2022’s 10 Best Shower Chairs for a Better Bath Time

A quick look at the best shower chairs and benches

• Best for in-out transfers: Glacier Bay Tub Transfer Bench and Bath Seat
• Best higher weight limit: Medline Bariatric Transfer Bench
• Most affordable: Drive Medical Shower Bench
• Best adjustable: Vaunn Medical Deluxe Spa Shower Chair
• Best lightweight shower chair: Dr. Kay’s Adjustable Height Bath and Shower Chair
• Best for people with low vision: Platinum Health ComfortAble Deluxe Padded Shower Chair
• Best wall installed shower seat: Clevr Teakwood Modern Folding Shower Bench
• Best for 360-degree rotation: Healthline Bath Bench Round Stool
• Most stylish: ToiletTree Deluxe Wooden Bamboo Shower Seat
• Best for people with paralysis: Carousel Sliding Transfer Bench with Swivel Seat

Falls in or near the bathtub are common and result in a significant number of annual emergency room visits, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC).

As we age, the likelihood of falls in or near the bath increases. A shower chair is a way to gain stability and reduce risk. These chairs allow you to sit while bathing.

Plastic and aluminum are some of the materials used in shower chairs. The chairs have slip-resistant seats and nonskid foot tips, which make them safe to use on slippery or wet surfaces. Some have the ability to raise their arms and backs. They are designed to help with transferring out of the tub.

Shower chairs are not classified as durable medical equipment (DME) by most insurers, including Medicare. But a sturdy shower chair can help you maintain balance and stability while in the bathtub. This can significantly reduce the potential for injuries, including bruising, concussions, and broken bones.

How we chose shower chairs

The shower chairs on this list are from manufacturers that have a track record for safety. We did not include chairs that have a lot of customer complaints.

Healthline’s picks for shower chairs

Best for in-out transfers

Glacier Bay Tub Transfer Bench and Bath Seat

• Price: $$
• Material: plastic and aluminum
• Assembly required: yes
• Weight limit: 300 pounds (lbs.)
• Height: legs adjust from 16 to 20 inches (in.)

The bath seat is designed to help with bathtub transfers. The bench side allows you to slide into the tub and onto the seat with a back and armrest. The seat back can be moved to either side of the chair, making it possible for right- or left-handed tub transfers.

Users say it can hold up to 300 lbs.

The legs can be adjusted from 16 to 20 in.

Assembly is required, but users say it’s lightweight and easy to put together.

Best higher weight limit

Medline Bariatric Transfer Bench

• Price: $$$
• Material: aluminum
• Assembly required: yes
• Weight limit: 550 lbs.
• Height: 16 to 18 in.

The bench bath seat can hold up to 500 lbs.

It has six legs with cross-base supporting legs. The legs have something on them.

There is no armrest on the bench. The chair has a plastic holder on the back that can hold a shower hose or bottle. There is a gap between the transfer bench and bath chair where a shower curtain can be placed to keep the bathroom floor dry.

Best affordable

Drive Medical Shower Bench

• Price: $
• Material: aluminum and plastic
• Assembly required: yes
• Weight limit: 300 lbs.
• Height: adjustable between 14 and 19.5 in.

According to the manufacturer, this lightweight aluminum bath chair can support around 300 lbs. However, some users say that its capacity is less than that.

The legs snap together for easy setup. There are no tools required for assembly.

The legs are not straight. They can be adjusted for height in a single increment.

The seat has drainage holes that help reduce slippage.

The seat has a built-in handle for security and comfort.

Best adjustable

Vaunn Medical Deluxe Spa Shower Chair

• Price: $$
• Material: polyethylene, heavy duty anodized aluminum, and rubber
• Assembly required: yes
• Weight limit: 250 lbs.
• Height: adjustable between 16 and 21 in.

Want a backrest today, but not tomorrow? Do you need to adjust the height for different people? The Vaunn Medical Deluxe Spa Shower Chair is easy to use.

The chair has a protective oxide layer. It is about 10 lbs. The weight capacity is 250 lbs.

It has padded, high armrests for added support when you are ready to stand back up.

The seat has drainage holes for added safety.

The legs can be adjusted in a number of ways.

Best lightweight shower chair

Dr. Kay’s Adjustable Height Bath and Shower Chair

• Price: $
• Material: medical grade aluminum
• Assembly required: yes
• Weight limit: 300 lbs.
• Height: adjusts from 12.5 to 18.5 in.

The backless chair is small in size and lightweight. It may be a good choice for smaller bathtubs.

It can hold 300 lbs.

It has built-in side handles and drainage holes. It has a bar under the seat for added strength.

It has a height range of between 12 and 18 in., making it a good choice for shorter people.

Assembly is required. Some users say that assembly is easy, but others mention that it can be challenging.

Best for people with low vision

Platinum Health ComfortAble Deluxe Padded Shower Chair

• Price: $$$
• Material: commercial grade polyurethane foam and aluminum
• Assembly required: yes
• Weight limit: 310 lbs.
• Height: 19-in. adjustable legs

The bright blue sections of the chair are for people with low vision.

It can support up to a ton of weight.

It has a foam seat and back. It has a weight-bearing armrests. The fabric is soft and comfortable and designed to be gentle on sensitive skin.

The legs are 19 in. long and have rubber grips.

Assembly is required. The chair has a lifetime warranty.

Best wall installed shower seat

Clevr Teakwood Modern Folding Shower Bench

• Price: $$$
• Material: teakwood
• Assembly required: yes
• Weight limit: 400 lbs.
• Height: based on how high it’s installed on the wall

If you want to save space, this bench is an attractive option. You might want to have it professionally installed. It can hold up to 400 lbs.

“The bench can be placed at the best height for the primary user if the seat height isn’t adjusted. Other shower users may appreciate folding up the bench after using it.”

The seat is made of steel and has brackets that connect the slats. This is important, considering the higher price tag.

Best for 360-degree rotation

Healthline Bath Bench Round Stool

*Note that the manufacturer Healthline has no relation to Healthline Media.*

• Price: $
• Material: not advertised
• Assembly required: yes
• Weight limit: 350 lbs.
• Height: adjustable between 17 and 21 in.

The ability to easily spin around in your shower chair to reach a bottle of water is a great benefit. The round stool has a storage shelf below the seat that you can reach down to grab things from.

The blue can help people with low vision find the seat. This option is one of the more affordable options on the list.

Most stylish

ToiletTree Deluxe Wooden Bamboo Shower Seat

• Price: $$
• Material: bamboo
• Assembly required: yes
• Weight limit: 220 lbs.
• Height: 21.6 in.

The bamboo seat is stylish enough to be used throughout the house. It also comes with a footstool.

The main seat has a storage shelf below it that you can use during your shower.

“The rubber grip feet help keep it from wobbling on a wet floor, and the bamboo wood makes it a more durable seat. You can purchase expert assembly if you don’t want to put it together yourself.”

Best for people with paralysis

Carousel Sliding Transfer Bench with Swivel Seat

• Price: $$$
• Material: commercial grade polyurethane foam and medical-grade aluminum
• Assembly required: yes
• Weight limit: 300 lbs.
• Height: adjustable between 19 and 23.5 in.

It is easier to get into the shower with this chair because it can pivot. It has a seat belt that can help prevent slipping out of the chair.

The chair is professional grade and comes at a high price point. It has a padded seat and back. The blue coloring makes it easier for people with low vision.

“If you don’t want to try, there is an option to pay for expert assembly.”

Comparison table

What to look for in shower chairs

When buying a shower chair, you should consider your height, weight, and mobility level. Keep an eye out for these characteristics too.

• Will the chair stay in place or need to be moved? Determine if you want a shower chair that will remain in place or if you want one that is mobile and can be used in multiple locations.
• Look at the chair’s measurements: Measure your bathtub to determine what size chair it can accommodate.
• Do you want extra bench space to transition onto the chair? Getting in and out of a bathtub can be difficult. Some shower chairs include attached transfer benches, which provide added stability. However, if you have a walk-in shower stall, you may not need a transfer bench.

• Ergonomics and chair height: Many shower chairs have height-adjustable legs. Look for a chair with a height that allows your feet to remain stable and flat on the floor. If you’re 5 feet tall or shorter, you may feel most comfortable in a chair with a seat height of 12 inches up to 16 inches. If you’re 6 feet tall or taller, you may like a shower chair that has a seat height of 18 to 20 inches.
• Will a chair back, arms, or handles help? Determine if you need a chair with a back or with handles for hoisting. Some chairs have arms, while others have built-in handles that help you lift yourself up and down.
• Stability: Bath chairs on wheels are available. But these may not provide enough stability for people with mobility issues. If this is a concern, look for a shower seat that has large or oversized nonslip suction cup feet.
• Comfort: Some seats are contoured rather than flat, and others may be padded and have padded backs. Trying out several styles may help you decide which type is best for you.
• Storage options: If you anticipate only needing your chair temporarily, consider storing the chair when it’s not in use. Some chairs have parts that easily snap apart for easy dismantling and storage.

An alternative to shower chairs

There is nothing to grab onto when people fall in the shower. It may make a fall worse if you reach for a towel bar or shower curtain.

If you prefer to lie down while bathing, you may want to consider installing bathtub grab bars. There are grab bars on the inside and outside of your tub. They are a viable alternative to shower seats for people who are not at risk of falling.

Frequently asked questions about shower chairs

How much do shower chairs cost?

The price of shower chairs can range from $25 to $300. The cost is affected by the type of chair, weight capacity, and other features.

Where can you buy shower chairs?

Online retailers can sell shower chairs. You can find them at big box stores. Some pharmacies have shower chairs.

Does insurance cover shower chairs?

Most insurance plans do not cover shower chairs. If you use a shower chair in a facility, your insurance company may cover the cost.

Does Medicare cover shower chairs?

“shower chairs are not classified as medically necessary. Medicare doesn’t cover the cost of bathtub safety equipment, such as grab bars.”

But is it a commode chair?

Commode chairs, which are used for toileting, are covered by Medicare. Some commode chairs are waterproof and can be used as shower chairs. If you purchase a chair for this purpose, make sure it is safe by determining its weight capacity, nonslip capability, and durability.

Some Medicare Advantage (Part C) plans cover a percentage of the cost of shower chairs. If you have a Part C plan, check with your insurance company to determine what your coverage for this purchase will be.

The takeaway

The risk of injury in and around the bathtub can be reduced by using shower seats.

When buying a shower seat, always consider its slip-proof capacity. You should consider your mobility level.

Measure the diameter of your bathtub before buying.