Best Grab Bars for Shower and Bathtub Safety

A quick look at the best grab bars 

• Best basic grab bar: Franklin Brass 16 x 1.5-Inch Concealed Screw Grab Bar
• Best angled grab bar: Moen 16-Inch Angled Grab Bar
• Best soft grip grab bar: PULSE ShowerSpas ErgoSafetyBar – 4006
• Best bathtub grab bar: Vaunn Medical Adjustable Bathtub Safety Rail Shower Grab Bar Handle
• Best portable grab bar: Able Life Universal Floor to Ceiling Grab Bar
• Best versatile grab bar: Stander Curve Grab Bar with Handrail
• Best grab bar with shelf: Moen Chrome 16-Inch Grab Bar With Shelf
• Best corner shelf grab bar: Delta Faucet DF702PC Corner Shelf with Assist Bar
• Best tissue holder grab bar: Delta Faucet Traditional Tissue Holder with Assist Bar

Grab bars can be especially useful in places like the bathroom where slick, slippery surfaces may cause you to lose your footing.

You can install a grab bar near the toilet or in the shower or bathtub to add stability, make movements easier, and prevent falls.

Grab bars add a measure of safety and provide a sense of security to anyone who may be prone to unsteadiness, slips, or falls. Limited mobility may be due to age as well as a medical condition, injury, or recent surgery.

Grab bars can make it safe for a person with balance or strength concerns to be more independent. Depending on your needs, you may choose to install several grab bars.

How we chose the best grab bars

To choose the best grab bars, we considered the following criteria:

• Cost. We chose high quality products at affordable prices.
• Design. Our list includes functional grab bars made of high quality materials that can fit with the aesthetics of your bathroom.
• Installation. The grab bars on our list are easy to install using tension or installation hardware.
• Customer reviews. The products we chose have excellent customer reviews related to quality, sturdiness, and safety.

Every selection has also been vetted by our team to ensure each meets our strict standards of quality. Learn more about our vetting process here.

Pricing guide

Prices are indicated as follows:

• $ = under $25
• $$ = $25–$75
• $$$ = above $75

Healthline’s pick of the best grab bars for bathroom safety

Best basic grab bar

Franklin Brass 16 x 1.5-Inch Concealed Screw Grab Bar

• Price: $
• Dimensions: 19 x 3 x 3 inches
• Weight capacity: 500 pounds

The Franklin Brass Concealed Screw Grab Bar is made of rust-resistant stainless steel to offer strength and support when using the bath, shower, or toilet. The wall-mounted bar only requires two to three screws. If you don’t have studs, you can install the bar using a grab bar wall anchor, which Franklin Brass sells separately.

The whole bar overall is 19 inches long, with the center section being 16 inches.

Its design includes covers to conceal the screws; these end caps have a 3-inch diameter. A few customers complain that the covers don’t fit perfectly. A few people said they popped off or were not tight enough to prevent water from collecting inside.

Best angled grab bar

Moen 16-Inch Angled Grab Bar

• Price: $$$
• Dimensions: 19.25 x 3.25 x 2.5 inches
• Weight capacity: 500 pounds

The sturdy design of the Moen 16-Inch Angled Grab Bar can provide safety while getting in or out of the bathtub. You can also hang on to it while you shower. The bar comes with mounting hardware and is meant to be installed into wood studs. You can position it in a few different angles to suit your needs. Some users may find the brushed nickel finish adds a stylish touch.

A few customers complain that the provided installation hardware is low quality, so you may consider buying your own.

Best soft grip grab bar

PULSE ShowerSpas ErgoSafetyBar – 4006

• Price: $$$
• Dimensions: 28 x 5 × 4 inches
• Weight capacity: 250 pounds

This stainless steel grab bar from PULSE ShowerSpas features a soft, ergonomic grip that’s designed for comfort. It’s easy to install and mount on wood or metal studs. The bar attaches vertically or horizontally, and includes covers to conceal the mounting screws. The grab bar attaches to a towel bar, which is sold separately.

Best bathtub grab bar

Vaunn Medical Adjustable Bathtub Safety Rail Shower Grab Bar Handle

• Price: $$
• Dimensions: 12 x 5.5 x 3 inches
• Weight capacity: 300 pounds

The Vaunn Medical Bathtub Safety Rail is designed to provide safety and support as you get in and out of the bathtub, helping to lower the risk of injuries and falls.

The heavy-duty steel rail is easy to install without the need for tools. The adjustable clamp fits on tub walls 3 to 7 inches (8 to 18 cm) thick without leaving marks or dents. It’s designed to be lightweight and portable, so you can easily move it to another bathroom or bring it along when you travel.

You cannot use this grab bar on fiberglass or porcelain tubs since it can cause cracking.

Best portable grab bar

Able Life Universal Floor to Ceiling Grab Bar

• Price: $$$
• Dimensions: 84–108 x 22 x 9 inches
• Weight capacity: 300 pounds

The Able Life Grab Bar is a transfer pole with a grab bar that can provide balance and support when standing up, sitting down, or getting in and out of the bathtub. You can place it outside the bathtub or near the toilet. Depending on the design of your bathroom, you may be able to position it so you can use it for the toilet and bathtub.

The tension-mounted design requires no tools. It adjusts to fit ceilings 7 feet (213 cm), 8 feet (244 cm), or 9 feet (274 cm). The base and top are padded to prevent damage, markings, and scuff marks on the floor or ceiling. The portable design may be ideal for travel or to use in different rooms.

This product is not rust-resistant, so it’s not intended for use inside the bathtub or shower. The handle height is not adjustable, which may be a drawback for some people.

Best versatile grab bar

Stander Curve Grab Bar with Handrail

• Price: $$$
• Dimensions: 40 x 18 x 12.5 inches
• Weight capacity: 300 pounds

This wall-mounted grab bar features a horizontal bar and a vertical curved bar that rotates and locks into five positions.

The vertical bar has four hand grips so you can use the bar to step in and out of the bathtub or shower. It also works as a support when you use the toilet. It has a space-saving design and can fold up against the wall when not in use.

A few customer reviews mention that the vertical bar moves slightly, even when it’s locked into place.

Best grab bar with shelf

Moen Chrome 16-Inch Grab Bar with Shelf

• Price: $$
• Dimensions: 18.6 x 5.1 x 4.2 inches
• Weight capacity: 250 pounds

The Moen Chrome 16-Inch Grab Bar with Shelf functions as a grab bar and has a convenient shelf to store your toiletries. The solid, sturdy bar is made of stainless steel with a corrosion-resistant finish. Many customers appreciate that the sleek, stylish design doesn’t look institutional.

You can easily remove the tray for cleaning. However, a few reviews complain that the tray collects water and that it’s not possible to buy a replacement.

Moen offers a lifetime warranty on this product against leaks, drips, and finish defects.

Best corner shelf grab bar

Delta Faucet DF702PC Corner Shelf with Assist Bar

• Price: $
• Dimensions: 8.5 x 8.5 x 2.1 inches
• Weight capacity: 300 pounds

This contemporary grab bar from Delta Faucet doubles as a shelf. It fits discreetly into the corner of your shower. The installation process is smooth, and you can install it on tile or fiberglass.

Users say the stainless steel bar is sturdy and supportive. You can use the plastic shelf to store soap, razors, and toiletries. However, a few customers complain that the shelf is made of low quality materials.

Best tissue holder grab bar

Delta Faucet Traditional Tissue Holder With Assist Bar

• Price: $$$
• Dimensions: 9.4 x 5.4 x 4.3 inches
• Weight capacity: 300 pounds

This toilet roll holder from Delta Faucet also functions as a grab bar, which is great if you have limited space. The solid, sturdy bar is convenient for people who want assistance getting up and down from the toilet. It’s available in five stylish finishes and offers lots of value for the cost.

Customers say it’s easy to change the toilet roll, though some people wish there were a way to keep the roll from sliding.

How to choose grab bars and safety rails

Before buying a grab bar, consider the following factors:

• Installation needs. Permanent stud-mounted bars are usually more stable and secure, though they may not work for all bathrooms.
• Portability. Grab bars that are tension-mounted are ideal if you want to move them to different bathrooms, use them for travel, or cannot make permanent changes to your home. However, they may be slightly less stable than stud-mounted bars.
• Materials. Make sure the grab bar is made of materials that are resistant to rust and corrosion. You can also consider a finish that fits in nicely with the look of your bathroom, if you desire.
• Length. Make sure the bar is long enough so you can grab it from anywhere in the bathtub or shower.
• Intended use. Decide whether you want to use it to hang on to while showering, get in and out of the bathtub, or get on or off the toilet. Choose a grab bar with a higher weight capacity if you want it to provide more support.

How to install grab bars 

To ensure safety, it’s vital to install the grab bar correctly. If you need assistance, ask a friend or hire a professional.

Once the grab bar is installed, pull it to make sure it’s secure if you have the strength and stability to do so safely. If you don’t feel comfortable testing it on your own, ask someone to check it for you.

You can install grab bars onto various surfaces, including tile, stone, and fiberglass. Most wall-mounted grab bars require installation into a wall stud, which provides the most support. If it’s not possible to drill into a wall stud, you can usually buy anchors to secure the bar.

Usually, grab bars come with installation hardware but many people like to invest in stronger materials or source their hardware from a local hardware store. You’ll need a drill, level, and hammer. Additional required materials include a screwdriver and tape measure.

Do not use a towel bar as a grab bar. For safety, only use a grab bar that’s designed to support your weight and movements.

Frequently asked questions

How much weight can grab bars hold?

Most grab bars can hold between 250 to 500 pounds. Refer to the product’s packaging or user manual for the weight specifications. Grab bars installed into wall studs are the most secure and supportive.

Where should grab bars be installed?

You can install a grab bar in any area of your home where you want to have support. Grab bars are often installed in bathrooms since you may slip on wet, slick surfaces. You can use it to hold onto during showers, get in and out of the bathtub, or get on and off the toilet.

What is the best size for a shower grab bar?

The best size for a shower grab bar depends on your needs and how much space you have. Most shower grab bars are between 9 to 48 inches.

A shower grab bar should be long enough for you to reach from anywhere in the shower, especially if you require more assistance. You may decide to install a few shorter grab bars or one long grab bar to meet your needs.

The takeaway

The wet surfaces in bathrooms can make falls more likely, making grab bars a valuable addition to your home, especially if you have strength, stability, or balance concerns. They’re equally useful for anyone wanting to make their bathroom safer.

Consider how you plan to use the grab bar, the installation process, and any important design features. You can use this list and the provided guidance to find a grab bar that matches your needs.

If you need help installing the grab bar on your own, seek the help of a friend or hire a professional to ensure safe, secure installation.