If you ever had problems with maintaining a low monthly water bill, changing your shower head to a portable or handheld type is a great solution. That’s because it allows you to vary the water pressure as needed. Moreover, a movable shower head is easier to reach for and clean, reducing the chances of mold buildup.
There are many handheld shower heads out there on the market for you to choose from. However, with so many different choices, how will you know which one is best for you? Below are some of my recommendations to help you decide.
NEMO High-Pressure Handheld Shower Head
If you want a simple and straightforward tool, the NEMO High-Pressure Handheld Shower Head is for you, due to its high-pressure design. Because it’s easy to install, you don’t need to be an expert in plumbing to set it up in your shower room. What makes this shower head a high-pressure type is the stainless-steel watering plate that creates 480,000 anions per 1cc of water.
Four spray functions are easily accessible, all using 90-degree action. The four spray functions include an ionic spray with a soft stream of water, a massage spray with high concentration, a mist spray for light cooling, and a rainfall shower for wide coverage. The shower head is made with a chrome finish so it’s easy to pair with most bathrooms.
Due to the thin aluminum alloy spray face with laser-cut nozzles, your water pressure will increase. This shower head features a 2.5 GPM (gallons per minute) flow rate, and it comes with all the accessories needed for assembly. There’s also a ceramic water filter to keep corrosion and debris away from the shower head. This tool is also backed by a 1-year warranty.
Things I Like About This Product: It is a 4-function shower head so you’ll have different modes to choose from for your bathing needs.
Things to Keep in Mind Before Buying This Product: The shower head is not entirely made of metal (the attachment is made from ABS) so it’s not as heavy-duty compared to all-metal types.
HammerHead All Metal Handheld Shower Head
When it comes to durability, the HammerHead All Metal Handheld Shower Head is a worthy pick. This model boasts water conservation, since it has a low flow of only 1.75 GPM, which is lower than the standard 2.5-GPM flow rate of most shower heads. What I also like is the 72-inch hose, which is not only flexible but significantly longer than most for a better reach.
Since it has many color finishes to choose from (oil-rubbed bronze, polished brass, polished chrome, matte black, and brushed nickel), you’ll have better luck finding a finisht that matches your existing bathroom fixtures.
It has a 4-inch wide sprayer face that will suit most showering needs. As for the holder, it has an adjustable hook with a swivel ball, so turning the shower head is easy and convenient.
Because it is made with 304-grade stainless steel, it will withstand hot temperatures without being too heavy, a safer choice for all ages. The nozzles are also made with BPA-free silicone nozzles that won’t affect your skin or create harmful material buildup in the shower head.
Things I Like About This Product: This shower head has a low flow rate, which saves water. It also has an all-metal construction that makes it heavy duty and durable.
Things to Keep in Mind Before Buying This Product: It only has one shower function (rain type) so it’s suitable for people who just want a basic shower head.
Lokby High-Pressure Handheld Shower Head
The Lokby High-Pressure Handheld Shower Head is a great choice if you just want something that does the job well with a low price tag. This shower head is made with a combination of ABS material with chrome plating, and a swivel ball joint made of solid brass. Moreover, its hose is made of stainless steel for added durability.
Since it uses universal G1/2 threads, it’s a simple setup for anyone with a standard shower pipe. With a total of six spray functions, including a pause function for water conservation, you will enjoy different R&R modes all in one shower head. Due to the design of the closely-grouped silicone jets, the shower head will be easy to clean up, since it won’t be so prone to water build-up.
This shower head delivers 1.8 GPM of water flow, and six different functions which include mist, high pressure, power, spray, power spray and mist, and pause. All of them can be easily switched using the controller on the bottom side of the shower head. The 60-inch hose is quite flexible, and it provides simple adjustment of the solid brass ball joint to aim your shower head where you want it.
Things I Like About This Product: It has five different spray functions to choose from and a low water flow.
Things to Keep in Mind Before Buying This Product: Some parts of the shower head are made of ABS material so it’s not an all-metal construction.
Moen 3662EPORB Engage Magnetix Handheld Showerhead
For those looking for a secure and worry-free shower head, you will like the Moen 3662EPORB Engage Magnetix Handheld Showerhead. It has a magnetic docking system that makes it easy to detach and store without accidentally dropping to the floor. Since it meets EPA WaterSense criteria (1.75 GPM flow rate), it will not greatly impact your water bill in the long run.
When it comes to durability, it has a metal shower ball and a 59-inch double interlock spiral hose made of metal. Moreover, it comes with two check valves to prevent backflow. As with many quality shower heads out there, it has many functions to choose from: wide coverage, downpour, rinse, relaxing massage, invigorating spray, and massage. Likewise, it has a wall bracket that allows easy adjustment of the angle and a fuss-free setup.
With various choices for the finish (oil-rubbed bronze, chrome, and brush nickel), matching with your existing bathroom fixtures will be a breeze. The spray head has a diameter of 5.5 inches so it has a wide coverage. Additionally, it is backed by a limited lifetime warranty (5-year warranty for commercial use).
Things I Like About This Product: The magnetic dock allows you to secure the shower head easily while you’re bathing.
Things to Keep in Mind Before Buying This Product: The shower head is a little on the heavy side, but still bearable, nonetheless.
G-Promise Handheld Shower Head
If you’re looking for the perfect elder-friendly shower head, then you’ve got to check out the G-Promise Handheld Shower Head. This model has a 4.9-inch face diameter with a flexible stainless steel hose. It has an ABS handle and a solid brass bracket, and it’s covered in a chrome finish.
As for the functions, there are six spray styles to choose from, including rainfall, water-saving trickle, rainfall with power water, power water, mist, and mist with rainfall. The silicone nozzles are also easy to clean thanks to their design, and require little maintenance. When you dock it to the bracket, the shower holder is adjustable to any angle you like.
It has a 63-inch hose that is stretchable up to 75 inches for better flexibility while avoiding wrapping. The exterior tubing is also reinforced with a double lock mechanism, aside from the chrome plating, to ensure durability. It has a standard flow rate of 2.5 GPM. When it comes to construction, it is an all-metal shower head so there are no plastic parts.
Things I Like About This Product: The shower head has various functions and is made with all-metal construction for durability. Docking it to the bracket also allows angle adjustability.
Things to Keep in Mind Before Buying This Product: The flow rate isn’t as low as with most shower heads out there.
Kaiying Children’s Handheld Dolphin Shower Head
To keep kids entertained during bath time, the Kaiying Children’s Handheld Dolphin Shower Head will surely be a fun sight for them. With a dolphin design, this shower head makes a great gift for little ones and it also doubles as a toy for bath time. Since it is made with non-toxic ABS material, it is child-safe.
The base of this toddler shower head is held up only by suction cups, so it’s easy to set up on the shower or even in the tub. Since the design is not only colorful but also easy to hold, your kids will enjoy bath time and learn how to wash themselves – a great way to promote independence, improve hand-eye coordination and motor skills.
The shower head has a water switch that allows you to mix and match settings. For instance, you have choices of simultaneous flow from both your regular shower head and the toy shower head or just one of them at a time.
Things I Like About This Product: The shower head is easy to install since it only uses G1/2 threads. It is quite colorful and has an attractive design that’s appealing to children.
Things to Keep in Mind Before Buying This Product: The hose would be better with some more length for a better reach. It also doesn’t have an adjustable angle.
Newentor Shower Head with 6 Spray Settings
A worthy fixture in my list is the Newentor Shower Head with 6 Spray Settings, which is an ideal choice for those with pets and children. Navigating between the spray settings is simple using the convenient switch below the unit head, making it easy to use with only one hand. Moreover, the switch has been tested to withstand up to one million presses.
Since it has 72 anti-limescale silicone nozzles, maintenance is not a worry with this shower head. Coated with a chrome-plated polished finish, it also passed the level ten salt spray test that assures its durability.
The six shower settings include spray, spray with massage, mist with massage, mist, massage, and mist with spray. You also don’t need any tools for installation since it conveniently screws into any standard-sized shower hose with the 1/2-inch connector. The shower head face has a unique square design and measures 3.9 x 4.5 inches.
Things I Like About This Product: This shower head has many spray settings to choose from and a durable switch. It’s also easy to install and has a luxurious-looking square design.
Things to Keep in Mind Before Buying This Product: It doesn’t come with its hose so it’s only suitable for homes with existing shower setups.
Delta H2Okinetic Slide Bar Hand Held Shower
Made with a unique design, the Delta H2Okinetic Slide Bar Hand Held Shower provides generous amounts of water power while passing the EPA WaterSense specifications. To prevent lime and other minerals from building up, the shower head has self-cleaning spray holes.
It features a 60-inch hose that is stretchable for better flexibility, and this shower head conserves both water and space due to its slim and sliding design. This shower head has a 2.0-GPM flow rate so it’s just right for your average water consumption. The chrome design and slim look will also easily fit into modern or minimalist bathrooms. It is backed by a limited lifetime warranty.
Things I Like About This Product: The slim design allows it to easily fit into small bathroom setups and give them a luxurious-looking upgrade.
Things to Keep in Mind Before Buying This Product: Setup is a little tricky since you need a separate part (Faucet Elbow 50570) to properly install it to your bathroom wall.
Delta Faucet 7-Spray Slide Bar Hand Held Shower
Are you looking for a shower head with a plethora of spray functions for different bathing preferences? If so, the Delta Faucet 7-Spray Slide Bar Hand Held Shower is for you. This fixture has different functions, such as full-body, fast massage, full body with massage, soft drenching, shampoo rinsing, full body with soft drenching, and a pause mode to conserve water.
Moreover, it is WaterSense compatible since it uses 20% less water than most other shower heads out there. It has a 3-13/16-inch shower head face that is sufficient for spraying with different functions. As for durability, it has an all-metal construction except for the black rubber holes found in the faucet head.
It has an adjustment knob for convenience depending on who will use the shower head. There are different finishes to choose from: chrome, polished brass, stainless steel, and Venetian bronze to match your existing bathroom fixtures. With a flow rate of 2 GPM, it has sufficient water-saving capabilities while still giving you a great showering experience. It is also backed by a limited lifetime warranty.
Things I Like About This Product: It has a total of seven spray functions to choose from – more than your average shower head.
Things to Keep in Mind Before Buying This Product: The gasket or O-ring could be better in terms of anti-leak properties.
Androme Handheld Shower Head
Made with a 4.3-inch wide face, the Androme Handheld Shower Head is made for both high and low water pressure needs with six spray functions. Among its spray functions include pulsating massage, power rain, full cover rain, rain massage, gentle rain, and pause for saving water.
It has a 2.5-GPM water flow and like with most shower heads, the restrictor is removable. You have a choice between chrome and brushed nickel to coordinate with your bathroom design.
This shower head has an adjustable angle bracket and a total of 110 shower nozzles that were designed to prevent water build-up and clogging due to lime. It has a 5-foot stainless steel hose and comes with the installation materials needed so you don’t need to be an expert in plumbing to set it up in your bathroom.
Things I Like About This Product: It has a pause mode that helps conserve water when you take a bath – a feature that most shower heads don’t have.
Things to Keep in Mind Before Buying This Product: Some parts are made of ABS plastic which is not ideal, and it doesn’t have a low water flow compared to other water-saving shower heads (but it still has a pause mode).
Wassern High-Pressure Handheld Shower Head
The Wassern High-Pressure Handheld Shower Head is a great choice for those looking for a water-saving fixture, since it only has 1.8 GPM. With a chrome finish and stainless steel parts, this simply designed shower head also flaunts an extra-long 80-inch stainless steel hose, making it ideal for larger homes or bathrooms.
The brass ball joint is quite easy to adjust on this fixture while the wide 5.2-inch shower head face gives you more coverage. If you’re interested in various spray functions, this fixture has a total of seven to choose from. And because it is so easy to install, it is also a great shower head for campers and RVs.
Things I Like About This Product: It has a pause button to conserve water and a total of seven spray functions to choose from.
Things to Keep in Mind Before Buying This Product: Some parts are made of ABS material so it is not an all-metal construction.
AquaDance High-Pressure Chrome Handheld Shower
The AquaDance High-Pressure Chrome Handheld Shower has a 5-foot stainless steel hose and an ergonomic grip that makes it easy to operate with one hand. It also has a click lever dial for cycling between the spray settings. It sports a 3.5-inch chrome face, and has rub-clean jets that are easy to clean and maintain.
Moreover, setup is easy due to the brass hose nuts that allow manual tightening. It comes with all the necessary accessories for installation (such as Teflon tape) so you don’t need extra tools to attach the fixture. This model is backed by a limited lifetime warranty.
Things I Like About This Product: Installation is easy and tool-less, and changing the spray function is easy due to its three-zone click lever dial design.
Things to Keep in Mind Before Buying This Product: The flow rate doesn’t save as much water as other shower heads I’ve listed. The shower head face is also not that wide.
Wassa 9-Spray Setting Handheld Shower Head
For people who are looking for a little something extra, the Wassa 9-Spray Setting Handheld Shower Head might catch your eye. This fixture has a flow rate of 2.5 GPM and fits any standard G1/2 thread, so it is easy to set up in almost any shower room.
It has a total of 41 silicone jets that are closely grouped for more power and less chance of lime buildup. Moreover, it comes with all the hardware and accessories needed for installation and it also has self-cleaning nozzles that reduce cleaning and other maintenance. Among the nine different functions, there is a pause function to conserve water while washing.
Things I Like About This Product: It has a pause mode for saving water, as well as nine different spray functions to choose from.
Things to Keep in Mind Before Buying This Product: The flow rate does not save that much water (although it still has a pause mode for you to use).
Doiliese High-Pressure Handheld Shower Head
Made with a 5-foot long stainless steel hose, the Doiliese High-Pressure Handheld Shower Head is a solid contender. It features a six-setting fixture with an ergonomic grip handle for easy one-handed operation. It has anti-clog jets that decrease the need for maintenance due to lime buildup. As with most handheld shower heads, it has an adjustable angle and has a classy chrome finish that’s easy to clean.
Among its shower functions include mist, pause, rain, massage, rain with massage, and spray, which are all easily accessible from just a gentle press on the button below the shower head face. Since it only has 1.8 GPM for its flow rate, it will be a water-conserving shower head to consider if you have many folks at home or if you shower often.
Things I Like About This Product: It has a pause mode and a water-saving 1.8 GPM flow rate.
Things to Keep in Mind Before Buying This Product: Some parts are ABS material so it is not an all-metal construction.
Moen DN8001CH Home Care Multi-Function Handheld Shower
Made with a segmented ergonomic grip for easy holding, the Moen DN8001CH Home Care Multi-Function Handheld Shower is a great choice for seniors as well. With a pause control for saving water, it comes with an 84-inch hose for extra long reach without sacrificing flexibility. It’s designed with an easy-to-clean chrome finish, and it has a flow rate of 1.75 GPM, making it water-conserving.
The design of the shower head is also not too heavy to hold, which can accommodate older persons and those with little arm strength. As well, this shower head is compliant with the ADA (Americans with Disabilities Act) requirements and is IAPMO and CSA-certified for safety design. Additionally, it is backed by a limited lifetime warranty.
Things I Like About This Product: It has a water-saving pause mode and a low flow rate. It also passed governing bodies for safety standards for seniors.
Things to Keep in Mind Before Buying This Product: It has only three spray settings to choose from.
The Methodology: What I Considered When Picking the Handheld Shower Heads Featured Above
So, how did I choose the handheld shower heads mentioned above? Here are some criteria that I considered (and you should, too):
Water-Saving Capabilities
Consider shower heads with a flow rate of 2 GPM or below to minimize water usage. That is, unless, you want a high-pressure shower head. Most units also have a removable internal flow restrictor, anyway. A pause mode as one of its functions is also helpful.
Number of Shower or Spray Functions
Most detachable shower heads have four to six functions, which may include massage, rain, and mist. Consider whether you want a shower head with a lot of different functions.
Durability
Most shower heads are a mix of metal and ABS material so they aren’t too heavy to carry. However, I prefer an all-metal construction in terms of durability.
Usability
Navigating through the spray functions should be easy and putting back the shower head to the bracket should be effortless.
Ease of Installation
Most handheld shower heads are designed for G1/2 setups so they will fit into standard shower hoses.
Summary
My overall top pick is the NEMO High-Pressure Handheld Shower Head, which has different spray functions and a sufficient flow rate. You will also like the HammerHead All Metal Handheld Shower Head, which has water-saving features and durable construction.
The Lokby High-Pressure Handheld Shower Head is ideal for folks with a limited budget while the Moen 3662EPORB Engage Magnetix Handheld Showerhead is made with a convenient magnet for docking the shower head.
The G-Promise Handheld Shower Head and the Moen DN8001CH Home Care Multi-Function Handheld Shower are both recommended for seniors. For children, you’ll love the Kaiying Children’s Handheld Dolphin Shower Head. If you want a convenient way of switching between the settings, the AquaDance Handheld Shower is for you.
For those who are after multiple spray settings, the Newentor Shower Head and the Delta Faucet 7-Spray Slide Bar Hand Held Shower are for you. If you have limited space in the shower room, the Delta H2Okinetic Slide Bar Hand Held Shower is a great choice.
To reduce your bills, water-saving pause modes are found on shower heads like the Androme Handheld Shower Head, Wassa Handheld Shower Head, Doiliese High-Pressure Handheld Shower Head, and the Wassern Handheld Shower Head.
Finally, before getting one of these, make sure to consider other types of shower heads too.