Showerheads

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Showerheads

What's behind our showerhead Ratings?

Experts at our National Testing and Research Center tested 18 models in showerheads to see which ones perform best.

We look for:

Overall score
Overall score is based mostly on shower feel; other scores shown are also figured in.
Shower feel
Shower feel reflects testers' judgments of force, coverage, and droplet size.
Hot-water temperature
Hot-water temp. indicates how much water cooled between leaving showerhead and hitting user's back.
Ease of settings
Ease of settings indicates how easy it was to change spray patterns.
Number of settings
Number is for flow patterns. Cont. indicates continuously variable.

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Recommended showerheads

Recommended showerheads are standout choices with high scores. They include CR Best Buys, which offer exceptional value. When narrowing your choices, weigh features, price, and attributes that matter to you.

Recommended showerheads

Showerhead buying guide

To find the showerhead that is right for you, read our expert advice on which features to consider and how to find the best value.

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Why shop here?

In addition to finding Ratings for the latest models, you can now shop online using an ad-free interface where you can buy showerheads in a safe-shopping environment.

Learn more about our Price & Shop program

Fixed-head showerheads are locked in place; you can leave a handheld showerhead in its holder or remove it to focus the spray. Rain showers provide a soft, soothing flow and a stylish look. If you're looking for information about showerheads, Consumer Reports is your best resource. Consumer Reports’ showerhead reviews will give you honest buying advice that you can trust. Use our showerhead buying guide to discover which features are most important to consider. We also provide unbiased Ratings and showehead reviews to help you choose the best showerhead for your needs.

Ratings & recommended showerheads

Showerheads (18)

The best of these fixed-head models offer strong flows at consistent temperatures and, if so equipped, easy switching among settings.

Showerhead buying guide

Tired of a shower that produces a weak sprinkle instead of an invigorating stream? Get a new showerhead. The best models we tested provide a strong flow and steady temperature, and some have adjustable settings for spray patterns ranging from a gentle mist to a forceful massage.

The Environmental Protection Agency estimates that showers account for more than 1.2 trillion gallons each year--about one-sixth of all the water used in U.S. residences for bathing. Before 1994, showerheads typically had a flow rate of 5 1/2 gallons per minute. Since then, the EPA has limited showerheads to 2 1/2 gpm to conserve not only water, but fuel for the water heater. Models carrying a "water saving" designation have even lower flow rates.

The good news is that the best showerheads we tested provided a pleasing flow while meeting the federal flow-rate standard. But the EPA is proposing voluntary WaterSense standards calling for even lower flow rates. The challenge for manufacturers will be to meet that new standard without affecting the feel of the shower, since an anemic flow can result in longer showers and even greater water use.

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