Best Handheld Shower Heads Of 2023

Top 5 Shower Heads

Best Combination Head: AquaDance Rainfall and Handheld Combo Best Two-in-One Shower Head: Delta Faucet H2OKinetic Handheld Shower Head Best Water-Saving Head: Hopopro Six-Function Handheld Shower Head Best For Small Showers: AquaDance High-Pressure Handheld Shower Head Best Filter Head: PureAction Luxury Filtered Shower Head

Best Combination Head: AquaDance Rainfall and Handheld Combo

Both shower heads boast a shiny metallic finish and rub-clean jets to prevent the buildup of lime. The handheld shower head attaches to the main head via a five-foot flexible steel hose, which can be disconnected for easy cleaning of your body. Offering 2.5 GPM, it also provides plenty of pressure when you’re showering.

Pros and Cons

        ✔ Features six settings including power rain, pulsating massage and rain massage
        ✔ Has a large seven-inch face that provides wide coverage
        ✔ Is available in multiple finishes
        ✘ Not made with metal, making it less durable than some other shower heads 
        ✘ Some customers had issues with this shower head rusting easily

Best Two-in-One Shower Head: Delta Faucet H2OKinetic Handheld Shower Head

Both shower heads are available in your choice of matte or metallic finishes. Their five settings include a relaxing full-body massage and a high-pressure targeted massage with 1.75 GPM. This handheld shower head combo pack also comes with a built-in diverter valve, which directs water to either one or both shower heads at a time depending on your preference.

Pros and Cons

        ✔ Has an extra-long hose that can extend up to 82 inches
        ✔ Features a stylish, modern design that will look great in your bathroom
        ✔ Has a unique wave pattern that covers more surface area than other shower heads
        ✘ Has lower GPM than some other shower heads on the market

Best Water-Saving Head: Hopopro Six-Function Handheld Shower Head

This handheld shower head has easy installation because it doesn’t require special tools. Its dock features brass ball joints for easy height and position adjustments. Plus, this shower head is low-impact and eco-friendly, as it uses air rather than water to create a high water pressure experience while maintaining a low water flow rate.

Pros and Cons

        ✔ Has a durable ABS chrome finish that’s rust-proof and lead-free
        ✔ Has a water-saving mode which helps conserve water when showering
        ✔ Is available in various finishes to match your preferred style
        ✘ Water pressure may be too high for some
        ✘ Some customers had issues getting the shower head to fit properly into the holder 

Best For Small Showers: AquaDance High-Pressure Handheld Shower Head

This handheld shower head is available in multiple metallic finishes. It also comes with a bonus gift box for using it as a present and plumber’s tape for sealing its connection points.

Pros and Cons

        ✔ Can be used as a handheld or overhead shower head
        ✔ Features an angle-adjustable overhead bracket for more adjustability
        ✔ Has a reinforced five-foot stainless steel hose
        ✘ May have too small of a head for large showers
        ✘ Some customers felt the water pressure was too hard and could be painful

Best Filter Head: PureAction Luxury Filtered Shower Head

This hand shower head is made from stainless steel and is attached to a five-foot flexible stainless steel hose. It also utilizes leakproof technology to keep it running smoothly.

Pros and Cons

        ✔ Can filter out up to 99.9 percent of sediments, heavy metals, and dissolved solids
        ✔ Is available in multiple finishes
        ✔ May help with hair loss, dry scalp, itchy skin, dandruff, and eczema 
        ✘ Has fewer spray modes than some other shower heads
        ✘ Flow rate is not listed 

Factors to Consider Before Buying a Handheld Shower Head

A handheld shower head lets you wash hard-to-reach places on your body. This buying guide will help you pick the best handheld shower head for your bathroom.

Hose Length

Handheld shower head sprayers are attached to a hose for mobility. Hoses typically range from 60 to 80 inches long. Make sure to choose a hose that fits the size of your shower. For example, if you have a larger shower, a 60-inch hose won’t reach the entire area. On the other hand, a smaller shower may not require an 80-inch hose.

Spray Pattern

Spray patterns vary from focused, high-pressure jets to wider, softer sprays that mimic the feeling of standing in the rain. Some handheld shower heads feature multiple spray options that can be changed using a button or switch. These are especially useful if multiple people with different preferences regularly use the shower.

Energy/Water Savings

The average head uses around two gallons of water per minute, resulting in a 15-to-20-gallon shower. Some shower heads adopt a more environmentally friendly design by using less water per minute. These heads often use air to create the feeling of high pressure with less water.

Finish

Shower heads come in a variety of finishes, so choose a finish that matches your bathroom’s faucets, towel bars, and other fixtures. Popular finishes include:

Brass Bronze Chrome Copper Brushed Nickel Oil-rubbed bronze Stainless steel

Size/Shape

Most handheld shower heads are circular. They tend to be smaller than fixed shower heads to allow for greater maneuverability, with the average diameter being six inches. Choose a shape and size that matches your space. For example, if you have an oval shower that’s small in size, opt for a circular shower head with a four-inch diameter.

Combo Options

Some handheld shower heads come in a set with a fixed shower head. The fixed shower head attaches directly to the wall or ceiling of your shower and is generally larger than the handheld shower head. If you purchase a combo pack, make sure to also get a diverter valve so that the water can reach both heads.

How do I clean my handheld shower head?

To clean your shower head and prevent the buildup of lime and other grime:

Remove the shower head. Allow it to soak for about an hour in either certified shower cleaner or a vinegar/baking soda mixture. Rub each of the nozzles with your finger to dismantle any dirt. Fully dry your handheld shower head before reattaching it.

How does my handheld shower head attach to the shower?

Handheld shower heads attach to the shower via a piece called a dock. The dock should be placed between 70 and 80 inches above the floor so that it’s above the average person’s head. This allows you to use the head in a fixed position if you want to give your arms a break.

What is a diverter valve?

A diverter valve is a piece of hardware that allows water to travel to multiple shower heads. Purchase a diverter valve if you have two or more heads in your shower. To share feedback or ask a question about this article, send a note to our Reviews team at reviews@thisoldhousereviews.com.