If you’re looking for an easy way to upgrade your shower, the best handheld shower heads can make a huge difference. These detachable fixtures make it easier to rinse off your body, and many offer a variety of spray patterns and multiple settings for a soothing in-shower massage. We recommend the Moen Engage Magnetix Handheld Shower Head, a user-friendly option with a magnetic dock and brackets, but there are plenty of options on this list to suit every budget and bathroom style.
The Delta Faucet HydroRain 5-Spray H2Okinetic Dual Shower Head features an overhead waterfall … [+] fixture that pivots for wider coverage, as well as a magnetic handheld head with five luxurious spray settings.
Illustration: Forbes / Photo: Retailers
Those aren’t the only benefits of a handheld shower head though. “Handheld shower heads can be used to rinse those hard-to-reach places in the shower, clean your shower, and even bathe your pets with ease,” explains Matt Little, co-owner of Damien McEvoy Plumbing. “For people with limited mobility, handheld shower heads give them more independence by allowing them to direct the water precisely where they need it.”
Finding a shower head that will work with your existing plumbing can be tricky, so you’ll need to keep a few things in mind as you shop. Many shower heads have a flow rate of either 1.75 or 2.5 gallons per minute (GPM), which is better for conserving water. If you have low water pressure, you’ll also want to look for a model with a pressure-compensating flow regulator, which will help maintain a steady flow of water. Other factors you’ll want to consider include the design of the shower head, spray pattern, and installation requirements.
If you’re ready to kick your old fixture to the curb, here are the best handheld shower heads to elevate your daily bathing experience.
Diameter: 3.5 inches | Hose length: 60 inches | Mount type: Wall | Flow rate: 1.75 or 2.5 GPM | Spray patterns: 6 | Docking style: Magnetic
This handheld shower head from Moen has a unique magnetic dock that makes it especially user-friendly. The fixture comes in three popular finishes, and it can be installed onto most existing shower arms in a matter of minutes. You have the option to go for the standard model, offering a 2.5 GPM flow rate, or the “Eco-Performance” model with a reduced flow rate of 1.75 GPM.
You won’t have to fumble around to get this shower head back into its bracket—the robust magnet swiftly snaps it into place. Moen also provides extra magnetic brackets, allowing you to conveniently mount the head anywhere within your shower. With six spray patterns, including various massage options, accessible through a rotating dial, your shower experience can be tailored to your liking. Plus, it’s backed by a limited lifetime warranty from the brand.
Pros:
Shower head docks magnetically for easy access
Easy to install on most existing shower arms
Available with standard or eco-friendly flow rates
You don’t have to break the bank to get a luxurious new shower head—this model from Couradric is high-quality and easy to use, all for an affordable price. The fixture comes with a 70-inch flexible hose, a handheld shower head and a mounting bracket, with options for four distinctive metal finishes and two flow rates.
This shower head can be installed in a matter of minutes, and it offers six spray patterns, including a pulsing massage and water-saving mode. The head even has self-cleaning nozzles to prevent mineral buildup and clogs. The brand also offers a limited lifetime warranty on this shower head and will replace components if they ever break.
Pros:
Includes a 70-inch flexible hose
Available with standard or eco-friendly flow rates
Self-cleaning nozzles prevent calcium buildup
Cons:
You may need to remove the flow limiter if you want a more powerful spray
Best Shower And Handheld Combo
A 2-In-1 Design That Provides Better Coverage
Amazon
Delta Faucet 5-Spray In2ition Dual Shower Head
Diameter: 6.88 inches | Hose length: 60 inches | Mount type: Wall | Flow rate: 1.75 or 2.5 GPM | Spray patterns: 5| Docking style: Magnetic
If you aren’t ready to give up your fixed shower head, this two-in-one design is the perfect compromise. The Delta Faucet In2ition Dual Shower Head includes both a fixed shower head and a handheld arm that docks inside it—they can be used together for extra-wide coverage spray, or you can pop off the handheld head to enjoy water from multiple angles. When you’re done with the handheld unit, it snaps right back into place thanks to its magnetic docking mechanism.
This dual-function shower head is available in either 1.75 or 2.5 GPM flow rates, and it’s available in six distinct finish colors to match your style. It boasts an assortment of five spray patterns, including a convenient pause spray option. With a 60-inch hose that can extend up to 82 inches, tackling those far-reaching corners of your shower becomes a breeze.
Pros:
Magnetic dock for easy operation
Hose stretches for better coverage
Available with standard or eco-friendly flow rates
Pause spray setting allows you to stop water flow
Cons:
Despite the high price, many components are made of plastic
Best Handheld Shower Head With Massager
A Height-Adjustable Fixture With A Powerful Massage Setting
Your shower will feel like an at-home spa with this Waterpik handheld shower head. The fixture comes with a 20-inch metal rail with a sliding bracket, allowing you to easily adjust the height to suit your needs. Plus, the shower head is attached to a 60-inch hose for even more flexibility. The unit has a total of seven spray patterns, including the brand’s signature PowerPulse Massage, which is clinically proven to help reduce muscle tension. The massage setting is twice as powerful as other massaging shower heads, and it can also be used in tandem with other spray options for a thorough clean.
Pros:
Metal rail allows you to adjust shower head height
For a powerful spray of water, the HO2ME High Pressure Shower Head is a top choice. Despite being a budget-friendly fixture, it provides a strong, steady stream of water, especially when you remove the inner flow regulator. (Though some people may find that the pressure is too strong without this component.)
This shower head comes with an extra-long 79-inch hose, and it has three spray patterns. It’s easy to install on your existing shower arm, but it does have a shorter warranty than other options.
Pros:
Affordable price point
Water flow regulator can be removed for more powerful spray
Extra-long hose for more flexibility
Cons:
Shorter warranty period than many other fixtures
Best Handheld Shower Head For Low Water Pressure
A Pressure-Compensating Fixture For A Steady Spray
Amazon
Niagara Conservation Earth Spa 3-Spray Handheld Shower Head
It’s always a disappointing experience when water seems to trickle out of your shower head rather than flow in full force. While this is often caused by low water pressure, you can help improve the flow in your shower with this handheld fixture, which has a pressure-compensating design for more consistent spray. It is on the smaller side, with just a 2.7-inch head diameter, but it offers three water spray patterns and a 72-inch hose. It’s also Watersense compliant, so it will help reduce water usage in your home. Choose from three different models, depending on the water flow rate in your home.
Pros:
Pressure-compensating technology delivers a consistent spray
WaterSense-compliant design for energy savings
Available with several flow rate options
Cons:
Smaller-than-average shower head diameter
No massage spray setting
Best Handheld Shower Head For Seniors
An Extra-Long Hose And Silicone Handle For Safe Handling
Amazon
Moen Home Care Chrome Multi-Function Handheld Shower
Diameter: 3.6 inches | Hose length: 84 inches | Mount type: Wall | Flow rate: 1.75 GPM | Spray patterns: 1| Docking style: Not included
The Moen Home Care Multi-Function Handheld Shower is designed with safety in mind, making it a top choice for seniors or those with disabilities. It has an extra-long 84-inch hose, allowing you to shower while sitting down, if needed, and the handheld component has a silicone handle and safety strap for improved grip. The design complies with recommendations set by the Americans with Disabilities Act, and it even has a pause button to stop the water flow. Just keep in mind that it doesn’t come with a dock to store the handle—this component is sold separately.
Pros:
Extra-long flexible hose allows you to shower while sitting
Lightweight shower head has a silicone grip and safety strap
Pause button stops water spray
Cons:
Docking bracket isn’t included
Best Handheld Shower Head With Filter
A Height-Adjustable System That Filters Impurities
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