So, you’re looking for the best shower head? Congratulations! For most of us, the day begins and ends with a shower. Taking a hot shower should be a relaxing and rejuvenating experience and the key to that is a good shower head. However, buying a shower head can be tricky, especially if you don’t know what you are looking for.
Luckily for you, here at ShowerInsider.com we’ve done the heavy lifting for you. We’ve done the research so you don’t have to, and we’ve figured out a few examples that make up the best shower heads in the market. Here’s a comprehensive chart of some of the best on the market. Check it out.
So, without further ado, onto the list…
Table of Contents
5 Best Shower Heads 2020
1. Moen S6320 Velocity 8″
Moen S6320 is the best rain shower heads on the market. It’s very well-engineered and would be a great buy for anyone who’s looking for a solid rainfall shower head with two–function, rainshower and concentrated rinse. We’ve come across a ton of you who have installed and loved this shower head.
The Moen S6320 comes in Antique Bronze, Brushed Nickel, Oil Rubbed Bronze and chrome finishes, with the latter being the cheapest. The Moen S6320 is equipped with a lever that allows you to switch from the calming rain rinse function to the self–pressurized spray. The flip lever blocks the outside holes and redirects the water flow to the inner part of the shower head. This results in a more traditional spray pattern and increases the water pressure quite significantly.
The Moen S6320 boasts a 8″ diameter rainshower for exceptional water coverage. It’s rated for 2.5 gpm (9.5 L/min). The downside, however, is that it’s a bit pricey, and if you want to go balls-to-the-wall and actually purchase one of Moen S6320 Velocity shower heads, you’ll be looking at $180-$300 price tag. However, you’ll be getting a fine piece of craftsmanship that can provide optimal water pressure and excellent coverage for a truly unparalleled rainshower experience.
2. Blue Ocean 52 inch SPA392M Rainfall
Ok, now we’re just having fun. This is one of the best, and most badass, luxurious shower panels on the market. And, assuming you’ve got the cash to throw around, it’s one of the highest quality shower panel you can buy. It’s on of the best selling shower panels on the market. And that’s no coincidence. Taking a shower using one of these shower panels is just a whole different experience. It gives luxury spa feeling in your own bathroom.
This shower panel system features a rainfall overhead shower head, and a tub spout and a versatile hand-held shower head. It has 8 adjustable multi-functional nozzles. The large rain shower head allows for full body coverage. So, you don’t have to move around to get soaked.
The Blue Ocean SPA392M shower panel tower is fitted with a temperature display powered by AA batteries to ensure the perfect warmth when you step into the shower.
The Blue Ocean SPA392M shower panel tower is a very well-made shower panel with an attractive, modern design. It’s made from top quality aluminum and tempered glass. The unit is easy to install , and it comes fully equipped with the necessary installation hardware and mounting brackets.
If i had to nitpick this shower panel, I’d have to say that since this shower panel is made in and shipped from Canada, it comes set for Celsius. However, you can easily change this to Fahrenheit using the little switch on the back of the temperature display box (prior to installation).
3. Ana Bath SS5450CBN Combo
When it comes to dual shower heads, Ana Bath is one of the most legendary. They make some of the best dual shower heads on the market. Their combo shower heads are very well-conceived and are reasonably priced.
The SS5450CBN is one of the best combo shower heads that Ana Bath has to offer. This combo shower system is rated for 2.5 GPM (Gallon per minute) at a water pressure of 80 psi. It has just about everything you could ask for and much more. One of the most appealing thing about this dual shower head is its five-function feature. Spray patterns are the same on both the handheld shower head and the fixed head, and surprisingly, water pressure is quite good out of both heads.
If I had to pick some critisims for the Ana Bath SS5450CBN shower head, I’d have to say that the control switch (also know as the diverter) which redirects the water flow from one head to another is a little bit tricky to access because it’s behind the main head. It will take you a few days to get used to it. Overall, the SS5450CBN is a very good product for a reasonable price.
4. KOHLER K-9245-E-CP Moxie
Kohler is one of the best shower head brands out there. They have been in business for a very long time. And they are well-known for making quality shower heads.
Kohler is a company known for its long tradition of making quality shower heads, so it should come as no surprise that Moxie is one of the top rated shower heads with a removable Bluetooth speaker on the market. All things considered. It comes in either a white or polished chrome finish. The sprayface is made of a white, soft silicone. All in all, Moxie is a well-designed and attractive shower head that will look nice in most showers.
The Moxie comes in either 2.0 or 2.5 GPM models. It’s a single spray mode shower head, which simply means it only has one spray setting.
The detachable speaker is made with the same white silicone as the sprayface. It features a magnetic design and can be easily popped in and out of the shower head for easy recharging. Its battery is estimated to last up to 7 hours.
Sound quality varies from great to just okay, depending on what you’re listening to, your shower and where the shower head is mounted. However, we’ve come a cross a ton of you who have used and loved this shower head’s speaker. The speaker sounds quite loud and produces sufficient volume to cut through the water noise when the shower is running.
5. YAWALL 12 inches Ultra-thin Rain Ceiling
This is also a nice ultra-thin ceiling shower head. It comes in various sizes including 8-inch, 10 inch, and 12 inch square. This rain style shower head offers a full coverage to soak your entire body for a relaxing shower experience. It’s made with high quality stainless steel (not those cheap stainless less paint over plastic material) and features a modern, elegant design that blends with a variety of bathroom decorating styles.
You can easily adjust the angle of the head simply by moving it around with your hand. The flow of the water coming out of the shower head is quite stron. All in all, this is a very good quality ceiling mount shower head that looks great and blends nicely with the other stainless steel colored fixtures in the shower.
6. Pfister 16-HH2C Slide Bar
So, you’re looking for a height adjustable shower head, eh? Well, a slide bar shower head is your best option. The sliding bar lets you easily adjust the height of the shower head by moving it up or down the bar, which allows for an optimal showering experience for both short and tall guys sharing the same shower.
The Pfister 16-HH2C 3-Function Handheld Shower is one of the best slide bar shower heads that you can buy. It has a lifetime warranty. Pfister is one of the most authoritative brands in this industry. They were established in 1910, and they’ve been making quality products ever since. They specialize in bathrooms and lavatory faucets, shower systems, show heads, kitchen accessories and faucets and other plumbing fixtures.
This slide bar shower head offers a simple and sleek design. It has three spray patterns : massage, rain, vigorous. Its polished chrome finish creates a bright, gleaming look that works nicely with a variety of decorating styles. The Pfister 16-HH2C comes with a flexible 5 ft. hose which is great for bathing children and pets. Its slide bar is 24 inches long.
The Pfister 16-HH2C is rated for 2.5 GPM at 60 psi, and is equipped with A 3-way diverter that allows you to use one or both showerheads at once. The unit is quite easy to install, no drilling and no holes are required.
Types of Shower Heads
Nowadays, shower heads come in various styles, sizes and shapes. Before we dive into the reviews of the top-rated shower heads out there, let’s talk briefly about the different shower head types available, and determine which type is best for you.
Even the simplest and least-expensive shower head can provide a satisfying shower experience, but the more options you want, the more money you’ll have to shell out. Here are the types of shower heads to consider.
Single-head spray shower heads
These are the familiar bulbous shower heads with one or multiple adjustable nozzles that distribute the spray in patterns. These shower heads are equipped with a small lever that you can use to change the flow pattern from wide to concentrated stream. Some of these water heads provide only one setting, and they tend to cost much less than multi-setting models.
Fixed shower heads
also known as wall-mounted shower heads. They are attached to a shower arm and mounted permanently to the shower unit’s wall or to the ceiling. These shower heads are the most popular and most frequently installed type of shower heads. Some fixed shower head models are mounted in such a way that the height can be easily adjusted, so that short and tall people can comfortably use the same shower.
Fixed shower heads range from basic models to stylish, more advanced and feature-heavy models with multiple adjustable-angle settings and multiple spray modes such as pulsing, wide and focused stream, mist, massage, and a water-saving trickle while you soap up. Some high-end fixed shower head models aren’t afraid to push the envelope. They are fitted with mechanisms to counteract hard water buildup, corrosion, and tarnishing. They also boast other features including mist, massage, and various other shower effects. The price of these shower heads depends on build quality and features. And the more features you want in your shower head, the higher the price.
Ceiling shower heads
Ceiling shower heads. they are commonly referred to as rainfall or waterfall shower heads. Unlike conventional wall-mounted models, these ones are relatively large. They are designed to be mounted directly onto your ceiling and direct the spray straight down. Some of them hang down from an extension arm. Tall folks prefer this type of shower heads.
Hand-Held shower heads
These shower heads are removable from their mounting. They are connected to the shower unit’s wall via a flexible hose, which allows for freedom of movement. These shower heads are best suited for bathing children and pets. They are also great for those with limited mobility due to disability, injury, old age or any other condition.
Hand held showers also make cleaning the tub, shower, and surrounding area a lot easier. If you can’t decide between a fixed or hand-held shower head, why not kill two birds with one stone? Many shower head brands out there offer 2-in-1 units where the hand-held unit is attached to the fixed shower head.
Dual shower heads
Feature two shower heads controlled by a single set of levers. In their simple form, they consist of a fixed, wall-mounted shower head paired with a hand-held counterpart. Some of the models come with a diverter valve which allows the user to operate either shower head or both simultaneously.
Shower panel systems
Shower panel systems. The best way to think of shower panel systems is as Jacuzzis you stand up in — Shower panel systems are one of the hottest trends in the shower industry. A shower system usually consists of difference elements including valves, body sprays, shower heads, water outlets, hand showers and volume controls. Choosing the best shower panel can truly turn your time in the shower into a true spa experience.
Shower panel towers are highly customizable compared to their regular shower heads. Obviously, shower panel towers are expensive. And if you want to go balls to the wall and purchase one of these shower systems, you’ll be looking at $150-$500 price tag. The downside, however is that your hot water consumption will increase drastically if you’re using a shower panel system. That said, make sure water heater can provide enough hot water to run these shower panel systems. Also, bear in mind to check if there are no environmental restrictions in your area concerning the installation of multiple shower heads.
Sliding bar shower heads
Aka adjustable shower heads. this type of shower heads can be adjusted in response to the user’s height and personal. They can move up and down along a wall-mounted sliding bar. These shower heads allow for optimal showering experience, whether you’re short or tall.
Shower Heads Features
Aerated shower heads
Many shower heads on the market are aerating. They are a bit complex and work by mixing the restricted water flow with air to create the sensation of strong water pressure, even though they actually use less water than a regular shower head. Aerated products cost a bit more initially, but they’ll pay for themselves in water savings over time.
LED shower heads
There’s no denying this is a cool feature. LED Shower heads provide adjustable, mood-matching illumination that can turn your shower into a disco and make your habitual shower routine much more pleasurable and exciting. Some high-end LED shower heads aren’t afraid to push the envelope. They can change the colors is response to water temperature. The colors will turn blue when the water is cold and will turn red when it’s hot.
Shower heads with wireless speakers
If you like singing or listening to music or podcasts while you’re taking a shower, consider buying a shower head equipped with a wireless speaker. These detachable Bluetooth speakers can stream your music playlist or even get you caught up on the morning news. Pairing the speaker via Bluetooth is as easy as a pie. There’s just a little button on the front of the speaker, which you must press and hold down to activate pairing mode.
What’s the best shower head?
Choosing the best shower head can be a challenge. Making the wrong choice could cost you time, money and effort. So, before you spend your hard-earned buck, make sure you’re getting the best shower head for your shower.
In order to make an informed buying decision, let’s look at what the best shower head does :
- Reduces water use. since the early nineties, the EPA (US Environmental Protection Agency) has limited shower heads in the U.S. to a flow rate of 2.5 GPM (gallons per minute ), which is an effective way to minimize water consumption at home. Some shower head brands went a step further and developped models that only use 1.5 GPM while still providing a good water pressure. That said, consider investing in a water-saving shower head that uses less than 2.5 GPM. Shower head models that carry the EPA WaterSense label have been tested and demonstrated to deliver no more than 2 GPM.
- Is easy to adjust. Some have only one single spray mode, but those with multiple modes should make switching from one pattern to another as easy as a pie.
- Is reliable and holds up well over time. No one wants to buy a new shower head each two months or three. That said, look for a well-engineered shower head that’s built with quality in mind. A quality shower head shouldn’t break or leak, and the finish should not wear off easily.
- Doesn’t alter water temperature. Aerating shower heads are suitable for low water pressure areas. They use air pressure to enhance the sensation of stronger water pressure. The downside, however, is that this can cool the water significantly between the time it leaves the shower head and the time it touches your body. This has been one of the major drawbacks of aerated shower heads. However, nowadays many manufacturers offer newer aerated models fitted with technologies that increase the pressure without overly cooling the water.
How do I find the best shower head for me?
Do you need a handheld shower head? – Unlike fixed ones, hand-held shower head are more versatile and allow for freedom of movement. They can be used like a fixed shower head when inserted in the wall-mounted fixed bracket holder, but they are also removable from their mounting. Hand-held shower heads are much popular among elederly, and those with limited mobility due to disability, injury, or any other condition. They are also a great option for those of you who have kids or pets.
- What spray mode do you prefer? Some folks like drenching spray pattern, while others prefer targeted pattern producing a sharp, invigorating spray. Some like a traditional large spray that provides a lot of coverage and feels like a drenching rain, while others prefer a pulsing massage jet. Whichever spray pattern you like best, look for a product that excels on that spray mode. If your shower won’t be used by anyone else but you, then you don’t have to worry about additional settings; and it’s best suited to stick to one single setting shower head. However, if you share the shower with someone else, then it’s wise to opt for a shower head with various spray modes.
- How tall are you? Some shower heads can be used either by tall or short guys, but not both. Tall folk won’t be able to stand under a shower head that’s hanging down too far. Likewise, short guys won’t be able to reach and change the settings of shower head mounted higher on the wall. Having said that, measure your shower enclosure and figure out what the height and angle of the shower head will be once it’s mounted.
- How strong is the water pressure in your home? While most users are satisfied with the regular 2.5 GPM shower heads, people who live in low water pressure areas often find that the standard shower heads are weak and produce only a feeble trickle that isn’t strong enough to rinse away soap and shampoo. While there isn’t a perfect solution to low water pressure, many shower heads manufacturers offer models fitted with mechanisms which can help push the water out more strongly, or at least make it feel as if water pressure is stronger than before.
- Do you need an extension arm? Having an adjustable shower head extension arm is one of the most effective ways in case the shower is shared by both short and tall guys. It’s also a great solution if you have high ceilings.
Other Considerations
Water saving
Showering accounts for around 17% of all water usage in the average U.S. home, which is about 30 gallons per day according to EPA (Environmental Protection Agency). In order to cut down that substantial usage, shower head’s flow rate has been limited to 2.5 GPM in the U.S. since the early nineties.
In 2005, the Environmental Protection Agency expanded its water conservation efforts with the WaterSense program. This program was designed to encourage water efficiency in the U.S. by offering consumers a simple way to make product choices that use less water with no sacrifice to performance or quality. Having said that, shower fixtures with WaterSense label are rated for no more than 2.0 GPM.
Shower head’s specified flow water rate is for a standardized pressure of 80 pounds per square inch (psi). In case you’re living in low water pressure area, a low-flow shower head probably won’t make noticeable difference. If you’re tired of low water pressure in your home, look for shower head models that have been specially engineered to mitigate that issue.
Besides saving water, WaterSense shower heads will also reduce the amount of hot water consumed. According to the EPA, replacing conventional 2.5 GPM shower heads with WaterSense-certified heads will cut down energy bills by an average of 300 kilowatt hours per household annually.