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A great shower can really set the mood for the day. That’s why it’s time to invest in the best shower head. It’s a small detail in home improvement efforts, but it can make a major difference. There are many types of shower heads to choose from and we’re here to help.
Some shower heads can transform your morning or evening routine into an exotic waterfall, can give you the effects of a gentle massage, or you can live out your karaoke dreams with a combo, handheld shower head.
The options on our list are top quality, affordable, and look great. Not only will they revolutionize your shower experience, but will give your bathroom an aesthetic boost. Here is our list of top picks for the best shower head.
Our Top Pick
Kohler K-22169 G-CP Forte Shower Head
Don’t let the elegance of the Kohler K-21169 G-CP Forte Multifunction Shower Head fool you– our top pick gives a powerful, fuller stream of water. The perfected pressure of a rainshower is clear, with this specific model aerating the stream itself. Its three functions of spray face include Katayst, massage, and silk sprays, so you can choose exactly the way you like your pressure. It’s an affordable model that’s easy to clean and boasts rave reviews across the board.
Other Great Picks
AquaDance Rainfall Combo Shower Head
It was nearly a tie between Kohler and the AquaDance Rainfall Combo Shower Head, which is also a best seller on our list. Made with high-quality stainless steel, this shower head comes with six different settings, a premium 7-inch diameter rainfall shower head and a 4-inch multi-setting handheld shower head. If you are torn between which setting you like the best, you have the option of setting both shower heads at different streams. Our staff loves the options you have with AquaDance.
High Sierra 1.5 GPM High Efficiency Low Flow Shower Head
High Sierra’s 1.5 GPM High Efficiency Low Flow Shower Head has an award winning, patented nozzle that delivers a strong stream of water while looking sleek and compact. Its stream is certain to satisfy, and you can feel good about it– this model by High Sierra is WaterSense Certified and save 40% or more water as well as energy. Choose between a polished chrome finish, spot resist brushed nickel, oil rubbed bronze, or polished brass shower head to match your bathroom.
SparkPod High Pressure Rain Shower Head
A cost-effective luxury design? We’re in. SparkPod High Pressure Rain Shower Head is easy to install, looks stunning, and gives the feeling of an all-encompassing tropical rainfall without lacking pressure. SparkPod has a water-saving feature and a self-cleaning nozzle that works to remove minerals and prevent build up. With nearly 5,000 five-star reviews, it was a clear contender on our list and it’s a terrific option if you’re on a budget. You even have the choice of chrome or chrome with matte black.
WASSA High Pressure Shower Head
High-pressure, anti-clog, anti-leak in a simple, clean design and only 3 inches in diameter, the WASSA High Pressure Shower Head is the perfect choice for anyone who wants the quintessential shower head look. This product is also an adjustable shower head, with a swivel ball joint. WASSA offers a full refund or a life-time of replacements if there are any issues with the quality of your shower, but we’re sure you won’t need it and the 7,000+ five stars back us up.
Moen 26009 Engage Magnetix Shower Head
Looking for both a handheld shower head and a rainfall shower head? The Moen 26009 Engage Magnetix Shower Head is the one for you. Moen also offers something unique, along with six water settings. Unlike many handheld shower heads, the Engage Magnetix Shower Head features a magnetic docking system so there’s little fumbling when securing the head back into its designated socket.
WaterPoint High Pressure Shower Head
The Water Point High Pressure Shower Head is another great option for water conservation. Rainfall shower heads are known for high water usage, but WaterPoint keeps you in check with a limit of 2.5 gallons of water per minute. The chrome-plated, 8-inch shower head is sleek, attractive, and one of the more inexpensive on the list. With an air intake system that creates tiny bubbles in the water droplet, this high pressure shower head will give an experience of luxury without the cost.
Speakman S-2252 Anystream Shower Head
A classic look with an innovative design, the Speakman S-2252 Anystream Shower Head has a very simple look but features nearly 50 separate micronozzles. Speakman uses the patented Anystream 360 degree system to transition water streams through intense, rain, and full flood settings. It’s a very versatile product and offers exactly what you need in a shower head.
Culligan WSH-C125 Wall-Mounted Filtered Shower Head
The Culligan WSH-C125 Wall-Mounted Filtered Shower Head is great for those who have hard water (i.e. municipal water with chlorine, ammonia, calcium, magnesium, and more). The easy to use single function filtration system on the Culligan lasts up to 6 months or 10,000 gallons of water– whichever comes first. A reduction in bacterial and mineral content is not only healthier overall, but leaves you with softer, cleaner skin. Affordable and effective.
MeSun High Pressure Shower Head
The MeSun High Pressure Shower Head effectively mimics a rainfall, with a large 12-inch shower face and an 11-inch extension arm so you can control the height and angle. MeSun has put a product on the market that makes showering a luxurious experience and better yet, it’s easy to install and has strong water pressure, using a combination of ultra-thin and air-in technology.
What Are Shower Heads?
A shower head is an essential component to a shower system where the water comes out. Once the shower is turned on, water should emit in a variety of streams from the shower head. A shower faucet (shower head and a valve) is also essential in its function as it controls the water flow and temperature.
There are three main types of shower heads– fixed shower heads, handheld shower heads, and shower heads with handheld heads. There are many different shower heads to choose from, all which have various features including high pressure and rainfall.
What Is A Handheld Shower Head?
A handheld shower head (or hand shower) offers the option of mobility when it comes to your water stream. They are positioned the same as a standard fixed shower head, but are connected by a tube or hose for easy removal. Handheld shower heads are secured by a fixed-mount bracket and are extremely helpful when it comes to bathing your kids or pets.
Some models offer both a fixed shower head in addition to a second handheld option (combo shower head). Often you can control settings of both shower heads separately so you can get the best of all showering features with the option of body spray.
What Is A Dual Shower Head?
A dual shower head is the same thing as a combo or shower head combo, which features both a fixed shower head and a handheld shower head. A benefit to purchasing a dual shower head is that you can control each spray setting individually.
What Is A Rain Shower Head?
Rain shower heads have become a popular option with possibly the largest body coverage and sleekiest designs. Rain shower heads are designed to make your shower feel like a tropical rainfall…and they truly do. They are often the largest show head in diameter and are fixed-mounted heads, meaning they do not come off the wall like a handheld shower head.
If you’re someone that loves warmer, full-body coverage in the shower, a rain (or waterfall) shower head is the choice for you. Replacing your shower head with a rain shower head is very easy and often does not require tools, but you can also install a rain shower system into the ceiling and get the same effect.
What Is GPM?
You’ll see the acronym “GPM” when researching shower heads and may wonder what it means. GPM stands for Gallons Per Minute. This is an effective measuring system and way to state how many gallons of water are put out by your shower per minute.
The federally mandated water flow rate is 2.5 GPM and is regulated for the purpose of water and energy conservation. A highly efficient shower head will have a GPM lower than 2.5 and a shower head that was installed prior to 1992 (the date of new regulation) could have a GPM of 3.5 or more. If you’re looking to conserve more water, aim to purchase a shower head with a low GPM.
What Is The Difference Between Hard And Soft Water?
There’s a distinct difference between hard and soft water, much of which is based on the mineral content within the water. The hardness of water is determined by the amount of calcium and magnesium you’d find in the water. As opposed to soft water, which is only treated with sodium.
Hard water may taste a little better because of its mineral content while soft water tastes saltier, but in terms of showering, soft water is usually preferred. Hard water leaves spots on dishes, causes mineral stains on clothing, and often leaves a film-like texture on our bodies. Soft water is best for cleaning of every kind, establishes healthy water pressure, and does not change the pH balance of your skin.
What Features Do Shower Heads Offer?
The features of a shower head are solely based on the model and brand you decide to purchase as they distinctly vary. While some people may prefer a fine, light mist spray pattern, others prefer a fuller, massage-like stream. A shower head’s setting is often adjusted by twisting the face or moving the slide bar of the shower head in order to switch the nozzles.
A few types of shower head settings include rainfall, high pressure massage, full body stream, water saving mode, mist, or power mode. The setting of a shower head is based on the amount of nozzles or micronozzles used (nozzle pattern) which determines the amount of pressure given. Everyone enjoys something different and there is a shower head and setting to meet all needs.
How Do I Install A Shower Head Onto The Shower?
Many shower heads are designed to replace the standard one that comes with your shower with easy installation, so there’s no need to call the plumber. They often require little tools and maintenance, with the exception of a wrench for tightening. Shower head replacements come with teflon or thread seal tape which are used for plumbing and sealing the pipe to prevent threads from seizing.
Remove the old shower head by twisting counter-clockwise, clean off any mineral deposits, wrap the teflon tape approximately 3 times around the pipe threads. Screw the new shower head clockwise and tighten, then check for any leaks by turning the water on. If you are installing a handheld, screw the mount on following the same directions, connect the shower hose to the mount and the shower head, hand-tighten, and test. Make sure to always read the instructions provided.
Are Good Shower Heads Expensive?
An expensive shower head can run you a few hundred dollars, but breaking the bank for a new, worthwhile showering experience isn’t necessary. A quality, sleek shower head will range in cost from $20 to $100, many on the lower range.
We always work to find the best, most affordable shower heads that can meet a range of preferences. The shower heads on our list are within that range and offer everything you’d need in a luxury experience. If you are trying to convert a bath to a shower, you may need a shower diverter which will be an extra cost.
Do All Shower Heads Fit Every Wall Mount?
If you have a standard shower system, replacing your shower head should be a simple promise as many models fit most showers. In the US, a ½” NPT (National Pipe Tapered threads) is the standard and replaceable shower heads are designed to fit this pipe.
Unless stated otherwise, the shower head of your choice should fit well if your shower arm plumbing comes from the wall or ceiling. If you feel the water pressure from your new shower head is weaker than the original head, you may need to tighten the shower head onto the pipe more or check your internal water pressure, which should be between 40 and 80 PSI (pounds per square inch).
The Best Shower Heads
There you have it – our picks for the best shower heads. Purchasing a great shower head can truly revolutionize your everyday routine and is an easy DIY project. If you like the rainfall effect, direct high pressure massaging, or multi-setting dual-stream, there’s a shower head that’s just right for you.
Everybody wants to feel good, and this is a small but significant detail that can make all the difference in creating your at-home dream spa. Our list features affordable, quality products that are built to last.
Looking for more products for the home with thoughtful design? Be sure to take a look at our many other picks in the Home + Kitchen category.