Showerhead Buying Guide

Our recently expanded testing primarily reflects shower coverage, shower force, water consumption, and ease of use. 

For shower coverage, we look at how uniform the spray pattern is for each showerhead.

To evaluate shower force, we use a force gauge underneath the shower and compare that measurement to an ideal, most comfortable value. A shower can be too weak or too strong: The farther away it is from the ideal force, the lower it scores. If the shower has a massage spray, we repeat the same process with that setting.

We measure the amount of water used by each showerhead on a per-minute basis. On each product page, we post both the claimed and actual water consumption. 

In addition to shower coverage, force, and water consumption, we assess how easy it is to switch spray settings for our ease of use score.

We also measure the drop in temperature from when water enters the showerhead to a container 18 inches away. None of the models showed drastic temperature drops, though models with lower scores in this test may require you to set your shower to a slightly warmer temperature.

Even the simplest and least expensive showerheads can provide a satisfying shower, but spending more money may get you more options. Here are the types of showerheads to consider.

Multisetting Models
Most of the multisetting models in our ratings have two to six settings. But some of these showerheads can have a dozen or more settings, such as mist, massage, pulsing, wide and narrow streams, and a water-saving trickle while you soap up. Some multisetting models offer a continuously variable setting, which allows smoother transitions from one setting to the next.

Single-Setting Models
These simple showerheads provide only one setting, as their name implies. Single-setting models tend to cost less than multisetting models.

Shower Towers
Shower towers have a fixed or handheld showerhead (or both) and several additional body jets, all mounted on a vertical strip. Initially, manufacturers of shower towers got around the federal 2.5-gpm standard by limiting each head or spray to 2.5 gpm. Thus, if the unit had four outlets, the unit could legally use as much as 10 gpm. But the Department of Energy later set a mandate that the water output of all heads and sprays together could not exceed 2.5 gpm. So while you’ll still see shower towers sold, you won’t see those models that let you turn on all heads or sprays at once. (CR doesn’t test shower towers.)

Handheld Showerheads
You can leave a handheld model in its holder or remove it to focus the spray on any part of your body. A rubber hose provides mobility.

Rain Shower Setting
With a gentler, wider spray pattern to reduce pressure, rain showers promise a soft, soothing flow, like raindrops falling on your head.

Finishes
Showerheads come in a variety of finishes, including bronze, polished brass, chrome, and brushed nickel. Choose a finish that matches the style of your bathroom and fits your budget.

Test Your Current Showerhead
If you‘re wondering whether a new showerhead can reduce your water consumption, here’s a quick way to measure your old model’s flow rate: Place a bucket marked in gallon increments under the showerhead, turn on the shower using your normal setting, and time how long it takes to fill the bucket to the 1-gallon mark. If it’s less than 24 seconds, you could save water with a newer showerhead that meets the federal flow standards.

Don’t Shop by Price Alone
If you think you have to spend top dollar to get a strong performer, think again. While our top-rated multisetting showerhead costs around $270, we found that some models perform almost as well and cost just a tenth of that price.

Try Out Showerheads in a Store
Some plumbing-supply showrooms have working showerhead displays. Run the stream across your hand to see how it feels. With a multisetting showerhead, check to see how easy it is to change the settings. For maximum flexibility, consider a handheld model that you can set in a wall bracket or remove to focus the spray. These are particularly useful options for showers used by elderly people or those with certain disabilities.

Replacing most showerheads is a simple do-it-yourself project. Unscrew the old head with an adjustable wrench and remove the old plumber’s tape from the threaded part of the shower arm. Then apply fresh plumber’s tape over the threads for a good seal, and screw the new showerhead tightly in place.

Note that low water pressure in your home might weaken the stream from any showerhead. A plumber can advise whether adjusting or replacing the pressure regulator would boost the flow.