The huge variety of high-pressure shower heads of all types on the market can be confusing for someone who’s trying to identify the right shower head for their bathroom. If this is you, you just found Captain Save the Day, because we’re here to help you find the best high-pressure shower heads. This review is informative whether you want the same shower head in all your bathrooms or prefer a more eclectic look across your bathrooms.
This far we’ve reviewed 35 products and have identified the cream of high-pressure shower heads, the kind that transform your shower sessions into indulgent, luxurious experiences. Like our Editor’s Choice, for example, a sturdy metal shower head that uses innovative technologies to enhance water pressure and delivery. An extra-long shower hose and a GPM rate that’s far below the allowable maximum seal the deal on this model. Find out more about this and other shower heads in our Product Reviews segment.
We looked at the features that determine the effectiveness and usability of a shower head. These are things like the type, materials and finish, durability, flow rate, hose length, settings, and warranty. In the Buying Guide, we’ll explain why all these are important and how they influence the shower head’s performance. We’ve broken down all this information in sections that include a summary table, in-detail reviews of each product, a buying guide, and FAQs. By the end of the review, you’ll have a good idea of the type of shower head that’s suitable for you and specific models you can actually consider.
More features: 1.8 GPM flow rate, 6-inch diameter head, 3-way diverter, PowerPulse massage system, PowerComb stream
The Waterpik High-Pressure Hand-Held Wand and Rain Shower Head Combo is designed to easily and conveniently cater to your entire body, with 7 spray settings for the hair and body. It’s constructed from metal and given a moisture-protected chrome finishing.
This 6-inch diameter, 1.8 GPM high-pressure shower head uses the patented PowerComb Stream to deliver a powerful and targeted water stream that is especially crucial when washing hair. The high-pressure flow effectively rinses out hair product and leaves the hair manageable. It’s also equipped with the PowerPulse Massage spray, which delivers 2 times the shower massage force of the average US shower head.
While you can tilt the shower head to adjust the spray angle, this only lowers the height by about 4 inches, which for short people isn’t much. If you find the shower head to be too high even after you’ve adjusted the height, you may have to resort to using the hand wand to focus the water on specific spots on the body. It’s also possible to turn on both the shower head and hand wand at the same time, thanks to the 3-way diverter with bracket. An 8-foot metal shower hose makes it possible for you to enjoy your shower even when you’re not directly under the shower head and direct the water to different parts of your body.
It comes with a limited lifetime warranty.
More features: 8 jets, solid brass construction, Anystream technology, corrosion resistant
The Speakman S-2251 uses the adjustable, patented Anystream system to transition through the supported spray settings, distributing water evenly and delivering each stream at its intended pressure. The shower head supports 3 main spray patterns: Rain, Intense, and Flood. While it does not have a massage setting, the flow rate on all 3 streams is excellent, with the Flood spray in particular delivering a waterfall-like experience. To switch between streams, rotate the handle on the side of the shower head in any direction. With a total of 64 spray channels, this is a shower head that will deliver a unique shower experience every time you turn it on.
It rotates at 360 degrees, which in addition to allowing customization, also enables the shower head to self-clean for enhanced performance. It also comes with 8 built-in self-clean plungers that prevent the accumulation of hard-water build-up and sediment. In this way, it helps keep the shower head clean and boosts its lifespan. The plungers are designed to optimize water pressure. They do this by controlling the spread of water as it leaves the shower head, which allows the pressure to build and intensify.
The shower head is made from durable solid brass and given a corrosion-free, polished chrome finish. Its contemporary design is stylish and a fitting accessory for any modern bathroom. It comes with a limited lifetime warranty.
More features: 48 nozzles, self-cleaning, dismountable flow limiter, 5-inch spray diameter, 37° inclination level
The Couradric Handheld Shower Head has a 5-inch diameter and fits shower arms of all standard sizes. It’s made from sturdy ABS material, which, coupled with meticulous workmanship, makes for a durable product that should serve you well for years. It’s given a brushed nickel finish that is water-spots and fingerprints resistant, which keeps your bathroom looking clean at all times.
The manufacturer uses self-cleaning nozzles which prevent calcium buildup, effectively deterring blockage. These are not ordinary nozzles but medical TPE nozzles of the highest biocompatibility, safety, and hygiene quality to pre-empt any health concerns. The shower head has 48 such nozzles, a large enough number that allows for a powerful spray force. The shower head handle is ergonomic, fits your palm perfectly for easy handling, and has a 37-degree inclination which gives you more control over water direction.
6 spray settings provide a customized shower experience every time you’re in the shower. A 6-foot stainless steel hose offers greater reach, and the flexible brass joint on the hose prevents leakage.
This detachable shower head is easy to install. Installation takes only a few minutes. You simply fit it into the shower arm, align the threads, tighten, and you’re done. You do not need a plumber to install it for you. The shower head fits in arms of all standard sizes, so compatibility will not be an issue.
More features: 3-way diverter, 7-inch head diameter, shower pause option, tools-free installation, 2.5 GPM flow rate
With a 7-inch diameter, the AquaDance Combo Rain Showerhead provides wide coverage. It’s made from hardy ABS, with a strong, corrosion-free 5-foot stainless steel hose providing flexibility and greater reach.
You can switch between the shower head and the hand-held shower head with ease. Alternatively, you can have both running at the same time. There is a 3-way diverter that allows for this. The water pressure decreases significantly when you turn on the diverter and use both shower heads. That is expected, but the difference is rather big in this model. On the brighter side, the diverter is conveniently located at the bottom of the slide bar and turns easily, so easy to use.
Overall, the pressure isn’t all that great in this shower head, and while this could be pinned on the quality of the shower head, it may also have to do with the additional flow restrictor installed in the shower bar (there are two more in both the main and handheld showers). Thankfully, it can be removed. And if you’re lucky to read this before or just after your purchase, you’ll arrest the problem before experiencing it.
While the general construction of the shower head appears to be solid enough, be warned that there are plenty of plastic parts. Some, like the disks that hold the hand-held shower to the wall, are rather large and unsightly.
More features: 4.5-inch head diameter, solid brass bracket holder, 2.5 GPM flow rate
G-Promise High Pressure Shower Head features an all-metal construction that functions as great as it looks. The shower head has a diameter of 4.5 inches, which is not as large as some of the rival models, but it provides a respectable level of coverage. Most importantly, it distributes water evenly so that your shower experience is fulfilling.
Enjoy 6 spray settings, including relaxing massage settings and water saving trickle modes that are great for shampooing and other situations where you need to conserve water.
The brass shower hose is long at 63″ and stretchable to 75″, and it offers lots of flexibility to enjoy your shower however you like it. It also allows you to comfortably wash the kids and pets.
One thing you must take note of is that the threads on the pipe are too short and do not touch the sand filter. It’s a design flaw, and the manufacturer acknowledges as much. So when installing, you need to add the spare washers on the sand filter disk, which is located inside the mounting bracket. Then tighten the joint of the bracket so the pipe touches the washers. This should ensure that there are no leaks. Installation is easy, and you can DIY even if you have no plumbing experience.
The shower head comes with everything to do the installation, including a wrench, washers, and an illustrated installation manual.
More features: anti-clog nozzles, Microban® technology, 3-way diverter, tool-less installation, 7-inch head diameter
The AquaDance Antimicrobial/Anti-Clog Rainfall Shower Combo features nozzles with revolutionary antimicrobial Microban technology, which inhibits growth of mold, mildew, and bacteria. The rubber design of the nozzles has a self-cleaning mechanism that prevents calcium and mineral deposits build-up. Together, they keep the shower head clean and sustain its reliable performance.
It’s made from chrome-plated ABS and given an anti-degradation wave blue chrome finish. A 7-inch diameter shower head provides full coverage, and the large, 4-inch hand shower face guarantees that you get a luxurious, targeted shower whenever you need it.
It comes with a 3-way water diverter that allows you to enjoy overhead and hand-held showers simultaneously. The water pressure isn’t too high, and it reduces further when you use both showers simultaneously. Both showers have a 3-zone dial to customize your shower.
Choose from 6 stream settings that include relaxing rain and mist settings and more rejuvenating massage settings. From these, you get to enjoy 30 water spray patterns that make every shower session fresh and unique.
The ergonomic handle makes it comfortable to use, and the 5-foot shower hose provides wider reach. The mounting bracket is adjustable, and you can change the angle as desired to customize your shower as you like.
This shower head is easy to install. You do not need special skills to do it, neither do you require any tools.
More features: 4.7-inch diameter, anti-clogging nozzles, brass ball joint, mesh water filter, tool-less installation
The ANZA High Pressure Handheld Shower Head combines anti-clogging nozzles and a specially-designed hydraulic system to deliver a powerful water flow that makes shower time rejuvenating and invigorating. The shower head has a total of 76 nozzles spread across a 4.7-inch face, providing even water distribution across a wide coverage so you don’t have to keep repositioning yourself to enjoy a satisfying full body shower.
Enjoy 6 spray settings that work with both low and high water flow. The click dial is located in an easy-to-reach area and is fast-responding, which makes it easy for you to switch from one stream to another. The shower hose is 5-feet long and flexible to provide greater reach, and is made from stainless steel for durability and corrosion-resistance.
The shower head fits all standard shower arm sizes. It’s made from heat-resistant ABS and comes in an oil-rubbed bronze finish to enhance durability. The overhead bracket is made from brass and comes with an adjustable brass ball joint, allowing you to adjust the shower head angle as needed.
Installation is easy; you don’t need plumbing experience to do it. There is an accompanying installation manual to guide you through the process, and you’ll have it fixed in just minutes. It comes with a 1-year warranty and a 30-day return policy.
More features: mineral filter, micro nozzles, fits for use in RV, 2.5 GPM water flow, 3-inch head diameter
The Luxsego Ionic Shower Head comes with a 3-inch face and is designed to fit any standard size shower hose. It offers 3 spray settings; you can switch between the modes easily and adjust water pressure as desired. It’s constructed from ABS and stainless steel, durable materials that guarantee reliable use of the shower head over the years.
The shower head has a built-in double filter system made up of infrared mineral stones and negative ion mineral stones which absorb harmful substances in water and prevent calcium buildup, in this way keeping your shower water, clean, soft, and pure. You can tell that the filtration system makes a difference in the water by how soft and pampered your skin and hair feel after a shower. However, the color on the beads also comes off, staining both the water and bathroom.
The shower head uses a micro-nozzle technology with ultra small and dense holes, so designed to increase water flow and in turn increase water pressure by up to 200% compared to average shower heads. This nozzle design also saves water by up to 30%.
A 4.6-foot shower hose allows you to enjoy greater reach and target specific spots, and provides the flexibility you need to wash kids and pets, and rinse off surfaces.
The bummer is that it comes with a rather short, 90-day warranty.
From the product descriptions and reviews above, you can see how different shower heads work and what you get from each. In this next section, we’ll talk about why you might need a high-pressure shower head and how to choose the right one. We’ll also touch on the differences between shower head types, installation, and answer some of the most common FAQs about shower heads.
A high-pressure shower head effectively rinses off product in your body and especially in your hair, leaving it soft and naturally clean. You need this shower head if you worry about shampoo residue building up in the hair.
Because it takes less time to rinse off soap and hair product using a high-pressure shower head compared to a low-pressure shower head, you end up saving water.
Lots of high-pressure shower heads are self-cleaning. This means you never have to worry about the accumulation of bacteria and mold in your shower, and you can trust that the water flowing out of the shower is clean and safe.
Aerated shower heads use aerators to infuse air into the water as it flows through the shower head. This breaks up the water stream and reduces the amount of water coming out of the shower without affecting the water pressure. Because of the lighter composition as a result of the added air, the water hits your body in a gentler fashion and makes for a more pleasant showering experience.
In laminar-flow shower heads, no air is added to the water, and so the shower head delivers water in steady streams. This is the type that’s used in conventional shower heads.
Now, let’s dive into the specific features you should pay attention to when selecting a high-pressure shower head for purchase.
High-pressure shower heads come in different designs and types. Below are the most common:
Dual high-pressure shower heads – These feature both an overhead shower head and a handheld shower head. A lot of the dual shower heads on sale today use a 3-way water diverter that enables you to use both shower heads at the same time. Examples are Waterpik and AquaDance shower heads.
Handheld shower heads – A handheld shower head allows you to move the shower head to different areas of the body as needed. It’s hooked to a flexible, oftentimes long shower hose which makes this possible. This type is especially useful for bathing the kids, the sick, the elderly, and pets.
Fixed shower heads – Fixed shower heads are mounted onto the wall of the shower unit as a permanent fixture. They are generally adjustable to suit users of varying height.
Water savers – These are designed to save water and have a GPM rate that’s far lower than the set maximum of 2.5.
This is a measurement of the shower head face from where the water shoots. A large diameter such as the one in the AquaDance Antimicrobial/Anti-Clog Rainfall Shower Combo provides wider coverage and allows the water to hit you all over the body. If the diameter of the shower head is too small, you’ll be forced to move around quite a bit to get the water to hit all parts of the body.
The best high-pressure shower heads are constructed from metal for lasting durability. Stainless steel is an excellent choice because of its resistance to corrosion, but brass is a popular choice too. Increasingly, manufacturers are opting for ABS, a hardy plastic with a long lifespan. Corrosion-resistant finish is added in non-stainless steel materials to enhance durability.
The more shower settings the shower head has, the more versatile your shower sessions are going to be because you can switch to different water streams and spray patterns as you desire. The average shower head will, at the very least, have 3 shower settings, but many have between 6 and 8 streams and can have as many as 60 spray patterns or channels.
If comfort is a main concern for you, choose a shower head with a textured handle. These are usually cushioned to enhance comfort during use or the texture may allow for a non-slip grip. Preferably, this should extend to the shower head holder so that the shower head can firmly stay in place inside the holder when not in use. Otherwise, it will keep slipping out.
This boils down to choice of material and quality of workmanship. Your shower head should be made from materials that won’t suffer heat or moisture damage due to the constant exposure to moist and high temperature conditions. Opt for a unit made from sturdy metal and constructed to the required quality and safety standards. In addition, the shower head should feel solid.
Shower heads are among the fixtures that allow you to transform your bathroom without running a huge financial debt. They are largely affordable, with many units going for less than $50. On the higher end of the price scale, we have shower heads selling for $130 and above. But you should be able to get a quality shower head for $45-70.
The water flow rate simply indicates how many gallons of water flow out of the shower head in one minute. US federal regulations allow a maximum of 2.5 GPM for shower heads.
Some states and local governments have set the maximum allowable even lower. New York City and Colorado have set the limit at 2.0 GPM, while California has set the limit at 1.8 GPM. If you reside in any of these areas, check that the shower head you’re about to buy meets the stipulated flow rate regulations.
In the US, shower head thread size is standardized at 1/2-inch NPT (National Pipe Thread), and most shower heads are designed to fit the standard sizes of shower arms. So fitting the shower head into your existing shower arm will not be a problem.
Again, installation is simple, takes only a few minutes, and does not need complex tools or a specialist contractor to do it. You can do it by yourself.
A good shower head should be easy to clean. Some models are dishwasher safe, which makes cleaning them quick and easy. Some units are self-cleaning, like Speakman S-2251, Couradric Handheld Shower Head, and AquaDance Antimicrobial/Anti-Clog Rainfall Shower Combo. For this, you only need to clean components like the bracket, handle, and the exterior part of the shower head.
Many high-pressure shower heads come with generous warranties. A lifetime limited warranty is the norm for a lot of units. Waterpik High-Pressure Hand-Held Wand and Rain Shower Head Combo, Speakman S-2251, Couradric Handheld Shower Head, and AquaDance all have this. Some, like the G-Promise High Pressure Shower Head, have an equally good 10-year warranty. Nonetheless, few models have much shorter warranties. For example, the ANZA High Pressure Handheld Shower Head has a 1-year warranty and Luxsego Ionic Shower Head is only guaranteed for 90 days, but provides lifelong customer support.
If replacing an old shower head, remove the old one and wipe the arm to remove any dirt.
Tape the shower arm threads with Teflon tape (included with most shower heads) to protect the threads against damage.
Insert the new shower head onto the arm and gently twist clockwise to tighten.
Turn on the water to check for leaks and adjust if need be.
If not satisfied with the pressure, remove the flow restrictor.
If you have a water pressure gauge connected to your water supply, simply turn on the water and check the reading. To get an accurate reading, ensure that all water outlets are turned off before taking the reading.
If you don’t have a pressure gauge, you can buy one at your local home improvement store. Connect it to the first faucet on your water line and turn on the faucet to get the reading.
Alternatively, pour the vinegar mixture in a zip lock bag. Without removing it, insert the showerhead into the bag and tie tightly so it stays in place. Wait 12 hours, remove the bag, and flush the shower head for a minute or two.
The Waterpik High-Pressure Hand-Held Wand and Rain Shower Head Combo is our top choice. Its sturdy all-metal construction is a definite attraction. We also like the numerous pioneering technologies it features, the adjustable shower head design, the 7 spray settings, and the long shower hose, not forgetting the limited lifetime warranty.
At second position is Speakman S-2251, which stands out for its solid brass construction and modern design. Features that impressed us include the self-cleaning plungers, the 64 spray channels, the patented stream-adjusting technology, and the 360-degree rotation. We also appreciate the lifetime limited warranty.
Rounding off the three best high-pressure shower heads is the Couradric Handheld Shower Head, whose medical nozzles truly set it apart. Shower head angle adjustability, ergonomic handle, 6 spray settings, and a 6-foot stainless steel shower hose are other attractions. It’s also affordably-priced, and like the other top two, comes with a lifetime limited warranty.
