The 11 Best Shower Filters of 2023

Best Overall

AquaHomeGroup 15 Stage Luxury Filtered Shower Head

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A single shower filter that removes chlorine, heavy metals, sand, sediment, and even small particles of rust might sound almost impossible, but the AquaHomeGroup Luxury Shower Filter accomplishes it all. This impressive 15-stage filter is our pick for the best option overall, thanks to its long list of features, its ability to work with any showerhead, and its nicely affordable price. Designed to work with your existing system, this filter does include a showerhead that enhances your water with added vitamins C and E for an extra nourishing perk. 

Thanks to its impressive multi-stage filtration capabilities, this shower filter is the gold standard when it comes to maintaining the highest water quality. Larger particles are filtered out through a steel mesh, while small particles like lime and chlorine are removed through the remaining nine filtering stages. These are designed to attract certain particles without lowering your overall water pressure. Plus, it keeps a long list of different minerals and contaminants out of your water, giving you plenty of bang for your buck (and doing your skin and hair a lot of good!).

Installation is easy, especially with the included plumber’s tape. You will need a wrench to tighten the connections for the best results, but everything else needed for installation is included with the filter set. If you prefer an adjustable showerhead, you may need to find a different filter that lets you use your own showerhead, however. Keep in mind that the filter does need to be replaced, along with the vitamin enhancement filter, over time. You’ll typically get between six and 12 months per filter, depending on your usage.

Price at time of publish: $53

_{Filter Lifespan: 6-12 months | Filter Type: Internal filter cartridge | Contaminants Removed: Chlorine, heavy metals, rust, sand, sediment}

Best Budget

Barclay's Buys Better Home Goods Filtered Shower Head

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Barclay’s Filtered Shower Head is a simple but effective showerhead that rolls a high-pressured flow and contaminant-fighting multi-stage filtration into one nicely budget-friendly bathroom addition. You don’t have to spend a lot to get a “cleaner” and more mineral-free shower thanks to this filter. With the filter built into the showerhead itself, the design reduces the overall bulk and look of the system. Its two-stage filtration takes care of common irritants, including chlorine, chloramine, iron, calcium, and fluoride. 

This showerhead is adjustable, with three settings. You can toggle between massage, rain, and combo. It also has metal rings on both sides for a secure fit that won’t crack or wear. It uses a standard half-inch connection, making it easy to install on just about any shower. However, while it is effective, the filter does work primarily on larger particles since it only features two levels of filtration. That means it isn’t great at getting rid of the teeny tiny particles in your water.

Price at time of publish: $25

_{Filter Lifespan: 6-12 months | Filter Type: Inline | Contaminants Removed: Chlorine, chloramine, iron, calcium, and fluoride}

Best Luxury

Aquasana AQ-4100 Deluxe Shower Water Filter System

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For some of the best filtration plus a massaging showerhead that brings luxury to your next shower, consider the Aquasana Premium shower filter. It removes chlorine, synthetic chemicals, zinc, and copper, as well as balances the water's pH. It has a 2-stage filter but uses a lot more of the actual filter medium meant to target really small particles. The larger filter takes up more space but is designed to let the water pass down and back up to keep the showerhead high.

This is a larger system overall and made of industrial-looking white plastic rather than sleek chrome or metal. While it creates a luxury experience, it doesn’t offer a luxury look. It comes with a massaging showerhead, although you can also use the filter with a different showerhead for a custom experience.

Price at time of publish: $67.49

_{Filter Lifespan: 6 months | Filter Type: 2-stage | Contaminants Removed: Chlorine, synthetic chemicals, zinc, and copper}

Best for Hard Water

PureAction Water Softener Shower Head

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Hard water has a lot of minerals, such as calcium, that can build up in your fixture and cause havoc on your hair and skin. The PureAction water softener filter removes many of these contaminants, as well as improves the pH balance of your water. It does this while still maintaining good water pressure and a pleasant shower experience with three spray pattern settings.

This set comes with a replacement filter in addition to the one in the unit, making it easier to maintain the filter and ensure that you’re getting the best results. You should replace the filters around every 6 months, although that time can vary based on your usage and the exact makeup of your water. The set also comes with plumber’s tape that you will need for the installation.

Price at time of publish: $35.87

_{Filter Lifespan: 6 months | Filter Type: 2-stage | Contaminants Removed: Calcium, chlorine, fluoride, chloramine, rust, sand, and sediment}

Best for Well Water

AquaEarth 15 Stage Shower Water Filter

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Well water can be particularly hard and have a lot of mineral deposits. That’s why the Aqua Earth filter for hard water is a great option. It uses 15 stages of filtration, including an activated charcoal layer. These trap small and large particles in your water, such as lime, copper, rust, chlorine, chloramine, and sediment. These are some of the most common mineral deposits found in well water.

You will need a separate showerhead when using this filter system. This adds to the overall cost, but does let you customize with an adjustable or handheld showerhead. Fortunately, the Aqua Earth filter is affordable, allowing extra room in your budget for the ideal showerhead.

Some wells are regulated and monitored like any other public water supply. However, private wells are not included. “Private well owners are responsible for the safety of their water,” says the EPA. This makes extra steps like shower filters even more important.

Price at time of publish: $29.56

_{Filter Lifespan: 6 months | Filter Type: 15-stage | Contaminants Removed: Lime, copper, rust, chlorine, chloramine, and sediment}

Best for Removing Chlorine

AquaBliss Heavy Duty High Output Shower Filter

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Chlorine is one of the chemicals that can wreak havoc on your hair and skin if not properly monitored and filtered out of your water. While it does a great job killing potentially harmful contaminants, filtering out any excess chlorine before you shower can result in a better experience for you. The AquaBliss heavy duty shower filter uses a multi-stage filter to target sediment and chemicals, including chlorine. The calcium sulfite, redux media, and activated carbon specifically target chlorine and work for both hot and cold water passing through.

This filter comes with an exterior housing that is available in three finishes: chrome, brushed nickel, and oil rubbed bronze. This helps it blend in more with your existing fixtures. You will need to have a separate showerhead and plumbing set up. The filter and housing are installed in between the water source and the showerhead.

Price at time of publish: $37.99

_{Filter Lifespan: 6 months | Filter Type: Multi-stage | Contaminants Removed: Sediment, chlorine, rust, trihalomethanes}

Best to Remove Heavy Metals

BWDM 15-Stage Shower Filter

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The impressive 15 stages of the BWDM Filter take care of common heavy metals that can cause problems in your water and shower. It has filters to trap everything from sediment and sand to lead, rust, and chlorine. The last layers keep all trapped particles in the filter rather than letting them leak out. You will need to supply your own Teflon tape to wrap the plumbing fittings, which is recommended to create the best seal.

It also comes in chrome, brushed nickel, and oil-rubbed bronze. The filter inside lasts for around 6 months, depending on usage and the makeup of your water. It is easy to change and fits any 2.7 by 2.4-inch filter cartridge. The filter housing is also a universal fitting for any type of standard showerhead connection. So it doesn’t matter if you have a rainfall showerhead, handheld showerhead, or just regular connection.

Price at time of publish: $19.97

_{Filter Lifespan: 6 months | Filter Type: 15-stage | Contaminants Removed: Sediment, chlorine, heavy metals}

Best Inline

Culligan ISH-100 Inline Showerhead Filtration Attachment

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Inline shower filter attachments are a great way to filter water without having to make a huge adjustment to your system—all you have to do is screw it onto the base of your shower and then add the showerhead. This kit from Culligan (a top name among water filtering brands) comes with teflon tape to get the best fit and avoid leaks. It filters out particles, small chemicals, and even smells, including sulfur smell, chlorine, and scale. 

The kit is good for up to 10,000 gallons of water, though this will vary slightly based on the amount of filtration that it needs to do. It comes with a reminder sticker so that you can set the recommended change date based on your average usage. This does require looking up your usage in your past water bills for the most accurate recommendations. You can always follow the recommended 6-month change out for easier tracking.

Price at time of publish: $35.55

_{Filter Lifespan: 6 months | Filter Type: Multi-stage | Contaminants Removed: Chlorine, scale buildup, sulfur smell}

Best Built-In

Feelso Handheld Shower Head with Filter

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The Feelso Handheld Showerhead is one of the least noticeable shower filters out there. But don't let the sleek look fool you—it still has 15 stages to filter out things like chlorine, heavy metals, and sediment, with the filtration medium located inside the handheld sprayer rather than as a separate piece. It doesn’t take the same filters as most other shower filters, so you’ll need to get the specialty replacement cartridges available from Feelso.

For an extra spa-like experience, this showerhead comes with three modes: rainfall, massage, and mix. Similar to other handheld units, you can adjust it using the toggle button on the side, and it also comes off of the cradle—a good option if you use it for children or pets. The handheld showerhead is connected to the water line with a standard connection and has a 60-foot hose.

Price at time of publish: $32.99

_{Filter Lifespan: 4-6 months | Filter Type: 15-stage | Contaminants Removed: Sediment, chlorine, heavy metals}

Best for Conserving Water

Hello Klean Shower Filter

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This sleek shower filter from Hello Klean is a great eco-friendly choice all around. Not only does it conserve water, but it is also made out of recyclable aluminum. When you need to replace the filter, you can recycle the plastic housing inside as well. It reduces more than 90% of the chlorine, iron, copper, and lead in your water.

The shower filter is expensive, although you can subscribe for a periodic shipment and save a little bit of money. Depending on the setup of your showerhead, you might need to purchase the shower adapter, which adds to the overall cost. Hello Klean also makes a purifying showerhead that is a bit cheaper, although it does not reduce as many contaminants.

Price at time of publish: $72.00

_{Filter Lifespan: 4 months | Filter Type: KDF, calcium sulfite, carbon, ceramic beads | Contaminants Removed: Chlorine, lead, copper, iron}