Best Hot Tubs 2023 - Forbes Vetted

Hot tubs can help with stress and pain relief, but it’s important to choose wisely. After all, these machines are expensive and require careful maintenance. The best hot tubs are like having an outdoor whirlpool bath of your very own allow without dealing with headaches like leaks and temperamental heating systems. Our favorite hot tub is the Lifesmart LS100DX for its reasonable pricing, good seating and durability.

The Lifesmart LS600DX hot tub features 65 jets, along with a waterfall feature to ensure you have an ... [+] enjoyable aquatic experience. 20 Person Hot Tubs

While hot tubs are an investment at baseline, experts warn against shopping for steals. “You get what you pay for,” says Roy Alberts, a certified hot tub and spa expert in California and founder of Splash for Health. “Don’t go cheap.” Higher-quality hot tubs may cost more, but have better craftsmanship, he says—and that can help you save in the long run. “ A higher quality hot tub will cost you less in energy, less in maintenance and will last longer,” Alberts says.

When choosing a hot tub, it’s important to consider factors like type, seating capacity, water management, size and service requirements, says Randy Huckstadt, pool and spa expert for JustAnswer. Naturally, your budget matters, too. There are a range of hot tubs on the market, and many are designed to meet specific needs. These are the best hot tubs you can buy in 2023.

Dimensions: 71 x 62 x 32 inches | Capacity: Four people

The Lifesmart LS100DX is a great hot tub option for most families, thanks to its moderate size and easy maintenance. This whirlpool bath features 20 adjustable jets and four bucket seats, along with a one horsepower pump to deliver plenty of pressurized water where you need it most. The hot tub is energy efficient, so you don’t have to stress about jacking up your utility bill, and even plugs into a standard outlet. Enjoy full foam insulation and a thermal cover to keep heat sealed in. Temperature and lighting control is within easy reach, so you can adjust things to your liking while you lounge.

Dimensions: 77 x 77 x 28 inches | Capacity: Four people

This inflatable hot tub is a fan-favorite at Amazon, and it has features that might surprise you in an inflatable. Enjoy a roomy six-person capacity and assembly that takes mere minutes with the help of the included air blower. This tub features 170 jets, with a water temperature that can reach up to 104 degrees. You’ll even enjoy perks found in “regular” tubs, like an adjustable control panel and head rests. The whole thing is crafted from durable, puncture-resistant fiber-tech material, so you don’t have to stress about the tub bursting open while you’re trying to relax.

Dimensions: 81 x 81 x 34 inches | Capacity: Seven people

Most conventional hot tubs seat two to four people—the Lifesmart LS600DX is designed for seven, creating plenty of room for larger families or friends to pile in. The tub features 65 jets, along with a waterfall feature to ensure you have an enjoyable aquatic experience. A three horsepower pump and four-foot jets deliver plenty of power. There are even multi-color underwater LED lights, in case you want entertainment while you soak. Enjoy an ozone water care system to keep your tub clean, while a thermal locking cover and energy efficient machine helps keep your electric bill low.

Dimensions: 50.2 x 75 x 31 inches | Capacity: Four people

Hard-bodied hot tubs tend to be expensive, but the Aquarest Spas Select 400 is a great option for anyone looking to spend under $3,000 without compromising on quality. , but it’s a good option for when you’re not quite sure if you’re ready to spend thousands on a standard whirlpool. Featuring 20 jets and a fun LED waterfall with nine color settings, the AR 400 is ready to be the central feature of your next backyard soiree. Thoughtfully fitted cup holders let you and your guests enjoy your beverages during a soak, while the 1.5ph pump ensures the strategically placed jets deliver the right amount of pressure. Once you’re done, pull down the locking safety cover to ensure your tub is ready for its next spin.

Dimensions: 84 x 84 x 36 inches | Shape: Square | Capacity: Six people

This America Spas tub features 45 jets to help stir up bubbles and deliver targeted water pressure to sore spots on your body. The tub uses a seven-layer laminate system reinforced with steel and wood for an incredibly strong shell that can stand up to Mother Nature. It’s not just sturdy, though: The tub has cool perks like a Freedom Sound System with subwoofer and two speakers (built-in Bluetooth technology lets you control the music from inside or outside your tub). The tub is energy efficient and even features a special Hydro-Armor cover that angles down from the sides to help prevent rain from pooling.

Dimensions: 67 x 68 x 31 inches | Shape: Triangle | Capacity: Two people

Not everyone needs a behemoth for a hot tub. This Aquarest option is designed for two, and features a unique triangular shape to give both occupants plenty of access to jets. The whirlpool features 20 jets (including foot massagers) powered by a 1.5 horsepower pump—an impressive level of strength in a smaller tub. Kick back while enjoying an LED backlit waterfall with nine color settings. There are even two cupholders to help you stay hydrated while you soak. An ASTM-certified locking safety cover helps keep gunk out of your tub, and heat in.

To choose the best hot tubs, we spoke to three industry experts for their take on features that are crucial to have in a whirlpool. We also analyzed the market to find the most popular options and narrowed the field based on elements like capacity, size, materials and value. We also pored over reviews from real owners to see how these tubs perform in real life—and over time.

There are a lot of different elements to consider when choosing the best hot tub for you. Mull over these on your search.

Hot tubs can be broken down into several different categories, but the most common ones people are concerned with are hard-shell and inflatable tubs. Hard-shell tubs are designed to last for years, and often will become a permanent fixture outside your home. Inflatable tubs are assembled with the help of a pump and can be shifted around whenever the need strikes. A big perk of these tubs is price—they’re often much cheaper. However, you’ll typically get a higher-quality tub with more features if you opt for a hard-shell model.

Size is an important consideration when shopping for a hot tub. You’ll want to ensure that the tub you’re interested in has dimensions that will fit with your outdoor space (and won’t dwarf it). When deciding on a size, consider the need for walking space around your tub, as well as a pump, if it’s external. It’s also crucial to consider how many people will be using the tub at one time. Many tubs will explicitly list how many seats they have and the capacity. Be sure to weigh the size of your family, as well as any regular guests you may host in your tub, when making a decision.

Hot tubs come in a range of materials, and it’s a good idea to think about your environment when shopping for your tub. Some whirlpools can’t handle lower temperatures, or have upgrades to accommodate for frigid climates. Others are specially designed with hard exteriors to stand up to whatever the elements can dish out. If you plan to invest in an inflatable tub, ensure that it’s made of puncture-resistant materials, and read the reviews to see if any customers have had issues with leaks or cracks.

There is a range of features with hot tubs—some just deliver the basics, like strategically placed jets, while others have additional features designed to enhance your experience. “When selecting a hot tub, people need to consider precisely what they plan to use it for,” says Jordan Rash, hot tub expert at Epic Hot Tubs. “For instance, a hot tub with a lounger may be more suitable for a buyer looking for hydrotherapy, relaxation or recovery after a workout. On the other hand, if recreation and social gatherings with friends and family are a larger priority for the buyer, you may want to choose a larger model with more bucket seats and built-in features like a drink cooler, Bluetooth speakers and LED lighting.” Ultimately, extra features will cost you more, so it’s a good idea to decide in advance what you can (and can’t) do without.

Maintenance really depends on the hot tub. “Lower quality hot tubs require more maintenance because they require more chemicals such as chlorine or bromide,” Alberts says. But some tubs have additional tools to help fight bacteria and viruses, like ozone, UV lights and organic minerals. “Most hot tub manufacturers have videos on their websites that can easily guide you through the simple maintenance of taking care of their hot tubs,” Albert says. It’s important to check these out in advance to see if the maintenance fits with your lifestyle.

Everyone’s needs are different, but experts say there are a few things you should definitely avoid. “Avoid buying used hot tubs,” Alberts says. “People sell their old hot tubs for a few reasons: It leaks, you can’t get parts or service, it’s old and on its last legs or the electrical bill is through the roof because the insulation is missing or minimal. With a used hot tub you never know what you are getting.” Huckstadt also recommends steering clear of tubs that are on clearance. Why? There’s likely a reason for the massive markdown. More advice from Huckstadt: “Avoid unproven manufacturers with cheap exteriors and poor warranties.”

It really depends on your tub, and Huckstadt says there are “lots of opinions on this.” He adds, “I am of the mindset [that] it depends on installation to how well it is maintained.” In general, a less expensive tub may last between six months and three years, Alberts says. “An average built hot tub might last three to six years,” he says. “A good hot tub could last up to 15 years and a high quality hot tub may last you 20- to 25 years. It will seem like it is part of the family.”

There are a lot of quality hot tub manufacturers on the market, and “best” really depends on your individual needs. If you’re on the hunt for an inflatable hot tub, brands like Intex and Coleman are known for durability. For hard-shell tubs, Lifesmart, Aquarest, American Spas and Jacuzzi are known names. We like the Lifesmart LS100DX for its relative affordability, durable shell and quality features.

I'm a tech journalist working and living in Gloucestershire, in the UK. I ran my own PC hardware review website for many years before transitioning into freelance writing. I've covered everything from the rise of Bitcoin and the encroachment of anti-privacy laws, to tabletop wargaming and advances in virtual reality. I've written, authored, edited, and copywritten for a broad array of the most prominent publications, including Digital Trends, Lifewire, PCGamer, The Inquirer, and KitGuru. I've also written two novels, and contributed backstory and dialogue to a handful of games. I am passionate about all the cutting-edge hardware inside and out the latest gadgets, PCs, and consoles, even if I can't always afford them.