• Shower time should be relaxing, and the choice of shower head plays a huge role in making your shower more soothing.
  • Some people love a rain-style shower, while others want a strong, pulsing jet to massage sore muscles.
  • The Moen S6320 Two-Function Rain Shower Head is our pick for the best overall shower head because it can switch between both types of shower styles, depending on your mood.

To ensure your shower is as relaxing as possible, you will need to make some choices about the kind of shower head you want to use. You might be surprised by how many options are available.

Modern shower heads work differently than older shower heads, so there are quite a few advantages to purchasing a new one. An older shower head’s interior often was a cavity that filled with water, forcing the water through the tiny nozzles, meaning the individual nozzles had very little water pressure.

A newer shower head has individual channels that feed the nozzles, increasing the ability to deliver water pressure.

With all of the different options and features in shower heads, you can pick exactly the type of shower you’d like to experience, including rain-style, pulsing jets, or steady spray. If you want to read more about the types of models that are out there, we’ve included a short explainer at the end of this guide.

Here are the best shower heads:

Updated on 7/1/2020 to edit the prices, titles, and remove reviews and ratings from third-party sites, because we’ve found them to be unreliable in the past.

The best overall

Unlike most rain-style shower heads, the Moen S6320 Velocity Two-Function Rain 8-inch Shower Head also offers a surprisingly powerful jet spray.

Most rain-style shower heads don't offer any other type of water delivery. However, the Moen S6320 Velocity Two-Function Rain 8-inch Shower Head is able to deliver both rain and jet spray styles in one shower head.

The shower head is also a great size and uses 100 nozzles to create its signature effect. The Moen S6320 offers immersion technology, which allows for a concentrated jet spray.

It is an expensive shower head, but it does come with a lifetime warranty that can help protect your investment.

Pros: Versatile shower head, 100 nozzles for rain-style shower, jet-style setting provides surprising water pressure level, four finishes available

Cons: Longevity is questionable, price is high

The best on a budget

Foto: Source: Delta

The Delta 75152 Single Function Shower Head's low price point and good water flow make it a great choice for those on a tight budget.

There's nothing that particularly stands out about the Delta 75152 Single Function Shower Head, but it does provide a good all-around performance level at a really low price point.

The Delta 75152 can deliver water flow of between 1.85 GPM and 2.5 GPM, which is a good level for most people. It's easy to install, but the all-plastic construction means it is more prone to cracks and leakage than other metal models.

In rare occasions, defective models or improperly sealed connections can lead to immediate leaks, but reports of this are few and far between.

Pros: Extremely low price, good water flow level, extremely easy to install, two jet spray settings, two water flow settings, includes H2Okinetic water droplet technology

Cons: All-plastic construction materials affect longevity, some customers reported immediate leaks

The best rain shower

Foto: Source: Waterpoint

The low-priced WaterPoint 8-inch Rain Shower Head delivers an impressive amount of water pressure and water volume for a rain shower.

If you've hesitated to purchase a rain-style shower head in the past because of concerns over high water usage, the WaterPoint 8-inch Rain Shower Head contains a flow restrictor that limits the shower head to 2.5 gallons of water per minute. You can remove the restrictor if you'd like more water flow. Depending on how you use the shower, removing the flow restrictor may actually help you spend less time in the shower.

Perhaps the best thing about the WaterPoint Shower Head is its low price, which makes it another great budget option. The tool-free installation process also means you'll be able to do it yourself, keeping your labor costs at zero.

Pros: Delivers a large volume of water, low price, good water pressure for rain-style shower head, large 8-inch diameter, restrictor inside cuts water usage to 2.5 gallons per minute

Cons: Air intake yields noisy shower head, some plastic in construction

The best for high pressure

Foto: Source: Speakman

If you prefer a massaging jet of water during your shower, the Speakman S-2252 Signature Anystream High-Pressure Shower Head is a great option.

If you're someone who doesn't like gentle rain-style shower heads, the Speakman S-2252 Signature Anystream High-Pressure Shower Head will be more your style. And, if you've stayed at high-end hotels, you've most likely encountered a similar Speakman shower head already.

This high-pressure shower head delivers either 2 or 2.5 gallons of water per minute, using six adjustable jets that produce 48 individual sprays. Even those with low water pressure at home will receive high-quality results with the Speakman Anystream model. It delivers just the right amount of pressure - enough to massage tired shoulder and back muscles.

The self-cleaning nozzles in the Speakman shower head are another great feature, and you can expect longevity thanks to its brass construction.

Though it delivers on the high-pressure test, it is a bit lacking in terms of stream coverage. The jets are arranged in a circle, but the middle of the head remains empty, leaving you with a hollow stream of water that can lead to cold spots and uneven coverage.

Pros: High-pressure jet spray even in households with low water pressure, adjustable jet sprays, self-cleaning nozzles, six finishes available, both 2.5 and 2 gallons per minute water flow shower heads available

Cons: Higher-than-average price, no center jet

The best high-efficiency

Foto: Source: Amazon

If you're truly interested in cutting water usage, the High Sierra All Metal Low Flow Shower Head is a great choice, limiting water flow to 1.5 GPM.

Most shower heads offer a water flow setting of 2.5 gallons per minute (GPM). Some even conserve more water, reducing the flow to 2 GPM. But if you're truly serious about saving water - and saving money on your water and water heating bills in the process - the High Sierra All Metal Low Flow Shower Head is the answer.

This High Sierra shower head reduces water use to an impressive 1.5 GPM and still delivers just the right amount of water pressure. The construction is primarily metal as well as a high-quality plastic in the spray restrictor area, to ensure longevity.

However, low-flow shower heads aren't for everyone. If you like a luxurious shower experience, you won't want a low-flow model like this one.

Pros: Delivers good water pressure, saves money on your water bill, four colors available, great price point, primarily metal construction

Cons: Smaller water stream, extremely small shower head nozzle area

The best handheld

Foto: Source: ShowerMaxx

If you need some flexibility in your shower head, the 6.5-foot stainless steel hose on the ShowerMaxx 6-Spray Detachable Handheld Shower Head delivers.

The ShowerMaxx 6-Spray Detachable Handheld Shower Head can double as both a fixed shower head and a handheld one that you may use to direct water where you need it most.

As an added benefit, the ShowerMaxx Handheld Shower Head offers six different spray settings along with a 4.92-foot stainless steel hose that stretches to more than 6.5 feet, which is great if you have pets that need to be bathed frequently, too.

It also has a 4.5-inch diameter shower head to offer plenty of water coverage with a 2.5 GPM water flow. You can remove the water restrictor ring for more water flow as well (at the risk of higher water bills).

The shower head is constructed mostly of plastic, however, so its longevity is questionable.

Pros: Good price point, hose stretches to more than 6.5 feet, plenty of water coverage for most people, easy-to-use handheld unit for bathing pets and children

Cons: Mostly plastic construction, difficult to install

The best with LED

Foto: Source: DreamSpa

The DreamSpa AquaFan 12-inch LED Shower Head has an LED light that changes color to indicate the temperature range of the water.

The DreamSpa AquaFan 12-Inch LED Shower Head isn't just for emitting mood lighting. The LED light provides a smart purpose: helping you see exactly what the water temperature is before you step into the shower stall. No longer do you have to suffer through stepping into an icy stream or hot lava flow of shower water without warning.

The LED light is blue when the water temperature is below 95 degrees, green when it's below 109 degrees, red when it's below 122 degrees, and flashing red when the water is above 122 degrees.

There's also a tiny screen that displays the exact water temperature. No batteries are needed to run the LED as it runs completely from water pressure and should last about 100,000 hours. It does have a tendency to emit a whining noise when in operation.

Pros: Lights indicate water temperature, 12-inch shower head provides rain-style water flow, good water flow, no batteries required

Cons: Shower head emits a whining noise, price is a little above average

The best combination shower head

Foto: Source: Hydroluxe

You don't have to choose between a mounted and handheld shower head when you have the 3-way 2-in-1 combo from Hydroluxe.

While there are plenty of convertible shower heads that combine the ease of a mounted shower head with the flexibility of a handheld unit, there aren't quite as many options that actually offer you both at the same time. The Hydroluxe Full-Chrome 24 Function Ultra-Luxury 3-way 2 in 1 Combo does just that.

This shower head allows you to choose from a total of 24 full and combined water flow patterns, turning your daily shower into a veritable choose your own adventure.

On the main shower head, you'll find a little knob that will allow you to direct water to one or the other head, or if you're ready to be pampered, to both. Of course, you can continue to adjust the knob throughout your shower, offering yourself different water and setting combinations.

The heads each come with five settings, which include Power Rain, Massage, Stay-Warm Mist, and Water-Saving Economy Rain, as well as a Pause function. And thanks to this unit's large four-inch face, you'll enjoy powerful jets of water throughout your shower - and better still, from two heads.

Perhaps my favorite thing about this particular Hydroluxe offering is how easy it is to install. While some other shower heads purport to be DIY, but are, in fact, meant only for expert installation, I found that the Hydroluxe lived up to its easy installation promise. And thanks to the included tape, you won't have to worry about leaks or drippage.

Despite the relatively low price, the water pressure is still quite decent, particularly if you take the step of removing the flow control device. If you do elect to have water coming out of both heads simultaneously, you may experience a drop in pressure, though this is to be expected. - Lulu Chang

Pros: Easy installation, great value for the price, two-for-one design makes for a luxurious shower

Cons: Plastic construction

Types of shower heads to consider

Foto:
  • Full body: Full body shower installations include nozzles throughout the vertical length of the shower stall, rather than just one nozzle at the top. Although these are really nice designs for a shower, they're a bit beyond the scope of this list because of the special installation and high expense required.
  • Handheld: Some shower heads fit inside a clamp near the upper pipe, but then disconnect so they may be held in your hand at the end of a flexible hose, allowing you to direct the water spray for more efficient cleaning.
  • High pressure: Some shower heads include high-pressure jets. By turning a ring, these shower heads often provide different spray patterns as well as massage settings.
  • Rainfall: Some showers offer big shower heads that release a lot of water, almost like rainfall. They usually don't offer the water pressure or pulsing options of other shower head designs.
  • Specialty: Newer shower heads have some interesting specialty features. Some include a built-in wireless speaker inside the shower head, allowing you to sync your smartphone to the speaker to play music or audio. Some include LED lighting that makes it fun to shower.

Before purchasing, pay attention to the type of installation required for the shower head. Some will simply screw onto the water pipe that sticks out of the bathroom wall, which most people can handle themselves. Other shower heads require you to tear up drywall to install components. In those instances, you may need to hire a plumber to complete the job, so consider this added cost when purchasing a shower head.

Check out our other bathroom guides

Foto: Source: Amazon

The best shower curtains

Your bathroom is one of the most intimate places in your home and the shower curtain tends to be the highlight of it. The two main purposes of shower curtains are to keep water off the bathroom floor and to instill a sense of privacy, but they also set the tone for the style of your bathroom. These are the best shower curtains.

The best bathtubs

The bathtub isn't just a simple household fixture but an important vessel for washing and relaxing. With many different styles and models to choose from, you can find the right one for your family and home. These are our top picks for the best bathtubs.

The best shower curtain hooks

Shower curtain hooks are pretty basic, but subtle differences between them make certain hooks stand out above the rest. Shower curtain hooks come in several varieties, but most are made of stainless steel or plastic. Some are classic circular rings and others are more elaborate hooks that let the curtain drop down farther from the rod. Here are the best shower curtain hooks you can buy.

The best bath mats

Bath mats need to do a lot of things at once: They need to soak up or deal with moisture, self-dry before mold and bacteria can set in, and stay in one place without slipping and sliding around the bathroom - all while looking nice and smelling fresh. These are the best bath mats.

The best bath towels

Nobody is ever happy to step out of the shower, only to reach for a scratchy, thin, nonabsorbent, and too-small bath towel. Whether you like them overly large, made of organic cotton, in a waffle-weave, or just thick, soft, and luxurious, these are the best bath towels you can buy.