6 Best Showerheads of 2026, Lab-Tested and Reviewed
We tested options from brands including Delta, Hansgrohe, and Jolie. These models provided a refreshing (and powerful) shower without wasting water.
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Showerheads are more efficient than they’ve ever been. In fact, many of the 22 single-setting and multisetting models we’ve tested use less water than the federal limit allows. Some even use less than what their manufacturers claim. And yet, the best still provide a powerful shower with full coverage.
- Best Showerheads: Multisetting Single-Setting
- How CR Tests Showerheads
Best Multisetting Showerheads
Multisetting showerheads typically offer two to six patterns, ranging from a concentrated stream to a rainfall-like spray. Most are controlled by a rotating dial on the showerhead itself, but a small number of high-end fixtures have a remote control.
Best Single-Setting Showerheads
You have just one shower mode with single-setting models—typically a wide crowd-pleasing spray emitted with decent pressure.
How CR Tests Showerheads
Our newly expanded testing primarily reflects shower coverage, shower force, water consumption, and ease of use.
For shower coverage, we assess 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 with 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 model page, we post both the claimed and actual water consumption for each showerhead we test.
Aside from 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 from the showerhead. That reflects how much the temperature might drop before it reaches a user. None of the models showed drastic temperature drops, but those with lower scores may require you to choose a hotter setting for your shower.
