From Rainfall to High Pressure: The 10 Best Shower Heads, Tested
Whether you’re exploring shower heads for a bathroom renovation, looking for more water pressure, or simply want an aesthetic upgrade, there are numerous options available. From luxurious rain shower heads to basic handheld models, these fixtures come in many forms and finishes to complement any bathroom space. With spray settings like refreshing mist, massaging high pressure, or water saving, this seemingly simple purchase can make your bathing experience more enjoyable and less costly.
In an effort to find the best shower head, we tested 10 models, evaluating their coverage, water pressure, and spray patterns to find the ones that performed best. Of those 10, two didn’t make the cut, and we can’t recommend them.
Read on for tips on how to choose a shower head for your bathroom, and find out which eight models made our list of the best shower heads.
- 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
- BEST HANDHELD: Moen Engage 6-Function Spray Head Handheld Shower
- BEST RAIN: Nerdon Rainfall Shower Head Combo
- BEST LOW-FLOW: Speakman Hotel Low-Flow Shower Head
- BEST HIGH-PRESSURE: SparkPod High-Pressure Rainfall Shower Head
- BEST ANTIMICROBIAL: AquaDance Antimicrobial High-Pressure Shower Combo
How We Tested the Best Shower Heads
To test each of the 10 shower heads, we installed and used them for at least four showers. We evaluated how easy they were to install and whether standard steps were sufficient for preventing leaks. We used all the shower head’s features, noting the coverage and variation of each spray pattern setting and the intensity of the massage features.
For combination models, we tested both the main shower head and handheld, assessing how easy (or difficult) it was to remove and reattach the handheld to its mount and toggle between the outputs.
We also considered the shower head’s build quality along with functionality to determine how well it would hold up over extended use. Finally, we evaluated the aesthetics of the shower heads and which decor styles they would match best.
Our Top Picks
The following list contains some of the best shower heads on the market, chosen based on type, spray settings, flow rate, aesthetics, and more.
Best Overall
American Standard Spectra Duo 2-in-1 Hand Shower
This Bob Vila Approved product carries our brand’s highest level of recommendation.
Bob Vila Approved recognizes the household and DIY products that impressed us most in our real-world testing and that exemplify core values of the Bob Vila brand, including craftsmanship, innovation, and value for the dollar. Winners of this designation come recommended by our professional review team and are personally approved by Bob Vila.
Product Specs
- Type: Combination
- Spray patterns: 4
- Main head diameter: 9.5 inches
What We Like
- Magnetic docking station makes it easy to attach and reattach the handheld shower head
- Integrated dual shower heads combine to create a broad rainfall spray pattern
- “DivertPaddle” and “AquaToggle” features make it easy to switch between heads and modes
What We Don’t Like
- Limited range of adjustment makes it difficult to direct the flow of water lower, which might impact use for taller individuals
- Has a futuristic look that may not suit some bathroom designs
This American Standard shower head sets itself apart from other handheld models with a magnetic docking mechanism and a broad 9.5-inch head that gives it shoulder-to-shoulder coverage. It comes in several finishes at a 1.8 gallons per minute (GPM) or 2.5 GPM flow rate (we tested the 2.5 GPM version).
This dual shower head uses a toggle to change between spray patterns and a diverter paddle to swap between heads. When the handheld unit is attached to the main one, the two combine to create a rainfall-like flow. By pushing the paddle to limit the handheld flow, we got a higher-pressure spray perfect for rinsing shampoo and conditioner. The head also has a drench pattern that soaks the entire body and a fine-spray/sensitive pattern that’s soft and gentle.
Another highlight is the handheld’s magnetic attachment design. It’s easier to remove and reattach than a bracketed shower head, and the attachment point allows it to hang lower for better accessibility.
We were less impressed by this unit’s small adjustment range. For example, to use the massage setting on the lower back, users at about 6 feet or taller will have to remove the handheld from its mount; the spray won’t reach that distance when mounted. Plus, the design, while quite functional, also gives this shower head a futuristic look that may not suit some bathroom designs.
Read our full review: American Standard Spectra Duo 2-in-1 Hand Shower
Get the American Standard shower head at Amazon, Walmart, or Build With Ferguson.
Best Bang for the Buck
AquaDance 6-Setting 3.5-Inch Handheld Shower Head
Product Specs
- Type: Handheld
- Spray patterns: 6
- Main head diameter: 3.5 inches
What We Like
- Broad range of spray patterns that include rain, rinse, and massage
- Easy to cycle through various setting using the shower head’s dial design
- The tested 2.5 GPM version produced ample water pressure with all spray patterns
What We Don’t Like
- Plastic construction may not survive repeated drops on hard tile
This reasonably priced shower head from AquaDance has a 3.5-inch chrome face with six spray settings—power rain, massage, power rinse, rain massage, rain rinse, and water-saving pause mode—to ensure everyone in the house is happy. It includes a flexible 5-foot hose with excellent reach and rub-clean jets for easy clearing of lime buildup that could otherwise block the jets.
In addition to its low price, we found a lot to like about this shower head. Switching between spray patterns was easy, as was removing and replacing the handheld from its cradle. The rain pattern applied soft and soothing pressure, and the rinse setting was ample enough to wash away shampoo and conditioner. It also produced a surprisingly broad coverage area. The massage settings were powerful, producing a high-pressure stream that could easily soothe an aching back and sore neck. The pause setting would be particularly nice for those serious about saving water.
We also liked the wide range of pivot on the mount, making this shower head adaptable for bathers of varying heights. There was no leaking at connection points or from the head during testing. Our only concern was the durability of the plastic shower head, which we could see potentially cracking if dropped repeatedly onto a hard shower floor.
Get the AquaDance handheld shower head at Amazon or Walmart.
Best Dual
Waterpik PowerPulse Massage Dual Shower System
Product Specs
- Type: Combination
- Spray patterns: 6
- Main head diameter: 5 inches
What We Like
- Main shower head produces excellent coverage in full body spray pattern setting
- Controls make it easy to toggle between shower head and handheld and change spray patterns
- Long hose gives the handheld enough range for bathing children and pets
What We Don’t Like
- High water pressure on the PowerSpray settings is uncomfortable on the skin
- Gray color of shower head base isn’t particularly attractive
This two-in-one dual shower system from Waterpik comes with two shower heads—one fixed and one handheld. Each shower head has six spray settings: full body, PowerPulse massage, full body plus PowerPulse massage, PowerSpray, PowerSpray plus PowerPulse massage, and water-saving trickle.
During testing, we found the performance of the Waterpik’s various spray patterns to be mixed. The coverage and feel offered by the full-body settings were good, but the massage settings could have had more pressure. This lack of oomph was surprising, given the overwhelming intensity of the shower head’s PowerSpray setting, which was downright painful on bare skin.
The rotating head on the Waterpik makes it easy to choose between handheld, shower head, and combination. We also liked the long 5-foot hose, which would be great for bathing young children or pets, though we wish the handheld were a bit easier to connect and disconnect from the head. In terms of build quality, the Waterpik is made of lower-grade plastic, which didn’t inspire confidence that it could survive more than a few drops on the shower floor.
Get the Waterpik shower head at Amazon, Ace Hardware, Walmart, or Target.
Best Handheld
Moen Engage 6-Function Spray Head Handheld Shower
Product Specs
- Type: Handheld
- Spray patterns: 6
- Main head diameter: 5.5 inches
What We Like
- Magnetic mount makes it easy to remove and reattach the shower head
- Handle is easier to reach when mounted as compared to most handheld shower heads
- Push-button controls make quick work of cycling through spray patterns
What We Don’t Like
- Large head makes it more conspicuous and bulky than other handheld models
This Moen handheld shower head provides excellent flexibility, allowing users to bring the handheld down to bathe young children or stand and rinse off beneath a massive stationary head. It features six setting options, including massage, relaxing massage, wide coverage, rinse, downpour, and intensify. It’s easy to remove and replace the head from the magnetic dock, and its matte or chrome finish options will suit most bathroom designs.
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 handle hangs below the spigot, making it easier to reach for shorter users. Rather than using a lever on its head to rotate between settings, it features a button that cycles through its spray patterns.
The Engage is also one of the largest handhelds I tested at nearly 10 inches between the head and handle. In terms of performance, though, it was merely average. It offers good coverage compared to other handheld models, but not as much as most fixed or combo models. Water pressure for the massage settings was pretty standard.
As for appearance, the Engage has an attractive modern look. We liked that the entire shower head has a chrome finish, though we did wish the large and very visible mounting bracket was also chrome instead of dull gray plastic.
Get the Moen shower head at Amazon, Lowe’s, Wayfair, Walmart, Build With Ferguson, or Moen.
Best Rain
Nerdon Rainfall Shower Head Combo
Product Specs
- Type: Combination rain
- Spray patterns: 5
- Main head diameter: 12 inches
What We Like
- Combines the luxury of a rainfall shower head with the functionality of a handheld
- Works with a standard shower spigot thanks to a 15-inch extension arm
- Handheld unit complements rain shower head with 5 different spray settings
What We Don’t Like
- Handheld uses a suction cup mounting system that may not stay secure
This low-flow shower head from Speakman saves water by allowing only 1.75 GPM of water to stream into the shower head. But the 50 full-coverage water sprays and eight center massage jets deliver the same enjoyable shower experience found in upscale hotel rooms.
During testing, the Speakman worked well. It produced good water pressure on the spray setting, though we wished it provided a little more coverage. The massage function delivered enough water pressure to soothe sore muscles. We also particularly liked the Anystream 360-degree system, which allowed us to change spray patterns by rotating the knob on the side of the shower head. It made cycling through spray patterns easy and allowed for more control over the mix of its two spray patterns.
In terms of looks, the Speakman is one of the more attractive shower heads we tested, thanks to its all-chrome housing and relatively small profile. And though its housing is plastic, it has a sturdy feel that inspires confidence that it will last for a long time.
Get the Nerdon shower head at Amazon.
Best Low-Flow
Speakman Hotel Low-Flow Shower Head
