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Nothing beats a great shower, and it often comes down to the quality of the fixtures you are using. I love my showers, and I am also very picky about what type of shower fall pattern, water intensity and overall experience I want. When I had an opportunity to test out some of the best showerheads on the market, I had a thorough wish list.
Turn your next shower into an experience with these top showerheads and discover what a thrill your me-time can be.
Sneak Peek at the Top 5
1. Best High-Pressure Rainfall Showerhead
4. Best Combination Hand-Held High-Pressure Showerhead
5. Top Showerhead With Pause Feature
1. Best High-Pressure Rainfall Showerhead
If you love a rejuvenating rainfall shower, the SparkPod Showerhead is for you. I love the clean and elegant design of this easy-install fixture, which comes in a range of finishes. The polished chrome one that I tried out had a nice weight to it, which assured me of the quality and durability — no cheap plastics here.
The rainfall head includes 90 powerful rubber water jets, which provide a sustained high-pressure shower, giving my skin a nice stimulating tingle. And as long as you have 40-80 pounds per square inch of water pressure, you will love the outflow, too.
It fits easily onto a standard shower arm, or you can purchase one more suited to your bathroom aesthetic. You also don’t need extra tools to fit it, as it simply screws onto the shower arm threads. It comes with additional Teflon tape and a water filter, which is great for removing hard water deposits and protecting the shower jets and your body, too.
What I liked:
- Easy fitment with no extra tools needed
- Reasonably priced
- Water saving, requiring 1.8 gallons outflow per minute
2. Best High-Pressure Hand-Held Showerhead
I love using a high-pressure hand-held showerhead, which gives me the versatility to have a salon-quality hair wash while also rinsing those hard-to-get-to places. The AquaCare High-Pressure 8-Mode Hand-Held Showerhead is a winner in my books.
It’s also an ideal product if you’re health-conscious as it’s fitted with a germ-shield anti-microbial layer, which ensures the unit doesn’t build up mold or other microbes that could harm your health. The anti-clog shower nozzles are another nice touch, as I loathe cleaning shower nozzles any more than is necessary.
Another stunning feature that made my heart sing is the shower cleaning jet, which is an additional setting that lets the hand shower shoot out a powerful jet of water from the tip. This is ideal to remove soap scum and other buildup for a cleaner shower each time. The extra hose length is another glorious feature as I love giving my German Shepherd a bath in the shower, and now I can reach her — no matter how much she plays — and ensure I get all the soap out.
The only change I’d make is to fit an additional shower head holder in the shower as I am “vertically challenged,” and returning the shower handle to the shower arm is a stretch for me.
What I liked:
- Germ-shield technology for extra hygiene
- Less maintenance
- Excellent pressure
3. Best Luxury Showerhead
While I would love to install a luxury shower like this in my home, the fitment isn’t beginner-friendly. However, a friend recently renovated and added the SR Sun Rise 12-inch Ceiling Mount Shower System to her new bathroom, and I was thrilled to try this luxury shower for myself.
The water levers are nicely positioned, and I love the ceiling-mounted rain head, while the pressure valve is a fantastic value add — no more scalding when your hubby decides to flush the toilet or run a tap in the other bathroom. The system gently equalizes pressure so you get a steady water temperature throughout.
The thin water jets are another winning feature, as they amplify the water pressure, even if you don’t have great pressure in your neighborhood — and this also means you save up to 30% on your shower’s water bill. I can’t wait until I get to renovate a bathroom so I can also fit this luxury showerhead in my home.
What I liked:
- The pressure valve controls water flow evenly
- Water saving
- Stylish, but requires professional installation
4. Best Combination Hand-Held High-Pressure Showerhead
I had a combination shower fixture in my first apartment, and while it had some real plus points, it also caused a few near-drown, scalding experiences, so I was somewhat reluctant to try another one. However, I am thrilled with this combination unit from INAVAMZ, which really seems to have ironed — or showered — out all the kinks these units often have.
The sleek finish and durable levers for adjustments are very appealing, and it was super easy to install the complete unit. With 21 combinations to choose from, I ended up showering several times each day just to give them all a fair try, and while you probably won’t use all of them, once you know your settings, it really makes a shower something to look forward to. The swivel shower hose is another neat feature, as I usually have to unkink the hose after hubby has showered — but no more.
What I liked:
- Sturdy fitment when returning the hand-held section to the main bracket
- Many combinations
- Swivel hose prevents leaking due to damage
5. Top Showerhead With Pause Feature
Ladies, this is the complaint we often have — having to somehow pause the water flow so we can shave legs and then rinse without having to find that ideal water temperature again. The Doilise High-Pressure Showerhead delivers functionality with a simple on-off switch on the handle.
The six settings are ideal, and I love the massage for my tired shoulders after a long day of work, while the rain and spa spray feature is excellent for rinsing shampoo and ensuring a soap-free result. I could also fit this unit without any tools, though I did give it a little extra twist with the pipe wrench — just wrap the securing nut with a square of damp paper towel to prevent scratching.
What I like:
- Decent pause feature for managing water flow
- Easy fitment with enough Teflon tape
- Good water pressure
6. Budget-Friendly Full-Feature Showerhead
I also considered fixtures that fit all budgets without compromising on quality or convenience, and the Fasdunt Showerhead with Hand-Held was definitely worth it. I loved how easy it was to fit and that I needed no tools. In fact, my dad’s a senior, and he could tighten the nut enough to ensure a tight seal.
Having installed the fixture in Dad’s bathroom, I asked him for feedback, and he couldn’t stop grinning after his first shower. The hose is long enough to comfortably reach everywhere, and even with Dad using a shower chair, he could still use it effectively. The pause button is durable enough and actually cuts off the water flow sufficiently to let you soap up and then rinse off without spraying water or wasting.
The jets produce a fantastic spray that’s just enough pressure to massage his arthritic back and joints without wasting or hurting him. It’s definitely a keeper for Dad.
What I like:
- Extra length hose and pause feature for convenience
- Ideal for those with mobility challenges
- Soothing water massage
7. Best Showerhead for Long Hair
I bet you didn’t think this could be a category for shower fixtures, but the Jomst Filtered Showerhead definitely ticks this box. It’s like a head massager and washer in one. The affordably priced unit features rubber bristles that massage your head while you rinse your hair, making it ideal for long or thick hair.
The hand-held weight is nice, and the inclusion of a filter unit in the handle ensures you won’t have issues with deposits on your scalp or body from hard water. It provides great water pressure while still saving 30% on your water bill in accordance with local codes that determine how much the flow rate maximum may be per hour.
While this unit didn’t make the top five on my list, it’s simply because I noted the nut securing it to the water inlet is a bit iffy. I still love the concept, and if you’re not rough on your shower equipment, it may last you long enough to repay its value.
What I like:
- Excellent for rinsing long hair
- Provides a salon-quality head massage
- Easy to install, though the securing nut is lower quality
8. Top Extension Hand-Held Combo Showerhead
I’ll be frank and admit that this Feelso Showerhead didn’t take my fancy at first. It’s not exactly visually appealing, and it ended up looking a bit like a UFO was hovering in the shower when my hubby finished fitting it. Both the main shower and the hand-held part are enormous compared to other products.
If your shower is a little on the small side, it’s going to feel like you’re on an episode of the X-files. However, I must admit that it produces a very satisfying water flow, and with the extension, you can have a ceiling-mounted option without needing to run pipes into your roof space. My husband is over six feet tall, so he was thrilled to enjoy a “normal” shower that didn’t include him stooping under the water flow. While the adjustment lever to move between hand-held and top fitting is a bit small for his hands, I managed fine.
I will caution against any frolicking in the shower as the extension arm is far from stable, but it’s durable enough to last if you look after it and don’t use it as a drying rack or hang towels on it — are you listening, Hubby?
What I like:
- Provides quality water flow
- Ideal for tall people
- Easy enough for two people to install — due to the extension length
9. Most Recommended Hand-Held Showerhead
The reason I chose to try this fixture is the unusual color range. I know it’s frivolous, but I had always dreamed of having ANY other color fittings than brass, silver or black in my bathroom one day, and the red caught my eye. The HOPOPro showerhead is also one of the most recommended bathroom fixtures in the U.S., so I knew I was getting quality.
With over 25,000 units sold, I eagerly installed my Ironman red showerhead and had my first shower. The design is sleek and easy to use. A simple lever activates the six different modes, and they all work well, so this option definitely meets even the pickiest needs — I did love it.
However, when your water pressure is low, the unit starts to slack in the massage and bubble modes. You may need to improvise and remove the mesh o-ring so you can increase water flow, though this can lead to larger particles in the water clogging up the jets.
What I like:
- Highly recommended with positive online reviews
- Vibrant color finish range
- Effective water spray and core features
10. Top Personal Grooming Hand-Held Showerhead
If only you use your shower, then this filtered hand-held fixture from Fitespot is ideal for a little TLC. The unit is surprisingly sturdy and has a comprehensive, inbuilt 18-stage filtration unit. The flow rate adjustment is an elegant button on the side of the casing, which gives you three essential spray modes. The flow rate is also wonderfully strong, so I enjoyed powering through some tired muscles and then using the silicone back for a light head massage.
The hygiene-conscious side of me was thrilled with the washable spray plate that easily removes from the head, giving me the opportunity to clean it weekly. I also appreciate that the replacement filters are affordable enough, as a double pack costs about half of the showerhead’s regular price.
What I like:
- Excellent filtration
- Easy to clean the spray nozzle plate
- Outstanding pressure
What to Consider When Buying a Showerhead
With so many showerheads available online and in-store, it can be overwhelming to know what to consider. Make a list of your requirements before you start clicking. If you want to rinse your hair or shave in the shower, a hand-held feature is ideal. When you live in areas with hard water, you’ll do yourself and your fixtures a favor with a water filter attachment to prevent trace mineral deposits from blocking up everything.
For short people like me, an additional mounting bracket is a must-have.
Consider the tallest person’s height needs, too. Squatting or stooping over each time you shower isn’t fun. Ensure you take care when installing your showerhead. Like my Daddy always said:
- Take your time
- Don’t cross your threads
- Scrub away dirty threads while you can and before applying new Teflon tape
- Gently thread the first few turns and then tighten the nuts, but don’t take out your frustrations
- And finally, if it leaks, add more plumber’s tape before you just keep twisting it
Enjoy Your Shower
Ah, the feeling of a soothing massage with one of these top showerheads is sure to give you a glorious end to the day or wake you up for a fresh start in the morning. Have you found a favorite luxury or hand-held showerhead yet? Please let us know in the socials.
About The Author
Evelyn is the founder and editor-in-chief of Renovated with over 5 years of experience immersed in researching and writing on interior design, construction, and renovation. She is a passionate advocate for improving mental health and safety in the construction industry. When she's not writing, you can find her reading at coffee shops in Lancaster.
Her insights have resonated far beyond Renovated, gracing publications like the National Association of Realtors, Construction Executive, Fieldwire, DecorMatters, and Renewable Energy Magazine.
For more sharp takes on design, construction, and everything in between, you can follow Evelyn on Twitter at @renovatedmag.
