The 9 Best Hot Tubs of 2024, According to Testing and Research

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Relax and unwind in the comfort of your own home with these top hot tubs. Hot Tub And Sauna

The 9 Best Hot Tubs of 2024, According to Testing and Research

Better Homes & Gardens / Kimberly Souza

Your backyard is the perfect place to create your own personal oasis. While there are many updates you can make, like a garden bench, home sauna, or pool, a hot tub is a great addition that can be used for relaxation and entertaining.

“When choosing a hot tub, one should consider the experience they prefer,” says Karen Larson, the co-founder of Soake Pools. “Some hot tubs have lots of jets and bubbles and offer a 'sit down' experience.”

According to Karr, the size of the hot tub is one of the main factors to consider, as well as the number and type of jets and their placement. “Do you want powerful jets or massage jets?” he says. “Would you like them at the center of your back or more towards the lower or upper sections?”

To find the best hot tubs, we researched a variety of picks, as well as tested several models at home. In addition to Larson, we also consulted Eddie Karr, CEO at Bellareed Luxury Pools, for additional info on what to look for when shopping for a hot tub.

For safety, you shouldn’t spend more than 10 to 15 minutes in a hot tub, and anyone with diabetes, lung issues, high or low blood pressure, or heart problems should receive the all-clear from their medical practitioner before using one. Hot tubs shouldn’t be used during pregnancy, and, according to the CDC, children under 5 should not be allowed in a hot tub either.

It has a waterfall feature, multicolor LED underwater lights, built-in seating, four cup holders, and a reasonable price.

The hot tub has a capacity of four people, but it might feel a bit crowded at full capacity.

As our top pick for the best hot tub, the Aquarest Spas 4-Person Hot Tub was quite easy to install and performed admirably during testing. This rectangular plug-and-play hot tub features 12 jets, and took just 15 minutes to put together.

When it came to assembly, we we mainly just had to unbox it. No tools were needed either and all we had to do was give it a little rinse and add water.

It took about 24 hours for the hot tub to reach 104°F. Once we had put the necessary chemicals in the water and tested it, we were able to use it within a day or so.

Although it can fit four people, we found that using it with just two people is way more comfortable. It comes with basic seating and we didn’t feel like we were slipping around in the tub. The water goes up to the perfect height—just above the shoulders when seated.

Overall, it’s a pretty simple hot tub without any bells and whistles, apart from a fountain feature, four small yet handy cup holders, and fun multicolored LED lights. It also has jets that can be turned up or down, though they can’t be adjusted to hit an exact spot.

As the hot tub is pretty low to the ground, we had no problem getting in and out of the tub, but there is a set of stairs with storage that you can purchase for it if you prefer. We also appreciated that it can simply be plugged in without needing professional hard-wiring is another great perk.

With weekly use, cleaning, and maintenance, the hot tub held up well after two months of testing. Even though there was a bit of a learning curve, we think it’s a great starter hot tub as it’s a good, manageable size and continues to work just like the first time we used it.

Product Details: Dimensions: 49 x 70 x 27.5 inches | Water Capacity: 156 gallons | Occupancy: Four people | Included Accessories/Features: Waterfall, built-in seating, LED lights, four cup holders

Better Homes & Gardens / Jodi Espinosa

Although it’s inflatable, we still found it sturdy during testing.

The jets are on the bottom of the hot tub rather than on the user’s back, and you can’t adjust them.

The Bestway SaluSpa St. Miami AirJet Inflatable Hot Tub Spa is the best way to get your very own home hot tub that’s less expensive than other options.

This portable and inflatable option has 140 bubble jets all around, and reaches a maximum temperature of 104°F, providing a soothing and relaxing hydromassage experience. The hot tub can comfortably fit up to four people, although we found that using it with three people is more comfortable.

The kit comes with a pump featuring the control panel, a hot tub cover, a filter cartridge, and a chemical dispenser that evenly disperses the correct level of chlorine to keep the water at optimal cleanliness. There’s even a timer that can control the hot tub’s temperature up to 40 days in advance.

During testing, we found this hot tub to be easy and quick to assemble, although we had to search for the set-up instructions online as none were in the box. It took about 12 hours to reach 100°F.

Apart from two cup holders, the hot tub itself doesn’t have any extra features like lights, or in-built seats or headrests. It was, however, still comfortable to sit in. It’s worth keeping in mind that you’re sitting quite low to the ground with this pick, so it may not be easy for everyone to get in and out.

The main downside is that the tub’s jets, which are on the bottom inner lining of the hot tub instead of being located on the side and aiming at the user’s back. They can’t be adjusted, which we would have preferred.

The filter also had to be cleaned after each use, but this was a pretty quick and easy process. This hot tub is made from a durable, UV-, stretch-, and puncture-resistant material, and there’s also a feature that automatically heats the tub when the weather gets chilly to protect the machine from any damage.

There’s a one-year warranty on the pump and a 90-day warranty on the liner. Though some othe hot tubs may have longer warranties, the hot tub is designed to keep its shape, inflation after inflation, so it should last a good while.

After a couple of months of using this hot tub, we didn't notice any changes in its quality. It continued to work efficiently though we still didn’t love the placement of the jets as time went on.

We also noted that unless you keep the hot tub running constantly, it takes quite a while to heat up. However, we liked the cover that comes with the hot tub. Since it inflates, it stays above the water and does a great job at insulation.

Product Details: Dimensions: 71 x 71 x 26 inches | Water Capacity: 177 gallons | Occupancy: up to four people | Included Accessories/Features: Digital control panel, 140 AirJets, filter cartridges, pump, insulated cover

Better Homes & Gardens / Andrea Tenborg

It’s a fully customizable, high-end hot tub that can be designed exactly to your liking.

Since it’s custom, the delivery time may be longer than some other styles.

If you’re willing to splash out a little (or a lot) more on the ultimate hot tub for your home, the ThermoSpas Manhattan II is an excellent choice. This fully customizable hot tub has a plethora of add-on features for retreat-like spa sessions in the comfort of your own home. You can also choose the appearance and color of the inside and outside of the tub.

This hot tub includes innovative pillow jets, wave massage therapy, jet configurations, a wrap-around corner seat, and seating for up to eight people (though it’s a six-seater, you may be able to squeeze in eight).

The hot tub features a touchscreen panel to operate the machine, smart features to monitor and control it via your smartphone or tablet, up to 125 jets to soothe and relax, and a handrail to help you enter and exit the water.

These made-to-order hot tubs are an investment but are sure to make for a wonderful spa experience. You’ll need a professional to install it, however, and since it’s custom-made, there might be a bit of a wait to receive it.

Product Details: Dimensions: 93 x 93 x 38.75 inches | Water Capacity: 430 gallons | Occupancy: Six people | Included Accessories/Features: Pillow jets, reversible panels, cover, wave massage

The triangular shape makes this hot tub suitable for corners in even the smallest outdoor spaces.

It doesn’t include foot jets or footrests.

Our favorite hot tub for two people was the Aquarest Spas Pumps Plug and Play Hot Tub. The hot tub is offered in three colors and during testing, we liked that it had very powerful jets.

It took us one hour to install the hot tub, and we found the process fairly easy. Once set up, we liked that the compact model required significantly less maintenance. Plus, it had more features and better jets than many other hot tubs we tested.

The hot tub has an ozonator to keep the water fresh and kill bacteria and pollutants, which means you won’t need to invest much in chemicals. It also has a patented water filtration system that helps cut down on maintenance time.

We thought the LED backlit waterfall was a great addition to the tub as it provided additional calming sounds. Plus, you can turn on one of many colors depending on your preferences. Also included are two cup holders, and helpful air controls that allow you to control the airflow on each side individually.

Although we liked this hot tub, we would have preferred if it included steps, as well as foot jets and footrests, for extra relaxation.

Product Details: Dimensions: 80 x 68 x 31 inches | Water Capacity: 158 gallons | Occupancy: Two people | Included Accessories/Features: LED backlit waterfall, freeze resistant, cover, cupholder

Better Homes & Gardens / Michael Weisbaum

It has a stylish design, powerful jets, and a five-year warranty.

It doesn’t have an ozonator, which helps sanitize the water.

If you entertain often or have a big family, you’ll appreciate the Ohana Spas Balance 7-Person Hot Tub. The hot tub can fit up to seven people and it features 25 powerful jets for prime relaxation while you lounge.

Despite its high-end and complex look, the unit can simply be plugged in to operate, so you won’t have to call out and pay for an electrician. Its stainless steel heating element and smart technology have been designed to keep the water consistent at the ideal temperature, and there are even three energy-saving settings.

For added ambiance, this unit comes with multi-colored underwater LED light, and everything can be controlled with the in-built controls.

The hot tub comes with a pump, a filtration system for easy maintenance, and an insulated locking cover to keep debris out and warmth in. The hot tub’s construction is lightweight yet durable, and resistant to impact, weather, corrosion, and mold/mildew. It’s also slip-resistant, UV-, and freeze-resistant, and is backed by the company’s five-year warranty.

This pick is offered in either gray or brown, so you can choose which suits your outdoor space. It’s worth noting that of all the features, this option doesn’t have an ozonator, which helps sanitize the water.

Product Details: Dimensions: 80.5 x 80.5 x 34.5 inches | Water Capacity: 270 gallons | Occupancy: Seven people | Included Accessories/Features: Underwater LED light, filter, control panel, insulated locking cover

This easy-to-inflate hot tub has 170 jets, a built-in hard water treatment, a thermal ground cloth, and comfy headrests.

Orders shipped to California must also be accompanied by a 28523E energy-efficient cover (the order may be canceled otherwise).

For anyone who doesn’t have the space or budget for a permanent or built-in hot tub, an inflatable option is the next best thing. Thanks to the Intex 28431E PureSpa’s quick and easy set-up, you can be soaking in a relaxing bath with 170 powerful bubble jets within a couple of hours of bringing it home.

It takes less than 30 minutes to fully inflate the hot tub and headrests, and an easy-to-navigate tilting control panel allows you to activate the jets and set the temperature as high as 104°F.

There’s also an insulated ground cloth to maintain the warmth in the hot tub. Color-changing LED lights create a relaxing atmosphere, especially at night, and the hot tub comes with an insulated cover that doesn’t let any heat escape.

The set-up was straightforward during testing, although the instructions weren’t as specific as they could have been. It took less than five minutes for the hot tub to fully inflate. We inflated the head pillows easily by mouth, and no additional tools were needed. It took under 45 minutes to fill with the garden hose, but reaching the maximum temperature took 32 hours.

We were pleasantly surprised with how comfortable sitting on the floor of the hot tub was, but for anyone who would rather be higher up, it comes with an additional seat that can be modified into two different seat heights. The two inflatable head pillows also fit on the edge of the hot tub. Although the jets are not adjustable, we appreciated how strong they were.

The hot tub comes equipped with two filters that are easily removed for weekly cleaning, as well as a ball-shaped container that floats in the water for cleaning chemicals (these need to be purchased separately).

If you live in California, keep in mind that you’ll need to purchase a 28523E energy-efficient cover with the hot tub (like this PureSpa Deluxe Cover). Otherwise, according to retailers, your order could be canceled.

During testing, this hot tub became one of our favorite ways to unwind in the evenings. After using it for two months, we still recommend it as a great option for anyone in the market for a hot tub that’s easy to use and less expensive than other options.

It continued to perform well, although we did notice an uneven jet distribution as one side was stronger than the other. Other than that, there are no visible signs of wear and tear aside from one scuff mark.

This model was easy to drain, clean, and deflate when not in use, and we liked that it could be folded up compactly for easy storage. It did require a decent amount of planning for setup, but it was nothing we couldn’t figure out.

Product Details: Dimensions: 85 x 85 x 25 inches | Water Capacity: 290 gallons | Occupancy: Six people | Included Accessories/Features: Insulated cover, color-changing LED light, thermal ground cloth, carry bag, test strip, filter cartridges (x2), headrests (x2), inflation hose, floating chlorine dispenser

Better Homes & Gardens / Kimberly Souza

This highly advanced hot tub has a plethora of features and can be operated remotely via your smartphone.

Prices may vary based on your location.

The beautiful and highly advanced Jacuzzi Large Comfort Open Seating Hot Tub offers the same hydrotherapy benefits as its predecessors, with even more extra perks.

The Jacuzzi J-365 is one of the tubs in the brand’s SmartTub line which can be operated and monitored from an app on your phone or tablet. The app also allows you to adjust the temperature, lighting, jets, and filtration remotely, making it perfect for vacation rentals.

This model sports 44 powerful massage jets, comfortable open seating for up to seven people, a Clearray water management system, and a waterfall feature.

It has two massage selectors, no-splash jetted massage pillows, interior and exterior lights, and an advanced filtration system that you can upgrade. You can even opt to add a spa stereo system. Customize your hot tub from a selection of five funky shell colors and three exterior shades, including modern hardwood and brushed gray, to elevate your outdoor space.

Product Details: Dimensions: 91 x 84 x 38 inches | Water Capacity: 395 gallons | Occupancy: Seven people | Included Accessories/Features: SmartTub System compatible

The hot tub comes saltwater-ready to turn your backyard into an island oasis.

The total cost may be as high as $19,000 depending on extras added, warranty, ongoing service, and customer location.

Not all hot tubs are saltwater ready, and it can be quite the task to find one, but we’ve done the hard work for you. Enter the CalderaSpas Martinique Hot Tub. It’s a fully customizable model that allows you to choose the size, design, material, and performance ability of your hot tub.

This spacious hot tub holds up to five people and has a beautiful high-end design, plenty of jets, and a cover with an important added safety feature: a child lock.

It has a FreshWater Salt System that keeps the water fresh and clean for up to a year without you having to lift a finger, and there’s an intuitive control display that gives you all the necessary details, including helpful instructions.

The foot ridge system provides superior foot and calf massage, and there’s loads of room to stretch your legs, too. There are plenty of add-ons you can opt for to further enhance the experience; they’ll cost you extra, but you’ll have the best hot tub on the block.

Product Details: Dimensions: 89 x 76 x 34 inches | Water Capacity: 285 gallons | Occupancy: Five people | Included Accessories/Features: Variety of massage zones Hard locking cover, LED color lighting system, 13 jets, including 2 Vortex jets, full foam insulation, built-in cup holder, and digital command center

It offers easy installation, easy maintenance with minimal chlorine treatment, and has a quick draining/filling capability.

The basic model has no adjustable jets or headrests, and the side panel access for the pump and drain requires removing multiple screws.

The Lifesmart Spas 4-Person 13-Jet Oval Plug And Play Hot Tub is a great option if you’re looking for an option with little maintenance. During testing, we found that it was durable, stain- resistant, and easy to clean.

We were impressed with how easy it was to set up this model. All you have to do is plug it in and fill the tub. With a standard garden hose, it took us around two hours before it was ready for use. Although it's advertised for four people, we thought it was better suited for two for a more comfortable experience.

The hot tub is offered in two colors and comes with the filter, as well as a cover that we thought felt high-quality. Plus, it was also very easy to take on and off.

Plus, it features built-in LED lighting with multiple color options, three cup holders, and a wine bucket that is built into the molded plastic on one end of the tub. The wine bucket can be filled with ice and it has a drain plug in the bottom that can be removed to drain any water or melted ice.

The control panel is basic and easy to operate. There is an on/off button that turns the pump and jets on, an on/off light switch, and two buttons to adjust the water temperature up and down. There are no adjustable jets but you can change their speed. However, we thought that the difference between the low and high settings was hardly noticeable.

Maintenance was not very time consuming as only weekly chlorine treatments and draining were needed. Accessing the side panel for pump maintenance was a little challenging, however, due to the need to remove multiple screws.

The hot tub doesn’t feature headrests or steps, which we would have preferred. However, you can purchase the Deluxe Storage Steps separately.

Product Details: Dimensions: 77 x 66 x 29 inches |Water Capacity: 220 gallons | Occupancy: Four people | Included Accessories/Features: Hard locking cover, LED color lighting system, 13 jets, full foam insulation, built-in cup holder, and digital command center

Better Homes & Gardens / Hildara Araya-Gonzalez

With an atmospheric LED backlit waterfall feature with nine color settings, its high-end look, durable design, easy-to-use and intuitive digital display, and four deep cup holders, the Aquarest Spas, Powered By Jacuzzi® Pumps 4 - Person 12 - Jet Rectangular Plug And Play Hot Tub is our top pick for the best hot tub.

To come up with our list of the best hot tubs, we researched and tested many of the most popular and best-selling models on the market, evaluating each unit’s performance, durability, and value for money. We paid attention to everything from delivery and assembly to usage and maintenance.

If the hot tub required assembly, we put this together, noting whether the instructions were clear and straightforward and how easy or hard set up was. Where electrical components needed installation with the help of a professional, we called in an electrician to take care of it.

We used each unit several times over different days and noted how adjustable the water temperature was, the intensity, amount, position, and adjustability of the jets, and whether the unit had any other special features such as padded headrests, massage features, waterfalls, LED lights, cup holders, and/or speakers.

We also recorded how long it took the hot tub to reach optimal temperature, how comfortable it was to sit in and get in and out of, and how many people could comfortably sit in and enjoy the hot tub at a time. We looked into the hot tub’s maintenance needs, including checking the water, chemicals, and replacement filters, and also cleaned the unit while assessing how easy or hard it was to do. Finally, we looked at the overall value of the unit, taking into consideration extra costs such as electricity and maintenance.

Better Homes & Gardens / Kimberly Souza

Hot tubs are available in sizes from 60 to 90 inches in length and are usually square-shaped, although round, rectangle, triangle, and irregular-shaped hot tubs are also available. Most hot tubs are typically around 28 to 40 inches in height. An average hot tub can hold anywhere from 150 to 450 gallons of water, depending on size.

The larger the hot tub, the more people it can fit. Hot tubs can hold anywhere from two to eight people, depending on size, with much larger, professionally-installed models able to hold 10 or even 12 people.

While you might be able to squeeze in more people than a hot tub’s stated capacity, this will likely make it rather cramped. For the best hot tub experience, it’s best to stick to specific tub’s the stated occupancy.

If you have a large family or entertain often, consider the Ohana Spas Balance Hot Tub, which can seat seven people. During testing, we also found that our best budget pick, the Bestway SaluSpa St. Miami AirJet Inflatable Hot Tub Spa, could comfortably sit four people.

Better Homes & Gardens / Jodi Espinosa

Since a hot tub is a great place to gather family and friends for much-needed R&R, you might want to include a few convenient accessories to make it even better. Popular hot tub accessories include cup holders, lighting, and side tables.

“You may want to consider a table in the hot tub so you can set your drinks on it or even light snacks,” says Karr. “You could add rails in and out of the tub if the people using it may need mobility assistance. Lighting is another huge factor, especially since you will use the tub quite often at nighttime.”

If it’s not already included, an insulated cover is a helpful accessory to add on when purchasing your hot tub.

If you prefer an option with additional bells and whistles, we highly recommend the Lifesmart Spas 4-Person 13-Jet Oval Plug And Play Hot Tub. In addition to being easy to maintain, the hot tub includes built-in LED lighting, three cup holders, and a wine bucket.

You can also consider the Aquarest Spas 4-Person Hot Tub, our best overall pick, for its waterfall, built-in seating, LED lights, and four cup holders.

The Bestway SaluSpa Budapest Inflatable Hot Tub Spa features 140 jets that make for a relaxing massage. However, assembly was tricky, especially since the instructions were not very clear and the app was not very straightforward. We set the desired temperature to 104°F but it took overnight heating to get that warm. Plus, the tub didn’t come with seats, back pillows, or cup holders, which would have been nice extra touches.

Better Homes & Gardens / Daniela Galvez

According to Karr, the amount one may spend on a hot tub is a matter of budget and needs. Professionally-installed hot tubs can be priced at $20,000 and up based on size, features, accessories, and finishes.

If you’re looking for a less expensive option, consider inflatable hot tubs, like the Intex 28431E PureSpa. It’s also worth looking at options you can easily install yourself, like the Aquarest Spas 4-Person Hot Tub, so you’ll save money on professional installation.

Since hot tubs are made to be enjoyed all year round, there is no ideal time to buy a hot tub. The price doesn’t fluctuate based on the time of year, so, as Karr tells us, “there is no better time than the present."

A plunge pool is smaller than a regular pool, but larger than a hot tub. Because of their larger size, plunge pools require a larger footprint and are more costly than hot tubs. Plunge pools can provide a two-in-one pool/hot tub experience with hydromassage properties when they include added jets.

This article was written by Kat de Naoum, who has over ten years of commerce writing experience. Kat is also the commerce editor-at-large at Thomas-Xometry, the leading U.S. online platform for supplier discovery and product sourcing. She has updated this article twice with additional testing insights.

For this article, she reviewed multiple hot tubs, keeping in mind each hot tub's size, capacity, occupancy, and features. Kat also spoke to Eddie Karr the CEO of Bellareed Luxury Pools, and Karen Larson, the Co-Founder of Soake Pools.

7x7 Hot Tub Next to all of the products on this list, you may have noticed our BHG Recommends seal of approval. Products that earn the seal have been put through rigorous testing to make sure they're worth a spot in your home. We buy most of the products we test ourselves, but occasionally we are provided samples by companies if buying isn't an option. In these cases, we use the same testing criteria we use to test the purchased products.