Best Handheld Shower Heads 2023

If you’re looking for an easy way to upgrade your shower, the best handheld shower heads can make a huge difference. These detachable fixtures make it easier to rinse off your body, and many offer a variety of spray patterns and multiple settings for a soothing in-shower massage. We recommend the Moen Engage Magnetix Handheld Shower Head, a user-friendly option with a magnetic dock and brackets, but there are plenty of options on this list to suit every budget and bathroom style.

The Delta Faucet HydroRain 5-Spray H2Okinetic Dual Shower Head features an overhead waterfall ... [+] fixture that pivots for wider coverage, as well as a magnetic handheld head with five luxurious spray settings. Wall Mounted Black Shower Faucet Set

Best Handheld Shower Heads 2023 - Forbes Vetted

Those aren’t the only benefits of a handheld shower head though. “Handheld shower heads can be used to rinse those hard-to-reach places in the shower, clean your shower, and even bathe your pets with ease,” explains Matt Little, co-owner of Damien McEvoy Plumbing. “For people with limited mobility, handheld shower heads give them more independence by allowing them to direct the water precisely where they need it.”

Finding a shower head that will work with your existing plumbing can be tricky, so you’ll need to keep a few things in mind as you shop. Many shower heads have a flow rate of either 1.75 or 2.5 gallons per minute (GPM), which is better for conserving water. If you have low water pressure, you’ll also want to look for a model with a pressure-compensating flow regulator, which will help maintain a steady flow of water. Other factors you’ll want to consider include the design of the shower head, spray pattern, and installation requirements.

If you’re ready to kick your old fixture to the curb, here are the best handheld shower heads to elevate your daily bathing experience.

This handheld shower head from Moen has a unique magnetic dock that makes it especially user-friendly. The fixture comes in three popular finishes, and it can be installed onto most existing shower arms in a matter of minutes. You have the option to go for the standard model, offering a 2.5 GPM flow rate, or the "Eco-Performance" model with a reduced flow rate of 1.75 GPM.

You won’t have to fumble around to get this shower head back into its bracket—the robust magnet swiftly snaps it into place. Moen also provides extra magnetic brackets, allowing you to conveniently mount the head anywhere within your shower. With six spray patterns, including various massage options, accessible through a rotating dial, your shower experience can be tailored to your liking. Plus, it’s backed by a limited lifetime warranty from the brand.

You don’t have to break the bank to get a luxurious new shower head—this model from Couradric is high-quality and easy to use, all for an affordable price. The fixture comes with a 70-inch flexible hose, a handheld shower head and a mounting bracket, with options for four distinctive metal finishes and two flow rates.

This shower head can be installed in a matter of minutes, and it offers six spray patterns, including a pulsing massage and water-saving mode. The head even has self-cleaning nozzles to prevent mineral buildup and clogs. The brand also offers a limited lifetime warranty on this shower head and will replace components if they ever break.

If you aren’t ready to give up your fixed shower head, this two-in-one design is the perfect compromise. The Delta Faucet In2ition Dual Shower Head includes both a fixed shower head and a handheld arm that docks inside it—they can be used together for extra-wide coverage spray, or you can pop off the handheld head to enjoy water from multiple angles. When you’re done with the handheld unit, it snaps right back into place thanks to its magnetic docking mechanism.

This dual-function shower head is available in either 1.75 or 2.5 GPM flow rates, and it's available in six distinct finish colors to match your style. It boasts an assortment of five spray patterns, including a convenient pause spray option. With a 60-inch hose that can extend up to 82 inches, tackling those far-reaching corners of your shower becomes a breeze.

Your shower will feel like an at-home spa with this Waterpik handheld shower head. The fixture comes with a 20-inch metal rail with a sliding bracket, allowing you to easily adjust the height to suit your needs. Plus, the shower head is attached to a 60-inch hose for even more flexibility. The unit has a total of seven spray patterns, including the brand’s signature PowerPulse Massage, which is clinically proven to help reduce muscle tension. The massage setting is twice as powerful as other massaging shower heads, and it can also be used in tandem with other spray options for a thorough clean.

For a powerful spray of water, the HO2ME High Pressure Shower Head is a top choice. Despite being a budget-friendly fixture, it provides a strong, steady stream of water, especially when you remove the inner flow regulator. (Though some people may find that the pressure is too strong without this component.)

This shower head comes with an extra-long 79-inch hose, and it has three spray patterns. It’s easy to install on your existing shower arm, but it does have a shorter warranty than other options.

It’s always a disappointing experience when water seems to trickle out of your shower head rather than flow in full force. While this is often caused by low water pressure, you can help improve the flow in your shower with this handheld fixture, which has a pressure-compensating design for more consistent spray. It is on the smaller side, with just a 2.7-inch head diameter, but it offers three water spray patterns and a 72-inch hose. It’s also Watersense compliant, so it will help reduce water usage in your home. Choose from three different models, depending on the water flow rate in your home.

The Moen Home Care Multi-Function Handheld Shower is designed with safety in mind, making it a top choice for seniors or those with disabilities. It has an extra-long 84-inch hose, allowing you to shower while sitting down, if needed, and the handheld component has a silicone handle and safety strap for improved grip. The design complies with recommendations set by the Americans with Disabilities Act, and it even has a pause button to stop the water flow. Just keep in mind that it doesn’t come with a dock to store the handle—this component is sold separately.

If you want to reduce the amount of chlorine in your shower water, this fixture from American Standard has a built-in activated carbon filter that removes up to 50% of chlorine from your water. The design has a large 5-inch head with four spray patterns, and it includes a 60-inch hose, as well.

This shower head includes a rail system that makes it easy to adjust the height and angle of the shower head, and it can be installed onto most existing plumbing—however, it’s a bit more complicated to set up.

This two-in-one shower head is sure to elevate your bathroom. It features an overhead waterfall fixture that pivots 40 degrees for wider coverage, as well as a magnetic handheld head with five luxurious spray settings. It comes in six finishes to match your existing decor, and the 60-inch metal hose stretches up to 82 inches, giving you more flexibility to rinse off or even clean your shower area.

The shower head itself is easy to clean, as well. It features Touch-Clean spray holes that can be cleared out with your finger, making long-term maintenance simple. It’s also backed by a limited lifetime warranty from the brand.

One of the benefits of handheld shower heads is that they can be used to wash the walls of your shower, and this model from AquaCare makes maintenance even easier thanks to its two Power Wash settings. The Wide Fan option allows you to quickly rinse off large areas, and the Point Jet setting lets you blast away dirt and grime. It also offers six additional spray patterns, including a massage option.

This fixture comes in four finishes, as well as 2.5 and 1.8 GPM options, and it includes a 72-inch metal hose. The brand also claims that its anti-clog nozzles won’t get blocked by mineral build-up.

There are a few important aspects to mull over when shopping for a handheld shower head. Keep these factors in mind as you shop.

There are a few different styles of handheld shower heads that you may want to consider. Standard designs typically feature a removable shower head that mounts to your shower arm with a bracket, but there are also magnetic options available that are easier to remove and replace.

If you prefer more coverage when you shower, you may want to look for a two-in-one unit, which features both a fixed shower head and a handheld unit. This allows you to experience a multi-angle water stream as you shower.

You may also see rail-style shower heads, which have a vertical bar with a docking bracket. The bracket can generally be slid up or down the bar as needed, making it easy to adjust the height of your shower head.

Flow rate—or how much water travels through the shower head—is measured in gallons per minute or GPM. Most of today’s shower heads have a flow rate between 1.75 and 2.5 GPM, and the higher the number, the more water will be used during your shower. While it may seem like a higher flow rate is the best choice, many lower-rate fixtures provide a similar feel, and some communities even offer incentives or rebates to those who voluntarily install low-flow shower heads.

Water pressure can also play a role in the performance of your new shower head. If you know that your home has lower-than-average water pressure, you’ll want to look for a fixture that can compensate for it: “The EPA-specified flow rate is for a standardized pressure of 80 pounds per square inch, so if your water pressure is not that high, to begin with, a low-flow shower head probably won’t offer the results you’re seeking,” explains Thomas Dougherty, vice [resident operations at Benjamin Franklin Plumbing. “To avoid this, try to find a shower head with a pressure-compensating flow regulator, which allows the flow to be tailored to the actual pressure in your home.”

If you want to save money on your water bill, one of your best options is to look for a WaterSense-certified shower head. “Water-saving shower heads that earn the WaterSense label must demonstrate that they use no more than 2.0 GPM,” says Dougherty. “It is estimated that the average household can save more than 500 gallons per year. The WaterSense label also ensures that these products provide a satisfactory shower that is equal to or better than conventional shower heads on the market.”

Most handheld shower heads offer multiple spray patterns, allowing you to select the option that best suits your needs. You may want to look for a model with a specific spray pattern—some people particularly enjoy massage-style sprays, which help target sore muscles and promote relaxation.

You may also see shower heads that have a “pause” setting. This comes in handy if you want to be able to stop the water flow without turning off the faucet, such as when you’re shaving your legs.

It’s generally quite easy to replace a shower head—it can often be done in less than 10 minutes with just one or two basic tools. However, it’s always a good idea to see if professional installation is recommended or if there are any specific requirements for the shower arm. For instance, rail-style shower systems take up more space than traditional shower heads, so you’ll want to measure your existing shower layout to ensure it will fit.

There’s no shortage of handheld shower heads to choose from today, which can make shopping a bit overwhelming. “Choosing the right shower head has become more complicated over the years,” says Dougherty. “The number of options available, from multiple spray settings to models offering hydrotherapy, is staggering. Before choosing a shower head, focus on the features that are available and ask yourself which options best suit your needs.”

To find the right fit for your home, you’ll need to decide whether you want a standard flow rate or if you want to go with a WaterSense-certified model. From there, you’ll need to look at factors like the size of the fixture, finish color, spray settings and hose length. If you choose a more complicated shower head, it’s also important to look at its installation requirements to ensure it’s compatible with your existing plumbing.

There are a number of benefits to handheld shower heads that make them a popular choice for the bathroom. For one, they’re versatile: Handheld shower heads can be docked in a bracket and used like a standard shower head, or they can be removed and angled by hand. This makes them especially useful for rinsing your body, showering while sitting down, and even washing children or pets. Plus, many people find them useful for cleaning the shower, as you can easily rinse away suds as you scrub.

Handheld shower heads are often quite affordable, as well. There are lots of great models—including the Moen Engage Magnetix—that cost less than $50, so it won’t break the bank to upgrade your bathroom.

As you compare different shower heads, you’ll see that most models have a flow rate between 1.75 and 2.5 GPM. “The ideal flow rate for handheld shower heads is typically between 2.0 and 2.5 GPM,” says Little. “This flow level allows for efficient water consumption while providing a refreshing and stimulating shower experience.”

However, you may want to check with your state’s regulations regarding shower head flow rates before you buy. “It is important to note that some regions may have additional flow rate regulations to encourage water conservation,” Little explains. For instance, California, Washington, New York and Oregon all mandate a maximum flow rate of 1.8 GPM for replacement shower heads.

I am Founder & Editor-at-Large of ICONOCLAST at Forbes, covering the intersection of Wall Street, billionaires and beyond. A former Forbes “Under 30” lister myself, I am author of The Alpha Masters and host of Spotify’s “Megatrends” podcast. Before joining Forbes, I was a Knight-Bagehot fellow at Columbia Journalism School and had over a decade-long tenure at CNBC, most recently as Senior Editor and co-founder of Delivering Alpha, the network’s flagship annual Wall Street summit. Formerly, as CNBC’s hedge fund specialist, I broke news on various activist campaigns like Herbalife and covered investigations such as Lehman Brothers’ insolvency during the financial crisis.

I got my start in journalism as a part of The Wall Street Journal’s Money & Investing team and began my career at Citigroup at the age of seventeen—which is where I earned the nickname “Wall Street Maneet”. Send tips to: mahuja@forbes.com

I'm a reporter on Forbes' money team covering investing trends and Wall Street's difference-makers. I've reported on the world's billionaires for Forbes' wealth team and was previously an assistant editor covering money and markets. I graduated from Duke University in 2019, where I majored in math and was the sports editor for our student newspaper, The Chronicle. Send news tips to htucker@forbes.com.

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