Been holding off buying one of the best high-pressure shower heads? Now is the time to splash out, or make do with a dribbling device. But don't worry, you won't be pouring money down the drain as we've got intel on the powerful and high-performing models.
Before browsing the picks I've found, go and check if you need a fixed shower head (that attaches to the wall) or a handheld shower head that attaches to a hose. Aside from saving water, some claim to soften your hair and skin, so I recommend you make this (small) investment before buying all of those expensive creams and conditioners. Either way, you'll be in a win-win situ, with less money taken from your account, and a more powerful shower to clean yourself with.
And, if you are renting, your landlord should approve so long as you keep your old shower head (check in case). These specially designed heads are created to increase your water pressure without the need to spend hundreds of dollars on new plumbing hardware or getting a laborer in.
High-pressure Shower Heads: Quick Menu
1. Handheld
2. Fixed
4. What to consider
5. FAQs
6. How we test
7. Where to buy
The best high-pressure shower heads you can buy
Why you can trust Real Homes Our expert reviewers spend hours testing and comparing products and services so you can choose the best for you. Find out more about how we test.
Handheld high-pressure shower heads
1. AquaDance Chrome Face Handheld Shower
Type: Handheld & wall mounted
Finish: Oil brushed bronze, Polished Chrome, Brushed nickel Modes: 6
Price: $29.99
This high-pressure showerhead is backed up by some pretty impressive stats. Over 1 million have been sold on Amazon, and it is the most-rated model with over 73,000 reviews and counting! With a lightweight ergonomic handle, anti-clog rub-clean nozzles to reduce limescale, and six luxurious settings, we can see why it's so popular. According to reviewers, it's easy to Install, fits any standard shower arm, and comes with a limited lifetime warranty. That's thirty bucks well spent, with a cent to spare. The brand even included Plumber's tape in the box.
2. HO2ME Handheld Shower Head
Type: Handheld & wall mounted
Finish: Polished chrome/brushed nickel
Modes: 3
Price: $27.99
If your water pressure is low, you probably can't remember the last time a hot shower relieved your muscle aches and pains. The HO2ME Handheld Shower Head will bring back that sweet feeling of relaxation. It delivers super strong spray action and has a multifunction option that allows you to choose between various spray strengths including powerful shooting and pulse massage. The hose on this shower head is also said to be very neat and compact so it doesn’t take up too much space in your shower cubicle. A bracket is included, so you can use it as a standalone head or on a wall-mounted fixture.
3. AquaCare Shower Head
Type: Standalone
Finish: Oil-rubbed bronze/premium chrome/satin nickel
Modes: 8
Price: $79.99
This high-pressure showerhead is backed by almost 40,000 reviewers with many saying it transformed their bathroom for a budget price. It has eight modes to flick between, plus it's fitted with anti-clog nozzles. The best part? It has a separate nozzle on the back of its head, which shoots a powerful jet of water to help clean soap scum from your tub or shower tray with ease. Game changer. It comes with a six-foot hose, making it an ideal pet shower (for whichever breed you own). You might have seen this particular model on TV and it's the #1 selling shower head in America, according to the brand. Spray settings include: Wide Rain, Massage, Soft Mist, Mix One, Mix Two, Pause, Wide Fan, and Point Jet.
4. Hello Klean shower head
Type: Handheld
Finish: 1 color
Modes: 1
Price: $84
So here's how my experience with the Hello Klean shower head went. I saw a bunch of Instagram influencers with super shiny hair and dolphin-smooth skin. The sponsored ads retargeted me, tempting me to get that 'filter-without-the-filter' appearance. And that's what I got! The girls at the office always compliment my shiny hair. Plus, I'm constantly asking my husband to touch the back of my arms, because my "chicken-skin bumps" have been erased. Scientifically speaking, the built-in KDF 55 filter reduces water-soluble, skin-drying metals such as lead, iron, copper, mercury, and nickel, it's enriched with amino acids to filter nasties, and the activated carbon fiber reduces trihalomethane (a contaminant found in treated water). Note, that it does feel heavier after you've showered, so I dismantle mine from the shower pipe/hose (takes ten seconds) and let it drain out. FYI, you need to replace the filter every four months or so (based on a two-person household) so factor that into your costs.
Read our Hello Klean shower head review
5. Hai Smart Shower Head
Type: Handheld
Finish: 6 colors
Modes: Range
Price: $199
If you care about how your shower head looks — then this Hai one is the pick for you. Our previous editor-in-chief has one in her bathroom and says that installation was a piece of cake (though she did have to buy a wrench on Amazon). The switch on the handle allows you to find the perfect spray setting for you, from a light mist to a more powerful stream. What makes this Bluetooth-enabled pick even more unique is its indicator light which turns green when the water is warm and ready, and stays that color to notify you if your water consumption is at a sustainable level. It will turn orange if you’ve used a little too much. This, then links up to an app on your phone to help you lessen your footprint on the planet and it’s kind of become a game for her to see if I can keep my water usage low. There's a small container on the side of the shower head that allows you to pop in capsules for an aromatherapy shower to make you feel as if you’re at the spa. Melissa loves the Relax infusion from Hai for de-stressing. Her sister-in-law also said it's the most luxe shower she’s ever used. The only reason it's not first is its high price tag.
Read our Hai shower head review
6. Sproos! Shower head
Type: Handheld
Finish: 4 colors
Modes: 4
Price: From $69
For a fun pop of color and a customizable experience, look no further thansproos! shower heads. You’ll love experimenting with the three pressure settings (Monsoon, Cloudburst, and Jet) and using the handheld feature for your hair (or perhaps four-legged friends). Though your hair is going to feel salon-quality upon exiting the shower, you might find that the overall size of the shower head is too small when it’s fastened to the wall (even with the extra-long flexible hose). The standout feature for us was the pause button which helps to save water. If you don't care for the mirror and storage accessories, opt for the Sproos! minimalist shower head instead. The brand is known for its "damage-free and deposit-friendly" fixtures that can beinstalled without drilling or screwing into your shower wall and uninstalled withoutfuss too.
Rated 4 out of 5 stars in our Sproos! shower head review
Fixed high-pressure shower heads
7. Aqua Elegante Shower Head
Type: Fixed
Finish: Chrome/brushed nickel/oil-rubbed bronze/polished brass
Modes: 1
Price: $19.95
As far as style goes, this is our favorite for wall-mounted shower types. It boasts a whopping 36 silicone rubber nozzles to help blast your water out at a higher pressure, plus it has a removable flow limiter, which should be taken off by anyone who has a low water pressure system to get the best results.The shower head body is made from lightweight and extremely durable ABS plastic and the surface is coated with an attractive metal finish that will match most other bathroom fixtures.It has been designed to work well in hard water areas as it has a self-cleaning nozzle to prevent calcium buildup.
8. Delta Water Amplifying Adjustable Shower Head
Type: Fixed
Finish: Chrome
Modes: 1
Price: $48.85 $25.01
Users are evangelical about this shower Head, crediting this pick with giving them "a whole new shower experience." With a simple choice between high or low pressure, it doesn’t boast a ton of modes but all reports say it does the basics incredibly well. Reviewers were left really impressed (and squeaky clean) by the shower head’s efforts and found it really easy to set up. It’s worth noting that many shoppers recommended having some Teflon pipe tape on hand for the job.
9. Gurin Shower Head High Pressure Rain
Type: Fixed
Finish: Chrome
Modes: 1
Price: $29.95 $20.95
This shower head promises to combine high-pressure and a luxury rainfall feel. There is no shortage of rave reviews to back up its power either. Using anti-clogging silicone jets allow this shower head to push water out faster and is extremely efficient so you should be using less water as you rinse. Unique to other wall-mounted models, this shower head is also very easy to adjust from left to right, so you can get the perfect angle.
10. Jolie Filtered Shower head
Type: Fixed
Finish: 4 colors
Modes: 1
Price: $169
Similar to the Hello Klean shower head, the Jolie removes chlorine, heavy metals, and other contaminants from your shower water, to improve your skin, hair, and wellbeing, also uses a KDF-55 filter, while also providing strong pressure. No shade, but did find that the "Tiny but Mighty" wrench is made from metal (unlike HK's plastic provision). This high-pressure showerhead also came in a very giftable presentation box, with the "Cutest Tape in the World" (a roll of plumbers tape), a scented ceramic, and a beautifully illustrated how-to guide. While Hello Klean is half the price, this wall-mounted fixture comes in five colors (Brushed Steel, Matt Black, Modern Chrome, Vibrant Red, and Gold) which adds to its aesthetic appeal. The latter has been featured on Goop, which means that it's got Gwyneth Paltrow's attention.
Read our Jolie shower head review
11. Canopy shower head
Type: Fixed
Finish: 4 colors
Modes: 1
Price: $169
This filtered shower head has been clinically proven to improve your skin and hair in 30 days. Like the Jolie and HelloKlean it filters nasties like chlorine, minerals, and heavy metals using a trio of granular activated carbon (made from coconut shells), KDF-55, and calcium sulfite. If you suffer from dryness, itching, redness, flaking, eczema, psoriasis flare-ups, acne, or discoloration — it's worth investing in this glow-up gadget. And, if you like switching up your hairstyle (at home, or in the salon), this head prolongs color treatments and prevents hair breakage. Every shower head comes with two complimentary gifts: its signature aromas and the new felt diffuser.
Review coming soon
Afina A-01 shower head
Type: Fixed
Finish: 2 colors
Modes: 1
Price: $299
Afina’s A-01 is a new premiumshowerhead with a best-in-class filter and a lifetime warranty that removes water impurities allowing hair and skin to flourish.Like the Canopy, Jolie, and Hello Klean models, it promises to smooth brittle hair, stop split ends, rehydrate dry damaged skin, and reduce the appearance of clogged pores. The wide faceplate allows for more surface area of water for a luxuriousshowerevery time.
Currently in review
What to consider when picking a high-pressure showerhead
Whether it’s your plumbing that has low water pressure or it’s down to your shower head getting clogged with limescale, a good shower head will be self-cleaning to minimize maintenance as much as possible. As well as this, here are a few other factors and questions to consider.
1. Does your shower head have a trial period?
Some, but not all shower head brands will allow you to use the head to see if it's right for you. The Hai, for example, offers an extended 60-day trial.
2. Which type of shower head do you need?
When investing in a high-pressure shower head, you need to think about where and how it is being installed. Some options are handheld, which means they sit on your current shower setup, and you can pop them on a stand or use them as a handheld shower head. These are also usually super easy to fit as it's just a case of unscrewing your old head and screwing on the new one. Other shower heads, such as fixed ones, need to be attached directly to the shower hose that's wall-mounted in your bathroom.
3. What's included?
On occasion, the shower arm and flange are not included, so make sure you read the product listing (or packaging) thoroughly to know what you're getting.
4. Consider your water bill
If want to cut back on your water bill, it's worth looking at an option that reduces water usage. Otherwise, switch your shower to eco mode and invest in our strongest pressure shower head, which benefits your bill and the environment.
6. Consider how hard your water is
Depending on where you're based, the hardness of the water varies. Some models might struggle with harder water, however, there are some choices that are well-equipped. For this reason, it is worth checking how the water in your region compares to others before buying a shower head. The Hello Klean model, for example comes with a filter that contains KDF 55, amino acids, and activated carbon fiber.
7. Think about modes and settings
If you're looking for a new shower head to enjoy different settings, think about how many you'd realistically use. There's no point having six modes if you know you'll only ever use two. Think about what you will use these modes for. Those with children might want to ensure their new shower head offers a mist mode for light pressure, or anyone with pets might want a jet mode to tackle muddy paws. Our top pick has six settings, which has the most out of the options we chose.
8. Think about the benefits
Some shower heads claim to improve hair and skin, while others provide a calm and invigorating experience.
9. Finish
Aside from being a fixture for directing the spray of water in a bathroom shower, your shower head can offer some aesthetic appeal. Think about your color scheme and what metal fittings co-exist in the space. Stainless steel is a popular finish, but brushed nickel, bronze, chrome, and copper options exist. Alternatively, if you're not in the market for a metallic accessory, you don't have to settle for a white head. The Hai shower head features in this guide are a great example of how to add a pop of color to this private space. It comes in six colors including Citron, Permission, and Rose Quartz. Additionally, you might want to think about the shape of your showerhead. While round heads are traditional if you're after something modern, square, and oblong alternatives can easily be found.
10. How easy is it to clean and maintain the showerhead?
We've all seen how fuzzy and clogged up the nozzles of a showerhead can get, so it's important to give it some TLC by cleaning it regularly. This can easily be done with a soft cloth or a sponge with a little soapy water. Or, you could try a mix of white vinegar and baking soda.
11. Weight and usability
If you're not opting for a wall-mounted fixture, then you'll need to consider the weight of your handheld device. According to the EPA, the average shower lasts eight minutes, so finding something that is comfortable to hold for this duration is essential.
FAQs
Should I wait until Black Friday 2024 to buy a high-pressure showerhead?
You can, but if you've got a poor-performing shower, you might want to sort out the issue more urgently. We search the net for discounts and use price trackers like Camelcamelcamel to evaluate whether you're getting a good deal on the day, so make sure to keep checking this page where we will display the most competitive prices.
What is the highest GPM for a shower head?
U.S. government regulations limit the maximum flow rate of shower heads to 2.5 GPM as a measure to save water.
What states have shower head restrictions?
According to waterpik.com, the current max flow rate for retail sales of replacement shower heads is 1.8 GPM in California, Hawaii, New York, Oregon, and Washington. In Colorado, Massachusetts, New Jersey, Rhode Island and Vermont, it is 2.0 GPM. Some shower head brands (like Hai) will cater for affected States with a WaterSense-approved model.
Can a shower head increase water pressure?
Yes, that's part of the charm of a high-pressure shower head. Confusingly, these can be called high-pressure shower heads or low-pressure shower heads. They both mean the same thing, just phrased differently. Suited to homes with low water pressure (hence the name), they push the water out at high pressure, compensating for the low water pressure in your home.
A good example of this is the , which has an impressive 36 holes.
How do you increase water flow in a shower head?
A clogged shower head can also lead to weak water flow. Don't miss our guide on how to clean a shower head for help with this If your shower itself offers more than one setting, try your shower on different settings with your new shower head. Switch your shower setting and switch between your shower head modes until you find one you like.
You might also find that water flow improves based on your shower height. This advice doesn't apply to wall-mounted shower heads as these can be a pain to move, but standalone options might perform better when closer to the ceiling.
Otherwise, watch our TikTok tell-all:
@realhomesofficial♬ Cozy Beat - Aesthetic Sounds
How we review high-pressure shower heads
(Image credit: Future/Melissa Epifano)
Every shower head featured in this guide has been approved by homeowners, renters, and others looking to improve their showers. While choosing products, I've been sure to include something for everyone, whether you're on a budget or want something super fancy.
For transparency, four shower heads in this guide have been reviewed by our in-house experts. We've relied on online reviews for the rest.
Christina Chrysostomou
Christina is our head of ecommerce and she's currently using the Hello Klean showerhead in her home, to take her self-care regime to another level.
Melissa Epifano
Melissa is our former editor-in-chief. She tested the Hai Smart Shower Head in her home, to upgrade her bathroom.
Danielle Valente
Danielle is our content editor and is based in Brooklyn, NYC. She tested the Jolie and Sproos! shower head.
Where to buy high-pressure shower heads
Here's a list of retailers where you can shop for the best high-pressure showerhead online:
- Amazon high-pressure shower heads
- Bloomingdale's high-pressure shower heads
- eBay high-pressure shower heads
- Home Depot high-pressure shower heads
- HSN high-pressure shower heads
- JC Penney high-pressure shower heads
- Kohl's high-pressure shower heads
- Lowe's high-pressure shower heads
- Macy's high-pressure shower heads
- Newegg high-pressure shower heads
- Pottery Barn high-pressure shower heads
- QVC high-pressure shower heads
- Revolve high-pressure shower heads
- Sears high-pressure shower heads
- Target high-pressure shower heads
- Walmart high-pressure shower heads
- Wayfair high-pressure shower heads
