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 shower head to transform the look of your bathroom. From traditional fixed shower heads to handheld ones with multiple spray patterns to models that have their own speakers—no more singing a capella in the shower!—there are seemingly countless options on the market. Greg Crouse, marketing director at Leaf Home, says that functionality and cosmetics should be the top two considerations when shopping for a new shower head. It’s a good idea to figure out first what type of shower head you want, like a handheld one or perhaps a rain shower head, then focus on its finish. “It may be more sustainable and cost-effective to pick a more classic finish that already blends in with your home so your new shower head matches your existing bathroom fixtures,” says Crouse, who noted matte black is a popular pick. To find the best shower heads list, we took on the “dirty” work of testing 20 shower heads 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. In addition to Crouse’s insight, we also consulted Billy Bruininga, owner of Billy’s Plumbing and Rooter in Los Angeles, CA, and Doyle James, president of Mr. Rooter Plumbing, a Neighborly company. Our Top Picks Best Budget: Best Filtered: Best with Bluetooth Speaker: Best with High Pressure: Best Handheld: Our Ratings Ease of Setup 5/5 Features 5/5 Performance 4.8/5 Settings 4.8/5 Durability 5/5 Why You Should Get It It offers a variety of spray patterns, including relaxing massage. Keep in Mind Some finishes are more expensive than others. A dual shower head, like this Waterpik model, offers the best of both worlds for your daily bathing routine. There’s a stationary head that offers a steady stream, while the handheld wand offers more of a targeted spray. With this model, you can use both or one at a time with just a flip of the diverter switch. We loved that there were a dozen settings to choose from—nine spray patterns on the main shower head and three on the handheld wand. It's easy to switch through the settings with just one hand. The showerhead can be turned 360 degrees and tilted for a good range of motion as well, making it easily adjustable depending on your shower size and on a bather’s height. The shower head is offered in three finishes: brushed nickel, chrome, and matte black. Though you’ll be able to find one that suits your style best, keep in mind that some finishes are more expensive than others. Even with removing the old shower head, it only took five minutes to install this dual shower, thanks to easy-to-follow instructions with photos. This plastic shower head is lightweight yet durable and the hose is quite long, making it easy to use and reattach. We liked that the water flow is strong whether you use the wand or the stationary shower head itself. We also appreciated that it features anti-clog rubber nozzle tips for easy maintenance—a major bonus if you've got hard water in your home. Product Details: Number of Spray Patterns: Nine for shower head, three for wand | Flow Rate: 1.8 GPM | Finishes: Brushed nickel, chrome, and matte black | Certifications: WaterSense | Material: Not listed Our Ratings Ease of Setup 5/5 Features 4.6/5 Performance 5/5 Settings 4/5 Durability 5/5 Why You Should Get It It’s easy to install thanks to clear instructions. Keep in Mind It doesn’t include a handheld accessory. If you want to upgrade your shower on a budget, the best shower head is this SparkPod model. You might mistake this shower head for stainless steel, but it’s made of ABS plastic, which is can stand up to corrosion and chemicals. The steady spray is good enough on its own, but this shower head wins major bonus points for coming in 20 different finishes that will match up with just about every bathroom aesthetic. Our only critique is that it didn’t come with a handheld wand, so whether or not it’s the best shower head for your home depends on your preferences. We were surprised at how quickly we were able to install this shower head, thanks to clear instructions and a QR code that takes you to a tutorial. It comes with Teflon tape if needed for a more secure installation, but we found we didn’t need it. We liked that the shower head seems easy to clean with just some soapy water. We also appreciated the wide, steady stream of water; there's a 1.8 GPM water-saving feature already installed, but you can use the 2.5 GPM one that’s also included if you want more pressure. We thought the shower head stream was sufficiently wide with no gaps, so if you're looking for a full-body shower head, this is a great choice. Though it’s got a stationary mount, it’s also adjustable vertically so bathers of all heights can use it. Product Details: Number of Spray Patterns: One | Flow Rate: 1.8 GPM | Finishes: 20+ options, including chrome and brushed nickel | Certifications: Not listed | Material: ABS plastic Our Ratings Ease of Setup 5/5 Features 4.8/5 Performance 4.8/5 Settings 4.8/5 Durability 4.5/5 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 shower head 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 shower head 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 shower head 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 Our Ratings Ease of Setup 5/5 Features 4.5/5 Performance 4.3/5 Settings 4/5 Durability 4/5 Why You Should Get It It’s great for those with sensitive skin. Keep in Mind You will have to replace the filter every three months. If you have never experienced a filtered shower head before, be prepared to be wowed by this one from Jolie like we were. While the water itself didn’t feel much different from a regular shower head, we noticed that our skin, particularly our hands, was softer. We tried this pick with sensitive skin and found that our skin was less inflamed when using the Jolie, even during the winter months when skin tends to be dryer. Installation was super easy—it comes with a wrench and plumbing tape, so you’ve got the tools you need. The filter is already installed, but don’t be afraid to add more tape to seal the gap to avoid leakage. If you like your water flow on the stronger side, you’ll appreciate the Jolie shower head’s steady spray. However, you will be disappointed if you’re looking for a shower head that offers a range of water patterns. You can swivel the head 360 degrees, but it doesn’t have the range of motion that a detachable shower head would. Still, we liked that the face of the shower head is rubber, so it will keep water spots at bay. While it’s low maintenance in terms of cleaning, you will have to swap out the filter every three months, which adds an additional cost. You can opt to purchase it with a filter subscription or without one, which is more expensive. Product Details: Number of Spray Patterns: Not listed | Flow Rate: 1.8 GPM | Finish(es): Brushed steel, jet black, and modern chrome | Certifications: Not listed | Material: ABS plastic Our Ratings Ease of Setup 5/5 Features 5/5 Performance 5/5 Settings 3/5 Durability 4.5/5 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 model is the best shower head 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 shower head 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 Our Ratings Ease of Setup 4/5 Features 5/5 Performance 4.5/5 Settings 5/5 Durability 4.5/5 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 shower head 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 Our Ratings Ease of Setup 5/5 Features 4.8/5 Performance 4.8/5 Settings 3/5 Durability 4/5 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 this Moen design, 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 shower head 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 Our Ratings Ease of Setup 5/5 Features 5/5 Performance 5/5 Settings 4.5/5 Durability 5/5 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 design is the best shower head if you’re looking for an adjustable option. We liked how the shower head mount is magnetic, making it easy to detach and reattach the handheld shower head and not have to worry about it slipping while in use. We found this shower head 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 The Waterpik 12-spray 5 in. High-Pressure Dual Shower Head impressed us with its multitude of spray options that can truly elevate an ordinary shower experience. It’s easy to install, and we love that it comes in at well under $100, so you can transform your shower while staying within budget. 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. According to the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), the standard flow rate of a shower head 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 shower head 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 shower head installations: fixed, handheld, and dual. A fixed shower head 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 shower head 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 shower head especially if they have little ones at home—humans or pets!—who need assistance while bathing. When it comes to choosing the best shower head 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 shower head 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. Don’t confuse finish—like chrome or bronze—with the actual material your shower head 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 shower head in a smaller-than-average shower could cause water to overflow or leak.” You’ll likely see that any shower head 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 shower head 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 shower heads, Barbara analyzed lab insights from our testing site in Des Moines, Iowa. 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.:max_bytes(150000):strip_icc()/bhg-shower-heads-test-moen-engage-magnetix-handheld-anna-knief-01-a4c68f507acf4eccb3e6f08a40664b70.jpg "These 8 Best Shower Heads Are the Ultimate Bathroom Upgrade (1)")
Best Overall
Waterpik High-Pressure Dual Shower Head
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Best Budget
SparkPod Shower Head
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Best Rain
Delta HydroRain H2Okinetic Dual Shower Head
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Best Filtered
Jolie Skin Co The Filtered Showerhead
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Best with Bluetooth Speaker
Kohler Moxie Bluetooth Showerhead
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Best with High Pressure
AquaCare Handheld Shower Head
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Best Handheld
Moen Engage Magnetix Handheld Shower
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Best Adjustable
Better Homes & Gardens Chandler Combo Showerhead
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The Bottom Line
Our Testing Process
What to Know About Shower Heads Before Shopping
Flow Rate
Type
Features
Certifications
Other Shower Heads We Tested
Kohler Daisyfield 6-Spray Wall-Mount Handheld Shower Head
American Standard 9038074.002 Spectra Fixed 4-Function Adjustable Shower Head
Waterpik Twin Turbo Chrome Handheld Shower
Your Questions, Answered
What is the best material for a shower head?
What size shower head do I need?
What is a good flow rate for a shower head?
Who We Are
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