10 Best Shower Chairs for a Better Bath Time

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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).

While anyone can fall while showering, the likelihood of falls in or near the bath increases as we age. One way to reduce this risk and gain stability is to use a shower chair, also called a bath chair. These chairs provide support and safety by letting you sit while bathing.

Shower chairs are made from waterproof, non-rusting materials, such as plastic and aluminum. Well-designed chairs have slip-resistant seats and nonskid foot tips, making them safe to use on slippery or wet surfaces. Some have hoisting abilities and backs and arms for added support. Others are designed to help with transferring in and 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 come from trusted, transparent manufacturers that have a track record for safety. We did not include chairs that have lots of customer complaints about durability, safety, or longevity.

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.)

This bath seat is designed to aid with transfer in and out of the bathtub. The bench side enables you to slide your way into the tub and onto a nonslip bath seat with a back and armrest. The seat back can be moved to either side of the chair, making it viable for right- or left-handed tub transfers.

Users say it’s very sturdy and can hold up to 300 lbs.

The legs are adjustable 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.

This transfer bench bath seat weighs 11 lbs. and can hold weight up to 550 lbs.

It has six legs with cross-base supporting legs for added durability. The legs have suction cup foot grips.

The back of the bench is removable, and there is no armrest. The chair has a white plastic clamp on the back that can be used to hold a shower hose or bottle. There is also a gap between the transfer bench and bath chair where a shower curtain can be placed so that your bathroom floor remains 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 back, seat, and legs all snap together for easy setup and dismantling. No tools are required for assembly.

The legs are angled outward for added stability. They can be adjusted for height in 1-in. increments up to 19.5 in.

The seat is contoured and contains drainage holes that reduce slippage.

Each side of 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? Need to adjust the height for several different-sized people? No problem for the Vaunn Medical Deluxe Spa Shower Chair.

This heavy-duty anodized aluminum chair has a protective oxide layer for added strength. It weighs 8.5 lbs. (6 lbs. without the back support) and has a weight capacity of 250 lbs.

It has very high, padded armrests for added support and stability when you’re ready to stand back up.

The antibacterial polystyrene seat is contoured and has drainage holes for added safety.

The adjustable legs can be adjusted in 1-in. increments from 16 to 21 in.    

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.

At just 4 lbs., this backless chair is lightweight and also small in size. It may be a good choice for shower stalls and smaller bathtubs.

It has a weight capacity of 300 lbs.

It features built-in side handles and drainage holes in the contoured seat. It also has a crossbar under the seat for added durability.

It provides a height range of 12.5 to 18.5 in., making it a good choice if you’re shorter.

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 this chair offers visual cues for people with low vision.

It can support up to 310 lbs.

It has an ultra-padded, polyurethane foam seat and backrest. It also has ultra-padded, weight-bearing armrests. The fabric is soft, comfortable, and designed to be gentle on sensitive skin that tears easily.

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

Note that assembly is required. The chair comes with 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

This teakwood bench is an attractive option if you want to save some space. You might want to have it professionally installed. It can hold up to 400 lbs. when properly assembled.

Although the seat height isn’t adjustable once installed, the bench can be placed at the best height for the primary user. Other shower users may appreciate folding up the bench after use instead of carrying a chair in and out of the shower.

The stainless steel frame and brackets that connect the solid Burmese teakwood slats make this a seat that will last. This is an important factor, 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 shampoo bottle on the shelf behind you can be invaluable. This round stool stands apart because it also includes a storage shelf below the seat so you can reach down to grab things, too. 

The blue may not be for everyone, but it can help people with low vision easily find the seat. The lower price tag also makes this one of the more affordable options on this list.

Most stylish

ToiletTree Deluxe Wooden Bamboo Shower Seat

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

This bench-style bamboo seat is stylish enough to use throughout your house, not just in the shower. As a bonus, it also comes with a matching footstool.

While the height isn’t adjustable, it has a storage shelf below the main seat for things that you’ll want to use during your shower. 

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

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.

This chair can rotate and pivot, making it easier to get into the shower and then move around. It also has a seat belt, which can reduce the risk of slipping out of the chair.

This chair comes at a high price point, but it’s professional grade. It also has a padded seat, back, and armrests for comfort.  The blue coloring makes it easier for people with low vision to see.  

While the manufacturer says the assembly is easy, there is an option to pay for expert assembly if you’d rather not try.

Comparison table

What to look for in shower chairs

Your height, weight, and mobility level should all be considered when purchasing a shower chair. Keep a look out for these traits 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

Many people fall in the shower because there’s nothing to safely grab onto when they lose their balance. Instinctively reaching for a towel bar or shower curtain may make a fall worse, as it may come down too.

If you prefer to stand or lie down while bathing, you may wish to consider installing bathtub grab bars. Grab bars can be placed at multiple locations on the inside and outside of your tub. They’re a viable alternative to shower seats for people without a high risk of falling.

Frequently asked questions about shower chairs

How much do shower chairs cost?

Shower chairs range in price from around $25 to $300 or more. The type of chair, weight capacity, and other features affect the overall cost.

Where can you buy shower chairs?

Shower chairs can be purchased from online retailers such as Amazon and Walmart. You can also find them at big-box stores like Home Depot and medical supply shops. Some pharmacies carry shower chairs, too.

Does insurance cover shower chairs?

Most insurance plans do not cover shower chairs purchased for home use. If you use a shower chair in a facility such as a nursing home or hospital, your insurance company may cover that itemized cost.   

Does Medicare cover shower chairs?

Original Medicare doesn’t classify shower chairs as medically necessary DME. Medicare doesn’t cover their cost or the cost of other types of bathtub safety equipment, such as grab bars.

But is it a commode chair?

Medicare does, however, cover the cost of commode chairs, which are used for toileting. Some commode chairs are waterproof and may be used as shower chairs. If you purchase a commode chair for this use, make sure it’s safe for this purpose by determining its durability, nonslip capability, and weight capacity.

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

Shower seats can help reduce the risk of injury in and around the bathtub.

When purchasing a shower seat, always consider its durability and slip-proof capacity. You should also consider your height, weight, and mobility level.

Before you buy, be sure to measure the diameter of your bathtub.