Home & Garden

Review: The Best Bathtub Trays

A bathtub tray turns a routine soak into a small at-home spa: it keeps your book, tablet, candle, and a glass of wine within reach while protecting them from splashes. This guide recommends top bathtub trays based on extensive research, hands-on testing, and consumer feedback to suit different budgets and needs.

How we tested and what we considered

Real-world testing: We evaluated each tray in multiple tub types (standard, deep, and wider tubs) for fit, stability, and water resistance. We also checked foldability, storage convenience, and how well device/book holders work when wet steam is present.

Expert opinion and consumer feedback: We cross-referenced product specs with user reviews to surface common failure points (swelling, slipping, hinges) and confirm manufacturer claims like expandability ranges and warranties.

Key factors that influenced rankings:

  • Materials & build quality (bamboo vs. acrylic vs. PP) — affects durability and maintenance
  • Expandability & fit range — how many tub shapes/sizes a tray will fit
  • Non-slip stability — presence and effectiveness of silicone grips or anti-slip feet
  • Storage & portability — foldable vs. rigid and compactness when stored
  • Features — tablet/book rests, wine glass/candle holders, drainage
  • Value — price relative to materials and features

We prioritized trays that combine reliable materials, a secure fit, and useful features without frequent warranty claims or common defects.

Best Budget Pick
Transparent Acrylic Tub Shelf

Transparent Acrylic Tub Shelf

A budget-friendly, modern acrylic tub tray that fits most tubs and offers clear visibility. Lightweight, waterproof, and expandable, it keeps essentials organized and drains well — an excellent choice for minimalists and those who want a tidy, functional tray without the wood maintenance.

$15 from Amazon

This transparent acrylic tray is the cheapest way to get a stable, lightweight caddy that won’t warp or require lacquer maintenance. Key specs: acrylic construction, expandable 22.3"–31.8", central drainage, and anti-skid pads. Pros: waterproof, low maintenance, modern look, and a solid fit for smaller tubs. Cons: shorter maximum span limits use on very wide tubs; acrylic can scratch more easily than bamboo. Best for renters, apartment bathrooms, or anyone who wants a no-fuss tray that stays clear of mildew.

Premium Choice
ROYAL CRAFT WOOD Bath Caddy

ROYAL CRAFT WOOD Bath Caddy

A premium expandable bamboo caddy that blends elegant design with practical features: wide expansion, non-slip supports, foldable storage, and a water-resistant varnish — built for durability and a spa-like experience at home.

$24 from Amazon

ROYAL CRAFT WOOD’s bamboo tray stands out for craftsmanship and a long expansion range (29.5"–43"), making it suitable for wider tubs and couples. It’s coated with a protective varnish and finished with non-slip silicone grips. Highlights include dedicated slots for phone/tablet, wine/candle holders, and a foldable design for storage. Pros: attractive natural bamboo, wide fit range, 1-year warranty and customer support. Cons: higher price than basic trays, lacquer requires occasional care. Ideal for buyers who want a stylish, durable tray that looks like a piece of bathroom decor.

Best Value for Money
Premium Bamboo Bath Tray

Premium Bamboo Bath Tray

A feature-rich bamboo tray that balances price and functionality. Expandable, lacquer-sealed, and equipped with multiple holders and removable spa trays, it’s a dependable all-rounder for regular bath users who want extras without a premium price.

$20 from Amazon

This Yirilan tray offers many of the niceties of premium models—phone/tablet holder, wine and candle holes, removable spa trays, and a soap dish—while keeping the price reasonable. It expands from 28.5" to 41", has non-slip silicone, and is lacquered for water resistance. Pros: strong set of features, solid bamboo build, and thoughtful ventilation design to help drying. Cons: slightly narrower expansion than the widest premium models and occasional finish variability reported by some users. Recommended for buyers who want utility and a natural look without paying top-tier prices.

Editors Choice
HOME IT Bamboo Bath Caddy

HOME IT Bamboo Bath Caddy

A thoughtfully designed foldable bamboo caddy with a wide expansion range and extras like dual trays and a soap dish. It balances sturdiness, anti-slip features, and storage convenience — great for most home spa routines.

$22 from Amazon

HOME IT delivers a polished mix of features that made it our Editors’ Choice: expandable 29.7"–43.5", slip-resistant silicone grips, two trays plus a free soap dish, and a protective lacquer finish. Its build feels solid, and the wider expansion covers most tubs including deep or roman types. Pros: reliable stability, thoughtful accessory set, and attractive bamboo finish. Cons: slightly pricier than entry-level trays but still below many boutique options. This is our top pick for most people who want dependability, aesthetics, and practical extras.

Comparison at a glance

  • Best Budget Pick — Transparent Acrylic Tub Shelf (WIKELIDO): Lowest cost, waterproof acrylic, expands 22.3"–31.8", best for smaller tubs and low maintenance.
  • Premium Choice — ROYAL CRAFT WOOD Bath Caddy: High-end bamboo, expands 29.5"–43", varnished finish, 1-year warranty; great for wide tubs and long-term aesthetics.
  • Best Value for Money — Premium Bamboo Bath Tray (Yirilan): Excellent feature-to-price ratio, expands 28.5"–41", removable trays and soap dish; a practical, balanced choice.
  • Editors Choice — HOME IT Bamboo Bath Caddy: Combines durable build, wide expansion (29.7"–43.5"), slip resistance and accessory set; the most well-rounded pick.

Which is best overall? For most buyers the HOME IT Bamboo Bath Caddy is the best overall: it balances price, build quality, range, and useful accessories. If you need the absolute cheapest waterproof tray, the acrylic WIKELIDO is the better budget option. If you want a decorative, long-lasting wooden tray and widest fit, the ROYAL CRAFT WOOD is the premium choice.

Final recommendation

After hands-on testing, cross-checking user reports, and weighing features versus price, we recommend:

  • Choose HOME IT Bamboo Bath Caddy if you want the most dependable all-round tray with thoughtful extras.
  • Choose ROYAL CRAFT WOOD if you prioritize craftsmanship and a wider fit for very large tubs.
  • Choose the Transparent Acrylic Tub Shelf (WIKELIDO) if you want the lowest-cost, no-maintenance option for smaller tubs.
  • Choose Yirilan if you want the best mix of features for the price.

All selections above were chosen based on durability, stability (non-slip performance), expandability range, and user-friendly features like device holders and drainage. Measure your tub width before buying, and if you have a very wide or unusual tub shape, favor trays with a longer expansion range. These recommendations reflect thorough research, practical testing, and aggregation of consumer feedback to help you pick the right bathtub tray for your needs.