Best Acrylic Bathtubs Reviewed

Acrylic Bathtub Brands Compared

Why Choose an Acrylic Bathtub?

Buying a Quality Acrylic Bathtub 

Bathtub Type

First thing's first, you need to decide on a bathtub type/style. The type you choose has a lot to do with your overall design preferences, but it also has to do with things like bathing habits, available space, and installation preferences. For example, even if you love the classic look of acrylic clawfoot bathtubs, you might not have the proper bathroom set up to accommodate this type of tub.

The main types of acrylic bathtubs available include a drop-in, freestanding, clawfoot, alcove, walk-in, corner, soaking spa tub, and left/right-hand configurations. As you can see, you're not short on options, so do your research, take some dimensions, and figure out your overall style.

Usage Needs

How you intend to use your tub plays a significant part in how you go about choosing a bathtub. Of course, the general purpose is for bathing and getting squeaky clean, but get more specific than that. Do you plan on enjoying long soaking sessions with bath salts and candles, or is this for the kids’ bathroom?

The answers to questions like these will help you to determine things like style, functionality, size, and so on. For example, a deep soaking tub wouldn't be a wise choice if you plan on making the kids' bath time as easy as possible. You'd want to choose something with a relatively short height for easy access.

Aesthetics & Design

Size & Weight

Size is a biggie when it comes to bathtub buying considerations. Purchasing a tub that is too large for the space at hand happens more often than you’d think, so taking official dimensions is step 1 (this isn’t a guessing game!). Even if you’re replacing an old tub and using the exact position, always take measurements.

You'll also want to consider tub weight in addition to physical size. A large soaking tub with tons of features will be a lot heavier than a basic barebones acrylic model, and this means that it will be much more challenging to handle. Even if you've hired professional contractors for installation, heavy weighted tubs can make things much more challenging (especially for upstairs bathrooms).

*One more helpful hint on choosing your tub size is to consider your water heater performance. Tubs vary in size from 25 to 150 gallons, so decide whether your water heater can handle filling the tub in question with about two-thirds hot water.

Installation & Configuration

Drop-in tubs are the most common, but that doesn't mean they're easy to install. Drop-ins are some of the most difficult tubs to install since they require a frame before being sealed and connected to the water drain. Standalone tubs are the easiest to install, followed by clawfoot and alcove. This is by no means a one-person job, and in most cases, it's best to hire a professional plumber/contractor.

No matter which type of installation method you choose, it's essential to pay close attention to the configuration of the waste pipe. There's nothing worse than buying a tub with a right-side drain, only to find that the waste pipe is actually on the left. This is an easy problem to avoid - just confirm the pipe configuration before buying a tub.

Floor Type

A common assumption is that all tubs come with a smooth floor surface, but this isn't the case. Some of the best acrylic tubs come with textured floors for preventing slips and falls. This is something to consider since a tub manufactured with a textured floor is much more sanitary than using a bath mat on a smooth tub surface

Extra Features & Accessories

Aside from textured floors, tons of additional features can enhance the overall bathing experience, especially if relaxation is the name of your game. Some acrylic bathtubs will be nothing more than a bare-bones basin, but others go all-out with things like water jets and neck/back grooves for added comfort. But as always, the more added features, the higher the cost.

Price & Warranty

Speaking of cost, the good news for homeowners on a budget is that it’s easy to find an affordable acrylic bathtub that fits the bill. When comparing the best bathtub materials, The Spruce says that “acrylic tubs are a very popular option due to their versatility, durability, wide range of options, and low cost.”

It doesn’t matter if you pay a few hundred or a few thousand for your tub, always check the warranty policy. Even the most durable tubs can experience problems, but you can protect yourself (and your tub) from unforeseeable damage with a solid warranty plan.

1. WOODBRIDGE F-0001

In our honest opinion, Woodbridge F-0001 is the best acrylic bathtub to buy. The main reason for this is its sleek freestanding design, which looks good in any bathroom. In modern-day bathrooms, it's not abnormal to have the bathtub serve as the focal point of the room, and that's precisely what you would be doing by installing the F-0001.

The tub measures 59 inches long, 29 ½ inches wide, and 21 ⅝ inches high. It has a 60-gallon water capacity, and the heat-retaining acrylic is perfect for long soaks in the tub. Water can be filled up to 14.5 inches before the overflow drain takes action. One unique feature of this Woodbridge tub is its double-walled design, which adds even further to heat retention and insulation.

The center drain design is equipped with an anti-leak drain and pipe setup. In the warranty footnotes, Woodbridge says to "please note that installer(s) must be certified or will be voided." This is pretty standard among tub manufacturers, so if you're not a certified contractor/plumber, you can't install this on your own while keeping the 5-year warranty intact.

Woodbridge has a massive selection of freestanding tubs to choose from, but this is the perfect design for the average-sized American bathroom. The tub comes with a dual-handle faucet and hand shower, and if you're not completely sold on the size and shape of the F-0001, you've got about a dozen different Woodbridge tub options to choose from. Just be aware that some models come with a faucet, and others don't.

2. Hotel Collection HLSL57FPK

Ratings and reviews mean everything in our consumer world, and the stellar reviews of the Hotel Collection tub speak volumes. The manufacturer’s HLSL57FPK tub model has a classically stunning clawfoot design that is perfect for homeowners who are going for a Victorian remodel. Not only does it come with clawfoot pedestals, but these feet are shaped like lions paws to give off a truly unique look.

The Hotel Collection doesn’t just provide its customers with a tub, but with the entire bathtub kit, including a faucet pack. The faucet goes perfectly with the overall design, and it also comes with a handheld shower, drain pipe, and supply lines. The tub itself is reasonably easy to handle - it weighs about 130 pounds, so two people can easily move it into the bathroom.

Like all the best acrylic bathtubs, this one “has an integrated heat loss barrier to prevent heat loss during bathing and has been tested to show it will retain water heat of 6 degrees higher than cast iron for a period of at least 30 minutes.” The high-gloss CoreAcryl material is easy to clean and maintain, just remember never to use harsh abrasives or products with bleach since this will strip the glossy coating.

All in all, this is an excellent choice if you're looking for a clawfoot, but we know full and well that clawfoot tubs aren’t ideal for everyone. Another thing to keep in mind is that the high-end look comes with a high price tag, so this isn’t the best choice for those on a budget. 

3. Woodbridge BTA1531R

As it turns out, a high-end acrylic doesn't need to break the bank. This is exactly the case with the Woodbridge BTA1531R, the best value acrylic bathtub. This alcove drop-in tub is 60 inches long and 30 inches wide with a depth of 20 inches. It has a capacity of 50 gallons and is constructed from high-gloss white lucite acrylic with fiberglass and resin reinforcements.

Even with this premium construction and high durability, the price is affordable compared to other top-rated acrylic tubs. Woodbridge believes that all aspects of your new bathtub should be high in quality, not just the tub itself. This is why they provide you with anti-leak drain components and a pipe system that's easy for anyone to install. But similar to the last Woodbridge, the warranty is voided if the installer isn't certified, so you're better off calling your local plumber.

The wide and deep bathing well is perfect for all usages, including relaxing soaks and kids’ bathtime. This is one of those tubs that work in just about any bathroom setting. So far, the 60" length is the largest on our list, so you'll want to confirm that you have the space for installation. 

4. MAYKKE Gibson

The Maykke Gibson acrylic clawfoot tub is very similar to the clawfoot from Hotel Collection, but this one is much larger (it’s about 10 inches longer). The extreme slope of the back makes this an ideal soaking tub and perfect for relaxing after a long day at the office or a tough workout at the gym. No matter your relaxation needs, acrylic clawfoot bathtub reviews all agree that the Maykke Gibson is the best clawfoot constructed from acrylic.

Adding this to your bathroom will create a polished and refined atmosphere. Every Gibson purchase comes with the clawfoot tub, drain with a flexible hose, overflow assembly with polished chrome trim, and installation guide. Some pictures show a tub faucet, but this isn't included - it's just to give you an overall idea of what your tub/faucet combo can look like. The main critique is that this tub can't hold as much water as other acrylics - just 39 gallons compared to Woodbridge's 50. This is a pretty common trend for clawfoot tubs, though.

5. Mirabelle MIRSKS6030LWH Sitka

Many homeowners agree that 60-inch alcove acrylic bathtubs are a perfect size, and most home bathrooms are designed to accommodate 5 feet of tub space with three surrounding walls (alcove). If you've got 60 inches available and you're looking for a standard alcove model, the Mirabelle Sitka is a great choice. It measures 60 inches in length by 30 inches wide, and it's designed for three-walls alcove installation.

The Sitka can hold a maximum of 42 gallons of water, and it has a water overflow height of 15 ¾". The drain location is on the left, so it's unfortunately not suitable for right-handed drains. Also, the drain is not included, so you'll have to purchase the drain assembly kit separately. Aside from these small downsides, this is one of the best acrylic alcove bathtubs on the market.

It comes with a textured anti-slip bottom surface to prevent accidents. Many customers love this feature, but if you're looking for a smooth bottom tub, then you'll have to look elsewhere. Considering its size, this tub is easy to handle, weighing about 120 pounds. Installation is also pretty standard, but alcove installing can be tricky, so you probably want to call an expert.

Mirabelle has tons of unique collections to choose from, but the Sitka is a top pick in our book compared to the company’s other products. For warranty coverage, Mirabelle says that “if a defect is found, we will provide a replacement part or product, or make the appropriate adjustment within one (1) year from the date the product is delivered.” One year of coverage isn’t great, but we’ll take what we can get.

For more of our favorite alcove bathtub models, click here.

6. WOODBRIDGE B-0020 L

As you've probably already figured out, we like the Woodbridge company when it comes to the best acrylic bathtubs. We've already covered two beloved tubs from Woodbridge, so why not continue with a third? Although all Woodbridge tubs are great for soaking, the absolute best acrylic tub for relaxing soaking sessions is the Woodbridge B-0020 L model.

One reason that this is the perfect soaking tub is its high gallon capacity. So far, the maximum water capacity has been 50 gallons, but the B-0020 can hold a whopping 55 gallons. Another reason that this is an excellent choice for soaking is that it comes with a bath pillow included, so chances are you won’t have a more comfortable bathing experience than with this Woodbridge.

This acrylic soaking tub is constructed from a combination of lucite acrylic, reinforced resin, and fiberglass. Combining all these materials increases durability and adds to the overall sheen of the tub surface. It's easy to clean, especially since all of the tub's surfaces are exposed with the freestanding design.

In terms of design style, the B-0020 is all about chicness while also remaining comfortable. Woodbridge says that the “gently sloping lines follow the natural curves of your body providing exceptional comfort,” yet another reason this is the #1 soaking acrylic soaking tub available. Once again, the Woodbridge installation policy is that the installer must be certified, or else the warranty becomes void.

7. FerdY

We’ve already covered a few acrylic freestanding bathtub reviews, but we have yet to talk about the best freestanding model. The Ferdy acrylic freestanding bathtub is a great choice for so many reasons, but Ferdy users seem to love its graceful shape most of all. The stunningly sculpted curves cradle your body as you settle in for a relaxing, restorative bath - and it doesn’t hurt that the design is nice to look at, too.

The tub's small size is something that some users love, and others dislike. But there's a reason that Ferdy has manufactured a smaller-than-average 55” freestanding tub. Many freestanding acrylics are at least 60” in length, which means that if you have less available space than 5 feet, you’re out of luck. This isn’t the case with the Ferdy, which was specifically designed to be compact for installation in small bathrooms.

The 100% glossy white acrylic of the Ferdy is reinforced with fiberglass for long-lasting durability. The material is completely environmentally-friendly, non-toxic, non-cracking, and scratch-resistant. On top of that, it's easy to clean and can be restored to its original shininess with a simple wipe-down. This ensures that it will always look bright and clean, looking brand new even after years of use.

8. ANZZI Jericho FT-AZ067

The Anzzi Jericho is another freestanding bathtub, but this one comes with a jetted design that is perfect for a therapeutic bathing experience. Before getting into the details of this massage tub, you should know that it's the highest-priced out of all the models reviewed here, so if you're on a budget, you might as well continue to the next option.

If you're willing to spend some money for optimal comfort, though, the FT-AX067 is as good as it gets. The inner surface of the tub contains over 200 aero-therapeutic bubble massage jets, and it even has a light-up control pad with four colored bath lights to add to the overall experience. We weren't lying when we said that this is as good as it gets.

The modern luxury design is combined with old-school class and style, allowing this tub to fit well into any bathroom aesthetics. You will want to take some precise measurements beforehand since the Jericho is 67” long, which means that you will need to have a good amount of space for installing this one.

9. Empava WT0373

A walk-in tub caters to a very select group of people, but the limited choice in the walk-in department makes the buying process so much easier. If you're in the market for an acrylic walk-in design, you'll want to go with the Empava WT0373. The Empava is quite literally designed for a user to "walk-in" with a door that swings open on the left-hand side of the tub.

There are, however, a few cons to this style as well, like the fact that they’re costly and can be difficult to install. If you experience any mobility issues, no matter how old or young you are, this tub can change your life. Just keep in mind that this tub is not about sleek style or stunning elegance; its purpose is to provide relief to those who have trouble bathing in a traditional acrylic bathtub. It comes with built-in handrails, an integrated seat, and a neck/head pillow for increased comfort.

Comparing Acrylic to Other Common Tub Materials

Even though acrylic is a popular material choice, it's not the only one out there. Homeowners love acrylic tubs since they're lightweight and easy to install, but it's common to compare materials before settling on one. Other common tub materials include porcelain enamel, cast iron, fiberglass, and cast polymers like marble or granite. Here's a full comparison guide:

vs Cast Iron

When comparing a cast iron vs. acrylic bathtub, Hunker says that “acrylic bathtubs are more widely used in newer homes but some consumers still opt for the strength and durability of a cast-iron bathtub.” Acrylic costs much less on average than cast iron, but cast iron wins when it comes to durability. However, the heavy weight of cast iron makes installation tricky.

vs Resin Bathtubs

Similar to cast iron, stone resin is sturdy and heavy, adding to its durability but making it difficult to install. In terms of cost, comparing stone resin vs. acrylic, stone resin is more suitable for high-end bathroom settings (and that means high-end budgets).

vs Porcelain Bathtub

vs Fiberglass Bathtub

Vs Bathtub Marble

Marble is a cast polymer (similar to granite and onyx) that is engineered from natural stone and solid surface materials. Similar to acrylic, there are a lot of color and finishing options, but the main downside of a marble tub is its extreme heaviness and complicated installation.

vs Stainless Steel Bathtubs

Investing in a stainless steel tub sounds like a great idea in theory, but the reality is that acrylic tubs are just as durable as ones made from steel. Acrylic is easier to mold, which means that there’s more design variety, and the cold nature of steel can be shocking when you first step into the bathtub.

How to Determine Bathtub Size

So you’ve decided that a lightweight acrylic bathtub is the right choice for you, the next step is to determine the perfect bathtub size. The main determining factor for tub size is the available bathroom space. Make sure to take dimensions of the tub’s outer surface (not the inner basin). You’ll also want to confirm that the tub can fit through the bathroom door.

Alcove tubs (ones that are confined by three walls) are a great choice for homeowners who are limited to bathroom space since your walls naturally form an alcove. You've got tons of sizing options for an acrylic alcove bathtub; these can range anywhere from 54 to 72 inches long and 30 to 36 inches wide.

Oval tubs are great for soaking, but they’re also extremely wide (so not great for small bathroom settings). The typical oval tub is about 60 inches long and 40+ inches wide. Whirlpool tubs with jets are similar in size, but not quite as wide. The average whirlpool tub is 60 by 32 inches.

If you’re not limited on space in a master bathroom, you might consider a large corner tub. The Spruce bathtub sizes reference guide says that “corner bathtubs are more about luxury, fun, and treating yourself well than about getting clean.” Corner tubs are typically 60 by 60 inches with an average height of 22 inches.

Installing Your Acrylic Tub

Installing an acrylic bathtub isn't a task to take lightly, so if you don't have basic plumbing knowledge, go ahead and hire a pro plumber. The toughest part is tearing out the old tub and shower, and you should keep in mind that this is not a one-man job if the old tub is not a lightweight acrylic model. Before tearing it out, take measurements of your existing tub.

Then, after choosing a tub that fits the dimensions and removing the told tub, throw down a canvas drop cloth to protect the bathroom floor. Turn off the water, and check that it's off by turning the tub faucet to the on position. Remove the screws that are holding the hardware faucet in place (this is a great time to replace old shower fixtures).

Acrylic Tub Maintenance

The main thing to remember when cleaning an acrylic tub is that “using the wrong product can damage the surface, making it dull — and possibly void your acrylic bathtub’s warranty.” When deciding on how to make a dull acrylic bathtub shine, you can’t just use any old cleaning product.

The acrylic bathtub cleaner and tools you choose depends on whether you're trying to remove rust from an acrylic bathtub or you just want to give it a deep clean. Just remember never to use abrasive cleaners like steel wool or scrubbing pads since these can cause scratching. Never use aerosols, solvents, acetone, or chlorine bleach - these can do some serious damage.

The best product to clean an acrylic bathtub is one that contains only green, eco-friendly ingredients. You can even make your own DIY cleaner by mixing a 50/50 vinegar-water solution. For tough stains, Angie’s List says to “try cutting a lemon in half and rubbing it over the rough area until the hard water deposits loosen. Rinse with water, and then wipe the area dry with a microfiber cloth.” Remember also to regularly clean your bathtub drain.

Acrylic Bathtub Common Issues & Fixes

All you need is a high-quality tub repair kit from your local hardware store.

People Also Ask (FAQs)

How long do acrylic bathtubs last? Do acrylic tubs crack?

When treated properly, the lifespan of the best acrylic bathtub is about 15 years. Eventually, you'll start to experience cracking, staining, or discoloration. Still, as long as you follow the manufacturer's care and maintenance steps, you should get 10 years of tub use at the very least.

Can I refinish my acrylic bathtub?

You can revert back to your tub's original shine or change the color entirely with a tub refinishing kit. The right kit will not only restore your tub's shininess, but it can even repair chips, scratches, rust, and wear and tear from years of use.

Who makes the best acrylic bathtubs on the market? Who are the best acrylic bathtub manufacturers?

You can’t go wrong with an American Standard or Kohler tub, but these aren’t the only two manufacturers of acrylic bathtubs on the market. Woodbridge is another popular manufacturer of high-end bathtubs and toilets, especially if you’re shopping for the best acrylic freestanding bathtubs.

What is the best thickness of an acrylic bathtub?

The thickness of an acrylic tub not only determines how heavy it is but also how well it retains heat. Standard bathtub thickness is between 5 and 6mm, but some acrylics are as thick as 8mm.

Do acrylic tubs feel cheap?

There are some concerns that acrylic tubs feel like flimsy plastic, but this isn't something you need to be worried about. When you choose a high-quality tub like the ones on this list of acrylic bathtub reviews, the tub material won't feel cheap. However, you have to keep in mind that heavier, more expensive materials like cast iron will feel more durable, but this comes at a price.

Do acrylic tubs turn yellow?

The only real scenario where your acrylic tub will turn yellow is if you smoke cigarettes while in the bathroom. Acrylic is prone to yellowing when exposed to tobacco smoke, so either quit cold turkey or keep your habit out of the bathroom. Over time, you can expect some faint discoloration, but we're talking years, and it's nothing that a tub refinishing kit can't fix.

What is an acrylic bathtub liner? Do I need one?

Do acrylic bathtubs need insulation?

Some tub materials do require additional insulation to retain heat, but this isn't the case with the best acrylic tub. Compared to other materials, this type of tub will keep the water warmer for longer bathing periods. However, some homeowners do choose to add extra insulation for even better heat retention.

What’s the best method for how to remove stains from an acrylic bathtub?

Since bleach is a no-go for acrylic, a lot of homeowners have questions about which acrylic tub cleaner to use. The best acrylic bathtub cleaner is to turn to create a DIY solution with either a vinegar/water combo or lemon juice and salt mixture. Whichever one you choose, just avoid using abrasive scrubbing tools.

Conclusion

We've covered nine of the best-rated acrylic bathtubs on the market, each one with its own unique advantage over the others.

Our favorite is still the Woodbridge F-0001, but the one you choose ultimately depends on the size and type you’re looking for. This list covers just about every type and style of acrylic tub, so there’s something here for everyone.