Best Rain Shower Heads Reviewed

Rain Shower Heads Compared

Rain Shower Heads Explained

Advantages of Having a Rain Shower Head

There are several reasons why installing a quality rain shower head may be a good choice for your shower:

The spray patterns are normally much larger than that of a typical shower head design, allowing more water to flow over you for a more luxurious and stress-relieving shower experience.

While it may seem that more water is flowing, they can be extremely efficient for saving water. For example:

Some models are height adjustable, depending on the design of the mount that attaches to the supply pipe. That being said, some models are intended to be installed to hang directly from the ceiling.

They’re often designed with a visual style and elegance that isn’t commonly found in the more traditional styles of shower heads. Rain shower heads can provide a relatively inexpensive facelift to any type of shower stall.

What to Look for in a Quality Rain Shower Head

Choosing the right rain shower head can be more difficult than you may think. There are several factors that you will need to take into consideration. Let’s take a look at a few of them…

Dimensions/Size

One thing that you may notice right away is that rain shower heads tend to be physically much larger than other styles. Some are as small as 6” (which is still larger than most) while others can be as large at 10” +.

From a perspective standpoint, you should make sure to not pick one that will appear to be too large for the showering area. For example, if you’re installing a larger head it may simply look out of place in a typical bathtub-with-a-shower enclosure space. Working in a large, dedicated shower stall? It may naturally look much better.

Spray Design and Settings

Build Quality

As with any consumer product, there are different levels of quality. You tend to get what you pay for! More expensive units may have better quality materials and better care taken with the assembly and quality control processes.

Similar models may be found that are less expensive, but there’s always a chance that you will be compromising quality in one way or another.

It’s tempting to look at cheaper units when looking at rain shower heads because they actually can get quite expensive when compared to most traditional styles. Just make sure to do your research if you’re leaning towards a lower end model.

Water Pressure

If you’re looking for a shower head that will give you high water pressure (such as some heads that can pulsate or mimic a massage), then a rain shower head may not be your best choice. The intent is to simulate the water pattern of a rain shower, not a fire hose!

Alternatively, if you have hard water where you live, you may need to look into a shower head filter to help with pressure and water quality. 

Water Flow Rate and Certification

As I mentioned earlier, most rain shower heads release less water than standard heads – making them much more efficient to use over time. Some models offer an even higher level of water savings by being designated as WaterSense compliant.

Number of Nozzles

The number of nozzles that a rain shower head will have could be looked at as purely a function of the spray pattern design. Larger heads that are intended to mimic a dense rain will naturally have more nozzles concentrated together (and “looser” patterns will have less in the same relative area).

Installation Types

Rain shower heads can be installed in several ways. The most typical installation is one where the rain shower head replaces one that was attached to a traditional shower arm that protrudes from the wall.

Here, it is a matter of simply unscrewing the old one, adding some Teflon tape (a thin tape used to avoid leaks) to the pipe threads at the end of the arm, and screwing the new rain shower head on.

Hand-held installations are done in the same way, with the difference being the head itself is not directly mounted to the shower arm. In this case, a special fitting that integrates a hose is what is installed. The water then flows to a hand-held head that can be stored in that same fitting.

Mounting directly from the ceiling is an option as well. These are less common, and thought has to be put in when building the shower area to make sure there is a proper supply line overhead.

Warranty

You will want to look for a model that will offer a reasonable warranty period – the longer a warranty is then all the better for the customer.

Most warranties (regardless of the length) are limited in the sense that they will accommodate issues with materials and workmanship only; any use outside what is considered “normal” may not be covered.

Special Features to Consider

Rain shower heads are intended to give a showering experience far above that which you can receive from a standard head. It may be logical, then, to get a feel for some of the features that you just won’t find on any standard model.

With digital controls, you can adjust temperatures and spray patterns on the fly, or simply use a preset program. Some allow for voice activation and smartphone app control – you can even turn it on with Alexa!

Many models come with integrated colored LED’s to make your shower a visual event as well! Simply dim the lights and turn the LED function on to experience a shower like you never had before…

Some manufacturers offer proprietary systems to add another level of features. For example, Moen offers a proprietary Immersion system, which routes the water in a different way through the head to ensure even and consistent water pressure when compared to gravity-fed models.

In the same manner, Speakman has its Anystream 360° technology, which will allow you to “infinitely adjust the spray pattern to meet any preference”.

1. Moen S6320 Velocity 

Taking a look at the impressive feature set, the Moen S6320 has no problem claiming the top spot on our list for the best rain shower head.

The S6320 features Moen’s Immersion technology, which will provide up to three times more spray power than comparable rain shower heads. The intensity of the water flow can be set in two different configurations by a simple flip of a lever – either a concentrated rinse or a full spray.

With its 8” size and 100 individual nozzles, the spray pattern will offer exceptional coverage for the best showering experience possible. 

Style is a big factor as well, with four different finish options to fit in with any bathroom décor. You can choose from chrome, brushed gold, oil-rubbed nickel, or brushed nickel.

This is a classy product that is found in many hotels around the world. If you enjoy luxury at home then this Moen is for you.

A limited lifetime warranty is a nice touch as well! Add that plus all of the other features and it’s easy to see why the Moen S6320 is our #1 choice for the best rain shower head.

2. Sun Rise SRSH-F5043

From our research, the best wall mounted rain shower head is the Sun Rise SRSH-F5043 Luxury Combo Set.

First off, you have a large 10” square shower head that will provide a full spray pattern that will totally envelop you. It’s made out of 304 stainless steel for durability and corrosion resistance as well.

Do you prefer spray positioning flexibility? You can do so in style thanks to the stylish brass hand-held shower head with a 70” 304 stainless steel hose.

A unique feature is the included pressure-balancing shower valve. This valve is designed to keep water that’s too hot from scalding the user. The entire valve setup is included as it is designed to visually match the sharp and sleek angles that are featured on both the shower heads.

By utilizing advanced air injection technology, you can get more consistent water pressure – even with low source water pressure.

The modern style and design will add a touch of elegance to your shower area. Even the shower arm has some flair to it, as it is a custom rectangular brass piece finished with ten layers of chrome for durability and corrosion protection.

With a high overall rating across many sites online - this product offers a complete combo that is sure to feel luxurious and revitalizing.

3. AquaDance Premium

4. Aquia IV 

Shower heads that were designed to mimic a soft rain shower certainly can be relaxing, but there are times where you may want a little more. For the best rain shower head with high pressure, you need to look no farther than the Aquia IV Rainfall Shower Head.

Boasting an impressive 8’ square head shape, you be certain to get a spray pattern that will cover your body much more than any traditional shower head.

And the Aquia IV also gives you something that many other rain shower heads do not – the ability to get a higher-pressure stream. We like rain showers too but sometimes it can be exhilarating to stand in a hard downpour!

You can be assured that corrosion over time will not be an issue either thanks to the 100% stainless steel construction.

It’s fairly large so you may want to get an extended shower arm if you want the spray to fall directly overhead. That’s not really a big deal though; installation is certainly a breeze and should be no problem for any homeowner.

5. LumoSpa SH01

Rain shower heads are certainly “cool”, and add both style and an enhanced showering experience to just about any shower. But, unfortunately, that can often come at a price. Some models can cost hundreds of dollars. But you don’t have to shell out that kind of money for a good quality model. Not by a long shot!

The LumoSpa SH01 has many of the same features that the more expensive units have, and at a small fraction of the price. Small wonder that it is our choice for the best affordable rain shower head.

The 100% stainless steel head is an incredible 8” in diameter – more than large enough to give you that “sitting in the rain” feeling. The self-cleaning silicone nozzles are flexible to help fight any scale buildup (which can be one of the biggest problems with maintaining optimum operation of any shower head).

The impressive limited lifetime warranty is a guarantee that the SH01 will “never break, leak, or lose pressure”. Can’t ask for much more than that, right?

Besides…at this price point you don’t really have anything to lose!

6. AquaDance 

What would make a great rainfall shower even better? Kickin’ out the jams, that’s what!

The AquaDance Rainfall Shower Head and Speaker Combo gives you the best of both worlds – a high-quality rain shower head plus a waterproof Bluetooth shower speaker.

The rain shower head is a sizable 6” in diameter. It may be a little smaller than some of the others on our list, but it is plenty big enough to give you a spray pattern with excellent coverage.

It features six different spray settings ranging from a misty rain to a full-out massage. Clogged nozzles won’t be a concern as the head has flexible silicone nozzles – all you have to do is give them a rub and any scale will break free.

Wall installation is as simple as unscrewing your old showerhead, putting on some Teflon tape (included, by the way), and screwing the new one on to your existing shower arm.

The waterproof Bluetooth speaker is chrome plated to match most styles of bath fixtures. Pairing with any Bluetooth enabled device is quick and easy, and you can listen to your favorite tunes while you enjoy your shower. Plus – you can pair to your smartphone and never worry about missing a call again!

Mounting of the speaker is even easier than the shower head thanks to the high-power suction cup (works on glass or any smooth tile surface.

This combo is backed by a lifetime limited warranty as well, ensuring many years of trouble-free operation. It’s time to kick your showers up a notch!

7. NearMoon Super Large 

Let’s break out the big guns…

With an unbelievable 16” square design, the NearMoon Super Large Rainfall Shower Head certainly lives up to its name – and it’s made itself to be our selection for the best large rain showerhead.

You heard right – it’s 16” square! If that isn’t enough of a spray pattern to completely cover your body then I’m not quite sure what else you could do…other than literally standing out in the rain every time you want to take a shower!

Of course, a large head means a good number of nozzles that may clog. That won’t a concern because they are made from soft silicone and are self-cleaning – which is a good thing because there are 324 of them…

It may be big, but it will function evenly across the whole spray pattern – even with low water pressure – thanks to the advanced air booster technology that NearMoon uses.

Installation is easy as it works with all standard size shower arms, but if you’re planning on installing as a wall mount you most likely will need to get an extended arm. This thing is HUGE!

8. DreamSpa Color Changing 

Last on our list may be one of the most unique shower heads that you will ever see - turn your shower into an impressive light show with the DreamSpa Color Changing LED Shower Head!

Let’s get the typical rain shower head stuff out of the way first. It has an all chrome 5” diameter head, plenty big enough for a good-sized shower spray. Features included five different spray settings of various pressures, and the rub-clean jets makes overall maintenance about as easy as it can be.

Now for the cool stuff…

The tri-color LED lights are powered by the energy that is produced from the water flow. That’s right – you’ll never have to change a single battery. On top of that, the colors change automatically depending on the temperature of the water (all degrees are in Fahrenheit):

Installation to any standard shower head can be done in just a few minutes, making this rain shower head even more attractive.

After you have tried the DreamSpa Color Changing LED Shower Head, you may never shower with the light on again!

Environmental Impact of Rain Shower Heads

There’s no question that the market is moving towards lower-flow systems similar to that with toilet bowls. The end result is not only saving water, but also saving the energy needed to heat the water as well (I’m not a fan of cold showers so…).

How much can you save? Some simple math (courtesy of the Nebraska Energy Office) will open your eyes:

Rain vs. High Pressure

Installation and Maintenance

Installation of a new rain shower head can be an easy DIY project or may require the services of a professional plumber.

The easiest installation is where you simply exchange your old head for the new one. With the water off (unless you just like to get wet), unscrew the old head from the existing shower arm. Depending on how tight it is, you may need to use a wrench to twist it off.

Once the old head is removed, take a look at the pipe threads on the end of the arm. You may find that there is rust, corrosion, and old plumber’s tape that needs to be removed.

With the threads clean, reapply a fresh layer of plumber’s Teflon tape (this is a very important step…I have tried to get around this before and it always ended up leaking. It’s amazing how well a little bit of this stuff works!). After that, your last step should be to screw the new head on.

Take care to not get too tight as you can crack the head; a good point of reference is to get the head hand tight, then turn just a little more (maybe a ½ turn). Turn the water on and check for leaks – if you don’t have any then you’re good to go!

Maintenance can be as easy as taking the head off (which should be easy to do since you didn’t overtighten it, right?) and cleaning out any debris. You probably should replace the Teflon tape for good measure.

More complicated installations (such as installing a new plumbing line for a ceiling mount where there wasn’t one before) are best left to the pros.

If you do not wish to do this job yourself then we recommend getting a local plumber to do the job. You can find free quotes from your area by filling in the form below.

People Also Ask (FAQs)

Will my plumbing line handle a rain shower head?

For the most part, yes. If you have an existing shower line then it should support a new rain shower head. Factors to consider, however, are the location of the existing line (for proper head positioning) and water flow of the house.

Do rain shower heads use more water?

Typically, no. It all depends on the internal design of the head, but most tend to promote efficiency with water flow as a main feature.

How often should I change showerheads?

There is no hard and fast rule to this one; you’ll have to ask yourself a few questions:

As you can see, many factors come into play which can either shorten or extend the life of a showerhead.

Can changing my showerhead increase water pressure?

Even if you have low water pressure coming from the plumbing in your home, you can potentially increase the pressure coming out of your showerhead. It all depends on the model that you buy because some are designed specifically to process the incoming water to increase the output pressure.

What causes low water pressure in the shower?

There are two main reasons. The first is related to the water pressure coming from the home; it’s all too possible that your pressure is low at the source. In this instance, your best bet may be to get a high-pressure shower head.

The second may be maintenance on the showerhead itself. I live in an area with well water that has a large amount of mineral (or scale) to it.

Over time my shower head performance degrades quite a bit due to eventual buildup. When it gets too bad, I will remove the head and let it soak in a household cleaning chemical that is intended for scale and rust removal. Typically, that takes care of the problem for the most part. You can read more about cleaning shower heads here.

What is the best flow rate for a shower?

Rates will vary depending on the shower head, but the general consensus is that a flow of around 2.5 gallons per minute (GPM) is optimal.

What type of shower arms are best suited to rain shower heads?

That all depends on your preferences and the size of the rain shower head that you plan to install.

A standard head may seem to be the best as the installation of a new head is as simple as taking one off and putting the other on. Be careful though, as standard arms typically do not extend too far from the wall. If you’re putting in a larger shower head (for example, a 10” square) then you may have problems getting it to fit.

Extended arms can be purchased that will certainly eliminate this problem. Better yet, you can get arms that are not only longer but can be adjusted as well. That way you can position your new rain shower head exactly where you need it to be (I’m 6” tall, and having that adjustability can make a big difference).

Conclusion

Well, there you have it. We have reviewed eight of the best rain shower heads on the market. You can easily see that a shower head can be much more than just a way to randomly spray water over your body. Our top choice at Plumbing Lab is the Moen S6320 Velocity Two-Function Rainshower.

Try a rain shower head today – overall, they aren’t that expensive, and with some of the unique features (such as Bluetooth and LED functionality) you may find that your showers will never be the same again.