Don't Buy the Wrong Showerhead Again—10 Types You Should Know

Choosing a new showerhead is not just a chance to update your bathroom’s look; it’s also an opportunity to customize your shower experience to your liking. Whether you’re aiming for the soothing effect of a rainfall showerhead or prioritize water filtration, there's a perfect showerhead for everyone.

Below, we explain the different types of showerheads and list the pros and cons of each to help you make an informed choice.

Types of Showerheads

With many home fixtures evolving continually, you’ll likely encounter several new types of showerheads each time you visit the hardware store.

Choosing a new showerhead used to be about finding an attractive one from a dependable brand. These days, you need to navigate through various designs and features to find the best option for your shower. Since you can’t test showerheads before purchase, we've broken down 10 types for you.

Want more home renovation tips and inspiration? Sign up for our free daily newsletter for expert how-tos, renovation guides, and more!

Fixed Showerheads

Fixed showerheads are what most people envision when they think of a traditional showerhead. They are mounted on the wall in a fixed position, typically about 80 inches high. These are the simplest of all designs.

While they may not offer elaborate features, a high-quality fixed showerhead can provide consistent water pressure and an excellent shower experience. Many also come with adjustable spray patterns, plus a wide variety of finishes and designs to ensure you find the perfect match for your bathroom.

• Multiple price points

• Wide range of finish and design options

• Easy to install and replace

• Not adjustable

• Limited features

Handheld Showerheads

Handheld showerheads can be held in your hand or mounted on the wall with a bracket. These make rinsing easier and are beneficial for those with limited mobility.

Handheld showerheads are often paired with fixed ones as a dual showerhead option.

• Easier to clean pets and children

• More convenient for cleaning the shower itself

• Versatile and convenient

• Shorter lifespan than fixed showerheads

• More moving parts

• More expensive

Body Spray or Panel Showerheads

Body spray showerheads are mounted along the wall and spray directly at your body. They are often paired with other types of showerheads such as fixed or rainfall showerheads for a complete shower experience.

These can be individual fixtures or come in a shower panel featuring multiple types of showerheads. Some even have adjustable pressure and direction for a targeted water massage.

• Spa-like experience

• Luxurious design

• Expensive

• Additional cost beyond the primary showerhead

• May require extra plumbing

Warning

When you explore showerhead options beyond the standard offerings, remember to consider any additional plumbing that might be necessary.

Rainfall Showerheads

Rainfall showerheads mimic the sensation of falling rain with a large, often flat surface. They are popular for adding beauty and luxury to your shower design.

These showerheads are typically mounted above your head, either on the ceiling or via a long wall-mounted bar. However, spreading water over a large surface can reduce pressure, which some users might not enjoy.

• Beautiful design

• Relaxing experience

• Expensive

• May have lower pressure

Filtered Showerheads

Filtered showerheads come with a built-in filter. While filtering the water you don’t drink may seem odd, many users have noted benefits from using these showerheads.

• Provides point-of-use filtration benefits

• Expensive

• Often limited to basic designs

• Filtration may reduce water pressure

Dual Showerheads

Dual showerheads feature two showerheads in one fixture, unlike double showerheads, which refer to two individual showerheads in one shower. If you want the consistent pressure of a fixed showerhead and the versatility of a handheld one, dual showerheads offer the best of both worlds.

Tip

If you choose a dual showerhead, select one that allows you to turn off the water supply to the handheld showerhead. This will maximize the pressure of the fixed showerhead.

• Versatility of two showerheads

• Expensive

• May not last as long as individual showerheads

Sliding Bar Showerheads

Sliding bar showerheads are mounted on a vertical bar allowing you to adjust the height of the showerhead. This is particularly useful for households with people of varying heights.

• Height adjustable

• Customizable shower experience

• Ideal for families with different heights

• Expensive

• Can be bulky

Eco Showerheads

Eco showerheads are designed to use minimal water without compromising the shower experience. By optimizing pressure and spray patterns, these showerheads save water and can be a great choice for both the planet and your budget.

• Cost-saving over time

• Eco-friendly

• Higher up-front cost

• May not be as enjoyable to use

LED Showerheads

LED showerheads are standard showerheads equipped with LED lights. Powered by a dynamo that converts water pressure into electricity, no wiring is required.

If you’ve optimized everything else in your shower, an LED showerhead can be the finishing touch. Some models even allow color customization or change color with water temperature, adding a fun element to your shower.

• Fun and engaging

• Customizable experience

• Expensive

• Additional components may malfunction

Massage Showerhead

Massage showerheads are designed for ultimate relaxation. They feature specially designed water patterns and pulsing technology to offer a water massage at home. When you’re not in the mood for a massage, you can adjust the spray to something gentler.

• Relaxing

• Inexpensive

• Multifunctional

• Limited design options

Types of Showerhead Finishes

Once you decide on the type of showerhead, you’ll need to choose a finish that complements your bathroom. Here are some of the most common finishes:

• Chrome. Chrome is a long-time favorite for bathroom fixtures. It’s easy to clean, suits nearly any bathroom design, and is durable.
• Nickel. Often confused with chrome, nickel has a slightly softer luster and can appear somewhat brassy under certain lights.
• Brass. Brass offers a classic look. While solid brass fixtures are rare, brass plating is popular for its timeless charm.
• Bronze. Bronze is darker than brass, though the exact color can vary greatly among fixtures labeled as bronze.

Best Tips for Choosing a Showerhead

When picking a showerhead for your new build or bathroom renovation, keep these tips in mind:

• Check the price tag. Before committing to a showerhead, make sure it fits your budget. Prices can vary enormously, ranging from under $100 to over $1,000.
• Consider every user. If you’re the sole user, pick exactly what you like. If others will use it too, consider their needs as well.
• Choose multiple showerheads. Can’t decide on one type? Combine multiple showerheads—such as rainfall, body spray, and handheld—for the ultimate shower experience.
• Think about water pressure. A showerhead claiming great pressure doesn’t guarantee your home’s water supply will match. High water demand fixtures like rainfall showerheads may reduce overall pressure.
• Look for multiple spray patterns. While a massaging showerhead might feel great initially, you could grow tired of an intense spray. Many showerheads offer adjustable patterns for variety.
• Look for water-saving options. If conserving water is important to you, look for showerheads designed with water-saving technology.
• Consider an adjustable flow rate. Flow rate represents how much water comes out per minute (GPM). Balancing flow rate maintains an enjoyable shower while saving water. Adjustable flow rates provide flexibility.