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The best soaking tub will submerge you in endless relaxation under more than a foot of water. Unlike traditional bathtubs that offer just 12 inches of water, soaking tubs provide more – more water, and better heat retention for a longer soak.
In fact, some soaking tubs allow you to sit in steamy, warm water all the way up to your neck.
But how do you know what is the best soaking tub for you?
We’ve done the research, and in this post, we present our very best picks for the year.
What is the best soaking tub of the year?
Best Soaking Tub – Overall Winner – Woodbridge B-0030 Combo Soaking Bathtub
Best for Big Bathroom – Aquatica Lillian Freestanding Tub
Best for Small Bathroom – FerdY Shangri-La Freestanding Bathtub
Best for Tiny Bathroom – HEATGENE 41″ Contemporary Soaking Tub
Best Soaking Tub for Two – The Mirage Hammock Bathtub
Best Alcove Soaker Tub – Kohler Archer Comfort Bath
Best Japanese-Inspired Soaking Tub – Empava Freestanding Whirlpool Tub
Best Budget-Friendly Alcove Tub – Kingston Brass Aqua Eden
Best Clawfoot Soaking Tub – Woodbridge Clawfoot Soaking Tub
1. BEST SOAKING TUB – OVERALL WINNER
PROS
- Strong massaging jets
- Underwater LED lights
- Excellent heat retention
- Mold-resistant drying technology
- Value
CONS
- Does not come with inline heater
Soaking Depth: 14″
Installation: Freestanding
Shape: Oval
Size: 67″ x 32″ x 23″
Capacity: 60 Gallons
Material: Lucite acrylic reinforced with ashland resin & fiberglass
This is our top pick because it truly has it all for a price you won’t find anywhere else.
You get a combination of air jets, which provide a gentle all-over body massage, and water jets, which offer targeted relief for pain.
This tub also offers LED lights to complete the spa experience.
It’s large enough for a tall person to soak comfortably, and provides a 14-inch water depth (2 inches more than a traditional bathtub).
Finally, it’s gorgeous to look at with a high-gloss finish, yet durable and easy to maintain. This tub is made by Woodbridge, one of the most respected brands in the business.
2. Best Soaking Tub for a Big Bathroom
PROS
- Very spacious – fits tall bather and/or couple
- Deep soak (20″ or 500mm)
- Hypoallergenic & eco-friendly material
- Excellent heat retention
- Available in a variety of colors
CONS
- Won’t work in a standard 5 x 7′ size bathroom
Soaking Depth: 20″ (500mm)
Installation: Freestanding
Shape: Oval
Size: 72″ x 39.25″ x 31″
Capacity: 90 Gallons
Material: Solid surface AquateX (or choose sandstone or concrete)
Use Coupon Code SHANA10 at checkout for 10% off any tub at Aquaticausa.com
Truly unique on the market, this is the roomiest soaking tub you’ll find. It can comfortably fit two bathers, including tall people.
Made from an award-winning solid surface material called AquateX, this tub is hypoallergenic and eco-friendly. It’s double-walled for excellent heat retention. However, sandstone or concrete are available instead of solid surface, if you prefer. This tub can be customized in a variety of color options and metal finishes.
The Aquatica Lillian has an ergonomic design, a wide rim for resting your head comfortably, and a built-in headrest. Click the button above to visit this tub on the Aquatica website and ask any questions from excellent customer service in the pop-up chat. Use the coupon code SHANA10 at checkout for 10% off any Aquatica tub.
3. Best Soaking Tub for a Small Bathroom
PROS
- Small footprint
- Bright white
- Lumbar support for comfort
- Sleek design
- Value
CONS
- Drain connector is fragile
Soaking Depth: 15.4″
Installation: Freestanding
Shape: Rectangular
Size: 55″ x 28″ x 23″
Capacity: 53 Gallons
Material: Double-walled acrylic with fiberglass
The FerdY Shangri-La Freestanding Bathtub is the perfect example of what a soaking tub should look and feel like. The 15.4 inch coupled with lumbar support for comfort and double-walled construction for heat retention set you up for a long luxurious soak.
This tub is both lightweight and affordable. Made from eco-friendly acrylic with reinforced fiberglass, it is a polar white and comes with a non-yellowing 10-year warranty.
This tub is our overall pick for best soaking tub because of the comfortable shape, gorgeous design and excellent value for the price.
4. Best for Tiny Bathroom
PROS
- Easy to install
- Drain assembly included
- High-gloss white
- Minimalist
- Rare find
CONS
- No warranty
Soaking Depth: 16″- 20.3″
Installation: Freestanding
Shape: Round
Size: 41″D x 26.6″ H
Capacity: 57 Gallons
Material: Acrylic reinforced with fiberglass
Just because you don’t have much space doesn’t mean you have to give up on bathtubbing!
The HEATGENE Contemporary Soaking Bathtub takes its cues from the Japanese style ofuro, a tub in which bathers sit up to their chests or necks in steamy hot water.
The inside of the tub tapers, so the depth of the soak depends on whether you choose to sit in the built-in seat or on the opposite side of the tub.
This tub is insulated, has a drain overflow, and comes with drain assembly.
With this small but mighty soaking tub you can create a Zen ambiance in even the smallest bathroom.
5. Best Soaking Tub for Two
PROS
- Easy installation
- 16-19 inch soaking depth
- Flat bottom fits 3 kids or 2 adults
- Eco-friendly
- Easy to clean
- Comes with a 5-year warranty
CONS
- Eleven inches longer than standard bath size, so may not work in small bathroom
Capacity: 50 Gallons
Installation: Freestanding
Shape: Oval
Size: 70.9″ x 35.4″ x 23.2″
Weight: 286 pounds
Material: Solid surface
Use coupon code BATHTUBBER15 for 15% off at checkout
The Mirage is a freestanding hammock bathtub that blends beauty with functionality. It’s designed to fit two adults or three children comfortably. The contemporary design and flat bottom bring style and class to your bathroom.
This solid surface bathtub has excellent heat retention. It’s available in two standard sizes and four modern colors to match your decor – Alabaster, Ebony and Flower (a hand-painted motif). This tub is available in the Slimline or the Mark II version of the model, which offers 4-5 inches (100mm – 125mm) of extra depth.
6. Best Alcove Soaker Tub
PROS
- Slotted overflow for 21-inch soaking depth
- Ergonomic design for comfort
- Integral flange to prevent water from seeping into back wall
- Textured bottom for safety
CONS
- Lightweight
- Beveled inside edges waste space
Soaking Depth: 21″
Installation: Alcove
Shape: Rectangular
Size: 64″ x 32″ x 19″
Capacity: 50-60 Gallons
Material: Acrylic
It’s hard to find an alcove soaking tub with this much depth, but here it is! Not only is the Kohler Archer Comfort Bath extra deep, extra long, and wider than a standard alcove tub.
And don’t worry about stepping over the edge to get in. Despite the depth of the soak, the step-over height is 19 inches.
In addition, this tub offers lumbar support and an integral tile flange to stop water from seeping into the wall and creating a mold problem.
If you’re looking for an alcove soaking tub that can double as a shower, look no further. The textured bottom of the tub will keep you safe while you stand. This tub comes in 5 color options.
7. Best Japanese-Inspired Soaking Tub
PROS
- Easy to operate
- Adjustable massaging jets
- 3 shower settings
- Auto-shutoff to protect pumps
CONS
- Can’t adjust the headrest since it’s set into the ledge
Soaking Depth: 15.5″
Installation: Freestanding
Shape: Round
Size: 59″D X 29.6″ H
Capacity: 100 Gallons
Material: Acrylic, Fiberglass & Stainless Steel
For the ultimate in a therapeutic soaking experience, why not go all the way? This tub includes six massaging jets with adjustable direction and flow, as well as a molded pillow.
You also get a shower with a gorgeous polished chrome faucet that reproduces the rhythmic sound of a waterfall as your tub fills. And it also comes pre-installed with a chrome drain.
In the spirit of the Japanese “ofuru” tub, this design will bring in the Zen and turn any bathroom into a spa.
All that’s left for you to do is to soak, massage, relax and enjoy.
8. Best Budget-Friendly Soaking Tub
PROS
- Excellent price
- Simple installation
- Modern design with high-gloss finish
- 14-inch soaking depth
- Extra wide
- Easy to maintain
CONS
- Requires mortar mix cement under tub to prevent flexing
Soaking Depth: 14 3/8 “
Installation: Alcove
Shape: Rectangular
Size: 60″ x 36″ x 22″
Capacity: 60 Gallons
Material: Acrylic
This modern alcove soaking bathtub offers great quality for the price. The non-porous, glossy finish on this bathtub makes it easy to clean and maintain. Plus, the sheen of the gloss will look extra sharp in any bathroom.
Made with lightweight acrylic, it’s very easy to install. The tub comes with an attached apron that will prevent water from leaking under the bathtub.
This tub does come with leveling feet. However, you may want to add mortar beneath the tub for extra stability.
If you want an alcove bathtub that will match your modern style and won’t hurt your pocketbook, this just may be the one.
9. Best Clawfoot Soaking Tub
PROS
- Slip-resistant
- Lightweight
- Insulated for heat retention
- 17.4 inch soaking depth
CONS
- Drain assembly not included
Soaking Depth: 17.4″
Installation: Freestanding
Shape: Oval
Size: 59″ x 28″ x 29.5″
Capacity: 45 Gallons
Material: Acrylic
The Woodbridge Clawfoot Soaking Bathtub makes for the perfect primary bathroom centerpiece.
This tub can hold 45 gallons, has a wonderful soaking depth of 17.4 inches, and is incredibly light at 96 pounds, which makes it easy to deliver, place and install.
Made of acrylic, this tub offers excellent insulation for heat retention. With this soaking tub, you get the worldly beauty of a traditional cast iron clawfoot without the incredible weight of a claw foot tub that would add significantly to the installation and delivery costs.
You can order this model with a black or white exterior. The removable claw feet are available in a variety of finishes.
How to Choose a Soaking Bathtub
There are many considerations when it comes to choosing a soaking tub that’s right for you and your space. You’ll want to think about the bathtub material as well as the tub type (e.g. freestanding, alcove, corner etc) and what extras you might want (e.g. jets, handheld showerhead, built-in bench, etc.).
If you’re feeling overwhelmed, be sure to consult our guide to choosing the perfect bathtub. You get step-by-step help with the process.
So What’s the Best Soaking Tub for You?
The best soaking bathtub for you is the one that fits well with your bathroom layout and adds pizzazz to your decor. It also meets your top priorities for what you want in a soaking tub without breaking the bank. It’s the tub that will retain heat long enough for you to luxuriate while your worries melt away.
We’re confident that tub is on this list.
Once you have your tub picked out, it’s time to find a bathtub faucet. There’s nothing like pairing a soaking tub with a gorgeous tub filler. Check out our post on the best tub faucets.
Note: If you’re about to embark on a bathroom remodel and want to save thousands of dollars, click here to sign up for our newsletter. When you do, we’ll send you our Save Big $$$ Cheat Sheet. It’s got designer hacks that can literally help you save thousands of dollars.
Tags: best soaking bathtubs, luxury bathtubs