Best hot tubs: expert picks for your outdoor space

Hot tubs bring all the relaxation of a spa to your backyard. A good hot tub can massage away the day’s stress, and keep a pool party going long after the sun sets.

But the big problem with hot tubs is that they can be costly and confusing. There are lots of different types of tubs and they all have different features, so it’s not always easy to work out what you want. If you make the wrong decision, a hot tub can be an expensive mistake.

I’ve spent my entire career testing and covering the best products for your home and garden, so I know exactly what makes for a good hot tub. I’ve spent dozens of hours scouring the internet to find you the very best. After judging a range of different hot tubs against sizes, power, the number of jets, LED lights, and Ozonators, I've now rounded up the very best hot tubs on the market.

This curated selection features some of the best-known brands, as well as some picks from more niche manufacturers that I think are worth highlighting. Along with our rules for buying a hot tub, in this guide, you’re sure to find a model that suits you.

Live hot tub deals

was $4,699 now $3,799 at The Home Depot

My pick for the best hot tub you can buy is now hugely discounted at The Home Depot. You can save 19% on this remarkable tub, a saving of nearly $1000.

View Deal

was $6,299 now $2,351 at Walmart

The biggest discount I've seen so far, this is one of the best deals of Black Friday 2024. This remarkable hot tub is already backed with helpful bonus features, but now you can save more than $2000.

View Deal

was $4,000 now $2,850 at Wayfair

Our favorite budget hot tub is now even cheaper, saving you more than $1000 on a neat little hot tub.

View Deal

was $3,700 now $2,755 at Wayfair

Smaller homes will appreciate this clever triangular hot tub that sits snugly in a corner. There is now almost $1000 off this popular choice.

View Deal

Best hot tubs 2024

Historically, you'd have to splash out thousands of dollars to bring a hot tub into your backyard. If you're so inclined, there are still plenty of incredible, expensive models on the market, but there are plenty of entry-level inflatable tubs, too, which are ideal for a quick soak in the summer and easy to store during winter weather. It didn't feel quite fair to pit these low-cost options against high-end hot tubs, which is why I've split my picks into two categories.

Plug-and-play hot tubs

1. Best hot tub overall

This hot tub takes the top spot in our guide because has everything you need without many of the downsides of other hot tubs. It has an Ozonator, which introduces ozone into the water, which reduces the need for chlorine and other water treatment chemicals. It has a waterfall, which is not only relaxing to listen to and massages your neck, but keeps the water circulating, pushing leaves and other debris into the filter.

I've read hundreds of reviews of this tub across five different retailers, and it has plenty of five-star reviews. The consensus seems to be that while it doesn't quite match a fancy in-ground tub, it's great value. It reaches temperature quickly - one reviewer said they had it ready to use five hours after it was delivered - and several reviewers have noted that it's easy to install; the instructions are clear and simple. The seats are comfortable and most reviewers find the jets very powerful. Anecdotally, lots of older reviewers find that it gives them relief for sore joints.

However, some reviewers have noted that the pressure could be a little better; you can only turn it up to maximum on two of the four main seats at once. Like other hot tubs, some reviewers note that it's pretty loud when it's operating. A handful of reviewers have noted that it was tricky to set up and did not work the first time they turned it on. Others have noted that while it comes with a free cover, it's pretty thin, so may not help to insulate the water or keep debris out. While it technically seats six, you may find it a bit of a squeeze.

2. Best bonus features

This hot tub comes packed with bonus features and little touches. First, unlike all the other hot tubs on this list, it comes with steps as standard, so it's much easier to get in and out. The steps also have planters, so they look better than most other plastic hot tub steps. The step into the tub is textured for extra grip, so it's a lot safer than other tubs. All of the captain's seats have headrests, and not only are there 8 cup holders for your drinks but also a built-in cooler to keep them refreshing.

If that wasn't enough, the cover is mounted on arms, so it's incredibly easy to shut this hot tub down once you're finished, and it's lockable, which is an excellent safety feature if you have pets or young kids. It has two waterfalls, one more than all other other tubs in this guide, and both are backlit. On top of the interior lights, there are exterior accent lights to make this hot tub safer to use at night.

While it technically seats 6, this tub is really best seated for four people, as that's the number of headrests for the captain's seats. 35 jets is good enough, but a pretty low number for four people to use. Only one of the seats has jets aimed at your calves, and if you sit on one of the two small extra seats, you'll only get a single jet of water. The few negative reviews of this tub mention that the 140V version takes a long time to heat, so you may have to convert to 240V for a better experience. Most people - even those who loved this - report that the instructions are very poor.

3. Best budget plug-and-play

This small tub is perfect for a family of four. It has a backlit waterfall, which is rare for a tub of this size, and it comes with an Ozonator to keep it clean. It has handy cup holders and several reviewers say that it's relatively quiet, which can be hard to find in a hot tub.

Most importantly, lots of reviewers report that they're pleasantly surprised by how strong the jets are for a tub of this size, and many say that they use it every day. Best of all, it's relatively inexpensive for a plug-and-play hot tub. It's hardly cheap, but this is a fair price for a small tub.

However, some reviewers found the texture a little rough, and while most found the hot tub easy to install, some reviewers didn't like the lack of instructions. The biggest drawback is that the panel to access the pump has four large slots to help you remove it, but they're the perfect size for mice, so you may have to plug it up. On top of that, the warranty is only 90 days, so if anything happens just three months after you buy it you'll have to pay to get it fixed.

4. Best for couples

Unlike other hot tubs designed for couples, this model actually has room for two people. It has two luxury lounge seats, so you and your partner can stretch out next to each other rather than sitting opposite each other and awkwardly bumping knees. Because they're lounge seats, this hot tub is especially effective, with many reviewers loving that it gives a full-body massage rather than just your back and shoulders.

It's particularly great on full power and some reviewers note that it's great for their back pain. It has many more jets than most hot tubs for couples, many of which top out at 15 or 20 jets. Many users report using it every day.

Because it's relatively small for a hot tub, lots of reviewers found that it's easy to install between two people, which is particularly handy for a hot tub designed for couples. Many people say that the controls are easy to use.

Unfortunately, you can't run both lounge seats on full power, so if you're both feeling particularly sore you may have to take it in turns. Some reviewers report that the sides feel a little flimsy, and there's relatively little insulation inside the hot tub, so it could be more heat-efficient. While technically a 3-seater thanks to a little seat between the two lounge seats, it would be very crowded.

5. Best for small yards

This little tub is perfect for smaller yards because it's triangle-shaped. You can fit it into a disused corner of the yard and make a mini spa in small backyards. One user says that's great nestled in a corner of their back porch.

Because it's so small - only 190 gallons - lots of reviewers find that it heats up very quickly. It has a waterfall and LED lights and all users agree that the jets are effective and relaxing. Despite its size, it has enough room for two.

Like the Aquarest product above, the panel for this hot tub has slits to help you remove it, but they're perfect for mice to climb through, so you may need to add some wire or other backing to stop them getting into the hot tub. Not only that, but it's finicky to remove. The plumbing warranty is only one year, which is pretty short. Unlike all the other tubs on this list, it doesn't have an Ozonator; over time you'll end up paying a little more to chlorinate this tub, but it's so small that it shouldn't be a huge expense.

6. USA Spas Jamaica 8 Person

If you have a big family, you need this huge hot tub. Made in America, it seats four comfortably, and though it's listed for 8, reviews say that it really tops out at 7. Still, that's far more than most hot tubs on the market.

Unlike other hot tubs of this size, it has a lounge seat, which is great for stretching out when you aren't entertaining. When you are entertaining, it has bluetooth stereo built-in for relaxing music as you soak.

One downside to this hot tub is that it lacks little luxuries. While the Bluetooth speakers and interior lights are great, it doesn't have exterior lights or steps. It also lacks headrests, and at this price, these should be included. It also has very few jets for a hot tub of this size. While the capacity is excellent, 47 jets is relatively few.

Plug-and-play comparison table

Best inflatable hot tubs

1. Best inflatable hot tub

This large hot tub is packed with jets for relaxation that rivals a plug-and-play. Unlike some other hot tubs, like the two above, this tub has a second ring of bubbles to massage your legs as well as your back. On top of that, it has ten side jets, for powerful blasts of warm bubbles. Many reviewers say these side jets make this model much better than most inflatable hot tubs. The base also inflates, so you're sitting on a seat rather than just on the floor of the hot tub. On top of that, it comes with LED lights

As with the other Saluspa product below, some users say that the setup instructions for this hot tub leave a lot to be desired. It's also expensive for an inflatable hot tub. $1000 is as expensive as these tubs go, so there are better value options out there. A handful of reviewers say that it lasted well for a summer, but didn't winter well, as it wouldn't reinflate after it had been put away for the colder months.

2. Best luxury inflatable hot tub

This inflatable tub is packed with little bonus features that set it apart from other hot tubs of this type. Unlike the cheaper Saluspa below, it comes with inflatable headrests, which many inflatable hot tubs don't include, as well as an LED light. This is particularly rare in inflatable hot tubs, and it makes this tub much easier to use in the evening.

Many users comment that this hot tub is robust. It's easy to assemble with clear instructions, and despite being inflatable, the sides are solid, and you can sit on the edge without it sinking, as might happen with an air bed. Almost every reviewer says the jets are surprisingly powerful and very effective.

Like other inflatable hot tubs, it isn't as heat-efficient as a plug-and-play or in-ground hot tub. Some users say that the cover is unwieldy, so while it stops leaves and other debris from entering the tub, you may accidentally drop them into the water when you remove the cover. The filters also aren't perfect, but this is true of many inflatable hot tubs. Others also say that fitting 6 people in is a stretch - three or four is more realistic.

3. Best budget inflatable hot tub

This hot tub is the best budget inflatable tub you can buy. It's well-priced, even for inflatable hot tub standards, and it will save you thousands of dollars compared to plug-and-play or inground hot tubs. It's easy to set up and fast to heat and most users say it's very comfortable. The digital controls make it simple to use, and lots of users say that their tub has held up for years.

Most users have noted that while setup is easy, the instructions are confusing because there's no text, only diagrams. While this model is marketed as a heat-efficient spa, some users have found that it loses a few degrees of heat after just half an hour's use. Like other hot tubs - especially of this style - it's very loud. Other people say that while it can easily fit two people, four might be a little uncomfortable. On top of that, it doesn't have any bonus features - what you see is what you get.

Inflatable comparison table

Hot tub types explained

The classic hot tub design is a plug-and-play. Also known as above-ground hot tubs, these are permanent, freestanding tubs made from hard plastic. They're called 'plug-and-play' because you can run them from an electric outlet, rather than having to get professionals to wire them in, which is the case with inbuilt hot tubs. All you need to do is plug them into a socket and fill them with water.

Plug-and-plays feel sturdier and feel more luxurious than inflatable hot tubs, and unlike in-built hot tubs, you don't have to landscape to fit them in, saving you thousands of dollars in labor costs. The best plug-and-plays boast plenty of bonus features, such as dedicated massage pumps, LED lights, and even Bluetooth speakers.

Inflatable hot tubs are a more affordable alternative to plug-and-plays, made with cheaper materials and smaller pumps. They can also deflate for storage, so you can keep them out of sight when the weather turns in winter.

However, the jets aren't as powerful as plug-and-play hot tubs and they often aren't as warm. They also lack bonus features like lighting, headrests, and dedicated massage pumps. Since they're inflatable, you're also at risk of punctures.

In-ground hot tubs are part of your landscaping. They're built into the ground, which often looks much better than inflatable or plug-and-play hot tubs that sit on a patio.

I haven't included in-ground hot tubs in this round-up for two reasons. The first is that installing these tends to be a local service. I couldn't go across the country to find the best hot tub installers in every county.

The more important reason is that they're such a jump in cost from plug-and-plays. Prices for an in-ground, professionally-installed hot tub start at $15,000. It's a significant expense that you should discuss in person with a landscaping team rather than online.

How I chose the best hot tubs

Here at H&G, we like to test all the products we feature. I've got plenty of burn marks and nicks from years of trialing the best grills. Unsurprisingly, I couldn't convince my editor-in-chief to let me soak up the sun and enjoy all those hot tub benefits as 'research' for this article.

Instead, I dove into hundreds of hot tub reviews, only selecting those with 4.5 or 5-star ratings, good design, and plenty of bonus features. I read countless customer reviews to see how these hot tubs held up over months or even years of use.

Where possible, I chose the more affordable hot tubs. Once prices start to creep above $7,000 for a freestanding hot tub, you start to see diminishing returns.

I also made sure to include tubs that include Ozonators. Ozonators add a little ozone into the water in your hot tub, which can kill algae and bacteria. A built-in ozonator will save you money in the long run, because it means you need to use chlorine or bromine in your water.

I aimed to include hot tubs with as many bonus features as possible. A big problem when buying a hot tub - particularly from a dealer - is that you have to pay extra for features which should be standard. Apart from budget options, the hot tubs listed here will come with features like covers and LED lighting included as standard to help you save money.

As far as possible, I aimed to discount any claims from manufacturers that their hot tubs can help with injuries. Hot tubs can alleviate pain in sore muscles and joints, but they aren't medicinal, and you should be very skeptical of any claims from manufacturers that hot tubs provide 'hydrotherapy'. Where relevant, I make note of any anecdotes from reviewers that hot tubs have eased muscle pain, but these are only anecdotes and should not be used as medical advice.

Finally, I limited my research to hot tubs reviewed after years or even a decade. This way, I could make sure that the hot tubs we feature are durable, long-lasting, and don't give their owners any problems.

FAQs

What size hot tub do I need?

Most hot tubs aren't as large as they claim. Though I think they're the best models you can buy, even the hot tubs in this list aren't quite the size they claim. That's because many hot tubs fit in small, extra seats alongside the main dedicated seats. Technically, you can sit on these, and a hot tub that claims to seat six people probably will. However, it's not a comfortable fit, and people might have to fit their legs over the top of each other.

A good rule of thumb is to add two people onto however many you're buying for. If you're buying for a family of four, buy a hot tub for 6; for a family of 6, buy a hot tub that claims to seat 8. Not only will this ensure a comfortable fit for everyone, but it also means that you can host more people if you need to, even if it's a squeeze.

How much should I pay for a hot tub?

How much you should spend on a hot tub varies by type.

For an inflatable hot tub, expect to spend between $400-$1000. Any less than that and it will be a poor-quality model; any more and you're probably overpaying.

Plug-and-play hot tubs vary by size. For a two-person hot tub, expect to pay around $2000. For a four-person hot tub, put aside $2500-$4000. For more than 6 people, expect to pay between $3500-$6000.

In-ground hot tubs are much more expensive than both of these types of tubs. The cost for an in-ground depends on where you are in the country, labor costs, your soil, the size of your hot tub, and much more besides. Prices for installing inground hot tubs are usually around $15,000: Jacuzzi's most expensive model is nearly $30,000.

Do I need an assembly service for my hot tub?

Whether or not you need an assembly service for your hot tub depends on the type of hot tub you're using. Every inflatable hot tub can be assembled at home by two people. Most inflatable hot tubs weigh under 100 lbs when they're delivered, so it's fairly easy to move them into a backyard.

This is also true of lots of two-person and four-person plug-and-play hot tubs. These are usually around 250-300lbs before they're filled, so more often than not two people can manhandle it into a backyard. It's even easier if you have a hand truck or a dolly.

It gets more difficult with larger hot tubs. These often need to be winched off the truck, so it's best to hire a company to move them into your backyard. Many hot tub companies offer this service, sometimes free of charge.

Can I get accessibility features for my hot tub?

While you can't buy hot tubs for specific disabilities, there are lots of ways you can make a hot tub more accessible.

If you can, buy as short of a hot tub as you can. This will make it easier to step into. You can then add steps, handrails, and non-slip surfaces to make it easier to climb in and out of the tub. If you cannot walk, you can buy a spa lift to help you get in and out of the hot tub.

Where to buy a hot tub

There are plenty of places to buy a hot tub, but I'd argue that Home Depot is best. They stock hundreds of tubs from different brands at a range of price points. The vast majority of their tubs are supported by a healthy number of reliable reviews.

Wayfair is a close second. You'll find an even wider range of tubs, though they're often more expensive outside of sales periods, and the reviews are less reliable.

Walmart has a huge range of different hot tubs, but this is the biggest issue - there's no easy way to compare the thousands of products on offer. When you browse the website they're often mixed in with hot tub chemicals and other related products, so it's not the easiest website to use. Many products only have a single review, so while there's a lot on offer, it's hard to judge the quality of the different tubs

Costco has some good options but there are only about 20 to choose from. You also need to be a Costco member or you'll have to pay a 5% surcharge. However, the prices are lower than other retailers.

Sam's Club is similar to Costco. It has a limited range of hot tubs, and you need to be a member, but the prices are often lower than big retailers.

Lowe's has a lot of inflatable hot tubs on offer, but a smaller selection of plug-and-play tubs, so it's a great option if you're on a budget, but less useful if you want to make a larger investment.

Amazon has plenty of hot tubs, but like Lowe's, they tend to be inflatable hot tubs, and the reviews are less reliable. This is also true of Target, which only sells inflatable hot tubs.

What's the difference between a Jacuzzi and a hot tub?

There isn't one. 'Jacuzzi' is a trade name of a company specialising in hot tubs and baths. In the same way that 'coke' has become a shorthand for all colas, 'jacuzzi' is a shorthand for all hot tubs, but it's not technically correct. Some Jacuzzis are hot tubs, and not all hot tubs are Jacuzzis.

Final thoughts

Once you've bought one of the best hot tubs, it's important to take good care of it. It's worth learning how to clean a hot tub for safe soaking. First, you'll need to know how to drain a hot tub and fill it with fresh water. These tasks might sound intimidating, but they're easy when you know how. Lucky for you, we've outlined each process, step by step, to help you get the most out of your tub.