Looking to upgrade your backyard? Adding one of the best hot tubs on the market to your decking or patio has to be the ultimate way to optimize your outside space to its full potential.
Whether you opt for one of the best inflatable hot tubs on the market to take advantage of quick set-up, flexibility, and affordable price points, or you opt to invest in a static plug-and-play design, both options will allow you to relax and unwind in style, and all within easy reach of your own front porch.
As such, we've rounded up the best hot tubs on the Gardeningetc team's radar below, including a mixture of compact two-person hot tubs and more spacious five-person options that are perfect for parties. There's also plenty of buying advice to help you make the right choice for you at the bottom of this page.
Pair one of these top tubs with some of the best outdoor furniture on our editors' radar and you’ll have yourself an outdoor living space you (and your guests) just won’t want to leave.
Best hot tubs for 2024
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One of the largest inflatable hot tubs out there, the Bestway Saluspa Helsinki offers more space than most, great performance, and a reasonable price point. Its ratings are bubbling with 5-star feedback, as is our review, which is why it takes the top spot in this round-up of the best hot tubs you can buy today.
The important stuff
It’s easy to set up with a built-in digital inflation pump, and it’s cleverly designed with thin, rigid walls that allow for more space inside; in fact, there’s room for the whole family with space for up to seven adults (although we'd recommend five adults makes for a more comfortable fit).
Features
What makes it stand out from the rest is its faux wood-panelling print, making it look less like a kiddie pool and more like a Scandi-spa. Not to mention, it can heat, massage and filter all at the same time, with a powerful integrated 180 air jet system offering a welcome jacuzzi experience. It also has a power-saving button to time your spa to heat up, reducing energy consumption when not in use.
Testing
We have reviewed this product and compared it against its smaller sister the Bestway SaluSpa Hawaii. Our reviewer loves the stylish design of the Helsinki and thinks it’s enough to steal the show, especially paired with its super generous capacity. The only downside? It doesn't have the additional hydrojets, that are great for muscle aches, that the Hawaii model offers.
If you're happy to sacrifice a little internal space in exchange for some great features, then the Bestway SaluSpa Hawaii hot tub is another great contender for best inflatable hot tub. We think it's the perfect balance of performance and price.
The important stuff
A 222-gallon water capacity makes this hot tub a slightly more compact option than the Helsinki, offering space for a maximum of six people (although our reviewer found four to five people at a time was more comfortable). There are 140 air jets plus a hydrojet function. The hot tub also offers 'Freeze Shield' technology that allows it to be used in cooler temperatures.
Features
Equipped with a massage and hydrojet system, the hot tub offers two different relaxation experiences. There's the ‘massage’ system that creates plenty of bubbles for an authentic jacuzzi experience and a hydrojet function for a more powerful massage. Performance aside, the appearance is a little kiddie paddling pool-like, but the thick inflatable sides felt structurally sturdy when we were inside
Testing
After testing the Helskini model, our reviewer jumped at the opportunity to try another inflatable hot tub. Being a great price but offering all the amenities of a hard-shell model, she called the Hawaii ‘the best of the best’, as far as inflatable hot tubs go. In particular, its portability, powerful jets, and ability to withstand cold temperatures put it at the top. She also liked the square design that offered users a little more legroom.
Don’t worry if you only have a small outdoor space, as with this AquaRest Spa your backyard jacuzzi dreams can still come true.
The important stuff
This two-person hot tub comes with foam insulation and a cover, designed to retain heat so you use less energy to save on your electricity bill. This also means it can be used year-round, which is impressive on a standard 110v plug.
Features
This hard-shell oval design creates the perfect intimate hot tub experience for you and your partner, or a friend. The two-chair design gives both people ample room to relax comfortably whilst receiving a generous 10 jet water massage, and the pressure is adjustable to suit each person with dual-side air controls. It may be small, but it has all the same bells and whistles as its bigger brothers, including LED lights and a cascading waterfall.
The Bestway SaluSpa Miami is a great value-for-money alternative to more expensive options. Its reviews confirm it does the job, with many owners questioning why you'd bother splashing out on a tub that costs considerably more.
The important stuff
At under $500 this is a great budget buy that also won’t cost too much to run. It's not too big in size with a smaller water capacity, so doesn't need too much filling and heating up. Considering this, it’s still pretty spacious, fitting up to four people with enough jets to create a good amount of bubbles. The 'Freeze Shield' technology also means you get your use and relax all year round.
Features
For the price, you can’t expect too much style-wise. It has a heavy-duty plastic outer shell, that has slight paddling pool vibes, but all in all, it does the job of soothing body and soul for an affordable price.
Tried, tested, and loved by the Gardeningetc team, the Zurich is a stylish option that is 40% more energy efficient than similar models.
The important stuff
The Zurich hot tub is quick to inflate, and offers a four-person, 177-gallon water capacity, 120 air jets, and 'FreezeShield' technology that allows it to be used all year round.
Features
Most importantly, the Zurich includes an integrated insulated outer liner and top cover that makes it 40% more energy efficient when compared to similar models in the Bestway SaluSpa range (Lay-Z-Spa in the UK). This option also comes with a stylish suede-effect outer, which we think gives it a more premium appearance than the usual rubber outer.
Testing
Our reviewer upgraded their tub from an old model, and couldn't help but notice how much better the Zurich was when it comes to energy efficiency, staying hot much longer after use. It also scored in the style stakes, with the grey suede-look outer offering a more premium look than most, and our tester loved the built-in cup holders!
If you’d prefer a hard-shell option, then this Canadian Spa Company Saskatoon spa is a great plug-and-play choice. It means you can gain the luxurious features of a hard-shell hot tub, without the effort of permanent installation.
The important stuff
It runs on a standard 110v plug, so you don’t need to hire a professional to wire it in. This is impressive considering it's built with high-density foam insulation and a heat reclamation system to make it energy-efficient. You can save energy and money and also ensure your tub stays warm, even in harsh winters.
Features
It has 12 hydrotherapy jets with adjustable pressure controls to suit your massage mood and LED lighting in several colors allowing you to customize it in accordance. It has great overall performance while being aesthetically pleasing. What more could you want? It may be more expensive than an inflatable hot tub, but it offers a more durable investment, with a lot of fun features.
If you want a big hot tub at a more affordable price point than the Helsinki, then the Bestway SaluSpa St Moritz hot tub could be for you.
The important stuff
You can unwind with up to seven people in the tub at one time. Come rain or shine too with its Freeze Shield technology, that lets the hot tub parties commence all year round. However, you will need to bear in mind the energy costs of heating and maintaining the temperature of that generous 314 gallon water capacity.
Features
The beauty of this tub comes both in its looks and portability. Easy to put away and re-set up due to it being surprisingly lightweight, you can move it around for a change of scenery. Still, its modern rattan effect would look great in any yard, as evidenced by its many positive reviews.
How much does a hot tub cost?
Type and budget: Having a spa in your backyard is no longer just for the super-rich, there are options to suit any pocket and whatever style of backyard ideas you might have in mind. Note it's also important to factor in costs such as water and electric usage as well as potential installation costs.
There are many affordable hot tub options available, with the best inflatable hot tubs being superb value for money. And if you have a larger budget then hard-shell options start from around $3,000 and can go up to $10,000 for luxury tubs with additional features.
How much does it cost to install a hot tub?
Most of our options above are inflatable hot tubs or plug-and-play spas that use a standard 110-volt outlet. These don’t require any professional installation so they are nice and easy to set up yourself. They also draw less power which can save energy and reduce your electricity bills. However, this can mean they take longer to heat up and can have difficulty staying warm in colder temperatures.
220-volt hot tubs and above and most hard-shell hot tubs will require professional installation that can cost thousands of dollars. Despite this they tend to heat up quicker and stay warm all year-round.
Where to buy a hot tub?
If you want to browse all of the hot tub options, then the retailers below offer some of the best selections of inflatable and plug-and-play hot tubs.
When is the best time to buy a hot tub?
Generally speaking, the cheapest time to buy anything is out of season. For hot tubs – especially less insulated inflatable and plug-and-play models – that tends to be early winter. So any time from October through to December. Although it can sometimes be harder to find products in stock during this time.
To keep track of all the biggest discounts and out-of-season sales, make sure to check out our guide to the best hot tub deals.
Buy the best hot tub accessories
Hot tub accessories add an extra layer of tranquility, or alternatively fun, into your backyard spa experience. They can range from anything from headrests and LED lights to cup holders and hot tub bars. They will really elevate your hot tub experience, and are available at a range of different price points.
How to maintain a hot tub
We have a guide on how to clean a hot tub with lots of useful information on looking after your new buy. And our hot tub winter care tips have lots of advice on making the most of your space in the colder weather.
Otherwise, there are steps to general hot tub maintenance, including clearing debris or testing and adjusting your hot tubs’ chemistry and PH levels that will need to be done weekly. As well as completely draining and cleaning your hot tub every 3-4 months.
How we chose the best hot tubs in this guide
The team at Gardeningetc team has tried and tested the badged hot tubs first-hand. For those hot tubs we haven't yet managed to review, we've analysed the specifications and compared attributes, including dimensions, water capacity, air jets, energy efficiency, and added extras like Wi-Fi connectivity or LED lights. We've also taken into account customer reviews across multiple retailer websites.
Alex is an award-winning Mixed Latinx author and freelance writer based in Dallas. She recently bought her first home, a green Sears & Roebuck house that's over 100 years old and sits on half an acre of land, so she had plenty of space to put the Bestway Helsinki and Hawaii inflatable hot tubs through their paces. She particularly loved the space the former offered to relax with family and friends.
Annie is the Ecommerce Editor for out sister brand Real Homes, so she knows her way around a good product when she sees one. She put the Bestway SaluSpa Zurich hot tub through its paces and loved the stylish suede outer, its energy-efficient insulating layers, and the built-in cup holders!
Click here to find out more about how we test products at Gardeningetc.
