Our Picks for the Best Alcove Bathtubs of 2024

Finding the right alcove tub for your bathroom starts with assessing the size of your current space. From there, you’ll want to dive into a few specific aspects of the design so you find the right tub for your bathroom that meets your preferences.

In this buying guide, we’ll go over some features to consider and offer our top picks for the best alcove bathtubs of 2023.

Best Alcove Bathtub: Factors to Consider While Shopping

Ready to start your hunt? You likely have a design or aesthetic in mind for your tub, but you should get down to the fine details first to make sure that dream tub actually fits in your bathroom. There are a few factors to  keep in mind as you shop.

Tub Dimensions

Alcove tubs are enclosed on three sides, and so their dimensions might be more important than other types of freestanding tubs because your current bathroom space and layout truly dictate their dimensions. 

These alcoves are recessed spaced in a bathroom where you can install a tub/shower combo. Fixtures for these tubs usually come through a wall on one side and the drain is typically on the same side of the tub as the fixtures. With that in mind, there are tubs with left or right drains, and some with center drains. 

There are standard tub dimensions for every type of tub and alcove tubs are no exception. Before you click “add to cart,” you’ll want to make sure the tub you’ve selected actually fits the space in your bathroom. 

Start by measuring your space and your current tub if you have one. Most alcove tubs are 60 inches long, 30 inches wide, and 16 inches high. However, the range extends beyond that. Alcove tubs can also range from 48 to 72 inches long, 25 to 42 inches wide, and 16 to 20 inches deep.

Tub Weight

As you scope tubs for purchase, keep in mind that some alcove tubs are extremely heavy. This can make for a poor DIY choice if you’re planning to haul it home and up the stairs for your bungalow home’s bathroom update. 

Tubs are made from a variety of materials, the heaviest of which is cast iron and the lightest of which is acrylic. You can also find tubs made with enameled steel, stone resin, and fiberglass. You’ll find plenty of options in between, but be sure to check the product’s weight if it’s going to affect your project. 

Fixtures and Plumbing 

Most tub styles are purchased separately from the fixtures, and many alcove tubs require fixtures mounted on a wall for the shower/tub combo. And unless you are planning to drastically change the plumbing of your room, you’ll want to make sure the drain in your tub lines up with the current drain pipes in your home. Most tubs are available with center, left, or right drains as well as more unique placements depending on your design preference. Just make sure you get the right one for your bathroom. 

Tub Aesthetic

Once you’ve familiarized yourself with the logistics, it’s safe to focus on the look and feel of your new alcove tub. Most tubs are white or off white, but you can search for specialty makes in various colors, including bronze, black, or stone. There are truly limitless options if you have the budget to accommodate your style preferences. Just keep in mind that you might have to shop at a specialty store to find a unique tub to your liking.

Cost

Believe it or not, alcove tubs are considered the most affordable type of tub on the market today. You can expect to spend anywhere from $1,625 to $2,000 on average for a standard alcove tub with installation. There are cheaper options available, and we have suggestions for a budget pick below. You can also opt to install your own tub if you have the knowledge, which can save on installation costs. 

Keep in mind that this cost estimate is for the tub and install only. You might have to purchase fixtures separately.

Our Picks for the Best Alcove Tubs

If you want a little direction as you begin your search, take a look at our top picks for the best alcove tub on the market. You’ll find pros and cons for each model as well as a brief description of its features. 

We made our decisions based on the average price, average size, and specialty features outlined in these options below. We also chose from among the best alcove tub brands on the market today.

Best Upgrade Pick 

Take your standard alcove tub to the next level with this bubble jets model by Kohler. There are 43 bubble jets installed around the tub for a spa-like experience each time you have a soak. You can even adjust the intensity of the jets for 18 different massage settings. 

Pros: There’s a built-in heater and jets you can control with a digital display, making for a spa-like bath right in your own home. 

Cons: There’s a hefty price tag on this choice, which is why we consider it a major upgrade pick. It’s also made of enameled cast iron, so it’s pretty heavy.

Best Overall Alcove Tub

Also from Kohler, this tub is our choice for the best overall tub. It’s much more affordable and doesn’t boast tons of fancy features aside from the lumbar support, but it’s a solid tub with a modern design that will give you exactly what you’re looking for in your space. It’s also available in six different colors!

Pros: Super affordable at just $974. It also comes in a range of colors including white, gray, and black. It’s made with light-weight acrylic, too.

Cons: You’ll have to pay more for the various colors than you would standard white. It’s also only available with a right drain and measures 60” by 32”.

Best Budget Pick 

Choose your color and your drain side with our budget pick by American Standard. This tub comes in much lower than even the average low-end cost of an alcove tub. It’s a standard size of 60” by 30” by 14” and made with enameled steel and a slip-resistant floor for maximum safety.

Pros: Available in four shades of white, this tub can also be ordered with a right- or left-side drain. It’s the cheapest on the list too at just $429 for the standard white finish.

Cons: You will have to pay more for the different colors; up to $618 for the shade “linen.”

Roomiest Alcove Tub

You’ll get a full soaking tub treatment with this roomy option by Kingston Kitchen & Bath. It’s also bigger than average at 60” by 35” by 21.63” for more water capacity and more room to stretch out. The good news is it achieves the size in width, not length, so you should still be able to fit this pick in most standard bathroom alcoves. 

Pros: Super affordable at just $500 and designed extra wide and deep to accommodate 57 gallons for the perfect soaking bath.

Cons: It has a left drain placement and might not fit in your bathroom given its unique dimensions.

Best Modern Design 

We love the clean, modern lines of this Swiss Madison alcove tub. It’s super light weight, made with acrylic, reinforced with fiberglass, and comes with armrests for optimal comfort while soaking.

Pros: This unique, modern design is still super affordable at just $569. It also has armrests!

Cons: Available in a right-side drain.

When choosing the best freestanding bathtub for your needs, let Modernize guide you. We can connect you with trusted contractors and bathroom remodeling experts in your area who can help you narrow down your long list of options to find the freestanding bathtub that’s right for your space.