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Before you know what the best handheld showerhead is for you, it’s important to know your needs, making sure that it has all the features necessary to give you an incredible shower experience.
Everything from the design, water pressure, flow rate, and hose length will determine which one is right for you. In this article, I'll give you all the information you need to make an informed decision when it comes to choosing your handheld shower head.
Through thorough review and analysis, the Delta Faucet 7-Spray Touch-Clean Showerhead emerges as a top contender for its outstanding quality and performance.
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Handheld Shower Head Comparison Table
Preview | Product | Flow Rate | Shower Head Type | head size | Check Price |
---|---|---|---|---|---|
Delta Faucet 7-Spray Touch-Clean | 2.5 GPM | Plastic | 3.38in Face | ||
Hydroluxe Handheld Rain Combo | 2.5 GPM | Plastic And Stainless Steel | 4in Face | ||
AquaDance Antimicrobial/Anti-Clog | 2.5 GPM | Plastic | 4-In & 7-In Face | ||
YOO.MEE High Pressure | 2.5 GPM | Plastic | 3.3in Face | ||
ShowerMaxx Luxury 6-Spray | 2.5 GPM | Plastic | 4in Face | ||
AquaDance Slide Bar | 2.5 GPM | Plastic | 4-In And 7-In Faces | ||
Ana Bath Anti-Clog | 2.5 GPM | Plastic | 5-In Faces | ||
HotelSpa Ultra-Luxury 3 Way Rainfall | 2.5 GPM | Plastic | 6-In & 4-In Face | ||
Aqua Elegante Detachable | 2.5 GPM | Plastic | 3in | ||
Niagara Conservation | 2.0 GPM | Plastic | 3in | ||
Moen Magnetix Six-Function | 1.75 GPM | Plastic | 3.5in | ||
Vive Handheld Shower Head | 2.5 GPM | Plastic | 4in | ||
G-Promise Luxury Filtered | 2.0 GPM | Metal | 4.5in |
13 Best Handheld Shower Heads Reviewed
1. Delta Faucet Touch-Clean
Product Specifications
Flow Rate | 2.5 GPM |
Hose Length | 6ft |
Shower Head Size | 3.38in face |
Material | Plastic |
Finish | Polished Chrome |
Warranty | Limited lifetime |
The Delta Faucet 7-spray is the best handheld showerhead available right now because of the awesome versatility and functionality that it provides.
With it's seven different spray options, stretchable 6ft, tangle-free hose, and polished chrome finish this handheld showerhead has all the bells and whistles that you could want from a showerhead.
It’s seven spray options allow you to easily change the water flow between full body spray, full body with massage spray, massage spray, shampoo rinsing spray, drenching spray, drenching with massage spray, and pause. That makes this shower head very versatile.
It’s also the best handheld showerhead with a pause feature which allows you to easily minimize the water flow when needed to conserve water.
Plus, it’s easy to install yourself and it comes with a limited lifetime warranty guarantee, so you know it's a showerhead that’s high quality and built to be durable.
According to Consumer Research, “the anti-slip handle and easy-turn dial earn particular praise.” It has an ergonomic handle that makes it easy to hold and the massage spray functions will help you relax muscle tension.
Pros
Cons
2. Hydroluxe Rain Combo
Product Specifications
Flow Rate | 2.5 GPM |
Hose Length | 5ft |
Shower Head Size | 4in face |
Material | Plastic and stainless steel |
Finish | Chrome |
Warranty | 10-year |
The Hydroluxe handheld shower head is another great product because of the rain shower option. It has two shower heads, one that is removable and can be handheld and one that is stationary.
Each showerhead has five different spray patterns to choose from, including wide rain, eco rain, power massage, stay warm mist and pause mode.
This is the perfect shower if you want the best of all worlds because it has a rain feature, handheld feature, and dual shower heads.
Voted “best combination shower head” by Business Insider, it comes with a 5ft, stainless steel hose that allows for maximum flexibility. It’s also one of the best 2.5 GPM handheld showerheads that provide great water pressure.
Not only that, but it’s designed to be installed without any tools so you can easily set it up yourself. Its unique patented 3-way Water Diverter with Anti-Swivel Lock Nut allows you to use either shower head independently or both at the same time.
Pros
Cons
3. AquaDance Antimicrobial/Anti-Clog
Product Specifications
Flow Rate | 2.5 |
Hose Length | 5ft |
Shower Head Size | 4-in & 7-in face |
Material | Plastic |
Finish | Chrome |
Warranty | Lifetime |
This shower head combo from AquaDance features special Microban antimicrobial technology to inhibit the growth of mold, mildew, and bacteria in your shower head. This unique feature means you’ll be getting a cleaner shower experience.
It also has two shower head options that both have 6 spray settings: power rain, pulsating massage, gentle mist, rain/massage combo, rain/mist combo, and water-saving pause.
The handheld head has a nice 4-inch face, but what's great about this model is that the rain shower head has a large, 7-inch face. It also comes with everything you need for installation making it one of the best antimicrobial, easy to install shower heads.
Both of the showerheads have an advanced 3-zone Lever Dial Design allowing you to get optimal water pressure from each one.
Plus, according to Tom Drexler Plumbing, handheld showerheads are "easier to install than the other types of shower systems.”
Overall, this is a great handheld dual shower head combo that gives you maximum versatility and increased bacteria-fighting power. It’s specifically designed to be clog-free and to allow you to easily rub the nozzles clean of any build up. And it comes with a lifetime warranty to give you peace of mind that you’re buying a great product
Pros
Cons
4. YOO.MEE High Pressure
Product Specifications
Flow Rate | 2.5 GPM |
Hose Length | 6.5ft |
Shower Head Size | 3.3in face |
Material | Plastic |
Finish | Chrome |
Warranty | 1 year |
This YOO.MEE shower head is one of the best high-pressure handheld shower heads you could buy. It features an upgraded 2XP turbocharging shower head that has three different spray options, powerful spray, massage, and powerful/massage combo.
If you have low water pressure, this shower head will help boost it to give you a powerful, relaxing shower experience.
It also comes with a 6.5-foot stainless steel hose, which is longer than a lot of other models, to give you maximum flexibility. This high-pressure handheld showerhead features silicone jet nozzles to prevent build up and clogging, as well as durable engineering and design.
Bustle said, “This handheld showerhead brings back that sweet feeling of relaxation with upgraded 2XP turbocharging that delivers super strong spray action."
With a 2.5 GPM flow rate and its ability to increase the water pressure of your shower, this is a great handheld showerhead.
Pros
Cons
5. ShowerMaxx luxury
Product Specifications
Flow Rate | 2.5 GPM |
Hose Length | 70in-80in |
Shower Head Size | 4in face |
Material | Plastic |
Finish | Brushed Nickel |
Warranty | Lifetime |
If you're looking for a luxurious home-spa feel, this shower head is a great buy. It features six spray options from high pressure to power massage, to shampoo spray, high pressure/power massage combo, high pressure/shampoo spray combo, to water saver.
Its high-pressure silicon jet nozzles are designed to be anti-clogging, self-cleaning and BPA-free. It's also a great low flow handheld shower head for when you want to conserve water.
It’s one of the best shower heads with a hose, because of its stainless-steel hose which is 70 inches long but can be stretched to 80 inches, giving you a large range of motion.
The ShowerMaxx shower head has a filter designed to keep the water flow clean, sediment-free and smooth. It’s designed with high-quality, heat resistant plastic that is durable and long lasting.
Business Insider commented on its “premium quality construction and design of this showerhead, especially considering the reasonable price point.”
All of its great features, luxurious feel, and high water pressure make this the best handheld shower head for low water pressure and a home-spa experience.
Pros
Cons
6. AquaDance Slide Bar
Product Specifications
Flow Rate | 2.5 GPM |
Hose Length | 5ft |
Shower Head Size | 4-in and 7-in faces |
Material | Plastic |
Finish | Chrome |
Warranty | Lifetime |
If you want a great dual shower head experience, this AquaDance model is a fantastic option. This is the best handheld showerhead with a slide bar that allows you to easily adjust the height of the handheld showerhead.
This is a nice feature if you want to be able to use the handheld showerhead without your hands but also adjust the placement of it on the wall. Also, the stationary rainfall shower head is wider than average with its 7-inch face.
This is the best dual shower head with handheld combo because of the six different spray settings which include power rain, pulsating massage, hydrating mist, rain/mist, rain/massage, and water-saving pause mode.
The rainfall showerhead is angle-adjustable and both heads feature click lever dial, rub-clean jets to prevent lime build up and make for easy cleaning.
Family Living Today says, "this handheld shower head is a solid choice for those looking for a handheld showerhead option on a budget.” Overall this is one of the best shower head handheld combos.
Pros
Cons
7. Ana Bath Anti-Clog
Product Specifications
Flow Rate | 2.5 GPM |
Hose Length | 5ft |
Shower Head Size | 5-in faces |
Material | Plastic |
Finish | Brushed nickel |
Warranty | 3-year |
Ready to take your shower experience to a new level? This dual shower head from Ana Bath features two large, 5-inch shower heads with five different spray options, including saturating spray, massage spray, bubble spray, saturating massage spray, and saturating bubble spray making it the best handheld showerhead for massage.
Additonally, each shower head has brass ball joints for increased durability.
With this brushed nickel handheld showerhead, you'll be able to relax and enjoy great water pressure, ergonomic handle, and the versatility of the 3-way diverter nob which allows you to use each head separately or both simultaneously. The brushed nickel finish and the stainless steel 5-ft hose both look sleek and stylish.
Pros
Cons
8. HotelSpa Ultra-Luxury
Product Specifications
Flow Rate | 2.5 |
Hose Length | 5-7ft |
Shower Head Size | 6-in & 4-in face |
Material | Plastic |
Finish | Chrome |
Warranty | Lifetime |
This is another great option for your at-home-spa experience. The HotelSpa 3-way shower head features a stationary 6-inch shower head plus a 4-inch handheld showerhead, giving you three different shower options.
This is the best handheld showerhead with an on-off switch to allow you to stop the water coming out of the handheld unit while using it.
This not only helps you conserve water but also gives you more convenience when showering. Each shower head has six spray options: Drenching Rainfall, Power Rain, Pulsating Massage, Stay-Warm Mist, Economy Rain, Pause, and Rain/Mist.
The large stationary rainfall showerhead will give you that feeling of standing out in the rain while also providing great water pressure and massage options.
The 5-7 foot stretchable stainless steel hose makes the handheld showerhead easy to use and can reach all over your shower. This handheld showerhead has a shutoff valve that allows you to stop water flow on command.
Pros
Cons
9. Aqua Elegante Detachable
Product Specifications
Flow Rate | 2.5 |
Hose Length | N/A |
Shower Head Size | 3in |
Material | Plastic |
Finish | Chrome |
Warranty | 5-year |
If you need a quality, handheld showerhead this is a great choice to replace your old, stationary shower head. This is the best high flow handheld showerhead because of it's easy to remove flow restrictor and silicone jet nozzles. The nozzles also help reduce build-up and makes keeping the shower head clean a breeze.
The chrome ABS plastic body and brass fittings make it very durable. That combined with a 5-year guarantee helps you know that you’re getting a great shower head experience.
According to Ace Plumbing, “one feature we particularly like is that the Aqua Elegante shower head cleans itself.” So, keeping this shower head clean will be no problem.
Pros
Cons
10. Niagara Conservation
Product Specifications
Flow Rate | 2.0 GPM |
Hose Length | 6ft |
Shower Head Size | 3in |
Material | Plastic |
Finish | Chrome |
Warranty | 10-year |
If you’re looking to save water, this is a great handheld shower head option. It has an internal pressure compensator to ensure consistent water flow no matter what the water pressure is. It also has nine adjustable jet massage nozzles to allow you to change the flow from gentle needle spray to forceful jet spray.
With it’s 2.0 GPM flow rate, it doesn’t have as much water pressure as other shower heads, but it’s highly efficient and effective at helping you save water.
According to Consumer Reports, shower heads with lower GPM can still be “refreshing and stimulating, despite its modest 2-GPM flow rate.”
Which means it's the best water saving handheld showerhead available. The plastic and chrome design are modern and elegant to give your shower a nice, upgraded feel.
Pros
Cons
11. Moen Magnetix
Product Specifications
Flow Rate | 1.75 |
Hose Length | 4ft |
Shower Head Size | 3.5in |
Material | Plastic |
Finish | Chrome |
Warranty | Lifetime |
This showerhead from Moen features a magnetic docking system allowing you to easily attach and reattach the magnetic handheld showerhead.
This feature is really unique and definitely adds to the versatility and functionality of this showerhead, and you don’t have to worry about fumbling to get it back on the hook while you’re hands are all slippery and wet.
In addtion, it has six different spray settings that adhere to the WaterSense program by the EPA, which improves water efficiency.
This easy to use and versatile showerhead is also ADA compliant, so it's great for those with disabilities. This shower head will definitely make your shower experience easier and more enjoyable.
Pros
Cons
12. Vive Handheld
Product Specifications
Flow Rate | 2.5GPM |
Hose Length | 6.5ft |
Shower Head Size | 4in |
Material | Plastic |
Finish | Chrome |
Warranty | Lifetime |
This is a great handheld showerhead with an extra long hose made by the company Vive. It offers a 6.5 foot, flexible shower hose to help you easily wash off every inch of your body, from head to toe.
This versatile shower head also has six different spray features including saturating spray, massaging spray, bubble spray, and two combination sprays: saturating and massaging and saturating and bubble, along with a convenient pause setting.
This easy to install shower head is four inches wide and comes with brass hand nuts for easy tightening. It fits any standard shower fixture so it can go into any bathroom.
Savant Magazine says the Vive Handheld Shower is “Flexible, durable, and equipped with an extra-long hose, this shower head makes showering very easy by most standards, even when you have to work with reduced water pressure.”
This Vive showerhead has an on/off switch to easily stop and restart water flow to the handheld showerhead. All of these features make it very convenient and adaptable.
Pros
Cons
13. G-Promise Luxury
Product Specifications
Flow Rate | 2.0GPM |
Hose Length | 5-6ft |
Shower Head Size | 4.5in |
Material | Metal |
Finish | Chrome |
Warranty | 10-year |
If you're looking for the best handheld showerhead with filter, this one from G-Promise is a great option. It has a 10-stage filter that reduces heavy metals, chlorine, bacteria, pesticides, rust, and sediment.
The replaceable filter cartridge lasts for roughly six months before it needs to be changed, giving you high-quality filtered water for longer.
Business Insider says, “There is one time when you can actually relax - in the shower.” And the G-Promise handheld showerhead helps you do just that.
The stretchable hose reaches from 5-6ft, to give you a wider shower range and more convenience. Plus the 4.5-inch face has six spray settings including rainfall, power massage, rainfall + power massage, circular massage, rainfall + circular massage and trickle mode.
The versatility and functionality make this the best-filtered handheld showerhead.
Pros
Cons
Styles of Shower Heads
There are three different styles of shower heads: handheld, rain and dual. Each one has different pros and cons. No matter what you want out of your shower experience there is a shower head for you. For our complete guide to the overall best shower heads on the market, check out this article.
Handheld
These shower heads are great for flexibility, due to their long hose which gives you more range. You can take the shower head off the wall, hold it in your hand and direct the water flow wherever you want. They still have a good amount of water pressure and can be nice for relaxing tension in your muscles.
Rain
Have you ever stood out in a rain shower on a warm summer night? Well, this type of shower head imitates that experience. Rain shower heads are large and flat, spreading the water out evenly over a large amount of space. This reduces the amount of water pressure hitting your body to give it more of a gentle feel.
Dual
Dual shower heads have more than one source of water. With two shower heads, the dual option can give you more water flow and higher pressure, depending on what kind you buy. The water supply for a dual shower head is usually controlled with one lever but may have two if the heads are completely separate.
5 Benefits of a Handheld Shower Heads
Easily get hard to reach places
Handheld showers offer the most in terms of flexibility. With their removable head and long hose, they allow you to take the shower head in your hands and spray literally anywhere you want to.
With a typical shower head, the water flow is limited to one direction and one angle, meaning you have to move around to make sure what hits all of the spots on your body.
With a handheld option, you have the ease and convenience of directing the water wherever you chose. No more bending around to try to get water to that one hard-to-reach places.
Another added benefit is its versatility. If you don't always need to move the shower head around to reach certain spots, just simply reattach it to the wall and continue showering hands-free.
Assisted showering
For someone who is disabled or elderly, showering can be a real struggle. They may not be able to stand in the shower let alone bathe themselves. A handheld showerhead, it allows you to be able to remain seated while washing off. You can easily and comfortable rinse all parts of your body without unnecessary strain.
This can allow elderly and handicapped people the freedom and independence to be able to shower by themselves without having to worry about slipping and falling.
This means they don’t have to feel reliant on others to perform basic tasks. This is a great benefit of handheld showers that may not be as evident but can make a huge difference.
Rinsing off
You know those times when you need to quickly rinse off but don't necessarily want to take a shower? Maybe you’ve got your feet dirty playing in the back yard and just want to spray them off without getting everything wet. Handheld shower heads make this so much easier and convenient.
The removable head allows you to spray water only where you want it to go. So if you don’t want to get certain parts of your body wet this is the perfect feature.
Or if you have little kids, the handheld shower head is great for giving them a shower without getting water all over the place. You can clean your kids up quickly and efficiently, and move on to the next thing.
Creating a Spa-like Experience
Although there are times when you just want your shower to be as quick and efficient as possible, other times you want to take your time and relax. A handheld shower head can give you that spa experience at home because of the added comfort and because it doubles as a massager.
The concentrated water pressure allows you to direct it on certain muscles that may be tight. This is a nice way to relax and unwind after a long day without having to pay extra for a massage or trip to the spa.
Water conservation
A benefit of handheld shower heads that you might not have thought of is water conservation. With standard shower heads, a lot of water is wasted because it's going straight down the drain while you're trying to move around and wash your whole body.
Handheld showerheads help with this because you can use water only where you need it. Plus, many models actually come with an on/off switch right on the handle so as you’re showering, if you don't need a constant flow of water then you can easily turn it on or off.
Buying Guide: Handheld Shower Heads
With so many options to choose from, picking the right handheld showerhead may be a difficult task. Luckily there are key features to consider that will help you compare and contrast different models with each other. Below, you'll find the main features of handheld showerheads and what they mean.
Water Pressure
Water pressure is a measure of the force that pushes water through your pipes and out of your shower head. It is typically measured in pounds per square inch (PSI). Normally it’s somewhere between 30 and 80 PSI. Anything below this is considered low water pressure an anything above it is high water pressure.
Flow Rate
The flow rate describes the speed that a certain amount of water flows through the shower head.
This is measured in gallons per minute (GPM). The average flow rate of a shower is 2.1 GPM, which means that 2.1 gallons flow through the shower per minute.
If the flow rate is higher, more water is coming through the shower head and vice versa.
Wall Mounting & Good Fit
It's very important to consider the wall mounting and fit of your shower head before you buy. You'll want to make sure that the model you buy is adequate for the size of the shower. This means you'll need a handheld showerhead with a hose long enough to cover your entire shower, plus a shower head that’s big enough for all of your needs.
There are different options when mounting the shower head, and some models come with more features like adjustable height and different positions that you can place the shower head to create optimal coverage.
Hose Length & Flexibility
The hose length is very important, especially if you have a large shower. The more length you have, the easier it will be for you to reach all over your body no matter how close or far from the wall you are.
However, if you have a small shower, a longer hose may actually be a downside because it will be more difficult to maneuver in a small space. The flexibility of the hose is also a key factor. Some shower heads will have stiffer hoses while others are easily bent at all angles.
Spray Settings
Not all handheld showerheads will come with multiple spray settings, but some will have more advanced features like this.
The spray settings allow you to adjust from lower to higher pressure, different kinds of spray patterns and even allow you to create mist. These features are not standard on all models though so they may come with a higher price tag.
Filtration
Another feature that some handheld showerheads offer is a built-in water filtration system. This allows you to make sure that you're only using clean, high-quality water even if your main water source isn't filtered.
This filtration allows you to get a better shower experience by removing impurities in your water that could cause things like dry skin.
Style & Finish
Not only do you want your shower head to look great, but you also want to make sure that it’s going to be able to withstand daily use for years to come.
Look for shower heads that use quality materials and are built to be durable. You don't want your fancy new shower head to only last you a couple of years. Also, consider what type of aesthetic you’re looking for. There are various colors and style options to choose from.
If you're looking specifically for a shower head for your RV, read this guide.
Installation
Are you installing the equipment yourself or hiring someone to do it for you? The answer to that question will definitely impact on the shower head you end up purchasing. Some are designed to be an easy install, where all you have to do is attach the mounting, screw it in and you're good to go.
Others may require a little more work and might be best installed by a professional, especially if complicated water lines and plumbing are involved. You can find free quotes from your area by filling in the form below.
Certification & Warranty
Along with durability, a good shower head will come with some kind of warranty, usually around 2 years. A model with a shorter or no warranty may not be the highest quality available.
There are also different certifications that it may have, for example, based on how much water it conserves, the water pressure it uses or for the overall satisfaction it guarantees.
Some examples of certifications are from the ADA (Americans with Disabilities Act) or the WaterSense certification from the EPA (Environmental Protection Agency) for eco-friendliness.
Installing Shower Heads
Installing your new shower head doesn't have to be a headache. Usually, your equipment will come with specific installation instructions based on its own unique function, but for general installation here's what to do:
- 1Disconnect existing showerhead with a pair of pliers from the shower arm
- 2Attach the handheld shower bracket to the shower arm
- 3Tighten with hands or pliers, be careful not to over tighten
- 4Attach the nut-end of your hose to the mounting bracket
- 5Tighten the hose with your hands
- 6Screw the handheld showerhead into the hose
- 7Slide the handheld shower into the mount
- 8Test to make sure there are no leaks
Cleaning & Maintenance: handheld showers
To make sure your handheld showerhead lasts, you'll want to make sure to clean it regularly. Here are some tips for cleaning and maintaining your shower head for keeping it in the best possible condition:
People also Ask (FAQs)
How long do handheld shower heads last?
That depends on how durable your handheld shower head is and how well you take care of it. They can last anywhere from 2-3 years up to 15 years.
Do shower heads have bacteria?
The warmth and humidity do make shower heads susceptible to bacteria. However, they are usually not harmful bacteria and are easy to get rid of with regular cleaning.
How often should handheld shower heads be cleaned?
Ideally, you should clean your handheld showerhead once a month or every other month. Treat it like any other fixture in your bathroom that requires regular cleaning.
How do you replace a handheld showerhead hose?
Luckily, hoses are easy to replace. Simply, unscrew both ends of the hose and attach a new hose in its place. You'll want to make sure the fittings of the new hose are compatible with the fittings on your handheld showerhead and mount.
How high should a shower head or holder be?
The industry standard for shower head height is 80 inches above the floor of the shower. This is about 6 feet, 8 inches high and is suitable for people of all heights.
What is the price range of the products on our list?
Most handheld shower heads are reasonably affordable. The ones on our list range from $12-$70.
Conclusion
Handheld showerheads are a great way to add more convenience and enjoyment to your shower experience. With a larger range of motion, various spray settings and adjustable features, handheld showerheads instantly upgrade your shower.
The Delta Faucet 7-Spray handheld shower head is my pick for the best handheld showerhead because of it's seven different spray features, powerful water pressure, ergonomic handle, easy to clean chrome finish and lifetime warranty.
Caitlin Shaffer has been traveling & working as a content writer & SCUBA dive instructor since 2014. Having lived in Central & South America, Southeast Asia, India, & Australia, Caitlin has had many years of experience with a variety of kitchen, bathroom, plumbing systems & common household products. Other than writing about her plumbing experiences & knowledge, her main passions are yoga, ocean conservation, & sustainable development.