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Nothing beats a good shower. It's one of the best feelings in the world: the hot stream of water hits you just right, your muscles relax, and you eventually dry off with a nice fluffy bath towel. So, it makes sense that for a good shower, you need a good shower head: One that will provide good water pressure, give you a variety of settings to control where the water goes, and of course, gets you clean. Sadly, there are many out there that are just spitting water—and you deserve more.
For more than a month, we’ve been researching and testing the best shower heads on the market, and after taking many, many showers, we found that the Hydroluxe 24 Function Ultra-Luxury 3-way 2 in 1 (available at Amazon) is our favorite. It ticks off all the right boxes, including strong water pressure, easy installation, and a variety of settings that made us feel cleaner after using it. As we learned, prices can range from $20 to nearly $200. You don’t necessarily need to spend a lot of money to get a great shower experience.
Here are the best shower heads we tested ranked, in order:
Hydroluxe 1433 Chrome 24 Function Ultra-Luxury 3-way 2 in 1
Moen S6320 Velocity
Briout Handheld
Culligan WSH-C125
AquaDance 3312
Moen Attract Magnetix 26008
Waterpik YAT-933E
Waterpik AST-233E
Wassa WS1202
Speakman Icon S-2251-PB
Speakman Hotel Anystream S-2005-HB
Aquastorm by HotelSpa Showerhead Combo 1440
Delta HydroRain 5-Setting Shower Head
Kohler Awaken G110
Kohler Forté
Delta H2Okinetic 5-Setting Shower Head
Wassa WS1201
Moen Tital One-Function 6" Diameter Spray Head Rainshower
Delta Handshower 75700
Oxygenics PowerMassage Combo
Credit: Reviewed / Betsey Goldwasser
The Hydroluxe Full-Chrome 24 Function Ultra-Luxury 3-Way shower head is our favorite shower head.
Best Overall Hydroluxe Full-Chrome 24 Function Ultra-Luxury 3-Way 2-in-1
The Hydroluxe 24 Function Ultra-Luxury easily earned our top spot for the best shower head because it offers a high-end shower experience at a low-end price. At 2.5 gallons per minute (GPM), it delivers when it comes to maintaining a high water pressure. Even better, it’s easy to install both the shower head and the sprayer with the included plumber’s tape and a few turns of a pipe wrench.
Changing the settings on the Hydroluxe is a breeze. Just move the dial around the shower head, and it gives a satisfying clicking noise to let you know that it’s successfully changed settings.
Each of the two shower heads (the stationary and the hand sprayer) have different water-flow settings, including Power Rain, Massage, Stay-Warm Mist, Water-saving Economy Rain, and Pause. Both can be used separately or at the same time. Altogether, there are 24 different ways to take your shower. Mist is the absolute best sensation I have ever had in a shower: It felt like a bunch of angels were gently pelting me with wet cotton clouds. The pause feature, which stops the flow of water for as long as you need it, is also great for when you are shaving.
The Hydroluxe is thoughtfully designed, effective, and affordably priced. What more could you want?
Pros
Easy to use and install
24 different settings
Good water pressure
Cons
None that we could find
Buy now at Amazon
$35.37 from Walmart
Credit: Reviewed / Betsey Goldwasser
If you want a lot of bang for your buck, the affordable Wassa High Pressure shower head gets the job done right.
Best Value Wassa WS1201
If you don’t want to spend a lot of money to get a quality shower head, look no further than the Wassa WS1201. It doesn’t have a sprayer or any different water settings, but this shower head has one job, and it does it right.
It comes with a small roll of plumber’s tape and an extra washer. You might need a small wrench to completely tighten the connection, but beyond that, installing this shower head is pretty easy.
During testing, we found that this 2.5 GPM shower head had the strongest water pressure; the pounding water may not feel good on a sunburn, but it will definitely help you to work the kinks out of your back after a long day. With its swivel ball joint design, you can easily adjust the angle of the shower head, and expect it to stay in that position.
For those who just want a forgettably good shower experience every day, the Wassa WS1201 won’t disappoint.
Pros
Great water pressure
Can easily adjust position
Cons
Might need a smaller wrench for installation
Buy now at Amazon
$27.17 from Walmart
Credit: Amazon / Moen
Best Rain Shower Moen S6320 Velocity
If you're curious about what it would be like to shower under a gentle rainfall, the Moen S6320 Velocity is the shower head for you. It’s like getting caught in a warm summer rain.
While the S6320 is more expensive than many other shower heads, those who appreciate aesthetics and performance won’t mind the price tag. This solidly-built, 2.5-GPM shower head is very distinctive looking, and wouldn’t be out of place in an upscale hotel bathroom.
One minor downside is that its odd shape might make it a bit more difficult to install (since it’s more awkward to hold with one hand than it is to hold a normal shower head), but once it’s up and running, you’ll appreciate how easy it is to use.
A simple handle on the side lets you adjust from a full spray that emulates a gentle rain to a more focused stream that uses just the center nozzles. The rain setting may have a water pressure that is slightly lower than some would prefer, but that’s why you have a normal full-spray shower setting.
Overall, the Moen S6320 is great for both your daily showering needs and for a more luxurious rain shower experience.
Pros
Variable water pressure settings
Unique aesthetics
Cons
Expensive
Buy now at Amazon
$232.84 from Walmart
$245.63 from Home Depot
Credit: Reviewed / Betsey Goldwasser
For those who don't need a hand sprayer, the Speakman S-2251 is everything you'll need in a single shower head.
Best Single Shower Head Speakman S-2251
Want to upgrade your shower experience, but don’t want a sprayer? The Speakman S-2251 is a great single shower head that comes in a wide variety of finishes (including nickel, chrome, bronze, and brass) and will definitely class up your bathroom.
Between its three settings—Intense, Rain, and Flood—this shower head’s flow rate varies from 2.0 to 2.5 GPM. While we generally stuck with one particular setting (Intense), it’s nice that there are a few other spray options, especially for visitors who are used to a different water pressure. Switching between the three settings is straightforward—the lever on the right-hand side of the shower head is easy to use, and doesn’t get stuck in between different settings.
With its easy, leak-free installation, spray options, and luxe looks, the Speakman S-2251 will definitely be a crowd-pleaser for those who are willing to drop some cash on a shower head.
Pros
Simple to use
Classic look
Easy to install
Cons
None that we could find
$174.85 from Amazon
$226.43 from Walmart
The Tester
Hi, my name is Brian MacDougall, and I recently retired after 40 years working as a technical engineer. I'm often working on various DIY projects around the house, from electrical and plumbing work to replacing shingles. My house outside of Boston has been in a constant state of renovation for decades. Testing these shower heads was really fun; every few days was a completely new shower experience.
For the previous iteration of this article, the shower heads were tested by freelance tech writer Conner Flynn.
How We Tested
After researching the most popular shower heads on the market, we narrowed our pool of products to cover a range of types, brands, and price points. I used each shower head daily over the course of 2 to 3 days.
I evaluated each shower head on its features, performance, and value. How many of the extra settings are useful? How well-built is the shower head? Is the hand sprayer actually useful, or is it just a cheap add-on?
When it came to the actual shower experience, I paid close attention to water pressure. While shower heads have a range of different water pressure ratings, the GPM number is a maximum value, rather than a stable value. Basically, I wanted to have enough experience with a given shower head so that I could provide my readers with a solid opinion as to whether this shower head is a good fit for their preferences or not.
What You Should Know About Shower Heads
What does GPM mean?
Credit: Reviewed / Betsey Goldwasser
GPM, or gallons per minute, is a shower head specification that refers to the water pressure that comes out of the shower head.
GPM is an acronym that refers to a shower head’s water pressure, which is measured in gallons per minute. As you might expect, a higher GPM value translates into more gallons of water per minute, which corresponds to a stronger water stream. Most shower heads are designed to operate at one of three possible GPM values: 1.5-1.75 GPM, 2.0 GPM, and 2.5 GPM.
Shower heads with water pressures of 2.5 GPM create the strongest water jets. Typically, a 2.5 GPM is strong enough to feel like you’re actually getting clean over the course of your shower. Those with more sensitive or delicate skin might want to look at lower-flow shower heads such as those with water pressures of 1.75 GPM and 2.0 GPM. While these water jets are gentler, it generally takes a bit longer for the water to push shampoo out of your hair or soap off of your skin.
Should I install the shower head myself?
In most cases, it is probably fine for you to buy a shower head and install it yourself. However, if you live in an older home, and you’re thinking of switching to a more efficient low-flow (i.e. a water pressure of 1.5-2.0 GPM) shower head, there may be a slight mismatch between the plumbing hardware installed in your shower and the shower head itself.
The automatic compensating valve, or the valve that mitigates extreme water temperature changes (that may result in you freezing or getting burned), is a valve that is built into the plumbing behind your shower’s wall. In most homes, the plumbing is designed to work with 2.5 GPM shower heads; for shower heads with lower water pressures, the difference between the plumbing’s water pressure expectations and the actual water pressure required to operate a low-flow shower head may result in issues with this valve that make it more likely for you to experience extreme temperature changes when someone draws on the same water line as the shower uses (e.g. when someone flushes the toilet).
If you are considering swapping to a low-flow shower head, or if your plumbing is relatively old, it might be worth it to consult with a plumber to ensure that you have the right hardware in place to protect your skin from getting burned or frozen.
How do I install my shower head?
Credit: Reviewed / Betsey Goldwasser
Installing a shower head is relatively easy, but be sure to do your due diligence if it has a water pressure rating that is very different from your current shower head.
If you do decide to go the DIY route with this task, it’s pretty straightforward—The Home Depot has a really nice tutorial on this subject. The basic steps are:
Shut off the water in the shower.
Unscrew the existing shower head.
Gently scrape the threads of the shower arm (the piece between the wall and the shower head) clean, either with your fingers or with a small brush.
Wrap a couple layers of plumber’s tape (also known as teflon tape) around the threads of the shower head.
Screw the new shower head onto the shower arm.
Tighten the shower head with a pipe wrench, or a smaller wrench, if needed.
Slowly begin to operate the shower so that any leaks, if present, don’t spray water all over the place.
If you observe leaks, turn off the water, unscrew the shower head, add a bit more plumber’s tape, and tighten the shower head fitting as needed.
Do I need a shower head with a hand sprayer?
Credit: Reviewed / Betsey Goldwasser
Is a shower head with a hand sprayer right for you?
There are plenty of reasons why someone would want a hand sprayer shower head. If you have small children, dogs, or otherwise work in a care-taking capacity, using a hand sprayer allows you total control over the water stream, and makes it much easier to wash someone (or something) other than yourself.
Even if you don’t need the added flexibility of a hand sprayer to wash kids or pets, hard-to-reach areas on your body are much more accessible with a hand sprayer than they are otherwise; having a hand sprayer cuts down on the amount of acrobatics needed to get those areas into the stream of a normal shower head.
However, if you just want a straightforward, high-pressure shower experience, it might be better for you to get a shower head that does not include a sprayer. Often, if a shower head includes a stationary shower head and a sprayer, and there can be a water pressure trade off when both shower heads are in use.
Also, sprayers can present problems after they’ve been in use for a while. If the sprayer bracket warps or weakens over time, this can result in sprayers that send water in unexpected directions or end up on the floor of your shower.
Some other points to consider
Do I want a filter? Some users prefer filters as they help filter out any contaminants in the water, such as sulfur, chlorine, and other chemicals. Homeowners and apartment dwellers who have hard water or rely on well water may especially want a filter to remove impurities or take away harsh smells.
How big is my shower? If you have a small shower, you should probably use a smaller shower head that doesn’t stick out much from the wall. Otherwise, you run the risk of the shower head taking up too much space in your shower, which can be problematic for the taller folks in your life. Furthermore, some shower heads are meant to spray out laterally into larger shower areas, rather than down at a relatively steep angle, as you would need for a smaller shower.
Other Shower Heads We Tested
Briout Handheld
For those who prefer the flexibility of a sprayer, the Briout Handheld shower head consists of a removable shower sprayer in place of (rather than in addition to) a normal shower head.
While its low price might make you raise a dubious eyebrow, we found that this sprayer, which has a water pressure of 2.5 GPM, can keep up with the other standard shower heads we tested. It has five settings that range from Rain Mist to Pulsating Massage, and with the little knob on the bottom of the shower head, you can easily adjust from one setting to another. Its secure mounting bracket means that you won’t have to worry about the sprayer falling out and sending water in unexpected directions.
If you find the water pressure to be too much, the Briout comes with a flow restrictor that you can add inline during installation of the shower head.
The Briout Handheld Shower Head hits just the right note for those who want more exact control over their shower spray.
Pros
Comes with optional flow restrictor
High water pressure
Cons
None that we could find
$26.76 from Walmart
Culligan WSH-C125
The Culligan WSH-C125 gives you a lot for your money. It provides decent water pressure, a filter to help reduce things like chlorine, sulfur odor and more.
It has a five-function massage head with anti-clog rubber spray nozzles. It can be set to a gentle rain, all the way up to a powerful massage spray. Installation is easy on this model. For the price, this one is clearly a good value. You'll get great performance.
Our only complaint is that turning its dial is a bit tough, and you often need two hands. Otherwise, this provides a solid shower experience.
Pros
Great performance
Includes a filter
Anti-clog nozzles
Cons
Tough to turn the handle
$37.34 from Amazon
$29.92 from Walmart
$38.46 from Home Depot
AquaDance 3312
The AquaDance 3312 is another great hand sprayer that tops our list because of its performance. This 2.5 GPM sprayer is easy to install and comes with an optional flow regulator.
We found that all of its six settings, which include a Water Saving Pause Mode, in addition to the expected rain, massage, and mist settings, had satisfyingly strong water pressures. With the knob on the bottom of the shower head, it’s easy to change from one setting to the next.
However, neither the shower head nor the bracket had the same solid construction as some of the other shower heads we’d tested, but for its low price, that might be expected to some extent.
One other note—because of the way this shower head is designed, the AquaDance is best used in showers where you’re able to stand far away from the sprayer itself; this shower head tends to shoot the water out, rather than down, so if you’re in a smaller shower, you might have trouble getting under the water stream.
Pros
Affordable
Has a "pause" setting
Cons
Low build quality
$16.99 from Amazon
$18.99 from Walmart
Moen Attract Magnetix 26008
The Moen Magnetix Attract 26008 shower head is a great shower head for those who want to stick with a well-known name brand. This shower head/sprayer combo functions as two separate shower heads when the sprayer isn’t separated from its dock, and it comes in three attractive finishes: Mediterranean bronze, brushed nickel, and chrome.
The “Magnetix” in the product name refers to the magnets built into the sprayer mount, which allow for the stable and secure storage of the hand sprayer when it’s not in use.
At 1.75 GPM, some users might find that the water pressure is too low, especially when both the main shower head and the sprayer are on at the same time. However, the convenience of having one stationary shower head and a more mobile sprayer, especially when that sprayer has a “pause” button, cannot be overlooked.
Pros
Magnetic sprayer mount
Pause option on hand sprayer
Cons
Low water pressure
Buy now at Amazon
Waterpik YAT-933E
The Waterpik YAT-933E shower head is an affordable, no-frills option for those who want a more basic showering experience. This is one of the few shower heads we tested that might not require plumber’s tape (although it’s still a good idea in general) during installation because the connection itself is plastic, rather than metal.
This particular model comes with a water pressure of either 1.8 GPM or 2.0 GPM; we tested the 1.8 GPM version and found that it was a bit light on the water pressure, as expected. However, if you’re picky about your shower preferences, this shower head has nine different settings that range from Eco-spray and Mist to Full Body Spray and Powerpulse Massage.
For an affordable shower head that still gives you lots of spray options, be sure to check out the Waterpik YAT-933E.
Pros
Has nine different spray settings
Cons
Plastic connector
Low water pressures
$29.99 from Walmart
$24.98 from Home Depot
Waterpik AST-233E
The Waterpik AST-233E looks like it would be a great rain shower head. It has a unique oblong shape and it claims that it can save you money on your water bill.
But there are a few problems. The oblong shape combined with its threaded off-center pipe connection makes it unwieldy and difficult to install. It took me several tries just to attach it. Also, the mirror-like finish on the unit I tested was a bit too shiny: I didn't like seeing my face staring back as I showered. Plus, whether installed in a vertical or horizontal position, it just didn’t look like it was ever quite right.
This does not affect performance though. It has a simple switch on the side that lets you choose between two spray patterns, but both are disappointing. I couldn’t detect any real differences in water pressure. Also, the switch, which is located behind the shower head, is difficult and awkward to reach.
Pros
Stylish
Performs well
Cons
Difficult to install
Can't distinguish between spray patterns
$31.25 from Walmart
Wassa WS1202
The Wassa WS1202 shower head is a sprayer-only shower head that, with a water pressure of 2.5 GPM, attempts to match the showering experience of a normal shower head, and mostly succeeds.
The normal shower setting, Saturating Spray, provides great water pressure and coverage. The other settings, however, are a bit difficult to control. During testing, the Mist setting sent water everywhere, which isn’t ideal for those who have an open shower configuration.
Furthermore, the knob that allows you to change between settings was a bit stiff and difficult to operate. However, as long as your shower is completely enclosed, you’ll appreciate the nine different settings (including Pause) available on the Wassa WS1202 shower head.
Pros
High pressure
Cons
Mist setting sent water everywhere
Setting knob is difficult to operate
Buy now at Amazon
$31.48 from Walmart
Speakman Hotel Anystream S-2005-HB
The Speakman Hotel Anystream S-2005-HB is beloved by many online reviewers who have praised its ability to reproduce the luxurious shower experiences they've had during hotel stays (namely the strong water pressure).
However, during testing, we found this shower head to be very basic, without any frills. The pressure is decent, but not anything to write home about. The shower head operates very simply, with a single knob on the side that you turn to adjust the stream. If you are looking for an average shower head for a low price (perhaps for a guest bathroom), this might shower head might be a good fit.
Pros
Strong water pressure
Simple operation
Cons
No extra features
$29.86 from Amazon
$29.63 from Walmart
$30.77 from Home Depot
Aquastorm by HotelSpa Showerhead Combo 1440
The Aquastorm by Hotel Spa is a shower head/sprayer combo that is easy to install and easy to use. While it maintains its water pressure of 2.5 GPM when the main shower head is in use, we found that the water pressure fell off a bit when both shower heads were activated at the same time.
If you don’t mind that minor water pressure trade-off, though, this shower head is just fine. It has six settings, including Water Saving Economy Mode, Power Rain, and Rain Massage. While there are better performing or more affordable shower head options out there, this shower head is perfectly adequate.
Pros
High water pressure
Cons
Water pressure tradeoff when both showerheads are active at the same time
Buy now at Amazon
Delta HydroRain 5-Setting Shower Head
The Delta HydroRain shower head is the perfect shower head for those who want to bring more bling to their bathrooms. This shower head has two separate spray nozzles, but does not include a removable hand sprayer. If you need to match existing shower tile or fixtures, this shower head comes in four different finishes including Venetian bronze, polished nickel, chrome, and stainless.
This large, heavy shower head was somewhat awkward to install; however, its weight indicates that it is clearly well-made, and that it should last for a long time. We also noticed that there was a slight trade-off in the 2.5 GPM water pressure when both shower heads were activated at the same time.
One minor issue is that this shower head is large enough that it may take up a disproportionate amount of real estate in a smaller shower. However, at this price point, most buyers will probably have a big enough shower that it probably won’t be too much of an issue.
Pros
Comes in four different finishes
Well-made
Cons
Water pressure tradeoff when both showerheads are active at the same time
Slightly more difficult to install
$82.23 from Amazon
Kohler Awaken G110
The Kohler Awaken G110 is a basic shower head with a water pressure of 2.0 GPM. It comes in four finishes, including polished chrome, vibrant brushed nickel, matte black, and oil-rubbed bronze. While a roll of plumber’s tape does not come with purchase of the shower head, installation was a relatively straightforward process.
By pushing the knob at the bottom of the shower head, you can easily transition between the three water spray settings: Wide Coverage, Intense Drenching, and Targeted. Strangely, during testing, we found that this shower head was noisier than the others we’d tested, something that we attribute to this shower head’s relatively low water pressure.
Note: In the directions, Kohler recommends using this shower head in conjunction with an automatic compensation valve, or a valve that mitigates the risk of extreme water temperature fluctuations (i.e. getting scalded or frozen).
For a sleek-looking shower head with a relatively low price, be sure to check out the Kohler Awaken G110 shower head.
Pros
Comes in four different finishes
Sleek aesthetics
Cons
Noisy
Buy now at Amazon
$47.53 from Walmart
$36.99 from Home Depot
Kohler Forté
A single shower head, the Kohler Forté comes in six different finishes and has three different water settings: Full Coverage, Pulsating Spray, and Silk Spray. Because this low-flow shower head is rated at 1.75 GPM, we found this shower head to be underwhelming in the water pressure department. For those used to stronger sprays, this shower head experience was more akin to a shower you’d find at a pool complex.
For those who prefer lower water pressures, though, you’ll feel right at home with the Kohler Forté shower head.
Pros
Comes in six different finishes
Cons
Low water pressure
$75.67 from Amazon
$81.90 from Walmart
Delta H2Okinetic 5-Setting Shower Head
The Delta H2Okinetic Shower Head is an affordable shower head from a well-known brand. This single shower head with a water pressure of 2.0 GPM has five settings, including water saving, massage, and pause settings. Some of these settings had lower water pressures than other settings, with Full Body Spray as the setting with the highest water pressure.
Like most of the shower heads we tested, the Delta H2Okinetic shower head is perfectly fine, but there are definitely more budget-friendly and/or effective shower head options out there.
Pros
Affordable
Has a "pause" setting
Cons
Relatively low water pressure
Buy now at Amazon
$31.95 from Walmart
Moen Tital One-Function 6" Diameter Spray Head Rainshower
One of the more basic shower heads in the Moen lineup, the Moen Tital Chrome is a 1.75 GPM rain shower head. With its relatively low water pressure and wide spray area, this shower head is not a good fit for those who prefer a strong water spray during their daily showers.
That said, we still enjoyed using this shower head, and anyone looking for a streamlined shower head design will like the looks of the Moen Tital shower head.
Pros
Streamlined design
Good for smaller showers
Cons
Most settings have lower water pressures
$39.99 from Target
Delta Handshower 75700
The Delta Handshower 75700 is a simple hand shower by itself with seven spray settings, but it feels cheap. I felt like I had to be careful while installing it so that it wouldn’t break.
It also comes in small packaging with its hose wrapped tightly around the model, which became a problem after I installed it. The hose never straightened out, so it hung in the shower at almost a right angle.
My other frustration with the Delta Handshower 75700 is that the hand sprayer itself doesn't sit well in the holder.
The water pressure it provided was good, but not great. Lastly, because there's no audible sound to let you know that you've successfully adjusted the spray setting, I was constantly fiddling with the knob, which is not something you want to be dealing with during your daily shower time.
Pros
Simple showerhead
Seven spray settings
Cons
Materials feel cheap
Doesn't sit well in its holder
$24.95 from Amazon
$24.95 from Walmart
$24.95 from Home Depot
Avoid Oxygenics PowerMassage Combo
While the Oxygenics PowerMassage Dual Shower Head looks great, we were unable to install this shower head successfully on two separate occasions. Both times, despite using plenty of plumber’s tape, more water came out of the shower head’s connections than it did out of the shower head itself. Save yourself a return trip to your big box retailer and skip this shower head.
Pros
None that we could find
Cons
Leaks everywhere
Buy now at Amazon
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