Best Bathtubs for 2023 (Top 9) – Buying Guide and Reviews

Last Updated: January 3, 2023Are you in need of a new bathtub and don’t know where to start?

It’s understandable. There are so many different types of bathtubs available on the market that finding one right for you can be a daunting task.

And that’s why we have written a short buying guide to help you find the best tubs 2023 that works for you. In addition to that, we have also reviewed the top eight bathtubs on the market. These bathtubs cover a few different types of tubs, so you shouldn’t have any issue finding a review of a tub that you like.

Top-rated Bathtubs Quick Rating Chart

Product	Size & Capacity	Colors	Features	Rating
1. American Standard Cambridge 2461.002.020 Soaking Bathtub	70" 5 ft x 32 in	White Arctic White Bone Linen	Durable 14 inch depth Easy installation Lifetime warranty		Check price
2. American Standard 2460002.011 Recessed Bathtub	60" 5 ft x 32 in	White Arctic White Bone Linen	Durable Americast Slip-resistant floor Easy installation		Check price
3. American Standard 7236V002.020 Evolution	72" 6 ft x 34 in	White Arctic White Linen	Glossy acrylic Slip-resistant floor 60+ gallons		Check price
4. WOODBRIDGE Acrylic Freestanding Bathtub	67" 5 ft x 31 in	White	Acrylic Freestanding Premium quality		Check price
5. Empava EMPV-FT1518 Freestanding Tub	67" x 31.49" x 26.57"	White	Made in U. S. A. Versatile design Premium quality		Check price
6. WOODBRIDGE Clawfoot Bathtub	59 x 29.88 x 30.25 in	White	5-year warranty Premium quality Awesome design		Check price
7. Kingston Brass Acrylic Bathtub	59.44 x 30.69 x 22.06 in	White	Acrylic alcove Lightweight		Check price
8. Empava Whirlpool Walk-in Tub	53 x 27 x 42 in	White	Walk-in design Ergonomic controls 3-year warranty		Check price
9. Empava Whirlpool Hydromassage Bathtub	66.93 x 30.71 x 22.83 in	White	Large capacity 11 water jets Slip-Resistant		Check price

Why Bathtubs Are Great: Quick Buying Guide 2023

This guide will cover everything that you need to know about purchasing your next bathtub. We will cover the different types of tubs, materials, and even the lengths of tubs. This is all so you can ensure that you pick the right bathtub for your needs and bathroom.

Different Types of Bathtubs

Standard Bathtubs

Standard bathtubs are the generic bathtubs found in most homes. The benefit of a standard tub is that they are affordable. Of course, the downsides are that they are generally made from lower-quality materials and tend to be shallower than other tubs.

Clawfoot Bathtubs

Clawfoot bathtubs are perfect if you live in a historic home. Generally, clawfoot tubs are only seen in homes built before the 1940s or homeowners going for a vintage look.

Freestanding Bathtubs

A freestanding bathtub is an increasingly popular option in modern homes. Think of it as a clawfoot tub without the claw feet. These tubs look great in modern homes, but proper plumbing is sometimes an issue.

Soaking Bathtubs

Soaking bathtubs are great if you enjoy taking baths. Why?

A soaking bathtub generally has a sloped back and is very deep. Both those features make it perfect for actually taking baths.

We don’t recommend soaking tubs for older people or if you have young children because they are very deep. Soaking tubs also use much more water than other types of bathtubs.

Whirlpool Tubs

Whirlpool bathtubs are simply soaking bathtubs with jacuzzi features. These features usually include a water bubbler, jet stream, and LED lights.

These bathtubs are luxurious. However, maintenance and upkeep can sometimes be a problem with them. We only recommend whirlpool tubs if you have a big budget.

Walk-in Bathtubs

A walk-in bathtub is simply a bathtub with a door on it for entering. This is a great type of bathtub if you have bad knees or a bad hip and can’t swing your leg over the side of a bathtub.

Due to that, we generally don’t recommend a walk-in tub unless absolutely necessary.

Bathtub Materials

Bathtubs come in a variety of different materials. Here are some of the most popular.

Fiberglass

Fiberglass is the most affordable bathtub material. It’s also light, easy to install, and available in many different colors. As you might expect, these tubs are not particularly durable over time. But they work great if you need a cheap tub and don’t care about quality.

Porcelain Enameled Steel

Porcelain-enameled steel tubs are a good middle ground bathtub. They have a much higher build quality than fiberglass at a competitive price. Why?

Porcelain doesn’t scratch or stain, so it will last longer. The downside is that if the porcelain cracks the steel can easily rust.

Cast Iron with Enamel Coating

Cast iron is the best material for a bathtub. It has good insulation and is sturdy.

You do have to be cognizant of the floor because cast iron is heavy. Also, take care when cleaning because it’s easy to scratch enamel by scrubbing too hard.

Acrylic

Acrylic is more affordable than metal and better than fiberglass. The benefit of acrylic is that it comes in a variety of different shapes and sizes.

The downside, of course, is that it’s easy to damage when cleaning. However, repairing acrylic is a simple process.

Composite

Composite tubs are simply tubs made from a blend of different materials. The exact materials depend on the manufacturer, so make sure to investigate before purchase.

The benefit of composite tubs is that they offer many benefits of other materials at a fraction of the price.

Cultured Stone

Cultured stone tubs are made from crushed rocks. As you can imagine, these tubs are expensive and easily damaged.

We only recommend a cultured stone tub if you have a large budget and want a very aesthetically pleasing bathtub.

Wood

Wood tubs are another choice for those concerned with aesthetics more than anything else. These tubs tend to cost a lot of money and must be carefully maintained.

They also only look good in certain bathrooms.

Copper

Copper is actually an excellent choice of material for a bathtub. It’s easy to clean, lasts forever, and holds heat well.

The only downside is that a copper bathtub will cost a lot of money.

Reviews of The Best Bathtubs for 2023

1. American Standard Cambridge Soaking Bathtub – Best Overall Bathtub in 2022
2. American Standard 2460002.011 Recessed – Best Recessed Bathtub
3. American Standard 7236V002.020 Evolution – Best Freestanding Bathtub
4. WOODBRIDGE Acrylic Freestanding Bathtub – Best Luxury Freestanding Bathtub
5. Empava EMPV-FT1518 Freestanding Tub – Best Soaking Tub
6. WOODBRIDGE Clawfoot Bathtub – Best Clawfoot Bathtub
7. Kingston Brass Acrylic Bathtub – Best Drop-in Bathtub
8. Empava Whirlpool Walk-in Tub – Best Walk-In Tub
9. Empava 67 in. Acrylic Alcove Whirlpool Bathtub – Best Whirlpool Bathtub

This section will review some of the best bathtubs on the market. It will cover a variety of tubs that include recessed tubs, built-in tubs, clawfoot tubs, and even a whirlpool tub.

1. Best Bathtub Overall: American Standard Cambridge 2461.002.020

Are you searching for an overall good bathtub?

American Standard’s Cambridge 2461.002.020 is the best overall bathtub on our list. First, it’s made from a composite material that weighs about half as much as cast iron. The covering on the composite material is enamel, which is nice.

The total capacity of water is close to 60 gallons and the depth is approximately 14 inches.

We do like that this tub is ADA compliant due to the anti-slip mat and headrest. Even if you don’t need the ADA features, these features make the tub comfortable.

Finally, we like that this tub is very easy to tile around thanks to the integral apron.

Final Verdict

We recommend this tub to anyone searching to upgrade the tub in their home away from the standard home tub. However, the slightly smaller size makes it a better choice for a guest bathroom than a master bathroom choice.

That said, it is excellent for bathing small children.

Positives

Negatives

2. Best Recessed Bathtub: American Standard 2460002.011 Recessed

Are you searching for the best recessed bathtub on the market?

The American Standard Cambridge (2460002.011) is another excellent choice. It’s actually quite similar to the previous Cambridge listed.

In fact, the only difference is that this tub has a slight rounder shape to it.

We prefer the rounder bathtubs, but the difference mostly comes down to you, the consumer, rather than us.

Anyway, this tub is made of a special American Standard composite material called Americast. Americast has a fiberglass interior and an enamel finish to it. We like enamel because it’s a little more durable than acrylic.

The soaking depth of this tub is also surprisingly deep at 14 inches. That isn’t a soaking depth normally found on recessed bathtubs.

Finally, the tub is available with a left or right drain. You simply make the choice during purchase.

That is one aspect you don’t want to get wrong. Otherwise, you will have a backward tub!

Final Verdict

You can’t go wrong with an American Standard bathtub. We strongly recommend this tub if you need a recessed tub for your home. Why?

This tub is much better than the standard, cheap tubs that are typically found in bathrooms. Plus, the fiberglass interior will ensure that hot water in this tub stays hot.

Positives

Negatives

3. Best Freestanding Bathtub 2023: American Standard 7236V002.020 Evolution

Searching for a drop-in tub with a deep pool?

The American Standard Evolution is a great choice. First, our favorite part of this tub is the size – it’s deep and has plenty of legroom on it. It’s also fairly ergonomic, so you’ll be comfortable inside this tub.

How deep is this tub?

About 18.5” when filled with water. This makes it easy to completely submerge your body in this tub. Also, the tub is long at 6 feet (72 inches), which makes it great if you’re tall and have trouble using a 5-foot bathtub.

As for material, it’s a composite of fiberglass and acrylic. These materials are both lights, and the tub only weighs about 70 pounds. We also like that the acrylic in this tub does a good job of keeping the water warm.

The floor of the tub having a slip-resistant mat is also nice. Of course, the one downside of this tub is that it has a standard width, which can become an issue if you have problems with narrow tubs.

Final Verdict

If you’re searching for a good freestanding tub, then this is certainly the choice for you. This tub has enough length that everyone should find it comfortable. More importantly, we like the acrylic and fiberglass composite material that this tub is made of – it’s light and does a good job of insulating the tub.

Our only real complaint about this tub is in regards to the dimensions. This tub is either too deep for elderly people or children and too narrow for other people. If neither of those issues regarding size is a problem, then this tub is perfect.

Positives

Negatives

4. Best Luxury Freestanding Bathtub: WOODBRIDGE Acrylic Freestanding Bathtub

Are you tired of generic bathtubs in your bathroom? Do you want something a little more elegant?

The WOODBRIDGE 67” Freestanding Bathtub might be the bathtub for you. This tub looks gorgeous with an acrylic coating on a fiberglass body. The curves on this tub give it a very elegant design.

The dimensions are fairly typical with a capacity of 60 gallons and a depth of 15 inches.

Now, we like that this tub has hidden legs that allow for maximum stability. Basically, it’s a clawfoot tub with hidden feet.

Our only complaint about this tub is in regard to the drainage – it’s not the best. Fortunately, if you have drainage issues, then it can easily be remedied by replacing the drainage hose.

Other than that one problem, we don’t have any issues with this tub. It even comes with a pretty nice one year warranty in the event that anything goes wrong with the tub.

Final Verdict

We recommend this tub if you’re searching for an affordable tub that is great for soaking. This tub also looks great, so we strongly recommend it if you care about the appearance of your tub.

Surprisingly, this tub uses much less water compared to other tubs, so it will save you money in the long-term.

Anyway, we have no complaints about this tub. It’s a great tub and you can’t go wrong with it.

Positives

Negatives

5. Best Soaking Bathtub: Empava EMPV-FT1518

Searching for a great soaking tub that is also a freestanding tub?

Empava makes a great soaking bathtub that is also freestanding. What really sets this tub apart from other bathtubs is that it can fit two people.

That makes it a great choice for couples that want to take a bath together.

Anyway, this tub is made from acrylic, so it’s durable and easy to clean. We like that.

The dimensions on the tub are also great. The tub is 67” long, which is great for taller people. The water capacity is a little small at 58 gallons. And the soaking depth is rather low at 13.5 inches.

Again, the tub is big enough that two people can bathe at the same time, so the soaking depth of 13.5 inches isn’t a big problem.

Finally, we like that this tub comes with a 1-year warranty. That provides some extra peace of mind that the tub won’t break immediately after purchase.

Final Verdict

All things considered, we really like this bathtub for soaking. The extra width of the tub makes it a particularly great tub for couples that would like to bathe together.

The appearance of the tub is also top-notch. A potential downside is the shallow soaking depth, but that is mitigated by the fact that this tub can fit in a smaller bathroom – it’s simply not a tub meant for big bathrooms.

Positives

Negatives

6. Best Clawfoot Bathtub: WOODBRIDGE Clawfoot Tub

Do you have an older bathroom and would like a clawfoot tub that matches the aesthetic of your bathroom?

WOODBRIDGE makes a great option in that case. This tub has an antique look to it while still having the modern amenities found in a bathtub.

First, we love the design of this tub. Sure, most of the tubs on this list look great. However, this tub has a look to it that just makes you want to climb in it for a soak. A lot of effort was used to design this tub, and it shows with the amazing design.

Anyway, the materials on this tub are also great. It has an acrylic coating with two layers of fiberglass. The extra layer of fiberglass provides some extra insulation. But it does add a little extra weight.

The dimensions are pretty decent. The floor of the bath is 45 inches deep. And the sides have a gentle slope that makes them perfect for relaxing.

As for the feet, they look ornate and are made from stainless steel for some extra durability. On top of that, they can easily support the tub when fully filled with water and a person inside it.

Finally, you will need to purchase your own faucet for this tub. We recommend not purchasing the Woodbridge faucet because it’s too slow.

Final Verdict

This is the best clawfoot tub on the market in our opinion. Clawfoot tubs aren’t for everyone, but if you need a clawfoot tub, then this is the choice. It has a great design, ergonomics, and the double fiberglass wall provides plenty of insulation.

Positives

Negatives

7. Best Drop-in Bathtub: Kingston Brass Acrylic Bathtub

Are you searching for an alcove bathtub?

These types of tubs are great because you can easily turn them into a shower. Plus, the integral apron on the tub makes installation a simple process. The surface of the tub is acrylic, so that makes this tub easy for all repairs and maintenance.

We also like that this tub has such a large water capacity despite fitting in a standard size bathroom. For instance, this tub has a 63.5 gallon capacity with an impressive soaking depth of 15.5 inches.

The versatility of this tub is also nice. It’s available with a left or right drain, which is great because drainage hookups aren’t always on the same side.

Finally, this tub has a fiberglass body covered with acrylic. As usual, the fiberglass provides plenty of extra insulation to keep the water in the tub warm. The fiberglass body also makes this tub lighter than other bathtubs.

Final Verdict

We recommend this tub for anyone that wants a new bathtub experience without renovating their entire bathroom. The dimensions of this cut-out will work in most bathrooms, and the tub is a different shape than the normal bathtubs installed by builders.

The tub does not really have any downsides. However, we recommend hiring a professional to install the tub because acrylic tubs require good installation or else they will feel hollow.

Positives

Negatives

8. Best Walk-In Tub: Empava Whirlpool Walk-in Tub

Are you searching for a whirlpool bathtub? Or perhaps you want a walk-in bathtub?

The Empava 53” is a perfect option because it is a whirlpool and walk-in tub. First of all, we like that this tub has a low 4-inch step to get inside of it. This makes it perfect for the elderly and those with knee or hip problems. It also has a handrail on it to prevent you from slipping.

Now, this tub has plenty of water jets on it. It has eight total, and six of them are on the back and two are meant for your legs.

Basically, the water jets will give you a nice massage when you are using them, which is great. That is also one of the main reasons to purchase a whirlpool tub.

The dimensions are decent, too. This tub should fit in most bathrooms. It has a length of 42 inches, a width of 27 inches, and a height of 94 inches. That height means you can fully submerge yourself in this tub.

Finally, this tub has an impressive 3-year warranty on the tub itself and the parts for the tub. It’s nice to see a long warranty on a whirlpool tub since the jets often have problems after about a year.

Final Verdict

This is the only whirlpool tub on our list. That said, it’s the best whirlpool tub on the market because it doubles as a walk-in tub.

However, our favorite feature is that this bathtub will fit in a standard bathroom without any issue. That is not something that can be said about most whirlpool bathtubs.

Overall, we recommend this tub to anyone searching for a whirlpool tub that doubles as a walk-in tub. It is simply the best tub in its class.

Positives

Negatives

9. Best Whirlpool Bathtub: Empava Whirlpool 67 inch Bathtub

Searching for a purely whirlpool bathtub?

The Empava 67” alcove whirlpool bathtub is a great choice when it comes to a whirlpool bathtub. In fact, it’s our favorite whirlpool tub on the market.

First of all, we like that this tub is made of acrylic, which makes it easy to clean and resistant to scratches. That’s especially important on a whirlpool tub because they can have a tendency to get a little messy.

As for the whirlpool aspect, this tub has an impressive 11 jets. 4 of the jets are for your back, 3 of the jets are aimed at the side of your body, and an additional 4 jets are aimed at your feet. We also like that the pressure and direction of the individual jets can be controlled.

This bathtub is more like a jacuzzi than a bathtub with all those perks!

The dimensions on the tub are also nice. It’s 67” long, which is plenty of space for the average person. However, the soaking depth is a little shallow at 14,” but that probably isn’t as noticeable because the tub is so long that you can lie down inside it.

Finally, we like that this tub has an automatic shutoff safety feature. That just adds a little extra security and peace of mind when using this tub. You don’t have to worry about flooding your bathroom or home.

Final Verdict

We really like this tub as a whirlpool tub. That said, a whirlpool bathtub isn’t for everyone. They are large, require a lot more regular maintenance, and use more water and electricity.

If those aspects of owning a whirlpool bathtub don’t scare you off, then the Empava 67” whirlpool bathtub is the whirlpool tub for you.
No other whirlpool tub really compares, especially at this price point.

Positives

Negatives

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) about Bathtubs

How much does a full bathtub weigh?

Anywhere from 300 to 800 pounds. The weight of water is constant, so it mostly depends on the size and materials of the tub.

How big is a standard-sized bathtub?

60”x30” is typical. Sometimes it might be 60”x32”, though.
Soaking tubs tend to be a little longer at 67 inches.

How much space does a bathtub take up?

This mostly depends on the dimensions of the bathtub. Freestanding bathtubs only require enough space for them to fit the length and widthwise. On the other hand, a standard bathtub must be flush with the walls.

Fortunately, most bathrooms are designed to fit a standard bathtub, so this isn’t usually a huge issue.

How to clean a bathtub?

You can use standard chemical cleaners to clean your bathtub. However, we recommend using vinegar as it will cause no damage to the tub itself.

The best bathtub for children?

A standard bathtub or a miniature tub are both great options for bathing young children. We recommend a mini tub if possible, but a standard tub works fine because the adult can sit in the bathtub with the child.

What type of bathtub is best for me?

This depends on the situation. If you’re replacing a bathtub, then it’s as simple as finding one that matches the dimensions of the previous tub.

You should also make sure to keep plumbing considerations in mind before purchasing your bathtub. Freestanding bathtubs do not work in many bathtubs.

Can I update the finish on metal pieces?

Yes, you can usually update the finish on metal pieces in your bathtub. In the event that you can’t, it’s often easy enough to simply paint a new finish on with metal paint.

What is the ideal tub length?

We recommend purchasing the longest tub possible for your bathroom. This usually means a 67” tub.

Final Thoughts

Well, that covers it for reviews of the best bathtubs on the market. We hope that you found some value from our reviews and buying guide.

The difficult part of reviewing tubs is that different bathtubs work for different people and bathrooms. For that reason, we decided to review a variety of tubs, so that you could find one that works for you.

With that said, most people would be perfectly fine with a standard recessed bathtub. Fancier options are definitely available, though.