Top Showerheads That Excelled in Our Comprehensive Testing

Top Performer

While we’ve previously used Delta showerheads, this particular model impressed us with its luxurious feel and thoughtful design. It offers five distinct spray settings, such as a massage spray, full body spray, and power drench spray. The pause mode is particularly handy for shaving, as it reduces the water flow to a gentle trickle rather than shutting it off entirely. Switching between modes is effortless, thanks to a side button, which we found more convenient than twist-based designs. 

This fixture boasts a modern, polished appearance due to its chrome Lumicoat finish, which prevents hard water deposits and simplifies cleaning (a more affordable non-Lumicoat version is also available). It’s fully adjustable, tilting in every direction, and conserves water with a 1.75-gallon-per-minute flow rate.

After three months of use, the showerhead remains in pristine condition, free of residue or buildup, and maintains consistent water pressure. We’ve enjoyed the premium shower experience it delivers, along with the versatility of its spray modes, which not only allow us to tailor water pressure but also aid in rinsing shower walls during cleaning. While it lacks a handheld sprayer—something that didn’t bother us but might matter to others—we consider this a durable, high-quality choice.

Type: Fixed | Material and Finish: Chrome Lumicoat, no Lumicoat | Size: 6 inches | Flow Rate: 1.75 GPM | Number of Settings: 5

Top Affordable Pick

Given its features and contemporary design, this Delta model delivers excellent value for its affordable price. The showerhead provides four settings, such as massage sprays, full body sprays, and a pause mode. It also includes a 5-foot handheld hose, perfect for washing hair, bathing pets, or cleaning the tub. We found the attachment simple to connect and disconnect from its base. 

This showerhead is highly adjustable, allowing you to swivel it for optimal spray angles. However, we avoided testing this feature to prevent potential damage to our bathroom’s aging pipes. The rubber spray nozzles are easy to clean, eliminating the need for soaking or cleaning solutions to tackle calcium and lime deposits.

We installed the showerhead ourselves in just 10 minutes. While it didn’t leak, we applied plumber’s tape as a precaution. Although made of plastic, it showed no signs of wear after 50 uses. After three months of consistent use, its performance remains unchanged, delivering the same strong spray as day one. We appreciate its modern aesthetic and leak-free design, though we noticed a slight delay in water warming when switching modes.

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

Top Filtered Option

The quality of water you use on your skin is crucial, making a filtered showerhead a valuable upgrade for enhancing skin and hair health. Designed by trichologists, the Act + Acre showerhead includes 12 filtration layers, such as charcoal, coconut-activated carbon, KDF 55, and calcium sulfite, to eliminate heavy metals, bacteria, odors, and debris. After daily use, we noticed significantly softer skin and hair. The water stream was strong, dense, and covered a wide area due to the showerhead’s broad base. 

The showerhead features a sleek black finish, which resists water spots better than chrome alternatives. It includes three flow restrictors, ranging from 1.8 to 2.5 gallons per minute, depending on your state’s regulations. Installation was quick, following the manual’s five-step guide. A wrench and plumber’s tape were provided, which came in handy for tightening after setup. While it’s a basic model with a single spray setting and requires filter replacement every three months, it can be tilted and swiveled to adjust the water flow.

After three months of use, the showerhead continues to perform flawlessly. We’ve noticed softer hair and less dry, irritated skin. Despite consistent water pressure and filter performance, we wished for additional spray settings and a handheld attachment option.

Type: Fixed | Material and Finish: Black | Size: Standard | Flow Rate: 1.8 GPM, 2.0 GPM, 2.5 GPM | Number of Settings: 1

Top Rain Option

Rain showerheads typically lack extra features, but this Dream Spa model breaks the mold with a combo unit that includes a handheld attachment. This addition simplifies tasks like rinsing shampoo from your hair or bathing small children, which can be challenging with a standard rain showerhead. The handheld attachment offers multiple spray modes, such as rain, massage, and waterfall, which aren’t available on the main showerhead. Switching between modes is effortless, requiring just a button press.

While the Dream Spa’s spray isn’t particularly strong—consistent with the gentle nature of rain showerheads—it delivers a consistent, dense stream that covers a broad area without gaps. Its rub-clean jets make maintenance easy by preventing buildup. The showerhead is also fully adjustable, tilting in all directions for optimal positioning.

Although installation was straightforward, a magnetic design would have been a welcome feature, especially for children, making it easier to reattach the handheld piece to the handle.

After three months of testing, we observed that while the water pressure remains consistent, some jets have started spraying off-center. Cleaning improved a few, but not all. Despite this, the fixture looks almost new after cleaning, and the handheld attachment remains user-friendly and easy to switch between.

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

Top Aromatherapy Option

This NSF-certified showerhead enhances your shower experience by filtering impurities and releasing essential oil aromas. The aromatherapy kit includes lemon verbena, eucalyptus, and grapefruit scents, which made our showers more enjoyable, though the fragrance didn’t linger as long as we’d hoped. This might have been due to not adding enough drops.

Ideal for long showers, this model offers a 2.5-gallon-per-minute flow rate, with a restrictor to adjust it to 1.8 gallons per minute if required by local regulations. The nozzles are evenly spaced and provide three spray settings: wide, narrow, and dual. While the wide and narrow settings delivered steady streams, the dual-stream option had weaker pressure.

The included filter claims to eliminate 99% of chlorine, bacteria, fungi, and heavy metals. During testing, we didn’t observe significant changes in our skin or hair but will monitor this over time. The filter and aromatherapy kit need replacement every 90 days, available at a discount on Canopy’s website.

After three months of testing, we still haven’t noticed improvements in our hair or skin, and the pressure felt weaker due to the larger surface area. However, the pressure remained consistent throughout showers, and there were no leaks. The silicone surface made cleaning effortless, preventing water residue or buildup, and the showerhead maintained its quality in terms of water pressure and durability.

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

Top Large Option

After a tiring day, a soothing shower can be the perfect way to unwind. This 10-inch rain showerhead from Kohler offers a stylish design that can be mounted on either the wall or ceiling. For added flexibility, a separate shower arm can be purchased to adjust the height.

While this showerhead has numerous holes for a concentrated water flow, its pressure is relatively mild, a typical trait of larger rain showerheads. It may not match the intensity of targeted models (rinsing hair might take longer), but it outperforms many hotel rain showerheads we’ve tried. Note that it lacks additional settings, which is standard for rain showerheads.

Installation is straightforward, requiring only a wrench, and we didn’t need to consult the manual. The only issue was a minor leak initially, which was easily fixed with plumber’s tape. This showerhead comes in both 8- and 10-inch sizes.

After three months of use, we’ve experienced no problems. The water flow remains consistent, the spray face is free of clogs, and there are no leaks. While the water pressure is gentler due to the larger surface area, it creates a relaxing shower experience while still effectively rinsing shampoo. However, it doesn’t include a handheld option, though its sleek design compensates for this.

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

Top Dual Option

The Moen showerhead’s handheld attachment adds versatility, making it ideal for hair washing, shaving, and bathing children. It includes a 60-inch hose and uses magnets to effortlessly secure the attachment. A standout feature is the ability to use both the handheld and main showerhead simultaneously for broader coverage. With eight spray settings, including massage, pause, and rain modes, you can seamlessly switch between them using the infinity dial on both the handheld and main showerhead. 

While the showerhead’s angle is easy to adjust, its range of motion is limited—it only tilts up and down. Although cheaper models with more features exist, we favor this Moen for its high-quality components and long-lasting durability.

After three months of daily use, our satisfaction remains unchanged. It performs as well as it did on day one, with consistent pressure and versatile settings. We’ve encountered no issues—the hose, levers, and fixtures are in perfect condition, and there’s no buildup or clogging.

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

Top Water Pressure Option

Despite its compact size, the Hansgrohe Raindance Showerhead delivers a luxurious shower experience. Its unique technology combines air and water, enhancing volume while conserving water. It offers three spray modes: rain air for daily use, balance air (a mix of droplets and massage spray), and whirl air (a focused massage spray). 

Switching between settings wasn’t as effortless as with other models, requiring two hands. However, the water pressure was exceptional, delivering a consistent, powerful stream. The only drawback was its small size—just over 5 inches—which seemed out of place in our shower.

After three months of testing, the showerhead maintained excellent water pressure and quality, with no signs of rust or buildup. We primarily used the regular setting, which met all our needs, reducing the need to switch modes frequently.

Cleaning the showerhead was hassle-free, thanks to its tiny rubber nozzles that prevent buildup. It’s available in four finishes, making it easy to match your bathroom decor. While it’s a high-quality option, we felt it was slightly overpriced given its 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

Top Pick for Small Showers

For small or standard showers, this compact model is an excellent choice. Measuring about 5 inches in length and width, it features four spray settings: fine mist, massage, circular, and regular coverage. The mist setting was our favorite, offering a soothing, gentle breeze-like experience. All settings can be easily switched with one hand.

While small showerheads often lack coverage, this Kohler model sprays at a wider angle. However, it may not suit those under 5-foot-6, as the spray might hit the face instead of the body. Another drawback is that it can spray water onto the shower walls, potentially leaving the floor wet. It offers two flow rates: a high-pressure 2.5 gallons per minute and a water-saving 1.75 gallons per minute. 

After three months of testing, the showerhead’s performance remained consistent. We appreciated its easy cleaning and mode switching, though switching settings occasionally caused a brief burst of cold water due to residual water in unused nozzles.

Overall, the variety of spray settings, durability, and easy installation elevate this showerhead above standard models. However, its chrome finish shows water spots easily, requiring frequent cleaning to maintain its sleek appearance. 

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

Top Settings Option

For those seeking a feature-rich, filtered showerhead, the T3 is an excellent choice. It offers seven spray settings and a robust filtration system that uses a blend of zinc, copper, and calcium sulfide to eliminate chlorine, dirt, rust, and odors from the water.

We found this showerhead to be spacious, delivering strong water pressure and consistent flow. After a month of use, our hair felt noticeably softer. It includes a matching shower arm for height adjustment. Installation was straightforward, with clear instructions and no special tools required. While it had a minor leak post-installation, it wasn’t a significant issue. However, be prepared to replace the filter every six months or after 10,000 gallons of use.

After three months of testing, we couldn’t determine if it improved our hair or skin, and we felt the water pressure was slightly lacking. However, the water pressure and cleanliness remained consistent throughout the testing period, and we appreciated the variety of spray settings.

Type: Fixed | Material and Finish: Iron, copper; polished | Size: 5.25 inches | Flow Rate: 2 GPM | Number of Settings: 7

Final Verdict

Our top choice, the Delta Faucet 52669-BL 5-Setting H2OKinetic Trad Raincan Shower Head, includes five spray settings, including a pause feature ideal for shaving. For a budget-friendly alternative, we recommend the Delta Faucet 4-Setting In2ition 2-in-1 Dual Shower Head 75486CSN, which delivers comparable value to pricier models but may lack the same durability.

Our Testing Process

To compile this list, we tested 17 showerheads in our homes for two weeks. After installation, we evaluated the number of spray settings, their intensity, and overall performance. Following two weeks of use, we cleaned each model according to the manufacturer’s instructions, checked for buildup, and noted cleaning ease. We also assessed flow rate and pressure, addressing any leaks, drips, or spray misalignment.

For handheld models, we evaluated how easily they could be detached and reattached. For filtered showerheads, we tested the ease of adding and replacing filters, noting replacement frequency and associated costs. We also considered any effects on skin, hair, and nails, as well as special features like aromatherapy, lighting, and Bluetooth connectivity.

We continued testing all products for three months to monitor any changes from our initial impressions. Long-term testing will persist, with updates provided as new insights emerge.

How to Shop for Showerheads Like a Pro

Type

When selecting a showerhead for your bathroom, you’ll find various types to consider. The most common is the fixed showerhead, a standard option in many tubs and showers. Other choices include handheld models with hoses, rain showerheads that deliver a broad, powerful stream, and dual showerheads combining fixed and handheld elements. 

For those seeking advanced features, specialty showerheads may include options like Bluetooth connectivity, built-in speakers, and integrated filters. 

Material and Finish

Showerheads are available in various finishes, such as chrome and brushed nickel, though many manufacturers don’t specify the materials used. “For the showerhead body, I recommend metal with a chrome or colored PVD finish,” Goranson explains. “PVD (physical vapor deposition) is a transparent coating that protects the underlying metal, preventing discoloration or tarnishing.”

For handheld models, Goranson advises opting for plastic with a long hose to minimize damage if dropped. He also recommends self-cleaning showerheads to prevent limescale buildup in your bathroom. 

Flow Rate

Federal regulations cap showerhead flow rates at 2.5 gallons per minute (GPM). Goranson notes that this isn’t a concern for most homeowners, as many low-flow models deliver a satisfying shower experience while adhering to water usage standards.

“These days, removing the flow restrictor, as people did decades ago to increase water flow, is a mistake,” Goranson explains. “This not only diminishes your shower experience but also raises your water bill.”

Settings

Common showerhead settings include rain, pulsating massage jets, gentle mists, and full-body sprays. Ultimately, the choice depends on your personal preference. Some prefer a drenching rain effect, while others favor a pulsating massage. 

Goranson points out that budget-friendly showerheads often offer multiple settings, while luxury models typically focus on rain settings with fewer options. “However, once users find their preferred setting, they rarely change it,” he adds. 

More Showerheads to Consider

Delta Faucet 5-Spray In2ition Dual Shower Head With Handheld Spray 58480-RB-PK: We appreciated the large size of this Delta showerhead and its integrated handheld option, which saved space in our shower. It offers five spray settings, including full body, massage, and pause. While the variety adds value, not all settings were practical. Additionally, its large size may not suit small or standard tubs and showers. 

GURIN Shower Head High-Pressure Rain: This showerhead felt surprisingly luxurious for its low price, offering a gentle rain-like experience. It was a refreshing change from our previous high-pressure model, which could feel harsh on the skin. Installation was straightforward, though we initially installed it incorrectly, causing delays. It has only one setting, so it’s not ideal for those seeking massage or varied streams. Its plastic and metal construction also raises questions about long-term durability.

Questions You Might Ask

Do you need professional installation for a showerhead?

While you can opt for professional installation, it’s usually unnecessary. In our tests, every showerhead was quick and easy to install, often taking just a few minutes. 

“For shower systems with multiple heads, professional installation is common during remodels,” Goranson explains. “However, for standard showers or tub/shower combos, replacing a showerhead is a simple DIY task anyone can handle.”

Can a showerhead affect water pressure?

The design and type of showerhead can influence water pressure. Many models feature adjustable flow rates and spray patterns, which conserve water but may reduce pressure. A clogged showerhead requiring cleaning can also impact pressure.

What is the lifespan of a showerhead?

A showerhead’s lifespan depends on its materials and water hardness. Metal options like stainless steel and brass are more durable and long-lasting than plastic. Hard water buildup can shorten its life. “A high-quality showerhead can last decades with low-mineral, treated, and balanced water,” Goranson notes. 

Take Our Word for It 

This article was authored by Nor’Adila Hepburn, a contributing writer for Mytour, and updated by Jamie Fischer, a Mytour writer. To compile this list, we tested 17 showerheads in our homes, evaluating them on installation ease, features, performance, settings, durability, and value. We also gathered expert insights from Eric Goranson, a certified kitchen designer with the National Kitchen and Bath Association and host of the home improvement radio show “Around the House.”