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The Spruce / Lecia Landis
If you're looking to upgrade your shower, switching from an overhead showerhead to a handheld one can make a world of a difference. Thanks to their longer hoses and relatively small, lightweight designs, handheld showerheads allow you to easily increase your reach and have more control over the aim of your shower’s spray.
How do you choose a showerhead? Well, we consulted with Richard Epstein, a licensed master plumber, for expert insight into what makes a quality handheld showerhead. We then researched and tested a variety of showerheads with hoses, looking closely at details like spray settings, showerhead size, customization, and water flow rate. To narrow down our picks, we looked at highly rated and well-reviewed options, focusing on those with great durability, convenience, and overall value.
Best Overall
Waterpik 6-Spray Twin Turbo PowerPulse Massage Handheld Showerhead
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Amazon
Reasonably priced
Easy to install
WaterSense-certified
Lifetime warranty
Only one finish available
Stiff to adjust
Somewhat small face
Our top choice is the Waterpik Twin Turbo Showerhead, which earned high marks in our product testing process. If you live in a drought-prone area like California or just want to cut down on your water usage, the Waterpik Twin Turbo is your best bet. It earned a 4.5 out of 5 overall score from our testing, and we appreciated the multiple spray modes (including full stream and massaging jets), the adjustable angles (though they were slightly stiff), and that it came with all the necessary installation materials.
We also liked the showerhead's impressive adjustability, which allowed us to angle its spray up to accommodate extra-tall users' height. This Waterpik showerhead can be angled up, down, and side-to-side, which gave us plenty of flexibility; in fact, each of our testers could angle the showerhead to suit our individual preferences.
While we wish this handheld showerhead were available in more than one finish, the Twin Turbo was an overall hit with our team. Thanks to its 1.8-GPM flow rate, this WaterSense-certified showerhead meets the EPA's standards for water conservation. If we could change anything about this showerhead, we'd make the face slightly bigger. However, the Waterpik Twin Turbo is an all-around excellent product, and the brand backs it with a lifetime warranty.
Price at time of publish: $40
Diameter: 3.5 inches | Material: Metal | Mount Type: Bracket | Flow Rate: 1.8 GPM | Spray Pattern: Full body, full body + massage, power pulse massage, power spray + massage, power spray, and water saving trickle
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The Spruce / Katie Begley
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The Spruce / Katie Begley
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The Spruce / Katie Begley
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The Spruce / Katie Begley
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The Spruce / Katie Begley
Best Budget
AquaDance High Pressure 6-Setting Handheld Shower
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Amazon
Budget-friendly
Ergonomic handle
Three finishes available
Somewhat small face
On a budget? Go with the AquaDance Handheld Shower. Available in three finishes (brushed nickel, chrome, and oil-rubbed bronze), it has a flexible 5-foot stainless steel hose and a plated thermoplastic face measuring 3.5 inches in diameter. Though the face is relatively small, it still gets the job done thanks to its 2.5-GPM flow rate and six spray settings.
You can choose from power rain, pulsating massage, power mist, rain massage, and rain mist, and then pause it when you want to save water. The click-lever dial makes it easy to toggle between modes, and the ergonomic handle is comfortable to hold. We also like that you can adjust the mounted angle for hands-free lathering.
Price at time of publish: $30
Diameter: 3.5 inches | Material: Thermoplastic, stainless steel | Mount Type: Wall | Flow Rate: 2.5 GPM | Spray Pattern: Power rain, pulsating massage, power mist, rain massage, rain mist, and water saving pause mode
Best High-Pressure
Couradric High-Pressure Handheld Shower Head
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Amazon
Ergonomic handle
Five finishes available
Lifetime warranty
Not WaterSense-certified
For those who prefer high-pressure showers, we recommend Couradric. This handheld model has a flow rate of 2.5 GPM (the highest allowed in the United States). Its spray modes include bubbling rain, bubbling water, power rain, rinse, and pulsating massage.
In addition to ample water pressure, the 5-inch face ensures full coverage when you want it. You can also set it to the water-saving mode when you want to cut down on your usage. Other standout features include an ergonomic handle and an extra-long 6-foot hose with flexible joints. As icing on the cake, this showerhead comes in four finishes (brushed nickel, chrome, oiled bronze, and polished brass) and is backed by a lifetime warranty.
Price at time of publish: $50
Diameter: 5 inches | Material: Thermoplastic, steel | Mount Type: Wall | Flow Rate: 2.5 GPM | Spray Pattern: Bubbling rain, bubbling water, power rain, rinse, pulsating massage
Most Versatile
Delta In2ition Two-in-One Dual Wall Mount Fixed Handheld Shower Head
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The Home Depot
Eight finishes and colors
Two-in-one device with overhead and handheld showerheads
Five different spray settings
Water-conserving pause feature
Weak plastic parts
Some users find that the pressure is low
Delta’s In2ition Two-in-One Handheld Shower Head does it all—seriously, it’s built right into the design! This single wall-mounted showerhead offers you a traditional overhead showerhead, plus a detachable handheld head that can be used simultaneously or separately; it’s entirely up to you. You can also control how much water you’d like to use, with the ability to turn on both showerheads or just one–and there are five different spray options that cover everything from full body spray to fast massage spray. There’s even a unique “pause” feature, which reduces the water output to a trickle to conserve water while you’re lathering up, shaving, or cleaning your shower and tub.
The Delta In2ition Handheld Shower Head is backed by Delta’s limited lifetime warranty for durability, and it’s well-constructed with a flexible, stretchable steel hose and a variety of durable finishes. However, some components (like the clips for the handheld showerhead) are plastic and can be weak. Additionally, for some users, the water pressure is a bit low; we chalk this up to the WaterSense design of the showerhead, which is meant to help conserve water. Overall, with its flexibility and versatility, this is one comprehensive addition to any shower.
Price at time of publish: $174
Diameter: 6.81 inches | Material: Stainless steel | Mount Type: Wall mount | Flow Rate: 1.75 GPM | Spray Pattern: Full, massage, and pause
Best Massaging
Kohler Daisyfield 6-Spray Wall-Mount Handheld Shower Head
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Home Depot
Large face
Tool-free installation
Lifetime warranty
Only two finishes available
If you want something with a massage mode to help relieve muscle tension, we highly recommend the Kohler Daisyfield. In addition to powerful massaging jets, its advanced spray settings include full coverage, a relaxing rinse, two combo modes, and a pause setting for when you want to save water.
While you might think this high-pressure showerhead isn't EPA-approved, the 1.8-GPM flow rate actually meets the agency's WaterSense conservation standards. Though it comes in only two finishes (chrome and brushed nickel), we appreciate the sizable 5-inch face and easy-to-mount design, as well as the lifetime warranty.
Price at time of publish: $55
Diameter: 5 inches | Material: Metal | Mount Type: Wall bracket | Flow Rate: 1.8 GPM | Spray Pattern: Steady stream, intense massage, rinse
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The Spruce / Kate Donovan
Best Spa-Style
Hai Smart Showerhead
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Amazon
Bluetooth-enabled
WaterSense-certified
Six colors available
Expensive
To turn your shower into a spa-like experience, consider splurging on the Hai Smart Showerhead. At 4.5 inches in diameter, it has a sizable face. And unlike many other handheld models, this showerhead offers full-coverage rainfall, allowing you to seamlessly adjust the pressure using the sliding spray controller.
What's more, the Smart Showerhead syncs to your mobile device through Bluetooth to track your usage, and the handle lights up to notify you when the water is warm. We like that it comes in six bold colors to add a bit of character to your bathroom and two flow rate options. The 2.5-GPM model offers a little more water pressure, and the 1.8-GPM one meets WaterSense conservation standards.
Price at time of publish: $148
Diameter: 4.5 inches | Material: Stainless steel, PVC (polyvinyl chloride) | Mount Type: Wall-mounted shower arm | Flow Rate: 1.8 or 2.5 GPM | Spray Pattern: Steady stream
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The Spruce / Tammy Gardini
Best Settings
Delta 7-Spray Single Wall Mount Handheld Shower Head
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Amazona
Seven spray settings
Extra-long hose
Lifetime warranty
Limited colors
Out of all of the options on our list, the Delta 7-Spray Handheld Shower offers the most settings. Its modes include drenching spray, soft drench with full spray, massaging drench, slow massage, shampoo rinse, and soft rain. There's also a pause setting that reduces the water pressure to a trickle.
With a 5-inch face, this showerhead offers substantial water pressure and impressive coverage. However, it has a flow rate of 1.8 GPM to meet the EPA's WaterSense criteria. We wish it came in more finishes, but all in all, this is an excellent choice with lots of customization options. We also appreciate the extra-long 6-foot hose and lifetime warranty.
Price at time of publish: $30
Diameter: 5 inches | Material: Metal, plastic | Mount Type: Wall | Flow Rate: 1.8 GPM | Spray Pattern: Massage, full, steady, rinse, drench, rain
Best Basic
Glacier Bay 1-Spray Single Wall Mount Handheld Shower Head
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The Home Depot
Single, full coverage spray setting
Easy-to-clean nozzles
Tool-free installation
WaterSense certified to reduce water usage
Brackets are plastic
Not the most durable
If you’re in need of a simple, straightforward handheld showerhead, Glacier Bay’s 1-Spray Handheld Shower Head will do the trick. It’s basic, but it covers all of your most critical needs: A full-coverage spray setting, corrosion-resistant construction, and a flexible, no-kink 5-foot hose. Designed for simple, tool-free installation, it’s also a breeze to get up and running. We particularly like the thoughtful details built into this handheld model; for example, the self-cleaning nozzles on the showerhead prevent water buildup and keep the flow strong. Plus, this showerhead is also WaterSense certified and saves 20 percent more water than your typical alternative.
While Glacier Bay touts this handheld showerhead as highly durable, you will want to keep in mind that some components and attachments are made of plastic. These can crack or break over time, making it a bit less durable. Fortunately, there’s extra protection built in, like a corrosion-resistant chrome finish that makes this basic model a worthwhile investment.
Price at time of publish: $20
Diameter: 3.25 inches | Material: Chrome, plastic | Mount Type: Wall mount | Flow Rate: 1.8 GPM | Spray Pattern: Full
Best Extra-Long
Waterpik 8ft Easy Reach Hose Handheld Shower Head
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Target
8-foot hose for added reach and flexibility
6 high-performance spray settings
Anti-clog nozzles
Adjustable and water-saving spray feature
Can have issues with low water pressure
Not the most durable
The biggest perks of a handheld showerhead are its extra reach and increased flexibility—and the longer the hose, the more reach you’ll have at your disposal. That’s why we like the Waterpik 8ft Easy Reach Handheld Shower Head, which features an impressively long 8-foot metal hose that allows you to spray water from any angle. With 1.8 gallons per minute flow and six high-performance spray settings, you’ll be able to bathe kids, pets, and yourself effortlessly. You can customize the flow and choose any one of six settings, including full, rain, and pulsating sprays, to suit your pressure needs.
This chrome-plated handheld showerhead also includes extra perks that make it convenient to use. In addition to the spray options, you’ll enjoy a pause button in-handle that stops the spray to save water while you lather up. Some users note that water pressure can be lighter with this showerhead, but it really depends on your plumbing. Its mount can also become less sturdy with use and wear. Overall, though, complaints about this showerhead are few and far between–and we love the extra three feet of reach it provides over a typical handheld model.
Price at time of publish: $40
Diameter: 5.25 inches | Material: Plastic, chrome plating | Mount Type: Wall mount | Flow Rate: 1.8 GPM | Spray Pattern: Full, rain, and pulsating
Best Splurge
Delta Grail Single Wall Mount Handheld Shower Head
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Walmart
Sleek, slim styling
Modern matte black finish
82-inch hose
Water-efficient spray
Wall elbow not included
Only one spray setting
Add a little luxury to your shower with a handheld showerhead that looks as sleek as the rest of your fixtures! Delta’s Grail Single Wall Mount Handheld Shower Head doesn’t share the shiny chrome finish of most; instead, it’s finished with a matte black shade that’s perfect for more modern bathrooms. It’s also unique in its slim rectangular shape, making a standout statement wherever it’s installed. However, this showerhead does more than add style into a space; its 82-inch (nearly 7-foot) long hose offers plenty of reach and flexibility, and the full body spray gives you good coverage. Its spray ranges from 1.75 to 2 gallons per minute, offering a solid amount of pressure.
While the head of this handheld showerhead is slimmer and smaller, it doesn’t skimp on the spray. You’ll enjoy full body coverage, but there is only one setting you can use. If you want options, this pick isn’t highly versatile. Many users point out that there’s no wall elbow included for mounting. It’s a minor detail that doesn’t detract from the style or performance of this showerhead, but it’s certainly a part you’ll need for installation.
Price at time of publish: $219
Diameter: 2 inches | Material: Not listed | Mount Type: Wall mount | Flow Rate: 1.75 GPM | Spray Pattern: Full
Best Water-Saving
Niagara Conservation Earth 3-Spray Single Wall Mount Handheld 1.75 GPM Shower Head
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Amazon
WaterSense-certified
Three spray settings
Easy to install
Somewhat small face
Limited finishes to choose from
If you live in a drought-prone area like California or just want to cut down on your water usage, check out the Niagara Conservation Earth 3-Spray Handheld Showerhead. With the choice between 1.5, 1.75, and 2 GPM, you can customize this option to your budget and water needs.
This handheld showerhead is made of a combination of brass and polycarbonate thermoplastic, which helps fight corrosion and increase overall durability. It boasts a host of certifications, including by the American National Standards Institute (ANSI) and the National Science Foundation (NSF), and is also WaterSense compliant, meaning that it meets the EPA criteria for water efficiency. It's available in two finishes—chrome and brushed nickel—that are versatile enough to match many bathroom fixtures and design schemes. The flexible stainless steel hose measures 75 inches long, and there are three spray patterns to choose from.
All in all, this is a tried-and-true option that will conserve water without sacrificing pressure or performance. We also love its budget-friendly pricepoint; it's affordable enough to purchase for multiple bathrooms in your household.
Price at time of publish: $29.59
Diameter: 2.7 inches | Material: Brass and polycarbonate thermoplastic | Mount Type: Wall | Flow Rate: 1.5, 1.75, or 2 GPM | Spray Pattern: Full, jet, massage, mist, soft, wide
Our number-one pick is the Waterpik 6-Spray Twin Turbo PowerPulse Massage Handheld Showerhead, an option with multiple spray modes, adjustable spray angles, and all the components you need for easy installation, plus the added perk of water-conserving features! We're also fans of the AquaDance High Pressure 6-Setting Handheld Shower, which is a budget-friendly option with an ergonomic handle, multiple spray settings, and an adjustable mounting angle for customized coverage.
What to Look for in a Handheld Showerhead
Design
Unlike standard heads, handheld showerheads attach to the wall through a hose and can be mounted when not in use. However, this type of showerhead can vary significantly in terms of design. When shopping around, pay attention to the face size (usually between 3.5 and 5 inches in diameter), hose length, and finish. If your bathroom fixtures are a color other than standard chrome, look for a matching finish.
"Most are plastic these days," says Richard Epstein, a licensed master plumber and member of The Spruce Home Improvement Review Board, though some showerheads are made of stainless steel and other metals. "Quality is also important. You can tell the quality by the weight and feel."
Spray Patterns
Handheld showerheads usually have multiple spray patterns for a more customized showering experience. Some of the most common settings include full/steady stream, pulse, massage, high-pressure jets, rain, bubbling stream, drench, and rinse. Many models also have a pause or water-saving mode.
Handheld showerheads usually have multiple spray patterns for a more customized showering experience. Some of the most common settings include full/steady stream, pulse, massage, high-pressure jets, rain, bubbling stream, drench, and rinse. Many models also have a pause or water-saving mode.
Flow Rate
Epstein says to check the flow rate of a showerhead before buying it, which is measured in gallons per minute (GPM). Most will be between 1.8 and 2.5 GPM, and higher usually means more water pressure. However, Epstein notes, "Many low-flow showerheads, both handheld and stationary, can deliver a nice spray. The technology has come a long way."
Handheld showerheads with a maximum flow rate of 1.8 GPM meet the EPA's (Environmental Protection Agency) standards for water conservation and may carry the agency's WaterSense certification.
Standout Features
Hose Length
Hose length may not seem as critically important as the water flow and spray settings, but it’s a detail that can make or break your handheld showerhead. A handheld model is meant to offer more flexibility and reach, but these two key details can be limited by a hose that’s too short. To maintain your ease of use, look for a hose length of at least 5 feet (60 inches). That’s a common length for handheld showerheads, and it offers plenty of distance to cover kids, pets, and a variety of shower applications or angles.
If you often need more reach, or have a larger shower, you can find extra-long hoses that give you even more flexibility. Six-, seven-, and eight-foot hoses are available, but you’ll likely pay a bit more for that added length.
Easy-Clean Nozzles
On many of today’s handheld showerheads, you’ll find that the nozzles are highlighted in product descriptions and on packaging. It’s becoming increasingly more common that those nozzles are designed for easy cleaning to allow for better water flow and a longer showerhead lifespan overall. Easy-clean nozzles are those designed to prevent mineral buildup and potential clogs, allowing you to wipe away any debris without much effort to keep your water pressure at the perfect level.
Easy-clean nozzles are often covered with rubber tips. However, you can also look for showerheads that are constructed with specialized nozzles that prevent buildup or can handle hard water and its minerals. For example, Glacier Bay’s 1-Spray Handheld Shower Head features self-cleaning nozzles, which automatically prevent buildup and don’t require special soaking or even any wiping for effortless maintenance.
WaterSense Certified
Whether you live in a region that’s focused on water conservation, it’s always a great idea to invest in a handheld showerhead with eco-minded performance. Luckily, most showerheads today offer features or functions designed to help you limit your water usage and ultimately save some money on your monthly water bill! You can look for products that feature a WaterSense certification, which means they meet EPA-approved standards and specifications to improve efficiency and conserve water. Extra perks like a “pause” function on your handheld showerhead– on models like Delta’s In2ition Handheld Shower Head have–are helpful, as they allow you to reduce or stop the shower flow while you’re lathering up, chasing pets, or performing other actions that don’t require a full spray.
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Can you add a handheld showerhead to your existing showerhead?
If you want to add a handheld showerhead and keep your existing stationary head, you'll need a cross-tee fitting with two outlets. One will connect to the handheld unit through its hose, and the other will reconnect to your existing head. Alternatively, you can get a dual-headed option that offers both. And as Epstein explains, many newer models feature "stationary showerheads that come off and become handhelds."
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How do you install a handheld showerhead?
There are a few different ways to install a handheld showerhead: You can attach the hose with a standard fitting, connecting it to an included base or a wall-mounted bracket. As mentioned above, you'll need a cross-tee fitting with two outlets if you're adding a handheld model to an existing stationary head. Alternatively, you can replace your existing tub spout with a diverter valve.
In any case, Epstein says, "You just need to have an understanding of what you're working with, how to unscrew without it breaking, tightening without too much muscle." When in doubt, consult with the manufacturer's installation instructions.
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How do you clean a handheld showerhead?
Most handheld showerheads can be cleaned using distilled white vinegar. Remove the head from its mount, and then immerse it in a small tub or bowl of vinegar—a warm solution is ideal if you're able to zap it in the microwave for about 30 seconds. Let it soak for up to an hour, and then slough off any remaining residue with an old toothbrush or rag. Rinse it thoroughly with cold water, and reattach it to the hose.
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How often should you replace your shower head?
It’s recommended that you swap out your shower head every six to eight months. However, your shower head can last considerably longer if you practice regular maintenance. Keeping the shower head free of clogs and mineral buildup (especially important if you have hard water), as well as cleaning it regularly, can help extend its lifespan and keep water flowing perfectly for longer than six to eight months.
Why Trust The Spruce?
Theresa Holland has been writing for The Spruce since 2019, where she covers home goods, cleaning products, decor, and appliances. When choosing the best options for this article, she looked at insights from tested products and considered dozens of models from various manufacturers and brands. She also consulted with Richard Epstein, a licensed master plumber and member of The Spruce Home Improvement Review Board. Our final picks stand out in terms of settings, design, and overall quality.
Heather Adams and Lily Sperry, commerce editors for The Spruce, offered additional support for this roundup with updated product selections and shopping insight.