Stepping over the side of the tub can feel like the riskiest part of your day.

The best tub transfer benches let you sit down outside the tub and slide in, so you never have to lift a leg over the edge.

This guide covers our top picks, what to look for when buying, how to set one up and use it, ways to keep water in the tub, and alternatives like grab bars, bath mats and bath lifts.

• The best transfer benches have sliding padded seats and backrests for comfort and ease of use. Models with armrests make standing up easier.
• Look for adjustable legs to get the right height and suction cup feet for stability. Benches that support 300+ pounds are best.
• Assembly is quick and tool-free on most options. Place the seat with backrest inside the tub. Adjust the legs so the bench sits level.
• Sit on the outer part, then scoot or slide across into the tub while remaining safely seated. Use the backrest and handles for support.
• Special shower curtains with bench cutouts prevent water from escaping. Bath mats outside the tub to avoid slips.

With the right tub transfer bench, bathing can be safe, secure, and dignified. This guide provides tips to choose the best model for your needs.

Best Shower Transfer Bench and Tub Transfer Bench Reviews

Here are reviews of some of the tub transfer benches I recommend. These picks are based on the features, weight limits and reviews of each product.

Moen Premium Tub Transfer Bench

This Moen bench offers an entirely different look than the other products on my list. You can tell that Moen created this one with design in mind! It looks terrific and comes in a clean white color.

While the seat does not slide, it is wide enough to fit larger users. It’s ADA compliant with a total weight capacity of 400lbs. This is why it’s one of the best bariatric transfer shower benches. It’s definitely the most stylish option out there, even if it is a plastic tub transfer bench.

Instead of having two legs outside the tub, this one has one leg with a long foot which makes up for the stability of four legs. Above it is a firm grip handle that you can hold onto for extra stability.

The legs adjust from 16.5 to 21 inches, so they should fit most tubs and showers. I love that it includes holders for a cup and a shower head!

This transfer bench is a great choice if you want something more than a piece of medical equipment. Moen makes an entire line of accessories in the Glacier line that matches it too!

Drive Medical Tub Transfer Bench

This bariatric transfer bench is made by a well-known medical supplier, is designed for larger people, and holds up to 500 lbs. It’s non-sliding but has a wide bath seat and a backrest. Both are made from durable plastic, but they aren’t padded.

The frame is solid, and there is no wobbling. The legs have suction cups, which help hold them in place while using the bench.

Drainage holes are included for quick drying and keep you from feeling like you are sitting in a puddle.

Another plus is that the Drive Medical transfer bench is reversible, so you can set it up either way you like. You won’t need tools for installation, and the adjustable seat height changes to fit almost any tub using ½-inch increments.

Platinum Health Sliding Shower Chair

This transfer bench is very similar to the Carousel model I also reviewed. But, there are some critical differences.

Like the Carousel model, it’s a sliding bench with a padded seat and backrest. There are no armrests for the user, but there is a padded assist handle to help get on and off of it.

Also, like the Carousel, the Gateway padding is made from polyurethane, which is comfortable and doesn’t irritate your skin. The seat of this swivel tub transfer seat turns a full 360 degrees and can be locked every 90 degrees.

It is also one of the few sliding transfer seats with drainage holes.

The seat on the Carousel has better padding and is more comfortable than the Gateway. But, I like that the Gateway comes in this more muted tan color rather than the bright blue option. Not everyone wants to draw attention to their medical equipment.

You probably noticed that the Gateway model costs less than the Carousel too! (At publishing time at least)

DMI Tub Transfer Bench Shower Chair

The DMI Tub Transfer Bench stands out because of the cut-out in the seat.

That opening is removable, and it gives easy access for perineal care. You can stay seated to wash thoroughly, with no standing or squatting that might risk a fall.

It is a sliding bench. You sit down outside the tub, then slide across and swing your legs over, which cuts down on physical strain for you and for a caregiver. It is meant for people moving over from a wheelchair or walker, and for anyone recovering from surgery.

The frame is rust resistant aluminum, and the seat is blow molded with a back rest. The seat height is adjustable, and the weight limit is 400 lbs.

For safety, it has a hook and loop safety belt, nylon strap locks that hold the seat in place, and suction cup rubber feet that grip the floor. There is also a handle for extra stability.

Setup needs no tools and no permanent mounting hardware. You can set the seat up for a right or left install, and it is FSA eligible.

The trade-off is that this one has no padded seat, and the weight limit is a bit lower than some other benches here. If you do not need the cut-out for perineal care, a simpler bench will do the job.

If you do need that access, this is the one I would look at, since it also has most of the features of my top pick.

Medline Transfer Bench and Commode

The Medline Padded Combination Transfer Bench and Commode suits you if you want a commode opening along with a padded seat, and you don’t need much beyond that.

It has a commode cutout and a side arm to hold onto while you move from the tub edge to the seat. Suction cup feet add stability, and it supports up to 400 pounds.

The seat height adjusts from 18 to 22 inches, and the seat is 16 inches deep. That range lets you set it to a height that works for you.

It comes with a pail, lid, and splash guard. So it can also work as a padded bedside commode outside the bathroom.

One thing to know: padded seating takes more care than a plain plastic seat. Wipe it down and dry it well, and check it now and then for wear.

It also isn’t for you if you want extras like a swivel seat. This one is a simple, practical bench.

Medline Padded Transfer Bench

The next recommendation on my list is the Medline Padded Transfer Bench which has a comfortable padded seat and back (although the padding is the vinyl-covered type).

It doesn’t have all the other features I recommend, but I realize not everyone wants all those extra options. This is a highly capable tub transfer bench that will get the job done and will last a long time. It even supports up to 400 pounds!

This one is a great choice for someone who just wants a basic transfer bench that is comfortable to use too.

If you just want a more universal tub transfer bench that is also built well and will get the job done for you, I recommend the Vive Health Adjustable Transfer Bench.

It isn’t going to be as comfortable as the others because it lacks padded and a contoured seat. But, if you or your loved one are the types that do not take long showers and aren’t susceptible to skin problems, that probably isn’t a big deal.

This one is well built, easy to assemble, yet it is also one of the more affordable and safe adjustable transfer benches available. It supports up to 300 lbs.

Transfer Bench Buying Guide

Before you use any bath safety equipment, make sure you know all about it first. Misusing or using the wrong equipment for the job can lead to injury. Consult with your doctor or other health care professional about your decision.

Types of Transfer Benches

Here are the basic types of bathtub transfer benches:

1. Basic Adjustable Transfer Bench

The basic shower transfer bench will have an aluminum frame with four legs (two inside and two outside the tub). These legs are adjustable in height so that you can level the bench.

Most basic benches also have a backrest and a handle to hold onto while sliding. They are generally made of plastic components mounted to an aluminum frame since they are exposed to water.

2. Sliding Tub Transfer Benches

Siding bathtub transfer benches have a seat that moves along rails. So you don’t have to scoot yourself manually while transferring into the tub. The seat itself moves with you.

The higher-end models even have backrests and armrests for comfort and safety.

3. Padded Bath Transfer Benches

Some models have padded seats which are, of course, more comfortable than a hard plastic seat. Especially if it takes you a bit of time to bathe.

The tradeoff for this comfort is that padded benches don’t last as long. Usually, the padding is foam covered by a water-resistant fabric or vinyl. Over time, these fabrics break down and start to crack. At that point, they need to be replaced. The cracks can cause injuries to your skin, and mold will begin to grow inside the cushion.

A padded transfer bench with polyurethane foam is a better pick than one with vinyl-covered foam. This type of padding doesn’t crack and holds up much better.

4. Larger Benches for Heavier People.

Bariatric tub transfer benches are reinforced and have more support than standard benches. So, if you weigh more than 250 lbs, pay close attention to the weight capacity. If you are over 300 lbs, opt for a bariatric shower transfer bench.

Don’t risk your safety by using a product that supports less than your weight!

Bench Seating Options

There are many different seating options available for a transfer bench. You will find everything from flat, plastic seats to sliding seats that do most of the work for you. Some models offer seats that rotate to make it easier to get off after bathing.

Get the best seat you can afford. But, at a minimum, try to choose a bench with a contoured seat that has some curves to fit you more naturally. Hard plastic benches are ok for short showers but not for much longer than a few minutes. Padded seats are, of course, more comfortable.

Backrests

Most benches today have backrests, thankfully. Backrests are important for people who have problems with balance and weakness, because a backrest gives support and keeps you from falling backward off the bench. There are padded backrests available. Adjustable backrests are also handy, since you can set the height to match the person using it.

Armrests

Armrests can be a good thing for most people because they give you somewhere to rest your arms, and they also provide some security that you aren’t going to fall off the side.

But they can get in the way of your transfers, especially when getting on and off of the bench. If you want armrests, make sure they flip back out of the way so that there is no interference.

Adjustability

The floor of most tubs is an inch or two higher than the bathroom floor. Having a bench with adjustable legs is important because they allow you to level the bench when you set it up. You never want to use a bench that wobbles or rocks when you sit on it.

Other adjustability options include the back height and the armrest height on some options. Most benches are also adjustable to fit right and left-hand users. You just have to assemble it that way in the beginning.

Size and Weight Capacity

You can buy a transfer bench in many different sizes, and some are longer than others. This is a matter of personal preference as long as the bench you choose fits your tub. You need to have enough of the bench on the outside of the tub so that you can get on and off easily. You also want the bench to be long enough on the inside of the tub that it supports you fully when your feet are facing forward.

You should also know the weight of the person using the bench and ensure they are under the stated weight capacity of the bench you choose.

Safety Features

Backrests and armrests are important safety features for people with poor balance and trunk weakness. A seat belt is another safety option available on some models.

Feet

Make sure the feet have some type of non-skid feature to them so that the tub transfer bench doesn’t move while you are using it. A better option is to get one that has suction cups on the side that goes in the tub. You can use these to lock it into position and reduce the chance of it moving. A second option is one that has rubber caps over the leg tips.

Bench Assembly

If you order a transfer bench online, it is most likely going to be unassembled. But, most tub transfer benches are easy to put together. Most don’t even require tools. You just insert a tube into another one and lock it with metal push pins.

Note that some options are right-handed or left-handed. You want to ensure the part with the backrest and handle is on the inside of the tub. So, you need to know which way your tub is oriented before assembling it.

Keeping Water in the Tub When a Bench Is in Place

A bench sits across the tub wall, so a regular shower curtain can’t close the way it normally does. Water ends up on the bathroom floor, and a wet floor is the last thing you want when you are trying to stand and step out safely. There are three ways to handle it.

The first is a split design curtain. It keeps water inside the tub, and different split curtains are made for different bench designs, so make sure the one you pick works with your bench.

The second is to change the curtain liner you already have. Cut a “V” shape in the liner where the bench sits. The flap can then slip into the gap in the seat and hang inward over the bench, which keeps more water in the tub.

The third is to bunch the liner up and push it into the gap on the bench. The liner doesn’t reach all the way down, so some water can still get out. Treat this as a short-term fix.

Whichever you choose, keep the floor outside the tub dry before you get out. A shower grab bar gives you something solid to hold, and a handheld shower head lets you aim the spray down into the tub while you sit.

The trade-off is that the cutting and stuffing fixes cost nothing but are not perfect. A split curtain is the neater answer, as long as it fits your bench.

How to Set Up and Use a Transfer Bench Step by Step

These steps are a general guide. Follow the directions and warnings that come with your bench.

Start by putting the bench together. Each maker does it a little differently, so the manual is the place for the exact steps.

Next, set the bench in place with two legs inside the tub and two outside. If it rocks, moves, or feels unsteady, adjust the leg length until the seat is level.

Then position it with the suction cups inside the tub and push down until they hold firmly. If you can bend your knees, place the bench toward the middle. If you cannot, push it toward the back for more room.

For a clean grip, move any bath mats or rugs out of the way. Do not take away an anti-slip mat. Slide it down a bit instead.

Now do a dry run. Check that the bench is stable, the suction cups are stuck, and you feel safe and supported. If you have mobility concerns, ask a family member to test it first.

To get in:

• Give the bench a shake to confirm it is stable.
• Stand in front of it so you can feel it at the back of your legs, then lower yourself slowly. Use a shower grab bar or wall rail if you have one.
• Shift back as far as you can, with both legs still outside the tub.
• Scoot toward the tub wall, lift your inside leg over the edge, and slide a bit more until you straddle the wall.
• Lift the other leg into the tub.
• Slide carefully until your whole body is inside the tub.

Then pick up your handheld shower head and enjoy your shower. A bright fabric over the bench makes it easier to see and warms the seat.

To get out, reverse the steps, and make sure the floor is dry so you do not slip. When you are done, you can take the bench out and store it in the tub to clear space in the bathroom.

Ordinary shower curtains do not work well with a bench, because the bench sits across the tub wall. A split curtain made for transfer benches keeps water in, but check that it suits your bench. You can also cut a “V” in the liner where the bench sits so a flap hangs inward over the seat. Stuffing the liner into the gap works only as a temporary fix, since some water will still escape.

Platinum Health BenchMate Shower Curtain

This is a shower curtain made to go with a bath transfer bench. A regular curtain doesn’t sit right when part of the bench is inside the tub and part is outside. This one has a split design so it can fit around the bench. It’s made to work with Platinum Health’s Carousel, Gateway and HydroGlide benches.

The reason it matters is water on the floor. A wet bathroom floor is one of the easier ways to slip, and keeping the spray inside the tub helps with that. Magnetic weights along the bottom help the curtain hang properly.

It’s 100% polyester, and you can wash and dry it in a machine. It measures 71 by 72 inches, and it attaches with a quick-attach system that uses metal-free loops, so it slides quietly.

The trade-off is that it’s built around Platinum Health benches. If you have a bench from another maker, check that the split design suits it before you buy. It also won’t do much for you if you don’t use a transfer bench.

Shower Chair vs. Tub Transfer Bench: Which One Do You Need?

A shower chair is a water-resistant stool or chair that sits inside the tub or shower. A transfer bench has a longer seat that sits partly outside the tub and partly inside. Two legs stand in the tub and two on the bathroom floor, so you slide in instead of climbing over the edge.

Both give you a secure place to sit while you wash. The main difference is where each one sits and what it helps with. If you want to see how the two fit into a safe shower setup, that guide covers it.

A shower chair is compact, removable, and fits in a small bathroom. It supports your whole body while you bathe and leaves room for a caregiver. The drawback is that it does not help much when you step into or out of the tub.

A transfer bench supports you while you get in and out, and you stay seated while you bathe. It suits people with injuries, disabilities, or muscle weakness. The drawbacks are that it is bulky, and you need room to sit down, stand up, and slide across. Some knock-down models come apart for storage, and some have adjustable seats so they can work like a shower chair.

A shower chair is enough when you or your loved one can get in and out of the tub safely with no real risk of slipping. These are usually steady people who just tire after standing a while. A chair also makes sense in a bathroom too small for a bench. If getting in and out is a struggle, add grab bars for a firm handhold.

A transfer bench is the better choice if you use a mobility aid and a fall is a serious risk. It also helps people recovering from surgery or an injury, and anyone with balance, stability, or muscle strength problems. If there is a tall step between the bathroom floor and the tub and your mobility is severely limited, a bench eases that crossing and lowers the chance of a slip at the edge.

If neither fits, there are other shower chair alternatives, and you can compare options in my guide to shower chairs and their benefits and drawbacks. The trade-off to keep in mind is space: a bench does more for getting in and out, but only if your bathroom has room for it.

Alternatives to Tub Transfer Benches

If you or your loved one are having trouble getting in and out of the bathtub/shower, a transfer bench can help tremendously. But, there are some other alternatives and options out there to consider.

1. Caregiver Assistance

A family member or hired caregiver could assist the person while they are getting in and out of the bathtub. Some people feel this costs them dignity and independence. But, a well-trained caregiver is invaluable.

2. Grab Bars

An inexpensive alternative might be to install a grab bar instead. A grab bar installed vertically on the wall at the shower edge provides a stable place to hold onto while stepping over the tub edge. You could combine this with a shower chair so that you have a place to sit once you are inside.

Another grab bar type of option would be to use a product like the Medline Bathtub Safety Grab Bar. You clamp this onto the tub edge, providing a raised handle to hold onto when getting in and out of the tub or shower.

Medline Bathtub Safety Grab Bar

This one only suits someone who needs minimal assistance, though, because it does require a fair amount of standing.

Clamp-On Tub Grab Bars (No Drilling Needed)

A transfer bench takes care of the sitting part, but you still have to get to the bench and back up again. That’s where something solid to hold onto helps. A regular grab bar screws into the wall, which is a problem if you rent, or if your walls are tile or fiberglass and you’d rather not drill into them. A clamp-on tub grab bar fixes that. It grips the side of the tub itself, so there are no holes and you can take it off when you move.

Here’s what to look for. Check the weight rating, and check that the clamp opens wide enough for your tub’s edge. Look at the rim, too. These bars need a smooth, flat surface to hold, and they won’t grip a textured or curved one well. Pick a handle you can wrap your whole hand around. Know the downsides. The clamps can work loose, so give them a squeeze before each use. And a clamp-on bar isn’t as solid as one fastened into the wall studs, so use it for steadying and standing up, not for catching a fall.

Medline Deluxe Plastic Tub Grab Bar

The Medline Deluxe Tub Grab Bar clamps onto the side of your tub, so you get something solid to hold while stepping in or out. There is no drilling and no tools. It goes on and comes off in seconds, which suits rentals or anyone who doesn’t want holes in the tub or wall.

The frame is enamel-coated steel and holds up to 250 pounds. It also has a Microban antimicrobial coating that is built in, so it won’t wash off over time.

Two things to know before you buy. The clamps need to be tightened by hand now and then with regular use, so it’s worth checking it before each bath. It also only works on smooth, flat tub surfaces, so a textured or curved wall won’t take it.

If your tub has that kind of surface, or you need support for a lot of your weight, a bar screwed into the wall studs is the better route.

Clamp-On Tub Rails

A bench gives you a safe place to sit, but you still have to get to it, and that step over the tub wall is where a lot of people want something to hold. A clamp-on tub rail grips the edge of the tub, so you get a handle right where you need it. You don’t have to drill into tile, and it works in a rental where the landlord wouldn’t allow holes. Most go on by hand in a few minutes.

There are a few things to check before you buy. First, look at the top of your tub wall. These rails need a flat rim, and if yours is rounded or slanted, the clamp may not hold. Second, look for rubber-lined clamps, so the tub doesn’t get scratched, and a textured grip, so your hand doesn’t slip when it’s wet and soapy. Third, read the weight rating. A clamp-on rail is for steadying yourself as you step in or stand up. It isn’t built to catch you in a full fall, and a bar screwed into the wall is still the stronger choice for that. Give it a good tug each time before you lean on it, too.

Carex Bathtub Rail

The Carex Bathtub Rail is a grab bar that clamps onto the edge of your tub. It goes on by hand in under 5 minutes, with no tools and no drilling. That makes it a good fit if you rent or don’t want holes in your tub or wall.

The grip surface is textured, so it holds firm even when it’s wet or soapy. The clamps are rubber-lined, so they protect the tub finish and leave no marks when you take the rail off.

The catch is the shape of your tub. It only fits flat-top rims, and a curved or beveled edge won’t clamp securely. Also, it’s meant to steady you as you step in and out. It isn’t built to catch a full fall or hold your whole weight, so if you need that, a bar fixed to the wall is the better choice.

A transfer bench helps you sit down and swing your legs over the tub wall. You still need something solid to hold while you do it. A clamp-on tub rail grips the edge of the tub, so there’s no drilling, no tile to crack, and nothing to patch if you move. That makes it a good fit for renters, or for anyone who doesn’t want holes in the bathroom wall.

Here’s what to look for. Measure the thickness of your tub wall first, because every rail only fits a certain range. It also needs a hard, flat tub edge. Many fiberglass or thin-walled tubs and curved rims won’t hold one safely. Check the weight rating, and pick one that tightens by hand and feels firm when you pull on it. The downside is that a clamp can work loose over time, so give it a good tug before each use. It’s also not a full replacement for a bar screwed into the wall studs, which is still the sturdiest choice if you own your home.

Vaunn Medical Adjustable Bathtub Safety Rail

This is a clamp-on grab bar that attaches to the side of the tub. You tighten it by hand, so there is no drilling and no tools. The details say it goes on in about five minutes.

It has a steel frame rated for 300 pounds and is built to hold steady when you push down on it. That helps with stepping over the tub wall or lowering yourself onto a transfer bench. Because it clamps on and doesn’t damage anything, it also suits renters, or anyone who wants to move it between bathrooms.

Scott demoed this one, and the main thing to know is that it only fits hard-surface tubs with walls between 3 and 7 inches thick. Measure your tub before ordering.

You also need to check that the clamp is tight before every use. If that is a step you or the person using it would forget, a bar fixed to the wall is the better choice.

3. Non-Slip Bath Mats

A transfer bench and a grab bar help you get in and out of the tub. But at some point your feet still land on the tub floor, and a wet tub floor is slick. A good non-slip mat gives your feet something to grip, and it costs far less than a fall.

Here is what to look for. First, the mat has to stay put. Many mats rely on suction cups, and those often don’t hold on textured tub floors, pebble tile, or grout lines. A mat that’s heavy enough to stay in place without them is worth a look. Second, look for channels or holes that let water drain, so you aren’t standing in a puddle. Third, measure your tub floor. A mat that’s too small leaves bare spots, and one that’s too big will curl up at the edges. Last, check how to clean it. Any mat can grow mildew if soap and water sit under it, so plan on lifting it out and rinsing it now and then. A mat is also no substitute for a grab bar, so use it with one.

SlipX Solutions Weighted Non Slip Bath Mat

The SlipX Solutions bath mat is for the tub floor itself, not for getting over the side. It stays in place by its own weight, with no suction cups. That matters if your tub has a textured bottom, grout lines, or pebble tile, because suction cups tend to let go on those surfaces.

The top is a soft TPE surface with drainage channels, so water doesn’t pool under your feet. It works in tubs and in tile or stone shower stalls, and it is meant to stay put without you having to reposition it.

It measures 31 x 15 inches, which fits most tub floors but not all of them. Measure yours before you order. The cleaning method isn’t clearly spelled out, so confirm that before you buy.

It also won’t help you get in and out of the tub. For that you still need a transfer bench. Think of this mat as the safer footing under it.

3. A Shower Chair

Shower chairs provide you with a seat once you are in the tub, but they don’t assist much with getting in and out. If you can get over the tub wall without difficulty and can manage a shower chair transfer, you may want to consider a shower chair instead. You can see the best shower chairs here if you’d like to learn more about this option.

4. A Bath Lift

Some people miss taking a long bath in a full tub. If that sounds like you or someone you care for, you might want to take a closer look at bath lifts.

Bath lifts are mechanized chairs that sit inside the bathtub. Using a motor with remote control, they lower you into the tub and then raise you back up again when you are ready. Many models have flaps that fold down onto the tub edge when they are in the raised position. These flaps help you get onto the lift, much like transfer benches. You sit on the flap, which is supported by the tub edge, then scoot over onto the lift and rotate your feet into the tub.

There is a detailed guide to the best bath lifts you can read here if you’d like to explore this alternative.

What a Transfer Bench Does for Bathing Safety

The biggest risk in a tub is stepping over the side. A transfer bench takes that step away, because you sit down on the bench and slide across instead.

That helps with slipping in a few ways. The seat has an anti-slip surface, and rubber stops on the legs keep the bench from moving. You also come into less contact with the hard, slippery surfaces in a bathroom.

Balance gets help twice. You never have to balance on one leg to get over the tub wall, and you sit while you bathe instead of standing.

Comfort is the other half. Stiffness through the waist, hips, and back can make it hard to stretch over the tub wall or stand for a long shower. Sitting takes pressure off your back and joints.

If back pain or trouble moving is part of your day, the bench also takes your weight off your legs while you wash. Pair it with a shower grab bar for something to hold while you sit down and stand up.

A handheld shower head is worth adding too, since you can rinse while seated without reaching or standing.

One thing to watch: if you tend to lose your balance easily, check that the feet have rubber stoppers so the bench does not rock when you use it.

Summary and Final Recommendations

Bathtub and shower transfer benches help you get in and out of the tub more safely. This is because you do not have to lift your legs over the tub edge when using a transfer bench.

The best tub transfer benches have sliding, padded seats with backrests and armrests. They should be well built, have an adjustable seat height, and be easy to install. Most importantly, they should be stable once set up and not rock or be unsteady.

Have you ever used a bathtub transfer bench? Do you have any additional tips or advice to share? Leave them in the comments below! Tell me about your experience.

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