Best Soaking Tub Picks

Shopping for the best soaking tub for your bathroom shouldn’t be overwhelming, but it’s also not as simple as choosing from one or two options. 

If you’re struggling to choose between brands, models, or features for a soaking tub, we have you covered. In this buying guide, we’ll go over some factors to consider and offer our top picks for the best soaking tubs of 2023.

Trends and Expert Advice

Ready to start shopping? You likely have a design or aesthetic in mind for your tub, but you should get down to brass tacks first to make sure that dream tub actually fits in your bathroom. We asked Cody Sasvari from National Bath about what homeowners are choosing most often for tubs in 2023.

Cody Sasvari Director of Marketing National Bath

Freestanding tubs are very popular right now. In general, most folks are removing their old drop-in garden style tubs to create larger showers or swap out for a freestanding bath.

In addition to the above insider look at tub selection, he recommended a few factors to consider as you narrow in on your search. Let’s start with the basics.

What is a Soaking Tub?

A soaking tub is a type of freestanding tub. As Sasvari noted above, they are enjoying quite a bit of popularity. Compared to other types of freestanding tubs, soaking tubs are deeper, allowing for full-body submersion.

Tub Dimensions

Before you click “add to cart,” you’ll want to make sure the tub of your dream actually fits the space in your bathroom. 

“Tub size and dimensions are important to consider for several reasons,” said Sasvari. “If you like hot baths, you will need a full size water heater to fill larger tubs. The small 40 gallon tanks just won’t do it.” So before you start shopping, check the size of your water heater or factor a new, larger water heater into your budget.

“We have also gone into homes where a handyman came in and tried to install a tub that was way too big for the space,” Sasvari said. 

Start by measuring your space and your current tub if you have one. Most soaking tubs are 60 inches long, 30 inches wide, and between 14 and 16 inches high. However, specialty models are available in bigger and smaller sizes.

Tub Weight

As you scope tubs for purchase, keep in mind that some are extremely heavy.

Tubs are made from a variety of materials, the heaviest of which is cast iron and the lightest of which is acrylic. 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. You’ll want to keep that weight in mind as well if you have to pick the tub up yourself or have it installed on a higher level floor in your home. Some floors may need to be reinforced if the tub is especially heavy.

Fixtures and Plumbing 

Many soaking tubs require standalone fixtures, which can add to the space required for installation. 

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. Some even offer more unique placements depending on your design preference. Just make sure you get the right one for your bathroom. 

Tub Aesthetic

Most tubs are white or off-white, but you can search for speciality makes in various colors, including hammered bronze, black, and stone. The sky’s the limit as long as you have a budget to match. 

Cost

You can expect to spend anywhere from $3,600 to $4,100 on a standard soaking tub with installation. You can read our freestanding tub buying guide to learn more about that price. There are cheaper options available, and we have suggestions for a budget pick below. 

Keep in mind that this cost estimate is for the tub itself and install only. You will likely have to purchase fixtures separately as well as account for plumbing changes, any flooring changes, and a new water heater if you are moving your tub or picking one that’s much larger than what you currently have.

Our Picks for the Best Soaking Tub

Here are our top picks for the best soaking tub on the market. You’ll find a pros and cons list for each model as well as a brief description of its features. 

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

Best Soaking Tub

Pros: Modern design. We love the solid surface material with pop-up drain. Made from stone resin, this tub holds heat better than acrylic while being lighter weight than cast iron. 

Cons: This model only comes with a center drain, so it may require some plumbing work if that is not what you currently have.

This Xspracer Moray Stone Resin Soaking Tub is our top overall pick because it includes all the standard features of a soaking tub with some added touches that make it more comfortable without breaking the bank. At $1,803, it falls in the middle of price ranges on our list. This tub comes in four lengths, ranging from 59 inches to 69 inches, so it can fit many spaces. 

The product description touts the “warm, velvety” feel of the tub material. One homeowner noted in a review that the tub felt like “an immense cocoon.” 

Its ergonomic shape, lower price point, range of sizes, and enthusiastic online reviews won this tub the top position on our list.

Best Center Drain Tub

Pros: The modern design of this oval tub is matched by its center drain placement. 

Cons: Won’t work if you have a left or right drain placement. Price is also higher than other options, and acrylic material does not retain heat as well as other materials on our list. 

Our top pick is a tub with a center drain, but if you want a design that has the glossy, classic look of a luxury tub, then you should consider the Coastal Serin. Coming number two overall on our list and our pick for “best center drain tub,” we love the look and feel of this freestanding oval tub by American Standard. 

Made with cast acrylic, it remains lightweight and holds 71 gallons for optimal soaking. You’ll have to splurge if you like this pick as the list price of this tub varies from just over 2K to over 3k online. 

The price and material narrowly kept this tub from the number one spot on our list. If you have a higher budget, you should absolutely give this American Standard tub serious consideration.

Best Budget Pick

Pros: This tub remains super affordable at $1,500 but still affords you a unique look with the modern rectangular design and curved edges. 

Cons: While lightweight, acrylic doesn’t retain heat as well as other materials such as cast iron.

We love this budget pick from Delta because it’s a unique design that doesn’t break the bank. It’s also expertly designed for easy installation with its two piece design. Have a smaller space to accommodate? This pick also comes in a smaller size. 

Best Upgrade Pick

Pros: Ergonomic design, modern look in matte white. You can use a floor or wall mount fixture set depending on your preference.

Cons: Cost. It’s up there with a $3,150 price tag. 

You’ll have to pay more for this Annzi tub, but the ergonomic design that melds form with function is enough to convince us it’s worth it. The oval layout aims to cradle your body as you soak for optimal relaxation. 

Most Unique and Best Small Freestanding Tub

Pros: Modern look and feel with unique matte and glossy finishes.

Cons: Cost and size. It’s a little more expensive than even our upgrade pick, and it holds fewer gallons given its design.

It’s far from a builder-grade tub, and so stunning it won two separate categories. The design is a showstopper for a unique aesthetic you can’t get with other models. In addition, this Badeloft tub is designed to be “small on the outside, spacious on the inside,” and easily won as our pick for the best small freestanding tub. 

We love the options for matte or glossy gray finishes which you can compliment with a range of hardware options. This tub is special order, which means it has a 6-12 week lead time.