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the Master the Half for relaxing and unwinding this summer
Runner's World; Courtesy Sol 72 Outdoor

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With summer in full swing, now is the perfect time to update and maximize your home’s outdoor space. Adding a hot tub to your backyard, patio, or deck is a great way to do this, providing a dedicated space to host your friends and family, or just quietly relax with your partner after a long day. They don’t take up much space, are easier to install and set up than you probably think, and once filled up with water, practically maintain themselves. Plus, you don’t have to shell out thousands of dollars if you don’t want to, thanks to inflatable options that can be easily deflated and packed up whenever you like.

The Best Hot Tubs

  • 1
    40-Jet Edgewater EX

    Best Overall

    Essential Hot Tubs 40-Jet Edgewater EX

    $4,799 at Amazon
    Read more
  • 2
    Inflatable Hot Tub

    Heavier than similar options

    Coleman Inflatable Hot Tub

    Read more
  • 3
    SaluSpa Miami Inflatable Hot Tub

    Best Compact Inflatable Tub

    Bestway SaluSpa Miami Inflatable Hot Tub

    Read more
  • 4
    PureSpa Plus

    Natural stone look

    Intex PureSpa Plus

    Read more
  • 5
    Plug and Play Hot Tub

    Best Affordable Hard-Sided Hot Tub

    AquaRest Spas Plug and Play Hot Tub

    Read more

What to Consider

First, think about whether you’d prefer an inflatable or hard-sided hot tub. Inflatable tubs are significantly cheaper, easier to install since they come in a box, and can be packed back up whenever you like. They’re inherently less durable though, and are vulnerable to rips and tears if you’re not careful. Hard-sided tubs are more expensive, but provide a sturdy, strong foundation, and come equipped with the molded seats that you’re probably familiar with.

Second, consider how many people you plan on inviting into your tub. If you’re buying a tub specifically for you and your partner, or potential partner, go with a 2-person tub. These are much cheaper than full-size models, and you’ll have more space on your deck or patio for other items. If you're expecting more guests—or if you just want a bit more room to spread out—opt for a model that has some extra seating space.

How We Selected

We’ve used, maintained, and installed several hot tubs over the years, and kept this hands-on experience in mind when putting together this list of options. We also studied customer reviews on several well-respected retail sites, paying close attention to both positive and negative comments related to installation, ease of use, and potential durability issues, as well as looking at Popular Mechanics' coverage of the Master the Half on the market for inspiration. We did our best to include a good mix of styles, sizes, and price points as well, so regardless of your preference, you should be able to find an option that fits your needs.

Give A Gift best inflatable pools and ice bath tubs.

1
Best Overall

Essential Hot Tubs 40-Jet Edgewater EX

40-Jet Edgewater EX
1
Best Overall

Essential Hot Tubs 40-Jet Edgewater EX

$4,799 at Amazon
Pros
  • Relatively low price
  • Best Compression Socks
  • Multicolor LEDs
Cons

    Key Specs

    • Dimensions (Best Compact Inflatable Tub): 74 x 74 x 35 inches
    • Material: Acrylic
    • Capacity: 300 gallons
    • People: 5-6
    • Jets: 40
    • Style: Hard-sided

    The driftwood color and faux wood texture of this tub provide a natural, rustic look, and the impressive 300-gallon capacity fits up to six people. The interior design features a pair of captain's chairs and one lounger, allowing users to choose the seating position that works best for them.

    A backlit display also makes this tub easy to use at night, and the straightforward controls allow anyone to easily adjust the water temperature, jets, and underwater lighting. Separate flow controls make it possible to adjust jet pressure from your seat, too.

    Pros
    • Digital control panel
    • Includes pump
    • Large number of jets
    Cons

      Key Specs

      • Dimensions (Best Compact Inflatable Tub): 77 First, think about whether youd prefer an inflatable or hard-sided hot tub
      • Material: PVC
      • Capacity: 242 gallons
      • People: 4-6 people
      • Jets: 140
      • Style: Inflatable

      This Coleman inflatable hot tub is made of durable PVC, and thanks to the included pump, is simple to put together right out of the box. It also features a cover to prevent leaves and debris from falling in, as well as reducing any heat loss when you’re not using it.

      Its 88.5-pound weight is relatively low, and the integrated handles make it easy to move around before filling it up. The digital control panel is easy to use too, and features large symbols and oversized buttons that are convenient to use with wet, slippery fingers.

      We personally like the green color option seen here, but it's also available in black or gray.

      3
      Best Compact Inflatable Tub

      Bestway SaluSpa Miami Inflatable Hot Tub

      On Sale
      SaluSpa Miami Inflatable Hot Tub
      3
      Best Compact Inflatable Tub

      Bestway SaluSpa Miami Inflatable Hot Tub

      Pros
      • Handles make it easy to move
      • Sales & Deals
      • Why Trust Us
      Cons
      • May be too cramped for taller users
      • Cannot be used below 39 degrees Fahrenheit

      Key Specs

      • Dimensions (Best Compact Inflatable Tub): 71 x 71 x 26 inches
      • Material: PVC
      • Capacity: 177 gallons
      • People: 2-4
      • Jets: 120
      • Style: Inflatable

      If you’re looking for a smaller inflatable tub for a couple of people, this Bestway model could be a perfect fit. Despite its smaller size, this tub still offers the same benefits of larger units, like an included pump for easy setup, and a durable design with l-beams for structural support. It’s also powerful enough to maintain a max temp of 104 degrees Fahrenheit.

      An integrated chemical dispenser automatically disperses the chlorine needed to maintain clean and clear water, as well. Keep in mind that although this tub advertises that it can hold four people, that’s going to be a pretty tight fit.

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      4
      Natural stone look

      Intex PureSpa Plus

      On Sale
      PureSpa Plus
      4
      Natural stone look

      Intex PureSpa Plus

      Pros
      • Color-changing LEDs
      • Inflatable headrests
      • 170 jets
      Cons
      • Relatively expensive
      • Heavier than similar options

      Key Specs

      • Dimensions (Best Compact Inflatable Tub): 85 x 79 x 32 inches
      • Material: PVC
      • Capacity: 290 gallons
      • People: 6
      • Jets: 170
      • Style: Inflatable

      Even though it’s significantly more expensive than the other inflatable options on our list, the bells and whistles of this Intex tub could be worth the price. Our favorite feature of this model is the color-changing LEDs—usually only found on hard-sided hot tubs—which can rotate through four different colors as you soak. The inflatable headrests are also a nice perk, and combined with this model's 170 bubble jets, make for an extremely relaxing experience.

      5
      Best Affordable Hard-Sided Hot Tub

      AquaRest Spas Plug and Play Hot Tub

      On Sale
      Plug and Play Hot Tub
      5
      Best Affordable Hard-Sided Hot Tub

      AquaRest Spas Plug and Play Hot Tub

      Pros
      • LED lights
      • Waterfall
      • Cupholders
      • Durable construction
      Cons

        Key Specs

        • Dimensions (Best Compact Inflatable Tub): 79 x 79 x 32 inches
        • Material: Plastic
        • Capacity: 215 gallons
        • People: 5
        • Jets: 29
        • Style: Hard-sided

        We love the plug-and-play setup of this hard-sided tub: you simply fill it up, plug it into your existing 120-volt wall outlet, and you’re all set. The geometric pattern on the exterior gives it a funky, retro vibe, and the greystone finish mimics the look of real stone. The 29 stainless steel hydrotherapy jets provide a relaxing massage, and multicolor LEDs make nighttime dips that much more enjoyable. One corner even doubles as a mini waterfall! For those in cooler climates, this tub can be used in outdoor temperatures as low as 30 degrees Fahrenheit.

        6
        High maximum temperature of 122 degrees Fahrenheit

        Sol 72 Outdoor Aire 6 Hot Tub

        On Sale
        Aire 6 Hot Tub
        6
        High maximum temperature of 122 degrees Fahrenheit

        Sol 72 Outdoor Aire 6 Hot Tub

        Now 28% Off
        Pros
        • High maximum temperature of 122 degrees Fahrenheit
        • Solid pillows
        • Lounger seat
        • Locking cover
        Cons
        • Very expensive

        Key Specs

        • Dimensions (Best Compact Inflatable Tub): 78.74 Best Compression Socks
        • Material: Acrylic
        • Capacity: 272 gallons
        • People: 6
        • Jets: 54
        • Style: Hard-sided

        This is the most expensive hot tub on our list, but if money’s no object and you’re looking for a high-end product that maximizes comfort, it could be a great choice. Its large size can fit six people relatively comfortably, and its non-inflatable fixed pillows provide maximum comfort.

        We’re most impressed by the choice of additional water features—including both waterfalls and fountains—all of which feature their own LEDs for maximum customization. The locking cover not only prevents accidental entry from animals or inclement weather, but also keeps small children from climbing inside when unsupervised.

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        7
        Best 2-Person Hot Tub

        AquaRest Spas Oval Plug And Play Hot Tub

        On Sale
        Oval Plug And Play Hot Tub
        7
        Best 2-Person Hot Tub

        AquaRest Spas Oval Plug And Play Hot Tub

        Pros
        • Cupholders
        • Published: Jun 30, 2022 1:00 PM EST
        • Digital control panel
        Cons
        • Small size only allows 2 users

        Key Specs

        • Dimensions (Best Compact Inflatable Tub): 80 x 71 x 26 inches
        • Material: Plastic
        • Capacity: 160 gallons
        • People: 2
        • Jets: 20
        • Style: Hard-sided

        The stone finish and irregular shape give this tub a natural, high-end look, making it a great choice for those without the space or desire for a larger model. Even though it's small, this tub still features an impressive number of jets, integrated LEDs, and can reach a maximum temperature of 104 degrees Fahrenheit.

        Plus, this limited capacity means that it won’t take forever to fill up and maintain your preferred temperature. At 232 pounds, it’s relatively light too, and easier to move around upon delivery.

        Headshot of Alex Rennie
        Alex Rennie

        Alex Rennie is a freelance writer who specializes in the Home Improvement, DIY, and Tool space. As a former residential and commercial carpenter, Alex uses his hands-on experience to write practical buying guides, how-to articles, and product reviews. His work has also appeared in Business Insider's Insider Picks, and before his writing career, he was a full-time carpenter living in New York City. There, he worked as part of a team designing, building, and installing large furniture pieces, as well as performing a variety of home repair and maintenance projects. Alex currently lives in Los Angeles, CA, and spends his free time exploring the beaches and mountains with his fiancé and their dog Louie.

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