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May 21, 2023

The 7 Best Rain Shower Heads of 2023, According to Testing and Research

We tested and researched the best rain shower heads that are high-quality and

We tested and researched the best rain shower heads that are high-quality and guaranteed to upgrade your shower experience.

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Better Homes & Gardens / Marcus Millan

There are a number of reasons why you might opt for a rain shower head over other types of shower heads, but aesthetics is a big one. "Rain shower heads come in so many stylish materials, varieties, and styles," says Jennifer Stephan, an interior designer based in New York. "They give a more opulent appearance."

Rain shower heads can either be wall-mounted (sometimes from an extension arm so they can flow directly down) or ceiling-mounted, but both options simply look high-end and spa-like.

Looks aside, rain shower heads deliver a luxurious, immersive shower experience. The water flow in a rain shower head can be particularly relaxing, and many people like that you can easily customize them to your liking (such as by changing up the angle or flow pattern). Because they’re generally wider than basic shower heads, water flow has wider coverage, too. The result is that glorious feeling of being completely enveloped by warm water and steam.

To find the best rain shower heads that deliver an ultra relaxing shower experience, are well-made, and easy to set up, our testers installed and consistently used four popular models at home over a period of two weeks. During testing, we used a pre-determined methodology to evaluate each rain shower head's ease of setup, extra features, performance, and durability. Plus, we researched a variety of additional models as well.

Amazon

This is a high-end, high-performing rainfall showerhead with a bonus handheld hose.

The handheld portion is a tiny bit tricky to detach.

If you’ve wanted to upgrade to a rain shower head but have been intimidated by the thought of an arduous installation process, you’ll appreciate the Delta HydroRain Two-in-One 5-Spray Dual Wall Mount Fixed and Handheld H2Okinetic Shower Head. During testing, it was very easy to install, as it took us two minutes and didn't require any additional tools.

The Delta HydroRain continued to impress after the installation was complete. This fixture nabbed the spot of overall best rain shower head in part for its appearance—we felt it was high-quality and elevated-looking—as well as its performance. It delivers high-pressure flow and a number of customization options.

Depending on your preferences, you can switch between full-body spray, shampoo/rinsing spray, massaging spray, the brand's H2Okinetic PowerDrench spray, and a pause option. The pivoting feature allows you to change the angle, too, resulting in broadened coverage. Plus, switching between settings is easy to do.

Another nice feature is the handheld hose. We found the length to be generous, as we could use it to wash our hair, body, and the shower stall. We also appreciated that you could easily switch back and forth between the overhead rain shower and the handheld hose using a simple toggle on the side.

We did think that it could be a little smoother to disengage the handheld hose but thought perhaps it wouldn't be an issue as we become more familiar with it over time.

We didn't experience any leakage during the two-week test period and felt the shower head would hold up well over time. The rubber tips were easy to clean (the manufacturer recommends just wiping it with a cloth) and we didn't notice any water spots.

While it's certainly an investment, we thought this rain shower head was priced fairly for its performance and overall quality. We appreciated that you could choose between a rain-style head and a more conventional head, and noted that it felt sturdy and well-made overall.

Note that this rain shower head is available in two water flow options (1.75 or 2.5 GPM). If you live in a state that has legislation capping GPM at 1.8 or lower (such as California and Colorado) make sure to select the 1.75 GPM option at checkout.

Price at time of publish: $362

Product Details: Flow Rate: 1.75-2.5 Gpm | Number of Spray Patterns: Five | Certifications: CSA

Better Homes & Gardens / Christine Colby

Better Homes & Gardens / Christine Colby

Amazon

The water flow is excellent and the installation process was a breeze.

The wall mount is shorter and a little less luxurious-looking compared to other styles.

If you have an older or more basic shower head and want a quick and easy upgrade that won't set you back hundreds of dollars, this SparkPod Shower Head is the best rain shower head to consider.

It may not be the most high-end rainfall shower head on our list, but this affordable fixture still manages to deliver a luxury experience. During testing, we appreciated the water flow that covered a wide area and felt more luxurious than the shower head we were using previously.

Sometimes budget-friendly fixtures come with a more complicated setup, but we found the SparkPod's installation to be very easy and less time-consuming than we had expected and didn't require any additional tools. We credit the QR code, which you can scan for a quick installation tutorial, as particularly helpful. Plus, the installation kit includes Teflon tape as well as a 2.5-gallon restrictor that you can switch out if you want more water pressure.

There's only one spray pattern on the SparkPod shower head, so it's not the best rain shower head if customization is important to you. You can adjust the shower head and point it up and down, so you’ll be able to set it for your height.

Overall, we found the water flow to be steady, covering a wide area of the shower for full-body coverage, with no gaps in the water stream. We liked it better than the shower head we were using previously, which had multiple settings.

This rain shower head was easy to clean and we appreciated the rust-proof rubber nozzles and the fact that it feels solid and well-built. Though it's made from plastic, we felt like it could pass for real stainless steel. After two weeks there were some small water spots, but they weren't very noticeable and there was no build-up.

The SharkPod is available in 24 different finishes, making it easy to match the shower head to other fixtures in your bathroom. We chose vintage oil-rubbed bronze and liked that it matched our bathroom faucets.

While testing, we noted a few downsides to keep in mind. This rainfall shower head does not flow directly down, so keep that in mind if that's the experience you’re after. It also doesn't have any additional certifications, such as being WaterSense-certified.

Price at time of publish: $40

Product Details: Flow Rate: 1.8 Gpm | Number of Spray Patterns: One | Certifications: None

Better Homes & Gardens / Emma Tollefson

Better Homes & Gardens / Emma Tollefson

Wayfair

The wall-mounted remote makes it easy to switch between settings.

Ease of installation and water pressure will depend on your home's plumbing.

With several personalization options and a sleek wall-mounted remote control, the Grohe Rainshower SmartConnect Multi Function Adjustable Shower Head delivers a truly spa-like shower experience that feels modern and high-tech. If you want to invest in a high-quality pick, this is the best rain shower head to splurge on.

We found the wireless remote control to be particularly handy during testing. To change up the flow, all we had to do was push one of the three buttons on the remote. Since each setting was identified by a picture of the type of water stream it would produce, using it was very simple.

The Grohe has three different flow settings: ActiveRain (a harder massage flow), Grohe PureRain Spray (light rainfall), and Combination Spray, which uses both. We felt that this was the ideal number of settings for this shower head, and found the PureRain Spray setting in particular very relaxing to use.

During testing, this shower head produced solid water pressure. Just keep in mind that the home we tested this in also has high water pressure, so it was consistent with other showers in the house. If your home has lower water pressure, you may have a different experience.

Installation was relatively easy thanks to clear instructions. Because we did not have a rain shower ceiling, we installed a 12-inch shower arm extension to mount the shower head from the wall. Once that was set up, the installation was easy as it just required Teflon tape around the thread before we screwed the shower head in place.

In addition to the Teflon tape, we needed an adjustable wrench to tighten the head onto the extension arm. Syncing the remote and the shower head was slightly tricky, but we were able to work it out.

With a diameter of more than 12 inches and a depth of more than 2 inches, this is a very large and substantial-looking shower head. The StarLight chrome finish and contemporary design deliver a stylish aesthetic, too.

During the two-week testing period, we didn't notice anything that might suggest the Grohe rain shower head wouldn't hold up over time. There are rubber nozzle tips, a good indicator of durability, and no leaking was observed.

Price at time of publish: $534

Product Details: Flow Rate: 1.75 Gpm | Number of Spray Patterns: Two | Certifications: CSA

Wayfair

It's less expensive than other styles and features multiple settings.

It's not as design-friendly as some other picks.

The Bright Showers Dual Shower Head Combo Set delivers a pleasant overhead rain flow and also comes with a handheld spray, so it's the best rain shower head if you’re looking for a versatile option. There are even four distinct flow settings to choose from as well, meaning you can set your shower however you see fit.

Although the shower head may not be as design-forward as some other picks, it's a less expensive option that still offers the spa-like feeling at home. The handheld portion features a 1.5-foot flexible hose, making it easy to use. It's also offered in three finishes and is fairly easy to install thanks to three hand-tighten connections.

Price at time of publish: $47

Product Details: Flow Rate: 1.8 GPM | Number of Spray Patterns: Four | Certifications: California Code of Regulations, UPC Certified, Vermont Act 193 Compliant

Amazon

It's WaterSense-certified, which means it uses less water.

There's only one spray setting.

There's a lot to love about the Delta Raincan Single Setting Showerhead 52841-BL. For one, this rain shower head has a truly gorgeous appearance. With its crisp lines and stylish finishes, it looks high-quality and instantly upgrades a bathroom. Plus, depending on your preferences, it can be either ceiling- or wall-mounted.

But looks aside, you can also feel good about your showers with this fixture in your home. It's part of Delta's WaterSense-certified collection, which means it uses less water than the industry standard. Not only is this better for the environment, but it saves you money, too.

Since the spray holes are made of soft rubber, you can just wipe them to remove any mineral residue. Installation is relatively uncomplicated and tool-free as well, but in addition to this pricey shower head, you do need to purchase the recommended shower arm and flange separately. Plus, there's also only one spray pattern setting, so you won't be able to customize the water flow like you can in some other shower heads we’ve reviewed here.

Price at time of publish: from $249

Product Details: Flow rate: 1.75 GPM | Number of Spray Patterns: One |Certifications: WaterSense

Amazon

This is an extra-large ceiling rain shower head that delivers a luxe appearance.

There's just one spray setting.

Most rain shower heads are somewhere between 10 and 12 inches wide but this Derpras model is 16 inches wide, making it the best rain shower head if you’re looking for a larger option.

This pick is the best rain shower head for those with a larger shower looking for a bigger fixture to match, or anyone who wants to make their existing shower feel a little more spa-like. Though there's only one spray setting, there are more than 300 soft silicon nozzles on this shower head, which help give it a lovely rainfall-like effect. It's also offered in two finishes, so you can choose which works best for your bathroom.

Despite its larger size, the shower head is relatively easy to install and can be either mounted on a wall or the ceiling with a ceiling-mounted shower arm. Keep in mind that the company recommends using a brass shower arm since the shower head weighs more than 6 pounds.

Price at time of publish: $100

Product Details: Flow Rate: 2 GPM | Number of Spray Patterns: One | Certifications: Not listed

Amazon

It has three easy-to-adjust settings and a classic design.

The fitting material is made of plastic, as opposed to other options that are made of metal.

If you appreciate the ability to switch between different water flows, you’ll love the Grohe Euphoria 260 Shower Head. The Euphoria has three spray patterns that allow you to personalize your shower experience.

The three spray options include a powerful, forceful jet option, SmartRain, and rain, which you can easily switch between by twisting the center circle on the shower head. The main difference between the two rain settings is that the latter uses all the nozzles, resulting in a wide spray for full body coverage.

This is a basic-looking rain shower head with a classic design that looks nice in a variety of bathroom styles. It's 10 inches wide, on the bigger side, and available in three finishes: brushed nickel infinity, black matte, and Starlight chrome.

Unlike some other metal styles, this pick is made of plastic so it depends on your preferences. You should also be mindful at checkout to select the correct GPM for your state: The higher 2.5 GPM can't be shipped to states with lower GPM maximums, such as California.

Price at time of publish: $187

Product Details: Flow Rate: 1.75 or 2.5 GPM | Number of Spray Patterns: Three | Certifications: None

Overall, the best rain shower head is the Delta HydroRain Two-in-One 5-Spray Dual Wall Mount Fixed and Handheld H2Okinetic Shower Head. In testing, we found this rain shower head to be incredibly simple to install, easily adjustable, and sleek-looking. We also appreciated the five different spray patterns that let you choose the water pressure that suits you best.

To find the best rain shower heads, testers reviewed four popular models at home over a period of two weeks. During that time, we assessed each of the rain shower heads for ease of set up, features, performance, settings, durability, and value.

First, we installed the rain shower head according to the manufacturer's instructions. We noted how easy or complicated the instructions are, whether any special tools were required, and whether the shower head fits with no gaps.

If the rain shower head has any extra features, we reported whether they are useful and easy to operate. For example, for dual or handheld showerheads, we noted whether the wand or handheld portion is easy to detach, heavy or lightweight, and if the hose length is significant. For filtered shower heads, we reported whether their hair or skin indeed felt softer after use.

During showers, we observed the water flow. The best rain shower heads have water that flows in a steady, dense stream; spray that covers a wide area of the shower; and no gaps in the water stream. We also noted if the shower head would work regardless of a person's height.

Some rain shower heads have various settings and options for personalization. We checked the rain shower head's adjustability, customization settings, and how easy it is to switch between them.

Rubber nozzle tips or an antimicrobial coating are some features that make a shower head easier to clean or resistant to clogging or build-up. We noted whether they thought the rain shower head would hold up well over time, as well as how easy it is to clean and maintain.

Finally, we evaluated each shower head's overall value after using it for two weeks. We considered whether the listing price is reflective of the product's value and all of its features, and if they would pay that price — or even consider paying more.

At the end of the testing period, we assigned a score to each section. The products with the higher scores earned a spot on our best rain shower head list.

Better Homes & Gardens / Anna Knief

Flow rate in shower heads is measured by the gallons per minute (or GPM) that water comes out of the shower head. A shower head with a lower flow rate has more efficient water use. In the United States, the Energy Policy Act (EPAct) of 1992 requires shower heads to have a GPM of no more than 2.5.

A number of states and cities have lower GPM maximums than that, however, including California, which has a 1.8 GPM max. When shopping for a rain shower head, look up the GPM in your area to make sure the product you’re buying is compatible.

You’ll also want to consider the water pressure in your home to make sure the fixture is compatible with your flow rate and avoid damage. "If your home has low water pressure, it's best to use a higher flow rate [shower head]," explains Stephan. A lower flow rate, however, can help conserve water and reduce water bills for homeowners.

Spray pattern refers to the different types of flow settings on a rain shower head. Some rain shower heads may feature multiple flow settings, such as:

When shopping, check to see if the rain shower head has any notable certifications. A few to consider include:

Although installation for the Nebia by Moen Spa Shower was fairly quick, the Nebia's overall performance wasn't quite on par with the other products we tested. The main downside is that it gives off a very fine mist, that — while certainly gentle, warm, and spa-like — doesn't deliver the pressure most people would expect when taking a shower. There aren't any other setting options, meaning this shower head wouldn't be a realistic choice for most homes.

The best rain shower heads range in price from $20 to nearly $500, with a median price of about $100. Several factors can contribute to the cost of rain shower heads, according to Stephan. "First, you'll want to consider the brand," she says. "There are many high-end brands that naturally cost more with the name."

Style can also make a difference, Stephan adds, as dual and ceiling-mounted showers are typically more expensive. Adding special features and high-quality materials will also increase the price.

While Stephan says you can certainly install a wall-mounted rain shower head yourself (and some of the fixtures we’ve reviewed above are very easy to do), you'll always want to consider the compatibility of the previous shower head.

"It's possible the fittings are different sizes, which will make installation more difficult and if not installed properly you'll end up with poor water pressure and overall complications," she says.

Other considerations are the materials currently installed around the fixture — for example, if you have a tile material and the new fixture has a smaller canopy for installation, you'll need to fill in the tile to avoid leaking since that can lead to mildew over time. If you’re not sure about the current installation specifics, professional installation is your best bet.

For a ceiling-mounted rain shower head, you'll generally need a professional to install it. These types are also pricier than wall-mounted rain shower heads.

There are a few reasons why you might choose to install a rain shower head. A few benefits include:

Kathleen Felton is a freelance writer originally from Connecticut, now living in Sydney, Australia, covering home and lifestyle for Better Homes & Gardens. To compile this list of the best rain shower heads, Kathleen analyzed lab insights from our testing site in Des Moines, Iowa. She also spoke to Jennifer Stephan, an interior designer based in New York with 10 years experience in the fashion and interiors industry who often works on bathroom design.

Next to all of the products on this list, you may have noticed our BHG Recommends seal of approval. Products that earn the seal have been put through rigorous testing to make sure they're worth a spot in your home. We buy most of the products we test ourselves, but occasionally we are provided samples by companies if buying isn't an option. In these cases, we use the same testing criteria we use to test the purchased products.