Home Improvement Bathroom Remodel & Repair Showers & Tubs

9 Different Types of Bathtubs and How to Choose One

Basic Types of Bathtubs HERO

The Spruce / Jacob Fox

Bathtubs are functional essentials, relaxing escapes, and the hallmarks of self-care nights. A tub can make or break a space, as made evident by the shoddy, rental versions you may have had to put up with over the years. These bathroom fixture basics hold water for immersive bathing, and they certainly aren't all the same.

There are several different types of bathtubs that all serve unique purposes. 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, and a walk-in tub might be helpful for folks with limited mobility.

For many homeowners, a soothing bath provides unmatched comfort—and if this fixture is a must-have in your home, it's important to choose the right type for your space. Below, we break down the pros and cons of each type of bathtub to help you decide what's best for your home.

  • 01 of 09

    Free-Standing Bathtubs

    bathtub

    The Spruce / Michelle Becker

    • 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.

    Cast iron tubs, in particular, are very durable and heavy (up to 500 pounds), but they're the best option for staying warm during long baths. Many porcelain clawfoot options are still common today, although older models may require bathtub repair to restore them to their original condition.

    Pros
    • Charming, beautiful

    • Fits with traditional homes

    Cons
    • Requires a lot of room

    • Exposed plumbing

  • 02 of 09

    Alcove Bathtub

    Bathroom with gray subway tiles surrounding tub with wicker basket in corner

    The Spruce / Christopher Lee Foto

    • 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 it's a special type of bathtub that's very familiar to homeowners and renters alike.

    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.

    Tip

    Attached wall surrounds are the easiest to clean, but, for a remodel, they can be difficult to fit through the bathroom door; generally, these are new-construction tubs. Bathtubs with detached surrounds usually come in three pieces including a large back wall with two smaller sidewalls.

    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.

    Pros
    • Cost-effective

    • Excellent for small bathrooms

    • Predictable sizing

    Cons
    • Requires tile or a wall surround

    • Only the front has an apron, so it must be positioned in one direction

    • Shallow compared to soaker options

  • 03 of 09

    Drop-In Bathtub

    Large bathroom with decorative light fixtures around mirrors and large windows over tub

    The Spruce / Christopher Lee Foto

    • 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.

    Pros
    • Customizable to each bathroom

    • Creates a polished look

    • Storage space on the sides

    Cons
    • Requires a site-built deck

    • Difficult to DIY-install

    • Jet options require an access panel, which can be unsightly

  • 04 of 09

    Corner Bathtubs

    Drop in bath tub surrounded by gray cabinets and tile

    Interior Impressions

    • 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.

    Pros
    • Spacious

    • Shape conducive to multiple users

    • Functional use of an empty corner

    Cons
    • Expensive

    • Uses a lot of water

    • Takes longer to fill

    Continue to 5 of 9 below
  • 05 of 09

    Jetted Bathtubs

    Jetted tub filled with hot water

    The Spruce / Georgia Lloyd

    • 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.

    Pros
    • Comfortable spa experience

    • Sizable, ideal for large bathrooms

    • Offers some health benefits

    Cons
    • Requires more water

    • Maintenance takes more effort

    • Bigger investment

  • 06 of 09

    Sunken Bathtubs

    Sunken tub in a neutral, airy bathroom

    @alannasmitdesigns / Instagram

    • 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.

    Pros
    • Stylish, unique fixture

    • Step-down experience rather than climb-over

    • Easy to clean

    Cons
    • Not suitable for all bathrooms

    • Expensive investment

    • Permanent fixture and difficult to change

  • 07 of 09

    Shower and Tub Combination

    primary bathroom ideas

    Erin Williamson Design

    • 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 both 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

    Pros
    • Multipurpose

    • Ideal for small bathrooms

    • Great for families or homes with pets

    Cons
    • Not easily accessible for all

    • Ease of installation depends on style

    • Cleaning can be difficult depending on style

  • 08 of 09

    Soaking Bathtubs

    Front view of a bathroom with a soaking tub, robes, and a spa bench with towels

    The Spruce / Alyssa Vela

    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). 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.

    Pros
    • Comfortable

    • Stylish and comes in a variety of aesthetics

    Cons
    • Expensive

    • Takes up space

    Continue to 9 of 9 below
  • 09 of 09

    Walk-in and Accessible Bathtubs

    Handicapped disabled access bathroom bathtub with grab bars.

    nazdravie / Getty Images

    • 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.

    Pros
    • Door entry

    • Some feature handles and benches

    • Useful for bathers with limited mobility

    Cons
    • Expensive

    • Tricky installation in traditional bathroom layouts

    • Bather must sit while filling and draining

Choosing a Bathtub

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

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. If you're still unsure about what would look and work best in your bathroom, consult a local contractor to get a better understanding of your options. Before you know it, you'll have a tub that ticks all the boxes for style and functionality.