Below, you will find our top 5 picks for the best shower bench with detailed reviews of each. We also encourage you to check out our guide on How to Choose a Shower or Tub Transfer Bench to best help you know what to specifically look for in a bath transfer bench before you make a final decision.

Best Shower & Tub Transfer Benches

	Duro-Med Tub Transfer Bench	Medline Tub Transfer Bench	Drive Medical Folding Universal Sliding Transfer Bench
Max. Weight	400 lbs.	350 lbs.	300 lbs.
Height	Seat height adjustable from 19”-23.5”	Independently adjustable leg heights	Adjustable seat height
Special Features	Tool-free assembly, Sliding seat function	Microban antimicrobial protection, Built-in drain holes	Folds up for storage, Sliding seat function
Customer Ratings	4.1 / 5.0 Stars	4.5 / 5.0 Stars	4.2 / 5.0 Stars

Also see: Best Shower & Tub Transfer Benches Comparison Table

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Quick Answer: The 7 Best Shower & Tub Transfer Benches For 2020

1. Duro-Med Tub Transfer Bench
2. Medline Tub Transfer Bench
3. Drive Medical Folding Universal Sliding Transfer Bench
4. Drive Medical Plastic Tub Transfer Bench
5. HydroGlyde Premium Sliding Bathtub Transfer Bench

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Best Shower & Tub Transfer Benches Reviews

#1 – Duro-Med Tub Transfer Bench

Our very first pick for the best shower seat is this Duro-Med Tub Transfer Bench. This is one of the sliding shower chair models and has a ton of really beneficial features.

The Duro-Med Transfer Bench has a high weight limit of 400 pounds that helps ensure safety for a larger variety of people.

The seat itself, while strong, is made from a lightweight and rust-resistant aluminum frame. The blow molded plastic seat is designed for comfort and safety.

It features a backrest as well as a safety handle on the side of the bench. Additional safety features include anti-slip rubber suction cup feet, a hook and loop safety belt, and a nylon seat lock.

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#2 – Medline Tub Transfer Bench

The Medline Transfer Tub Bench is another great transfer bench that is a bit more affordable. This is the second least expensive option of all of our top picks.

It does have a little less in terms of features and benefits, but is still great quality overall. This bath bench does not have a sliding seat. Instead, it has a full bench seat.

This is great for anyone that has wider hips and needs more room on their seat. It allows the user to get onto the bench from the outside of the tub and then simply slide themselves to the tub side of the bench.

It is better for people with slightly less limited mobility since the seat doesn’t actually slide itself.

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#3 – Drive Medical Folding Universal Sliding Transfer Bench

Here is a really innovative transfer bath bench from Drive Medical. Like the Duro-Med Tub Transfer Bench, this transfer seat actually features the sliding function that makes entry and exit of the tub or shower that much easier.

The safety handle on this transfer bench is actually built directly into the seat allowing the handle to actually slide with you. You can even choose which side of the seat the handle is installed into.

A safety belt and anti-slip feet keep the transfer bench nice and safe for the user. The legs are individually height adjustable to ensure the best possible fit for each tub/shower and each user.

One of the major things that sets this transfer bench apart from other options is that it is designed to be folded up into a more compact size for easy and convenient storage.

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#4 – Drive Medical Plastic Tub Transfer Bench

Here is another option from Drive Medical that is quite different than the previous Drive Medical pick. This transfer bench is more similar to the Medline Tub Transfer Bench.

It does not have a sliding seat. Instead, it is designed to allow the user to sit down on the side outside of the tub and then scoot themselves across the bench and into the tub.

A simple design with a rust-free aluminum frame and lightweight blow molded plastic keeps the weight of the entire bench at just 10 pounds.

Anti-slip legs on the outside of the tub and large suction cup feet on the inside of the tub keep the bench in place perfectly for enhanced safety. Drain holes reduce slip risk and a backrest enhances comfort.

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#5 – HydroGlyde Premium Sliding Bathtub Transfer Bench

Our final pick for the best shower transfer bench is the HydroGlyde Premium Sliding Transfer Bench. Comparatively speaking, this bench is most similar to the first pick from Duro-Med.

It is a sliding transfer chair. So, the seat itself slides across the bench to make entry and exit of the tub and shower as effortless as possible for the user.

This transfer seat has a lot of high-quality features. Safety features include things like anti-slip rubber feet, an adjustable safety strap, and seat locking mechanism.

Unlike any of the other benches we reviewed, this bench has a safety handle that is padded.

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Best Shower & Tub Transfer Benches Comparison Table

		Price	Max. Weight	Height	Special Features	Customer Ratings
Duro-Med Tub Transfer Bench		$109.00	400 lbs.	Seat height adjustable from 19”-23.5”	Tool-free assembly, Sliding seat function	4.1 / 5.0 Stars
Medline Tub Transfer Bench		$69.99	350 lbs.	Independently adjustable leg heights	Microban antimicrobial protection, Built-in drain holes	4.5 / 5.0 Stars
Drive Medical Folding Universal Sliding Transfer Bench		$117.99	300 lbs.	Adjustable seat height	Folds up for storage, Sliding seat function	4.2 / 5.0 Stars
Drive Medical Plastic Tub Transfer Bench		$50.99	400 lbs.	Independently adjustable leg heights	Suction cup feet for tub side, Anti-slip feet for floor side	4.5 / 5.0 Stars
HydroGlyde Premium Sliding Bathtub Transfer Bench		$194.00	420 lbs.	Independently adjustable leg heights	Tool-free assembly, Sliding seat function	4.3 / 5.0 Stars

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How to Choose A Tub Or Shower Transfer Bench

When mobility is lost, a lot can go with it. Many people who are faced with reduced mobility struggle with a lot of emotional turmoil as well.

One very important thing to help those with reduced mobility to feel their best whether the mobility loss is temporary or permanent, is to find ways to help them function as normally as possible on a day-to-day basis.

The best shower transfer bench is an excellent tool to help do just that. The great thing about a shower or tub transfer bench is that it doesn’t just provide a safe place for the person with limited mobility within the shower or tub.

It also provides a safe and convenient way for them to actually enter the shower or tub, which can be a serious hazard in many cases without proper tools and/or precaution.

A shower bench seat or sliding transfer bench can make a huge difference in the lives of those that struggle to safely enter the shower or tub. It is important to consider the individual features of different bathroom bench seat options, though.

Tub and shower transfer benches vary quite a bit from one another. There are a lot of individual features that come together to make each unique transfer bench. A transfer bench can make a huge difference in the life of a person with limited mobility.

However, choosing the right transfer bench for the specific user is vital. Without features that match a specific user’s needs, a transfer bench might not help much for that person.

Below, you can check out the specific features to look for as you choose a transfer bench for yourself or a loved one.

Maximum Weight

With products where weight or size is a factor, it’s generally an important place to start. A transfer bench will be useless to anyone over the maximum weight for it, after all.

Generally, these types of products have a pretty high maximum weight but it does vary some between different options.

The maximum weight of a tub transfer bench based off of various details like materials and testing. It’s rare to find a maximum weight under 300 lbs.

So, it you or your loved one is under this weight, it probably won’t be much of a concern for you. However, anyone over 300 lbs. may need to be more careful as they look at their options.

Make sure that the transfer bench you choose is approved for the weight of the intended user. This is a very important safety consideration to take.

Sliding Function

One of the big differences you’ll find among the different tub transfer benches out there is whether or not they have a sliding function.

Some tub transfer benches are just simple benches that allow a user to sit down on the outside edge of the bench and then manually scoot themselves over into the tub on the bench.

This is a good option for those that need the extra help and support but aren’t severely limited in their mobility. Other shower transfer tubs are designed as a seat that slides back and forth along the length of the bench.

These models have a locking mechanism of some kind that keeps the seat where you want it on the bench when sliding is not wanted.

They are excellent for users with even more limited mobility because they allow the user to simply sit down and slide into the bath.

These models take considerably less effort from the user to enter and exit the bath or shower. Just keep in mind that they are usually more expensive.

Frame

The frame of your transfer bench is important because it holds the entire thing together and supports the weight of the user.

While some transfer bench frames are made from plastic, an aluminum frame is more common. The aluminum is strong and designed to be rust-resistant.

It remains lightweight while being very safe and sturdy. The aluminum is generally preferable because of the durability and stability of it.

Height Adjustability

Another very important feature that should be considered when you purchase a tub transfer bench is the height adjustability of the bench. Most of these transfer benches have independently adjustable legs.

This is important because in the vast majority of cases, the floor of the bath or shower is higher than the floor of the actual bathroom.

Since one side of the bench is meant to be outside the tub or shower while the other side is inside the tub or shower, adjustable legs are very important. They allow you to get the bench level or very close to it.

This is vital for safety and comfort purposes. Most benches will work for most bathroom set-ups. However, if you have a particularly large difference between the height of your bathroom floor and your tub floor, it is definitely worthwhile to check the precise dimensions of a shower transfer bench before purchase.

Feet Style

There are two main styles of feet for tub transfer benches. There are rubber feet and there are suction cup feet.

Most transfer benches feature suction cups on the tub side and rubber feet on the floor side. This is generally ideal because it provides the least chance of slipping.

Some options have rubber feet on all 4 legs, however. This usually won’t be a problem because the rubber feet so well in most bathtubs.

If you feel concerned by it, you can always play it safe and only consider options with suction cup feet for the bath side.

Safety Handle

Here is a feature that varies a little more among transfer benches. Most options do have a handle for safety but the exact specifications can be quite different on different benches.

Some handles are only on one side of the bench while others are easily reversed to either side as needed.

You’ll also want to consider in the case of sliding benches if the handle is attached to the bench itself or the actual seat.

In other words, on sliding transfer benches, sometimes the handle slides along with the seat while sometimes it stays in one position on the bench.

Padding is also an important consideration. Most of the time, these safety handles are simply aluminum bars.

This can be helpful, but options with pudding are generally more comfortable and designed to be anti-slip even when hands are wet and soapy.

Backrest

The backrest of a transfer bench is definitely important as well. It adds a very important element of support, safety, and comfort to the bench.

There isn’t a lot to consider in terms of how these backrests vary. You may want to consider the size and shape of the backrest and if the backrest is contoured or not.

These specifications will help to determine the overall comfort of the bench.

Perineal Cut-Out

Here is another feature that you simply won’t find on all tub transfer benches. It is called a perineal cut-out and it is exactly what it sounds like.

A perineal cut-out is an opening in the bottom of the seat of the bench similar to that of a toilet chair.

The opening exposes the perineal area or genitals in such a way that makes washing while sitting in the chair easy.

This is a very important area to maintain hygiene, so many find the perineal cut-out to be vital while only a few benches have the feature.

Keep in mind that benches with the cut-out include a piece that slides into the cut-out when desired to make it just a normal seat.

Storage Features

One really nice feature that you will find on some transfer bench options is storage. It is relatively common to find tub transfer benches that have a spot to hold a shower wand.

This is excellent because a shower wand is the perfect way for a user of the transfer bench with limited mobility to effectively clean themselves. Some benches even have soap dishes built right in.

Storability

In addition to considering what bathing items you can store in or on the bench, you also want to think about how you can store the bench itself. Many users may find it easiest to just leave the bench in place in their bathroom.

That’s good because most benches must be disassembled for storage. There are options out there, however, that actually fold up to be put away and then easily fold back out into a usable position.

This is great for situations when the bath or shower will be regularly used by more than just the person that needs the bench.

Cost

Finally, cost is a really important factor to take into consideration with a product such as a shower transfer bench. Cost is affected by features.

So, you may not want to get the most expensive option for someone who still has a good amount of mobility or for someone that has only a temporary loss of mobility.

It’s mostly just up to your own budget and which features are most important to you though.

Tub Transfer Bench FAQs

How does a tub transfer bench work?

A tub transfer bench is designed to make entry and exit of the tub or shower as easy as possible for anyone with limited mobility. It features a frame that holds either a full bench or a sliding seat.

Two of the four legs sit inside the tub or shower while the other two sit outside of it on the bathroom floor. The user sits down on the bench or seat from the outside of the tub or shower.

Then – depending on the design of the bench – slides or scoots into the tub or shower.

Are tub transfer benches safe?

Yes, when used properly, tub transfer benches are completely safe. They actually increase safety. Just remember to always follow the instructions of the manufacturer when using the transfer bench.

Will I need help to use a tub transfer bench?

Tub and shower transfer benches are designed to increase independence, safety, and comfort of those with limited mobility.

Whether a person is able to safely and effectively use the bench on their own is greatly dependent on the individual’s needs and abilities.

This is something best discussed with a healthcare professional and/or caregiver if you are unsure if you can use the bench safely on your own.

Buyer’s Tips for Tub Transfer Benches

Mobility

When your mobility is limited for any reason, it can cause a serious negative impact on your life. The best way to combat that is to find ways to remain as independent as possible and continue on with everyday life.

Simply being able to get into the shower or tub can make a huge impact and help one to feel better about themselves both physically and mentally.

Knowing you or a loved one can benefit from a shower transfer tub is one thing, but actually choosing the right one and making a purchase can be more difficult and sometimes even overwhelming.

We hope our guide is helpful as you make this important decision.

Weight Limit & Height

Remember details like weight limit, sliding functionality, and height adjustability are especially important. From there, just be sure to choose a good retailer for purchase.

Amazon is a great example of such a retailer with a wide variety of options, excellent customer service, and competitive pricing.

Looking for the best deal is a good idea too, as long as you choose a reputable and trustworthy retailer. Hopefully soon, your new tub transfer bench will have a positive impact on you or your loved one’s day-to-day life.