The Winners of Our Best Showerhead Tests

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Upgrade your shower with these efficient picks.

Emily Estep is a plant biologist and journalist who has worked for a variety of online news and media outlets, writing about and editing topics that range from film and beauty to science and the automobile industry. Her plant biology degree has a focus on sustainable agriculture, and she's an expert on growing your own food, environmental sciences, and all topics relating to houseplants.

Better Homes & Gardens / Anna Knief

Whether you’re putting the finishing touches on a bathroom renovation or simply want to upgrade your current shower situation, there’s nothing like a new showerhead to transform the look of your bathroom.

To find the best showerheads, we took on the “dirty” work of testing 20 showerheads, including popular new rain showerheads in our own bathrooms right at home. We evaluated each one over the course of several months, noting which ones made the biggest splash in terms of ease of installation, features and settings, performance, durability, and overall value.

We also consulted Greg Crouse, marketing director at Leaf Home, Billy Bruininga, owner of Billy’s Plumbing and Rooter, Doyle James, president of Mr. Rooter Plumbing, a Neighborly company, and Xiomy Marshall, decorative bath & hardware/lighting consultant at Farrey’s Lighting, Bath, Kitchen and Hardware.

We evaluated 26 showerheads on their ease of setup, features, performance, settings, and durability. For more information on how we tested showerheads, check out our testing process below.

Amazon

Why You Should Get It: It has various spray settings and a useful pause button.

Keep in Mind: This option doesn’t feature a detachable head, unlike other styles.

Don’t be afraid to swap your own showerhead. “DIY installation is possible if you have Teflon tape and a wrench for a secure fit,” says Marshall. Note that many of the shower heads on our list come with their own wrench for this purpose.

If you want to turn your shower into a spa-like experience, choose the Delta Raincan Shower Head. This showerhead has four distinct spray modes that are activated by the touch of a button: a massage spray, a full body spray, a full massage spray, and a PowerDrench spray.

We liked that this pick features a pause mode, which means you could turn off the spray and conserve water when needed. We used it to shave our legs in the shower and appreciated that it took just a touch of a button to reactivate the stream to rinse off.

If you’ve never swapped out a showerhead on your own before, you won’t have to worry much with this option. Installation was as simple as unscrewing the old one and screwing in the new one. Though no tools were needed and the instructions say to not use any tightening tools, we recommend keeping some plumber’s tape handy to wrap around the shower arm’s threads if needed.

We enjoyed a consistent shower experience during the time of testing. The showerhead’s performance was not affected by how long our showers were, despite having hard, heavily treated water in the area of testing.

The showerhead swivels 360 degrees, so you can use it to rinse the walls for cleaning. We didn’t notice any leaking during use, and there was really no reason to clean it, thanks to the Lumicoat finish that keeps water spots and mineral deposits at bay.

Product Details: Number of Spray Patterns: Four | Flow Rate: Not listed | Finishes: Chrome, polished nickel, matte black | Certifications: Not listed | Material: Plastic

Amazon

Why You Should Get It: It was very easy to install and featured multiple spray settings.

Keep in Mind: The water got cold when we switched settings mid-shower.

A plastic showerhead is still worth considering even if you’ve been using something heftier in the past. “Plastic shower heads are lightweight, cost-effective, and do not corrode like metal ones,” says Marshall.

If you’re looking to change the look of your shower without investing much, we recommend the Delta Dual Showerhead. During testing, it was very easy to install this lightweight pick. We used plumber’s tape as a backup to prevent leaks, but ultimately found it wasn’t necessary.

We liked that this option featured four settings, including a massage option, and a removable handle. The water pressure diminished when both heads were used simultaneously, but it improved when using only one at a time. However, we were unpleasantly surprised to learn that the water briefly switches to cold when switching settings mid-shower.

The showerhead is easy to clean, but we didn’t see any water spots during the testing period. It’s very lightweight and felt a bit flimsy in comparison to other materials, though we didn’t have any concerns about wear and tear during the testing period.

Product Details: Number of Spray Patterns: Four | Flow Rate: ‎1.75 GPM | Finishes: Chrome, matte black, spotshield brushed nickel | Certifications: Not listed | Material: Plastic

Amazon

Why You Should Get It: It offers a luxurious, spa-like look to your shower and is offered in multiple finishes.

Keep in Mind: It’s significantly more expensive than other options and the handheld portion is heavier than anticipated.

We were shocked that it took less than two minutes to install this dual showerhead by Delta—not even a wrench was required to get this model set up. Although it’s more expensive than other options out there, it’s one of the best shower heads if you prefer a rain-style model.

The showerhead includes a handheld wand. We found that it was a bit tricky to detach at first, but it was easily secured back in place when we were done. It got easier to use with continued use, though keep in mind that it was a bit heavier than we expected it to be.

We liked that though the rain head part is stationary, it pivots to different angles, so you can further customize your shower experience. While it has five different spray settings, we found that we preferred the two that offered the strongest water flow and widest coverage. The trigger on the side makes it easy to cycle between the water patterns with just one finger. It stays clean with just a quick swipe of a cloth.

The showerhead is hefty and the price tag is too, but we were impressed with the quality and think it’s a great value. If your aim is to turn your shower into a high-end spa experience, this is a great choice.

Product Details: Number of Spray Patterns: Five | Flow Rate: 1.75 GPM | Finishes: Champagne bronze, chrome, lumicoat champagne bronze, lumicoat chrome, lumicoat polished nickel, lumicoat stainless, matte black, polished nickel, stainless steel, and Venetian bronze | Certifications: CSA | Material: Not listed

Act+Acre

Why You Should Get It: It’s easy to install, offers great water pressure, and the filter has a notable difference on hair and skin.

Keep in Mind: There’s only one setting, and you may prefer a handheld showerhead.

It’s easy (though pricey) to replace the filters in these shower heads, but Marshall says you can also just clean them regularly to maintain their proper function.

If you live in an area with hard water you’ll appreciate the Act+Acre Filtered Showerhead. It took us just 10 minutes to install this showerhead thanks to clear instructions and the wrench that comes included. You’ll need it to tighten the showerhead but don’t worry—it fits with no gaps and there were no leaks or drips during testing.

During the testing period, our hair and skin felt softer and smoother. That’s due to the magic of the filter, which was very easy to insert and replace as needed. Aside from those benefits, this showerhead has a wide, steady flow with good pressure. After using this pick, we didn’t miss our old dual showerhead at all.

This showerhead has only one setting but you can swivel it 360 degrees. It’s easy to clean, and the black exterior disguises any water spots. While we would like more settings and a handheld wand, we think this filtered showerhead offers a great value overall.

Product Details: Number of Spray Patterns: One | Flow Rate: 1.8–2.5 GPM (depending on your location) | Finishes: Black | Certifications: Not listed | Material: Not listed

Amazon

Why You Should Get It: It’s easy to install and pair with a smartphone.

Keep in Mind: It’s got a stationary mount with just one setting.

If you like a soundtrack to your shower, this Kohler Showerhead is the best option for your bathroom. It’s got a rather attractive square head with a speaker installed in the middle. Despite its tech capabilities, it was simple to install without any extra tools needed, and we found it easy to pair with our smartphone, too.

This doesn’t have a detachable mount and there’s just one spray setting, but it’s a good one. We noticed the water flow was stronger and steadier than the showerhead we had installed prior, and we liked the coverage of the spray—not quite a waterfall, but great for soaking. The spray comes down more on an angle than straight down, so taller bathers will find it easy to adjust. Water spots are easily wiped away with just a dry towel.

We were impressed by the quality of the Bluetooth speaker and even more so at the price, which is less expensive than other options. If you like to listen to music or podcasts as you shower, your daily routine is in for an upgrade with this shower head.

Product Details: Number of Spray Patterns: One | Flow Rate: 1.75 GPM | Finishes: Vibrant brushed nickel, matte black, and chrome | Certifications: Not listed | Material: Not listed

Amazon

Why You Should Get It: It has eight different water patterns to choose from and it’s easy to switch between the settings.

Keep in Mind: We spotted some minor water leakage while in use.

The water flow on this AquaCare model is slow but steady, and we love that it has eight different water patterns. In fact, we were impressed at how many options there were, given the budget-friendly price point.

There’s an option for a stronger stream at the top of the shower head, which is great if you want targeted pressure during your shower or simply want a stronger spray to clean your shower itself. It’s easy to switch between the settings with just one hand so you can have a personalized shower experience every time.

It was quick and easy to install this plastic shower head. We liked that the handheld was easy to detach—it even comes with a second holder so you can attach it to a different height if you prefer.

It’s made from plastic which makes it lightweight and easy to hold, but we did spot some minor leakage due to the lightweight construction. The anticlog nozzles also have antimicrobial properties, so if you’ve got hard water, you’ll appreciate that the showerhead is easy to clean.

Product Details: Number of Spray Patterns: Eight | Flow Rate: 2.5 GPM | Finishes: Premium chrome, oil rubbed bronze, and satin nickel | Certifications: Not listed | Material: ABS plastic and stainless steel

Amazon

Why You Should Get It: The magnetic mount makes it easy to detach/attach the handheld and there’s a 5-foot hose.

Keep in Mind: The water flow was consistent but not very wide in coverage, so it’s not ideal if you prefer a rain-style option.

A handheld shower head, like the Moen Magnetix, makes bathing time more convenient if you’ve got kids and pets, plus it makes it super easy to keep your shower stall clean. The wand has a 5-foot hose and is lightweight, so you won’t have trouble maneuvering it.

Still, what put this over the top was the magnetic attachment that makes it easy to remove and reattach the showerhead with just one hand.

The water flow was consistent if not tremendously wide in coverage, so if you’re hoping for a rain shower-type of stream, this isn’t the best shower head. Still, we liked the six settings that it did offer, though if your home has weaker water pressure, you might not be able to benefit from them.

Despite having hard water, we were surprised to see how clean the rubber nozzle tips and brushed nickel finish remained. For the price, we felt it was a great value overall.

Product Details: Number of Spray Patterns: Six | Flow Rate: 1.75 GPM | Finishes: Spot-resistant brushed nickel, chrome, and matte black | Certifications: ADA | Material: Nickel and metal

Better Homes & Gardens / Anna Knief

Walmart

Why You Should Get It: It’s got a magnetic base that makes it easy to remove and reattach the shower head.

Keep in Mind: You have to keep the button pressed down to enjoy the combined water settings.

This Better Homes & Gardens Combo Showerhead is the best pick if you’re looking for an adjustable option. We liked how the showerhead mount is magnetic, making it easy to detach and reattach the handheld showerhead and not have to worry about it slipping while in use.

We found this showerhead lightweight yet sturdy, and the hose is sufficiently long for bathing. The whole setup was easy to install with just a wrench.

There are six different water settings that you can adjust with just the touch of a button, including waterfall, rain shower, and massage. We were especially impressed that you can combine settings for a truly luxurious shower; however, you do have to hold the button when combining the settings.

Out of the box, the water flow seems perfect, though it’s easy to adjust if you want a harder or softer setting. We were impressed with the shower head’s wide, adjustable spray area that works well for bathers of all heights.

Product Details: Number of Spray Patterns: Six | Flow Rate: 1.8 GPM | Finishes: Chrome | Certifications: Not listed | Material: Not listed

Canopy

Why You Should Get It: It’s easy to install and add more essential oils to the aromatherapy component.

Keep in Mind: The water pressure was weaker in some settings.

Concerned about cleaning your showerhead? “There are two methods to clean chrome shower heads,” says Marshall. “Use a mix of water and vinegar or LCR with water in equal parts to remove hard water deposits.”

For a truly a spa-like experience, you can’t go wrong with the Canopy Filtered Showerhead.

It took just about 10 minutes to install and everything you need comes with the showerhead. Plus, the filter was already inserted. While we didn't need the included wrench to install the Canopy, it came in handy to remove the old one.

This pick comes with a three-piece aroma kit by/rosie jane that is attached to the showerhead. We noticed the fragrance doesn’t last very long, but it is easy to add a few more drops of essential oil as needed.

The water pressure wasn’t consistent on all the settings, though it should be noted that the area we tested this in has hard, heavily treated water. You’ll probably need to toggle the settings to get the pressure you want—some of them are too strong for bathing but are great for cleaning the actual shower.

We preferred the mainstream setting, which covered a wide area of the shower. We liked that you can adjust the showerhead position without a hassle, so this is fine if people of varying heights will be using it. The water supply cuts off directly after turning off the shower—no dripping like we had with our previous one.

We didn’t notice too much of a difference in skin or hair during testing, but we think that that will come with longer use. One great thing about this filtered showerhead is that we didn’t see any of the gross gunk our previous showerhead experienced, so this is definitely easy to clean and maintain.

Product Details: Number of Spray Patterns: Three | Flow Rate: 1.8–2.5 GPM (depending on your location) | Finishes: Polished chrome, matte black, brushed nickel, and brass | Certifications: Not listed | Material: Not listed

Amazon

Why You Should Get It: It offers a variety of spray settings, plus the handheld is easy for little ones to access.

Keep in Mind: The handheld mount isn’t magnetic, and the water pressure was a bit low.

Proper installation of a rainfall showerhead is required to exude a spa-like feel in your bathroom. “Consider the shower size and ceiling height when installing a rain shower head,” says Marshall. “A thermostatic valve is recommended for better water flow.”

The Dream Spa Rainfall Shower Head/Handheld Combo was used more than 40 times during testing in a busy household, so we’re confident it can withstand a lot of daily use.

Installation was easy, though the suction cup required some force to push it into the locked position on the wall. Our toddlers were also involved (and supervised) in the testing, and it was just as easy for them to hold the lightweight handheld showerhead as it was for the adults.

We were impressed with the water stream from the rainfall shower head. The water pressure is lower with this pick, but that’s to be expected with this type of shower head. While there is just one setting on the rainfall head, you can tilt it as well as rotate it 360 degrees, so it has plenty of reach despite being stationary.

The handheld showerhead has three different settings—high-power rain, luxurious waterfall, and aeration massage—which all worked as expected. You can easily toggle between the settings with a push of a button.

While there’s no magnet to keep the showerhead in place, it’s easy enough for even the little ones to store. The shower head’s performance was consistent no matter the length of the shower, and it didn’t leak once. The showerhead was easy to clean and maintain, thanks to “rub-clean jets” that live up to their name.

Overall, we liked the showerhead's sleek, modern design. It looks and feels durable, though the clear plastic suction cup slightly cheapens the look. But we’ll overlook that in terms of its excellent performance and ease of use for all members of our household.

Product Details: Number of Spray Patterns: Nine | Flow Rate: Not listed | Finishes: Matte black, satin nickel, silver | Certifications: Not listed | Material: ‎Matte black plated premium ABS, stainless steel hose

Amazon

Why You Should Get It: The water pressure is good on both heads and it’s easy to toggle between settings.

Keep in Mind: There’s limited adjustability of the showerheads.

Can’t decide between a rainfall showerhead and a handheld? You can have both with the Moen Verso Showers with Infiniti Dial.

Installing this showerhead took no time at all, though we did use a wrench and Teflon tape to tighten and seal the connections to prevent dripping. The rainfall head can be tilted up or down, but that’s about it for adjustability. It was fine for our shower size and the size of the bathers testing it.

We were impressed by the water pressure in both the overhead and handheld portions. The Infiniti dial made it easy to toggle between settings and switch water output from one showerhead to the other.

We wish there were more variations in spray settings, but we did like the cool misting option that will be great for summertime showers. Perhaps the best feature is that there’s a magnet to keep the showerhead in place. This showerhead comes in a brushed nickel finish we found simple to keep clean. Overall, this Moen showerhead feels quite durable and is a good value.

Product Details: Number of Spray Patterns: Eight | Flow Rate: 2.5 GPM | Finishes: Brushed nickel | Certifications: ADA compliant | Material: Not listed

Overall, the Delta Raincan Shower Head is the best showerhead we tested. We liked that it features various spray settings and a useful pause button. Plus, it’s offered in several finishes, so you can choose which suits your bathroom best.

To find the best shower heads, we installed the shower heads in our own home showers. For several months, we used them as part of our daily bathing routine, noting what, if anything, was needed to keep them clean and running efficiently, such as a replacement filter for filtered models.

As we used them, we took into consideration several factors like ease of installation, features and settings, performance, durability, and overall value. We also noted what we liked most about the shower, anything we would change, and if we would recommend it to family and friends.

Better Homes & Gardens / Nick Medhurst

According to the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), the standard flow rate of a showerhead is 2.5 gallons per minute (GPM). Devices with the WaterSense label flow at no more than 2.0 GPM, but depending on your home state—or rather, the state you bathe in—your showerhead might be mandated for an even lower flow rate.

“You will find most shower heads sold online cannot be sold or shipped to specific states,” says Bruininga. “Do your research on your city water ordinance. You can find shower heads as low as 1.5 GPM.”

There are three general types of showerhead installations: fixed, handheld, and dual. A fixed showerhead is mounted in place, either to the wall or ceiling. You might be able to tilt the head at various angles, but otherwise, it’s stationary.

A handheld showerhead attaches to a mount by a hose, so you can remove it to more easily bathe or clean the shower itself.

A dual mount is a combination of the two—there is a fixed showerhead (possibly a rainshower style) and a handheld mount, so you can have the best of both worlds for your shower routine. It all depends on your preference. Many people like a handheld showerhead especially if they have little ones at home—humans or pets!—who need assistance while bathing.

When it comes to choosing the best showerhead for your home, you’ll want to keep in mind any additional features it has.

Indeed, some of our picks for best shower heads run the gamut from stationary shower heads with a single spray pattern to handhelds with multiple spray patterns to shower heads that pair up via Bluetooth to a speaker or smartphone. In short, there are many options for you to customize your daily shower routine just the way you like it.

You may see some shower heads—including the ones on our list—that indicate they are ADA-compliant or bear the WaterSense label.

Shower heads that are ADA-certified mean they were in compliance with the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA). These are typically handheld options.

The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) issues WaterSense labels to water-powered products and services that meet strict criteria for performance and efficiency. Specifically, a WaterSense product—including shower heads—is certified to use a minimum of 20% less water, conserve energy, and perform equal to or better than other models on the market.

Although the Kohler Daisyfield 6-Spray Wall-Mount Handheld Shower Head looks and feels luxurious, especially with its rain shower spray, this detachable shower head’s lightweight construction has us concerned about how it will hold up over time.

Aftering testing the American Standard 9038074.002 Spectra Fixed 4-Function Adjustable Shower Head, we felt the downward direction of the spray might make it too difficult for tall people to use comfortably, and the shifter is likely too high for young bathers to reach. While we liked the range of spray patterns available, this showerhead also seems too lightweight to withstand shower after shower.

We were not impressed with the flimsy plastic construction of the Waterpik Twin Turbo Chrome Handheld Shower, which seemed to be emitting a petroleum odor over time. While the water flow is steady, we found one spray pattern to be too strong and the others seemed too weak.

We liked the larger size of the T3 Source Showerhead Shower Filter and its variety of settings, plus the filter has done wonders for our hair. However, we found the showerhead did leak during the testing period and that filter replacements would be an ongoing additional cost.

Better Homes & Gardens / Morgan Ashley Parker

Don’t confuse finish—like chrome or bronze—with the actual material your showerhead is made from. “Most shower heads are made of metal, lead-free brass, or plastic,” Billy Bruininga.

Plastic is often touted as being lightweight, which is a plus for handheld shower heads. You’ll see a number of plastic shower heads on our list that we loved, but note that not all plastic shower heads are made the same.

“I have found most plastic-based shower heads have trouble lasting over time,” says Bruininga. “Depending on the hardness of your water, all shower heads will clog, but the plastic shower heads tend to lose their color and leak more often.”

Size matters when it comes to shower heads, as does the size of the shower itself. “One of the biggest mistakes people make when switching out shower heads is not understanding the current fit and form of their existing shower or shower/bath combo,” Crouse says. “For example, installing an oversized rain showerhead in a smaller-than-average shower could cause water to overflow or leak.”

You’ll likely see that any showerhead you’re considering is listed as 0.5 inches NPT (national pipe thread). This is the universal size for all modern shower heads manufactured in the US and Canada. “Occasionally, homes built before the 1950s will have size variations on the shower arm that requires an adaptor,” says Crouse. “While uncommon, this situation is seen more in homes located in the Northeast and upper Midwest regions of the United States.”

As Bruininga mentioned, depending on which state you live in, you might not have much say over what flow rate you can have for your shower head. You’ll note that most of the picks on our best shower heads list come in at 1.8 GPM or under, with the exception of our pick for the best high-pressure shower head, the AquaCare AS-SEEN-ON-TV High-Pressure 8-mode Handheld Shower Head, which has a flow rate of 2.5 GPM.

For the sake of water conservation, a low-flow showerhead is best. “Installing low-flow showerheads can help save 15 gallons of water for each 10-minute shower,” says James.

Barbara Bellesi Zito is a freelance writer from Staten Island, New York, covering all things home and lifestyle for Better Homes & Gardens. To compile this list of the best showerheads, Barbara analyzed insights from our at-home testing.

She also consulted Billy Bruininga, owner of Billy’s Plumbing and Rooter in Los Angeles, CA; Greg Crouse, Marketing Director at Leaf Home; and Doyle James, president of Mr. Rooter Plumbing, a Neighborly company.