Best Small Hot Tub
Fully custom hot tubs can cost thousands of dollars and have high maintenance costs, which is why it’s sometimes worth looking into smaller hot tubs for a fraction of the price with easier upkeep. In this article, we’ll look at five of our favorites. Most of them are inflatable (with the exception of the QCA Spas), are easy to set up, and weigh much less than your standard hot tub.
When considering all factors, we found that the best small hot tub is the M-SPA Premium Spa. It came in with the highest overall marks, noted for Whisper Quiet technology to help reduce noise (those pumps and jets can be otherwise loud in some hot tubs), a beautifully decorated trim, 132 air jets, and an LED touch screen control panel. Given its lower price point, it almost doubles as a budget option as well, making it great for first-time buyers or those unsure how much use they’ll get out of their hot tub.
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- Premium Outdoor Spa
- 132 air jets
- Whisper Quiet Technology
- LED touch screen control panel
Last update on 2025-05-06 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
For more information on the M-SPA, see the Product Reviews section below.Budget Choice: Best Small Spa
The Goplus 4 person outdoor spa is our featured budget pick out of this set of hot tubs. Among its standout factors are its easy assembly, simple maintenance via a cartridge system (and hard water treatment system), and 360-degree bubble design. It comes with a cover which helps to retain heat when not in use as well as allow it to heat faster.
Last update on 2025-05-10 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
To learn more about the Goplus, see the Product Reviews section below.
Small Hot Tub Buyer’s Tips
Here are a few considerations when shopping for a small hot tub:
Spa Material
There are two main branches for small hot tubs: inflatable and hard-shell. The hard-shell units are generally higher quality but are much more expensive than inflatable units. They are also much less portable, and a bit harder to setup and take down for storage than inflatables.
But hard-shell spas look much nicer, and feel more upscale than inflatables. That said, the inflatable spa makes are getting more adept at making stylish inflatable units, so this may be slowly changing.
Spa Size
Most spas in the small spa category are capable of fitting 2-4 people. If you don’t anticipate having more than 2-4 people in your spa, there’s no real reason to get a much larger spa than you need. Larger spas cost more to heat, use more water, and will require more maintenance. Sticking to a smaller spa is almost certainly budget-friendly.
Size of the Spa Enclosure or Area
You should consider the size of the area where you wish to place your small hot tub. Smaller hot tubs will naturally fit in more places than larger hot tubs will, and are therefore a bit easier to use in a greater number of spots. Consider where you will be entering and exiting the tub, and what the structural integrity of the base material is.
Also, the shape of the spa area will help inform the shape for the tub. Square spas and oval spas are the most comfortable in terms of leg room, but round spas are fine in many cases, and round spas will be easier to maneuver around when getting in and out.
Steps and Railings
Spa safety is always a concern, so consider whether or not you’ll need hot tub steps or spa handrails when entering and exiting the tub.
Small Hot Tub Reviews
In this section, we’ll look at five of our favorite small hot tubs. We’ll start with a comparison table to get on even footing, and then move into individual reviews. We’ll conclude with our favorites.
Last update on 2025-05-06 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
1. QCA Spas Model 0H SM Sirius 2-Person Oval Spa
The most “permanent” of the hot tubs we review, this acrylic-made spa provides great long-term durability. However, its narrow shape only leaves room for two people at most. It is one of our favorite two-person hot tubs.
Key Points at a Glance
- 16 stainless steel jets
- Heater: 1 KW
- 12 volt light
- Factory installed ozonator
- Pump: 1.5 HP continuous duty pump
- Airflow control system
For warranty information, Amazon states that it can be requested through their customer service.
Dimensions and Specs
- Capacity: 2 people
- Water capacity: 190 gallons
- 91” x 42” x 29”
- Item weight: 214 pounds
- Shipping weight: 441 pounds
The Details
This home hot tub is best for 1 or 2 people max, given its compact oval shape. The shell is a Lucite-Xtra Acrylic which went through a three-layer strengthening process called dura-bond. This shell will be comparatively much stronger than some of the following spas we review, which are inflatable hot tubs and best described as firm but soft.
Despite its hard shell, it’s still a very versatile hot tub that you can use in a myriad of places around your house. Its total weight is only 214 pounds – which is still heavy to be sure but is less of a fixture compared to standard hot tubs, allowing this to retain the “plug and play hot tub” status of other smaller hot tubs.
For controls, it comes standard with temperature up/down, pump and heater on/off, and the light option has on, color, and off controls. You can choose whether or not you want white light, rotating LED lights, or none at all.
Critically speaking, there does seem to be one issue that occasionally shows up in reviews of this hot tub. Durability is something to keep in mind, as a few people have reported leaks after repeated use over the long term. While it definitely seems to be a somewhat rare occurrence, be sure to take care of your hot tub to reduce the risk of long term issues developing.
The Bottom Line
For the price range that this hot tub is in, you begin to move away from plug and play style hot tubs and into the low end of full-on installations. With that mind, it’s important to know exactly what you’re looking for.
This is best as a middle option between completely inflatable hot tubs that weigh much less and those full installations that we just mentioned – so if you’re looking to balance versatility as well as durability, this might be the right option for you.
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- Plugs into any 120 Volt/15 Amp outlet with the included, built in 15...
- 1.5 HP Energy Efficient Pump with 16 Stainless Steel Jets
- Features a 1 KW heater and 12 volt light
- 16 Jets
Last update on 2025-05-06 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
2. Goplus 4-6 Person Outdoor Spa Inflatable Hot Tub
Goplus’ inflatable portable hot tub comes in a stylish finish, and with two sizes, is appropriate for either 4 or 6 people.
Key Points at a Glance
- A built-in hard water treatment system
- Uses easy-to-replace filter cartridges
- An insulated cover and ground cloth to minimize heat loss
- Easy to assemble within minutes
For warranty information, contact Goplus directly on Amazon.
Dimensions and Specs
- Capacity: 4 people
- Water capacity: 210 gallons
- 73 x 73 x 26 inches
- Item weight: 53.4 pounds
- Shipping weight: 53.4 pounds
The Details
If you’re looking for the best cheap spa option of the list, then look no further: this hot tub by Goplus seats up to 4 people (with a second size that can fit 6) and comes in at a very reasonable price. With a simple installation and cartridge system to keep the water clean, it’s perfect for those looking for something low maintenance and being affordable.
The max temperature of the water is 104 degrees Fahrenheit, perfect for hot tub safety. Some users have noted that it can be a little slow to warm up, and if the cartridge has gone through some use, that may prevent it from warming up all the way as well. The side walls are inflatable, lending itself to having a comfortable, cushion-like feel.
After it’s set up, taking care of it is easy. There is a simple cover system to keep it enclosed during winter months or poor weather, and handles on the side allow for it to be easily moved around, given that it is drained first.
The Bottom Line
For the price, it’s hard to beat the Goplus inflatable hot tub. Whether you’re looking to “test the waters” to see if a hot tub is for you or just need something simple and easy to set up, this is great all the way around. The only issue that seems to come up is with the water temperature itself, with some people noting that it can take hours to get warm.
With that aside though, this is a great product for the price and the value it offers.
Last update on 2025-05-10 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
3. Comfort Line Products Spa-N-A-Box Portable Spa
With less than a 20-minute setup, this portable spa can easily be put up and taken down when the season permits, while being efficient with water use and looking great.
Key Points at a Glance
- Constructed from heavy duty PVC vinyl
- Over 100 micro-air jets
- Easy set up in under 20 minutes, no additional tools needed
- 24 hour filtration, keeping the water consistently clean
For warranty information, contact Comfort Line Products directly on Amazon.
Dimensions and Specs
- Capacity: 2 people
- Water capacity: 275 gallons
- 74 x 74 x 27 inches
- Item weight: 85 pounds (as listed; may actually be the shipping weight)
- Shipping weight: 71 pounds (as listed; may actually be the item weight)
The Details
With Comfort Line’s “Spa-N-A-Box”, we begin to look at the first higher end inflatable hot tub, a middle option between Goplus’s budget inflatable hot tub and QCA Spa’s full acrylic hot tub.
Similar to Goplus, this has quite easy assembly to get started: it’ll only take 20 minutes, with no additional tools needed. Once set up, the functionality is where this hot tub begins to shine.
It has over 100 micro-air jets, leading to increased comfort and relaxation compared to other hot tubs. Temperature is easily maintained via a 1000W thermostat controlled heater, and it boasts 24 hour efficient filtration to keep the water clean – which makes it best if you’re getting daily use out of the hot tub, or at least a few times per week.
For durability and longevity, the liner is constructed of what they call “heavy duty marine grade 3 ply PVC vinyl”. This is the same material used to build some white water rafts, to it’s safe to say it can put up with a good deal without succumbing to the elements or normal wear-and-tear.
The Spa-N-A-Box has a more finished look than most inflatable hot tubs, and includes what is essentially an inflatable hot tub surround. This significantly improves the overall look, but increases the cost.
For as well built this hot tub is, ironically, durability is where there seems to be a common issue: with the hot tub’s pump. A few people have noted how the pump’s longevity didn’t match with the rest of the hot tub, with some people losing pump functionality within a year, and others within two years. They do offer replacement pumps but it comes at a price, so be sure to be especially careful when handling so as to mitigate the chance of running into this problem.
The Bottom Line
Those that run into problems with this hot tub seem to be the exception, rather than the norm, and the Spa-N-A-Box is a solid (inflatable) spa overall. The biggest upsides are that it is easy to put together, requires minimal maintenance, includes a vinyl puncture repair kit if there is ever a leak, and is reasonable on your electricity bill. On the downside, there is the occasional issue with the pump (which also happens to be on the louder side) and it can lose heat quickly.
Overall, we don’t think that the cons are deal breakers for this particular outdoor spa but there may be better, similar options on our list of five worth checking out if you like this one.
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- Now you can enjoy a relaxing, invigorating spa experience anytime,...
- With over 100 micro-air jets, the 1.3HP TurboWave Massage system will...
- Easy to setup, installs in less than 20 minutes with no tools needed!...
- 1000W Thermostatically Controlled Heater, to maintain a comfortable...
Last update on 2025-05-10 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
4. MSPA Premium Soho 132 Jet Relaxation and Hydrotherapy Spa M-029S
Perfect for four people, this outdoor spa boasts an LED touch screen control panel on top of “Whisper Quiet” technology to help aid in reducing the amount of noise it emits.
Key Points at a Glance
- Made from high-quality PVC material; firm but soft texture
- LED touch screen control panel
- 132 total air jets
- Whisper Quiet technology
- White with black leather decorative trim
For warranty information, contact M-SPA directly on Amazon.
Dimensions and Specs
- 73 x 73 x 27 inches
- Capacity: 4 people
- Water capacity: 245 gallons
• Item weight: 74 pounds - Shipping weight: 84 pounds
The Details
The first thing to note about M-SPA’s Soho 132 outdoor spa is that it features “Whisper Quiet” technology, which helps to reduce overall noise production. Similar to the Goplus, it has an abundance of air jets, with 132 total.
Many love how well it retains heat, especially faced against frigid weather (see here for more information on using a hot tub in winter). It can last hours at over 100 degrees Fahrenheit without requiring reheating, with a max temperature of 104. Like the others, it runs at 110V.
There are a few accessories that arrive with this hot tub: a hot tub cover, a pad for the underneath of it, a timer for the heater, and an LED touch screen control panel. It is white with black trim.
The Bottom Line
How does the Soho 132 stack up against the competition? As an inflatable hot tub, the price is right where it should be, coming in slightly more expensive than the Goplus, but less than the Bestway hot tub which we’ll review next.
Overall, the biggest thing is that there are no glaring issues with this hot tub especially when looking towards the long term, making it a safe purchase considering its lower price point. Given its size, the up-to-date features such as the touch screen control panel, and its appealing look, it’s hard to go wrong with the 132, making it our top pick.
- This item will be delivered curbside. To have the item delivered to a...
- Premium Outdoor Spa
- 132 air jets
- Whisper Quiet Technology
- LED touch screen control panel
Last update on 2025-05-06 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
5. SaluSpa Siena AirJet Inflatable Hot Tub
Bestway’s inflatable hot tub fits two and comes packed full of features to help give it an edge, including: a cover, pump, chemical floater, pressure gauge, air pad protector, repair kit, and a nifty beverage table that goes across the middle of it.
Key Points at a Glance
- Made of Tritech material
- Comes standard with cover, pump, chemical floater, pressure gauge, air pad protector, repair kit, beverage table
- Includes AirJet system, 120 total
Warranty information can be found directly on the product’s page, or click here: https://images-na.ssl-images-amazon.com/images/I/71iweUN2EyS.pdf
Dimensions and Specs
- 38.2 x 23.5 x 21.4 inches
- Capacity: 2 people
- Water capacity: n/a
- Item weight: 78.9 pounds
- Shipping weight: 96 pounds
The Details
Bestway’s SaluSpa comes with a cover, spa pump, chemical floater, pressure gauge, two filter cartridges, a beverage table, aid pad protector, and a repair kit, making certain there is no shortage of features and necessities with this hot tub.
The main difference between the SaluSpa and many of the hot tubs we’ve reviewed thus far is the shape – it is most similar to the QCA Spas Oval hot tub, where it is more narrow and oval than round. Consider it the inflatable version coming in at a much lower price comparatively. With this shape, it’s definitely geared for one or two people at most – however, it may be possible to fit two couples in it — though it would be tight!
The most welcome features in this hot tub are the air jets, beverage table, and repair kit. The air jets increase the overall comfort of the hot tub but can lead to slight temperature drops while running. The spa beverage table is great to hold drinks and stay hydrated, especially when in the hot tub
The Bottom Line
Similar to other hot tubs, the only issue that people seemed to take up with this is with the pump, wherein rare circumstances it failed around the 6 to 12-month mark. Smaller problems, like leaks, are easily fixed with the repair kit if they do crop up. Price wise, this does come in at a higher point than some of the other inflatable hot tubs but it is still within the same range.
Last update on 2025-05-06 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
Conclusion
When shopping for the right small hot tub, there are many factors to consider: the scale of the tub relative to the space you have, durability and longevity, what kind of features or extras it comes with, and how the look, shape, and feel of the hot tub will fit in with your home. Considering for many buyers, a hot tub is a significant purchase, the most important factor is how long it will last, ensuring all of the parts function up to par for months or years.
While it’s hard to go wrong with any of these particular hot tubs, a few do stand out for their excellent quality, features, and reasonable price. The first is the M-SPA Premium Soho 132, which has a total water capacity of 245 gallons (the most of the ones we’ve reviewed), ensuring a full immersion. Whisper Quiet technology, an LED control panel and a decorative white leather w/ black trim look that should fit in any home.
Meanwhile, if you’re looking for the best quality for the price, it’s hard to go wrong with the Goplus outdoor spa, which retains similar features and durability as some of the other hot tubs. Fitting up to six people, it is easy to assemble and maintain and is our featured budget option.
Last update on 2025-05-10 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
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