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Upgrading your ordinary showerhead is self care. hand shower
Nor’Adila is a contributing writer for Real Simple. Her work has appeared in Better Homes & Gardens, Southern Living, US World News & Report, and Trip Advisor.
A showerhead has the power to completely transform your daily bathing routine. Any old model allows you to cleanse your skin and hair, but the best showerheads have multiple settings, convenient features, and powerful streams so you can start or end your day feeling refreshed.
Home improvement expert Eric Goranson suggests looking for a showerhead with self-cleaning or rubber nozzles because they wipe clean vs. trying to remove water deposits that naturally collect there. And even if you’re seeking a high-pressure showerhead, you probably don’t have to consider flow rate. “Flow rates are generally driven by building code, so I don't really worry so much about flow rate,” Goranson says. “You are stuck with what is required in your area.”
To come up with our recommendations, we tested 17 showerheads and assessed them on ease of setup, features, performance, durability, and overall value. We also tapped Goranson for tips on what to look for when choosing a showerhead for your bathroom.
It’s an eco-friendly option featuring a 1.75-gallon-per-minute flow rate.
It doesn’t come with a handheld attachment.
Although we’ve used Delta showerheads in the past, this model stood out to us because it just felt more luxurious and well designed. It features five spray modes including a massage spray, full body spray, and power drench spray. There’s also a pause mode that we found to be especially useful when shaving, because it reduces the stream to a trickle instead of turning it off completely. Modes can be switched easily with a button on the side of the showerhead, and we found this to be easier to use than the models you need to twist.
This fixture looks sleek and shiny, thanks to a chrome Lumicoat finish that resists hard water buildup, making it easier for you to clean (there’s also an option without it, which is cheaper). It’s adjustable and tilts in all directions, and it even saves water with it’s 1.75-gallon-per-minute flow rate. Overall, we think this is a high-quality and durable pick. However, it doesn’t have a handheld sprayer, which wasn’t a big deal for us but might be important for some.
Type: Fixed | Material and Finish: Chrome Lumicoat, no Lumicoat | Size: 6 inches | Flow Rate: 1.75 GPM | Number of Settings: 5
It features four spray patterns including a pause setting.
It’s made from plastic, so it might not last for years.
Considering this Delta model’s features and modern design, we definitely got our money’s worth for its low price. This showerhead features four settings including various types of massage sprays, full body sprays, and a pause function. It also comes with a 5-foot-long handheld hose that could be used to wash hair, bathe your pets, or hose down a tub or bathroom. We found the attachment easy to attach and detach from its base.
This showerhead is adjustable and can be swirled around to position the spray at different angles. Unfortunately, we skipped out on testing this feature because we didn’t want to damage the old pipes in our bathroom. The spray holes are made from rubber, so you can wipe them down easily without soaking or using cleaning solutions to remove calcium and lime buildup.
We were able to install the showerhead ourselves in 10 minutes. It didn’t leak, but we put plumber’s tape on just in case. Because it’s made out of plastic, we didn’t feel like this was an extremely durable pick, but to be fair, it showed no signs of wear and tear after 50 uses.
Type: Fixed | Material and Finish: Plastic; chrome, matte black, brushed nickel | Size: 5.81 inches | Flow Rate: 1.75 GPM | Number of Settings: 4 settings
It filters impurities such as heavy metals, debris, and odors.
It has one spray setting.
The water that you use on your skin matters, which is why upgrading to a filtered showerhead is a worthwhile investment if you want to improve hair and skin health. The trichologist-developed Act + Acre showerhead features 12 filtration systems featuring charcoal, coconut-activated carbon, KDF 55, and calcium sulfite filters to purify water from heavy metals, bacteria, odors, and debris. We used it almost every day and loved how much softer our skin and hair felt after. The stream was dense and powerful with great pressure. Also, it had a wide base, so the water covered a large area in our shower.
The showerhead comes in a chic black, which doesn't show water spots as easily as chrome options. It also comes with three flow restrictors from 1.8 gallons per minute to 2.5 gallons per minute—the one you’ll use depends on the state you live in. We installed it within minutes using the five-step process outlined in the manual. A wrench and plumber’s tape were included, which was convenient because it needed tightening up after installation. Just be aware that besides the filter, it’s a basic shower head with one spray setting and the filter has to be replaced once every three months. However, you can tilt it back and swivel it around to direct the water flow.
Type: Fixed | Material and Finish: Black | Size: Standard | Flow Rate: 1.8 GPM, 2.0 GPM, 2.5 GPM | Number of Settings: 1
It comes with an extra handheld attachment.
The water stream isn’t that powerful.
Rain showerheads are not known to have extras, but this model from Dream Spa is actually a combo unit that comes with a handheld attachment. This makes it much easier for you to wash the suds from your hair or even bathe small children—something that’s hard to do with just a rain showerhead alone. The attachment has a range of spray modes including rain, massage, and waterfall modes that are not featured on the main shower head. These can all be changed with a simple push of a button.
While we didn’t find the Dream Spa to have an overly powerful spray (rain showerheads are typically gentle, so this is normal), its jets provided a steady, dense stream that covered a wide area with no gaps. It’s also easy to clean because it features special rub-clean jets that resist buildup. The head can be tilted in all directions.
Although this was easy to mount, it would have been nice if it were magnetic, which would make it even easier (for kids in particular) to put the handheld piece back on the handle.
Type: Fixed and handheld combo | Material and Finish: Matte black, satin nickel, silver | Size: 9 inches | Flow Rate: 2.5 GPM | Number of Settings: 5
It comes with an aromatherapy kit with three different scents.
We wish the essential oil smell lasted a longer time.
This NSF-certified showerhead is a treat for your skin and senses because it filters impurities and releases essential oil scents while you’re in the shower. The included aromatherapy kit features lemon verbena, eucalyptus, and grapefruit, which made our shower smell nice (though it didn’t last as long as we’d hoped for). That said, this could have been human error; we may not have added enough drops.
For those who like to take long showers, this model features a 2.5 gallon-per-minute flow rate but has a restrictor that brings the flow down to 1.8 gallons per minute if your state has different regulations. The nozzles are evenly spaced and feature three stream settings: wide, narrow, and dual. In all modes, the spray was steady and consistent except for the dual-stream setting, which we found to have the weakest flow.
The included filter promises to remove 99% of chlorine, bacteria, fungi, and other heavy metals. During testing, we didn’t see any noticeable difference in our skin or hair but will keep a close eye on that as we continue to long-term test it. Note that the filter and the aromatherapy kit must be changed every 90 days, which can be done directly from Canopy’s website at a discounted price.
Type: Fixed | Material and Finish: Plastic; black, nickel, brass, chrome | Size: 7 inches | Flow Rate: 2.5 GPM, 1.8 GPM | Number of Settings: 3
It looks elegant and can be installed on your bathroom wall or ceiling.
It was a bit leaky upon installation.
When you need to rejuvenate after a long day, a warm and luxurious shower can help you decompress. This 10-inch rain showerhead from Kohler features a sleek and elegant look that could be mounted to the wall or ceiling, and you can always buy a shower arm separately to accommodate a range of heights.
Although this showerhead has enough holes to supply a concentrated amount of water, it has a weaker water flow, which is common for larger showerheads (and rain showerheads in particular). It’s not quite as powerful as a targeted showerhead (it might take longer to wash your hair), but it’s still better than many hotel rain showerheads we’ve experienced. Keep in mind that it has no extra settings, which is normal for rain showerheads.
Even though you’ll need a wrench to install it, we found the installation process super easy and didn’t have to refer to an instruction manual while doing it. The only snafu we came across was that it was a bit leaky in the beginning—nothing a little plumber’s tape couldn’t solve. This showerhead is available in 8- and 10-inch options.
Type: Fixed | Material and Finish: Polished chrome, matte black, oil rubbed bronze, brushed nickel, brushed Brass | Size: 8 inches, 10 inches | Flow Rate: 1.75 GPM | Number of Settings:1
Real Simple / Morgan Ashley Parker
Real Simple / Morgan Ashley Parker
It uses the power of magnets to lock the handheld attachment in place.
The showerhead has little room for adjustment.
The addition of a handheld attachment makes the Moen showerhead a convenient option for wash days, shaving your legs, and bath time for kids. It comes with a 60-inch hose and uses magnetic technology to lock the attachment in place, so you can just hang it up without really looking. One of its major selling points is that while you can use both pieces separately, you can also use the handheld piece and main shower head together to cover more area in your shower. There are eight spray settings including massage, pause, and rain patterns. You can easily slide between settings using an infinity dial that’s found on both the handheld and main showerhead.
While it is easy to adjust the showerhead’s angle, it doesn’t have a wide range of movement—we were only able to tilt it up and down. While there are cheaper showerheads with more features, we still prefer this Moen over them because the parts are top quality and seem like they could last a long time.
Type: Fixed and handheld combo | Material and Finish: Brushed nickel, chrome | Size: 7 inches | Flow Rate: 1.75 GPM, 2.5 GPM | Number of Settings: 8
This showerhead offers great coverage and volume by infusing air into its water flow.
It was expensive for the amount of features it had.
Despite its small head size, the Hansgrohe Raindance Showerhead comes through for those wanting a luxurious shower experience. It features special technology that mixes air with water, which increases the volume while using less water. There are three spray settings: rain air for everyday showers, balance air (a mix of drops and massage spray), and whirl air (a pure massage spray).
Note that the settings were not as easy to change compared to others on our list, as we couldn’t switch it with one hand. That said, we found that the water pressure was nothing less than amazing, offering a steady, dense stream while we showered. The only thing we didn’t like was that the showerhead was barely over 5 inches, which looked too small for our shower.
In terms of cleaning the showerhead, we didn’t find it necessary to wipe it down, mostly because the rubber nozzles are so tiny, which prevents gunk from building up over time. What’s also nice is that it comes in four colorways, so it’s easy to find one to match your bathroom. Although this is a quality option, we thought it was a little overpriced considering that it came with only basic features.
Type: Fixed | Material and Finish: Chrome, brushed bronze, brushed nickel, black chrome | Size: 5.38 inches | Flow Rate: 2.5 GPM | Number of Settings: 3
It sprays at a wide angle for a small showerhead.
Water spots appear on it easily, so it needs to be wiped down frequently.
For regular to small showers, forget the rainfall showerhead and go for one that will fit neatly. This model is about 5 inches long and wide and features four spray settings: a fine mist spray, massage spray, circular, and regular coverage spray. Our favorite was the mist setting because it was relaxing and felt like a gentle breeze on our skin. We also appreciated that all settings could easily be switched with one hand.
Typically, small shower heads don’t have a ton of coverage, but we found that this Kohler sprayed at a wider angle. However, if you’re under 5-foot-6, it may not be the best option for you, as the spray will hit your face rather than your body. The other downside is that it tends to spray across the sides of the shower, so you might have wet floors when you’re done. There are two flow rates available: a higher pressure 2.5 gallons per minute and a water-conserving 1.75 gallons per minute.
Overall, the variety of spray settings, durability, and easy installation make it this a step above your regular showerhead. Just note that its chrome color shows water spots easily, so you’ll have to stay on top of wiping it down to keep it sleek and shiny.
Type: Fixed | Material and Finish: Polished nickel, brushed nickel, polish chrome, oil rubbed bronze | Size: 5.4 inches | Flow Rate: 1.75 GPM, 2.5 GPM | Number of Settings: 4
It made our hair feel more moisturized after one month of use.
It’s more expensive because the filter needs to be replaced every six months.
If you’re looking for a showerhead with plenty of features and filters, the T3 is a good pick. This showerhead features seven spray settings and a powerful filtration system that uses a mineral mix of zinc, copper, and calcium sulfide to remove contaminants such as chlorine, dirt, rust, and odors from the water.
We thought this showerhead was large and offered both strong water pressure and good flow. After a month of continuous use, our hair felt more moisturized. It also comes with a matching shower arm to help adjust the showerhead higher or lower. Because the instructions were clear and it needed no special tools to set up, it was easy for us to DIY it. However, it did leak a tiny bit after installation, but we didn’t think it was a big problem. Just keep in mind that you’ll have to pay for a filter replacement every six months (or once you’ve used 10,000 gallons).
Type: Fixed | Material and Finish: Iron, copper; polished | Size: 5.25 inches | Flow Rate: 2 GPM | Number of Settings: 7
Our top pick, the Delta Faucet 52669-BL 5-Setting H2OKinetic Trad Raincan Shower Head, features five spray settings including a pause function, which is especially convenient when shaving. For a cheaper option, we recommend another tested-and-approved Delta showerhead, the Delta Faucet 4-Setting In2ition 2-in-1 Dual Shower Head 75486CSN. It offers just as much value as more pricey options on our list but may not be as durable.
To come up with this list, we tested 17 showerheads in our homes for two weeks. After installing them, we evaluated the amount of spray settings, their intensities, and how well they performed. After two weeks of use, we cleaned it according to the manufacturer’s instructions, checked for any buildup, and noted how easy it was to clean. We also considered the flow rate and pressure of each model. If a showerhead leaked, dripped, or sprayed outside its designated area, we addressed that, too.
For handheld options, we assessed how easy it was to detach and reattach. And if it was a filtered showerhead, we checked how easily we could add and replace filters (and made note of how often it would need to be replaced, as this is an extra cost to the user). Any effects on our skin, hair, and nails were considered, as well as special features, like aromatherapy, lights, and Bluetooth capabilities.
Real Simple / Morgan Ashley Parker
When picking a showerhead for your bathroom, there are plenty of different types to choose from. The most common is the fixed showerhead, which is the standard type found in many tubs and showers. There are also handheld options that come with a hose, rain showerheads that offer a wide and more powerful stream of water, and dual showerheads that have both fixed and handheld components.
If you’re seeking something a bit more advanced, certain specialty showerheads may include features like Bluetooth connectivity, audio speakers, and built-in filters.
Showerheads typically come in multiple finishes, such as chrome and brushed nickel—but keep in mind that many manufacturers don’t list the actual materials. “For the body of the showerhead, I prefer metal with chrome and/or a color of your choice with a PVD finish,” Goranson says. “That PVD finish (physical vapor deposition) is typically a transparent finish that protects the metal beneath it. That is what keeps that finish from changing colors or tarnishing.”
For handheld options, he suggests buying one made from plastic with a long hose, so it’s less likely to damage your shower or tub if it drops. He also says that if you’re after something that won’t accumulate limescale in your bathroom, you may want to invest in a self-cleaning showerhead.
Federal regulations have set a maximum flow rate of 2.5 gallons per minute (GPM) for all showerheads. This shouldn’t be an issue for most homeowners, according to Goranson, who says many low-flow showerheads can provide a saturating shower effect while still complying with water usage regulations.
“These days, the biggest mistake is to remove that flow restrictor that people used to remove in the showerhead decades ago to get better flow,” says Goranson. “Doing this will make your shower experience less enjoyable all while increasing your water bill.”
Rain, pulsing jet massage modes, gentle mists, and full-body spray are the most commonly available showerhead settings. But, it’s ultimately up to you to figure out which settings you feel the most comfortable with. Some people enjoy a drenching rain experience that covers them in the water while others prefer a pulsating massage shower.
Goranson notes that many cheaper showerheads tend to have many settings, while more luxury models are generally rainheads with fewer settings. “But, once someone picks their favorite setting, it usually rarely changes,” he says.
Delta Faucet 5-Spray In2ition Dual Shower Head With Handheld Spray 58480-RB-PK: We loved how big this Delta showerhead was and the fact that it came with a handheld option inside the base, which freed up more space in our shower. It also comes with five spray settings including full body, massage spray, and pause. While having so many settings increases its value, we didn’t think all were useful. Also, be mindful that its large head size may not be the best fit for small or standard-sized tubs and showers.
GURIN Shower Head High-Pressure Rain: This showerhead felt luxurious for its very low price—almost like having a soft rain pitter patter down on your head. It was a nice change from our previous showerhead, which had such high pressure that it felt painful on our skin in certain spots. It also wasn’t complicated to install, although we ended up installing it wrong, so it took longer than expected. It only has one shower setting, so don’t get this one if you’re looking for massage or other stream settings. Also, due to its plastic and metal construction, we have questions about how long it might last.
You could if you wanted to, but in most cases, you don’t have to. In our testing, every showerhead was incredibly quick and easy to install, with many only taking a few minutes to fully set up.
“If you are installing a shower system with multiple heads, this is something typically done as a remodel and many times done by a professional,” says Goranson. “If you have a standard shower with a shower arm or even a bathtub/shower combo, it is a simple DIY project for anyone to swap it out.”
The design and type of showerhead you have can impact water pressure. Most showerheads come with a range of features, like adjustable flow rates and spray patterns, which reduce water waste but at the same time, can also lower water pressure in your home. A clogged showerhead that needs to be cleaned could also affect your water pressure.
A showerhead’s longevity mostly depends on the materials it's made from and how hard your water is. Typically, metals such as stainless steel and brass are seen as more durable and will last longer than plastic showerheads. Hard water buildup is also a factor that can reduce the lifespan of your showerhead. “A high-quality showerhead could last you decades with water that has a low mineral content and is treated and balanced,” says Goranson.
frameless sliding shower enclosure This article was written by Nor’Adila Hepburn, a contributing writer for Real Simple, and updated by Jamie Fischer, a commerce writer for Real Simple. To put together this list, we tested 17 showerheads in our own homes and assessed them on ease of setup, features, performance, settings, durability, and value. We also got expert tips from Eric Goranson, certified kitchen designer with the National Kitchen and Bath Association, and host of the home improvement radio show “Around the House.”