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All shower heads may seem the same, but it's important to choose one that provides the flow rate, stream settings, and aesthetics you want. Some shower heads offer a spa-like experience, while others are aimed at saving water. You'll get a different experience from both.
After testing 16 models and consulting two experts — CEO of Advanced Builders and Contractors Nick Yahoodain and remodeling expert Monica Higgins — we chose the best shower heads, including handheld to rainfall options.
You can learn how we tested the shower heads here and find out more about the different types of shower heads here.
Learn more about how Insider Reviews tests and researches home products.
Best shower head overall: Kohler Flipside - See at Amazon The Kohler Flipside produces an impressive 1.81 GPM flow rate and has a unique rotating head to change through its flow streams.
Best high-pressure shower head: Hopopro High-Pressure Showerhead - See at Amazon The low price tag and an impressive variety of spray settings make the Hopopro High-Pressure Showerhead and its 1.81 GPM flow rate a great budget choice.
Best handheld shower head: Waterpik High-Pressure Powerpulse 9-Spray - See at The Home Depot Once our top pick overall, this Waterpik shower head combines a budget-friendly price with impressive functionality, providing nine different spray options.
Best rain shower head: Moen S6320 Velocity Two-Function Rainshower - See at Amazon The elegant design, sturdy metal construction, and wide coverage area justify the high price tag of the Moen S6320 Velocity Two-Function Rainshower.
Best low-flow shower head: High Sierra All Metal 1.5 GPM High-Efficiency Showerhead - See at Amazon The high-pressure water dispersion and solid metal construction of the High Sierra High-Efficiency make it ideal for anyone looking to conserve water, abide by low-flow regulations, or lower their monthly utility bill.
Best dual shower head: Moen Attract Magnetix 26008 - See at The Home Depot The Moen Attract Magnetix 26008 has two spray heads, a wide rain shower, and a separate handheld device for an impressive amount of spray settings.
Pros: No fragile levers or switches, chrome finish, soft rubber nozzles
Cons: Flow rate can be too high for some states
After testing 12 models with high flow rates, impressive stream settings, and practical designs, the Kohler Flipside proved the perfect combination of them all. The Flipside fits snugly on a half-inch shower arm and switches streams by flipping the head around the axis, as opposed to using a lever, switch, or handle.
There are four stream settings on the spray head: coverage, soft, circular, and massage. I was most impressed by how effective the flat stream was, compared to the circular spray patterns of most shower heads. Although there are fewer options than many other shower heads offer, the lack of extra levers or switches helped to give the Flipside a high-end, minimalist feel. The Flipside was also easy to rotate on its axis, even when my hands were soapy and slippery.
After using this shower head regularly for over six months and rotating it frequently, I didn't notice any structural issues with this functionality. It's also easy to clean, and any water spots easily rub off with a cleaner and soft towel. I feared that the Flipside's swiveling operation would negatively affect its performance, but flow testing revealed a 1.81 GPM flow rate, coming close to its 2.5 GPM limit.
Pros: Easy operation, impressive array of spray settings
Despite the low price, the Hopopro High-Pressure Showerhead still provides a nice wide spray zone, which is not always the case with low-cost models. It also provides a 1.81 GPM flow rate, which ensures a steady, strong stream. Scrolling through the different spray settings of the 4.1-inch diameter head is simple to do, and an intuitive lever clicks through the options which range from a soft mist to a focused massage spray.
Installation was about as easy as it gets — you simply twist it into place. I appreciated the fact that Hopopro included both a roll of plumbers tape to ensure a snug fit and a small wrench, a tool that none of my other shower heads included. Even if you have a lot of tools on hand, it's convenient to have the right one in the package.
The Hopopro is constructed of primarily ABS plastic, which unfortunately does give it somewhat of a plasticky look, as opposed to the shiny finish of more expensive models. Most of its nozzle heads are made of rubber though, which was a pleasant surprise at this price point. There are a few nozzles in the center of the unit that are plastic, but that's a fair trade-off for the price. If you're mostly interested in the high flow rate, low cost, and easy operation, this shower head will do the trick.
Pros: Large variety of spray settings, rubber nozzle heads, long reach
Cons: Many plastic pieces, somewhat plasticky look
In order for a handheld shower head to be effective, it needs to work just as well in your hand as it does when mounted to the wall. The Waterpik High-Pressure Powerpulse 9-Spray does just that, thanks to a long handle that is easy to grip and maneuver and extend over your head when attached to the shower neck. The 4.5-inch diameter face also helps provide a wide, expansive spray.
This handheld design also makes the Powerpulse massage setting especially useful. The powerful setting focuses the water into a narrow, pulsating stream, allowing you to maneuver it close against any particularly sore body parts. The shower head also features eight other stream settings, like a fine mist and a "water-saving trickle."
The main drawback to the Waterpik is its many plastic components. This construction makes it more vulnerable to cracks and breakage if dropped, especially if your shower has hard tiles. That said, it does come with a lifetime guarantee.
Pros: High flow rate, elegant style, quiet adjustment lever
Cons: Only two settings, somewhat difficult to install
If you have the budget, the Moen S6320 Velocity Two-Function Rainshower has a high-quality construction and practicality that make it worth the price. The Delta In2ition 5-Spray and Delta HydroRain Two-in-One 5-Spray are within the same price range, but their clunky designs and inconvenient operation couldn't compete with the Moen.
Installing the Moen wasn't as straightforward as other models I tested due to the short connection that attaches to the shower arm. This wasn't a huge deal, but it did take a few extra minutes to get the threads to catch. Once installed, the Moen looked great. Its extra-wide 8-inch face gives it a classic rain-shower look, and its 100 nozzles promise great functionality.
One of my favorite characteristics of the Moen was the movement of the adjustment lever. Unlike other models that have loud mechanical clicks when you switch from one setting to another, this lever smoothly and quietly transitions from a full-coverage mode to focused rinsing. The surprisingly strong overall feel of the water also helped to put the Moen on top over other high-end models. Its 1.85 GPM was one of the second-highest I tested, which is definitely needed for a wider shower head like this one to work effectively.
Pros: High flow rate, durable construction, less likely to clog
Cons: Only one spray mode, 1.5 GPM may be too low for some
You may expect a water-saving shower head to deliver only a light sprinkle, but the High Sierra High-Efficiency has a great flow rate and dense, pressurized spray. It produced a 1.37 GPM flow rate during testing, which was impressive considering the High Sierra maxes out at 1.5 GPM.
Installing the High Sierra was about as easy as it gets, and its small size made it possible to screw in one-handed. The small cylindrical shape and lack of an adjustment lever also mean that you don't have to deal with straightening it out after installation. The chrome finish is easy to wipe clean and offers a modern feel.
Some people may find this model too small, especially in a spacious shower, and may prefer a larger option with a little more character, but the High Sierra is great for those who want a shower head that will produce the strongest stream while still conserving water. If your main priority is a high flow rate and you live in a state that allows 2.5 GPM products, you should probably choose a different model.
Pros: Powerful magnetic dock, huge spray coverage, high-end look
Cons: Plastic nozzle heads on the handheld wand, may be too bulky for small showers
If your priority is complete spray coverage, this versatile shower head from Moen could be a great option. It features dual shower heads: a detachable option for handheld use and an extra-wide fixed unit, both of which can be used at the same time. Despite the large and bulky shape, it was surprisingly simple to install and took me about 30 seconds to twist into place and complete the hose connections.
Although I was initially a bit overwhelmed by the number of spray settings on the Moen Attract Magnetix 26008, I figured out the controls quickly. I was also a fan of the fact that you can completely turn off the water to either head, giving the other more overall pressure. A strong magnetic dock makes it convenient to quickly reattach the handheld head when you're finished, unlike cheaper dual-head models I tested that sometimes fell off if not positioned exactly right.
The plastic components (especially on the handheld sprayer) are a bit of a red flag, though, since they could potentially be vulnerable to failure or snapping, especially if dropped during installation. Still, the rain head has rubber spray nozzles that are convenient to de-clog of mineral deposits, and the whole unit is easy to clean.
The Moen Attract 26000: This basic handheld sprayer was a fine option in my testing, but it didn't have the versatility and spray coverage that the Moen Attract 26008 provided with its added rain shower. If you're not concerned with maximum coverage or the sheer number of spray settings, this handheld sprayer might be a perfect fit for you. Its magnetic cradle was especially strong, which is always a plus.
Kohler Moxie: The integrated Bluetooth speaker of the Kohler Moxie was easy to set up, fun to use, and sounded great. I even removed it from the cradle and used it as a standalone speaker in my office for a while. Unfortunately, the thin stream and relatively weak flow rate made this shower head more of a novelty than a legitimate contender.
Kohler Forte: While it looked sleek and stylish, I wasn't impressed with the 1.26 GPM flow rate of the Kohler Forte and thought that the mist setting wasn't very functional. However, I enjoyed the satisfying click of the control lever and the sophisticated design. If flow rate is on the bottom of your priority list and you aren't concerned with having a wide variety of spray settings, this could be a good choice.
Delta In2ition 5-Spray: A high-priced shower head should be flawless, but the Delta In2ition just didn't have the pressure to be used effectively, and its magnetic cradle was far too weak.
Delta HydroRain Two-in-One 4-Spray: Even though the Delta HydroRain had good pressure and its rain-can head was positioned at exactly 90 degrees, its high price tag and bulky size made it too inconvenient to edge out our high-end pick, the Moen S6320.
Waterpik High-Pressure Powerpulse XRO-763: The cheap and plasticky Waterpik was flimsy to use, and its hose was stiff and very unattractive. It ranked at the very bottom in my testing.
Most homes and apartments have wall-mounted shower arms. Ceiling-mounted shower heads allow for larger, rain shower heads. Since they're so high up, they usually aren't accessible enough to have different stream settings.
The flow rate indicates how much water can flow out of your shower head and is measured in gallons per minute (GPM). Federal regulations mandate shower head flow rates can't be higher than 2.5 GPM to help conserve water. In states like California, the limit is 1.8 GPM.
Your home's water pressure is the ultimate factor that dictates your flow rate and is measured in pounds per square inch (PSI). A high PSI of 80 will probably get you 2.5 GPM, but most US homes hover around 60 PSI, so your flow rate will be lower.
If you're interested in conserving water, look for shower heads with a WaterSense" label. This indicates that it meets EPA criteria and maxes out at 2.0 GPM.
There are five main factors to consider when shopping for a shower head:
Fixed: These models are attached directly to the shower arm — the existing water pipe coming out of your shower wall — and usually have a ball joint that allows you to pivot and adjust the angle of their spray.
Handheld: These shower heads sit in a cradle and can be used as a fixed shower head if you like, but they also have a long, flexible hose that allows you to use them as a handheld unit.
Dual shower heads: A combination of fixed and handheld, these heads have a removable sprayer that docks into a separate fixed head, allowing you to use both at the same time.
I researched more than 30 shower heads based on reviews and tested 16. I also leaned on my experience as a residential carpenter for four years and consulted two experts: Nick Yahoodain, CEO of Advanced Builders and Contractors in Los Angeles, California, and Monica Higgins, a remodeling expert based in Southern California.
I installed each shower head and used it at least three times during the day. I went through my usual cleansing routine with shampoo, conditioner, and body wash and made sure to stagger my showers to reduce the chances of other appliances or household plumbing factors affecting my testing. Showering while running dishwashers or washing machines, or even at the same time as someone else, will increase the demand for your water supply and can sometimes result in a lower flow rate than usual.
After picking my top six, I showered several more times — sometimes consecutively — to get a better idea of how specific features like massage or power-spray settings felt.
Installation and fit: I installed each shower head, timing how long the process took and noting any issues that came up. I have four years of experience as a general contractor, so my installation time will most likely be quicker than yours. Nonetheless, I made sure to note if the installation was easy or not.
Appearance: I took the overall style, design, finish, material, and size into account when comparing the appearance of each shower head. People have vastly different bathroom styles, and some options may match better with certain aesthetics.
Overall feel of water: I based this on how the water physically felt throughout the shower. I noted the size of the water coverage coming out of the shower head, how focused or dispersed the water droplets and streams were, and how strong and pressurized the water felt overall.
Operation and special features: Along with noting how easy or difficult the unit was to operate and switch between modes, I also made sure to pay attention to any special features, like the number and variety of settings or unique operational functions.
Flow rate: I calculated the actual flow rate of each shower head and compared it to the max it could handle. I would fill a 5-gallon bucket for 60 seconds, weigh it, subtract the weight of the bucket, and divide that number by 8.3 (the weight of a gallon of water). This gave me the gallons per minute (GPM) of each shower head.
These flow rates can't be compared exactly across all the products because they all have different flow-rate restrictions. But by looking at the max flow rate of the product along with the tested rates I calculated from my shower (which has an average pressure of 64 parts per square inch or PSI), I got a general idea of how each shower head performs under the PSI of an average household.
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