Considering just how much time we spend in the shower, we think it’s well worth the investment to find a showerhead you love. Whether your old fixture is clogged with build-up or has faulty parts, upgrading your shower can result in a more enjoyable experience. Plus, a high-efficiency model can reduce your water usage and your water bill each month.
Over the last five years, we've tested and researched dozens of the best showerheads on the market. Recently, we installed 20 models in our homes, using them for several months to determine how well they did (or didn't!) upgrade our shower's performance. We reported on each model's performance, settings, features, value, and other details to come up with a list of favorites that includes fixed, handheld, and dual showerheads.
Our Top Picks
Best Budget:
Best Adjustable:
Better Homes & Gardens Chandler Combo Showerhead at Walmart$55
Best Filtered:
What We Like
Dual head design
12 different settings for adjustable pressure and flow
Easy to maneuver and switch between settings
Good value considering price point
What We Don’t Like
Plastic construction
Of all the options we tested, the Waterpik 12-spray 5 in. High PressureDual Shower Head is our top pick because it proves that you don’t have to spend a fortune on a showerhead to get an intense, luxurious shower experience. After six months of using this showerhead, we’re happy with how all the features continue to work well with no leakage or changes in overall performance.
This dual-function showerhead offers the benefits of both a fixed and handheld showerhead, allowing for more range and flexibility. The showerhead has 12 different spray settings (nine on the fixed head and three on the wand) with adjustable flow rates, including full, massage, mist, soft, and vigorous. We especially loved the massage setting, which provided a high-pressure stream for ultimate relaxation.
Upon arrival, we were impressed by the simple installation process. It took us less than five minutes to remove and replace the old showerhead since the instructions were easy to follow and clearly laid out. Using the handheld wand proved to be simple as well, and we appreciate that it has ample hose length to maneuver comfortably.
The fixed showerhead also has great range, as it can turn 360 degrees and has an up-and-down tilt. The product has a pivoting diverter that allows you to quickly switch between the two heads without much fuss, but you do have to manually adjust it to the setting you want. We also love that the showerhead features rubber anti-clog nozzle tips to prevent buildup and allow easy cleaning.
The showerhead is made with plastic parts, which may not be as durable as stainless steel or brass in the long run—but it’s a commonly used material for showerheads, so we can’t fault this pick too much for that. We think the reasonably priced model offers just about everything you’d want and need in a showerhead, making this our favorite option of the bunch.
Diameter: 5 inches | Material: Stainless steel, plastic | Mount Type: Wall mount | Flow Rate: 1.8 gallons per minute | Spray Patterns: 12 (including mist, massage, and full)
What We Like
Even, intense water pressure
Classic rainfall design
Easy to install and clean
Available in six finishes
What We Don’t Like
Smaller than some rainfall showerheads
Limited settings
Rain showerheads may seem like a luxury, but you can add one to your shower without spending a fortune. This high-pressure SparkPod showerhead boasts a classic rainfall design—a wide, flat head recreates the experience of getting caught in a (warm and pleasant) rainstorm.
It provides full-body coverage with no gaps in the water stream. While this showerhead doesn’t include any additional water flow settings, it’s still a great option for those who don’t need all the bells and whistles of more feature-packed models. Three months into our testing, the water pressure is still impressive, and because of the dark bronze color we opted to try, the minimal water spots that have appeared are barely noticeable.
It’s also simple to adjust the position of the showerhead, with a sufficient range of motion for any direction you may need it to point. We found the wall-mounted showerhead easy to install while following the instructions, and we appreciate that the manufacturer included a QR code for a video tutorial. Plus, it comes in eight sleek finishes, from brushed nickel to oil-rubbed bronze.
Diameter: 6 inches | Material: ABS plastic | Mount Type: Wall mount | Flow Rate: 1.8 gallons per minute | Spray Patterns: 2 (rain and full)
How do you clean a showerhead?
If your showerhead is lined with easy-to-clean rubber nozzles, you should be able to clean it by gently massaging the nozzles with your fingers or an old toothbrush. If not, you can soak your showerhead with vinegar for several hours, run the shower, and clean up any remaining build-up with an old toothbrush. However, this method may be too harsh for tiles or other natural stones in your bathroom, notes Sharon Sherman, owner of the kitchen and bath design firm Thyme & Place Design.
What We Like
Variety of spray settings
Magnetic detachable showerhead and side panels
High-quality construction
What We Don’t Like
May be prone to water spots
Adjustable features are key to getting the exact water flow you want out of a showerhead, and this option’s features impressed us during our long-term tests. Whether you prefer a wide, rain-like effect or a more concentrated stream, the Better Homes & Gardens Chandler 6 Setting Magnetic Combo Shower Head can get the job done. (Better Homes & Gardensis owned byThe Spruce'sparent company, Dotdash Meredith.)
The dual design offers you the freedom to use either the mounted showerhead or handheld wand. Plus, it has a magnetic docking system for added convenience and a 72-inch hose for easy maneuvering.
With six different spray settings, you have full flexibility to customize your stream and pressure. We liked the variety of settings, as we’re confident you’ll be able to find the right one for your preferences. What’s more, you’ll never have to worry about the spray not being wide enough—the product features two adjustable side panels that provide a fuller stream.
We’re impressed with how the Chandler Combo Showerhead has held up after six months of at-home testing. There have been no changes in performance or aesthetics; the water pressure is still wonderful, and the hardware is still sturdy. Plus, shower nozzles are made of rubber, which are very easy to clean.
The detachable showerhead also makes it simple to rinse off the sides of the shower and other nozzles during the cleaning process. We’ve found that using a daily shower spray helps with consistent upkeep of the showerhead.
Just keep in mind that this product may be more prone to water spots than some of the other options we tested. Boasting an easy installation, high-quality construction, and top-notch performance, the showerhead’s price is more than fair, too.
Diameter: Not listed | Material: Not listed | Mount Type: Wall mount | Flow Rate: 1.8 gallons per minute | Spray Patterns: 6 (including rain shower, full spray, and massage)
What We Like
Even water stream with a wide range of spray settings
Height adjustable
Antimicrobial anti-clog nozzles
What We Don’t Like
Construction allows for slight leaks
If you love an intense shower, nothing beats a high-pressure showerhead—and thanks to the AquaCare High-Pressure 8-mode Handheld Shower Head, you don’t have to break the bank to get one. Through testing, we’ve confirmed that this showerhead offers high-end performance, at a relatively low price point.
This showerhead offers eight settings, including wide rain, massage, and point jet. Some settings offer a more concentrated stream with higher pressure, which can also be used to clean the shower itself. At 2.5 GPM, the flow rate is higher than many options on this list, which can enable better water pressure (confirmed by our months of usage!), but keep in mind that this may also lead to higher water bills.
We found that the installation instructions were clear when setting up this showerhead. The handheld wand is easy to detach, and even has an additional mount to place the showerhead at a different height if needed. This thoughtful feature is especially helpful for those living with kids or a roommate/partner with a height difference. The hose length was plenty long, too.
Plus, the product features antimicrobial anti-clog nozzles to keep the showerhead clean. In testing, we did notice slight leaks around the showerhead due to the plastic construction, but it was not majorly concerning to us. We’ve cleaned the showerhead by wiping the surface with a shower cleaner, which helps keep it looking it as good as new.
Diameter: 6.5 inches | Material: Stainless steel, acrylonitrile, butadiene styrene | Mount Type: Wall mount | Flow Rate: 2.5 gallons per minute | Spray Patterns: 8 (including wide rain, massage, and point jet)
Can showerheads improve water pressure?
Yes, showerheads can improve low water pressure. “Most showerheads have water restrictors built-in to keep you from wasting water, and your city’s water pressure may limit the maximum pressure you experience in the shower,” says Chris Fallon, general contractor and owner of Fallon Contracting. Additionally, Fallon notes that older showerheads may have "subpar or faulty restrictors,” which can give you less control over water flow than a more modern showerhead might.
Plus, according to Fallon, replacing an old showerhead can make it feel like your water pressure has improved, too. Your showerhead can get clogged with build-up over time, which can decrease water flow.
What We Like
Magnetic docking system for simple detachment
Lightweight construction
Easily adjustable
What We Don’t Like
On the smaller side
Hose could be longer
Handheld showerheads put you in control of your showers—allowing you to direct the water flow exactly where you want it. The Moen Engage Magnetix Spot Resist Six-Function Eco-Performance Handheld Showerhead features a magnetic docking system, making it extremely simple to attach and detach the showerhead from the wall. We were impressed by just how convenient the mechanism was in our testing.
The wand feels very lightweight, making it easy to use for longer periods. Even after rinsing two kids in a long bath, our tester’s arm never got tired. While the hose could have been a little longer, it still got the job done.
In terms of performance, we found that this showerhead held up exceptionally well, with a consistent and even water flow. However, the spray area isn’t particularly wide, which can be an issue for those who prefer more of a rainfall effect. But with six different spray patterns, we still found that the product is highly effective and customizable to your liking.
We also love how easy the showerhead is to move around, as it uses a swivel-action adjustment to change the direction of the stream.
Diameter: 3.5 inches | Material: Nickel, metal | Mount Type: Wall mount | Flow Rate: 1.75 gallons per minute | Spray Patterns: 6 (including rinse, massage, and wide coverage)
What We Like
Bluetooth-enabled speaker is removable and portable
Sound is clear
Speaker can run up to nine hours on single charge
Showerhead itself offers nice pressure
What We Don’t Like
Only one shower setting
May be prone to water spots
Singing in the shower has never been easier with the Kohler Moxie Showerhead, which features a waterproof Bluetooth speaker that wirelessly connects to your smartphone. The removable speaker is securely held in place by a magnetic docking system, which allows you to easily remove it for charging or on-the-go listening.
And not only does the speaker feature a quick-charging battery, but it also allows for up to nine hours of playtime. We were highly impressed with the sound quality of the speaker—it plays music clearly and loudly.
While the speaker may be the product’s main selling point, the showerhead delivers on performance, too. We were impressed with the strong water pressure and wide-range spray. So, although there’s only one shower setting, we think it should work for most people.
We did notice that the product developed a few water spots, but it was overall easy to clean with some wet wipes or a dry towel. Additionally, it boasts a solid and durable construction, so if you’re looking for a long-lasting showerhead that can also blast your favorite tunes, it's a solid bet.
Diameter: Not listed | Material: Nickel | Mount Type: Wall mount | Flow Rate: Not listed | Spray Patterns: 1
What We Like
Tracks water usage via app
Personalized LED alerts
Wand showerhead with stainless steel construction
Chic design
What We Don’t Like
Limited settings
Hose may not be long enough
App setup can take some time
If you’ve ever wanted to track your water usage and take advantage of high-tech features, you’ll want to check out the Hai Smart Showerhead. The showerhead connects to the Hai app via Bluetooth so you can view your time spent in the shower, how many gallons of water you’ve used, and even your average shower temperature. The app also saves this information to track your environmental impact over time.
We found that downloading and pairing the software to the showerhead took some time, so you might not be able to use the app immediately. But once you’re set, there are many features to enjoy, including customizable LED lights that alert you when the water is at your desired temperature or if you’ve reached your target water limit
The showerhead is also fully detachable, which is great for those who prefer a handheld wand over a fixed showerhead. It also boasts a high-quality stainless steel construction but isn’t too heavy to use for long periods.
You’ll want to note that there are only two water settings—a high-pressure stream and a spa-like mist—which you can switch between using the built-in slider. And while its overall performance was effective, we think the hose length could have been longer. You can choose between a low-flow showerhead with a flow rate of 1.8 gallons per minute or a standard one of 2.5 gallons per minute.
After six months of testing the Hai Smart Showerhead, we’ve found that it performs exactly as it did when we first installed it—all features still work with no leakage. The finish on the hardware camouflages any water stains, so we appreciate that it always looks clean. That being said, given the price point of this showerhead, we would really only recommend it for those who want to track and lower their water usage. If this isn’t a priority, you’ll be able to find other similarly effective showerheads at lower price points.
Diameter: 4.45 inches | Material: Stainless steel | Mount Type: Wall mount | Flow Rate: 1.8 or 2.5 gallons per minute | Spray Patterns: 2 (rain shower and fine mist)
Can a high-efficiency showerhead save energy?
Yes, high-efficiency showerheads are specifically designed to save water and energy. If you’re looking for a more efficient showerhead, consider a low-flow option—and rest assured knowing that it doesn’t have to mean a lackluster shower. “Low-flow showerheads are not necessarily low-pressure,” Sherman says. She recommends testing a showerhead in person to determine how high or low pressure it is.
Best Filtered
Jolie Skin Co The Filtered Showerhead
What We Like
Replaceable filter removes contaminants from water
Sleek and high-quality construction
Good water pressure and stream width
What We Don’t Like
Just one shower setting
Doesn’t come with extra filters
To filter contaminants from your shower's water (without installing a separate water filter), try the Jolie Skin Co Filtered Showerhead. We noticed a positive difference in our skin and hair, which we attributed to consistently using the newly installed showerhead.
While the showerhead only offers one spray setting, we found the pressure to be comfortably strong—and we think the lack of settings shouldn’t be an issue for most users. And while it’s not highly adjustable, the showerhead swivels slightly, so you can change the angle as needed. We also loved how well-built the showerhead was, as the construction was solid and the design was sleek.
Installation was easy in our testing, but you’ll need to replace the filter every three months for the Jolie Skin Co Showerhead to continue filtering. You can either purchase the Jolie Showerhead with or without a filter subscription.
After six months of at-home testing, the showerhead still works well, and the water pressure has remained strong. It doesn’t get dirty as quickly as others we’ve tried, which we appreciate. The manufacturer recommends changing the filter every three months—we didn't notice a significant change after swapping it out. We did struggle to unscrew the showerhead the third time we replaced the filter, but contacting Jolie Skin Co’s customer service proved exceptionally helpful, and the company was quick to respond.
In general, we’ve been pleased with the overall performance of this showerhead. But because the filters are pricey and must be replaced frequently, we’d only recommend this product to those who are very conscious of water quality and willing to pay for the upkeep.
Diameter: 5.3 inches | Material: High-impact ABS | Mount Type: Wall mount | Flow Rate: 1.8 gallons per minute | Spray Patterns: 1
What We Like
Dual head design
Five different settings
Easy installation and adjustment
What We Don’t Like
Material unspecified
Shelling out extra cash for a quality, sleek showerhead can be a great way to upgrade your daily routine. While the Delta HydroRain Two-in-One Shower Head doesn’t come cheap, after putting this showerhead to the test, we think its dual design, variety of settings, and high-quality construction justify its price tag.
We love the two-in-one design, which features both a fixed and handheld shower for added convenience. During our tests, installing the showerhead was incredibly easy and took less than two minutes. The directions were helpful and no tools were required.
We did notice that the handheld wand was a bit tricky to detach at first, as it clips in very securely. We think it could loosen slightly over time, making it easier to remove—but in the meantime, we appreciate that you don’t have to worry about the wand falling off the holder.
Additionally, we found that the length of the hose allows for comfortable maneuvering. While the manufacturer doesn’t list the exact material, we think the showerhead is on the heavy side, and it feels very solid and sturdy. It also looks and feels higher quality than many of the other options we tested, and you can pick from ten different finishes to match the rest of your bathroom.
With five different spray settings, there are plenty of ways to customize the stream to suit your needs and preferences. So while we recognize that the Delta HydroRain Two-in-One Shower Head is pricey, we think its performance and construction can make it a worthwhile investment.
Diameter: 6 inches | Material: Not listed | Mount Type: Wall mount | Flow Rate: 1.75 gallons per minute | Spray Patterns: 5 (including full body, massage, and shampoo rinse)
Final Verdict
Powerful and packed with features, the Waterpik 12-spray 5 in. High PressureDual Shower Head earns our best overall title. The showerhead is reasonably priced, easy to maneuver, and offers nine different settings. If you’re on a budget, check out the SparkPod Shower Head (our best budget pick). The wallet-friendly rain showerhead has a ton of value considering its low price point—but delivers on the luxurious, full-body coverage water flow you’re looking for.
How We Tested the Showerheads
After researching the most beloved, top-rated showerheads on the market, we gathered 20 options and took them home. We installed the showerheads per the manufacturer’s instructions, used them consistently throughout the testing period, and cleaned them when needed.We also paid attention to:
- Ease of setup: we noted how complicated the directions were, how long the process took, and whether or not any special tools were needed.
- Features: we considered how useful and simple it was to navigate features like Bluetooth, filters, and dual settings.
- Performance: we observed the water pressure and flow, taking into account the area and power of the stream.
- Settings: we assessed how easy it was to adjust the position of each showerhead and whether or not the settings allowed us to customize the shower to different preferences.
- Durability:, we noted its overall construction, how easy it was to clean and maintain, and whether or not there are any features that make the showerhead easier to clean or resistant to clogging or build-up.
Finally, we assessed the showerheads’ value by comparing their retail prices with their overall quality. We also considered how (if at all) the showerheads enhanced our daily lives and whether or not we would recommend the products to a friend or family member.
What to Look for in a Showerhead
Type
The first decision you'll need to make when shopping for a showerhead is which type you'd like to install. There are three main types of showerheads:
- Fixed showerheads are mounted to the wall. They're the most common (and traditional) type you'll encounter. Usually positioned at around 80 inches high, they deliver consistent water flow and pressure. You can angle a fixed showerhead and potentially adjust the spray pattern, but these wall-mounted models cannot be height-adjusted. Our favorite fixed showerhead is the SparkPod Shower Head, our best budget pick, which offers a rain-style spray without a high price.
- Handheld showerheads are connected to the wall via a flexible hose. They offer far more flexibility. We think they're great option for households with kids, as you can better control the spray's direction and the height of the showerhead. However, They're also handy for individuals with pets and those with mobility issues who may not be able to stand under a traditional fixed showerhead. One example we love is the powerful, easy-spraying AquaCare 8-mode Handheld Shower Head, our best high-pressure pick.
- Dual showerheads are the best of both worlds as they're mounted to the wall and offer a handheld, hose-connection option. If you need the flexibility of a handheld model but also like the advantage of a fixed, overhead showerhead you don't have to move, a dual showerhead will deliver on both fronts. You can choose to use it as a fixed or handheld, making it adaptable for various needs. We particularly liked the Waterpik 12-spray 5 in. High PressureDual Shower Head, our best overall pick, which delivers on versatility with an impressive 12 spray settings.
Spray Pattern
In our testing, we found that pretty much every modern showerhead comes with multiple spray patterns, allowing you to customize your shower experience and choose the water pressure and flow that best suits you. While some will offer a few options, like two to four spray settings, many we tested offer more than four (including some like our best overall showerhead, the Waterpik 12-spray 5 in. High PressureDual Shower Head, which offers a whopping 12 choices!)
Whether you opt for a showerhead with a few spray patterns or many, you can expect to find these common options in most products:
- Rain (or rainfall)
- Full body (or wide coverage)
- Targeted spray
- Massage
- Jetting
- Mist
- Combo spray
For the most versatility and the ultimate level of customization, more spray patterns are always a great choice.
Water Efficiency
Standard flow rates for showers max out at 2.5 gallons per minute (GPM). Many showerheads may be designed to be water-efficient, so look for low-flow options that can help reduce your water usage and lower your water bill. If a showerhead has a WaterSense label, it means the the product has met United States Environmental Protection Agency water-efficiency standards with a flow rate of under 2 GPM.
Why Trust The Spruce?
This article was written by Bianca Pineda, a commerce writer who specializes in bedding, bath, and home decor at The Spruce. To compile this list, she consulted The Spruce's hands-on testing insights, assessed a range of independent customer reviews, and conducted supplemental research on showerhead types, installation, and use. Pineda also owns and has tested the Jolie Skin Co The Filtered Showerhead. All of the products in this roundup met our quality standards during the research process and performed the best during our real-world tests.
Our Experts:
- Chris Fallon, general contractor and owner of Fallon Contracting
- Sharon Sherman, owner of the kitchen and bath design firm Thyme & Place Design
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