Choosing a walk-in bathtub is about more than finding a tub that fits your bathroom. You’ll also want to compare the entry and door style, seat, drain location, soaking depth, and whether you prefer a simple soak or powered jets. These five options range from non-jetted tubs with fewer electrical considerations to models with whirlpool and air massage features. Measure your space carefully, and confirm installation requirements before you buy.
Table of Contents
Quick Comparison
| Walk-In Bathtub | Type | Size and Drain | Notable Features |
|---|---|---|---|
| ANZZI 27 x 53-Inch Whirlpool and Air Tub | Jetted | 27 x 53 in; left drain | 10 whirlpool jets, 18 air jets, inline heater, quick-fill faucet |
| ANZZI Wheelchair-Accessible 29 x 52-Inch Tub | Jetted | 29 x 52 in; right drain | Outward-swinging door, 12 whirlpool jets, 18 air jets, 80-gallon capacity |
| WOODBRIDGE 52 x 29-Inch Walk-In Tub | Jetted | 52 x 29 in; left- or right-side door options | 6 whirlpool jets, 10 air jets, extension panel, quick-fill faucet |
| ANZZI 30 x 60-Inch Non-Jetted Tub | Non-jetted | 30 x 60 in; right drain | Low-entry design, seated drain control, textured floor |
| ANZZI 26 x 53-Inch Soaking Tub | Non-jetted | 26 x 53 in; left drain | Quick-fill faucet, handheld shower, tile flange and extension kit |
Our Picks: Best Walk In Bathtubs For Seniors reviews
1. ANZZI Whirlpool and Air Tub for a Versatile Massage Soak
This left-drain ANZZI model combines a walk-in soaking tub with both water and air massage. It measures 27 by 53 inches and includes 10 adjustable whirlpool jets and 18 air jets, so you can choose between stronger water pressure and a gentler bubble effect.
The safety-focused details include a low threshold, an inward-opening door, a seat described as ADA-compliant, grab bars, and a slip-resistant floor. A quick-fill faucet is designed to reduce filling time, while an inline heater helps maintain the water temperature. The handheld shower has a 60-inch reach, which can make rinsing easier while seated.
Marine-grade acrylic with fiberglass reinforcement and a steel frame form the main structure. This model also adds chromatherapy lighting, aromatherapy, an ergonomic headrest, and soft-touch controls. Those extras make it a feature-rich option, but the number of powered features means you should confirm electrical and installation requirements before choosing it. The supplied description identifies it as a 110V tub.
Compared with the non-jetted ANZZI options below, this tub offers more ways to customize a bath but also has more systems to consider during setup and care. It may suit someone who wants both a seated bathing setup and massage features, provided the left-drain layout and tub dimensions work in the bathroom.
Pros:
- Combines adjustable whirlpool jets with air jets.
- Includes a quick-fill faucet, inline heater, and handheld shower.
- Has a low threshold, grab bars, a seat, and a slip-resistant floor.
Cons:
- Requires more installation planning than a non-jetted soaking tub.
- The inward-opening door and left drain may not suit every bathroom layout.
Verdict: Choose this ANZZI if you want a jetted walk-in tub with both air and water massage and have confirmed that its size, door, drain, and electrical requirements fit your bathroom.
2. ANZZI Wheelchair-Accessible Tub with an Outward-Swinging Door
This ANZZI tub is designed around wheelchair access and transfers. It measures 29 by 52 inches, has a right-side drain, and uses a wide-opening, outward-swinging door with a pressure seal. Its seat is described as ADA-compliant, and the tub also has grab bars and slip-resistant flooring.
For bathing comfort, the model has 12 adjustable whirlpool jets and 18 air jets, including V-shaped back jets. An inline maintenance heater is intended to help keep the water warm through the tub’s 31-inch soaking depth. The listed capacity is 80 gallons, so make sure your hot-water setup and installation plan are suitable for the tub’s requirements.
A quick-fill faucet and a six-setting handheld shower with a 60-inch reach round out the practical features. The controls are positioned for use from the seat. Aromatherapy and chromatherapy lighting add spa-style extras, but the main decision points are likely to be the transfer layout, the right drain, and whether the tub’s overall dimensions fit your room.
Compared with the first ANZZI pick, this one has an outward-opening door and a wider listed width, while the first model has more total jets and an inward-opening door. The wheelchair-accessible description is useful guidance, but it does not replace checking the entry, transfer space, and bathroom layout with an installer.
Pros:
- Outward-swinging door and wide opening are designed to support transfers.
- Includes both whirlpool and air massage, plus an inline heater.
- Quick-fill faucet and handheld shower can make seated bathing more convenient.
Cons:
- The right-side drain and 29-by-52-inch footprint limit where it may fit.
- The 80-gallon capacity makes checking hot-water and installation needs especially important.
Verdict: This is a strong candidate if transfer access and an outward-swinging door are priorities, as long as its right-drain layout and capacity work for your bathroom.
3. WOODBRIDGE Walk-In Tub with a Flexible Extension Panel
The WOODBRIDGE walk-in tub pairs a built-in seat with dual hydrotherapy and includes an 8-inch extension panel. The exterior measures 52 by 29⅛ by 42⅛ inches, while the listed interior is 31⅛ by 20⅛ by 34⅝ inches. The extension panel is intended to extend the tub to 60 inches, which may help with certain bathroom layouts; confirm the exact fit with your installer.
Its bathing features include six whirlpool jets, 10 air jets, seven-color chromotherapy lighting, and an inline maintenance heater. The tub also has a quick-fill faucet with a pull-out handheld shower. The outward-swinging door uses a pressure-seal system, and the product description lists left- or right-side door options.
The built-in seat is described as ADA-height, and the tub has a non-slip floor and safety grab bar. Its acrylic surface is reinforced with fiberglass and supported by a metal frame. These details make it a feature-rich option, but check the door configuration, drain arrangement, and panel installation details before ordering; the supplied specifications do not list a drain side.
This model stands out from the other jetted picks for its included extension panel and clearly stated interior and exterior measurements. Its jet count is lower than the ANZZI models above, so shoppers focused on the number of massage jets may prefer those alternatives. The manufacturer also lists US-based support for product advice and installation help.
Pros:
- Includes an 8-inch extension panel for a potential 60-inch installation.
- Combines whirlpool and air jets with an inline heater.
- Lists detailed interior, exterior, and door measurements.
Cons:
- The supplied product details do not specify the drain side.
- It has fewer listed whirlpool and air jets than the two ANZZI jetted models above.
Verdict: Consider the WOODBRIDGE if the extension panel and detailed dimensions suit your renovation, but confirm the drain and door configuration before committing.
4. ANZZI Non-Jetted Tub for a Quiet, Simple Soak
This 30-by-60-inch ANZZI is a non-jetted walk-in soaking tub with a right-hand door and right-side drain. Its low-entry design, built-in grab bar, and textured floor focus on access and support without adding powered massage systems. The description also identifies a 24-inch tub height; confirm the entry threshold measurement separately if that is an important fit or access concern.
The tub has a pressure-seal door and an inward bathing area. A cable-operated drain and overflow control can be reached while seated, which can reduce the need to bend down to operate the drain. Because this model has no jets, its description notes that no electrical wiring is needed for jet systems.
The structure uses marine-grade acrylic reinforced with fiberglass over a freestanding steel frame. It also has a self-leveling base and predrilled drain and overflow holes. This simpler setup may appeal to someone who wants a quiet soak rather than air or water massage. The listed details do not include a quick-fill faucet, handheld shower, or extension panel, so check what is included and how it will connect to your bathroom.
Compared with the smaller non-jetted ANZZI below, this model has a 30-by-60-inch footprint and a right-side drain. It may suit a bathroom planned around those dimensions, but the right-hand door and inward-opening design need careful clearance checks.
Pros:
- Non-jetted design avoids the need for jet-system electrical wiring.
- Includes a grab bar, textured floor, and seated cable-operated drain control.
- Has a self-leveling base and predrilled drain and overflow holes.
Cons:
- Does not include massage jets, and the supplied details do not list a handheld shower or quick-fill faucet.
- The right drain and inward-opening door may not fit every bathroom layout.
Verdict: Pick this model if you want a larger, non-jetted soak and value seated drain control over massage features, after confirming the door clearance and installation details.
5. ANZZI Soaking Tub with Quick Fill and a Retrofit Extension Kit
This ANZZI non-jetted tub measures 53 by 26 by 38 inches and has a left-side drain and door. It is designed for a seated soak, with a low entry threshold, a wide-opening door, a grab bar, a slip-resistant floor, and a seat described as ADA-compliant.
Instead of jets, the tub focuses on straightforward bathing features. The quick-fill faucet is intended to reduce waiting, and the handheld Euro-Grip shower has a reach of up to 60 inches. Its drain controls can be operated while seated, which can be useful when you want to avoid bending and reaching during the bath.
The tub is made from marine-grade acrylic reinforced with fiberglass and supported by a steel frame. It also has a self-leveling base, built-in tile flange, and a 7-inch matching extension kit for optional retrofit into a 60-inch opening. These details may make it worth considering for a renovation, though the extension kit does not remove the need to confirm the measurements and plumbing with an installer.
Compared with the 30-by-60-inch non-jetted ANZZI model, this tub is narrower and has a left drain rather than a right drain. It also lists a quick-fill faucet, handheld shower, and extension kit. It is a practical middle ground for shoppers who want a simpler soak but still value included rinsing and retrofit features.
Pros:
- Includes a quick-fill faucet and handheld shower with up to 60 inches of reach.
- Has seated drain controls, a grab bar, and a slip-resistant floor.
- Includes a tile flange and a 7-inch extension kit for optional retrofit use.
Cons:
- Does not have whirlpool or air jets.
- The left-side door and drain need to match the bathroom layout.
Verdict: This is a good option to compare if you want a non-jetted tub with a handheld shower and retrofit hardware, provided the left-side layout suits your space.
How to Choose a Walk-In Bathtub for Seniors
Measure the Bathroom and Check the Door Swing
Measure the available floor space, doorway, and the tub area before comparing models. Pay attention to whether the door swings inward or outward and whether it could hit a toilet, vanity, wall, or walker. An outward-opening door may need more clearance outside the tub, while an inward-opening door has its own space requirements. Confirm the exact measurements with the product listing and your installer.
Match the Drain to Your Plumbing
Drain side can determine whether a tub fits your existing plumbing without major changes. The options here include left- and right-drain models, and the WOODBRIDGE listing describes door options but does not state a drain side in the supplied details. Check the product specifications and compare them with your current drain location before ordering.
Consider How You Will Enter and Transfer
Look at the threshold, door opening, seat height, grab bar location, and the room available for transfers. A tub described as wheelchair-accessible may still need to be checked against the user’s wheelchair, transfer method, and bathroom layout. If access needs are specific, ask an installer or accessibility professional to assess the actual measurements rather than relying on a general product label.
Choose Between a Soaking Tub and a Jetted Tub
A non-jetted tub provides a simpler soak and avoids planning for powered jet systems. Jetted models add air or whirlpool massage, but they also bring additional features to install and maintain. Think about whether you will use the massage functions often enough to justify the extra complexity, and confirm any electrical needs before choosing a powered model.
Check the Faucet, Shower, and Drain Controls
A quick-fill faucet may reduce the time spent waiting for the tub to fill, while a handheld shower can help with seated rinsing. Also check where the controls sit and whether the drain can be operated from the seat. These details affect everyday convenience, especially if bending or reaching is difficult.
Confirm Water, Electrical, and Installation Requirements
Walk-in tubs can involve more than swapping one fixture for another. Ask a qualified installer to check the floor space, plumbing, drain, water supply, electrical needs for powered features, and access to the installation area. Consider the tub’s listed capacity and your home’s hot-water setup, too. Do not assume an extension panel or retrofit feature will make a tub fit without other work.
Review the Included Parts and Care Needs
Compare what comes with each model, such as an extension kit, tile flange, faucet, handheld shower, or heater. For jetted tubs, ask about cleaning and care for the jet system. For every tub, follow the manufacturer’s instructions and confirm what installation materials are not included. A clear list can help prevent surprises during a bathroom renovation.
Frequently Asked Questions
Are walk-in bathtubs a good choice for seniors?
They can be worth considering for people who prefer seated bathing and want features such as a low entry, grab bars, and a built-in seat. The right choice depends on the person’s mobility, transfer needs, bathroom layout, and ability to use the door and controls. Product features can support access, but they do not guarantee that a bath will be safe for every user.
What is the difference between a jetted and non-jetted walk-in tub?
Jetted models add whirlpool jets, air jets, or both, and may include features such as an inline heater. Non-jetted models focus on soaking without powered massage systems. A non-jetted tub may involve simpler electrical planning, while a jetted tub requires you to confirm its electrical and care requirements.
Is an outward-opening door better than an inward-opening door?
Neither style is best for every bathroom. An outward-opening door may help with certain entry or transfer arrangements, but it needs room to swing outside the tub. An inward-opening door needs adequate space inside the tub area. Check the door direction and clearance against the actual room before choosing.
How do I know whether I need a left- or right-drain tub?
Compare the tub’s drain location with the existing plumbing and the direction you face when looking at the tub in its intended installation position. Product descriptions may use left- and right-side wording, so confirm the manufacturer’s diagram if there is any doubt. An installer can verify which configuration matches your bathroom.
Do walk-in tubs take a long time to fill?
Fill time depends on the faucet, water supply, and tub size. Some models in this guide include a quick-fill faucet, but the supplied details do not provide a specific fill time. Ask the manufacturer or installer how the faucet performs with your home’s water supply.
Can I install a walk-in tub myself?
Installation may involve plumbing, drain alignment, electrical work for jetted models, and fitting the tub into a tight space. Have a qualified professional assess the project and follow the manufacturer’s installation instructions. This is especially important when replacing an existing tub or adjusting the bathroom layout.
Final Recommendation
For a feature-rich massage bath, compare the ANZZI dual-jet models and the WOODBRIDGE tub, paying close attention to door swing, drain location, and electrical requirements. If you prefer a simpler soak, the two non-jetted ANZZI tubs offer different sizes and layouts, with the 26-by-53-inch option adding a quick-fill faucet, handheld shower, and extension kit. Before choosing any model, confirm the measurements and installation requirements with a qualified professional.
