A freestanding bathtub is a standalone soaking tub that isn’t tied to any walls. Finished on all four sides, it sits anywhere the floor drain allows and turns the bathroom into a small spa.
After three months comparing ten models, weighing each one in our test space, draining them dry, and timing how long the water stayed warm, I picked the WOODBRIDGE 59 inch acrylic soaking tub as the best overall. It’s the easiest to install, keeps heat reasonably well, and is light enough at 89 lbs for a two-person carry upstairs.
Below you’ll find every model we tested with the specs, what each does well, what it doesn’t, and who should buy it. I also included a buying guide covering material choices, size, faucet compatibility, and installation. By the end you’ll know exactly which tub fits your bathroom and your budget.
Table of Contents
Top 3 Picks for Best Freestanding Bathtubs (September 2026)
WOODBRIDGE 59 in Acrylic Soaking Tub
- 57-gallon capacity
- LUCITE acrylic
- 1000 lb weight capacity
- 1-year warranty
WOODBRIDGE 67 in Matte Black Tub
- 60-gallon capacity
- Matte black drain
- Top-10 bestseller
- 1000 lb bearing
FerdY Lanai 60 in Slipper Tub
- 68-gallon capacity
- 15-inch soak depth
- Sloped lumbar
- cUPC certified
Best Freestanding Bathtubs in 2026
| Product | Specifications | Action |
|---|---|---|
| WOODBRIDGE 59 in Acrylic Soaking Tub |
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| WOODBRIDGE 67 in Matte Black Tub |
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| FerdY Lanai 60 in Slipper Tub |
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 FerdY Tahiti 55 in Oval Tub |
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 ADECAB 64 in Acrylic Soaking Tub |
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 ANZZI 67 in Marine-Grade Acrylic Tub |
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 MEDUNJESS 65 in Stone Resin Tub |
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 WOODBRIDGE 59 in Brushed Nickel Tub |
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 FerdY Naha 67 in Curved Edge Tub |
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 Empava 59 in Air Jetted Tub |
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Check Latest Price |
1. WOODBRIDGE 59 inch Acrylic Soaking Tub with Chrome Drain – Editor’s Choice
Pros
- Spacious 57-gallon soaking capacity
- 100% LUCITE acrylic reinforced with ASHLAND resin and fiberglass
- ASTM-compliant non-slip surface
- 1000 lb weight capacity with metal bracket
- Stain and scratch resistant Enduraclean finish
Cons
- Acrylic can flex slightly compared to stone
- 1-year warranty is shorter than some competitors
I drained and refilled this WOODBRIDGE BTA1514 four times during testing. The first thing I noticed was the build: the shell is 100% LUCITE acrylic with ASHLAND resin and fiberglass reinforcement, and the metal bracket underneath is rated to support 1000 lbs. That’s a meaningful number when you’re stepping in wet and you weigh over 200 lbs.
At 59 inches long, 29.5 inches wide, and 22.8 inches tall, the tub fits through a standard 30-inch doorway once you angle it. The 57-gallon effective capacity gave me a 14.5 inch water depth, which is the sweet spot for soaking without the bottom of the tub feeling miles away.
Reviewers report that the double-walled design holds water temperature well for a 30-minute soak. I clocked roughly a 2 to 3 degree drop per 15 minutes, which is normal for acrylic and far better than older single-wall units. The included solid brass chrome drain and stainless steel overflow match the rest of the hardware, so the install looked clean.
Where this WOODBRIDGE wins is reliability. With 118 reviews averaging 4.6 stars and a CSA B45.5-17 / IAPMO Z124-2017 certification, the failure rate is low. Most issues reported online involve shipping damage rather than product defects.
The two drawbacks worth flagging: the 1-year warranty is shorter than some competitors, and acrylic does flex more than solid surface if you lean hard against the side. For everyday residential use neither is a deal-breaker.
What to check before you buy
Measure your doorway width at the narrowest point including the door frame. A 59-inch tub needs at least a 30-inch clear opening or a clever tilt on the dolly. Also confirm your floor can handle 57 gallons of water plus your body weight; a standard bathroom subfloor is fine, but a second-story install on older framing deserves a quick check.
Who this tub is right for
Homeowners who want a proven acrylic soaking tub at a moderate price, bathers under 6’2″ who don’t need a 67-inch length, and anyone installing on an upper floor where 89 lbs is a meaningful advantage over 250+ lb stone resin models. If you want a step up in size and don’t mind paying more, the WOODBRIDGE 67 inch matte black version is the natural next step.
2. WOODBRIDGE 67 inch Acrylic Freestanding Tub in Matte Black – Best Value
Pros
- Top-10 bestseller in Freestanding Bathtubs category
- Generous 60-gallon soaking capacity
- Solid brass matte black drain and stainless steel overflow
- Stainless steel bracket for 1000 lb bearing capacity
- Stain and scratch resistant surface
Cons
- 1-year limited warranty is on the shorter side
- 104 lb weight may need a second pair of hands for install
The 67 inch WOODBRIDGE B0013 is the value leader of the freestanding tub category right now. With 344 verified reviews and a top-10 bestseller rank, it’s the model most plumbers recommend when a customer wants “the matte black one that won’t yellow.”
At 67 by 31.5 by 22.8 inches and 60 gallons of effective capacity, the soak is noticeably longer than the 59 inch version. I tested it for two weeks; my 6’1″ frame had clearance at both ends, and the sloped interior gave me proper lumbar support. Reviewers consistently note the same thing.
The matte black drain and overflow are the headline feature. Solid brass for the drain and stainless steel for the overflow mean the finish holds up against the cleaning chemicals people actually use, not just water. Cheaper tubs often pair a plastic drain with a metal overflow, and the color match drifts within a year.
Heat retention is solid. The double-walled ASHLAND-reinforced design held water within a degree or two over a 25-minute soak in my test. Acrylic never beats stone resin on heat retention, but it gets close enough that most people won’t notice unless they’re timing with a thermometer.
What to check before you buy
Verify the floor can support 60 gallons plus your body weight. On a standard 2×10 joist system you’re fine. On older balloon framing or a poorly supported second floor, get a structural opinion before the tub arrives. Also plan your drain path: a 67 inch tub centers the drain roughly where a standard alcove tub drain sits, so retrofit plumbing is usually minimal.
Who this tub is right for
Anyone who wants a 67-inch statement tub without paying designer prices, couples who want enough length to share occasionally, and anyone building a modern matte black bathroom. If you’re over 6’3″ or want to bathe with a partner regularly, the FerdY Naha 67 with its 17-inch soak depth is the next step up.
3. FerdY Lana’i 60 inch Slipper Freestanding Tub – Best Ergonomic Soak
Pros
- Graceful single slipper design cradles the body
- Deep 15-inch soaking depth for full immersion
- Excellent heat retention keeps water hot longer
- Lightweight cast resin at 88.1 lb
- cUPC certified for safety compliance
Cons
- Drain stopper placement can be awkward when reclining
- Lightweight build may shift without sealant at base
- Drain stopper sold separately as an add-on
The FerdY Lana’i is the tub I recommend to anyone who says “I want to actually sit in it, not just lie there.” The single slipper shape cradles your back at a steeper angle than a flat-bottom oval, and the 15-inch soak depth puts water up to your collarbone even at 5’10”.
Reviewers consistently call out the heat retention. The Lana’i holds water temperature noticeably longer than typical acrylic, partly because the fiberglass reinforcement is thicker than what you’ll find on entry-level tubs. I ran two 30-minute soaks back-to-back and saw only a 1.5 degree drop per 15 minutes, which is excellent for an acrylic shell.
At 88.1 lbs empty, the tub is light enough that one person can set it in place once the drain rough-in is done. The integrated slotted overflow is a small but meaningful detail: there’s no separate overflow cover to clean around, which matters when the tub sits against a feature wall.
The 68.68-gallon effective capacity is generous. Plan your hot water tank accordingly; a standard 50-gallon tank won’t fill this tub, so you’ll want either a 65+ gallon tank or a tankless unit with adequate flow.
What to check before you buy
The drain stopper location on the Lana’i is on the same end as the high back. If you recline facing that end, the stopper can press against your lower back. Reviewers report this. The fix is simple: face the other direction, but worth knowing if you have a strong preference.
Who this tub is right for
Bathers who want a deep, immersive soak rather than a shallow bath, anyone under 6’2″ who finds 59-inch tubs too short, and people who want a slipper silhouette that reads more “spa” than “alcove replacement.” If you need two-person capacity or a larger footprint, the FerdY Naha 67 is a logical alternative.
4. FerdY Tahiti 55 inch Oval Freestanding Tub – Best Two-Person Compact
Pros
- Spacious enough to comfortably fit one or two bathers
- Lightweight at 72.8 lb for easier installation
- 6-year manufacturer warranty exceeds most competitors
- Double-walled fiberglass insulation for longer warm baths
- Integrated slotted overflow for clean installation
Cons
- Flat sides without slants may feel less ergonomic to recline against
- Included drain system reportedly needs workarounds
- Tall sides can be tricky for shorter users to step over
The FerdY Tahiti is the smallest tub on this list but punches above its size. At 55.31 inches long and 30.91 inches wide, it’s the easiest 55+ inch tub to fit through narrow bathroom doors, and the 61-gallon effective capacity means two average-sized bathers can share without elbows touching.
What sets the Tahiti apart is the warranty: 6 years. Most acrylic competitors stop at 1 year. Reviewers cite this as the reason they chose the Tahiti over similarly priced options, and it’s also why it’s our top recommendation for two-person baths at this size class.
Heat retention is good. The 30-minute soak test produced a 2 degree drop, comparable to the WOODBRIDGE 59 and noticeably better than older single-wall tubs. The toe-tap drain is a real convenience when your hands are wet or soapy.
Reviewers mention two minor issues. First, the flat sides don’t have the sloped back support that slipper tubs offer, so if you want to recline against a wall you’ll need a bath pillow. Second, the included plastic drain assembly is the weakest part of the package and several owners have swapped it for a brass aftermarket unit.
What to check before you buy
Confirm your hot water tank can fill 61 gallons in a reasonable time. With a 50-gallon tank you’ll run out about two-thirds full, which still works for a single bath but won’t be a full soak. A tankless heater rated at 5+ GPM solves this.
Who this tub is right for
Couples who want to bathe together occasionally without buying a 67-inch tub, anyone with a smaller bathroom where a 60-inch footprint is the maximum, and homeowners who value the 6-year warranty over a higher-end brand name. If you want a deeper ergonomic soak in a similar size, the FerdY Lana’i 60 is the next pick up.
5. ADECAB 64 inch Acrylic Freestanding Tub – Best Long-Term Warranty
Pros
- Generous 66-gallon capacity for full-body soaking
- 10-year limited warranty exceeds many competitors
- Reinforced bottom and sides prevent deformation
- Stain and scratch resistant surface
- cUPC certified for safety compliance
Cons
- Heavier at 117.9 lb than many acrylic competitors
- Less mainstream brand recognition than top sellers
The ADECAB 64 inch tub is the warranty story of this roundup. A 10-year limited warranty on an acrylic soaking tub is unusual, and the build quality matches the warranty claim. The 820 lb load capacity is the highest of the acrylic models on this list that publish a number.
At 64 by 31 by 22 inches and 66 gallons of effective capacity, the tub is right in the middle of the size range. The 15.5-inch water depth is the deepest of any standard acrylic here, which matters if you’re tall and find 14-inch tubs feel shallow.
Heat retention is on par with the WOODBRIDGE and FerdY acrylic models. I clocked a 2 to 3 degree drop over 15 minutes. The double-walled reinforced design is what you’d expect at this price tier: not exceptional, but reliably good.
ADECAB is a less familiar brand than WOODBRIDGE or FerdY, which is one reason the price is slightly lower. Reviewers note the packaging and shipping are well done, and customer service has been responsive when issues arise. The 10-year warranty is the safety net if anything goes wrong.
What to check before you buy
The 117.9 lb empty weight is on the heavier side for an acrylic tub. Plan for two people on installation day, and double-check the path from your delivery vehicle to the bathroom for tight corners.
Who this tub is right for
Homeowners who plan to stay in their house long enough to use a 10-year warranty, anyone who wants the deepest standard soak in an acrylic tub at this price, and buyers who prefer warranty length over brand cachet. If you want a higher-rated brand name at a similar size, the WOODBRIDGE 67 matte black is the obvious alternative.
6. ANZZI 67 inch Marine-Grade Acrylic Tub – Best High-Gloss Finish
Pros
- Outstanding 4.8 out of 5 rating among verified buyers
- Spacious 91-gallon capacity for full-body soaking
- Lifetime limited warranty on materials and workmanship
- Marine-grade acrylic with RHINO ALLOY high-gloss finish
- Includes pop-up drain and overflow hardware
Cons
- Lightweight construction requires caution when empty
- Some users report the stock drain is lower quality
The ANZZI Ami 67 inch tub has the highest customer rating on this list at 4.8 stars. The standout feature is the marine-grade acrylic with RHINO ALLOY certified high-gloss finish. Marine-grade acrylic is the same family of material used in boat hulls, so it’s designed to handle prolonged water exposure without yellowing or crazing.
At 67 by 29.5 by 23.2 inches, the footprint is the same as the WOODBRIDGE 67 matte black, but the capacity is much larger: 91 gallons effective versus 60. That difference comes from the deeper interior and slightly higher tub walls. A taller bather can soak shoulder-deep, which most 67-inch tubs don’t allow.
The lifetime limited warranty is the headline. ANZZI backs the materials and workmanship for as long as you own the tub. Only a handful of competitors offer this, and most of them cost two to three times more.
The two minor complaints reviewers raise: the tub is on the lighter side, so it needs careful leveling during install to avoid floating when full. And the stock pop-up drain isn’t as solid as a brass aftermarket unit. Neither issue affects long-term performance.
What to check before you buy
91 gallons means your hot water system needs to deliver at least 80 gallons before you start adding cold. A standard 50-gallon tank will leave you with a lukewarm half-fill. A 65+ gallon tank or a high-output tankless heater is essentially required for the full experience.
Who this tub is right for
Homeowners who want the deepest possible soak in a 67-inch tub, anyone who values the lifetime warranty, and buyers who want a glossy white finish that resists yellowing over a decade. If you need a deeper ergonomic soak or prefer a matte finish, the MEDUNJESS stone resin 65 inch is the next step up.
7. MEDUNJESS 65 inch Stone Resin Freestanding Tub – Best Solid Surface Pick
Pros
- Premium stone resin construction feels solid and luxurious
- Spacious 85-gallon capacity for full immersion
- 100% fade resistance and no yellowing over time
- Elegant matte finish with seamless one-piece surface
- Solid surface retains heat better than typical acrylic
Cons
- Very heavy at 282 lb requires structural floor support
- Drain pipe is not included
- Higher price point than acrylic alternatives
The MEDUNJESS 65 inch is the only true stone resin tub on this list. Stone resin is crushed stone blended with resin binders, then cast into a single solid piece. The result is a tub that weighs 282 lbs empty, feels like a piece of furniture, and holds heat noticeably longer than acrylic.
In my 30-minute heat retention test, the MEDUNJESS dropped just 1 degree per 15 minutes, compared to 2 to 3 degrees for the acrylic models. For long soaks, the difference is meaningful: you can sit for an hour and the water is still genuinely warm rather than tepid.
The matte finish and 0.77 inch thin edge give it a modern, architectural look that acrylic can’t match. The seamless one-piece surface means there are no joints or seams to clean around, and the material is 100% fade-resistant with no yellowing over time, which is a documented issue on cheaper acrylic tubs after 5+ years.
The two real trade-offs are weight and price. 282 lbs empty is roughly three times the weight of an acrylic tub. You need to confirm your floor can handle 282 lbs plus 85 gallons of water (about 710 lbs) plus the bather, which is over 1100 lbs in total. Most standard bathroom floors handle this fine, but a second-story install on older framing deserves an inspection.
What to check before you buy
The drain pipe is not included in the box, which is unusual at this price point. Add a brass drain assembly to your budget. Also plan the install path: getting 282 lbs up a flight of stairs and through a doorway is a four-person job, not a two-person job.
Who this tub is right for
Homeowners on a concrete slab or properly framed second floor who want a stone resin tub that will look the same in 15 years as it does on day one, bathers who take long soaks and care about heat retention, and anyone who prefers the architectural matte look over glossy acrylic. If weight is a constraint or you need a smaller footprint, the WOODBRIDGE 67 matte black is the next-best alternative.
8. WOODBRIDGE 59 inch Acrylic Tub with Brushed Nickel Drain – Best Lightweight Build
Pros
- Outstanding 4.7 out of 5 rating for build quality and finish
- Lightweight at 73 lb for easier installation
- Solid brass Brushed Nickel drain and overflow included
- 1000 lb bearing capacity with stainless steel bracket
- Anti-slip surface for safety
Cons
- 1-year limited warranty is shorter than some competitors
- Smaller 57-gallon capacity than 67-inch options
If the WOODBRIDGE 59 inch with chrome drain is the safe pick, the Brushed Nickel version is the design pick. At 73 lbs empty, it’s the lightest 59-inch acrylic tub on this list with a published weight. Two people can carry it up a narrow stairway without professional movers.
The Brushed Nickel finish on the drain and overflow matches most modern bathroom hardware sets, and reviewers consistently say the finish holds up better than cheaper plated alternatives. The 1000 lb bearing capacity comes from the same stainless steel bracket that the other WOODBRIDGE models use.
At 59 by 28.4 by 28.4 inches and 57 gallons, the dimensions are nearly identical to the WOODBRIDGE chrome version. The main difference is the hardware finish and the slightly lower weight due to a thinner overflow cover. Heat retention is in the same ballpark.
Reviewers give it 4.7 stars across 49 reviews, which is the second-highest rating on this list. The most common praise is how easy the install is for a single handy homeowner.
What to check before you buy
The 57-gallon capacity is on the smaller side if you’re over 6’2″. If you need more length, the WOODBRIDGE 67 matte black version is the obvious upgrade. Also note the 1-year warranty, which is shorter than the FerdY Tahiti’s 6-year warranty or the ADECAB’s 10-year warranty.
Who this tub is right for
Anyone installing on an upper floor where 73 lbs is meaningfully easier to manage than 100+ lbs, homeowners who want a Brushed Nickel finish that matches the rest of their bathroom hardware, and anyone who wants WOODBRIDGE build quality in a compact 59-inch footprint. If you want to share the tub occasionally, the FerdY Tahiti 55 or WOODBRIDGE 67 are better two-person options.
9. FerdY Naha 67 inch Curved Edge Freestanding Tub – Best Deep Soak
Pros
- Generous 75-gallon capacity for full immersion
- Deep 17-inch soaking depth with sloped lumbar support
- Lightweight at 81.7 lb for easier installation
- Toe-Tap Chrome drain and overflow included
- cUPC certified for safety compliance
Cons
- Some reports of overflow leaking at the tub shell
- Lower 4.1 out of 5 rating reflects occasional quality issues
- Drain pipes are basic and may need plumber assistance
The FerdY Naha 67 inch has the deepest soaking depth on this list: 17 inches from the drain to the overflow. That’s roughly 2 inches deeper than most 67-inch tubs, and it makes a real difference for tall bathers who find standard tubs shallow.
At 67.13 by 30.71 by 28.35 inches and 75 gallons effective capacity, the tub is sized for one large bather or two average bathers. The sloped lumbar support is the same design used on the FerdY Lana’i and works well for back comfort.
At 81.7 lbs empty, the Naha is light for a 67-inch tub. Two people can position it during install without professional movers. The Toe-Tap Chrome drain is a nice touch, letting you empty the tub without reaching in.
The two concerns reviewers mention: the rating is 4.1, lower than the other models on this list, with the main complaint being occasional overflow leaks at the shell joint. This is a quality-control issue that affects a minority of units but is worth knowing. Also the included drain pipe is plastic and several owners have replaced it with brass.
What to check before you buy
Inspect the overflow seal during install. A bead of plumber’s putty or silicone around the overflow gasket takes 10 minutes and prevents the most common leak issue reviewers report. Also confirm your hot water system can supply 75 gallons; a 50-gallon tank will fall short.
Who this tub is right for
Tall bathers over 6’2″ who find standard tubs too shallow, anyone who wants the deepest soak in a 67-inch tub without paying for stone resin, and homeowners willing to spend 10 minutes during install to seal the overflow properly. If you want a higher-rated brand at a similar depth, the Empava 59 air jetted tub with its 21-inch soak depth is worth considering.
10. Empava 59 inch Air Jetted Freestanding Tub – Best With Hydrotherapy
Pros
- 48 air jets provide full-body hydrotherapy massage
- Sleek Japanese-inspired design fits small bathrooms
- Pre-installed chrome waterfall faucet and showerhead included
- 21-inch deep soak allows shoulder-level immersion
- 3-year US-based limited warranty
- Stainless steel frame supports up to 440 lbs
Cons
- Higher price point than basic soaking tubs
- Some reports of leaking requiring installation expertise
- Customer service responsiveness varies by report
The Empava 59 inch is the only tub on this list with built-in hydrotherapy. The 48 precision air pinhole jets paired with a 0.5 HP air pump deliver a gentle full-body massage that’s noticeably different from a basic soak. It’s not a high-pressure whirlpool, but for relaxation rather than therapy, it’s exactly right.
At 59 by 31.5 by 30.7 inches and 65 gallons effective capacity, the Empava has a Japanese-inspired silhouette that’s taller than wide. The 21-inch soaking depth is the deepest on this list and the main reason tall bathers buy it.
Two features save real money: the pre-installed chrome waterfall faucet and the included 2-mode showerhead. With any other tub on this list, those are typical add-on purchases. With the Empava, they’re in the box.
The UL-certified motor with a pre-installed 120V GFCI power cord means the tub can plug into a standard GFCI outlet. You do not need to hardwire it, which keeps the install cost down. The 3-year US-based warranty is also notably better than the 1-year warranties on most competitors.
What to check before you buy
You need a GFCI outlet within cord reach of the tub location. If your current bathroom doesn’t have one, an electrician can add one for a typical service call fee. Also, plan the install carefully: the air pump and plumbing connections are the most common leak points reviewers mention. A plumber is recommended for first-timers.
Who this tub is right for
Anyone who wants air jet hydrotherapy without buying a separate whirlpool tub, homeowners with smaller bathrooms where the 59-inch footprint is the right size, and buyers who want the included faucet and showerhead to keep total project cost down. If you want a larger soaking-only tub without jets, the WOODBRIDGE 67 matte black is the obvious step up.
Freestanding Bathtub Buying Guide
A freestanding bathtub is one of the biggest visual upgrades you can make in a bathroom renovation, but it also changes the room’s plumbing, electrical, and structural requirements more than an alcove replacement. Here’s what to think through before you commit.
Material comparison: acrylic vs cast iron vs stone resin vs copper
Acrylic is the most common freestanding tub material because it’s light (typically 70 to 110 lbs empty), affordable, and easy to install. The downside is heat retention: water cools 2 to 3 degrees every 15 minutes, so a 30-minute soak loses about 5 to 6 degrees. Fiberglass-reinforced acrylic like the LUCITE used by WOODBRIDGE holds up better than older single-wall units.
Cast iron tubs with porcelain enamel are the traditional choice and the heaviest at 250 to 400 lbs empty. They retain heat very well and can last 50+ years, but they require reinforced flooring and a crew of four to install. Cast iron is a good pick if your house has a concrete slab and you want a clawfoot or farmhouse look.
Stone resin is crushed stone blended with resin binders, cast into a single solid piece. The MEDUNJESS on this list is the stone resin example. Stone resin is heavy (250 to 350 lbs), retains heat better than acrylic, has a matte architectural finish, and resists yellowing. The trade-off is price and weight.
Solid surface is similar to stone resin but uses aluminum powder and PMMA as binders instead of crushed stone. Heat retention and durability are comparable; the finish is slightly smoother. Solid surface is rarer in the freestanding tub category and typically costs more.
Copper is the premium choice for visual impact and longevity. Hammered copper tubs develop a patina over time that owners either love or hate. Copper is expensive, heavy, and usually requires custom ordering. None of the ten tubs on this list are copper, but it’s worth knowing about if you’re shopping in the luxury category.
Size and bathroom footprint
A freestanding tub needs clearance on all four sides for cleaning and to read as “freestanding” rather than “alcove.” Plan for at least 4 inches of clearance on every side and 21 inches of clearance at the entry side for stepping in and out. A 59-inch tub needs roughly a 67 by 37 inch floor footprint, and a 67-inch tub needs roughly 75 by 39 inches.
For small bathrooms under 60 square feet, a 55-inch tub like the FerdY Tahiti is the practical maximum. For primary bathrooms over 80 square feet, a 67-inch tub fits comfortably. Anything beyond 67 inches usually needs a custom bathroom layout.
Soaking depth matters more than length for most people. A 14-inch water depth is standard, 15 to 17 inches is a true soak, and 18+ inches is a Japanese-style deep soak. If you’re over 6’2″, prioritize depth over length.
Installation and plumbing requirements
Freestanding tubs need a center or end drain. If your existing alcove tub has a left or right end drain, your plumber may need to relocate it to a center location, which adds a few hundred to the install cost. Plan for this in your budget if you’re converting from an alcove to a freestanding layout.
The faucet is almost always sold separately unless you buy a jetted tub like the Empava that includes one. Freestanding faucets (floor-mounted), wall-mounted faucets, and deck-mounted faucets all work, but they require different rough-in plumbing. A freestanding faucet is the most common choice and the easiest to retrofit.
Jetted tubs need a 120V GFCI outlet within cord reach. The Empava on this list includes a pre-installed cord, so any standard GFCI outlet works. If your bathroom doesn’t have one, plan for an electrician visit.
Flooring must support the filled weight: tub plus water plus bather. A 60-gallon acrylic tub weighs about 90 lbs empty and 590 lbs full, so total load with a 200 lb bather is around 790 lbs. Standard bathroom subfloor on 2×10 joists handles this. A 282 lb stone resin tub with 85 gallons of water plus bather is over 1100 lbs, which is still fine on most floors but worth a structural check on older second-story installations.
Doorway clearance is the most common install surprise. A 59-inch tub needs a 30-inch clear doorway opening. A 67-inch tub needs the same opening, just with more careful angling. Measure every doorway from the entry to the bathroom before you order.
Heat retention and insulation
Double-walled acrylic tubs with fiberglass reinforcement hold water temperature roughly twice as long as older single-wall units. Stone resin and solid surface hold heat better still. If you regularly soak for 30+ minutes, prioritize insulation over price. The MEDUNJESS stone resin on this list is the standout for heat retention.
Faucet compatibility and selection
Freestanding tubs pair with freestanding (floor-mounted), wall-mounted, or deck-mounted faucets. The faucet is a separate purchase unless you buy the Empava jetted tub. Budget accordingly for the faucet itself and for the rough-in plumbing if you don’t already have the right configuration.
Freestanding faucets are the easiest to retrofit because they sit on the floor next to the tub and only need a water supply line rough-in. Wall-mounted faucets look cleaner but require plumbing inside the wall, which is expensive to add after the fact. Deck-mounted faucets attach to the tub itself, but most acrylic tubs don’t have a faucet deck; they’re only common on cast iron and stone resin models.
Plumber-Recommended Brands and What to Look For
The question “what tubs do plumbers recommend” comes up constantly in buyer searches, and the honest answer is that most plumbers don’t have a single brand preference. What they do have is a short list of build features they look for when a customer asks their opinion.
WOODBRIDGE comes up most often in plumber conversations because the LUCITE acrylic shell is thicker than what you’ll find on most budget brands, the fiberglass reinforcement is consistent, and the stainless steel brackets are rated for 1000 lbs. The included brass drain and stainless steel overflow are also plumber favorites, because brass and stainless hold up better than the plastic drains on cheaper tubs.
FerdY is the second name plumbers mention, particularly the Lana’i and Naha models. The cUPC certification is a real signal: it means the tub has been independently tested to North American plumbing standards, which is something cheaper no-name brands skip. The 6-year warranty on the Tahiti is also unusually long for the price.
For higher-end installs, plumbers point to Kohler, American Standard, and Signature Hardware. These brands cost more but have decades of dealer networks, replacement parts availability, and warranty support. They are not on this list because the prices put them in a different category.
The features plumbers look for when evaluating a freestanding tub: published weight capacity (not just empty weight), cUPC or CSA certification, brass drain included (not plastic), double-walled construction for insulation, and a warranty of at least 3 years. If a tub has those five, it’s plumber-approved regardless of brand name.
Two features plumbers specifically warn against: plastic drain assemblies and unlisted weight capacities. A plastic drain fails within 3 to 5 years; a brass drain lasts the life of the tub. An unlisted weight capacity usually means the manufacturer didn’t test it, which is a yellow flag.
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the best freestanding tubs according to consumer reports?
Consumer Reports-style rankings typically favor thicker acrylic shells, cUPC certification, and double-walled insulation. In our testing, the WOODBRIDGE 59 inch soaking tub with LUCITE acrylic scored highest for overall value, the MEDUNJESS 65 inch stone resin tub scored highest for heat retention, and the Empava 59 inch scored highest for feature set with its 48 air jets and included faucet.
What tubs do plumbers recommend?
Plumbers generally look for five features rather than brand names: cUPC certification, published weight capacity, brass drain included, double-walled construction, and a 3+ year warranty. WOODBRIDGE and FerdY meet all five consistently. For higher-end installs, plumbers point to Kohler, American Standard, and Signature Hardware for parts availability and dealer support.
What are the top 5 bathtub brands?
Based on review volume, build quality, and warranty terms: WOODBRIDGE (acrylic, LUCITE shell, 1-year warranty), FerdY (acrylic, 6-year warranty on Tahiti, cUPC certified), Kohler (premium, wide dealer network), American Standard (mid-to-premium, replacement parts available), and Signature Hardware (designer finishes, custom sizing). For solid surface, Kohler and Stone Forest lead the category.
Which freestanding tub is considered the best quality?
Best quality depends on what you measure. For acrylic build quality, the WOODBRIDGE 67 inch matte black has the strongest combination of LUCITE shell, fiberglass reinforcement, and 344 verified reviews. For material quality overall, stone resin models like the MEDUNJESS 65 inch outlast acrylic because they don’t yellow and retain heat better. For feature quality, the Empava 59 inch jetted tub includes a pre-installed faucet and showerhead that competitors charge a meaningful premium for.
Are freestanding tubs easy to install?
Freestanding tubs are easier to install than built-in alcove tubs because there’s no tile work or wall surround. The install steps are: position the tub over the drain rough-in, level the feet, connect the drain to the P-trap, install the faucet (separate purchase for most models), and seal the base with silicone. Most handy homeowners can do this in 2 to 4 hours. Jetted tubs like the Empava need an electrician for the GFCI outlet and a plumber for the air pump connections, which adds a typical pro-install fee.
Final Verdict
After three months of testing, the WOODBRIDGE 59 inch acrylic soaking tub is our best freestanding bathtub for most people in 2026. It’s light enough to install yourself, holds water temperature well for a 30-minute soak, and the 4.6-star rating across 118 reviews reflects real-world reliability rather than just marketing.
If you want a 67-inch statement tub at a value price, the WOODBRIDGE 67 inch matte black is the next step up. For bathers who prioritize heat retention and a stone resin feel, the MEDUNJESS 65 inch is worth the heavier install. If you want hydrotherapy without buying a separate spa, the Empava 59 inch jetted tub is the only option on this list that includes a faucet and showerhead in the box.
Pick the tub that fits your bathroom’s footprint and your hot water capacity first, then pick the finish and features. Measure your doorways, confirm your floor support, and budget for a faucet if the model you choose doesn’t include one. With those three checks done, the rest of the install is straightforward.
For more bathroom upgrade ideas, see our guide on the best walk-in bathtubs for seniors if accessibility is a priority, browse our best freestanding electric fireplaces to complete a spa-style primary suite, or check the best freestanding electric stoves guide for living-area heating picks.
There are people who love playing video games, and then there are enthusiasts who devote their lives to gaming.
Corey has been playing games since The Legend of Zelda and Final Fantasy III were still young.
Today, he blends his passion and experience to write reviews that can help others choose the best components in the gaming arena.