Buying a new shower head is one of those things that people often think about but don't always commit to. It’s easy to understand the hesitation. After all, it’s just a shower head. How much of a difference can it make?

As many who have upgraded their shower heads know, though, the best shower head can make all the difference. In fact, you probably can’t fully appreciate how lacking the shower head you’re currently using probably is until you start to explore some of the incredible options that are out there.

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From the best shower heads that gently massage you to ones that make you feel as if you're standing in the cool rain, there’s probably a shower head out there for you that you didn’t even know you’ve always wanted. So while a new shower head may sound simple, don’t deny yourself a delightful upgrade that can make one of the day’s simplest pleasures something even greater.

With so many shower head options out there, it’s no surprise to learn that people can get overwhelmed when shopping for such a seemingly simple device. With all the different shower heads out there, it’s sometimes hard to be sure what you’re preferences are and what you should really be looking for.

If you’re just not sure what you want in a shower head (or you believe that you shouldn’t be made to choose), this versatile option from AquaDance may just be exactly what you’re looking for.

Indeed, this shower head from AquaDance is one of the most versatile shower heads on the market that’s worth considering. First off, it offers Power Rain, Pulsating Massage, Power Mist, Rain Massage, Rain Mist, Water Saving Pause mode options, which already puts it ahead of many other shower heads in this price range which do not allow you to pick a setting at all.

More importantly, this dual shower head set-up affords you the ability to swap between a rainfall shower option or a more traditional high-pressure shower option. Factor in the different modes that each shower head can be set to and...well, you can probably start to appreciate the possibilities.

The biggest drawback with this shower head is that it’s kind of a jack of all trades, master of none proposition. There are better options out there if you know you always want to experience one kind of shower, but given that it’s pretty great at all the options it offers, it’s really hard to argue against this design.

Key Features
  • Six shower settings
  • 7-inch face
  • 3-way water diverter
Specifications
  • Finish: Chrome
  • Flow Rate: 2.5 GM
  • Manufacturer: AquaDance
  • Brand: AquaDance
Pros
  • Variety of shower settings
  • Rainfall option
  • Tool-free installation
Cons
  • Weaker as a handheld option
  • Can slip in its mount
  • Head has some leakage problems

This high pressure shower head from SparkPod is one of many on the market designed to greatly increase the pressure of your shower head stream and greatly improve the quality of your showering experience in the process.

The first thing you’ll notice about the SparkPod is its beautiful design. The SparkPod is shaped like a disc with its nozzles built wisely into the underside in such a way that ensures they don’t stick out too much (or really at all in this case). It’s design also helps ensure that you can install it from a variety of angles without sacrificing the power of the water pressure.

Of course, that pressure is the real selling point with shower heads like this, and the SparkPod doesn’t disappoint in that department. If you have generally weak water flow in your home, then you might not get quite as much out of its increased pressure, but the unit is designed to help you get more pressure than you would with models not designed to offer that functionality.

The SparkPod is also not only easy-to-install with either no of few tools required, but it’s self-cleaning nozzles mean that you may just need to wipe the underside of the shower head to keep it running optimally.

This SparkPod does unfortunately lack the pressure setting options of some of its competitors, and the pressure itself can drop over time with repeated use, but these are relatively minor complaints that shouldn’t really deter anyone looking for a powerful shower head replacement at a good price.

Key Features
  • High pressure rainfall stream
  • Universal installation
  • Self-cleaning nozzles
Specifications
  • Finish: Chrome
  • Flow Rate: 2.5 GM
  • Manufacturer: Spark Pod
Pros
  • Tool-free installation options
  • Powerful Stream
  • Beautiful design
Cons
  • Lacks pressure setting options
  • A little smaller than you might think
  • Water pressure may fade over time

Rainfall shower heads represent an appealing option for anyone seeking a luxury shower experience that doesn’t require them to rework their entire shower set-up.

Essentially, rainfall shower heads are designed to produce a water flow over a wider surface area. The effect is supposed to recreate the feeling of standing in the rain. They’re the preferred shower head amongst many homeowners who want a more relaxing shower experience rather than one where it feels like your shower head is attacking you.

There are some inherent drawbacks with that approach. The most notable of those drawbacks is the fact that these kinds of shower heads are never going to produce the kind of massage jet stream pressure that you get with other shower heads. Only you can answer how much that matters to you, though.

Still, it’s hard to deny what these shower heads do so well. For anyone who likes to hop in the shower to unwind and relax as well as get clean, rainfall shower heads such as this one will greatly enhance your showering experience. This model from WarmSpray also benefits from a surprising amount of pressure (at least when compared to similar rainfall models).

Again, the biggest downsides of this particular model are tied to the biggest downsides inherent with this style of showerhead design. Those who prefer the rainfall experience, though, will find a lot to like with the WarmSpray, including a friendly price tag that may be low enough to incentivize you to make the switch.

Key Features
  • High flow rain pressure
  • Wide coverage
  • Rust prevention
Specifications
  • Finish: Chrome
  • Flow Rate: 2.5 GPM
  • Manufacturer: WarmSpray
Pros
  • Wide spray range
  • Incredible feeling water pressure
  • Beautiful design
Cons
  • Slightly more difficult to install
  • Not practical for all showers
  • Lacks massage pressure options

There’s a popular perception that high-quality high-pressure shower heads come with a premium price tag. While that can be the case, this high-pressure shower head from WASSA proves that not all quality high-pressure options will cost you too much.

The WASSA High Pressure Shower Head is designed to get as much pressure as possible out of just about any water stream. That means that you should see the benefits of its design even if the water pressure in your home isn’t exactly the best.

However, those of you with somewhat decent water pressure will get to enjoy the full benefits of this shower head designed to expel an incredibly powerful stream of water through its self-cleaning nozzles. Even among its competition, the WASSA boasts some incredible pressure (especially for a shower head in its price range).

This Wassa also benefits from a lightweight design that not only makes it easier to install but helps the aesthetics of the shower head itself while ensuring that it’s compatible with all kinds of pipes and set-ups.

The biggest drawback with the Wassa is its relatively small range of horizontal and vertical motion. This, combined with the shower heads lack of settings, means that you’ve got to be pretty happy with the shower head’s default position and default power. It’s also not the most stylish shower head on the market.

Still, that probably won’t matter much to the legion of potential buyers who just want to enjoy a high pressure shower at a fraction of the normal cost.

Key Features
  • High-pressure option
  • Can be installed in minutes
  • Lifetime guarantee
Specifications
  • Finish: Chrome
  • Flow Rate: 2.5 GM
  • Manufacturer: WASSA
Pros
  • Incredible stream pressure
  • Lightweight
  • Self-cleaning nozzles
Cons
  • Lacks setting options
  • Design is pretty simple
  • Difficult to adjust

The line on a lot of high pressure shower heads is that they can greatly improve your showering experience, but you need to be realistic regarding your expectations of them. In other words, you can’t really expect most shower heads to get a lot of pressure out of a fundamentally weak water stream.

Against all odds, though, this YOO.ME shower head actually manages to offer incredible water pressure regardless of how strong your base water pressure is.

How does it accomplish that? It starts with this unit’s 2XP turbo charging technology which manages to distribute the water that flows through this shower head more efficiently than other models. The result is that the YOO.ME is almost guaranteed to improve upon your existing shower head stream pressure unless you so happen to already have some incredible stream pressure that you don’t have a problem with.

It’s hard to overstate what a draw this shower head’s pressure is. Pure pressure isn’t the only thing you should look for when you're shopping for a shower head, but it’s certainly the reason that many people are shopping for a new shower head in the first place.

You do have to accept a few things with this shower head, though. First off, that increased water flow you’re enjoying means that this unit does run a little louder than some of the other, similar shower heads out there. Second, this unit does utilize some cheaper plastic parts which may impact its durability over a long enough period of time.

Key Features
  • Easy clean nozzles
  • Handheld functionality
  • Upgraded 2XP turbo charging shower head
Specifications
  • Finish: Chrome
  • Flow Rate: 2.5 GM
  • Manufacturer: YOO.MEE
Pros
  • True high-pressure stream
  • Works miracles with low pressure pipes
  • Massaging feeling
Cons
  • Handheld design not for everyone
  • Louder than some other shower heads
  • Some plastic parts

When shopping for a new shower head, there are many things to consider. Functionality, durability, and price are all important, but you’ve also got to consider some intangibles like design, elegance, and features.

Whatever you’re looking for in a shower head, this model from Briout represents a fascinating upgrade that emphasizes subtle improvements.

First off, it’s more difficult to find a quality shower head for a good price that actually allows you to choose between multiple settings. The five functions offered by this shower head mean that you can easily swap between different water pressures based on whatever kind of pressure you happen to be looking for at that time. You can’t underestimate that versatility when you’re talking about shopping for a premium shower head.

There’s also something to be said for the way that the design of the shower head affords it a surprising degree of flexibility. That’s something you get with a lot of handheld shower heads, but the Briout feels especially good whether you’re utilizing its handheld functionality or whether you’re keeping it in one place.

The Briout also boasts a clean water spray perfect for those who don’t want an especially strong water stream, but it should be noted that can also be interpreted as a potential weakness. While this is a fairly strong shower head in its own right, it’s not going to stand up against the most powerful shower heads on the market if that’s all you’re interested in. It’s a great all-around option, though.

Key Features
  • Five different functions
  • Lifetime warranty
  • Easy installation options
Specifications
  • Finish: Chrome
  • Flow Rate: 2.5 GPM
  • Manufacturer: Briout
Pros
  • Handheld flexibility
  • Five water settings
  • Clean water pressure
Cons
  • Not as high pressure as other shower heads
  • Can be a little fragile
  • Some leakage problems

While even the best rainfall/shower combos out there can struggle to replicate the functionality of individual models, this shower head from Dream Spa makes a compelling argument for not needing to settle for less.

The design of this Dream Spa shower head is sure to be the first thing that catches your attention. Many of the best combo pieces simply convert a more traditional-looking shower head into a rainfall model. Here, you get one distinct traditional shower head and a beautiful square shower head for an optimal rainfall experience.

However, you should know this design comes with a few flaws. First off, this set-up makes this shower head a little bigger and heavier than other models. That could be a problem with certain set-ups. Second, the more traditional shower head part of the combo seems to take a backseat to the surprisingly effective rainfall option.

The good news is that this set-up offers far more benefits. The handheld nature of the smaller shower head is a perfect compliment to the rainfall option, and the ability to control its flow through a simple touch control helps add a layer of versatility to this otherwise heavier unit.

It’s also hard not to fall in love with this shower head’s pressure. It might not be “best in class” in that department, but like much of everything else this shower head has to offer, it’s certainly good enough to make you appreciate everything that this shower head offers as a complete package.

Key Features
  • Push Button Controls
  • Handheld/Rainfall Combo
  • Tools-free installation
Specifications
  • Finish: Chrome
  • Flow Rate: 2.5 GPM
  • Manufacturer: Dream Spa
Pros
  • Effective combo design
  • Excellent pressure
  • Well-designed controls
Cons
  • May be large for some showers
  • Some plastic parts reduce overall quality

There is no shortage of dual-shower head options out there (we’ve looked at a few of them ourselves, but if you want to jump straight to an incredible dual option that has something to offer to nearly every shopper, you may be able to save yourself some time by checking out this shower head from Hydroluxe.

The first thing you need to know about this shower head is that it’s all about the options it offers you. Those options start with this shower head’s basic design which allows for a more traditional high-pressure water flow as well as a rainfall option. Of course, you can get that with other popular combo shoer head designs as well.

Instead, this model begins to truly distinguish itself through its settings. When you factor in the various setting combinations available for both shower heads, this model from Hydroluxe can offer 24 different waterflow options. That’s impressive for any shower head, but it really stands out when you compare it to similar combo models that usually don’t offer such an extensive array of water flow features.

It gets better. This particular model emphasizes flexibility during installation, which means that you should be able to fit it into most shower situations despite its increased size and the problems that usually come with those set-ups.

There are a few flaws with this model such as its weaker rainfall abilities and some less-than-ideal water pressure (at least in the base model), but when you take everything into account, you’re talking about one of the best overall options on the market.

Key Features
  • 5-setting overhead shower head
  • Rub clean jets
  • Flexible stainless steel hose
Specifications
  • Finish: Chrome
  • Flow Rate: 2.5 GPM
  • Manufacturer: Hydroluxe
Pros
  • Amazing dual functionality
  • Flexible design
  • Various settings for different types of showers
Cons
  • Pressure is a little weaker
  • Can be a little fragile
  • Not the best rainfall option

If you’re experienced with the rainfall types of shower heads (or are otherwise confident that’s what you’re looking for), then you could certainly do worse than invest in this incredible shower head that offers one of the best overall rainfall shower head experiences around.

The first thing you’re going to notice about this shower head is its design. Even most of the best shower heads out there boast the same basic faucet design, but this shower head from MeSun boasts and appealing square design that immediately stands out and makes you feel like you’ve truly upgraded your showering experience.

Looks aside, this shower head really does have it where it counts most. As a rainfall shower head, this model is designed to cover a wider surface area and provide a slightly gentler water stream that is nonetheless powerful enough to actually get the job done. This is a shower head that’s dedicated to offering the rainwater pressure concept, and it delivers on it with one of the most enjoyable showering experiences on the market today.

This miracle of rainwater shower head design also boasts a five-year warranty, which means you can feel pretty confident in your purchase as far as the technical reliability of the product goes.

The biggest problem with this showerhead is actually how cumbersome its beautiful design can be. It’s a heavy showerhead, which means that it might not fit securely in certain set-ups. Also, you may find that its wider water spread doesn’t really work in some smaller showers.

Key Features
  • Rain shower functions
  • Extension arm
  • Quick installation
Specifications
  • Finish: Chrome
  • Flow Rate: 2.5 GPM
  • Manufacturer: MeSun
Pros
  • Beautiful design
  • Incredible rain functionality
  • 5-year warranty
Cons
  • Heavy for a shower head
  • Tricky to securely fit
  • Pressure is questionable

The AquaDance High Pressure sjpwer head has a bit of a reputation for being the first shower head you should consider when you’re looking to buy a new shower head. It’s a well-earned reputation.

The appeal of the AquaDance is based partially on its value. As one of the most affordable showehead upgrades on the market, this model will almost certainly appeal to anyone not looking to break the bank on a shower upgrade.

When we talk about value, though, we’re not just talking about price. The AquaDance features 6 power settings (Power Rain, Pulsating Massage, Power Aeration, Rain Massage, Aeration Rain, Water Saving Pause) designed to improve your showering experience no matter what experience you’re looking for.

On top of that, this showerhead functions as both an overhead or handheld unit. That means that it not only functions optimally in common situations but that you can enjoy the versatility of both options should have the ability and desire to do so.

You can even install the AquaDance with minimal to no tools and do so in just a few minutes. That makes it a near instant upgrade over whatever showerhead you happen to be using right now.

The downside of all these positives is that the AquaDance isn’t the sturdiest showerhead on the market. That doesn’t really affect its effectiveness, but it could lead to some leaking problems down the line over a long enough period of use.

Regardless, you really can’t ask for more if you’re looking to keep things simple.

Key Features
  • Overhead or handheld functionality
  • 3. 5" click lever dial
  • Easy-to-clean Jets
Specifications
  • Finish: Chrome
  • Flow Rate: 2.5 GM
  • Manufacturer: Aqua Dance
Pros
  • Beautiful design
  • Easy installation
  • Works well regardless of water pressure
Cons
  • Not as feature-heavy as other options
  • Can have leaking problems
  • Parts are not quite as sturdy as some other shower heads

Buying a new shower head isn’t necessarily a complicated process, but committing to one can be. With so many options out there, it’s difficult to sometimes even know what it is you’re looking for or truly want from a new shower head. That’s why it’s important to at least know the basics of the modern shower head before you burden yourself with which model is the perfect one for you.

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Know Your Water Pressure when buying a new shower head

Water pressure is one of those things that can be so important to some people that it ultimately determined whether or not they choose to live in a particular home. Even if you don’t consider yourself to be quite that intense about the water in your home, the fact is that there’s not much you can do about bad water pressure unless you’re willing to spend a bundle on repairs and upgrades.

However, a new showerhead can help make the water pressure in your shower a little better. It’s important to manage your expectations. A new shower head isn’t going to instantly make your bathroom water pressure do a 180.

What does that all mean? Well, if your water pressure is a concern, then you should probably focus on models designed to maximize water output (while understanding that even those can only do so much. If water pressure isn’t a big issue, then you might just want to focus on features or even looks.

Should you choose Rainfall, Pressure, or Both for a new shower head?

There’s no shortage of shower head options out there, but generally speaking, many of them fall into the category of rainfall, pressure, or a combination of both.

Rainfall showerheads emphasize a generally gentler showering experience where the water is spread across a wider surface area. As the name suggests, they’re capable of somewhat simulating the feeling of being out in the rain.

More pressure-based models (sometimes simply referred to as more traditional showerheads) work a little differently. Generally speaking, these shower heads exert more pressure than their rainfall counterparts. This makes them very useful for those who desire a “massage” shower, or anyone who just generally likes more water pressure in the shower.

There are combo options which offer both, but the trade-off usually is that they never really do one quite as well as the other. Of course, advances in that field have made the differences rather minor.

When in Doubt, Know That It’s Hard to Go Wrong when buying a new shower head

The fact is that there are so many great shower heads out there that it’s hard to go too wrong when you’re looking to upgrade your basic model. The point is that you can usually take comfort in knowing you’re buying something better than what you have.

Resources— The Shower Head Store, Kitchen Guy'D, The Spruce

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