Best Overall
DreamSpa Ultra-Luxury Rainfall Shower Head/Handheld Combo
- This pick is easy to adjust based on your preferences.
This pick is easy to adjust based on your preferences.
- Installation required some force to attach the handheld suction to the well.
Installation required some force to attach the handheld suction to the well.
There are many excellent rain shower heads on this list, but the Dream Spa Ultra-Luxury Rainfall Shower Head/Handheld Combo stands out from the pack with its high-end appearance and multiple customization options.
This shower head includes both a handheld and rainfall shower head, as well as a few different flow settings. On the handheld, you can choose from high-power rain, aeration massage, or waterfall.
The shower head itself can be rotated up and down or side to side, making it easy to find the perfect angle. We liked that the settings can be easily controlled with the push of a button. The large 9-inch face delivers a steady, dense stream of water that covers your entire body, and we didn’t experience any leaks whatsoever during testing.
When installing the shower head, we appreciated that you can adjust the handheld holder (it simply suctions to the wall) at whichever height is most convenient for those in your household.
This shower head was tested in a home with young children, and being able to place it at a lower height meant that they could remove and use it themselves. The handheld shower head is also very lightweight and has a generous hose.
Setup was easy, and we found the instructions to be very clear. Though installation can be done without tools, we did have a little trouble attaching the handheld suction cup to the wall — you have to use a bit of force to push it into a locked position to the wall — but we didn’t break it by applying this extra pressure. And aside from that, no tools were needed and it took just a few minutes to install.
Product Details: Flow Rate: 2.5 GPM | Number of Spray Patterns: Three | Certifications: None
Key Terms to Know
- Gallons Per Minute: Gallons per minute (GPM) is the measurement used for a shower head's flow rate. Shower heads should not have a GPM higher than 2.5.
- WaterSense: The WaterSense label means the shower head's flow rate is no higher than 2.0 GPM, making it a more water-efficient option than some other styles.
- BETTER HOMES and GARDENS / CATHY FALLONE
BETTER HOMES and GARDENS / CATHY FALLONE
Best Budget
SparkPod Shower Head
- Ease of Setup5/5
- Features4.6/5
- Performance5/5
- Settings4/5
- Durability5/5
- The water flow is excellent and the installation process was a breeze.
The water flow is excellent and the installation process was a breeze.
- The wall mount is shorter and a little less luxurious-looking compared to other styles.
The wall mount is shorter and a little less luxurious-looking compared to other styles.
If you have an older or more basic shower head and want a quick and easy upgrade that won’t set you back hundreds of dollars, this SparkPod Shower Head is a great option to consider.
It may not be the most high-end rainfall shower head on our list, but this affordable fixture still manages to deliver a luxury experience. During testing, we appreciated the water flow that covered a wide area and felt more luxurious than the shower head we were using previously.
Sometimes budget-friendly fixtures come with a more complicated setup, but we found the SparkPod’s installation to be very easy and less time-consuming than we had expected and didn’t require any additional tools.
We credit the QR code, which you can scan for a quick installation tutorial, as particularly helpful. Plus, the installation kit includes Teflon tape as well as a 2.5-gallon restrictor that you can switch out if you want more water pressure.
There’s only one spray pattern on the SparkPod shower head, so it’s not ideal if customization is important to you. You can adjust the shower head and point it up and down, so you’ll be able to set it for your height.
Overall, we found the water flow to be steady, covering a wide area of the shower for full-body coverage, with no gaps in the water stream. We liked it better than the shower head we were using previously, which had multiple settings.
This rain shower head was easy to clean and we appreciated the rust-proof rubber nozzles and the fact that it feels solid and well-built. Though it’s made from plastic, we felt like it could pass for real stainless steel. After two weeks there were some small water spots, but they weren’t very noticeable and there was no build-up.
The SharkPod is available in 24 different finishes, making it easy to match the shower head to other fixtures in your bathroom. We chose vintage oil-rubbed bronze and liked that it matched our bathroom faucets.
While testing, we noted a few downsides to keep in mind. This rainfall shower head does not flow directly down, so keep that in mind if that’s the experience you’re after. It also doesn’t have any additional certifications, such as being WaterSense-certified.
How It Performed After Three Months
The look of the shower head and its performance did not change after three months of testing. We also didn't notice any water spots on the dark bronze color we tested. Though there is a small filter on this pick, there were no noticeable changes to our skin or hair.
We thought this shower head was an improvement in comparison to the one we had been using previously. The water pressure was always consistent, and we appreciated the wider range that the water covers with this pick. Plus, the nozzles didn't clog at all during the testing period.
Product Details: Flow Rate: 1.8 Gpm | Number of Spray Patterns: One | Certifications: None
- BETTER HOMES and GARDENS / EMMA TOLLEFSON
BETTER HOMES and GARDENS / EMMA TOLLEFSON
Best Splurge
Grohe SmartConnect Multi-Function Adjustable Shower Head
- Ease of Setup4.5/5
- Features4/5
- Performance5/5
- Settings4.5/5
- Durability3/5
- The wall-mounted remote makes it easy to switch between settings.
The wall-mounted remote makes it easy to switch between settings.
- Ease of installation and water pressure will depend on your home’s plumbing.
Ease of installation and water pressure will depend on your home’s plumbing.
With several personalization options and a sleek wall-mounted remote control, the Grohe Rainshower SmartConnect Multi Function Adjustable Shower Head delivers a truly spa-like shower experience that feels modern and high-tech. If you want to invest in a high-quality pick, consider splurging on this shower head.
We found the wireless remote control to be particularly handy during testing. To change up the flow, all we had to do was push one of the three buttons on the remote. Since each setting was identified by a picture of the type of water stream it would produce, using it was very simple.
The Grohe has three different flow settings: ActiveRain (a harder massage flow), Grohe PureRain Spray (light rainfall), and Combination Spray, which uses both. We felt that this was the ideal number of settings for this shower head, and found the PureRain Spray setting in particular very relaxing to use.
During testing, this shower head produced solid water pressure. Just keep in mind that the home we tested this in also has high water pressure, so it was consistent with other showers in the house. If your home has lower water pressure, you may have a different experience.
Installation was relatively easy thanks to clear instructions. Because we did not have a rain shower ceiling, we installed a 12-inch shower arm extension to mount the shower head from the wall. Once that was set up, the installation was easy as it just required Teflon tape around the thread before we screwed the shower head in place.
In addition to the Teflon tape, we needed an adjustable wrench to tighten the head onto the extension arm. Syncing the remote and the shower head was slightly tricky, but we were able to work it out.
With a diameter of more than 12 inches and a depth of more than 2 inches, this is a very large and substantial-looking shower head. The StarLight chrome finish and contemporary design deliver a stylish aesthetic, too.
During the two-week testing period, we didn’t notice anything that might suggest the Grohe rain shower head wouldn’t hold up over time. There are rubber nozzle tips, a good indicator of durability, and no leaking was observed.
Product Details: Flow Rate: 1.75 Gpm | Number of Spray Patterns: Two | Certifications: CSA
Best With Handheld
Bright Showers Dual Shower Head Combo Set
- It’s less expensive than other styles and features multiple settings.
It’s less expensive than other styles and features multiple settings.
- It’s not as design-friendly as some other picks.
It’s not as design-friendly as some other picks.
The Bright Showers Dual Shower Head Combo Set delivers a pleasant overhead rain flow and also comes with a handheld spray, so it’s ideal if you’re looking for a versatile option. There are even four distinct flow settings to choose from as well, meaning you can set your shower however you see fit.
Although the shower head may not be as design-forward as some other picks, it’s a less expensive option that still offers the spa-like feeling at home. The handheld portion features a 1.5-foot flexible hose, making it easy to use. It’s also offered in three finishes and is fairly easy to install thanks to three hand-tighten connections.
Product Details: Flow Rate: 1.8 GPM | Number of Spray Patterns: Four | Certifications: California Code of Regulations, UPC Certified, Vermont Act 193 Compliant
Best Ceiling
Delta Faucet Raincan Single Setting Showerhead
- It’s WaterSense-certified, which means it uses less water.
It’s WaterSense-certified, which means it uses less water.
- There’s only one spray setting.
There’s only one spray setting.
There’s a lot to love about the Delta Raincan Single Setting Showerhead. For one, this rain shower head has a truly gorgeous appearance. With its crisp lines and stylish finishes, it looks high-quality and instantly upgrades a bathroom. Plus, depending on your preferences, it can be either ceiling- or wall-mounted.
But looks aside, you can also feel good about your showers with this fixture in your home. It’s part of Delta’s WaterSense-certified collection, which means it uses less water than the industry standard. Not only is this better for the environment, but it saves you money, too.
Since the spray holes are made of soft rubber, you can just wipe them to remove any mineral residue. Installation is relatively uncomplicated and tool-free as well, but in addition to this pricey shower head, you do need to purchase the recommended shower arm and flange separately. Plus, there’s also only one spray pattern setting, so you won’t be able to customize the water flow like you can in some other shower heads we’ve reviewed here.
Product Details: Flow rate: 1.75 GPM | Number of Spray Patterns: One |Certifications: WaterSense
Best Oversized
Derpras Square Rain Shower Head
- This is an extra-large ceiling rain shower head that delivers a luxe appearance.
This is an extra-large ceiling rain shower head that delivers a luxe appearance.
- There’s just one spray setting.
There’s just one spray setting.
Most rain shower heads are somewhere between 10 and 12 inches wide but this Derpras model is 16 inches wide, making it one to consider if you’re looking for a larger option.
The Depras Square Rain Shower Head is the best option for those with a larger shower looking for a bigger fixture to match, or anyone who wants to make their existing shower feel a little more spa-like. Though there’s only one spray setting, there are more than 300 soft silicon nozzles on this shower head, which help give it a lovely rainfall-like effect. It’s also offered in two finishes, so you can choose which works best for your bathroom.
Despite its larger size, the shower head is relatively easy to install and can be either mounted on a wall or the ceiling with a ceiling-mounted shower arm. Keep in mind that the company recommends using a brass shower arm since the shower head weighs more than 6 pounds.
Product Details: Flow Rate: 2 GPM | Number of Spray Patterns: One | Certifications: Not listed
Best Settings
Grohe Euphoria 260 Shower Head
- It has three easy-to-adjust settings and a classic design.
It has three easy-to-adjust settings and a classic design.
- The fitting material is made of plastic, as opposed to other options that are made of metal.
The fitting material is made of plastic, as opposed to other options that are made of metal.
If you appreciate the ability to switch between different water flows, you’ll love the Grohe Euphoria 260 Shower Head. The Euphoria has three spray patterns that allow you to personalize your shower experience.
The three spray options include a powerful, forceful jet option, SmartRain, and rain, which you can easily switch between by twisting the center circle on the shower head. The main difference between the two rain settings is that the latter uses all the nozzles, resulting in a wide spray for full body coverage.
This is a basic-looking rain shower head with a classic design that looks nice in a variety of bathroom styles. It’s 10 inches wide, on the bigger side, and available in three finishes: brushed nickel infinity, black matte, and Starlight chrome.
Unlike some other metal styles, this pick is made of plastic so it depends on your preferences. You should also be mindful at checkout to select the correct GPM for your state: The higher 2.5 GPM can’t be shipped to states with lower GPM maximums, such as California.
Product Details: Flow Rate: 1.75 or 2.5 GPM | Number of Spray Patterns: Three | Certifications: None
Easiest to Install
Moen Velocity Two-Function Spray Head Rainshower
- You can adjust the spray on this sleek rain shower head with the flip of a lever.
You can adjust the spray on this sleek rain shower head with the flip of a lever.
- We experienced a slight drip from the shower head at certain settings and angles.
We experienced a slight drip from the shower head at certain settings and angles.
While many rain shower heads can be installed without a plumber, the Moen Velocity Rain Shower Head S6320 is especially easy. Setup was simple, and it took just a few minutes to remove our old shower head and screw this one on. It didn’t come with instructions, but we found that you didn’t actually need any.
In addition to being easy to install, this rain shower head was a breeze to use. It can be angled about 15 degrees, and there’s a lever that lets you quickly switch the flow from a soft rainfall to a slightly firmer spray — a good option for anyone who prefers stronger pressure to rinse off.
We found the water delivery to be nice and consistent across the nozzles, though keep in mind that it does take a few seconds to flow equally after you turn the shower on or switch spray patterns.
With its high-quality finishes (brushed nickel, brushed gold, chrome, or oil-rubbed bronze) and sleek design, this Moen shower head also looks beautiful in any space. It’s surprisingly light, but still feels sturdy and well-constructed. The rubber nozzles are thick, easy to clean, and also look high-quality.
The only downside we experienced during testing was a slight drip when you turn the shower head from low to high pressure at an angle. However, we didn’t notice any leaks from the shower head itself, and the drip doesn’t seem to affect the water pressure.
Product Details: Flow Rate: 2.5 GPM | Number of Spray Patterns: Two | Certifications: None
- BETTER HOMES and GARDENS / NICK MEDHURST
BETTER HOMES and GARDENS / NICK MEDHURST
Best Design
Kohler Awaken Rain Showerhead
- This easy-to-install rain shower head has a sleek, stylish appearance and delivers a pleasant flow of water.
This easy-to-install rain shower head has a sleek, stylish appearance and delivers a pleasant flow of water.
- Its features are more basic and you don’t have the option to adjust the flow rate.
Its features are more basic and you don’t have the option to adjust the flow rate.
For an instant style upgrade to your bathroom, the Kohler 76465-G-BN Awaken Rain Shower Head delivers. Thanks to its pleasing round design and five possible finishes (including polished chrome, matte black and oil-rubbed bronze), your shower will resemble a spa once it’s installed.
Some rain shower heads have a metallic-looking color but are actually made of plastic, but this one both looks and feels high-quality. Installation was easy, too, taking just about 15 minutes, and we didn’t experience any leaks during testing.
As far as rain shower heads go, the features here are more basic: There’s one spray pattern, so the flow can’t be adjusted, and there’s a limited swivel. However, we were impressed by the flow, which is strong enough to easily rinse out shampoo. We tested the 10-inch model, and also found that the water delivered a concentrated flow that completely envelops you while you stand under it.
This pick is on the higher end in terms of price, and some shoppers may prefer to spend their money on a shower head with additional features. But given its sleek appearance, quality materials, and decent water flow, this rain shower head still feels like it represents good value. And because it seems so well-made, it will likely be a solid investment that will last many years before you need to replace it.
Product Details: Flow Rate: 1.75 GPM | Number of Spray Patterns: One | Certifications: California Code of Regulations
- BETTER HOMES and GARDENS / MORGAN ASHLEY PARKER
BETTER HOMES and GARDENS / MORGAN ASHLEY PARKER