Best Overall
AquaHomeGroup 15 Stage Shower Filter
- People who want a comprehensive filtration system.
People who want a comprehensive filtration system.
- People who might want to return the product after using it.
People who might want to return the product after using it.
AquaHomeGroup's Luxury Filtered Showerhead Set is a comprehensive filtration unit that removes a variety of unwanted materials. In addition to a 15-stage filter system, the set also features a vitamin C and E cartridge.
The set includes a showerhead, five shower caps, Teflon tape, and two replaceable units—one 15-stage filter and a vitamin C and E cartridge. Once you install the showerhead, you'll want to let the water run for five to 10 minutes to remove any carbon dust that might have built up inside the filter.
The showerhead is ideal for homes with hard water or well water since it filters chlorine, heavy metals, rust, and sand. It's worth noting, however, that the showerhead can only be returned if it's unused or unopened, so you'll want to ensure the set is suited for your home.
Product Details: Type: Showerhead | Filtered Materials: Heavy metals, rust, sand, chlorine | Filter Lifespan: Six months | Filter Type: KDF 55, activated carbon | Certifications: Not listed
Key Terms to Know
WaterSense: If a product has a WaterSense label, that mean it's been certified to meet the EPA's standards for water efficiency and performance.
Best Budget
Crater Aqua Systems Shower Water Filter With Silver Layer
- People who want to significantly reduce chlorine levels in their water.
People who want to significantly reduce chlorine levels in their water.
- People who want a filter with a longer lifespan.
People who want a filter with a longer lifespan.
Showering in water with high levels of chlorine can lead to dry hair and itchy skin. If you want to significantly lower the level of chlorine in your shower water, the CraterAquaSystems 15 Stages Shower Water Filter claims to reduce 97 percent of chlorine, though it's worth noting the claim has not been independently verified.
The filter is compatible with all types of showerheads and is easy to install; all you have to do is twist it onto your shower fixture. From there, the filter uses activated carbon, KDF, calcium sulfite, and colloidal silver to reduce chlorine, heavy metals, and bacteria in your shower water.
Although many shower filters only need to be replaced every six months, keep in mind this pick might need to be replaced at least every three months, depending on your water quality and usage.
Product Details: Type: Inline | Filtered Materials: Chlorine, bacteria, heavy metals, lead, iron | Filter Lifespan: Three to six months | Filter Type: KDF 55, activated coconut carbon, colloidal silver, calcium sulfite | Certifications: Not listed
Best Splurge
Aroma Sense Vitamin C Shower Head
- People who want to incorporate aromatherapy and vitamin C into their shower.
People who want to incorporate aromatherapy and vitamin C into their shower.
- People sensitive to certain scents.
People sensitive to certain scents.
Aroma Sense's Opus Wall-Mounted Vitamin C Showerhead is more expensive than other options out there, but the design offers spa-like benefits that make it worth it. The showerhead features over 300 spray plate holes for optimized water pressure, and it also adds relaxing aromatherapy benefits to your shower.
The set includes a showerhead, two microfiber filters, and one vitamin C shower cartridge. While you shower, the system will dispense a dose of aroma oils that are meant to increase your sense of relaxation. Plus, vitamin C concentrate pairs with a microfiber filter which, according to Aroma Sense, will neutralize chlorine and trap dirt, rust, and other contaminants.
If you want a different showerhead style, the system is also offered in handheld and rainfall designs.
Product Details: Type: Showerhead | Filtered Materials: Chlorine, rust, dirt | Filter Lifespan: Two to three months | Filter Type: Vitamin C, microfiber | Certifications: Not listed
Best Inline
AquaBliss SF100 Revitalizing Shower Filter
- People who want a filter that's easy to install.
People who want a filter that's easy to install.
- People who want a showerhead-style fixture.
People who want a showerhead-style fixture.
The AquaBliss High Output Revitalizing Shower Filter is a top choice for reducing chemicals and neutralizing odors in water. It features a multi-stage filtration process that works to remove sediment and impurities.
The shower filter is an inline style that's easy to install. All you have to do is screw it into your existing fixture, no matter what style you have. From there, the unit has a multilevel system that uses an activated carbon filter to reduce levels of chlorine, pesticides, and dirt in your water.
Product Details: Type: Inline | Filtered Materials: Chlorine, pesticides, dirt | Filter Lifespan: Six months | Filter Type: Calcium sulfite, activated carbon | Certifications: Not listed
Best Showerhead
Jolie Skin Co The Filtered Showerhead
- This shower filter has a sleek design and is offered in multiple finishes.
This shower filter has a sleek design and is offered in multiple finishes.
- The filter lifespan is shorter than other picks.
The filter lifespan is shorter than other picks.
For a showerhead option that’s easy to install and has a nice design, consider the Filtered Showerhead by Jolie. The showerhead has a sleek look and is offered in five finishes, so you can pick the one that suits your bathroom best.
The filtration system is already inside of the showerhead so you won’t even see it, unlike some other options. It uses KDF-55 (a copper-zinc alloy) and calcium sulfite to remove chlorine, heavy metals, and other contaminants from shower water. The filter also features stainless steel mesh, which is designed to prevent the water flow from clogging.
Although this showerhead is more expensive than other filter picks, you can save on the unit by signing up for a subscription. With the subscription, you’ll receive a new filter every 90 days, but keep in mind that you’ll be charged a fee every three months.
In terms of setup, Jolie sends you everything you’ll need, including a wrench and plumber’s tape for a seamless setup. We also like that Jolie offers a 60-day trial with a full refund if the shower head doesn’t work for you, so you can try it out before you commit.
Product Details: Type: Showerhead | Filtered Materials: Chlorine, heavy metals, and other contaminants | Filter Lifespan: 90 days | Filter Type: KDF-55, calcium sulfite
Best Handheld
Aquasana Shower Filter with Handheld Wand
- If you decide to use a different showerhead, you can still use this filter.
If you decide to use a different showerhead, you can still use this filter.
- Replacement filters are costly.
Replacement filters are costly.
The Aquasana Shower Filter with Handheld Wand is the best shower filter if you’re looking for a handheld option. The unit is offered in two different finishes for the handheld style, but you can also opt for a standard showerhead or purchase just the filter as well.
This filter uses a system that combines KDF (copper-zinc) and coconut carbon. Together, they work to avoid bacteria and algae growth and significantly reduce chlorine in your water. The filters are designed to work for 10,000 gallons of water or up to six months, so you’ll have to replace this filter less often than other styles. Note that replacement cartridges are $60 per unit, which can be costly over time.
If you already have a showerhead that you prefer, you can still use this filter as long as the showerhead is up to 4.5 inches in diameter and the flow rate is 2.5 GPM (gallons per minute). One drawback for us with this option is the price of replacement filters; although they last six months, they are costly.
Product Details: Type: Inline | Filtered Materials: Chlorine | Filter Lifespan: Six months | Filter Type: KDF, coconut shell carbon
Best Water Efficient
Brondell VivaSpring Filtered Shower Head
- It saves money by conserving water and includes two filters.
It saves money by conserving water and includes two filters.
- It doesn’t offer flow adjustment.
It doesn’t offer flow adjustment.
The Brondell VivaSpring Filtered Shower Head is WaterSense certified, making it one of the best options for those seeking a water efficient shower filter. This pick is designed to reduce lead, chlorine, mercury, and copper, and will also help stop the growth of scale, algae, fungi, and bacteria in the shower head.
The shower filter features 60 silicone nozzles for maximum coverage. Additionally, it also comes with two filters, and the filters last six months each, making it a less costly option as well.
This option doesn’t offer flow adjustment, which makes it somewhat limiting in comparison to the features of other shower filters that made our list. However, we think the included filters and WaterSense certification make it one of the best shower filters to consider.
Type: Shower head | Filtered Materials: Lead, chlorine, mercury, and copper | Filter Lifespan: Six months | Filter Type: Not listed | Certifications: WaterSense
Best for Chlorine
Sante Ultimate Dual KDF Shower Filter
- The filter only needs to be changed once a year.
The filter only needs to be changed once a year.
- It’s more expensive than other styles.
It’s more expensive than other styles.
If eliminating harmful chlorine from your shower water is a priority, Sante’s Ultimate Dual KDF Shower Filter is a great option to consider. While other shower filters use 20 ounces of KDF (copper and zinc water filtration), Sante’s features more than 30 ounces of KDF55 and KDF85, making it a more intensive choice for overall chlorine reduction.
Featuring a dual sided setup, this shower filter is able to run the water through both sides of the filter without sacrificing any water pressure. In addition to reducing chlorine, it can also help reduce chloramine, fluoride, lead, iron, heavy metals, and bacteria.
It’s recommended that you change the filter on this pick only once per year, meaning that it has a lengthier filter life to offset the higher initial cost.
Type: Inline | Filtered Materials: Chlorine, chloramine, fluoride, lead, iron, heavy metals, copper, fluoride, and bacteria | Filter Lifespan: One year | Filter Type: KDF55 and KDF85 combined, SIR 900 | Certifications: None
Best for Well Water
Hotel Spa Fixed Rain Shower Head
- It has six settings, so you can set it however you see fit.
It has six settings, so you can set it however you see fit.
- It doesn’t come with a filter replacement.
It doesn’t come with a filter replacement.
Well water can often contain various materials, like heavy metals. To help filter them out, we recommend Hotel Spa’s Fixed Rain Shower Head.
Using a three stage shower filtration cartridge that utilizes KDF, calcium sulfite, and active carbon, this option is geared toward the removal of heavy metals, chlorine and chlorine vapors, minerals, and impurities.
We appreciate that this pick comes with six settings, so you can set it to your preferred preferences. Plus, it fits for wall mounted, rainfall, and handheld showers alike. Just note that it doesn’t come with a replacement filter cartridge, so you’ll need to be mindful when it’s time to replace it.
Type: Shower head | Filtered Materials: Chemicals, heavy metals, and minerals| Filter Lifespan: Not listed | Filter Type: KDF, calcium sulfite and active carbon | Certifications: Not listed