The 9 Best Showerheads of 2023, Tested and Reviewed

After testing dozens of options, these outperformed the rest

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Best Showerheads of 2023

The Spruce / Meredith Campbell

The right showerhead can transform both the way your shower looks and feels—and we know that firsthand from the extensive testing of showerheads we've conducted. Upgrading your showerhead can mean improving your water flow and pressure, resulting in a more enjoyable experience. A high-efficiency showerhead can even save you money in the long term by reducing your water usage each month. And considering just how much time we spend in the shower, we think it’s well worth the investment.

Over the last five years, we've tested and researched dozens of the best showerheads on the market. For our most recent round of testing, we gathered 20 showerhead models and sent them to real-life homes. We unboxed, installed, and used them over the course two or more weeks, reporting back on their ease of setup, features, performance, settings, durability, and value. The following list of fixed, handheld, and dual showerheads showcases our findings.

Our Top Picks

Best Overall

Waterpik 12-Spray 5 in. High-Pressure Dual Shower Head

4.9
Waterpik 12-Spray 5 in. High-Pressure Dual Shower Head

The Home Depot

Our Ratings
  • Ease of Setup
    5/5
  • Features
    5/5
  • Performance
    4.8/5
  • Settings
    4.8/5
  • Durability
    5/5
What We Like
  • Dual head design

  • 12 different settings for adjustable pressure and flow

  • Easy to maneuver and switch between settings

  • Good value considering price point

What We Don’t Like
  • Plastic construction

Of all the options we tested, the Waterpik 12-spray 5 in. High PressureDual Shower Head is our top pick because it proves that you don’t have to spend a fortune on a showerhead to get an intense, luxurious shower experience. During our long-term, at-home testing, we were impressed by the variety of settings as well as their performance. This dual-function showerhead offers the benefits of both a fixed and handheld showerhead, allowing for more range and flexibility if you need it. The showerhead offers 12 different spray settings (nine on the fixed head and three on the wand) with adjustable flow rates, including full, massage, mist, soft, and vigorous. We especially loved the massage setting, which provided a high-pressure stream for ultimate relaxation. 

Upon arrival, we were impressed by just how easy the installation process was. It took us less than five minutes to remove and replace the old showerhead since the instructions were easy to follow and clearly laid out. Using the handheld wand proved to be simple as well, and we appreciate that it has ample hose length to maneuver comfortably. The fixed showerhead also has great range, as it can turn 360 degrees and has an up-and-down tilt. The product has a pivoting diverter that allows you to quickly switch between the two heads without much fuss, but you do have to manually adjust it to the setting you want. We also love that the showerhead features rubber anti-clog nozzle tips intended to prevent buildup and allow for easy cleaning.

The showerhead is made with plastic parts, which may not be as durable as stainless steel or brass in the long run—but it’s a commonly used material for showerheads, so we can’t fault this pick too much for that. And at just $70, we think the reasonably priced model offers just about everything you’d want and need in a showerhead, making this our favorite option of the bunch.

Price at time of publish: $70

Diameter: 5 inches | Material: Stainless steel, plastic | Mount Type: Wall mount | Flow Rate: 1.8 gallons per minute | Spray Patterns: 12 (including mist, massage, and full)

Best Budget

SparkPod Shower Head

4.6
SparkPod Rain Showerhead

Amazon

Our Ratings
  • Ease of Setup
    5/5
  • Features
    4.6/5
  • Performance
    5/5
  • Settings
    4/5
  • Durability
    5/5
What We Like
  • Even, intense water pressure

  • Classic rainfall design

  • Easy to install and clean

  • Available in six finishes

What We Don’t Like
  • Smaller than some rainfall showerheads

  • Limited settings

Rain showerheads may seem like a luxury, but thanks to SparkPod, you can add one to your shower without spending a fortune. This high-pressure rainfall showerhead boasts a classic rainfall design—a wide, flat head recreates the experience of getting caught in a (warm and luxurious) rainstorm. During our tests, it provided full-body coverage with no gaps in the water stream. While this showerhead doesn’t include any additional water flow settings, it’s still a great option for those who don’t need all the bells and whistles of more feature-packed models.

It’s also simple to adjust the position of the showerhead, with a sufficient range of motion for any direction you may need it to point. We found the wall-mounted showerhead to be easy to install using the clear instructions, and we appreciate that the manufacturer includes a QR code to a video tutorial. Plus, it comes in eight sleek finishes, from brushed nickel to oil-rubbed bronze. 

Price at time of publish: $39

Diameter: 6 inches | Material: ABS plastic | Mount Type: Wall mount | Flow Rate: 1.8 gallons per minute | Spray Patterns: 2 (rain and full)

Best Splurge

Delta HydroRain Two-in-One 5-Spray 6 in. Dual Wall Mount Fixed and Handheld H2Okinetic Shower Head

4.8
Delta HydroRain Two-in-One 5-Spray 6 in. Dual Wall Mount Fixed and Handheld H2Okinetic Shower

Amazon

Our Ratings
  • Ease of Setup
    5/5
  • Features
    4.8/5
  • Performance
    4.8/5
  • Settings
    4.8/5
  • Durability
    4.5/5
What We Like
  • Dual head design

  • Five different settings

  • Easy installation and adjustment

What We Don’t Like
  • Expensive

Shelling out a little extra cash for a quality showerhead can be a great way to upgrade your daily routine. While the Delta HydroRain Two-in-One Shower Head doesn’t come cheap, after putting this showerhead to the test, we think its dual design, variety of settings, and high-quality construction justify its price tag. 

We love the sleek two-in-one design, which features both a fixed and handheld shower for added convenience. During our tests, installing the showerhead was incredibly easy and took less than two minutes. The directions were helpful and no tools were required. We did notice that the handheld wand was a bit tricky to detach at first, as it clips in very securely. We think it could loosen slightly over time, making it easier to remove—but in the meantime, we appreciate that you don’t have to worry about the wand falling off the holder.

Additionally, we found that the length of the hose allows for comfortable maneuvering. While the exact material isn’t listed by the manufacturer, we think the showerhead is on the heavy side, and it feels very solid and sturdy. It also looks and feels higher-quality than many of the other options we tested, and you can pick from ten different finishes to match the rest of your bathroom. With five different spray settings, we think there are plenty of ways to customize the stream to suit your needs and preferences. So while we recognize that the Delta HydroRain Two-in-One Shower Head is pricey, we think its performance and construction make it a worthwhile investment if you can afford it.

Price at time of publish: $399

Diameter: 6 inches | Material: Not listed | Mount Type: Wall mount | Flow Rate: 1.75 gallons per minute | Spray Patterns: 5 (including full body, massage, and shampoo rinse)

Best Adjustable

Better Homes & Gardens Chandler 6-Setting Magnetic Combo Showerhead

4.8
Better Homes & Gardens Chandler 6-Setting Magnetic Combo Showerhead

Walmart

Our Ratings
  • Ease of Setup
    5/5
  • Features
    5/5
  • Performance
    5/5
  • Settings
    4.5/5
  • Durability
    5/5
What We Like
  • Wide variety of spray settings

  • Magnetic detachable showerhead and side panels

  • High-quality construction

What We Don’t Like
  • May be prone to water spots

Adjustable features are key when it comes to getting the exact water flow you want out of a showerhead, and this option’s features impressed us during our long-term tests. Whether you prefer a wide, rain-like effect or a more concentrated stream, the Better Homes & Gardens Chandler 6 Setting Magnetic Combo Shower Head can get the job done. The dual design offers you the freedom to use either the mounted showerhead or handheld wand. Plus, it has a magnetic docking system for added convenience, and a 72-inch hose for easy maneuvering. 

With six different spray settings, you have full flexibility to customize your stream and pressure. We liked the variety of settings, as we’re confident you’ll be able to find the right one for your preferences. What’s more, you’ll never have to worry about the spray not being wide enough—the product features two adjustable side panels that provide a fuller stream. Just keep in mind that this product may be more prone to water spots than some of the other options we tested. Boasting an easy installation, high-quality construction, and top-notch performance, the showerhead’s price is more than fair, too.

Price at time of publish: $54

Diameter: Not listed | Material: Not listed | Mount Type: Wall mount | Flow Rate: 1.8 gallons per minute | Spray Patterns: 6 (including rain shower, full spray, and massage)

Best High Pressure

Hotel Spa AquaCare High-Pressure Handheld Shower Head

4.7
Hotel Spa AquaCare High-Pressure Handheld Shower Head

Amazon

Our Ratings
  • Ease of Setup
    4/5
  • Features
    5/5
  • Performance
    4.5/5
  • Settings
    5/5
  • Durability
    4.5/5
What We Like
  • Even water stream with a wide range of spray settings

  • Height adjustable

  • Antimicrobial anti-clog nozzles

What We Don’t Like
  • Construction allows for slight leaks

If you love an intense shower, nothing beats a high-pressure showerhead—and thanks to the AquaCare High Pressure 8-mode Handheld Shower Head, you don’t have to break the bank to get one. Through testing, we’ve confirmed that this showerhead offers high-end performance, with a 2.5 GPM flow rate and a wide variety of settings at a relatively low price point.

What really makes this showerhead stand out is its variety of spray patterns and performance. The showerhead offers eight different settings, including wide rain, massage, and point jet. Some settings offer a more concentrated stream with higher pressure, which can also be used to clean the shower itself. At 2.5 GPM, the flow rate is higher than many options on this list, which can enable better water pressure but may also lead to higher water bills. 

When setting up the showerhead, we found that the installation instructions were clear. We also appreciated that the handheld wand was easy to detach and even came with an additional mount so you can place the showerhead at a different height if needed. This thoughtful feature is especially helpful for those living with kids or a roommate/partner with a height difference. The hose length was plenty long, too. Plus, the product features antimicrobial anti-clog nozzles to help keep the showerhead clean. In testing, we did notice slight leaks around the showerhead due to the plastic construction, but it was not majorly concerning to us.

Price at time of publish: $35

Diameter: 6.5 inches | Material: Stainless steel, acrylonitrile, butadiene styrene | Mount Type: Wall mount | Flow Rate: 2.5 gallons per minute | Spray Patterns: 8 (including wide rain, massage, and point jet)

Best Handheld

Moen Engage Spot Resist With Magnetix Eco-Performance Handheld Shower

4.4
Moen Engage Spot Resist With Magnetix Eco-Performance Handheld Shower

Amazon

Our Ratings
  • Ease of Setup
    5/5
  • Features
    4.8/5
  • Performance
    4.8/5
  • Settings
    3/5
  • Durability
    4/5
What We Like
  • Magnetic docking system for simple detachment

  • Lightweight construction

  • Easily adjustable

What We Don’t Like
  • On the smaller side

  • Hose could be longer

Handheld showerheads put you in control of your showers—allowing you to direct the water flow exactly where you want it. The Moen Engage Magnetix Spot Resist Six-Function Eco-Performance Handheld Showerhead features a magnetic docking system which makes it extremely simple to attach and detach the showerhead from the wall. We were impressed by just how convenient the mechanism was in our testing. The wand itself feels very lightweight, making it easy to use for longer periods of time. Even after rinsing two kids in a long bath, our tester’s arm never got tired. While we think the hose could have been a little longer, it still got the job done.

In terms of performance, we found that this showerhead held up exceptionally well, with a consistent and even water flow. However, the spray area isn’t particularly wide, which can be an issue for those who prefer more of a rainfall effect. But with six different spray patterns, we still found that the product is highly effective and customizable to your liking. We also love how easy the showerhead is to move around, as it uses a swivel-action adjustment to change the direction of the stream. What’s more, the product is just $50, providing a ton of value at a relatively low cost.

Price at time of publish: $50

Diameter: 3.5 inches | Material: Nickel, metal | Mount Type: Wall mount | Flow Rate: 1.75 gallons per minute | Spray Patterns: 6 (including rinse, massage, and wide coverage)

Moen Engage Magnetix Spot Resist Six-Function Eco-Performance Handheld Showerhead

The Spruce / Anna Knief

Best with Speaker

Kohler Moxie Bluetooth Showerhead

4.6
Kohler Moxie Bluetooth Showerhead

Amazon

Our Ratings
  • Ease of Setup
    5/5
  • Features
    5/5
  • Performance
    5/5
  • Settings
    3/5
  • Durability
    4.5/5
What We Like
  • Bluetooth-enabled speaker is removable and portable

  • Sound is clear

  • Speaker can run up to nine hours on single charge

  • Showerhead itself offers nice pressure

What We Don’t Like
  • Only one shower setting

  • May be prone to water spots

Singing in the shower has never been easier with the KOHLER Moxie Showerhead, which features a waterproof Bluetooth speaker that wirelessly connects to your smartphone. The removable speaker is securely held in place by a magnetic docking system, which allows you to easily remove it for charging or on-the-go listening. And not only does the speaker feature a quick-charging battery, but it also allows for up to nine hours of playtime. We were highly impressed with the sound quality of the speaker, which played music clearly and loudly.

And while the speaker may be the product’s main selling point, the showerhead did not underdeliver on performance. We were impressed with the strong water pressure and wide-range spray. So although there’s only one shower setting, we think it should work for most people. We did notice that the product developed a few water spots, but it was overall easy to clean with some wet wipes or just a dry towel. Additionally, the product boasts a solid and durable construction, so if you’re looking for a long-lasting showerhead that can also blast your favorite tunes, the KOHLER Moxie Bluetooth Showerhead is a solid bet.

Price at time of publish: $70

Diameter: Not listed | Material: Nickel | Mount Type: Wall mount | Flow Rate: Not listed | Spray Patterns: 1

Best Smart

Hai Smart Showerhead

4.3
Hai Smart Showerhead

Amazon

Our Ratings
  • Ease of Setup
    5/5
  • Features
    3.8/5
  • Performance
    5/5
  • Settings
    4/5
  • Durability
    5/5
What We Like
  • Tracks water usage via app

  • Personalized LED alerts

  • Wand showerhead with stainless steel construction

  • Chic design

What We Don’t Like
  • Limited settings

  • Hose may not be long enough

  • App setup can take some time

If you’ve ever wanted to track your water usage and take advantage of high-tech features, you’ll want to check out the Hai Smart Showerhead. The showerhead connects to the Hai app on your phone via Bluetooth so you can view your time spent in the shower, how many gallons of water you’ve used, and even your average shower temperature. The app also saves this information so you can track your environmental impact over time. 

We found that downloading and pairing the software to the showerhead took some time, so you might not be able to use the app right away. But once you’re set up, there are many features to enjoy, including The high-tech showerhead has customizable LED lights that alert you when the water is at your desired temperature or if you’ve reached your target water limit

The showerhead is also fully detachable, which is great for those who prefer a handheld wand over a fixed showerhead. It also boasts a high-quality stainless steel construction, but isn’t too heavy or cumbersome to use for long periods of time. You’ll want to note that there are only two water settings—a high-pressure stream and a spa-like mist—which you can switch between using the built-in slider. And while its overall performance was effective, we think the hose length could have been longer. You can choose between a low-flow showerhead with a flow rate of 1.8 gallons per minute or a standard one with a flow rate of 2.5 gallons per minute. 

Price at time of publish: $199

Diameter: 4.45 inches | Material: Stainless steel | Mount Type: Wall mount | Flow Rate: 1.8 or 2.5 gallons per minute | Spray Patterns: 2 (rain shower and fine mist)

Hai Smart Showerhead

The Spruce / Tammy Gardini

Best Filtered

Jolie Skin Co The Filtered Showerhead

4.3
Jolie The Filtered Showered

Jolie Skin Co

Our Ratings
  • Ease of Setup
    5/5
  • Features
    4.5/5
  • Performance
    4.3/5
  • Settings
    4/5
  • Durability
    4/5
What We Like
  • Replaceable filter removes contaminants from water

  • Sleek and high-quality construction

  • Good water pressure and stream width

What We Don’t Like
  • Just one shower setting

  • Expensive and doesn’t come with extra filters

If you’re looking to filter contaminants from your shower's water and don't want to install a separate water filter, try the Jolie Skin Co Filtered Showerhead. Our testers noticed and reported a positive difference in their skin and hair, which they attributed to the newly installed showerhead, after using it consistently. While the showerhead only offers one spray setting, we found the pressure to be comfortably strong—and we think the lack of spray settings shouldn’t be an issue for most users. And while it’s not highly adjustable, the showerhead swivels slightly so you can change the angle as needed. We also loved how well-built the showerhead was, as the construction was solid and the design was sleek.

Installation was easy in our testing, but in order for the Jolie Skin Co Showerhead to continue filtering, you’ll need to replace the filter every three months. You can either purchase the Jolie Showerhead for $165 without a filter subscription or for $148 with a filter subscription, which will cost you $33 every 90 days. So while this product is definitely an investment, we think it’s worth it for those looking to improve the hydration and quality of your skin and hair.

Price at time of publish: $165

Diameter: 5.3 inches | Material: High-impact ABS | Mount Type: Wall mount | Flow Rate: 1.8 gallons per minute | Spray Patterns: 1

Final Verdict

Powerful and packed with features, the Waterpik 12-spray 5 in. High PressureDual Shower Head earns our top spot of all the options we tested. The showerhead is reasonably priced at $70, easy to maneuver, and offers nine different settings. If you’re on a budget, check out the SparkPod Shower Head. The rain showerhead has a ton of value considering its low price point—but still delivers on the luxurious, full-body coverage water flow you’re looking for.

How We Tested the Showerheads

After researching the most beloved, top-rated showerheads currently on the market, we gathered 20 options, sent them to real-life homes, and asked our testers to observe how they performed over the span of two weeks. Our testers installed the showerheads as per the manufacturer’s instructions, used the showerhead consistently throughout the testing period, and cleaned the showerhead after two weeks of use. 

Testers evaluated the ease of setup by noting how complicated the directions were, how long the process took, and whether or not any special tools were needed. Next, they assessed the features (including Bluetooth, filters, and dual settings, if applicable), considering how useful and simple they were to navigate. To evaluate performance, they observed the water pressure and flow, taking into account the area and power of the stream. To evaluate the showerhead settings, each tester took note of how easy it was to adjust the position of the showerhead and whether or not the settings allowed them to customize the shower to their preferences. 

After cleaning the showerhead, they scored the product on its durability, noting its overall construction, how easy it was to clean and maintain, and whether or not there are any features that make the showerhead easier to clean or resistant to clogging or build-up. Finally, we assessed the showerheads’ value by comparing their retail prices with their overall quality. Testers also considered how (if at all) the showerheads enhanced their daily lives and whether or not they would recommend the products to a friend or family member. We analyzed the testing scores and insights, along with our supplemental research, to compile this best-of list of the showerheads.

An individual holding a shower head

The Spruce / Alicia Dolieslager

What to Look for in a Showerhead

Type

There are three main types of showerheads: fixed, handheld, and dual (a combination of fixed and handheld). Fixed showerheads are mounted to the wall, while handheld showerheads are connected to the wall via a flexible hose. Handheld or dual showerheads are particularly useful for pets, kids, and anyone with limited mobility.

Spray Pattern

Showerheads come in many different spray patterns, and some even come with adjustable spray patterns. Some common ones include rain, massage, and jet. Rain provides wide, gentle coverage, while jet and massage are more targeted and forceful.

Water Efficiency

Standard flow rates for showers max out at 2.5 gallons per minute (GPM). Many showerheads may be designed to be water-efficient, so look for low-flow options that can help reduce your water usage and lower your water bill. If a showerhead has a WaterSense label, it means the the product has met United States Environmental Protection Agency water-efficiency standards with a flow rate of under 2 GPM.

Waterpik 6-Spray Twin Turbo Handheld Showerhead

The Spruce / Katie Begley

FAQ
  • How do you clean a showerhead?

    Over time, your showerhead can become clogged with build-up—so cleaning it is a must. If your showerhead is lined with easy-to-clean rubber nozzles, you should be able to clean it by gently massaging the nozzles with your fingers or an old toothbrush.

    If not, you can soak your showerhead with vinegar for several hours, run the shower, and clean up any remaining build-up with an old toothbrush. That said, this method may damage your shower tiles or other natural stone in your bathroom. “[Vinegar] can be really bad for the tile in the shower if it is real stone,” says Sharon Sherman, owner of the kitchen and bath design firm Thyme & Place Design.

  • Can showerheads improve water pressure?

    Yes, showerheads can improve low water pressure. “Most showerheads have water restrictors built-in to keep you from wasting water, and your city’s water pressure may limit the maximum pressure you experience in the shower,” says Chris Fallon, general contractor and owner of Fallon Contracting. “But installing a new showerhead after having an old one can actually make you feel like you have better water pressure.”

    Why? For starters, your showerhead can get clogged with build-up over time, and this can decrease water flow. Additionally, older showerheads may have “subpar or faulty restrictors,” Fallon says. Because of this, they may give you less control over water flow than a more modern showerhead might.

  • Can a high-efficiency showerhead save energy?

    Yes, high-efficiency showerheads are specifically designed to save water and energy. If you’re looking for a more efficient showerhead, consider a low-flow option—and rest assured knowing that a low-flow showerhead doesn’t have to mean a lackluster shower. “Low-flow showerheads are not necessarily low-pressure,” Sherman says. She recommends testing a showerhead in person to determine how high or low pressure it is.

Jolie Skin Co Filtered Showerhead

The Spruce / Kate Bowler

Why Trust The Spruce?

This article was written by Bianca Pineda, a commerce writer who specializes in bedding, bath, and home decor at The Spruce. To compile this list, she consulted The Spruce's hands-on testing insights, assessed a range of independent customer reviews, and conducted supplemental research on showerhead types, installation, and use. All of the products in this roundup met our quality standards during the research process and performed the best during our real-world tests. 

Lindsey Lanquist also contributed additional reporting, interviewing Chris Fallon of Fallon Contracting and Sharon Sherman of Thyme & Place Design for more insight.

What Is The Spruce Approved?

Here at The Spruce, we want to ensure that we fully stand behind every product we recommend and that when we say something is the best, we mean it. You might have noticed The Spruce Approved badge next to the products on this list. Every product with this badge has been rigorously tested in person and carefully selected by our expert team of lab testers and editors. In most cases, we buy all of these products ourselves, though occasionally we get samples provided to us directly by companies. No matter how we procure products, they all go through the same tests and must meet the same strict criteria to make the best-of cut.

The Spruce uses only high-quality sources, including peer-reviewed studies, to support the facts within our articles. Read our editorial process to learn more about how we fact-check and keep our content accurate, reliable, and trustworthy.
  1. Showerheads. Environmental Protection Agency.

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