How big is your space? If you don't have enough room to maneuver around a walk in tub it becomes a PITA to clean around.

I purchased an alcove tub for my bathroom that is plenty deep for a nice soak.

https://akerbymaax.com/en/product/sbf-3672-alcove-bathtub_141092/

I have an on demand hot water system, so I don't ever run out of hot water - many residential tanks are not large enough to fill a really big tub. If you have a 50 gallon hot water heater and a 100 gallon tub you are going to be taking cold baths.

Here are the area dimensions. I planned on at least tearing out the box (3'5.25) to allow for a larger tub. I do have 1 box of the tile still. I guess I figured a drop-in using the same drain and faucet configuration could be easiest, just wanted an outside opinion. Thanks!

What you have is an alcove tub, not drop in. (Alcove is framed on 3 sides - drop in is fully framed with a hole that you drop the tub into.

If you want to use the same drain and faucet without moving anything you have to get the same width tub. A deeper tub also means that the overflow and faucet will most likely have to be moved as well.

If you have a crawl space it isn't a big deal to move the plumbing a few inches - if you have a slab it is a big deal.

I love the freestanding tub look.

I would never do a 2 person free standing tub just looking for a big mess. I also would discourage the air or any kind of jet A nic edeep saoker large enough for 2 and IMO you do not have the space for any other type od tub What is in that “box” at the end of that tub .

I think it is just a framed box to take up the space, the previous owners had a larger jetted tub but took it out for selling - which i actually would have loved more!

We can access the plumbing in the closet on the other side of the wall. We also have an extra 18" or so to the edge of the wall (where the table is now) that is not in the measurements above to make the tub deeper.

So if I just tear everything out to the walls to start over, i thought it would be easier to do a drop-in? Just build the frame, drop in, get a plumber to hook up, then tile around?

I like cast iron tubs - I'd look at the Tea for Two by Kohler for drop in or Kohler Vintage for freestanding.

First - determine your budget.

Second - determine the installation costs/differences for each of your options. (Cost of moving plumbing, possible floor reinforcement, cost of an on demand hot water heater if capacity is larger than your tank, cost of construction of alcove/drop in frame, cost of tile work/surrounds . . . )

Third - research each type / brand / Pros / Cons and select viable options.

Forth - decide which option is best for you and your family based on cost/benefit analysis.