After Testing Handheld Showerheads, Here Are The Best We Recommend 

  The Spruce | Home Design Ideas and How TosRead More

Say goodbye to basic showers

If you’re looking to upgrade your shower, switching from an overhead showerhead to a handheld one can make a world of a difference. With longer hoses and relatively small, lightweight designs, handheld showerheads increase your reach and offer more control over the aim of your shower’s spray. 

We’ve been testing showerheads in the Lab and at home for years now, and we’ve found that handheld models provide key flexibility and convenience. But the best models also offer an improvement over your existing water pressure and customizable spray settings.

How do you choose a quality showerhead? We consulted with Richard Epstein, a licensed master plumber, for expert insight into what makes the best handheld showerheads. We also researched and tested a variety of models with hoses, looking closely at details like spray settings, showerhead size, customization, and water flow rate for both comfort and efficiency.

Best Overall: Waterpik 6-Spray Twin Turbo PowerPulse Massage Handheld Showerhead

With six spray settings and ample adjustability, this easy-to-install showerhead is our favorite pick.

Buy at Amazon.com

Buy at Walmart.com

What We Like

• Easy to install

• WaterSense-certified

• Lifetime warranty

What We Don’t Like

• Only one finish available

• Stiff to adjust

Our top choice is the Waterpik Twin Turbo Showerhead, which earned high marks in our product testing process. When we tested this handheld showerhead, we appreciated the multiple spray modes (including full stream and massaging jets) and the various angle options (though adjusting the showerhead was slightly stiff).

During testing, we particularly liked the showerhead’s impressive adjustability, which allowed us to angle its spray up to accommodate extra-tall users’ height. We could angle this Waterpik showerhead up, down, and side-to-side, giving us plenty of flexibility to match our comfort and preferences.

Although we would have loved it if this handheld showerhead were available in more than one finish, the Twin Turbo was an overall hit with our team. Thanks to its 1.8-GPM flow rate, this WaterSense-certified showerhead meets the EPA’s standards for water conservation. If you live in a drought-prone area like California or just want to cut down on your water usage, the Waterpik Twin Turbo is your best bet.

If we could change anything about this showerhead, we’d make the face slightly bigger for even more coverage. However, the Waterpik Twin Turbo is an excellent product overall, and the brand backs it with a lifetime warranty.

_{Diameter: 3.5 inches | Material: Metal | Mount Type: Bracket | Flow Rate: 1.8 GPM | Spray Pattern: Full body, full body + massage, power pulse massage, power spray + massage, power spray, and water saving trickle}

GPM or Gallons Per Minute

Gallons Per Minute (GPM), or the “flow rate,” measures how many gallons of water flow from your shower head each minute. Regular showerheads use 2.5 gpm, but to earn the WaterSense label, a showerhead must utilize a maximum of 2 gpm.

Best Budget: AquaDance High Pressure 6-Setting Handheld Shower

This affordable head is easy to install and offers six spray modes, plus three different finishes.

Buy at Amazon.com

Buy at Walmart.com

What We Like

• Comfortable to hold

• 3 finishes available

• Adjustable handle mount

What We Don’t Like

• Somewhat small face

You don’t have to spend a fortune to elevate your shower experience. Instead, consider the AquaDance handheld showerhead. Available in three finishes (brushed nickel, chrome, and oil-rubbed bronze), it has a flexible 5-foot stainless steel hose and a 3.5-inch-diameter plated thermoplastic face.

Though the face is relatively small, it still gets the job done thanks to its 2.5-GPM flow rate and six spray settings. We like how adjustable it is, and if you’re interested in a more targeted showerhead, this handheld model’s smaller size means you can direct the water exactly where it’s needed.

To enhance the overall enjoyment of your shower, you choose from power rain, pulsating massage, power mist, rain massage, and rain mist, and 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.

_{Diameter: 3.5 inches | Material: Thermoplastic, stainless steel | Mount Type: Wall | Flow Rate: 2.5 GPM | Spray Pattern: Power rain, pulsating massage, power mist, rain massage, rain mist, and water saving pause mode}

Best High-Pressure: Couradric High-Pressure Handheld Shower Head

It flaunts a 5-inch face, a 6-foot hose, and impressive water pressure at 2.5 gallons per minute.

Buy at Amazon.com

What We Like

• Six foot hose

• Multiple flow options

• Lifetime warranty

What We Don’t Like

• Not WaterSense-certified

For those who prefer high-pressure showers, we recommend Couradric. This handheld model has a flow rate of 2.5 GPM (the highest allowed in the United States). Its spray modes include bubbling rain, bubbling water, power rain, rinse, and pulsating massage for an energizing wash.

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 reduce 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 four finishes (brushed nickel, chrome, oiled bronze, and polished brass), which offers plenty of versatility to suit your bathroom’s style. Whether you have a dark, moody bathroom or something with vintage charm, there’s a finish for you.

We also love that this handheld showerhead is backed by a lifetime warranty. That’s added peace of mind in your investment, no matter how long you keep it installed.

_{Diameter: 5 inches | Material: Thermoplastic, steel | Mount Type: Wall | Flow Rate: 2.5 GPM | Spray Pattern: Bubbling rain, bubbling water, power rain, rinse, pulsating massage}

Most Versatile: Delta In2ition Two-in-One Dual Wall Mount Fixed Handheld Shower Head

Buy at Homedepot.com

What We Like

• 2-in-1 device with overhead and handheld showerheads

• 5 different spray settings

• Water-conserving pause feature

What We Don’t Like

• Weak plastic parts

• Some users find that the pressure is low

Delta’s In2ition Two-in-One Handheld Shower Head does it all—seriously, it’s built right into the design! This single wall-mounted showerhead offers the soothing cascade of a traditional overhead showerhead and the flexibility of a detachable handheld head. Each can be used simultaneously or separately; it’s entirely up to you.

We like that you can also control how much water you’d like to use, turning on both showerheads or just one. Plus, there are five different spray options, covering everything from full-body spray to fast massage spray. There’s even a unique “pause” feature, which reduces the water output to a trickle to conserve water while you’re lathering up, shaving, or cleaning your shower and tub.

The Delta In2ition Handheld Shower Head is well-built, with a flexible, stretchable steel hose and a variety of durable finishes. It also comes with Delta’s limited lifetime warranty for durability. However, some components (like the clips for the handheld showerhead) are plastic and can be weak.

Additionally, for some, the water pressure is a bit low; we chalk this up to the WaterSense design of the showerhead, which is meant to help conserve water. Overall, with its flexibility and versatility, this is one comprehensive addition to any shower.

_{Diameter: 6.81 inches | Material: Stainless steel | Mount Type: Wall mount | Flow Rate: 1.75 GPM | Spray Pattern: Full, massage, and pause}

Best Massaging: Kohler Daisyfield 6-Spray Wall-Mount Handheld Shower Head

It offers six spray settings, including full coverage, spa massage, and vigorous jets.

Buy at Amazon.com

Buy at Homedepot.com

What We Like

• Large face

• Tool-free installation

• Powerful massage spray

What We Don’t Like

• Only two finishes available

If you want something with a massage mode for your back or body to help relieve muscle tension, we highly recommend the Kohler Daisyfield. The extra-tough massage functionality is a great perk for those who are often sore or want to capture some extra pressure as they used the handheld showerhead to target the spray in specific areas.

In addition to powerful massaging jets, its advanced spray settings include full coverage, a relaxing rinse, two combo modes, and a pause setting for when you want to save water.

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, easy-to-mount design, and lifetime warranty.

_{Diameter: 5 inches | Material: Metal | Mount Type: Wall bracket | Flow Rate: 1.8 GPM | Spray Pattern: Steady stream, intense massage, rinse}

Best Smart: Hai Smart Showerhead

Buy at Amazon.com

Buy at Homedepot.com

What We Like

• Bluetooth-enabled

• Will let you know when water is warm

• 6 colors available

What We Don’t Like

• Lower flow rate

To transform your shower into a spa-like experience, consider purchasing the Hai Smart Showerhead. It can be connected to a mobile app through Bluetooth to tell you when the shower is warm and track your water usage.

At 4.5 inches in diameter, it has a sizable face. Unlike many other handheld models, this showerhead offers full-coverage rainfall in our testing. While it may initially feel like a bit less water than your standard showerhead, it does truly offer plenty of water as it runs.

We also liked how easy it is to use this handheld model. The sliding spray controller allows for seamless adjustments to the pressure. If you want more water pressure, all it takes is a second to make the change. We found that the lower flow rate (or GPM) may be a drawback for some, but the 2.5-GPM model offers a little more water pressure, while the 1.8-GPM one meets WaterSense conservation standards.

We like that it also comes in six bold colors to add a bit of character to your bathroom and two flow rate options.

_{Diameter: 4.5 inches | Material: Stainless steel, PVC (polyvinyl chloride) | Mount Type: Wall-mounted shower arm | Flow Rate: 1.8 or 2.5 GPM | Spray Pattern: Steady stream}

Best Extra-Long: Waterpik 8ft Easy Reach Hose Handheld Shower Head

Buy at Target.com

Buy at Homedepot.com

What We Like

• 8-foot hose for added reach and flexibility

• Anti-clog nozzles

• Adjustable and water-saving spray feature

What We Don’t Like

• Can have issues with low water pressure

• Not the most durable

The biggest perks of a handheld showerhead are its extra reach and increased flexibility—and the longer the hose, the more reach you’ll have. That’s why we like the Waterpik 8ft Easy Reach Handheld Shower Head, which features an impressively long 8-foot metal hose that allows you to spray water from any angle.

With 1.8 gallons per minute flow and six high-performance spray settings, you can effortlessly bathe kids, pets, and yourself. You can customize the flow and choose any one of six settings, including full, rain, and pulsating sprays, to suit your pressure needs.

This chrome-plated handheld showerhead also includes extra perks that make it convenient to use. In addition to the spray options, you’ll enjoy a pause button in-handle that stops the spray to save water while you lather up. Some users note that water pressure can be lighter with this showerhead, but it really depends on your plumbing. Its mount can also become less sturdy with use and wear.

Overall, though, our complaints about this showerhead are few and far between, and we love the extra 3 feet of reach it provides over a typical handheld model.

_{Diameter: 5.25 inches | Material: Plastic, chrome plating | Mount Type: Wall mount | Flow Rate: 1.8 GPM | Spray Pattern: Full, rain, and pulsating}

Best Settings: Delta 7-Spray Single Wall Mount Handheld Shower Head

Choose from seven modes, including shampoo rinse, slow massage, rainfall, and drench.

Buy at Amazon.com

What We Like

• 7 spray settings

• Included a shampoo rinse setting

• Meets the WaterSense criteria

What We Don’t Like

• Limited colors

Out of all of the options on our list, the Delta 7-Spray Handheld Shower offers the most settings. Its modes include drenching spray, soft drench with full spray, massaging drench, slow massage, shampoo rinse, and soft rain. A pause setting also reduces the water pressure to a trickle while you lather up.

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 overall, this is an excellent choice with lots of customization options. We also appreciate the extra-long 6-foot hose and lifetime warranty.

_{Diameter: 5 inches | Material: Metal, plastic | Mount Type: Wall | Flow Rate: 1.8 GPM | Spray Pattern: Massage, full, steady, rinse, drench, rain}

Best Upgrade: Delta Grail Single Wall Mount Handheld Shower Head

Buy at Walmart.com

Buy at Homedepot.com

What We Like

• Sleek, slim styling

• Modern matte black finish

• Water-efficient spray

What We Don’t Like

• Wall elbow not included

• Only one spray setting

Add a little luxury to your shower with a handheld showerhead that looks as sleek as the rest of your fixtures! Delta’s Grail Single Wall Mount Handheld Shower Head doesn’t share the shiny chrome finish of most; instead, it’s finished with a matte black shade that’s perfect for more modern bathrooms. Its slim rectangular shape is also unique, making a standout statement wherever it’s installed.

However, this showerhead does more than add style to a space; its 82-inch (nearly 7-foot) long hose offers plenty of reach and flexibility, and the full-body spray gives good coverage. Its spray ranges from 1.75 to 2 gallons per minute, offering a solid amount of pressure.

While the head of this handheld showerhead is slimmer and smaller, it doesn’t skimp on the spray. You’ll enjoy full body coverage, but you can only use one setting. If you want options, this pick isn’t highly versatile. Many users point out that there’s no wall elbow included for mounting. It’s a minor detail that doesn’t detract from the style or performance of this handheld showerhead, but it’s certainly a part you’ll need for installation.

_{Diameter: 2 inches | Material: Not listed | Mount Type: Wall mount | Flow Rate: 1.75 GPM | Spray Pattern: Full} 

Best Water-Saving: Niagara Conservation Earth 3-Spray Single Wall Mount Handheld 1.75 GPM Shower Head

Buy at Amazon.com

Buy at Homedepot.com

What We Like

• Water cost savings

• Solidly built

• Easy to install

What We Don’t Like

• Limited finishes to choose from

If you reside in a drought-prone area or just want to reduce your water usage, check out the Niagara Conservation Earth 3-Spray Handheld Showerhead. With a choice between 1, 25, 1.5, 1.75, and 2 GPM, you can customize this option to your budget and water needs.

This handheld showerhead is made of a combination of brass and polycarbonate thermoplastic, which helps fight corrosion and increase overall durability. It boasts a host of certifications, including by the American National Standards Institute (ANSI) and the National Science Foundation (NSF), and is also WaterSense compliant, meaning that it meets the EPA criteria for water efficiency.

It’s available in two finishes—chrome and brushed nickel—that are versatile enough to match many bathroom fixtures and design schemes. The flexible stainless steel hose measures 75 inches long, and there are three spray patterns to choose from.

All in all, this is a tried-and-true option that conserves water without sacrificing pressure or performance. We also love its budget-friendly price point; it’s affordable enough to purchase for multiple bathrooms in your household.

_{Diameter: 2.7 inches | Material: Brass and polycarbonate thermoplastic | Mount Type: Wall | Flow Rate: 1,25, 1.5, 1.75, or 2 GPM | Spray Pattern: Full, jet, massage, mist, soft, wide}

Final Verdict

Our top handheld showerhead is the Waterpik Twin Turbo PowerPulse Massage Handheld Showerhead, which offers multiple spray modes, adjustable spray angles, and all the components you need for easy installation—plus the added perk of water-conserving features! We’re also fans of the AquaDance High Pressure 6-Setting Handheld Shower, which is a budget-friendly option with an ergonomic handle, multiple spray settings, and an adjustable mounting angle for customized coverage.

When Buying a Handheld Showerhead, Look for

Showerhead Size and Design

Unlike standard heads, handheld showerheads attach to the wall through a hose and can be mounted when not in use. However, this type of showerhead can vary significantly in terms of design. When shopping around, pay attention to the face size (usually between 3.5 and 5 inches in diameter), hose length, and finish.

If your bathroom fixtures are a color other than standard chrome, you’ll also want to look for a matching finish.

“Most are plastic these days,” says Epstein, 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.”

A Variety of 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.

While three is a pretty common number of settings (and what many of the products on our list feature), you can find handheld showerheads that offer far more spray customization. The Waterpik PowerPulse Massage Handheld Showerhead, our best overall pick, offers an impressive six spray choices so you can choose your coverage, pattern, and pressure.

A 1.8 to 2.5 GPM Flow Rate

Epstein says to check the flow rate of a handheld 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.”

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.

Standout Features

Hose Length

Hose length may not seem as critically important as the water flow and spray settings, but it’s a detail that can make or break your handheld showerhead. A handheld model is meant to offer more flexibility and reach, but a hose that’s too short can limit these two key details.

To maintain your ease of use, look for a hose length of at least 5 feet (60 inches). That’s a common length for handheld showerheads, and it offers plenty of distance to cover kids, pets, and a variety of shower applications or angles.

If you often need more reach, or have a larger shower, you can find extra-long hoses that give you even more flexibility. Six-, seven-, and eight-foot hoses are available, like the Waterpik Single Wall Mount Handheld Shower Head. 

Easy-Clean Nozzles

On many of today’s handheld showerheads, you’ll find that the nozzles are highlighted in product descriptions and on packaging. It’s becoming increasingly more common that those nozzles are designed for easy cleaning to allow for better water flow and a longer showerhead lifespan overall.

Easy-clean nozzles are those designed to prevent mineral buildup and potential clogs, allowing you to wipe away any debris without much effort to keep your water pressure at the perfect level.

Easy-clean nozzles are often covered with rubber tips. However, you can also look for showerheads that are constructed with specialized nozzles that prevent buildup or can handle hard water and its minerals.

For example, Glacier Bay’s 1-Spray Handheld Shower Head (our best basic option) features self-cleaning nozzles, which automatically prevent buildup and don’t require special soaking or even any wiping for effortless maintenance.

WaterSense Certified

Whether you live in a region that’s focused on water conservation, it’s always a great idea to invest in a handheld showerhead with eco-minded performance. Luckily, most showerheads today offer features or functions designed to help you limit your water usage and ultimately save some money on your monthly water bill!

You can look for products that feature a WaterSense certification, which means they meet EPA-approved standards and specifications to improve efficiency and conserve water. The Hai Smart Showerhead‘s 1.8-GPM model (our best spa-style pick) is WaterSense certified, along with Niagara Conservation Earth’s 3-Spray Handheld Shower Head (our best water-saving pick).

Extra perks like a “pause” function on your handheld showerhead–found on models like Delta’s In2ition Handheld Shower Head (our most versatile pick)–are helpful, as they allow you to reduce or stop the shower flow while you’re lathering up, chasing pets, or performing other actions that don’t require a full spray.

The Checkout Counter

Before you checkout, you may also want these products for your shower revamp.

1. Zenna Home Tension Pole Shower Caddy: A typical shower caddy may not be compatible with your new handheld showerhead, but this tension pole can maximize your shower storage.
2. Harvey Thread Sealing Plumber’s Tape: If you’re not having your new showerhead installed by a professional, you’ll want some of this tape to wrap around the ends of your shower hose for a tight, waterproof connection.
3. Scrub Free Total Bathroom Cleaner Plus OxiClean: Keep your entire shower sparkling clean with one of our editors’ favorite soap scum removers.

Why Trust The Spruce?

Heather Adams is a senior editor at The Spruce, covering topics within bedding, bath, and home decor. She’s been with The Spruce since 2022, and she’s tested numerous home products from bath towels to sheet sets to duvet covers. She’s upgraded her own showerheads for years, swapping old and inefficient apartment models for California-approved WaterSense ones and upgrading her home’s original showerheads to flexible and feature-filled handheld showerheads.

For this article, she used her own experience paired with in-depth research and expert insight to choose showerheads from popular brands and retailers. She scoured both The Spruce’s own testing data and insights to get a sense of how the team used different handheld models, as well as product reviews to glean information about which showerheads performed the best in other real-world use cases.

Our Experts:

• Richard Epstein, a licensed master plumber and member of The Spruce Home Improvement Review Board

Read Next: The 8 Best Outdoor Showers of 2024

We independently evaluate all recommended products and services. If you click on links we provide, we may receive compensation.