With so many styles to choose from, it can be difficult to decide which showerhead is the best fit for your bathroom. To help, we researched the top picks, keeping in mind each style’s flow rate, certifications, size, material, and number of spray patterns. We also consulted Sarah Thew, showroom manager and interior designer for Schuler Kitchens & Baths, as well as Ed Del Grande, a master plumber at Ed Del Grande’s House Call. “As far as quality goes, I recommend metal rather than plastic,” Thew says “The lower quality showerheads tend to get brittle over time and are more prone to breaking.” Overall, we recommend the Spectra Showerhead from American Standard as the best showerhead. It’s easy to install, has four spray patterns, and is seven inches in diameter to offer full coverage. Here are the best showerheads. Keep in Mind: The width of the showerhead may make it difficult to fit a shower caddy over it. The American Standard Spectra Showerhead is a multi-spray showerhead and our overall choice for the best showerhead. The showerhead comes in four scratch- and tarnish-resistant finishes and has a 7-inch diameter, which is wider than a standard showerhead, for full-body coverage. It’s so wide, in fact, that you may have trouble fitting a standard shower caddy over it. One benefit of the showerhead is that it’s easy to install, no tools required. Unlike some rain showerheads that require special plumbing in the ceiling, this wider showerhead design gives you the drenching comfort of a rain-style showerhead without making any in-the-wall plumbing changes. The showerhead features four spray patterns: drench, sensitive, jet, and massage. Single-spray showerheads are functional and can be more budget-friendly, but they don’t provide the same spa-like experience a multifunctional showerhead can deliver. While the drench feature offers a full-coverage soak, the sensitive setting delivers a fine spray that is soft and gentle, making it a great option for children or individuals with sensitive skin. The jet spray has targeted water coverage that works well for rinsing product out of hair, and the massage feature has a pulsating spray that helps relax tired muscles. You can switch between patterns by moving a lever on the showerhead. High-end showerheads can cost you hundreds of dollars, but this showerhead provides the luxurious feel you might expect from a more expensive option at a lower price. Plus, for water usage-conscious shoppers, this showerhead has a 1.8 GPM (gallons per minute) flow rate and is EPA WaterSense certified. Price at time of publish: $64 Number of Spray Patterns: Four—drench, sensitive, jet, and massage | Flow Rate: 1.8 GPM | Diameter: 7 inches | Certifications: WaterSense Keep in Mind: It only comes in a chrome finish, so if you’re trying to match a specialty finish elsewhere in your bathroom, it may not be a good fit. If you want to upgrade your shower on a budget, the Moen Eos Multi Function Shower Head is a great option worth considering. It costs less than $30, and you can install this showerhead in an afternoon. It has three spray patterns—full coverage, wide coverage, and massage—which distinguishes it from other showerheads at this price point, which are usually single-pattern fixtures. Plus, silicone spray nozzles make it easy to clean. It has a 3.75-inch diameter spray head and meets EPA WaterSense criteria for conserving water while ensuring great performance. It’s also certified by the CSA Group. The simple design will fit well with most styles of bathrooms; just keep in mind that it’s only offered in one finish. Price at time of publish: $23 Number of Spray Patterns: Three—full coverage, wide coverage, and massage | Flow Rate: 1.75 GPM | Diameter: 3.75 inches | Certifications: CSA, WaterSense Keep in Mind: The showerhead includes plastic components. If you prefer a handheld option, you can’t go wrong with the Water Handheld Shower Head. The pulsing stream of water flows like a comb through the hair, rinsing product, rejuvenating the scalp, and detangling hair. Plus, it comes with a fixed showerhead that delivers a massaging body spray. The showerhead includes a three-way diverter, giving you the option to switch between the regular showerhead and the handheld showerhead—or to use both at the same time for extra relaxation. Not only can you customize your shower experience with the showerhead’s 12 spray patterns, but a handheld showerhead is also convenient for gently rinsing children’s hair or giving pets a bath. When cleaning the shower, being able to direct water to any corner of the shower with a handheld showerhead is also helpful. Keep in mind that this showerhead is made from some plastic components, which may shorten its lifespan. Price at time of publish: $90 Number of Spray Patterns: 12 | Flow Rate: 1.8 GPM | Diameter: 5 inches | Certifications: WaterSense Keep in Mind: The main showerhead can pivot up and down but not side to side. If you want to create the luxurious feel of a high-end shower system without changing the plumbing in the walls, this dual showerhead from Delta is the best showerhead for you. The overhead raincan faucet offers a powerful drenching cascade of water. Plus, the handshower has five spray settings and is held tight in place with a magnetic lock. “For handhelds, I typically will recommend the magnet-style handheld,” Thew says. “The magnet is more user-friendly rather than having to place it in a hook-style holder.” You can use the showerheads separately or together for a spa-like experience. Just keep in mind that since the showerhead directs water in multiple directions, it can reduce the feel of pressure when running both showerheads at once. It’s also worth noting that the main showerhead can pivot up and down, but it cannot be adjusted side to side. Price at time of publish: $510 Number of Spray Patterns: Six with both showerheads—raincan, power drench, full body, massage, shampoo rinsing, and pause | Flow Rate: 1.75 GPM | Diameter: 7.88 inches | Certifications: CSA Keep in Mind: You have to remove the Bluetooth speaker from the magnetic showerhead to recharge it. Early risers who want to catch up on the news or listen to their favorite playlist will enjoy the high-quality sound of a Harmon Kardon speaker, which has a battery life for five hours of play time. It features built-in microphones that’ll filter out background noise, making it easier for the unit to understand voice commands. Plus, its Bluetooth capabilities allows you to pair it with any compatible device. One of the best parts about the speaker is that you can easily remove it and use it outside of the shower. Whether you want to take it on a picnic or listen to music while you’re getting ready, you’ll be able to get tons of use out of it. It even features two sound performance modes, shower and normal, so you can decide based on how you’re using it. Price at time of publish: $221 Number of Spray Patterns: Not listed | Flow Rate: 2.5 GPM | Diameter: 5.75 inches | Certifications: Not listed Keep in Mind: There is only one spray pattern option, so this showerhead isn’t as customizable as others on this list. If you prefer your shower to have a powerful stream, this High Sierra showerhead offers strong pressure while also conserving water with its low-flow design. The showerhead is only one inch in diameter, meaning the water is funneled out in a stronger spray when compared to wider showerheads that distribute the water across several inches, making it our choice for the best showerhead for pressure. Plus, its 1.5 GPM rating aligns with all states’ water use requirements for showerheads and will reduce your water bill when compared to 2.5 GPM fixtures. With a solid metal design, the High Sierra showerhead is a sturdy replacement showerhead for any bath, particularly small shower stalls. Just keep in mind that it only has one spray pattern, so you won’t be able to adjust it to different settings. Price at time of publish: $50 Number of Spray Patterns: One | Flow Rate: 1.5 GPM | Diameter: 1 inch | Certifications: WaterSense Keep in Mind: This is a single-function showerhead, so you can’t adjust the spray pattern. The Purist showerhead from Kohler creates a soothing shower experience, even with a low flow rate. The showerhead is designed to bring in two liters of air per minute and push the air and water through a special nozzle pattern to create large water droplets. The fuller water drops and powerful spray create a rejuvenating shower experience, even with low water pressure. The simple design is available in eight finishes, so you can choose the right look for your bathroom’s style. With a 1.75 GPM flow rate, this showerhead is compliant with all state waterflow mandates. It’s worth noting, though, that the showerhead only has one spray pattern, so if you’re looking for a fixture you can adjust, this one isn’t it. Price at time of publish: $81 Number of Spray Patterns: One | Flow Rate: 1.75 GPM | Diameter: 5.5 inches | Certifications: WaterSense Keep in Mind: The filter has to be replaced periodically, adding an additional cost to the unit. Looking for the best showerhead with a built-in filter? If you live in an area with hard water, this showerhead by PureAction has a built-in filter that, according to PureAction, reduces 99.9 percent of sediments, heavy metals, and other unwanted debris in your shower water. This can improve the strength of your hair and help those with sensitive skin. This handheld showerhead features three spray patterns—rain, massage, and combo—for a customized shower experience. It fits on any standard shower flange and is fairly easy to install as it doesn’t require any tools. Plus, the showerhead is offered in both bronze and chrome finishes, so you’ll be able to choose which fits your bathroom best. Price at time of publish: $48 Number of Spray Patterns: Three—rain, massage, and combo | Flow Rate: Not listed | Diameter: Not listed | Certifications: Not listed Keep in Mind: The wall remote that controls this rain showerhead runs on batteries that will have to be replaced periodically. It’s also significantly more expensive than other options on the market. For a luxurious experience right at home, Grohe’s Rainshower with Smartconnect is worth considering. This sleek rain-style showerhead can be connected to an existing shower arm, making it easy to upgrade your shower setup. Once it’s installed, you’ll get to choose between multiple spray settings: PureRain, ActiveRain, or a combination of both. The showerhead comes with a battery-operated remote that can attach to the wall for easy access. The remote controls the spray patterns with the touch of a button for a customized shower experience. Having a remote makes it easy for users of any height to change the spray, which is especially convenient if the showerhead is installed in the ceiling or high on the wall. You’ll just need to replace the batteries every four years or so. This is a great option for getting a rain showerhead without having to upgrade the plumbing inside your walls if you’re planning to install it as a replacement wall-mount showerhead. If you are building a new bath or completely remodeling, it’s worth considering having this one installed from the ceiling for a true rain-like experience. With a sleek design and generous spray pattern the showerhead has a 1.75 GPM rating, and the silicone spray nozzles make it easy to clean. It’s also worth noting that although this showerhead is more expensive than other options on the market, it’s made with a finish that’s designed to be resistant to dirt and scratches, ensuring it’ll stay in good shape for years to come. Price at time of publish: $467 Number of Spray Settings: Three—PureRain, ActiveRain, and a combination of the two | Flow Rate: 1.75 GPM | Diameter: 12 inches | Certifications: Not listed Keep in Mind: The 2.5 GPM showerhead can’t be shipped to California, Hawaii, Vermont, or Washington because that flow rate exceeds the maximum that those states allow. If you’re looking for an adjustable showerhead with generous water pressure, consider the Speakman 3-spray showerhead. The model is offered in three finishes and flow rates and has multiple spray patterns to choose from. This adjustable showerhead features 50 spray nozzles and eight center massaging jets for a relaxing shower experience. There is a handle on the side of the showerhead to adjust the spray as desired. Plus, it comes in three flow rate options: 1.75, 2.0, and 2.5 GPM. Just keep in mind that certain states’ policies do not allow showerheads to have a 2.5 GPM flow rate. If you live in one of these states or if water conservation is important to you, choose either the 1.75 or 2.0 GPM option. Price at time of publish: $40 Number of Spray Settings: Three | Flow Rate: 2.5 GPM, also available in 1.75 GPM and 2.0 GPM versions | Diameter: 4.13 inches | Certifications: Not listed For a less-expensive option, consider the Moen Eos Multi Function Shower Head. The showerhead has three spray patterns and is offered in two different flow rates.
What to Know About Showerheads Before Shopping
Flow Rate
When shopping for the best showerhead, one important factor to keep in mind is flow rate, which is how many gallons of water are running through the showerhead per minute. It is labeled on packages as GPM (gallons per minute). The standard flow rate is 1.75 GPM, more or less. Many showerheads strive to be WaterSense certified with a 2 GPM or lower rate. It’s worth noting that some states have specific standards in regards to flow rate, so be sure to confirm if there’s a specific range you need to stay within before purchasing.
Style
A basic wall mount showerhead can have one or multiple spray functions. Showerheads with only one spray pattern tend to be less expensive; however, an option that has multiple spray options lets each person in the family customize their shower experience to their needs. Handheld showerheads are great for rinsing product out of your hair, bathing a child or pet, and cleaning the shower itself. They also come in handy for people who prefer to sit in the shower or have mobility issues. A rain-style showerhead is a large overhead showerhead that is installed in the ceiling and delivers a drenching cascade of water, similar to a rainstorm outside. A popular feature in high-end bathrooms, this style tends to be more expensive because it requires extra plumbing in the ceiling. However, there are wall-mounted showerheads that offer a similar wide distribution of water as a rain showerhead. Some rain showerheads have multiple spray functions as well.
Your Questions, Answered
How do you clean a showerhead?
The easiest way to clean your showerhead without having to remove it is to fill a plastic bag with white vinegar. Place the bag over the showerhead, and secure it with a rubber band or zip tie. Wait one hour, and then remove the bag. Flush the showerhead with warm water for a couple minutes. Polish with a soft dry cloth.
Are showerheads universal?
Almost all showerheads fit on a standard 0.5-inch pipe. The only exceptions would be if you have a historical home and you’re changing out very old plumbing fixtures or if you’ve planned some specialty shower features. In those circumstances, we recommend that you work with a plumbing professional to install exactly what you need.
How do you replace a showerhead?
Replacing a showerhead is an easy DIY project. Start by shutting off the water supply to the shower.
What is a multifunction showerhead?
A multifunction showerhead means it has more than one spray pattern. “There are many different spray features on the market,” Del Grande says. “Find a showerhead with specific features that can work best for the overall needs of you and your family.” While single-function showerheads are typically more affordable, you can find many great multifunctional showerheads for less than $50. “The biggest regret I hear is not getting a multifunction shower head when multiple users like to use different settings,” Sarah Thew says.
What does WaterSense certified mean?
Water conservation is an important aspect to consider when shopping for a showerhead. According to the EPA, the average American family uses almost 40 gallons of water a day in the shower. Flow rates for showerheads typically fall between 1.75 and 2.5 gallons per minute (GPM). Showerheads that are labeled WaterSense certified have a maximum of a 2 GPM rating. Some states, such as California, Hawaii, Vermont, and Washington, have even lower water use requirements for showerheads.
What showerheads work well with hard water?
If you have hard water, it might be best to consider a whole home filtration system. “Contact a plumber or water filter company to discuss options on how to best solve plumbing system issues, like hard water deposits,” Del Grande says.
Who We Are
Megan Boettcher is freelance writer for Better Homes & Gardens, writing about a variety of topics including home design, holiday crafts, and more. She researched the ins and outs of the best showerheads and their features for this story, comparing sizes, flow rates, certifications, spray patterns, and more. She also consulted Ed Del Grande, master plumber, and Sarah Thew, showroom manager and interior designer at Schuler Kitchens & Baths.
