Shower Heads: Reviews

A cool shower head can instantly upgrade your bathroom without much hassle. We compared expert testing to user reviews to identify the most satisfying shower experience. Plus we take a look at rain shower heads, which usually require some retrofitting.

American Standard FloWise 1660.717

Best showerhead overall

*Est. $45

Estimated Price

The American Standard FloWise 1660.717 is a top pick in expert reviews for its comfort, efficient use of water and stylish flared design. This showerhead doesn't aerate (mix air with water), so hot water stays hot and it's quieter than most other models. This showerhead has three spray settings: full spray, which uses two gallons of water per minute, massaging turbine spray (1.5 gpm), and combination spray (1.8 gpm). Owner reviews for the American Standard showerhead are very positive overall, though a few wish this showerhead was smaller. It has a standard chrome finish; other finishes, including black, stainless steel, polished brass and satin nickel, are available but cost about $30 more. A handheld version is also available.

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Oxygenics SkinCare 60120

Basic high-efficiency showerhead

*Est. $20

Estimated Price

If you want a budget-priced showerhead that will reduce your water consumption, reviewers say the Oxygenics SkinCare 60120 will fit the bill. It has a single-spray setting that uses only 1.5 gallons of water per minute but produces a brisk, aerated spray -- that means that it mixes air with water to increase the feeling of water pressure. That also means that it can make hot water feel cooler, so you may end up using more hot water. A few owners complain that its aerating mechanism is annoyingly loud. The Oxygenics SkinCare is available in three finishes: chrome or gold (for $15 more), and a combination of chrome and gold (for $8 more). For an extra $10, you can also buy it with a "comfort control" lever which adjusts the strength of its spray. Although there is a handheld version of this showerhead -- the Oxygenics BodySpa SkinCare 100-XLF25 (*Est. $25) -- it uses more water (2.5 gallons per minute).

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Moen Velocity 6320

Rain-can showerhead

*Est. $120

Estimated Price

Rain-can showerheads like the Moen Velocity 6230 drop water from above to create a rain shower effect -- a style that's very popular right now. Reviews say the Moen Velocity showerhead is comfortable and relaxing. Owners describe it as generous, luxurious and a great stress-reliever. It also includes a concentrated spray setting for better rinsing. Most owners say this showerhead is no harder to install than a standard model, but a few report that they needed to buy an extension pipe to position it further from the end of the shower. The Moen Velocity 6230 has a chrome finish; the same showerhead is available in brushed nickel, brushed bronze or antique bronze for $100 more. It uses 2.5 gallons per minute on both settings.

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Peerless 2-in-1 Shower System 76950

Combination handheld/fixed shower system

*Est. $35

Estimated Price

If you like the option of having a handheld shower nozzle in addition to a fixed nozzle, the Peerless 2-in-1 Shower System 76950 is a good choice. Because you can use both nozzles at once, you can get a multi-head shower effect on a budget. The Peerless shower system has a horseshoe-shaped fixed showerhead with a four-spray handheld shower that can be hung up in the center; each uses 2.5 gallons of water per minute. The Peerless system receives extremely high ratings from hundreds of users posting reviews to retailer websites; owners say it is no more difficult to install than a standard showerhead. Be advised, however, that this particular model does not perform well in homes with low water pressure and it's only available in chrome.

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