9 Different Types of Bathtubs and How to Choose One

For many homeowners, a soothing bath provides unmatched comfort. If a bathtub is a must-have fixture in your home, it's important to choose the right type for your space. The most common bathtubs seen in residential homes include drop-in tubs, freestanding tubs, soaking tubs, alcove tubs, corner tubs, bath and shower combinations, and walk-in tubs.

Freestanding options include luxurious styles like clawfoot tubs, while corner tubs offer plenty of extra space with added features like jets and whirlpools. On the other hand, small bathtubs like drop-in and alcove options may be more suitable when space is tight. Keep reading to learn the pros and cons of each type of bathtub to help you decide what's best for your home.

Considerations When Choosing a Bathtub

Choosing the right bathtub for your home starts with knowing what your options are and what your bathroom can accommodate.

• The size of your space. Start by measuring your space (twice), then take a look at your options. If you have a large space to fill and enjoy the high-end features of a free-standing bathtub or corner tub, these may be great options for your home. On the other hand, alcoves, shower and bath combos, and drop-in tubs are more reasonable in price and common in most houses.
• The best material. It's also helpful to choose the best construction material for your needs. Cast iron tubs and jetted bathtubs retain the most heat, while acrylic, fiberglass, and solid surface tubs are more affordable.
• Use. An often-forgotten consideration is who will be using your tub. For older adults in the home who need assistance, a walk-in tub is ideal. If you have children or pets, it might be easier to choose a tub that is easy for them to get in and out of such as an alcove, drop-in bathtub, or shower and tub combination. (These options are surrounded by tile and also offer storage options for bath toys and shampoos).

Free-Standing Bathtubs

• Best for: Bathers interested in deep soaker tubs with style

Free-standing tubs are unconnected to walls or any other surface except for the floor. Styles of these bathtubs include the classic clawfoot tub, but it's also possible to buy free-standing tubs in sleek, modern designs.

As far as space goes, free-standing bathtubs require more room than others. It is possible to install a free-standing tub in a small bathroom or a three-sided alcove, but this makes it harder to clean around and under the bathtub.

Free-standing tubs tend to be significantly more expensive than alcove and drop-in tubs, and the overall cost is heavily dependent upon the material the tub is made of. They also need the right kind of plumbing to function. Fiberglass and acrylic tubs are a bit more budget-friendly, while cast iron, stone resin, copper, and brass tubs have high-end price tags.

Overall, freestanding tubs tend to cost between about $700 and $4,000. Many porcelain clawfoot options are still common today, although older models may require bathtub repair to restore them to their original condition.

Alcove Bathtub

• Best for: Small bathrooms and tub/shower combinations

An alcove bathtub fits within a three-sided enclosure built just for the tub. It's a top pick for saving space in a small bathroom, and very familiar to homeowners and renters alike. This type of bathtub can be very durable depending on the material it's made from, which is commonly fiberglass, acrylic, stone resin, or solid surface, but may also be cast iron.

When the walls are tiled or fitted with panels, the enclosure can be used for a tub/shower combination. Alcove bathtubs are often the least expensive and easiest type of tub to install, typically costing from about $250 to $600 depending on the material and construction.

The alcove bathtub is all about maximizing your bathroom space: This is the tub with the smallest footprint, and it fits tightly into its allotted space. The standard length for an alcove tub is 60 inches (but some can range from 53 to 72 inches).

Alcove bathtubs can come as part of a package that includes the three-sided wall surround. In some cases, the wall surround is permanently attached to the bathtub, while others are detached for easy installation.

Drop-In Bathtub

• Best for: Buyers after customized designs with storage and deep soaker options

A drop-in bathtub is a shell that fits into a prepared deck. The inside of the bathtub is finished, but the outside is not since it is covered up by the deck.

This unique bathtub requires you to have a carpenter build a deck or peninsula that juts into the room. The tub comes with a built-in rim and is installed inside the structure. Drop-in bathtubs can be installed in an alcove, but most often are featured in a more open area. As such, these tubs usually require more bathroom space than alcoves and cost more. The cost of the tub itself usually ranges from about $500 to $2,000.

Drop-in bathtubs give your bathroom a more finished, permanent look. The structure your tub is installed in should be made with a durable frame and finished with tile or another waterproof surface. The tiled sides of the bathtub provide extra space for soap, shampoo bottles, candles, or books. Drop-in tubs can be made of fiberglass, acrylic, solid surface, stone resin, and even cast iron.

Corner Bathtubs

• Best for: Adding luxury features and making the most of extra space

Corner tubs are large, triangular bathtubs that fit into a corner of the bathroom. Typically expensive, corner bathtubs take up a lot of bathroom floor space. Conversely, they're ideal if you have an awkward corner and are unsure how to fill it otherwise.

One downside of this tub is that it takes a long time to fill up, as the larger capacity requires more water volume. That being said, they're perfect for relaxation. Many corner bathtubs tend to have whirlpool and air jet features, and they're often built in a durable, high-end fashion.

Corner tubs often cost about $1,000 to $3,000, but these luxury features may increase the cost. More affordable corner tub materials include fiberglass, acrylic, and solid surface, while cast iron comes with a higher price.

Jetted Bathtubs

• Best for: Creating a spa-like atmosphere

If you've ever dreamed about having your own hot tub but have been put off by the maintenance or cost, a jetted bathtub may be exactly what you need. These tubs are built for indoor spaces but have the spa-like, bubble-blasting jets that their outdoor counterparts have.

They're perfect for homeowners interested in a tub that can go the extra mile. Rather than a soaking experience, they provide light massaging through bubbles, providing muscle relief and relaxation. Jetted tubs tend to need more water, which can increase the price of your utilities slightly more than a standard tub.

Maintenance can be another downside. Jets can get clogged with soap residue and limescale in areas with hard water. These tubs start around $1,500 and increase in price depending on the size, features, and how many jets you're after.

Sunken Bathtubs

• Best for: Creating a unique design spin in a bathroom

A sunken bathtub is a rarer sight to behold in most homes, but they're a fascinating way of thinking outside of the box when it comes to bathroom fixtures. These differ from drop-in tubs because they're built directly into the floor. Rather than climbing up, bathers step down—in a sense, similar to an in-ground pool.

These tubs add an air of luxury and are perfect for homeowners trying to achieve a vacation or getaway aesthetic in their bathroom. These gently slope down into the floor or have steps leading down and often are covered in tiles or are left as bare cement for a seamless look.

These tubs require more than the standard fitting installation process. In many cases, renovations are needed to ensure the floor can handle such a tub and that it has the correct plumbing provisions. The average cost of installing a tub is around $1,500 to $3,000, but because a sunken-style bath is more involved, the price can increase exponentially.

Shower and Tub Combination

• Best for: One-bathroom homes or smaller bathrooms

A shower and tub combination is the best of both worlds. It gives users the ability to shower and bathe in the same space, which is ideal for homes that only have one bathroom or limited space for squeezing in both.

These combos come in a vast and impressive number of designs, materials, and colors, and there's an option for every style preference. One of their disadvantages is maintenance and cleaning, which can be trickier depending on the layout.

Many shower and bath duos take the form of an alcove bath, but others feature a soaking tub with a showerhead positioned above. Basic layouts start around $700 to $900, whereas shower-tub combos with all the bells and whistles can cost around $1,000 to $3,000

Soaking Bathtubs

Best for: A luxury look

The terms soaking tub and freestanding tub are often used interchangeably. While they may refer to the same thing, soaking bathtubs are often a little bigger.

In theory, this allows a bather to fully submerge their body (hence the term, soaking) or recline on a relaxing bath pillow. These are almost always freestanding tubs, but their faucets may be attached to the wall rather than to the tub.

Price-wise, these tubs can range between $1,000 and $4,000, though some specialty models can verge on the $10,000 to $12,000 range. Homeowners interested in a sleek, modern aesthetic may like the end result of adding a porcelain or stone version to their bathrooms. That said, anyone with rustic or farmhouse tastes might like a claw-foot variation. There are even bold, colorful options for the maximalists out there.

Walk-in and Accessible Bathtubs

• Best for: Bathers with limited mobility

Walk-in bathtubs allow for exactly what their names say. These are special tubs that can be accessed through a door rather than climbing over the wall. The bather can shut the sealed door once they're in, which prevents water from spilling or leaking out. These bathtubs are ideal for anyone who is disabled or who has limited mobility.

Many models come with built-in handles and seats, which makes them more comfortable to use. Bathers do have to sit in the tub while it fills and drains, which can be a disadvantage and slightly chilly.

Because of their unique features, they tend to be more expensive than a standard alcove or shower and bath combination. On average, walk-in baths range between $3,000 and $7,000.