We Tested Out the Best Hot Tubs for Ultimate Relaxation

Best Overall

What we love about this hot tub is how easy it is to set up—simply remove the packaging and fill it with water. It’s a straightforward model, making it an ideal choice for those new to hot tubs. Plus, it includes some nice features like a color-changing LED waterfall, four cup holders, and a cover to protect it when not in use.

Aquarest claims this unit can fit up to four people, but in our experience, it’s more comfortable for two adults or two adults and two children at most.

Maintenance depends on how often the hot tub is used, but we found this model relatively easy to maintain. We tested pH levels, alkalinity, and chlorine to ensure safe water, and cleaned the filter weekly. All in all, it proved to be a high-quality tub that met nearly all of our expectations.

Dimensions: 32 by 70 by 60 inches | Water Capacity: 156 gallons | Occupancy: 2 people | Special Features: LED waterfall; 4 cup holders; cover

Top Inflatable

This hot tub’s inflatable design sets it apart from the other models we recommend. It’s simple to drain, deflate, and store, making it more convenient than traditional hard-sided hot tubs that stay fixed in place. We also found it easy to enter and exit without requiring steps or additional support.

While it doesn't offer many extra features, it includes two inflatable headrests, a color-changing light, and a cover. Heating the water took around 32 hours, the longest time of all our picks, and the instruction manual missed mentioning certain details. For instance, one included component was never referenced in the guide.

Although this model is marketed as suitable for six people, it’s best for four adults. Still, we appreciate how easy it is to store and how well it fits in smaller backyards.

Dimensions: 28 x 85 inches | Water Capacity: 290 gallons | Occupancy: 6 people | Special Features: 2 headrests, color-changing LED light, cover

Best Small Hot Tub

The Aquarest Discover Premium 300 Hot Tub is an excellent choice for those seeking a compact hot tub for two people. We especially enjoyed the calming sounds of the waterfall and the vibrant, color-changing LED lights. The hot tub is built to last, and its components remained reliable throughout months of testing.

The powerful Jacuzzi-brand jets maintain their performance even after six months of use. The price feels justified for the features, though it would be better if stairs were included, as getting in and out without them was a challenge (although stairs are sold separately). This is a great option for couples looking to enhance their backyard experience on a cold winter evening.

Dimensions: 31 x 80 x 68 inches | Water Capacity: 160 gallons | Occupancy: 2 people | Special Features: Color-changing LED waterfall; two cup holders; cover

Our Evaluation Process

To select the best hot tubs, we assessed each model's setup, design, upkeep, features, and overall value. First, we considered the setup for each hot tub, evaluating any necessary assembly, whether tools were required, and how long the process took from unboxing to being ready for use.

When it came to design, we compared the manufacturer's maximum occupancy ratings with how many people could realistically enjoy the hot tub simultaneously. We also assessed seat comfort, checking if the seating felt secure or slippery, and whether it was easy to enter and exit the hot tub.

For maintenance, we focused on how simple or complex it was to clean the filters, use test strips to measure the water’s pH and alkalinity, add necessary chemicals, and drain and refill the tub.

We also took into account the additional features that came with each unit, such as waterfalls, LED lighting, cushioned headrests, cup holders, and more. We evaluated how effectively these extra features functioned and their contribution to enhancing the overall experience.

Assessing the value of each hot tub involved comparing its price to the range of capabilities it offered. If the functionality and unique features of a particular unit were on par with or surpassed its cost, we considered it to be a good value.

Expert Tips for Buying Hot Tubs

Dimensions & Design

As you can see, hot tubs come in various shapes and sizes. Monica Leonard, a sales consultant at Spas by the Bay in Monterey, California, explains that rectangular and square models, like our top pick, are the most popular, but you can also find triangular options if you’re looking for something different (or if it fits your space better), like our best pick for smaller models. While Leonard notes that round hot tubs are less common, our best inflatable option offers a round shape for that classic pool hot tub aesthetic.

Capacity

Hot tub manufacturers typically provide maximum occupancy figures for each model, ranging from one or two people to as many as six or more. As mentioned earlier, our testing revealed that these occupancy numbers can sometimes be misleading. For instance, some models that claim to accommodate four people might actually be more comfortable with just two adults or two adults and two children. Pay attention to the specific interior dimensions of the model you're considering to determine if the occupancy numbers align with your needs.

Unique Features

The special features offered can differ significantly between manufacturers, but our top picks come with features such as cup holders, color-changing LED lights, and waterfalls (featured in both the overall best and best small picks), as well as two headrests (included in the best inflatable pick), perfect for unwinding and relaxing. (The best inflatable also comes with color-changing LED lights.)

However, it's important to note that special features can increase the cost, so think about whether these features are essential or just a nice bonus. If there's a particular feature that would enhance your hot tub experience, prioritize a model that includes it.

Maintenance Tips

"You’re looking at around 20 to 30 minutes of maintenance each week," says Leonard. This includes tasks like cleaning the tub, ensuring the water is balanced, rinsing the filter, and wiping down the surfaces.

Leonard also mentions the need to test the water’s pH and alkalinity using test strips (available in packs of 150 for $10). This is critical for preventing damage to the equipment and ensuring a healthy environment. Proper pH and alkalinity levels help prevent issues such as scale buildup, corrosion, and skin or eye irritation.

Leonard also points out that different manufacturers use different cleaning systems for hot tubs. Always follow the specific cleaning guidelines and system recommended by your hot tub's maker.

Other Hot Tubs Worth Considering

Lifesmart Key Largo LS200 Plug & Play Hot Tub: We found this simple model to be straightforward to install and maintain. It performed well and provided great comfort throughout the six-month testing period. However, it didn’t fit four adults as claimed, and the water overflowed even when filled to the correct level.

Commonly Asked Questions

Who makes the best hot tubs?

The best hot tub is the one that suits your specific needs. That being said, two of the three models on this list are made by AquaRest: the Discover Select 150 Hot Tub and the Discover Premium 300 Hot Tub.

Leonard suggests that first-time buyers may want to start with a simpler, more affordable model, like the Intel model (our best inflatable pick), to gauge whether it will be used regularly before considering a more expensive upgrade later on.

When is the best time to shop for a hot tub?

Leonard mentions that many customers tend to shop for hot tubs in the spring, as the weather warms up and people begin thinking about enhancing their outdoor living spaces. As a result, winter is an excellent time to purchase a hot tub, as retailers need to clear space for new models arriving in the spring. (For instance, at the time of writing, our overall best and best small picks are currently discounted by 22% and 27%, respectively.)

How long do hot tubs typically last?

"How long a hot tub lasts really depends on how well it’s cared for," Leonard explains. "The quality of the hot tub you initially purchase also plays a role." However, if you’re regularly testing the water, cleaning the filter, and covering your hot tub to protect it from the sun, Leonard says you can expect a model to last 20 to 25 years.

Trust Our Expertise

This article was authored by Megan Wollerton, a Mytour contributor with 11 years of experience testing and writing about a wide range of products. To evaluate hot tubs, we assessed their setup, design, maintenance, features, and overall value. Each model was tested for up to six months to get a comprehensive understanding of its long-term performance. We also consulted Monica Leonard, a sales consultant at Spas by the Bay in Monterey, California, to provide expert opinions on hot tub functionality and upkeep.