Best Overall
American Standard Spectra Duo 2-in-1 Hand Shower
Best Bang for the Buck
AquaDance 6-Setting 3.5-Inch Handheld Shower Head
Best Dual
Waterpik PowerPulse Massage Dual Shower System
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Whether you ’re exploring shower forefront for a bathroom redevelopment , looking for more water supply pressure , or plainly want an artistic upgrade , there are legion option useable . From luxuriant rain cascade heads to basic handheld models , these fixtures get along in many class and finishes to complement any bathroom distance . With spray preferences like refreshing mist , massaging high pressure , or piss delivery , this on the face of it round-eyed leverage can make your bathing experience more enjoyable and less costly .
In an sweat to line up the in effect shower head , we tested 10 models , evaluating their reporting , urine air pressure , and spray patterns to find the one that performed best . Of those 10 , two did n’t make the undercut , and we ca n’t recommend them .
Read on for tip onhow to take a shower headfor your bathroom , and find out which eight model made our list of the best shower bath heads .
How We Tested the Best Shower Heads
To test each of the 10 shower heads , we installed and used them for at least four exhibitor . We evaluated how easy they were to instal and whether received steps were sufficient for preventing leaks . We used all the cascade question ’s features , noting the coverage and variation of each sprayer pattern mise en scene and the intensity of the massage features .
For combination models , we tested both the main exhibitioner head and handheld , assessing how easy ( or hard ) it was to remove and reattach the handheld to its mount and toggle between the outputs .
We also believe the shower head ’s chassis quality along with functionality to determine how well it would hold up over widen use . eventually , we judge the aesthetics of the exhibitor heads and which decor styles they would match best .
Our Top Picks
The follow list contain some of the best shower heads on the market , select free-base on type , spray preferences , flow rate , esthetics , and more .
ThisBob Vila Approvedproduct carries our brand ’s highest layer of recommendation .
Bob Vila Approvedrecognizes the family and DIY merchandise that impressed us most in our real - world examination and that represent core values of the Bob Vila stain , including craftsmanship , introduction , and value for the dollar . Winners of this appointment come recommended by our professional revue team and are in person approved by Bob Vila .
This American Standard shower bath head put itself apart from other hand-held theoretical account with a magnetic dockage mechanism and a across-the-board 9.5 - inch head that gives it shoulder - to - shoulder reporting . It comes in several finishes at a 1.8 gal per second ( GPM ) or 2.5 GPM flow rate rate ( we tested the 2.5 GPM version ) .
This dual shower head use a toggle switch to commute between spray patterns and a diverter paddle to swap between heads . When the handheld social unit is attach to the principal one , the two combine to create a rainfall - like menstruum . By pushing the boat paddle to specify the handheld flow , we got a high - pressure level spray thoroughgoing for wash shampoo and conditioner . The fountainhead also has a drench pattern that soaks the entire body and a all right - spraying / sensitive pattern that ’s soft and gentle .
Another highlight is the handheld ’s magnetized bond conception . It ’s easier to remove and reattach than a bracketed shower head , and the attachment point in time grant it to hang lower for well approachability .
Photo: Tony Carrick for Bob Vila
We were less impressed by this unit ’s small adjustment range . For example , to utilise the massage setting on the lowly back , user at about 6 feet or marvelous will have to take away the handheld from its riding horse ; the spraying wo n’t attain that distance when mounted . Plus , the design , while quite functional , also yield this exhibitioner head a futurist look that may not suit some bathroom purpose .
Read our full follow-up : American Standard Spectra Duo 2 - in-1 Hand Shower
Get the American Standard shower head atAmazon , Walmart , orBuild With Ferguson .
Photo: Tony Carrick for Bob Vila
This somewhat priced shower head from AquaDance has a 3.5 - inch chrome face with six nebulizer preferences — power rain , massage , power rinsing , rain massage , rainfall rinse , and piss - saving pause mode — to ensure everyone in the star sign is felicitous . It include a flexible 5 - foot hose with excellent reach and fray - clear jet for soft clearing of calcined lime buildup that could otherwise blank out the jets .
In addition to its low price , we found a spate to like about this exhibitor head . shift between atomizer patterns was easy , as was removing and supplant the handheld from its rocker . The rainwater pattern applied soft and soothing pressure , and the rinsing scene was copious enough to wash away shampoo and conditioner . It also produced a surprisingly broad reportage orbit . The massage setting were knock-down , producing a gamey - pressure stream that could well soothe an ache back and afflictive neck opening . The pause mise en scene would be peculiarly dainty for those serious about saving water .
We also liked the wide range of pivot man on the setting , making this cascade head adaptable for bather of motley tallness . There was no leaking at link points or from the pass during testing . Our only headache was the lastingness of the plastic shower bath headway , which we could see potentially crack if dribble repeatedly onto a heavy shower floor .
Photo: amazon.com
Get the AquaDance handheld cascade head atAmazonorWalmart .
This two - in - one dual shower bath arrangement from Waterpik come with two rain shower heads — one deposit and one handheld . Each shower point has six spray setting : full consistence , PowerPulse massage , full body plus PowerPulse massage , PowerSpray , PowerSpray plus PowerPulse massage , and piss - save trickle .
During testing , we found the performance of the Waterpik ’s various nebuliser patterns to be mixed . The reporting and feel offered by the full - body circumstance were good , but the massage place setting could have had more atmospheric pressure . This lack of pizzaz was surprising , give the overwhelming loudness of the shower head teacher ’s PowerSpray setting , which was downright terrible on desolate hide .
Photo: amazon.com
The circumvolve head on the Waterpik make water it well-fixed to pick out between handheld , shower fountainhead , and combining . We also liked the long 5 - foot hose , which would be peachy for bath immature children or pets , though we care the handheld were a minute well-heeled to connect and unplug from the head . In terms of build quality , the Waterpik is made of lower - grade plastic , which did n’t prompt confidence that it could survive more than a few bead on the shower floor .
Get the Waterpik exhibitor promontory atAmazon , Ace Hardware , Walmart , orTarget .
Best Handheld
Moen Engage 6-Function Spray Head Handheld Shower
This Moen handheld shower head provides splendid tractableness , leave substance abuser to take the handheld down to bathe untested children or endure and gargle off beneath a massive stationary head . It feature six background options , including massage , unbend massage , wide coverage , rinse , torrent , and escalate . It ’s well-to-do to remove and replace the mind from the magnetic dock , and its mat or chrome culture selection will beseem most toilet design .
We loved how easy the handheld was to remove and reattach during testing . Plus , since it is attached to the mount via the head , the handgrip hang below the spigot , make it sluttish to reach for shorter users . Rather than using a lever on its straits to rotate between mount , it features a button that cycles through its nebulizer patterns .
The Engage is also one of the largest handhelds I tested at closely 10 column inch between the head and care . In footing of performance , though , it was merely median . It offers safe coverage liken to other hand-held models , but not as much as most fixed or jazz group poser . Water pressure for the massage place setting was pretty standard .
Photo: amazon.com
As for appearance , the Engage has an attractive advanced look . We like that the entire shower headway has a chrome finish , though we did wish the large and very seeable mounting bracket was also chrome alternatively of dull gray plastic .
Get the Moen shower head atAmazon , Lowe’s , Wayfair , Walmart , Build With Ferguson , orMoen .
Best Rain
Nerdon Rainfall Shower Head Combo
This low - rate of flow shower bath head from Speakman saves water by give up only 1.75 GPM of water to stream into the shower brain . But the 50 full - coverage water spray and eight center massage jets deliver the same gratifying shower bath experience found in upscale hotel room .
During examination , the Speakman act well . It produced in effect H2O force per unit area on the atomizer setting , though we wished it bring home the bacon a petty more reporting . The massage function deliver enough water pressure to soothe tender muscles . We also particularly care the Anystream 360 - degree scheme , which allowed us to exchange spray patterns by rotating the knob on the side of the shower head . It made cycling through spray patterns easy and grant for more control over the mix of its two spray pattern .
In term of look , the Speakman is one of the more attractive shower bath heads we test , thanks to its all - chrome living accommodations and comparatively modest visibility . And though its housing is credit card , it has a uncompromising feel that inspire self-assurance that it will last for a retentive time .
Photo: amazon.com
Get the Nerdon shower head atAmazon .
Best Low-Flow
Speakman Hotel Low-Flow Shower Head
During examination , the Speakman worked well . It produced good water pressure on the sprayer setting , though I wish it provided a little more coverage . The massage function delivered enough water pressure to soothe sore muscles . I also particularly wish the Anystream 360 - degree system , which leave me to change spray patterns by rotating the boss on the side of the shower forefront . It made cycling through spray patterns soft and tolerate for more ascendence over the mix of its two spray patterns .
Get the Speakman shower head atAmazon , The Home Depot , orBuild With Ferguson .
Best High-Pressure
SparkPod High-Pressure Rainfall Shower Head
With this eminent - pressure rainfall rain shower head from SparkPod , gamey pressure does n’t have to entail a wastefulness of water — the SparkPod forefront has a soap flow charge per unit of 1.8 GPM . If a shower head only has a single spray pattern , as this one does , it well be good — and the SparkPod ’s is . The rainfall sprayer normal provides some of the best coverage and pressure of any shower heads we try , even with the flow restrictor put in .
Along with its coverage and feel , we also liked the tolerant range of movement this shower head volunteer . It was easy to align its water current to suit various heights . With a unsubdivided looking and chrome - plated ending , the SparkPod was also one of the more attractive shower head we tested . Installation was quick and putz - free — connecting directly to a standard rain shower arm in minutes . And it also has gentle - to - clean nozzles with 90 safety jets that remove operose water deposits such as limescale .
Get the SparkPod shower header atAmazon , Walmart , orSparkPod .
Photo: amazon.com
Best Antimicrobial
AquaDance Antimicrobial High-Pressure Shower Combo
Steer clear of mold , mould , and bacteria with this antimicrobial exhibitioner head from AquaDance . This jazz group shower head sport a 7 - inch rain typeface and a 4 - column inch handheld social unit . Each has six spray options that can be used together or separately for a total of 30 combined water menstruation approach pattern . During testing , the options seemed eternal , and we could n’t regain a pattern we did n’t like .
The wide spray option offer rich insurance coverage , the mist design was a nice soothing option , and the massage setting bring home the bacon ample pressure for soothing raw muscular tissue . We also wish the availability of these spray patterns on the handheld , which was especially useful for rinsing conditioner out of thick hair or targeting specific muscle groups . The three - way diverter made it easy to choose between shower bath heads , and the click - lever dial quickly changed options from one to another .
We should note that the handheld impound to a bracket just behind the chief shower head , which could make it harder for inadequate person to reach . This combination model is also one of the bulkiest rain shower head we tested , but we liked its all - chrome finishing . It is made with what feels like a cheap grad of plastic , which form us question how well it will accommodate up over extended use .
Photo: amazon.com
Get the AquaDance combo shower school principal atAmazon .
ALSO TESTED
Delta Universal Showering 5 - Setting Shower Head
Photo: amazon.com
regrettably , the 1.75 GPM stream on this shower head translated to a less luxurious shower than the other heads we examine , even compared to other water supply - efficient models . The full - trunk spray lay , the main setting on most shower head , had notably less coverage than other exhibitor header as well , and the single stream place setting did n’t ply enough water pressure to ply much massaging action . While we liked the cellular inclusion of a rinsing spraying shape , it lack the water air pressure to fully gargle conditioner from chummy hair .
eminent Sierra WaterSense Classic Fixed Shower Head
While High Sierrra ’s shower headland is certainly one of the most effective shower heads out there , we establish it unpleasant during examination . This shower head offers one spray shape , which does n’t consist of separate streams but rather a fire - hosiery - like fusillade of piss . While this invention allowed it to get impressive urine pressure with a low flow rate , it was n’t at all soothing . It was also notably tacky than other shower heads we tested .
Photo: amazon.com
Jump to Our Top Picks
What to Consider When Choosing a Shower Head
Are you replacing an be shower head or remodeling a bathroom ? The answer to this question will inform a bunch of the decisions you demand to make when select a shower head . This is because most lav have bulwark - mount rain shower heads , and unless you ’re remodeling , you ’ll need to rely on current bathymetry , which rules out ceiling - mount selection .
But that does n’t stand for you ca n’t opt tochange a exhibitor head . Various shower head with dissimilar atomiser setting are available to befit your needs : cook versus handheld , compounding unit , and rain versus cat valium flow . The finish of your current privy fixtures can help find out the material to choose ( if you require everything to match ) .
Type
Shower head are available in different types and diverge in functionality .
Material
The three most plebeian materials for shower heads are brass , stainless blade , and plastic .
Spray Settings
Gone are the day when the only options for a “ nice ” shower were being blasted out of the bathtub with a gamey - atmospheric pressure head or barely getting enough water to feel relaxed and , well , clean .
Today , rain shower brain can come with 12 of nebuliser setting . Common patterns include jet-propelled plane , full , rainfall , and massage . pelting leave a gentle , wide spraying . Full also offers a wide sprayer , but not necessarily soft . Massage is a little more forceful , like jet , and also more targeted .
Flow Rate
Flow rate is the amount of water flowing through the exhibitioner head — assess in Imperial gallon per minute . Those looking to save piss and lour their public utility company bills will want to attend for a low flow pace of 2 GPM or less .
As of 1992 , mandates restrict all shower heads to have a water menstruum charge per unit of 2.5 GPM . Some local governance ask for even down flow pace . If you live in Colorado , there is a 2.0 GPM limit , and California and New York have a 1.8 GPM limitation .
Manufacturers still make it possible to enjoy high - pressure showers with broken - flow exhibitioner head . Their designs increase the water system pressure going out regardless of the press flowing through the shower head .
Mounting
Most homes have rampart - mounted shower heads . If this is the case for you , the current bathymetry configuration will limit you to wall - mounted shower heads . For those project a redevelopment or build a new home , prefer a ceiling - go up shower head is an pick .
Aesthetic
Unless you ’re planning to redo the intact bathroom , you ’ll likely want to match the fresh shower head to the current can fixtures , including the finish and material . Some of the most popular finishes are chrome , refined organisation , brushed nickel , and stainless steel . Keep in mind shiny finishes show off spots while matte conclusion balk sully .
The sizing of the rain shower question itself can play a role in design and panache . If you have outer space in a nice stand - up shower and desire a square rain shower head up to 18 inches large , why not ? It can add a modern feeling and provide a relaxingshower experience . Conversely , those with cozier bathrooms may need to stick with something smaller .
But smaller does n’t need to mean boring . you’re able to obtain pay back cascade head with different branch styles . Traditional arms come out a bit and aim downward . Others are set off and extend from the wall and slew up . The latter expressive style provide more headroom and gives off a contemporary look .
Additional Features
Some shower heads come with extra features that various users may favour .
Installation
Installing a cascade chief is not difficult and typically does n’t require a plumber , especially if you ’re keep the existing shower weapon system .
A crescent wrench and plumber ’s tape are often all that ’s required to switch a shower head . In this scenario , it ’s merely a matter of unscrew the old head and replacing it with the new one . Manufacturers will include instruction manual with your purchase , and they may instruct you to add tape to ensure a passing water - proof installation . More complex drumhead may require some extra tip and research onhow to instal a shower head word .
FAQs
There is a hatful to consider when choosing a fresh exhibitor head . If you still have questions about shower head word , the following discussion section may help . Check out these solvent to some of the most frequently take inquiry .
If replace an subsist cascade head , attempt to match the colour and finish to current bath fixtures . The two main features , however , are brain character and nebuliser pattern mount because , although looks are important , how you finger every prison term you maltreat in the shower is in the end the priority . For those who want to save on their urine bills , pay up attention to the GPM .
Yes . High - pressure shower head can increase the water pressure .
In the U.S. , the stock PSI is generally between 40 and 60 .
By instal a WaterSense - labeled cascade head that uses 2.0 GPM or less , the average house could save 2,700 gallon of water per year .
base on our trial , the body of water - efficient shower foreland we liked best is theSpeakman Hotel shower head .
Meet the Tester
Tony Carrick is a freelance writer specializing in home advance , landscape gardening , technology , dwelling protection , and pattern . His articles have been featured on such website as Angi , Popular Science , Futurism , 360 Reviews by U.S. News & World Report , Domino , and more . Carrick has lead rigorous production examination on everything from mogul puppet to home security system to backyard grills . With each reassessment , his goal is to avail readers define whether a mathematical product fill their needs and if it is or is n’t worth its price tag .
extra inquiry provide by Amy Lynch and Tiffany Lewis .
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