The 9 Best Shower Tension Rods of 2023

Best Overall

BRIOFOX Shower Curtain Rod 43-73 Inches

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The Briofox Shower Curtain Rod is a simple straight shower tension rod, but it earns our top overall spot because it checks all the right boxes. The attractive stainless steel rod comes in six different finishes to suit your bathroom style. Choose from polished stainless steel, black, bronze, gold, nickel, or white. (Note: The white isn’t pure white but more of an off-white.) Each one is made of rust-proof material that the manufacturer claims will stay in pristine condition for at least five years, despite heavy use. 

Like other shower tension rods, installation is easy. Just pop it into place, whether your wall is tile or drywall. The anti-slip grip ends ensure the rod stays where it should, no matter how many times you open and close the curtain. It can hold up to 30 pounds of weight and can expand up to 73 inches, and the rod alone weighs a little over 2 pounds. And despite all of these winning characteristics, this shower tension rod is a relatively budget-friendly pick. You really can’t go wrong. 

Price at time of publish: $30 for stainless steel finish, 43 to 73 in.

_{Weight: 2.44 pounds | Dimensions: 42.9 x 3.2 x 2.6 inches | Material: Stainless steel}

Best Budget

Blu-Pier Tech 2 Pack Spring Tension Curtain Rods Adjustable 28-43 Inches

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If you need a quick-fix option, a budget-friendly tension rod like Blu-Pier Tech’s Spring Tension Rod will do the trick. You can use these straight plastic tension rods, which come in a pack of two, in small standup-style showers or for a host of other household needs, including window curtains or even to add hanging storage space in a bathroom or kitchen cabinet. 

The rod, which extends to 43 inches, and weighs a little over 10 ounces, is a combination of alloy steel and plastic, which adds a little more durability than a fully plastic option. Still, you shouldn’t expect it to hold much more than a very light shower curtain—the maximum weight load is just about 6 pounds. Two non-slip rubber pads on either end help it stay in place, so you can open and close the curtain without fear of it falling. 

Price at time of publish: $10 for white finish

_{Weight: 10.6 ounces | Dimensions: ‎40 x 1 x 1 inches | Material: Alloy steel and plastic}

Best Curved

Moen Tension Curved Shower Rod

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Known for its stylish and high-quality bathroom fixtures, including shower heads, it’s no surprise that Moen also manufactures a reliable shower tension rod. This Adjustable Curved Tension Shower Curtain Rod is a stainless steel option that features a unique curved design to give you a little bit more room while you shower. Though it can be a bit tricky to install, the rod—which weighs over 2 pounds—won’t budge once you get it into place. 

The padded, anti-slip, 60-inch-long tension rod sits within hardware that makes it look built-in. It’s a much more elevated look than your average tension rod. Plus, you can choose from three different finishes. If the chrome doesn’t suit your style, try brushed nickel or old-world bronze. All of the choices are rust-proof and backed by Moen’s lifetime warranty. 

Price at time of publish: $43 for chrome finish

_{Weight: 2.51 pounds | Dimensions: 60 x 1 x 5 inches | Material: Stainless steel}

Best Pack

Gotega Shower Curtain Rod 2-Pack

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When you buy Gotega’s Shower Curtain Rod, you essentially get two shower tension rods and 24 curtain rings for the price of one. Like other similarly priced products, this set of two is constructed out of highly durable and rust-proof stainless steel. The straight rod can extend up to 72 inches and weighs almost 4 pounds. 

Choose from two finishes—black or regular polished stainless steel. While they may scratch easily, you won’t have to worry about whether or not it will hold the weight of your shower curtain and stay where it’s supposed to. It works on all surfaces, too. Use the tension rod on wood, tile, glass, or even rougher surfaces like brick. This gives you plenty of options—it’s ideal for your shower curtain, but it can also be used for window treatments, clothes, and more. 

Price at time of publish: $36 for stainless steel finish

_{Weight: 3.59 pounds | Dimensions: 40 x 4.5 x 2 inches | Material: Stainless steel}

Best Multipurpose

iDesign Cameo Metal Tension Adjustable Customizable Curtain Rod

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If you’re looking for a versatile tension rod that can be used in the shower and other areas of the home—cabinets, closets, windows, and more—the steel and plastic iDesign Cameo Metal Curtain Rod is a great choice. Adaptable and customizable, it’s a versatile pick that can satisfy multiple needs and use cases. It comes in three attractive finishes, including matte black, white, and bronze. But even more importantly, it comes in four different sizes to accommodate areas as small as 26 inches and as large as 108 inches. The straight rod itself weighs almost 2 pounds.

The manufacturer doesn’t specify weight capacity, but this rod can handle the load of everything from heavy shower curtains to window treatments. While it is rust-proof, soap scum has a tendency to build up in the seam that connects the two pieces of the tension rod.

Price at time of publish: $29 for matte black finish, 43 to 75 in.

_{Weight: 1.7 pounds | Dimensions: 43.1 x 0.9 x 0.9 inches | Material: Steel and plastic}

Best Gold

Exclusive Home Tension Rod

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Love the elevated look of gold hardware? You can’t go wrong with the shower tension rod by Exclusive Home. The rod weighs a mere 0.44 pounds, but the large size can extend up to 63 inches. The 1-inch pole is made of a very durable but attractive iron that can hold up to an impressive 25 pounds. This makes the straight rod not only more attractive than most but also more versatile since you can use it for more applications—like heavy drapes. 

Like other tension rods, installation is fast and drill-free. Simply put it in place and twist it a few times until it’s tight enough to sustain the weight. Rubber ends keep everything securely in place. Just note: The brand warns that some household cleaners can ruin the finish on this shower tension rod, so take care while tidying, to avoid premature wear and tear. 

Price at time of publish: $22 for gold finish, 24 to 40 in.

_{Weight: 0.44 pounds | Dimensions: 40 x 2 x 1 inches | Material: Iron}

Best Black

Amazon Basics Tension Curtain Rod

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Black is a popular choice today, and this shower tension rod by Amazon Basics doesn’t disappoint. The best part about it is that it’s highly customizable, so you’ll end up with exactly what you want for your bathroom. The rod is made of durable metal and weighs less than 2 pounds. Choose from five finishes (black included), as well as six sizes and five finial sizes. Lengths vary from as short as 24 inches to as long as a very impressive 108 inches. 

Because of this customization, you can use the straight tension rod in applications beyond the bathroom. Sure, it’s rust-proof and perfect for your shower curtain, but the rod is also great for light window treatments. The only downside: It holds a very average 12 pounds—not necessarily enough for heavy drapes, but plenty for sheers.

Price at time of publish: $42 for black finish, classic style, 54 to 90 in.

_{Weight: 1.94 pounds | Dimensions: 51.75 x 2.62 inches | Material: Metal}

Best Stainless Steel

TEECK Shower Curtain Rod

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For a superior and shiny stainless steel option, look no further than the TEECK Shower Curtain Rod. This straight shower tension rod is made from premium stainless steel. It won’t rust or corrode, and it’s very easy to clean. Installation is simple, too. And the result is a reliable product that won’t collapse. 

The tension rod holds up to an impressive 22 pounds and weighs less than 2 pounds. If you want the function but not the stainless design, there are additional options for you. Choose from four other finishes—black, brown, gold, and white. Just be aware that the gold is more brushed gold than the shiny finish pictured in the listing. Also nice: You can choose from four sizes, the largest of which goes up to 85 inches long. 

Price at time of publish: $32 for silver finish, 48 to 85 in.

_{Weight: 1.75 pounds | Dimensions: 48 x 2 x 2 inches | Material: Stainless steel}