The Best Shower Heads of 2024

Oct 14, 2024

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Installing a new shower head is an easy, renter-friendly upgrade that doesn't require any special plumbing experience. An upgraded shower head can make a big difference in your bathroom's look, feel, and utility. To find the top options, I tested 19 models and consulted two experts to assemble this list of the best shower heads, from handheld to rainfall.

The best shower head we recommend is the Kohler Flipside, which has great flow and four stream settings. If you're a high-pressure fanatic, we also recommend the budget-friendly Hopopro High-Pressure Showerhead. It's a third of the price of the Kohler and had the highest flow rate of the shower heads we tested.

Learn more about how Insider Reviews tests and researches home products.

Best overall: Kohler Flipside - See at Amazon

Best high-pressure: Hopopro High-Pressure Showerhead - See at Amazon

Best handheld: Waterpik High-Pressure PowerPulse 9-Spray - See at The Home Depot

Best rain: Moen S6320 Velocity Two-Function Rainshower - See at Amazon

Best dual: Moen Attract Magnetix 26008 - See at The Home Depot

Best low-flow: High Sierra All Metal 1.5 GPM High-Efficiency Showerhead - See at Amazon

Best filtered: Jolie Filtered Showerhead - See at Jolie

The Kohler Flipside produces an impressive 1.81 GPM flow rate and has a unique rotating head to change through its flow streams.

Specifics

After testing 12 models with high flow rates, impressive stream settings, and practical designs, the Kohler Flipside proved the perfect combination. It fits snugly on a half-inch shower arm and switches streams by flipping the head around the axis instead of using a lever, switch, or handle.

The spray head has four stream settings: coverage, soft, circular, and massage. I was most impressed by how effective the flat stream was compared to the circular spray patterns of most shower heads. Although there are fewer options than many other shower heads, the lack of extra levers or switches helps give the Flipside a high-end, minimalist feel. The Flipside was also easy to rotate on its axis, even when my hands were soapy and slippery.

After using this shower head regularly for over six months and rotating it frequently, I didn't notice any structural issues with its functionality. It's also easy to clean, and any water spots easily rub off with a cleaner and soft towel. I feared the Flipside's swiveling operation would negatively affect its performance, but flow testing revealed a 1.81 GPM flow rate, coming close to its 2.5 GPM limit.

The low price tag and impressive variety of spray settings make the Hopopro High-Pressure Showerhead and its 1.81 GPM flow rate a great budget choice.

Specifics

Despite the low price, the Hopopro High-Pressure Showerhead still provides a nice wide spray zone, which is not always the case with low-cost models. It also provides a 1.81 GPM flow rate, which ensures a steady, strong stream. Scrolling through the different spray settings of the 4.1-inch-diameter head is simple, and an intuitive lever clicks through the options, ranging from a soft mist to a focused massage spray.

Installation was about as easy as it gets — you simply twist it into place. I appreciated that Hopopro included a roll of plumber's tape to ensure a snug fit and a small wrench, a tool that none of the other best shower heads I tested included. Even if you have a lot of tools on hand, it's convenient to have the right one in the package.

The Hopopro is constructed of primarily ABS plastic, which, unfortunately, does give it somewhat of a plasticky look as opposed to the shiny finish of more expensive models. Most of its nozzle heads are made of rubber, which was a pleasant surprise at this price point. There are a few nozzles in the center of the unit that are plastic, but that's a fair trade-off for the price. This shower head will do the trick if you're mostly interested in the high flow rate, low cost, and easy operation.

Once our top pick overall, this Waterpik shower head combines a budget-friendly price with impressive functionality, providing nine different spray options.

Specifics

In order for a handheld shower head to be effective, it needs to work just as well in your hand as it does when mounted to the wall. The Waterpik High-Pressure PowerPulse 9-Spray does just that, thanks to a long handle that is easy to grip and maneuver and extends over your head when attached to the shower neck. The 4.5-inch diameter face also helps provide a wide, expansive spray.

This handheld design also makes the PowerPulse massage setting especially useful. The powerful setting focuses the water into a narrow, pulsating stream, allowing you to maneuver it close against any particularly sore body parts. The shower head also features eight other stream settings, like a fine mist and a "water-saving trickle."

The main drawback of the Waterpik is its many plastic components. This construction makes it more vulnerable to cracks and breakage if dropped, especially if your shower has hard tiles. That said, it does come with a lifetime guarantee.

The elegant design, sturdy metal construction, and wide coverage area justify this rain-style shower head's high price tag.

Specifics

If you have the budget, the Moen S6320 Velocity Two-Function Rainshower has high-quality construction and practicality that make it worth the price.

Installing the Moen wasn't as straightforward as other models I tested due to the short connection that attaches to the shower arm. This wasn't a huge deal, but it did take a few extra minutes to get the threads to catch. Once installed, the Moen looked great. Its extra-wide 8-inch face gives it a classic rain-shower look, and its 100 nozzles promise great functionality.

One of my favorite characteristics of the Moen was the movement of the adjustment lever. Unlike other models that have loud mechanical clicks when you switch from one setting to another, this lever smoothly and quietly transitions from a full-coverage mode to focused rinsing. The water's surprisingly strong overall feel also helped put the Moen on top over other high-end models. Its 1.85 GPM was one of the second-highest I tested, which is definitely needed for a wider showerhead like this one to work effectively.

The Moen Attract Magnetix 26008 has two spray heads, a wide rain shower, and a separate handheld device for an impressive amount of spray settings.

Specifics

If your priority is complete spray coverage, this versatile shower head from Moen could be a great option. It features dual shower heads: a detachable option for handheld use and an extra-wide fixed unit, both of which can be used simultaneously. Despite the large and bulky shape, it was surprisingly simple to install. It took me about 30 seconds to twist it into place and complete the hose connections. Meanwhile, the Delta HydroRain Two-in-One 5-Spray is within the same price range, but its inconvenient operation couldn't compete with the Moen.

Although I was initially a bit overwhelmed by the number of spray settings on the Moen Attract Magnetix 26008, I figured out the controls quickly. I was also a fan of the fact that you can completely turn off the water to either head, giving the other more overall pressure. A strong magnetic dock makes it convenient to quickly reattach the handheld head when finished, unlike cheaper dual-head models I tested that sometimes fell off if not positioned exactly right.

The plastic components (especially on the handheld sprayer) are a bit of a red flag, though, since they could be vulnerable to failure or snapping, especially if dropped during installation. Still, the rain head has rubber spray nozzles that are convenient to de-clog mineral deposits, and the whole unit is easy to clean.

The high-pressure water dispersion and solid metal construction of the High Sierra High-Efficiency make it ideal for anyone looking to conserve water, abide by low-flow regulations, or lower their monthly utility bill.

Specifics

You may expect a water-saving shower head to deliver only a light sprinkle, but the High Sierra High-Efficiency has a great flow rate and dense, pressurized spray. During testing, it produced a 1.37 GPM flow rate, which was impressive considering the High Sierra maxes out at 1.5 GPM.

Installing the High Sierra was about as easy as it gets, and its small size made it possible to screw in one-handed. The small, cylindrical shape and lack of an adjustment lever also mean that you don't have to deal with straightening it out after installation. The chrome finish is easy to wipe clean and offers a modern feel.

Some people may find this model too small, especially in a spacious shower, and may prefer a larger option with a little more character, but the High Sierra is great for those who want a shower head that will produce the strongest stream while still conserving water. If your main priority is a high flow rate and you live in a state that allows 2.5 GPM products, you should probably choose a different model.

The Jolie Filtered Showerhead removes heavy metals, chlorine, and other contaminants from your shower water, making it a perfect choice for those who prioritize their hair and skin health.

Specifics

If you're concerned with contaminants in your water supply contributing to damaged hair or skin issues, the Jolie Filtered Showerhead is a great choice. It uses a combination of KDF-55 and calcium sulfite to filter out chlorine and heavy metals in your shower water and claims to far exceed the NSF-177 water filtration certification. The filter is contained in the neck of the shower head and is easy to access and replace by twisting the head of the unit. You'll need to replace this filter every 90 days, which aligns with similarly filtered showerheads, and subscriptions are available to automatically send replacements.

I was initially concerned that a filtered shower head would compromise water pressure or spray efficiency, but that was not the case at all. The wide 5.3-inch face of the Jolie features hundreds of tiny spray holes, which, combined with the higher-than-expected flow rate, results in a strong, dense, and wide spray cone. Although the Jolie doesn't offer any other spray settings, this enveloping full-coverage output was so comfortable that I never considered it an issue.

Despite the fact that the Jolie is made of ABS plastic, it's still one of the most attractive shower heads I tested. It features a nice and wide 5.3-inch face, and the lack of adjustment knobs or levers gives it a minimal, sleek, modern look. You can also choose among brushed steel, jet black, gold, red, or a shiny chrome finish, making it easy to match your bathroom decor and style.

Consider whether you want a fixed, handheld, or dual (a combination of fixed and handheld) shower head. You'll also want to determine whether you'll mount your shower head on the wall or ceiling.

Decide if you want one or many spray options. Some shower heads come with multiple spray patterns, such as rain, full, jet, and massage.

The flow rate indicates how much water can flow out of your shower head and is measured in gallons per minute (GPM). Federal regulations mandate shower head flow rates can't be higher than 2.5 GPM to help conserve water. In states like California, the limit is 1.8 GPM.

Your home's water pressure is the ultimate factor that dictates your flow rate and is measured in pounds per square inch (PSI). A high PSI of 80 will probably get you 2.5 GPM, but most US homes hover around 60 PSI, so your flow rate will be lower.

I tested 19 of the best shower heads and researched more than 30 shower heads based on reviews. I also leaned on my experience as a residential carpenter for four years and consulted two experts: Nick Yahoodain, CEO of Advanced Builders and Contractors in Los Angeles, California, and Monica Higgins, a remodeling expert based in Southern California.

I installed each shower head and used it at least three times during the day. I went through my usual cleansing routine with shampoo, conditioner, and body wash and made sure to stagger my showers to reduce the chances of other appliances or household plumbing factors affecting my testing. Showering while running dishwashers or washing machines, or even at the same time as someone else, will increase the demand for your water supply and can sometimes result in a lower flow rate than usual.

After picking my top six, I showered several more times — sometimes consecutively — to get a better idea of how specific features like massage or power-spray settings felt.

Each shower head was evaluated based on the following criteria:

Installation and fit: I installed each shower head, timing how long the process took and noting any issues that came up. I have four years of experience as a general contractor, so my installation time will most likely be quicker than yours. Nonetheless, I made sure to note if the installation was easy or not.

Appearance: When comparing the appearance of each shower head, I considered the overall style, design, finish, material, and size. People have vastly different bathroom styles, and some options may match certain aesthetics better.

Overall feel of water: I based this on how the water physically felt throughout the shower. I noted the size of the water coverage coming out of the shower head, how focused or dispersed the water droplets and streams were, and how strong and pressurized the water felt overall.

Operation and special features: I noted how easy or difficult the unit was to operate and switch between modes. I also paid attention to any special features, like the number and variety of settings or unique operational functions.

Flow rate: I calculated each shower head's actual flow rate and compared it to the maximum it could handle. I filled a 5-gallon bucket for 60 seconds, weighed it, subtracted the bucket's weight, and divided that number by 8.3 (the weight of a gallon of water). This gave me each shower head's gallons per minute (GPM).

These flow rates can't be compared exactly across all the products because they all have different flow-rate restrictions. But by looking at the max flow rate of the product along with the tested rates I calculated from my shower (which has an average pressure of 64 parts per square inch, or PSI), I got a general idea of how each shower head performs under the PSI of an average household.

The picks in our guide range from $15 to $280, with a median price of around $50.

Shower head flow rate is measured in gallons per minute (GPM). A higher flow rate will equal greater water pressure, but you'll want to stay within the regulated limits for your area. In some states, like California, the limit is 1.8 GPM, which is well below the 2.5 GPM federal limit.

Strong water pressure makes for a comfortable and efficient shower, but if it's too high, this pressure can actually damage your hair and cause it to fall out faster than usual. If you feel that this is the case with your shower, try to choose a shower head with a broad, less focused stream to help dissipate that pressure before it reaches your head.

"Hard water" typically has a high mineral content that is composed of magnesium, calcium, or lime. You might have hard water if you feel a film after washing your hair or hands in your home. Our best filtered shower head pick from Jolie is a great addition for those who believe that they have hard water coming out of their shower. Adding a filtered shower head like the Jolie can help reduce dryness in your hair, texture issues, and the feeling of slime or a film on your hair even after washing. If you want to see if your water is hard, try these water hardness test strips from Amazon.

To ensure that your shower head is working as efficiently as possible, you should thoroughly clean it once a month. Cleaning your shower head in vinegar is the easiest way to do this, which removes the calcium and hard water buildup that causes clogged nozzle heads and a lower flow rate. If the shower head has rubber nozzle heads, you can simply run these with your fingers to dislodge and clear any mineral buildup.

This will ultimately depend on the pressure of your home's water supply and how much effect the shower head has on that water. Generally, the fewer openings the water has to escape the shower head, the more pressurized that stream of water will be. If you want to make sure you're getting maximum pressure but still want the option to expand the stream for more coverage, choose a shower head with several stream settings to choose from.

A reliable, properly positioned, and easy-to-use shower head can absolutely make a difference in your showering experience. You'll be able to perform your personal cleaning and grooming tasks efficiently and without any unnecessary effort or time, leaving you clean, refreshed, and ready to start your day (or night). Alternatively, a poorly chosen shower head can lead to a frustrating and time-consuming shower experience.

Most homes and apartments have wall-mounted shower arms. Ceiling-mounted shower heads allow for larger rain shower heads. Since they're so high up, they usually aren't accessible enough to have different stream settings.

If you're interested in conserving water, look for shower heads with a WaterSense label, which indicates that it meets EPA criteria and maxes out at 2.0 GPM. Our best low-flow shower head pick from High Sierra is an efficient option with the label, as is the Moen Attract Dual Shower Head.

You can purchase logo and accolade licensing to this story here.Disclosure: Written and researched by the Insider Reviews team. We highlight products and services you might find interesting. If you buy them, we may get a small share of the revenue from the sale from our partners. We may receive products free of charge from manufacturers to test. This does not drive our decision as to whether or not a product is featured or recommended. We operate independently from our advertising team. We welcome your feedback. Email us at [email protected].