Best Towable Tubes

Heading to the lake with your boat just isn’t the same without a towable tube to drag behind on the water. There’s nothing more exciting than feeling the wind in your hair and a tug in your stomach as you lie flat and brace yourself as the boat speeds ahead, pulling you behind for a whirlwind of fun and adrenaline.

But not all towable tubes are made to the same standard, and you’ll need a good one if you want to go faster or be comfortable. The best towable tubes take some know-how to find. Fortunately, we’ve put this guide together and done the research so you don’t have to.

We’ll show you the best tubes for single, two, three, and even four riders at once, plus showcase some tubes designed for speed or comfort depending on your preference. No matter which kind of towable tube you need, there’s definitely one that’s a perfect fit for your boat and family. Let’s get started!

Best Towable Tubes

1. Sportsstuff Big Mable| 1-2 Rider Towable Tube

This towable tube allows you to sit upright as you’re pulled along at high speeds.

Key Features

• 2 riders max
• Full nylon cover
• Multiple grab handles
• 340 pounds max weight

Overall, this towable tube is one of the best all-around variants you can find. It’s made with heavy-duty nylon that’s built to withstand quite a lot of punishment and remain inflated even at high speeds. It also has an aluminum quick connect tow point so you can snap into place in just seconds.

This speed safety valve is present so that you don’t accidentally let too much air out of the towable too quickly. Combine that with plenty of handles scattered on the sides and in the middle of the towable, and you’ve got quite a safe ride for children and adults alike.

The only downside is that the backrest while being firm and perfect for keeping you upright, is also a bit uncomfortable. It can become a strain on your back muscles if you use this towable for longer than an hour or so. But since you probably shouldn’t be riding a towable for that long anyway, we’d still recommend this for most folks.

Pros

• Very durable
• Easy to connect with aluminum connector
• Safety valve included for protection

Cons

• The backrest isn’t very comfortable

With plenty of safety features and a durable cover, this is a great towable tube for families or friends alike.

2. WoW Watersports 18-1140 1 to 3 Person Towable

This inflatable tube is one of the more creative variants you’ll find.

Key Features

• 1 to 3 people max
• Soft material
• Maximum 510 pounds
• 3-point tow system
• Speed valve

This inflatable tube has a special design with a middle seat atop a duck-shaped portion, followed by two other places on either side. There’s a side bumper system to help keep riders on the tube even if things become bumpy.

However, the unique design of this towable tube means that keeping your grip at higher speeds is likely a little more difficult than you might have expected. The handles at the front on either side of the tube are serviceable, but not super easy to grab for long. The middle seat is particularly hard to stay in at top speeds, so be careful if you have a kid ride in the middle of this tube.

Pros

• A unique take on the towable tube
• Fun for kids
• Easy to use and set up despite complex shape

Cons

• The middle seat is dangerous for younger kids
• Harder to keep your grip

This inflatable tube is a great choice for kids or adults if you don’t go too quickly and give people time to readjust their grips.

3. WOW Max 3 Person Towable World of Sports Water Fun

This massive towable tube is perfect for larger groups of people who all want to play at once.

Key Features

• 3 people max
• Speed valve included
• Has extra handles for stability

This massive tube is perfectly sized for seating three different people. It has enough room even for three adults and plenty of handles so that everyone can enjoy themselves without flying over the edge. The backrest is also nicely comfortable and despite the size, setting up this inflatable tube is easy thanks to the speed valve.

However, its large size and wide flat bottom make it easy to catch extra air if you jump the tube over a wave of considerable size. Be careful when tugging people along to keep things fun and smooth throughout your time on the water.

Pros

• Very easy to fit three people, even adults
• Comfortable backrest
• Very stable

Cons

• A bit large
• Can catch the wind easily/jump too high

This inflatable tube is an excellent choice for group parties or for towing several kids along at once.

4. AIRHEAD SWITCH BACK 4 Rider

This towable tube has enough room for four people at maximum, so long as you’re willing to be a bit adventurous.

Key Features

• 4 riders maximum
• Double-stitched nylon cover
• 2-speed safety valves

This is one of the best Airhead tubes around. It can hold four people in total, making it one of the biggest tubes on the market. It’s also extremely durable, with rugged double-stitched nylon and two speed safety valves that let you set it up or deflate it in just seconds despite its large size.

The fact that it can seat four people, however, doesn’t necessarily mean you should. The latter two spots are behind the main backrest, meaning they have to stay on their knees throughout the tubing session. It’s easy to put too much strain on your knees, especially if you go on some wicked jumps.

Pros

• A very creative way to fit four people
• Nicely durable
• Quick to set up
• Doesn’t leak air very much

Cons

• Secondary positions are a bit easy to slip off

Try this airhead tube out if all four people wanting to be pulled across the water have some experience and can keep their grips on the back seats.

5. WOW World of Watersports Bingo Inflatable Towable Tube

This towable tube lets you hit high speeds in comfort and style.

Key Features

• 2 people maximum
• 2 different towing options
• Full nylon cover and EVA foam pads
• Aluminum easy tow connector
• 340 pounds max capacity

This inflatable tube lets you put two riders on the water at once. They can either sit on the interior or go to the back of the tube and sit chariot style for a more adventurous experience. All of the handles and seating are comfortable and padded for ultimate enjoyment. Even better, the very bottom of this towable tube has been designed for fuel-efficient towing: less drag on the boat means that you’ll achieve higher top speeds.

However, pitting two full-sized adults inside the interior of the tube is a little more difficult since there isn’t a lot of extra space. It’s still pretty comfortable, but just be aware that you might have to hold yourself up a bit in order to achieve maximum capacity.

Pros

• One of the most comfortable tubes on the market
• Lots of versatility in towing styles
• Allows for fast speeds due to bottom construction

Cons

• Cramped interior

This inflatable tube is a great choice for adults or teenagers who want to go fast while being safe at the same time.

6. Airhead Rebel 54 Inch 1 Person Durable Red Towable Tube Kit

This single rider tube is a great choice for smaller gatherings or those trying to go as fast as possible.

Key Features

• 1 person max
• 12-volt pump included
• 4 deluxe handles

This simple towable tube has several deluxe handles arrayed on the front for multiple places you can secure yourself. It’s easy to inflate and comes with its own pump, as well as a special valve to allow for quick inflation and deflation. The towing cable is particularly durable and can handle high speeds confidently.

Compared to many more advanced towable tubes, this variant is rather limited. It can only fit one person and you have to lay on your stomach as you’re pulled behind a boat. Even so, it’s an affordable choice and great if you only have a small gathering with friends that will take turns being towed.

Pros

• Easy to set up
• Classic design
• Lightweight/easy to achieve top speeds

Cons

• Only fits one person at a time
• Requires that you lay flat

It’s a simple towable tube, but it does its job well and is easy to use.

7. WOW Watersports Zinger 2P Towable

This towable tube has multiple seating options and multiple towing options, although the seated position is best for comfort and stability.

Key Features

• 2 riders maximum
• Extra high backrest and walls
• 340 lbs max capacity
• EZ tow connector

This towable tube can fit two riders and has the same number of tow points at the front or back, giving you multiple options for enjoying the tube. The tow connector is easy to clip onto any rope or cable, and both the backrest and side cushions are very well inflated and comfortable. It’s a really secure inflatable tube, so it might be a great choice for kids starting to become comfortable in the water for the first time.

While the inclusion of the back seat is nice, it doesn’t add up to much as the chariot style kneeling positions are likely to hurt your knees if you land hard on the water after jumping a wave. We’d recommend that only kids or fit adults use the inflatable tube in this manner.

Pros

• Multiple seating options for kids or adults
• Comfortable for leisurely riding
• Two tow points for experience variety

Cons

• Kneeling position can hurt needs

It’s a fine choice for families for adults alike, although kids will benefit from the added security more than anything.

8. AIRHEAD VIPER, 1 rider

This one rider tube is ideal for vacationers who want to take to the lake or ocean in comfort.

Key Features

• 1 rider maximum
• Nylon rap handles
• Encased in double-stitched nylon

This towable tube fits one person and can provide the ultimate comfortable experience. It’s perfectly sized for one adult to relax with their feet up and offers twin comfortable handholds on either side of the tube. The backrest is a little bumpy but mostly comfortable, and inflating the tube only takes a couple of minutes.

However, there are better towable tubes to choose if you want to go as fast as possible. The shape that this tube uses is ideal for comfort and stability, but it’s not the best for minimizing drag on your towing boat. It’s a good choice for adults who want to relax or enjoy speed and the fresh air without leaping into the air with every rogue wave.

Pros

• Good bottom for achieving stability
• Very comfortable to sit in

Cons

• Can’t go quite as fast as other one rider tubes

This inflatable tube a good choice for relaxation rather than racing.

9. AIRHEAD EZ SKI

This practice jet ski tube is great for kids learning how to waterski for the first time.

Key Features

• 1 rider maximum
• 70 lb weight capacity
• Has integrated wooden water ski trainers
• Engineered for stability

This inflatable ski shaped tube has a seat that you can deflate or inflate as you need. You can sit or stand and enjoy the practice of being pulled on a water ski without having to go through the top speeds or difficulty of the real thing.

But while it’s been engineered for overall stability, it’s also not designed for superfast towing adventures. They can only go up to 10 miles per hour. This is definitely a training tube designed for kids who want to work up to waterskiing for real, as it only has a maximum capacity of 70 pounds. In this aspect, it excels; just don’t expect to outrace other boats with better-designed tubes.

Pros

• Perfect for training for skis
• Easy to maintain balance
• Can deflate seat if you are confident enough to stand up

Cons

• Can’t go too quickly without it tipping over

This jet ski tube is ideal for what it was designed for, but it can’t go outside those limits very well.

10. Sportsstuff Chariot Warbird 2 | 1-2 Rider Towable Tube

This inflatable tube is ideal for a pair of daredevils want to go fast and leap off the waves.

Key Features

• 2 riders maximum
• Heavy-duty full nylon cover
• Speed safety valve
• Kwik-connector

This towable tube can fit two riders in a variety of different positions. There are also two different towing points see you can modify your riding experience on the fly. A kwik-connector patented system lets you easily connect the two to any boat, and the speed safety valve lets you inflate or deflate the tube in just seconds.

Despite all these advantages, it is a little expensive for only being able to hold up to two riders maximum. Still, it’s a good choice if you have a few friends who like to take their tubing experiences as fast and rough as possible. Its heavy-duty construction and multiple handholds should be all the invitation you need to crank the throttle of your boat up as high as it can go for maximum fun.

Pros

• Multiple riding positions
• Lots of handholds
• Really easy to set up
• Extremely durable

Cons

• A bit pricy for just a 2-rider tube

This inflatable tube is an excellent choice if you have a little extra money to spend and want the best of the best for outdoor excitement.

11. RAVE Sports 02463 Mambo 3-Rider Towable

This flying boat tube is great for hardcore tubers and has protective measures as a bonus.

Key Features

• 3 riders maximum
• 510 max weight capacity
• Has anti-chafe guard
• Quick-connect tow point

This towable tube has a wide base that lets to catch a lot of air if it leaps off a rogue wave. The base can let you float for a time, but it might sometimes flip over for a watery surprise! Either way, the tube comes with a large anti-chafe guard to protect your elbows from rubbing themselves raw during a day at the water.

While the towable tube claims that it can fit three riders maximum, this is a bit cramped in practice. Three adults, in particular, will have difficulty fitting onto the tube surface with any real security. Still, for two people it’s a great experience, especially if you like riding the waves into the air for awesome shots or pure adventure. Just be prepared for the tube to flip at some point!

Pros

• Prevents injuries for kids or adults
• Can fly high due to wide base
• Easy to setup

Cons

• A bit cramped for three riders

It’s an awesome choice for enthusiastic kids or two adventurous adults, and is one of the best tubes for boating with a family.

12. RAVE Sports 02918-RV-SMU Ripper 2 Rider

This watersports tube is fast and sleek, like a racecar of the waves.

Key Features

• 2 riders maximum
• Made with durable nylon
• Fitted for speed and tricks

This towable tube has been designed for hard-core water tubing from the ground-up. It’s made with durable denim and has two rear boarding straps see you can easily jump on and secure yourself before you go. The Skim-Fast bottom was designed to skim across the waves with ease and keep you moving, even if it does make you a little easier to flip than wider tubes.

While it’s technically possible to fit two adults on to this tube’s surface, in reality, it’ll only really be comfortable for one. Still, we’d recommend it for any adult who wants to try to get as many awesome tricks under their belts as possible. The aerodynamic shape and well-designed bottom mean you’ll achieve speeds and control you never thought possible.

Pros

• An ideal choice for adrenaline-filled tubing
• Goes really fast
• Can skim across waves smoothly

Cons

• Easy to flip
• A bit cramped for two people

This watersports tube a great choice for those looking for adrenaline and high-speed tubing experiences.

13. Airhead Super Slice Towable Tube

This is a great middle-of-the-road towable tube with several excellent features and decent design.

Key Features

• 3 people maximum
• Made with 840 denier nylon
• Speed safety valve
• Kwik-connector
• Comes with knuckle guards

This towable tube is compact and easy to use. The connector attaches to most ropes in a snap and the speed safety valve lets you inflate or deflate the tube super quickly. There are six nylon-wrapped handles on the top of the tube, and each is equipped with neoprene knuckle guards; these will prevent chafing during long days on the water.

The maximum capacity is 3 riders, although each will find their legs dangling into the water to some extent. We’d like it a bit more if it was a little longer at the rear, although the small size does help keep it mobile and aerodynamic if you leap into the sky from an errant wave.

Pros

• Knuckle guards prevent lots of chafing
• Very easy to set up
• Strong bottom ensures durability

Cons

• Not a ton of space, even for two

This towable tube is a great choice for kids or adults who don’t mind their feet dragging off as they zoom through the water.

14. Airhead Hot Dog | 1-3 Rider Towable Tube

This interestingly shaped inflatable tube is great for casual use and party boats.

Key Features

• 3 rider maximum
• Kwik-connector
• Neoprene knuckle guards
• Nylon construction
• 3 air chambers for stability

This towable tube is shaped like a hotdog! It’s hard to find more creative designs than this. It can fit three people across its length and has handholds with neoprene knuckle guards to prevent chafing. The handles are easy to keep ahold of even when soaked, and the seat pads are comfortable and durable.

Despite this interesting shape, it does have a few flaws for long-term tubing. The shape requires that you sit upright, meaning your head is at risk of snapping back if you land heavily on the water after jumping the waves. In addition, its shape also precludes it from reaching the top speeds of other towable tubes.

Pros

• Very well-balanced despite the shape
• Hilarious design
• Long enough for three adults

Cons

• Not suitable for super high-speed tubing
• Can become uncomfortable quickly

It’s a good inflatable tube if you aren’t concerned with reaching top speeds at your next Lakeside vacation.

15. Airhead Mach 2 | 1-2 Rider Towable Tube

This towable tube is durable and ready for lots of punishment; you’ll feel comfortable all the while.

Key Features

• 2 riders maximum
• Neoprene knuckle guards
• Nylon construction
• Inflated floors

This towable tube has super comfortable seating thanks to its inflated floors, which cushions you as soon as you seat yourself within. It’s very hard to fall out of this inflatable tube, even if you catch a lot of air or take on some wicked waves. The nylon construction is very durable and all of the deluxe handles have neoprene knuckle guards to prevent chafing.

While the seating is incredibly comfortable, it’s also a little cramped for adults. Make no mistake, folks of all ages can enjoy this towable tube, but adults will probably have to keep their legs dangling outside in order to fit into the seat. Overall, it’s an excellent choice for most water tubing expeditions provided you don’t want to go super fast, as its large size precludes it from skimming efficiently over the water surface.

Pros

• Super comfortable seating
• Hard to fall out of
• Plenty of space beneath for catching air

Cons

• Can’t go super fast due to drag
• Cramped seating for adults

It’s an excellent towable tube for families or for those who don’t like falling out of their tubes every time they jump a wave.

Bottom Line

As you can see, there are almost as many towable tubes as there are boats! Some are built more for speed and aesthetics, while others are more comfortable and are best for relaxing while a boat tugs you along at a leisurely speed. Still more are hilarious to look at and great for parties.

Just remember to pick a towable tube that matches your occasion. Have a family? Find one that can fit multiple riders. Need to challenge your friends to a race? Pick up a few single-rider tubes and have at it. The great news is that each of these towable tubes is great fun to ride.

Hopefully, this guide gave you exactly the right tube for your next lakeside or ocean retreat. Remember to secure your tube to the boat tightly, hang on, and have fun!