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Better Homes & Gardens

Whether you’replanning a lavatory remodelor replace an old fix , finding the full showerhead is an easy mode toupgrade your everyday routine .

We tested three 12 showerheads in our own rest home to determine the estimable one . While showerhead choices on the market can come with an overwhelming amount of features to consider , when we were testing , we learn that the difference between a good showerhead versus a capital showerhead is versatility . Handheld and transformable option are a addition , as is goodwater pressure , which can make out in the shape of adjustable spray .

Water spraying from the Waterpik 12-Spray 5 in. High-Pressure Dual Shower Head in tile shower

Credit:Better Homes & Gardens

What We Tested

We assess dissimilar feature like spray patterns , ease of instalment , enduringness , ease of utilisation , and overall note value . In accession to our at - home testing , we spoke to two experts for insight on what to look for in a showerhead . For more on how we test showerhead , seeour testing processbelow .

Our Top Picks

Best Classic

Delta Faucet H2Okinetic Raincan Shower Head

It was wanton to cycle through the different context by fight a button on the face of the showerhead .

In pause way , the piss felt a bit hotter when it trickled out of the showerhead .

If you ’re see for a basic model without a hand-held choice , this showerhead is a great choice . We loved all four sprayer modes and found them discrete , and none ended up making the water pressing too warm or too weak .

Amazon DELTA FAUCET 52669-PR Universal Showering Components Showerhead

Credit: Amazon

The spray coverage reached far , and the head pivot far enough to rinse the shower walls quickly and easy , nominate clean easier .

We liked the pause mode on this showerhead because it allowed her to intermit the flow of our shower bath without losing hot water or the perfect angle for wash off . The intermission feature film is helpful for those who knock off with shaving cream or shave gel or let hair production sit without rinsing flop away . We found extra purpose for it too , peculiarly in low showers where stepping out of the spray is not possible . This fashion did have one quirk : in pause modal value , the pee that did trickle out experience hotter than the temperature we arrange . Still , this was a minor issue that did n’t affect the showerhead ’s overall performance .

We lie with that nebuliser modes are motorcycle through by button rather than by spinning the showerhead . Our tester also wish that the showerhead was comfortable to utilise at her height ( 5’11 ” ) , and it was easy adjustable up and down and side to side . However , keep in mind that you are limited to the basic height your shower arm is instal at .

Two hands installing the Delta Faucet 52669-BL 5-Setting H2OKinetic Trad Raincan Shower Head

It only took us minutes to remove our hold showerhead and install the Delta H2OKinetic Trad Raincan.Credit: Better Homes & Gardens

Delta is a steel we see to be trusty , as we tested a few models by this trade name and found they were leisurely to install , test well , and held up to at least six month of use .

Product Details : Number of Spray Patterns : Five |Flow Rate:1.75 GPM |Material : credit card

Which type of showerhead is going to meet your needs?

rainwater showerheads , sometimes call rainfall and falls showerheads , are larger in size , ranging from six inches and up . Their size significantly increases coverage in your shower bath , andrain showerheadsoffer a more spa - like experience .

ready showerheadsare one of the most common types of showerheads and are commonly littler in sizing and for those who want firm pressure from a showerhead without extra embellishments .

treble showerheadsare a with child option for those who want to kick upstairs their shower experience on their own , as they often come with self - installment kit . They are a combination of handheld showerhead and fixed showerhead .

The Delta Faucet 52669-BL 5-Setting H2OKinetic Trad Raincan Shower Head next to its box and instructions on a carpet

Handheld showerheadsare sold in packages with a detachable hose and holder to climb the showerhead and are idealistic for cleaning exhibitioner wall or bathing kids or pets . However , we do not recommend a handheld - only option as there are enough affordable , mellow - quality dual pick to give you the dependable of both worlds .

Best Two-in-One

Delta HydroRain Two-in-One H2Okinetic Shower Head

Installation was leisurely , and no tools were required .

The handheld head is so safe , it ’s a bit tricky to detach .

We picked this showerhead for its enduringness and versatility , constituent that we finger made the higher damage tag deserving it . When shopping for a showerhead , you ’d typically necessitate to choose between a rain - style or hand-held option , or a compounding of the two that take an additional shower sleeve — requiring a plumber to install . We like that thistandem showerheadoffers both and can be installed by anyone .

The Delta Faucet 52669-BL 5-Setting H2OKinetic Trad Raincan Shower Head with a white background

While the showerhead does n’t extend as far out or have as large of a face as some rain showerheads , it ’s still a great selection for anyone who does not wish well to do place redevelopment .

you’re able to practice the rain and handheld spray setting together if you favour more insurance coverage , or just one of the showerheads at a time .

At first , the handheld part of the showerhead was tough to disengage due to how unattackable it was in the holder . However , despite this , after a few showers we felt confident that we could do it without looking if needed .

Two hands installing the Delta Faucet 52669-BL 5-Setting H2OKinetic Trad Raincan Shower Head

We used the showerhead 10 times during the initial testing point and did not notice any changes in performance due to the distance of the shower bath . We incur the reparation reproducible and reliable .

Best Budget

Waterpik High-Pressure Dual Shower Head

The showerhead offers slap-up water pressure and we loved the multiple pressure options to choose from .

The chief headway is n’t as large as our other top pick .

While our other picking are costly , this showerhead from Waterpik is less than $ 100 and has a dual - read/write head characteristic , making it a substantial choice for those on a budget or renovating a guest bathroom .

The Delta Faucet 52669-BL 5-Setting H2OKinetic Trad Raincan Shower Head next to its box and instructions on a carpet

The showerhead is made of plastic like our other choices , and we found it inflexible and it held up well . At our six - month cheque - in , there were no issues noted , except expect mineral deposit , which cleared up after the showerhead was clean . The instructions notice to not apply any harsh chemical substance or products on the showerhead . Instead , we establish that vinegar and a piano soup-strainer work well .

From where we deploy the showerhead , the handheld hose reached the bottom of the exhibitioner . The flexibility is expectant for bigger exhibitor , cleaning the exhibitor , and worldwide use while you ’re shower . you could use both the wand and primary pass at the same fourth dimension ( like our other dual option ) , or one or the other . There are nine preferences on the basal caput and three on the handheld .

While the main head is n’t as with child as our other choices , it ultimately helped create hard pressure . We would not urge this for someone concerned in a rain - like shower .

The Delta Faucet 52669-BL 5-Setting H2OKinetic Trad Raincan Shower Head with a white background

Product contingent : Number of Spray Patterns : Twelve |Flow Rate:1.8 GPM |Material : credit card

Are shower filters worth it?

If you have hard body of water , you might enjoyone of the exhibitioner filter that we recommend . Some come with the showerhead include , while others can be confiscate with a disjoined showerhead . Those with include showerheads be given to not have as many background as some of our advocate option , but we do recommend two filtered showerhead below that we like .

The Bottom Line

For an overall self-coloured , classic showerhead that ’s gentle to practice and admit helpful features like a intermission clitoris , theDelta Faucet H20kinetic Raincan showerheadis a slap-up option . If you ’re seem for a dual - head option , we imagine Delta’stwo - in - one showerheadis a solid choice , or for those on a budget , we recommend the12 - sprayer Waterpik showerhead .

Our Testing Process

We ’ve tested 36 showerhead since 2022 . To evaluate each model , we follow the manufacturer ’s instructions to deploy the showerhead . We then used the showerhead every time we shower during an initial two - calendar week testing stop . During that period , we measure spray mount and extra feature . At the end of the two weeks , we cleaned the showerhead .

While using each showerhead , we considered the miscellanea and strength of streams , whether or not the showerhead leaked or dripped when not in use , the easiness of detach or reattaching handheld showerheads , the ease of adding and replacing filters , and how easy it was to clean the showerhead . We also used and evaluate additional features like aromatherapy , lighter , or Bluetooth capacity when applicable . For those with filtered showerhead , we considered how our pilus , peel , and nail feel post - shower .

We considered installation too , noting whether it was sluttish or complicated , or took more or less sentence than expected , or if the command manuals were unclouded and helpful . We regard any tools demand for installation and whether the showerhead jibe with no gaps , leak , or dripping .

Delta HydroRain Two-in-One 5-Spray 6 in. Dual Wall Mount Fixed and Handheld H2Okinetic Shower Head

Credit: The Home Depot

To pass judgment performance , we note the urine flow , atomizer cover , and whether the showerhead would process well according to the user ’s altitude . For options , we weigh whether the showerhead extend 360 degrees of adjustability or if it moved in just one or two centering . We also evaluated the number of mise en scene uncommitted and if they seemed insistent , take note if the stage setting set aside us to customize their showerhead to our preferences .

Finally , we chew over on showerhead durability , noting whether the point feel well - built or flimsy or how easy it was to clean .

After our initial examination period , we remain to monitor our top picks for the next six month , note any fresh making water , rust , or quality concerns that come up .

hands installing Delta HydroRain Two-in-One 5-Spray H2Okinetic Shower Head

Installation of the Delta HydroRain was easy, requiring no tools.Credit: Better Homes & Gardens

What to Know About Showerheads Before Shopping

Spray Patterns

fit in to Lowe ’s computer storage managerBrian Shaunfield , the most common nebuliser approach pattern for showerheads are “ rain ” or all-embracing reportage spray for a more soft , patrician feel or “ massage ” for a concentrated jet spray for targeted pressure . There are also full - trunk or even spray choice for rinse soap off the body .

“ birth multiple spray pattern options proves the most essential for those who are seeking targeted pressure to help with recovery for the body , outside of what the common patterns will do , ” Shaunfield says .

When blab with his customer about showerhead , the most asked questionDerek Baxter , lead designer at Select Kitchen & Bath in Alexandria , VA , gets is how they can get eminent press . “ Due to current EPA rule of thumb , the high rating you will see is 2.5 gallon per mo , though that is not allowed in all states , ” he says . “ In social club to be computer code compliant in all state , you are look at 1.75 GPM . ” While most of his client do like the choice to change design , he ’s found that most will pick one and never adjust it .

water running out of attachment on Delta HydroRain Two-in-One 5-Spray H2Okinetic Shower Head

Why does flow rate matter? Does it affect water pressure?

Flow charge per unit , which is measure in GPM ( gallons per minute ) matters because environmentally , it matter how much water you ’re using — it can be capped by legal philosophy calculate on the area you ’re live in .

When it come to body of water pressure , a high-pitched flowing charge per unit might intend better water pressure , but only if your pipe can support it . It ’s important to remember too that the bigger the showerhead ( or the more place water is come out in showerheads with multiple setting ) , the lower the water pressure will be , even if the flow charge per unit remains the same .

Material and Finishes

Many of our testers were surprised to pick up that charge plate is the most commonly used material for showerheads , even by higher - end make . “ Plastic showerheads are so popular because they are more affordable , lightweight , corroding - resistant , and are good with warmth insulation , which reduces risk of burns , ” Shaunfield says .

Baxter echoes Shaunfield ’s answer , saying in talks with production representatives , he receives two resolution , one being that plastic is more toll - effective to construct and two , using a flexible plastic for the nozzle allows the homeowner to bust off andclean intemperate water residue , which can work up up on case-by-case beak . “ This can extend the liveliness of the showerhead , ” he says .

When it comes to finish , unstained sword and brushed nickel are “ classics that people still love , ” Shaunfield says . Stainless steel has been around for year and keep to be popular and what Shaunfield cry a “ timeless ” choice . However , “ stainless steel is not offered in most line and when it is it ’s used in an applications programme of brushed nickel , which is the most coordinative color for it , ” Baxter add up .

hands installing Delta HydroRain Two-in-One 5-Spray H2Okinetic Shower Head

“ Black finisheshave bring in a lot of popularity over the last several age , and is also a timeless look , whereas atomic number 79 finishes lend themselves to a more course - forward aesthetic , ” Shaunfield say . “ As long as mass continue to like black and gold finishes , they will be around for years to come . ”

Baxter visualise black finishes as have a long lifetime . “ For the atomic number 79 , I see it lasting another five to 10 days and then it will be the new polished administration that was the rage in the ‘ fourscore and ‘ 90s , ” he say .

Other Showerheads We Tested

Jolie Filtered Showerhead

While we loved the design of theJolie Filtered Showerheadand find it well-fixed to install , like most filtered showerheads , it only has one setting . It does come in five colors , and we love that customer service was so responsive when we lean into issues .

Act+Acre Filtered Showerhead

While quite like the Jolie showerhead in looks and carrying out , theAct+Acre Filtered Showerheadis a bit cheaper and only useable in one color — black . We did like it overall , and our tester feel like it render benefit for her hair’s-breadth and skin . However , it is often out of stock or on backorder .

Kohler Moxie Bluetooth Showerhead

Another single - feature film showerhead , theKohler Moxie Bluetooth Showerheadtested well irrespective of supererogatory features . While it only has one spray place , we found the showerhead great and the water force per unit area good too . We also found that you could n’t feel the disruption where the speaker sat . It may make for a capital gift for young homeowners or an rising slope to a teen ’s lavatory .

Your Questions, Answered

What can I expect to spend on a showerhead?

On average , showerhead prices can deviate from $ 5 to $ 300 , depending on features , case , and brand .

Baxter articulate showerheads from big box stores are typically $ 25 to $ 65 , but investing in a higher end brand through a boutique plumbing company could be anywhere from $ 45 to $ 300 . “ If you go down the track of arain showerhead , you should bear to pay between $ 200 and $ 800 , depending on the level of brand , ” he says .

Can I install a showerhead myself?

Yes ! We even have astep - by - whole step templet on how to do so . Most of our testers were able to install their showerhead in less than 30 transactions .

Who We Are

Kate Oczypokis a contributor atBetter Homes & Gardensspecializing in habitation and life style product shopping , with expertise in outdoor and indoor appliances . She has nearly 20 years of professional experience as a author , contribute to a wide chain of publications .

To compose this clause , Oczypok utilized examination insights from the BHG testing team who install and evaluated 36 showerheads in their home . She also spoke toDerek Baxter , jumper cable interior designer at Select Kitchen & Bath in Alexandria , VA , and Lowe ’s memory managerBrian Shaunfield .

What is BHG Recommends?

Next to all of the merchandise on this list , you may have observe ourBHG Recommends seal of commendation . Products that earn the seal have been put through tight testing to make indisputable they ’re worth a spot in your home . We buy most of the products we test ourselves , but now and then we are put up samples by company if buying is n’t an option . In these pillow slip , we apply the same examination criteria we use to test the purchased products .

water running out of attachment on Delta HydroRain Two-in-One 5-Spray H2Okinetic Shower Head

Waterpik 12-Spray 5 in. High-Pressure Dual Shower Head

Credit: The Home Depot

Hands adjusting Waterpik 12-Spray 5 in. High-Pressure Dual Shower Head on tile wall

The main head of the Waterpik isn’t as large as other models, helping to create stronger pressure.Credit: Better Homes & Gardens

Close up of Waterpik 12-Spray 5 in. High-Pressure Dual Shower Head and accessories on white background

Hands adjusting Waterpik 12-Spray 5 in. High-Pressure Dual Shower Head on tile wall

Close up of Waterpik 12-Spray 5 in. High-Pressure Dual Shower Head and accessories on white background

Water running out of the Act+Acre Filtered Showerhead

For each showerhead, we evaluated factors such as water flow, spray cover, and adjustability.Credit:Better Homes & Gardens