Walk-In Tub
Research consistently shows that older adults overwhelmingly prefer to age in place rather than move to senior living communities. According to a survey by AARP, 77 percent want to remain in their homes for the long term.4 When chosen properly, a walk-in tub can help make this possible.
With so many options to choose from, deciding on a walk-in tub can seem challenging. Follow these steps to find the right one for you.
- Figure out what you need: Start by taking note of your loved one’s specific needs and conditions. Do they need a wheelchair-accessible or bariatric tub? Which safety features are a must for them?
- Figure out what you want: Once you know the size and shape of the tub you need, you can consider which extra features, such as massage or hydrotherapy, would be good for your loved one to have. Also keep in mind the maximum amount you’re willing to spend, which could affect these extras.
- Shop the market: Shop around and figure out which tubs tick off all your needs and still fit your budget.
With so many choices on the market, you are sure to find the best walk-in tub for the senior in your life. You can also read my guide on buying a walk-in tub to kick-start your process.
Our Methodology: How We Review Walk-In Tubs for Seniors
To evaluate each walk-in tub manufacturer, we used the following criteria.
Cost
There’s no way around it; a walk-in tub will cost you several thousand dollars at a minimum. However, I looked for companies that cut costs where possible and gave preference to those that included installation in their estimates.
Installation Assistance
Ideally, the company should do the installation for you from start to finish. A lower-priced tub may seem like a bargain, but keep in mind that you’ll have to find people to install it and pay them handsomely.
Safety Features
Ultimately, a walk-in tub is meant to keep its bathers safe, so I looked for low entry thresholds, anti-slip surfaces, and ergonomic seats.
Comfort Features
Safety aside, many of my favorite walk-in tub manufacturers implemented luxurious features like chromotherapy, heated seats, and quick-acting drains.
Customer Reviews
Of course, I value the experiences of my clients, which is why I picked the top three companies that I did. These companies were the most reliable and provided safe bathtubs that kept seniors in their homes rather than in senior living facilities.
Frequently Asked Questions
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How much do walk-in tubs cost in 2026?
Walk-in tub prices vary widely based on features and brand. Kohler walk-in tubs typically range from $5,000–$20,000 depending on features. American Standard walk-in tubs start at approximately $6,500 and up. Safe Step tubs generally range from $3,000 to $15,000. Budget options start around $2,000 from retailers like Home Depot and Amazon, although buying a tub from these retailers will require separate installation costs.
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What safety features should I look for in a walk-in tub?
Look for anti-scald systems, anti-slip floors and seats, quick drains, grab bars, and low entryways (3 inches to 4 inches). Also, consider wider doors, leakproof seals with lifetime guarantees, and controls that are easy to use, even with arthritis.
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Which walk-in tub manufacturer offers the best warranty?
Kohler and Safe Step both offer lifetime limited warranties on their walk-in tubs, making them the best options for long-term protection. American Standard provides a 5-15 year warranty on bathtub components, with a lifetime warranty specifically on door seals. The lifetime warranties from Kohler and Safe Step provide the most comprehensive coverage for your investment.
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Do walk-in tubs include installation, or do I need to hire separately?
Installation policies vary by manufacturer. Safe Step includes professional installation in their pricing. American Standard handles installation through their authorized dealers. Kohler offers professional installation services, with installation costs typically ranging $2,500 to $8,000 depending on bathroom modifications needed. Budget retailers like Amazon and Home Depot typically don’t include installation, requiring you to arrange it independently.
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What's the difference between bariatric and wheelchair-accessible walk-in tubs?
Bariatric tubs are built tough with extra-wide doors that can accommodate larger people. If you use a wheelchair, slide-in tubs are designed for easy transfers, with no step to worry about and doors that swing out. Just make sure you have enough bathroom space for them.
