7 Best Shower Heads For a Refreshing Shower in 2024

This is our review of the best shower heads in 2024

One of the easiest ways to make your bathroom look cleaner and more appealing is by upgrading your bathroom shower head.

That’s right; some high-quality showerheads are available on the market that can help you get the perfect shower.

You can get one that comes with a shower filter that will kill any bacteria that might be in your water, or you can go for one with a lot of different shower settings. So, you can have the perfect water stream for your shower.

But how do you know which one to get? There are so many out there, each with its pros and cons. Most of them even require you to hire a professional to install them, which can get rather expensive.

We’ve done the hard work for you and put together a list of the best showerheads. If you’re in hurry, pick from our top 3 below. 

Best Shower Heads Comparison

Does a good shower make a difference?

A good shower can do wonders for your self-esteem, not to mention your overall health and happiness. It’s one of the best ways to relax, unwind and rejuvenate.

If you’re like most people, you’ve probably experienced days where you feel like you need a shower just to face the world.

Other days, you may feel so good that you want to jump into the shower just to feel even better. In fact, a recent survey found that about half of all Americans take a daily shower. 

Best Shower Heads Review

What types of shower heads can you buy?

Fundamentally, you can buy two types of showerheads: fixed showerheads and handheld showerheads. The fixed shower head is permanently attached to the wall, and you have a limited option to move the head at a certain angle.

Most often, fixed showerheads are either mounted on the wall or onto the ceiling. These are easy to install, and you can turn the showerhead in the direction you want the water to flow.

The fixed shower head mounted on the ceiling are gaining popularity as they can provide rain like the effect of water falling right on your head.

HandheldHandheld showerheads are more flexible as it’s connected to a hose. You can move it around your body as per your need. It also provides a little relaxation massage feeling when held closely. You get better reach and control in the water spray direction.

Handheld heads work great when you’re giving a shower to kids or pets. Both fixed and handheld showerheads come in different designs based on shower pattern and water flow rate. Here are some conventional showerhead models. 

• Single setting: Straightforward and easy to operate as it has only two settings, “on” and “off.” If you don’t want anything fancy or complicated, this is the best option to go for.
• Multiple settings: If you want many spray patterns, multiple settings are a great choice. These are convenient to use and gives you a different shower coverage range.
• Rain type: It passes several small water streams, which spread as it falls to the ground. This gives you the maximum water spread area around your body that helps properly wash soap and shampoos. You can choose multiple rain showerhead types such as pulsating rain massage, heavy rainfall, or low-pressure water-saving mode.
• Slide bar: It has a dual head type based mounted on the wall, but the spray head is moveable. It’s great for those who want the convenience of fix the shower head but need the flexibility of an adjustable shower head. People with difficulty moving their hands due to injury or medical conditions such as arthritis find it convenient to use these.
• Water saver: These are low flow showerheads usually in small size and allow little water flow. You can use it in RVs, camping, or areas where the water is scarce.
• LED shower heads: LEDs are becoming a craze these days as it pimps up the showering experience. The LED inside can change color and light as you change the water flow or temperature. Some high-end LED models don’t even need batteries to run as these can be powered by running water.

What are the reputable shower head brands?

As you may have noticed, a lot of the time, the market is flooded with cheap showerheads. Some of them might be a bit more expensive than others, but none of them truly excel.

What does that mean? Well, it’s simple: the cheaper something is, the more you can expect it to be compromised. A good showerhead will be sturdy, with excellent water pressure and a long lifetime.

Some trustworthy showerhead brands have a good reputation for making bathroom accessories and have excellent customer service. The most prominent brands are Kohler, Moen, Niagara, Speakman, and Waterpik.

How do high-pressure showerheads work?

If you’ve turned on a shower and felt the water blasting out at you in a way that’s like standing under a fire hose, you’ve experienced what it’s like to shower with a high-pressure showerhead.

The high-pressure showerheads increase the low water pressure without needing to change the water flow. It makes a more enjoyable bathing experience and gets a soothing, relaxing bath to overcome tiredness.

A high-pressure showerhead works by switching over to adjustable spray modes or increasing the pressure chamber’s water pressure. Some of them don’t come with the usual restrictor that reduces the water pressure.

A well-designed pressure chamber adds air into the water flow that increases the pressure inside the showerhead. The water mixed with air increases the flow, and you get a far more refreshing shower.

Another technique to increase the water pressure is using small balls in the showerhead tube. The balls restrict the flow of water that increase the water pressure inside. When you turn on the shower, the water comes out under high pressure. 

What do flow rates mean in a showerhead?

The flow rate or GPM (gallons per minute) refers to how quickly water enters the showerhead. It’s measured in gallons per minute and typically ranges from 2 GPM to 2.5 GPM. The higher the GPM number, the greater the volume of water that flows out of the showerhead.

When shopping for a new showerhead, you’re likely to run across the terms “low flow showerheads” and “high-pressure showerhead.”

The low-pressure showerhead provides a water flow rate from 1.5 GPM to 2 GPM. These conserve water. Most homes have a water flow rate of 2.5 GPM.

Several states in the United States have passed a water conservation bill aimed at manufacturers to reduce the maximum water flow of 2.5 GPM. Before this bill, you could have bought the showerhead with up to a 5.5 GPM flow rate. 

What is a good water pressure for a shower?

Most homes have water pressure somewhere roughly 20 to 80 pounds per square inch (PSI). The average American shower lasts about five minutes.

A pressure of 40 PSI can deliver 1.5 gallons of water per minute, but if you use the same amount of water with high pressure, you can get the job done in less time.

So, the good water pressure for a shower depends on your taste and situation. A low-pressure shower might be pleasurable for the sense but might not get you clean.

A high-pressure shower might get you clean in half the time but might be uncomfortable and even painful.

The best water pressure for a shower is whatever pressure you feel most comfortable with. For most people, the water pressure within 2 GPM to 2.5 GPM is suitable for cleaning comfortably.

We recommend choosing a shower head with good pressure and a low flow rate for the best experience.

Can you just replace and install a shower head?

So, you just bought a new shower head, but you’re not sure how to go about installing it.

The showerhead is one of the components of the shower that people tend to forget about. It tends to get ignored until it starts to let out a low flow of water.

The answer is “yes,” most showerheads are simple to install, but there are still a few tricks to the trade that will make the process easier. Follow these steps when installing a showerhead.

Step 1: Make sure the water is turned off, and using pliers or wrench, remove the old unit first. You can loosen it and turn it counterclockwise to remove it.

If you can’t turn it manually, wrap a towel around it to protect the finish and turn it with pliers. You can also use an adjustable wrench to remove it quickly.

Step 2: Clean off the main shower pipe from rust and dirt using a cloth and check if there is no damage or crack. 

Step 3: Wrap plumbing tape two or three times on the threads that help with sealing water. Use a new showerhead and align it to threads and wrap it clockwise to tighten it up. 

Step 4: Slowly turn on the water to check for any leaks. If the water leaks, you have to either roll some more plumbing tape or tighten it with a wrench to stop the leak. 

Step 5 (Optional): If you’re installing a handheld shower, connect the shower hose to the mount first and tighten it fully. You can place the showerhead in the mount and check for any leaks. 

Does rainfall shower head use more water?

It depends on the design and water flow rate of the rainfall showerhead. There is no doubt that rain heads are more water-efficient, but the water flow is more forceful.

The Department of Energy’s Energy Efficiency and Renewable Energy Laboratory says the combination of two makes for a more efficient shower.

The amount of water droplets that you get from your shower head has a lot to do with the unit’s design itself.

Showerheads that disperse water in a mist-like bubble spray, like rain shower heads, are more likely to send water droplets farther than if you use a shower head that shoots out a cone or stream of water.

That means that the water droplets that leave a rain shower head are smaller than those from a traditional shower head. This is good news for saving water since it means you use less water for bathing. 

How to choose a shower head?

There is no doubt that shower heads can make a significant impact on your day-to-day life. They may seem like an insignificant part of your daily routine but have an essential role in overall health and productivity.

Here are some things that you need to consider when choosing: 

Spray Pattern

The spray pattern determines the comfort when taking a shower. A shower head with an adjustable spray pattern gives you the flexibility to choose different water flows such as soaking rain, pulsating massage, or a gentle shower with a switch.

Mounting position

You can have a wall-mounted or handheld showerhead. You should know your plumbing type and determine which one will be more compatible with it.

Some shower model comes with additional accessories that make it easy to switch over; however, you may have to change your plumbing for some. 

Water flow rate

As indicated in gallons per minute (GPM), the water flow rate tells you how much water flows through it per minute. Someplace have regulated GPM that manufacturers can sell to save water, while others have no such restriction.

You can have a 2.5 GPM shower head that in a minute delivers 2.5 gallons. If you’re buying Environmental Protection Agency’s (EPA) certified showerheads with a WaterSense label, they can’t have more than 2 GPM. 

Easy to clean

The showerheads need to be regularly cleaned to keep them in proper running condition.

A shower head that can be disassembled to be cleaned is a great option to have as you don’t have to stretch your arm while cleaning clogged holes.

Regularly cleaning showerheads prevents the generation of fungus or molds inside them. 

Design and Durability

You want your shower head to look good and match your bathroom decors. These may come made of different materials, from plastic to stainless steel. The price differs based on the material and quality of the product.

You should also pay close attention to the design and functionality. After all, you don’t want a showerhead that looks beautiful but doesn’t fit your needs. 

Ease of installation

A shower head that comes with all required installation accessories and instructions makes it easy to install.

You should choose a shower head that is compatible with your plumbing. Otherwise, it could become an expensive project, and you may have to hire a plumber to get it professionally installed. 

Warranty and Price

Shower head prices significantly vary as you can buy it for as little as $10 to $20, and some higher-end models can sell for over $200.

Most average shower heads with proper functionality can be purchased between $25 to $50.

You should also look for the warranty on the shower heads for added peace of mind. An extended warranty means your investment is protected, and if something goes wrong, it will be fixed or replaced. 

What shower head has the best water pressure?

When you think of showerheads, are you more interested in water pressure intensity or water conservation?

If you want to conserve water, you might like a low-flow showerhead; you’ll save water and money.

But if you don’t mind spending more on water, look at the PSI (pounds per square inch) rating on the shower head you want. A higher PSI rating is better for water pressure. 

How can you get more pressure from your shower head?

There are many ways to get more pressure from your shower head. The easiest way is to switch out the water pressure regulator nozzle on the end of your shower head for a more powerful one, or you can upgrade your entire shower headset.

Remember that the water pressure from your showerhead is determined by many factors. This includes the type and size of your plumbing pipe, the water heater you have, and the rate at which water is coming out of your faucet.

If you’re not happy with how much pressure your shower head provides, there are a few other things that you can do besides replacing the water pressure regulator nozzle.

If you have a shower head that hasn’t been replaced in years, it may have become clogged with calcium and other mineral deposits preventing the water from flowing quickly. Cleaning it with vinegar can unclog it and give you more water pressure.

You may also have a shower head with the incorrect size inlet that may be restricting the water flow and reducing the pressure. A wider water inlet size allows more water to pass through to increase the water pressure. 

Are expensive shower heads worth it?

If you’re like most people, you probably don’t think much about the shower head you use. You just want to have a steady stream of water. But if you’re aiming for the best shower possible, you need to know if those luxury shower heads are worth the price.

People have been claiming that more expensive showerheads are worth the investment. With shower heads’ prices starting at $20 and climbing as high as several thousand dollars, it can be hard to know how valid these claims are.

No doubt buying the cheapest shower head won’t give you as much flexibility as buying the high-end. But also, spending several hundred dollars on a showerhead may not be the best value either.

We recommend that you buy a shower head within your budget that gives you the best value for your money. There are certain benefits in purchasing the expensive showerheads, such as:

• More water flow rate: Expensive shower heads give you multiple spray patterns that you can change as per your liking.
• Last longer: A high-quality product lasts longer, and you don’t have to replace it every few years.
• Less water waste: A quality shower head makes the most water use and reduces the water waste. It saves you money on utility bills and protects the environment.
• Designer bathroom: A shiny modern look design of the shower head makes your bathroom look relaxing and appealing.
• Promote health: More expensive shower heads have an additional shower head filter that kills germs and bacteria in the water before it can reach you.

Should I install the shower head myself?

Replacing a showerhead is easy. If you’re considering installing a new shower head before the old one breaks, there are several reasons why you should take the plunge.

So, should you install the showerhead yourself?

Yes, if you’re handy, you can save a lot of money by doing it yourself. And it’s not hard at all to do. But there are a few things to consider before you decide.

Some showerheads that require professional installation include complicated parts and would be difficult to install without specialized knowledge and tools.

However, others only need a screwdriver and only take a few minutes to install. Just remember that installing it may seem like an easy task, but if you’re not careful, you can end with a leaky, inefficient mess.

This shouldn’t discourage you. With some precautions, you can save yourself time and money without compromising the quality of your new shower experience. 

How to properly clean a shower head?

Water coming into our homes contains lots of minerals such as chlorine and sometimes fine sand particles. These are also known as hard water. These are high in minerals such as calcium, magnesium, silica, lime, and others.

When you turn on the shower and water pass through a small nozzle, the minerals get attached inside the vent. If you don’t clear the nozzle, it clogs, resulting in a drop in the water pressure and water flow.

In some extreme cases, it may become a health issue as the bacteria and fungi start developing in these clogged areas. The cleaning of a shower head is easy as newer shower heads already have a self-cleaning shower stream mechanism.

Follow these simple steps whenever showerheads need some cleaning. 

Clean the nozzle: Regularly wipe the nozzle with a wet cloth to clean waterlogged white deposits at the nozzle.

Vinegar: Vinegar is useful in cleaning mineral deposits but kills bacteria. If you have a fixed shower head, use a small plastic bag with vinegar and wrap it around the showerhead. Make sure the nozzle front part remains dipped inside the vinegar.

Disassemble shower head: If your showerhead comes with an easy-to-disassemble feature, remove it and clean it with water. Rub off any sediments or lime scales inside it. You can also use a toothbrush to remove scales from the inside.

How long shower head last?

If you’re like most people, you probably use the same shower head for months, maybe even years, without giving it a second thought.

But how long is too long?

The simple answer is, it depends on the shower head you have. If you have a standard showerhead, you can go for several years (4 to 5 years) without replacing it.

But if you have a high-end, expensive one, you need it to replace more often-every couple of years is a good rule of thumb.

Most professionals recommend changing the showerhead yearly as it’s a perfect place for bacterial and fungus to grow. You can also attempt to repair any broken shower head. Still, sometimes it’s more economical to replace it than to fix it.

It’s best to replace the showerhead every 8 years or so, and if the showerhead becomes loose and falls off, it should be replaced. 

Where is the flow restrictor on the shower head?

A flow restrictor is a simple plastic device that you can attach to your shower head to save water and money. It looks like a small plastic cone is placed between the showerhead and the hose.

When the water is turned on, the restrictor causes the water to spray out in a wide, thin column. This reduces the danger of serious injury from falling. Some models have a restrictor near the shower arm, which is the pipe that connects the showerhead with the tap.

You will be able to see it, but it will be difficult to remove because it’s secured with plastic or metal clips. You can use a screwdriver to pry it open gently. Taking off the restrictor helps increase the flow of water from the shower head.

So what next, which is the best shower head?

Picking the best shower head depends on your requirements and the flexibility, you want while taking a shower. There are so many things to consider, such as showerhead type, nozzle, durability, and reliability.

If you’re looking for the best shower head, we recommend Auqadance High-Pressure handheld showerhead. It has most positive reviews online and helps you get the perfect shower.

The high-quality shower head is known for its powerful spray and easy installation. It gives you a full and robust spray that will help you clean your body.

You shouldn’t get overwhelmed by the availability of several options in the market. Getting enough water to clean yourself while conserving water and saving money is the most prominent factor. You can also choose a shower head with various shower settings.

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