Our number one pick is the Moen Engage Magnetix 6-Spray Showerhead, a thoughtfully designed showerhead with customizable settings and a lifetime warranty. Scroll down for the best handheld showerheads currently available. While she wished it was available in more than one finish, the Twin Turbo was an overall hit with our tester. Thanks to its 1.8-GPM flow rate, this WaterSense-certified showerhead meets the EPA’s standards for water conservation. If we could change anything about this showerhead, we’d make the face slightly bigger. However, the Waterpik Twin Turbo is an all-around excellent product, and the brand backs it with a lifetime warranty. Price at time of publish: $40 You can choose from power rain, pulsating massage, power mist, rain massage, and rain mist, then pause it when you want to save water. The click-lever dial makes it easy to toggle between modes, and the ergonomic handle is comfortable to hold. We also like that you can adjust the mounted angle for hands-free lathering. Price at time of publish: $30 Thanks to the magnetic docking, it detaches easily from the hook and reattaches without a fuss. This handheld showerhead boasts six spray settings, including full stream, high-pressure jets, massage, mist, soft stream, and wide-angle coverage. With a flow rate of 1.8 GPM (gallons per minute), it meets the WaterSense conservation guidelines set by the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) without sacrificing pressure or performance. Price at time of publish: $56 While you might think this high-pressure showerhead isn’t EPA-approved, the 1.8-GPM flow rate actually meets the agency’s WaterSense conservation standards. Though it comes in only two finishes (chrome and brushed nickel), we appreciate the sizable 5-inch face and easy-to-mount design. Not only that, but Kohler backs it with a lifetime warranty. Price at time of publish: $55 What’s more, the Smart Showerhead syncs to your mobile device through Bluetooth to track your usage, and the handle lights up to notify you when the water is warm. We like that it comes in six bold colors to add a bit of character to your bathroom and two flow rate options. The 2.5-GPM model offers a little more water pressure, and the 1.8-GPM one meets WaterSense conservation standards. Price at time of publish: $249 In addition to ample water pressure, the 5-inch face ensures full coverage when you want it. You can also set it to water-saving mode when you want to cut down on your usage. Other standout features include an ergonomic handle and an extra-long 6-foot hose with flexible joints. As icing on the cake, this showerhead comes in five finishes (brushed nickel, chrome, oiled bronze, polished brass, and matte black) and is backed by a lifetime warranty. Price at time of publish: $35 With a 5-inch face, this showerhead offers substantial water pressure and impressive coverage. However, it has a flow rate of 1.8 GPM to meet the EPA’s WaterSense criteria. We wish it came in more finishes, but all in all, this is an excellent choice with lots of customization options. We also appreciate the extra-long 6-foot hose and lifetime warranty. Price at time of publish: $32 Though the face is somewhat small (3.5 inches), it gets the job done, and the 5-foot no-kink hose allows you to reach around at any angle. This showerhead is made of metal and plastic and comes in three finishes (matte black, chrome, and brushed nickel). With a 1.8-GPM flow rate, it’s also WaterSense-certified, and Glacier Bay backs it with a lifetime warranty. Price at time of publish: $23 “Most are plastic these days,” says Richard Epstein, licensed master plumber and member of The Spruce Home Improvement Review Board, though some showerheads are made of stainless steel and other metals. “Quality is also important. You can tell the quality by the weight and feel.”
Spray Patterns
Handheld showerheads usually have multiple spray patterns for a more customized showering experience. Some of the most common settings include full/steady stream, pulse, massage, high-pressure jets, rain, bubbling stream, drench, and rinse. Many models also have a pause or water-saving mode.
Flow Rate
Epstein says to check the flow rate of a showerhead before buying it, which is measured in gallons per minute (GPM). Most will be between 1.8 and 2.5 GPM, and higher usually means more water pressure. However, Epstein notes, “Many low-flow showerheads, both handheld and stationary, can deliver a nice spray. The technology has come a long way.” Additionally, handheld showerheads with a maximum flow rate of 1.8 GPM meet the EPA’s (Environmental Protection Agency) standards for water conservation and may carry the agency’s WaterSense certification.
Why Trust The Spruce?
Theresa Holland has been writing for The Spruce since 2019, where she covers home goods, cleaning products, decor, and appliances. She has a Moen showerhead at home in matte black to match the rest of her bathroom fixtures. In any case, Epstein says, “You just need to have an understanding of what you’re working with, how to unscrew without it breaking, tightening without too much muscle.” When in doubt, consult with the manufacturer’s installation instructions. When choosing the best options for this article, she looked at insights from tested products and considered dozens of models from various manufacturers and brands. She also consulted with Richard Epstein, licensed master plumber and member of The Spruce Home Improvement Review Board. Our final picks stand out in terms of settings, design, and overall quality.
