The best shower heads of 2024, tested and reviewed (2024)

Best overall

After testing 12 models with high flow rates, impressive stream settings, and practical designs, the Kohler Flipside proved the perfect combination of them all. The Flipside 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.

Best high-pressure

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.

Best handheld

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.

Best rain

If you have the budget, the Moen S6320 Velocity Two-Function Rainshower has high-quality construction and practicality that make it worth the price. The Delta HydroRain Two-in-One 5-Spray is within the same price range, but its clunky design and inconvenient operation couldn't compete with the Moen.

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.

Best dual

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 at the same time. Despite the large and bulky shape, it was surprisingly simple to install, and took me about 30 seconds to twist it into place and complete the hose connections.

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.

Best low-flow

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. It produced a 1.37 GPM flow rate during testing, 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.

Best filtered

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. This 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 6 months.)

I was initially concerned that a filtered shower head would have to 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 between brushed steel, jet black, or a shiny finish, making it easy to match your bathroom decor and style.

What to look for in a shower head

When shopping for the best shower heads, consider the following factors:

Type and mount

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.

• Fixed: These models are attached directly to the shower arm — the existing water pipe coming out of your shower wall — and usually have a ball joint that allows you to pivot and adjust the angle of their spray.
• Handheld: These shower heads sit in a cradle and can be used as a fixed shower head if you like, but they also have a long, flexible hose that allows you to use them as a handheld unit.
• Dual shower heads: A combination of fixed and handheld, these heads have a removable sprayer that docks into a separate fixed head, allowing you to use both at the same time.

Spray pattern

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

Flow rate

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.

How we test shower heads

I tested 19 of the best shower heads, and in total, 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: I took the overall style, design, finish, material, and size into account when comparing the appearance of each shower head. People have vastly different bathroom styles, and some options may match better with certain aesthetics.

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: Along with noting how easy or difficult the unit was to operate and switch between modes, I also made sure to pay attention to any special features, like the number and variety of settings or unique operational functions.

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

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.

Shower head FAQs

How much do good shower heads cost?

The picks in our guide range from $25 to $280, with a median price of around $50.

What flow rate shower head should I get?

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.

Are high-pressure shower heads good for your hair?

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.

What type of shower heads are best for hard water?

"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 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.

How often should I clean my shower head?

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.

What shower head gives the most water pressure?

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.

Does a good shower head make a difference?

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.

Where should I mount my shower head?

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.

What shower heads are best for conserving water?

If you're interested in conserving water, look for shower heads with a WaterSense label. This indicates that it meets EPA criteria and maxes out at 2.0 GPM.