Best Showerheads of 2024

Multisetting showerheads typically offer three to eight patterns, ranging from a concentrated stream to a rainfall-like spray. Most are controlled by a rotating dial on the showerhead itself, but some have a remote control.

You have just one shower mode with these models—typically a wide crowd-pleasing spray emitted with decent pressure. That said, only one showerhead in this group earns a high enough rating overall for us to recommend it.

Our showerhead tests include a mix of lab measurements and feedback from four panelists. We install every showerhead at our Yonkers, N.Y., headquarters’ fitness center and ask our panelists to shower with each one according to their preferred settings. They then score each model based on the overall feel of the shower, using a five-point scale. 

We also measure the volume of water usage and tabulate water consumption on a per-minute basis. On each product page, we post both the claimed and actual amount of water used by each showerhead—as you’ll see, the two figures can vary considerably. Next, we install each showerhead in our labs at a set height, then measure the drop in temperature as water falls from the showerhead to a container near the height of a typical user’s back. Finally, our engineer assesses how easy it is to switch spray settings or to pause water flow—the latter is handy if you’re aiming to save even more water while lathering up.

Our top performers have the following in common.

• They exude a terrific spray. The best showerheads in our ratings receive strong marks for how the spray felt to our evaluators. We look for aspects that most people would find appealing: robust pressure, satisfying water droplet size, and good coverage. Our favorites often feature at least four settings, from a rainfall-style deluge to a more targeted stream, enabling users to adjust the feel to their needs.
• The water emerges from the nozzle hot and stays hot. A common problem with modern-day low-flow showerheads is that they produce a lukewarm spray. Our picks generate large droplets, which, in turn, lose less heat as they fall, so you don’t need to crank up the hot water to have a satisfying shower. The top scorers keep water a full 10° F warmer than the worst scorers, which translates to savings in both energy and money.
• They save more water than most. The recommended showerheads often use significantly less water than the 2.5-gallon-per-minute maximum set by federal law, without sacrificing spray quality. In fact, a few top scorers use as little as 1.8 gpm. That’s a savings of 7 gallons of water for every 10-minute shower you take.
• They’re a breeze to maneuver. Intuitive, easy-to-use dials, knobs, or buttons make it a cinch to switch spray settings, or even stop water flow while you’re soaping up, to save more water.