Walk-in bathtubs provide a safe and relaxing way to bathe, but a shower can be just as relaxing as soaking in a bath. Maybe you’re in a hurry and don’t have time for a bath, or perhaps you share your home with others who don’t need the safety of a walk-in bathtub. You don’t have to choose between a walk-in bathtub or a shower: You can have the best of both worlds by installing a walk-in tub and shower combo.

Multiple tub manufacturers offer tub and shower combo products or packages featuring a tub, wall surround, and shower head so you can have a tub and shower option at home. The question is, which one is right for you?

It doesn’t matter if you’re searching for a wheelchair-accessible tub, you’re more concerned with how it will look, or you need to stick to a strict budget. There’s a walk-in tub and shower on this list for everyone.

Here are the best walk-in tub and shower combos of 2023.


Universal Tubs wheelchair-accessible tub with shower surround

Best wheelchair-accessible walk-in tub and shower combo

Pros:

  • Includes 26 air bubble jets, aromatherapy, and chromotherapy.
  • Water drains in under 60 seconds.
  • Your choice of right- or left-swinging door.
  • Extra-wide door.
  • Professional installation is available through Universal Tubs.
  • Extended warranty coverage for up to 10 years, depending on the part.

Cons:

  • Standard showerhead must be purchased separately.
  • Gel-coated fiberglass construction can crack and fade more quickly than acrylic.
universal tubs wheelchair accessible shower surround tub

Universal Tubs is a well-known walk-in tub brand made in the USA. Their wheelchair-accessible tub and shower surround features a luxurious bathing experience with 26 air bubble jets, aromatherapy, and chromotherapy, which are colored lights that emit from within the tub. A thermal heated backrest helps keep you warm, no matter how long you want to soak, while the auto drain system can drain the bathwater in less than 60 seconds. That’s an important consideration since you have to wait in the tub until the water drains before opening the door to get out. With a large outward-swinging door that exposes the seat, it’s one of our favorite wheelchair-accessible walk-in tubs.

Every tub is backed by a 10-year limited warranty on the tub shell and wall surround, a lifetime warranty on the door seal, a one-year limited warranty on components, and a three-month limited warranty on labor.

Listings on Home Depot include everything you need to install the shower surround. The kit includes two corner caddies, caulking tubes, and wall sheets. Although the tub includes a handheld showerhead, the surround does not have a traditional showerhead, so if you want one, you’ll have to purchase and install it separately.

If you purchase your walk-in tub and shower combo through the Universal Tubs website, they offer installation services. Whether you purchase from Universal Tubs or Home Depot, choosing the right tub can be challenging. For example. Universal Tubs lists all their tub options on their website, but there’s no clear way to include a shower surround, so you’ll have to speak to one of their representatives. You can choose a left- or right-swinging door, but each is listed separately on the Home Depot website instead of as different options under the same product listing.

Remember that the tub is constructed out of fiberglass with a gel coating. These materials make for a lightweight tub and look beautiful upon installation, but they can look worn out well before an acrylic tub would. Gel-coated fiberglass eventually fades and cracks over time, so it may need to be replaced sooner than a tub constructed out of acrylic.

Cost at time of publishing: $6,109

Visit Universal Tubs to learn more

Buy a Universal Tubs right-drain or left-drain walk-in tub with shower surround at Home Depot


Kohler walk-in tub and shower combo

Best modern-looking tub and shower combo

Pros:

  • Includes hydrotherapy whirlpool jets and BubbleMassage air jets.
  • Heated backrest.
  • Extra-low 3-inch step-in threshold.
  • Built-in handrails.
  • Fits into your existing tub space.
  • Multiple design options to choose from.
  • Includes both a handheld showerhead and a traditional showerhead.
  • Backed by a lifetime limited warranty.
  • Financing available.

Cons:

  • Must be installed by a Kohler professional dealer.
  • You must contact a Kohler representative to get a quote.
  • Upgrades are costly.
  • Inward-swinging door.
Kohler walk-in tub with shower surround

If you have thought about installing a walk-in bathtub but have hesitated because you don’t like the look, consider the Kohler walk-in bathtub and shower combo. It has a modern, contemporary look with your choice of multiple design options. You can choose a waterproof tub-to-ceiling alcove that surrounds your tub and mimics the look of natural materials, like porcelain tile or marble. You can also choose from different showerhead and faucet finishes, allowing you to customize your bathing experience so it is stylish as well as safe.

The tub includes unique safety features, like an extra-low 3-inch step-in threshold. Built-in handrails line the entire tub’s edge, which you won’t find with most other tubs. There is also a traditional interior grab bar. It’s important to note that the door swings inside the tub instead of out, which saves space but can make getting out of the tub difficult.

The bathtub includes some features you would expect from a top-of-the-line walk-in tub, like hydrotherapy whirlpool jets, BubbleMassage air jets, and a heated backrest. However, it doesn’t include other common features, like chromotherapy or aromatherapy. Installation includes both a handheld showerhead and a traditional showerhead, but a Kohler professional dealer must install it. 

It is nearly impossible to know exactly how much the tub and shower combo will cost unless you call and speak to a Kohler representative. A basic tub without a shower package may cost just a few thousand dollars before installation, but additional accessories, features, and professional installation can bring the final price to tens of thousands. Kohler does offer in-house financing, which can help you pay for a more expensive tub.

When you speak to a representative, ask about door and drain placement, as they aren’t explicitly mentioned on the website.

When you buy from Kohler, you get peace of mind knowing that your installation is backed by over 150 years of plumbing and bath experience. Because they offer both the product and the installation, they offer a lifetime limited warranty that is among the best in the industry.

Cost at time of publishing: $2,500-$15,000

Visit Kohler to learn more

Visit Kohler’s price guide to get started


Safe Step Hybrid walk-in tub and shower combo

Best premium tub and shower combo without a shower surround

Pros:

  • MicroSoothe air therapy system, hydro massage jets, and bidet.
  • Includes chromotherapy and aromatherapy.
  • Anti-scald technology and ozone cleaning system.
  • Rapid-fill faucet and quick drain.
  • Separate water-resistant remote control.
  • Easy-locking handle.
  • Your choice of right or left drain.
  • Freestanding showerhead doesn’t require wall-mounted installation.
  • Lifetime limited warranty.

Cons:

  • Must be installed by a Safe Step professional dealer.
  • You must contact a Safe Step representative to get a quote.
  • Inward-swinging door.
Safe Step hybrid walk-in tub and shower combination

Purchasing a walk-in tub with a shower surround is convenient, but it isn’t right for everyone. If you want to install a custom tile surround or prefer to use the surround you already have, you should consider a walk-in bath with a showerhead instead. The Safe Step Hybrid walk-in tub features a freestanding showerhead that doesn’t require a traditional wall-mounted installation.

You’ll find all the features you expect to find in a walk-in bathtub — and then some — with Safe Step. This tub includes:

  • 16 MicroSoothe air therapy jets.
  • 10 hydro massage jets.
  • Chromotherapy.
  • Aromatherapy.
  • Anti-scald technology.
  • Ozone cleaning.
  • Heated seat and backrest.

Safe Step’s tubs also feature a rapid-fill faucet and quick-drain technology. There’s a separate water-resistant remote control, so changing the settings while taking a bath is always within reach. The tub has a locking handle designed to be easy to use for those with poor grip strength.

The biggest downside to the Safe Step Hybrid’s design is that the door swings inward, which can make getting out of the tub difficult.

You have your choice of a right or left drain, so there’s no need to alter your existing plumbing setup. Safe Step’s installation has a lifetime limited warranty, but a professional Safe Step dealer must install every tub. In addition, trying to figure out the cost of your tub can be difficult because you have to speak to a representative and provide the dimensions of your space and the features you want to get a quote. When you call, you can also ask about discounts, like AARP coupons, discounts, credits, and special pricing for seniors and Veterans.

Cost at time of publishing: Custom price based on fit and features

Visit Safe Step to learn more

Visit Safe Step’s pricing information to get started


Ella Lay Down walk-in tub

Best lie-down tub and shower combo

Pros:

  • Classic tub design allows you to lie down.
  • Designed with straight, narrow sidewalls to prevent slipping and falling.
  • Stylish bifold glass door available.
  • The handheld showerhead can be mounted on the wall.
  • Your choice of jetting package.
  • Your choice of right or left drain position.
  • Multiple faucet options to choose from.
  • Limited lifetime warranty on parts.

Cons:

  • No built-in seat.
  • The cost of additional features can add up fast.
Ellas Bubbles lay-down walk-in tub

Walk-in tubs with a built-in seat can make bathing convenient, but they aren’t for everyone. Those who enjoy lying back in the tub and submerging their body will love Ella’s Lay Down walk-in bathtub and shower combo.

This traditional basin tub has been redesigned with straight, narrow sidewalls, which allow you to stand closer to the side of the tub and can increase safety while stepping in and out. A completely flat bottom reduces the chances of slipping and falling compared to traditional basin tubs with curved sides. It also includes a sleek-looking clear door with a low threshold to make getting into and out of the tub easier. Be aware that you’ll have to sit in an empty tub and wait for it to fill before enjoying your bath since you won’t be able to open the door once the tub is full. In addition, with no built-in seat, it may not be the right option for those with certain mobility challenges.

We’ve found that to make this product a true tub and shower combo, you’ll have to add accessories to your purchase. You can add bifold tempered glass shower doors, a stylish alternative to a shower curtain. You can purchase a shower column or install one separately, but you also have the option to use the existing handheld showerhead. Simply purchase the hose extension and wall mount kit, which extends the length of your showerhead hose so you can mount it to the wall without needing to purchase and install a separate showerhead. 

There are many other ways to personalize your Ella Lay Down walk-in tub. You can choose jetting packages that include hydro, air, and Infusion microbubble therapy. You can choose between a left or right drain and a tub that measures 30 by 60 or 32 by 72 inches. Remember that additional bells and whistles can add up fast, especially with the installation cost.

Tubs also include a limited lifetime warranty on parts.

Cost at time of publishing: $3,971.00-$6,035.00

Visit Ella’s Bubbles to purchase the Lay Down walk-in tub (select bifold shower screen add-on) 

Add your showerhead option: Ella’s Bubbles hose extension and wall mount kit or Ella’s Bubbles shower column kit

Buy the Lay Down tub and shower combination at Vital Hydrotherapy (select bifold shower screen and shower column add-ons)


Aquapeutics Freedom luxury steam shower tub

Best luxury tub and shower combo

Pros:

  • The only steam shower on the market that also features a walk-in bathtub.
  • Includes both massage and bubble jets.
  • Overhead LED rainfall shower.
  • Includes chromotherapy and aromatherapy.
  • Built-in radio and Bluetooth speaker with a modern digital control panel.
  • Steam generator with ventilation fan and self-cleaning function.
  • 10-year warranty with the option to upgrade to a lifetime parts warranty.
  • Inline water heater available.

Cons:

  • No built-in seat.
  • Not ADA-compliant, so grab bars have to be installed separately.
  • Inward-swinging door.
  • High threshold compared to other walk-in tubs.
Aquapeutics Freedom Luxury Steam Shower-Tub

It doesn’t get any more luxurious than the Aquapeutics Freedom luxury steam shower tub for the best walk-in bathtub and shower combos. It is the only walk-in tub on the market with a steam shower. It has 38 massage, bubble and whirlpool jets, chromotherapy, and aromatherapy.

What makes this tub and shower combo one of our favorites is that it includes a steam generator. It also has a ventilation fan and self-cleaning function, so it doesn’t require the cleaning traditionally associated with steam showers.

Unlike some other walk-in tubs requiring a separate purchase of a traditional showerhead, this walk-in tub and shower combo includes a modern LED rainfall showerhead for a luxurious bathing experience.

If you love modern technology, you’ll love that the Aquapeutics Freedom luxury steam shower tub includes a built-in radio, Bluetooth speakers, and a modern digital control panel.

You can include an inline water heater for an additional fee. You can also upgrade to a lifetime parts warranty, but you’ll still enjoy a 10-year warranty even if you don’t.

This walk-in bathtub and shower combo is luxurious, but it’s also stylish. If you share your home with others who don’t need or want to bathe in a traditional walk-in tub or you want an installation that will add value to your home when it’s time to sell, consider Aquapeutics.

This may not be the right tub if you or your loved one has extreme mobility issues. It does not include a built-in seat or grab bars, so getting up and down from the tub floor can be difficult. The threshold is high compared to other walk-in tubs, and the door swings inward, which saves space but makes it harder to get out of the tub. 

It’s one of the more expensive options on our list, especially with the cost of installation, so it’s important to weigh the pros and cons carefully before you make a decision.

Cost at time of publishing: $5,999.00-$9,999.00

Visit Aquapeutics to purchase

Buy a Freedom steam shower tub at Vapor


Is a walk-in tub and shower combo the right choice for you?

Buying a walk-in bathtub is an important decision. It enables you or a loved one to remain independent at home, but that independence doesn’t come cheap. When a walk-in tub costs thousands of dollars, it’s important to choose exactly what you want without paying for features you don’t need.

Many older adults and their families find a walk-in bathtub and shower combination appealing because it can give you the best of both worlds. It might be right for you if you’re worried about potential mobility problems in the future or if you live with others who don’t have mobility issues. 

You may also consider a walk-in tub and shower combo if aesthetics are important to you. Their design is often sleeker than walk-in tubs meant to be installed alone. Their more stylish look and increased functionality have the potential to add to your home’s value, which is an important consideration if you plan to sell your house in the future.

The safety and convenience of a shower-tub combo don’t mean it’s the right option for everyone. Walk-in bathtub and shower combos can be costly. With the addition of a shower surround, separate showerhead, and shower screen, you’ll pay a lot more than if you installed a tub alone. Also, keep in mind that you might have to cover shipping and installation costs. Another bathing option may be better unless someone will use the shower frequently.

A walk-in tub and shower combo is safe only if you know your limits. If you have a loved one who insists on taking a shower or who isn’t steady on their feet, it might be better to install a walk-in tub without a traditional shower. There is still a handheld showerhead for rinsing off, but they won’t be tempted to stand — and potentially fall — while showering.

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