We Tested 10 Shower Heads, But Only 7 Made the Cut for Coverage and Pressure

Whether you’re renovating your bathroom, looking for more water pressure, or simply want an aesthetic upgrade, modern shower heads offer plenty of options. From luxurious rain-style models to basic handheld designs, these fixtures come in a range of forms and finishes to complement any tub or shower. With spray settings like refreshing mist, massaging high pressure, or water-saving mode, these seemingly simple purchases can enhance your bathing experience or even help reduce utility costs. 

To put together a list of top options, we tested 10 models and evaluated their coverage, water pressure, and spray patterns. Seven earned a spot on our list, with the American Standard Spectra Duo 2-in-1 Hand Shower receiving our award for best overall due to its dual-head design and easy-to-use magnetic docking station.

Read on to learn more about the models that made our list of the best shower heads and to get tips on how to choose the right one.  

1. BEST OVERALL: American Standard Spectra Duo 2-in-1 Hand Shower
   ↓ Jump to Review
2. BEST BANG FOR THE BUCK: AquaDance 6-Setting 3.5-Inch Handheld Shower Head
   ↓ Jump to Review
3. BEST DUAL: Waterpik PowerPulse Massage Dual Shower System
   ↓ Jump to Review
4. BEST HANDHELD: Moen Engage 6-Function Spray Head Handheld Shower
   ↓ Jump to Review
5. BEST LOW-FLOW: Speakman Hotel Low-Flow Shower Head
   ↓ Jump to Review
6. BEST HIGH-PRESSURE: SparkPod High-Pressure Rainfall Shower Head
   ↓ Jump to Review
7. BEST ANTIMICROBIAL: AquaDance Antimicrobial High-Pressure Shower Combo
   ↓ Jump to Review

Shower Heads Comparison

Our Top Picks

Is it time to replace a leaking shower head or upgrade to one that makes your showers more enjoyable? The following list features some of the best shower heads on the market, selected based on type, spray settings, flow rate, aesthetics, and other key factors. 

This Bob Vila Approved product carries our brand’s highest level of recommendation.

Bob Vila Approved recognizes the household and DIY products that impressed us most in our real-world testing and that exemplify core values of the Bob Vila brand, including craftsmanship, innovation, and value for the dollar. Winners of this designation come recommended by our professional review team and are personally approved by Bob Vila.

This American Standard shower head sets itself apart from other handheld models with its magnetic docking system and broad 9.5-inch face that delivers shoulder-to-shoulder coverage. It comes in several finishes and in either a 1.8 gallons per minute (GPM) or 2.5 GPM flow rate (we tested the 2.5 GPM version). The dual-head design uses a toggle to switch spray patterns and a diverter paddle to move between heads. When the handheld unit is attached to the main one, the two combine to create a rainfall-like flow. 

In testing, we found that pushing the paddle to decrease handheld flow produced a higher-pressure spray perfect for rinsing shampoo and conditioner. We also really liked the drench pattern for soaking the entire body and the soft and gentle fine-spray/sensitive pattern. The magnetic shower head design is another major perk—it’s easier to remove and reattach than a bracketed shower head, and the attachment point allows it to hang lower for better accessibility. 

We were less impressed by this unit’s small adjustment range. For example, to use the massage setting on the lower back, users who are 6 feet or taller will need to remove the handheld from its mount, as the spray won’t reach that area when mounted. And while the design is quite functional, it also gives this shower head a futuristic look that may not suit every bathroom. 

Read our full review: American Standard Spectra Duo 2-in-1 Hand Shower 

What our tester says: “The Spectra Plus Duo provides user-friendly features that I haven’t found on all combination shower heads, including a magnetic mount, a paddle-style diverter, and a toggle button system to easily change spray patterns. I also like that it’s available in a variety of finishes, making it easier to match with my existing bathroom decor than models that are only available in one or two colors.”—Anthony Carrick, Product Reviews tester and writer

Get the American Standard shower head at Amazon, The Home Depot, or Walmart.

This budget-friendly AquaDance shower head has a 3.5-inch chrome face with six spray settings—power rain, massage, power rinse, rain massage, rain rinse, and water-saving pause mode—to ensure everyone in the house is happy. It comes with a flexible 5-foot hose for great reach and rub-clean jets that help prevent lime buildup. 

In addition to its low price, we found a lot to like about this shower head. Switching between spray patterns was easy, as was removing and replacing the handheld from its cradle. The rain pattern delivered a soft and soothing spray, while the rinse setting provided enough pressure to wash away shampoo and conditioner. Coverage was broader than expected, and the massage setting offered a genuinely powerful high-pressure stream. If you’re focused on water conservation, the pause mode will be ideal. 

We also liked the wide range of pivot on the mount, which made it easy to adjust for different heights, and the fact that the head and connection points never leaked. Our only real concern is durability—the plastic construction could crack if dropped repeatedly onto a hard tile floor. 

Get the AquaDance handheld shower head at Amazon, The Home Depot, Wayfair, or Walmart.

This two-in-one system from Waterpik is a combination fixed shower head with sprayer, with each head offering six spray settings: full body, PowerPulse massage, full body plus PowerPulse massage, PowerSpray, PowerSpray plus PowerPulse massage, and a water-saving mode. 

During testing, our opinion on the various patterns was mixed. The full-body setting delivered good coverage and a comfortable spray, but the massage options lacked the pressure we expected. Meanwhile, the PowerSpray setting was surprisingly intense—so forceful that it was uncomfortable on bare skin.

On the plus side, the rotating head made it easy to choose between the shower head, handheld, or a combination spray. We also liked the long 5-foot hose, which would be great for bathing young children or pets, though it would be nice if connecting and disconnecting the handheld were a little smoother. Build quality is average; the lightweight plastic doesn’t feel especially durable and may not withstand repeated drops on tile.

Get the Waterpik shower head at Ace Hardware or Walmart.

This Moen handheld shower head provides excellent flexibility, allowing users to lower the handheld to bathe kids or pets or stand beneath the large stationary head for full coverage. It features six settings, including massage, relaxing massage, wide coverage, rinse, downpour, and intensify. It’s easy to remove and replace the head from the magnetic dock, and its matte or chrome finish options will suit most bathroom designs.

During testing, we especially appreciated how easy it was to detach and reattach the handheld. Because it connects at the head, the handle hangs lower, making it easier to reach for shorter users. The push-button design for switching spray patterns is also more intuitive than a rotating dial. At nearly 10 inches from head to handle, the Engage is also one of the largest handhelds we tested, and its performance was solid though not remarkable. Coverage was good for a handheld but still more limited than most fixed or combo models, and the massage pressure felt average. 

Aesthetically, the Engage has a clean modern look. We liked that the entire shower head has a chrome finish, though we did wish the large and very visible mounting bracket were also chrome rather than dull gray plastic. 

Get the Moen shower head at Amazon, Lowe’s, Wayfair, Walmart, or Moen.

This low-flow shower head from Speakman saves water by allowing only 1.75 GPM to stream into the shower head. But the 50 full-coverage water sprays and eight center massage jets still manage to provide a satisfying shower experience similar to upscale hotels.

During testing, the Speakman performed well, producing comforting water pressure on the spray setting and enough to soothe sore muscles on massage. The Anystream 360-degree system made switching between spray patterns simple, giving precise control over the mix of sprays. The only thing we wish were different was the coverage, which is a bit narrow compared to larger heads.

In terms of looks, the Speakman is one of the more attractive shower heads we tested, thanks to its all-chrome housing and relatively small profile. And though its housing is plastic, it has a sturdy feel that inspires confidence that it’s made to last. 

Get the Speakman shower head at Amazon, The Home Depot, or Walmart.

With this high-pressure rainfall shower head from SparkPod, high pressure doesn’t have to mean wasting water, as the max flow rate is a conservative 1.8 GPM. If a shower head only has a single spray pattern, as this one does, it better be good—and the SparkPod’s is. The rainfall spray pattern provides some of the best coverage and pressure of any shower heads we tested, even with the flow restrictor installed. 

We also liked the wide range of motion this option offered, which made it easy to adjust the water flow to suit various heights. With a simple look and chrome-plated finish, the SparkPod was also one of the more attractive shower heads we tested. Installation was quick and tool-free—connecting directly to a standard shower arm in minutes. And it also has easy-to-clean nozzles with 90 rubber jets that remove hard water deposits such as limescale. 

Get the SparkPod shower head at Amazon or Walmart.

Steer clear of mold, mildew, and bacteria with this antimicrobial shower head from AquaDance. This combo head features a 7-inch rainfall face and a 4-inch handheld unit, each with six settings you can use together or separately (for a total of 30 combined patterns). During testing, the options seemed endless, and we couldn’t find a pattern we didn’t like. 

The wide spray options offered ample coverage, the mist pattern was a nice soothing option, and the massage setting provided ample pressure for soothing sore muscles. We also liked the availability of these spray patterns on the handheld, which was particularly useful for rinsing conditioner out of thick hair or targeting specific muscle groups. Switching between heads is simple with the three-way diverter, and the click-lever dial makes pattern changes quick. 

We should note that the handheld mounts just behind the main head, which may be harder for shorter users to reach.  While the all-chrome finish is attractive, this model was one of the bulkiest shower heads we tested and is made with what feels like a lower-grade plastic, which raises concerns about its durability over time. 

Get the AquaDance combo shower head at Amazon. 

ALSO TESTED

Unfortunately, every model we tested isn’t one we recommend:

• The full-body spray emitted from the Delta Universal Showering 5-Setting Shower Head felt less luxurious than other water-efficient models we tested. It also had notably less coverage, and the single stream setting didn’t provide enough pressure for fully rinsing conditioner from thick hair. 
• While the High Sierra WaterSense Classic Fixed Shower Head is extremely water-efficient, its single spray pattern felt unpleasant during testing. The amount of water pressure it produced was impressive, but it was more like standing in front of a firehose than under a soothing shower. It was also louder than the other options we tested. 

Jump to Our Top Picks

How We Tested the Best Shower Heads

To test each of the shower heads, we installed and used them for at least four showers. We evaluated how easy they were to install and whether standard steps were sufficient for preventing leaks. We used all the shower head’s features, noting the coverage and variation of each spray pattern setting and the intensity of the massage features. 

For combination models, we assessed both the main shower head and handheld, including how easy it was to remove and reattach the handheld to its mount and toggle between the outputs. We also considered build quality and overall functionality to determine how well each shower head would hold up over time. Finally, we evaluated their aesthetics and which bathroom styles they would best complement.

What to Consider When Choosing a Shower Head

Are you replacing an existing shower head or remodeling a bathroom? The answer to this question will inform a lot of the decisions you need to make when choosing a shower head. This is because most bathrooms have wall-mounted shower heads, and unless you’re remodeling, you’ll need to rely on current plumbing, which rules out ceiling-mounted options. 

But that doesn’t mean you can’t opt to change a shower head. Various shower heads with different spray settings are available to suit your needs: fixed versus handheld, combination units, and rain versus jet streams. The finish of your current bathroom fixtures can help determine the material to choose (if you want everything to match).

Type

Shower heads are available in different types and vary in functionality:  

• A fixed shower head is relatively small in size, often with a diameter of 5 inches or less. It attaches to the pipe that comes out of the shower wall and has a ball joint to swivel and change the angle of the spray. Many fixed shower heads have multiple spray settings users can switch between.
• A handheld shower head sits in a cradle with a flexible hose attached. It can be used as a fixed shower head or removed from the cradle to rinse off shaving cream, wash pets or small children, or clean a shower or tub. The best handheld shower head will have a long hose that won’t kink, so bathers can reach the end of the tub or shower without worrying about the hose getting tangled.
• Combination or dual shower heads have both a fixed and a handheld shower head. Bathers can use one or both while showering. Some combination shower heads come with a rain shower head and can be handheld.
• Water-saving low-flow shower heads control the amount of water used to help conserve water.  Shower heads with WaterSense labels are verified by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency to use no more than 2.0 GPM.
• High-pressure shower heads provide a more thorough rinse and a massage-like sensation on the body. They generally also use more water per shower.
• Rain shower heads can be mounted to shower ceilings or walls, but fastening them to the wall may require an extender arm. They typically have a diameter of 6 inches or more with a wide coverage area.

Material

The three most common materials for shower heads are brass, stainless steel, and plastic:

• Brass is a durable, high-quality metal that won’t rust or corrode. Brass shower heads can last for years.
• Stainless steel is rust- and stain-resistant. Stainless steel is also lightweight and durable and can withstand extreme temperatures. It is also more cost-efficient than brass.
• Plastics such as ABS plastic are strong, nontoxic, and resistant to corrosion and chemicals. ABS is also BPA-free and heat-resistant.

Spray Settings

Gone are the days when the only options for a “nice” shower were being blasted out of the tub with a high-pressure head or barely getting enough water to feel relaxed and, well, clean. 

Today, shower heads can come with dozens of spray settings. Common patterns include jet, full, rain, and massage. Rain provides a gentle, wide spray. Full also offers a wide spray, but not necessarily soft. Massage is a little more forceful, like jet, and also more targeted.

Flow Rate

Flow rate is the amount of water flowing through the shower head—measured in gallons per minute. Those looking to save water and lower their utility bills will want to look for a low flow rate of 2 GPM or less. 

As of 1992, mandates restrict all shower heads to have a water flow rate of 2.5 GPM. Some local governments ask for even lower flow rates. If you live in Colorado, there is a 2.0 GPM limit, and California and New York have a 1.8 GPM restriction.

Manufacturers still make it possible to enjoy high-pressure showers with a water-saving shower head. Their designs increase the water pressure going out regardless of the pressure flowing through the shower head.

Mounting

Most homes have wall-mounted shower heads. If this is the case for you, the current plumbing configuration will limit you to wall-mounted shower heads, though you can still choose an adjustable shower head or a detachable shower head for more versatility. For those planning a renovation or building a new home, choosing a ceiling-mounted shower head is an option. 

Aesthetic

Unless you’re planning to redo the entire bathroom, you’ll likely want to match the new shower head to the current bathroom fixtures, including the finishes and materials. Some of the most popular finishes are chrome, polished brass, brushed nickel, and stainless steel. Keep in mind shiny finishes show off spots while matte finishes resist staining. 

The size of the shower head itself can play a role in design and style. If you have space in a nice stand-up shower and want a square rain shower head up to 18 inches large, why not? It can add a modern look and provide a relaxing shower experience. Conversely, those with cozier bathrooms may need to stick with something smaller. 

But smaller doesn’t need to mean boring. You can find fixed shower heads with different arm styles. Traditional arms come out a bit and aim downward. Others are offset and extend from the wall and curve up. The latter style provides more headroom and gives off a contemporary look. 

Additional Features

Some shower heads come with additional features that various users may prefer.

• Ergonomic shower heads often have extra-long hoses that reach the end of or even outside the bathtub or shower. This allows for easier shaving for women, cleaning kids and pets, and spraying down the bathtub and shower. Or, if you want to fill a bucket with water, you can set it on the floor and fill it outside the tub.
• Nonslip grip handheld shower heads come with rubberized handles, making them less likely to fall out of your hand while showering.
• LED lights add an extra level to the shower experience, and users can select from various colors to match their mood or decor. 
• On/off switches allow users to pause the shower while shampooing or shaving to save water.

Installation

Installing a shower head is not difficult and typically doesn’t require a plumber, especially if you’re keeping the existing shower arm. 

A crescent wrench and plumber’s tape are often all that’s required to change a shower head. In this scenario, it’s simply a matter of unscrewing the old head and replacing it with the new one. Manufacturers will include instructions with your purchase, and they may instruct you to add tape to ensure a leak-proof installation. More complex heads may require some additional tips and research on how to install a shower head. 

FAQs 

There is a lot to consider when choosing the best shower head for your home If you still have questions, the following section may help. 

Q. What should I look for in a shower head?

If replacing an existing shower head, try to match the color and finish to the current bathroom fixtures. The two main features, however, are head type and spray pattern settings because, although looks are important, how you feel every time you step in the shower is ultimately the priority. For those who want to save on their water bills, pay attention to the GPM. 

Q. Can a shower head increase water pressure?

Yes. A high-pressure shower head can increase the water pressure.

Q. What is a good pounds per square inch (PSI) for a shower head?

In the U.S., the standard PSI is generally between 40 and 60.

Q. How much water does a water-efficient shower head save?

By installing a WaterSense-labeled shower head that uses 2.0 GPM or less, the average family could save 2,700 gallons of water per year.

Q. What is the most water-efficient shower head?

Based on our tests, the water-efficient shower head we liked best is the Speakman Hotel shower head. Our guide on the best shower heads for low water pressure features several other excellent tested options. 

Q. What can I expect to spend on a shower head?

The tested and recommended options on our list range from $20 to $100, which is pretty standard for a shower head. However, more high-end models can cost significantly more, especially if they’re made from more premium materials or have extras like LED lights or smart controls. 

Q. Can I install a shower head myself?

Yes, you can easily install a shower head yourself using basic tools like pliers and plumber’s tape—just remove the old head, wrap the threads, and screw on the new one. Most standard and handheld shower heads are designed for simple DIY installation without the need for a plumber.

Q. What is the best material for a shower head?

The best material for a shower head depends on durability and aesthetic preference. Both stainless steel and brass are great for corrosion resistance and longevity, and they’re generally available in multiple finishes to suit different bathroom designs. Plastic shower heads can be strong and corrosion-resistant as well, though there’s a bit more variation in plastic quality, and plastic heads generally aren’t as attractive.

Q. Do filtered shower heads really work?

Yes, a filtered shower head really works in that it can help reduce chlorine and heavy metals in water, which can be beneficial for skin and hair, as well as keeping the shower head clean. However, overall effectiveness depends on the quality of the filtration media, so it’s important to understand your current water quality and the contaminants the head is designed to remove. 

Meet the Tester

Tony Carrick is a freelance writer specializing in home improvement, landscaping, technology, home security, and design. His articles have been featured on such sites as Angi, Popular Science, Futurism, 360 Reviews by U.S. News & World Report, Domino, and more. Carrick has conducted rigorous product testing on everything from power tools to home security systems to backyard grills. With each review, his goal is to help readers determine whether a product meets their needs and if it is or isn’t worth its price tag. 

Additional research provided by Tiffany Lewis and Amy Lynch.

 

All of the Latest Deals

Check out our favorite products durning the end-of-year savings bonanza! We found markdowns on power tools, portable generators, gifts, and more—and this is the last call.

SEE THE DEALS