HAVING THE RIGHT shower head can make or break your morning routine. Too little pressure and you’ll find yourself standing under a limp stream that barely comes down with enough force to wash the soap off your body. Too much pressure and it’ll feel like there are a thousand little darts pelting your skin. A high-pressure shower head will fix both of those issues.
Having a high-pressure shower head doesn’t mean it can only provide a powerful stream of water—it means you have a shower head that can actually control the pressure, allowing you to get the most from your bathing experience. A shower’s first order of business is to get you clean, yes, but it should also be a pleasant, relaxing experience after a hard workout or before a big day at work.
The Best High-Pressure Shower Heads
BEST HIGH-PRESSURE SHOWER HEAD OVERALLhai Smart Showerhead$199 AT GETHAI.COMREAD MORE
BEST FILTERED HIGH-PRESSURE SHOWER HEADThe Jolie Filtered Shower Head$165 AT AMAZONREAD MORE
BEST BUDGET HIGH-PRESSURE SHOWER HEADBrondell VivaSpring Filtered Shower Head$34 AT AMAZONREAD MORE
BEST HANDHELD HIGH-PRESSURE SHOWER HEADHotel Spa AquaCare High Pressure 8-Mode Handheld Shower Head$30 AT AMAZONREAD MORE
BEST HIGH-PRESSURE RAIN SHOWER HEADSparkPod Shower Head High Pressure Rain$30 AT AMAZONREAD MORE
What to Look For
Spending big on a shower head can be a worthy investment. However, there are a few key factors to consider to ensure you choose a shower head that is compatible with your needs and preferences.
Read more: Best Filtered Shower Heads
Water Pressure
Consider the flow rate of the shower head to ensure a comfortable and satisfying shower experience. Look for shower heads with adjustable settings to customize the flow rate and pressure according to your preferences.
Installation and Compatibility
Opt for a shower head that is easy to install and compatible with your existing shower arm and plumbing fixtures. Check whether the shower head comes with necessary installation hardware, or if you’ll need to purchase extras such as a wrench or plumber’s tape.
Build Quality
Choose a shower head made from durable materials like stainless steel, ABS plastic, or brass to ensure longevity and resistance to corrosion. Look for shower heads with a sturdy construction and reliable seals to prevent leaks and ensure long-term performance.
Design
Consider the overall design of the shower head to complement your bathroom decor and personal style. Aesthetic isn’t the most important factor, but surely it matters. With so many styles, finishes, and shapes to choose from, including fixed, handheld, rainfall, or massage shower heads, it’s worth finding one that suits you.
Read more: Best Smart Shower Heads
Filtration System
Not all shower heads have a filtration system, but for the ones that do it’s important to keep you eyes out for certifications from reputable organizations. Groups like NSF International and the Water Quality Association (WQA) are trustworthy. Filtered shower heads can help remove remove hard water minerals, chemicals, pollutants, heavy metals, and even pesticides from the water.
How We Selected
For the past 12 months, Men’s Health editors have been researching, testing, and evaluating the best high-pressure shower heads on the market. Each shower head on this list was ranked based on its ease of installation, price, aesthetic, and innovative features, and, most importantly, their water pressure and number of pressure settings.
With this in mind, we put together our list of the best high-pressure shower heads you can buy, from luxury smart shower heads to affordable options that will be an easy upgrade from your run-of-the-mill shower setup.
PROS
- Built-in slider that goes from mist to high pressure
- Max level of water pressure is crisp and comfortable
- Pain-free installation
- Eco-friendly mode
- LED lights signal desired water temp
- Trackable water usage insights via the App
- Tons of fun colors available
CONS
- Some have found setting the temp to be challenging from the app
- Hose tends to kink easily
The Smart Shower Head is a game-changer for an at-home spa-like experience. It has a spray controller slider that ranges from a hard stream to a soft mist. The LED light on the handle will turn green once the water reaches your preferred temperature, so you never have to guess the temp by dipping your leg or hand in the shower (if you don’t set the temp, the LED will turn on when the water is lukewarm).
The hai is also eco-friendly. The shower head is built with WaterSense certification, which, according to hai, helps saves up to 30 percent on annual water use. Then there’s the coordinating app that allows you to read data on your water usage. Metrics like time spent, gallons used and saved, energy used are tracked. From the app, you can program your temperature (like mentioned above), but also water usage limit. The LED on the hai will turn red once you’ve reached the programmed number of gallons you prefer to use during your shower.
The best part about the hai overall? It has an insanely easy installation. You might need some plumbers tape for install, but other than that the entire process is painless and takes less than 20 minutes.
Some might scoff at a $200 shower head, but really this is an investment that can help you save water while also providing a ton of comfort (and fun). Start here before you look anywhere else.
Read more: Best Smart Home Devices
| Water Pressure | 1.8 – 2.5 gal/min |
|---|---|
| Head Diameter | 4.5 inches |
$165 AT AMAZON$165 AT BESPOKE POST$165 AT NORDSTROM
PROS
- Contains more KDF-55 than any other shower head filter
- Luxe aesthetic
- Consistently strong water pressure
- Easy installation
- Several finishes available
CONS
- Premium price tag
- Filters have a relatively short life
- Only has one spray setting
We first covered the Jolie back in our 2022 Grooming Awards. Our positive reviews on the filtered shower head still holds true today. For starters, the Jolie has a beautiful minimalist design. It’s compact, lightweight (under 2 pounds) and comes in several colors. On the inside is one of the best filtration systems you can find in a shower head. We’re talking about a blend of KDF-55 and calcium sulfite, which exceeds NSF-177 certifications for shower filters. KDF-55 is an agent that removes and reduces chlorine and heavy metals, and Jolie filters contain more of KDF-55 than any other shower head filter on the market.
The benefits to using such a high powered filtered shower head? Jolie claims its filter can help limit hair shedding and skin irritation. The downside to the Jolie is you have to change the filter every 90 days. Each filter also costs a little over 30 bucks. However, you can get discounts by opting into a subscription plan.
If you are living in an area where the water quality is suspect, then the Jolie is definitely worth trying. You might see some health improvements, but really the biggest payoff is peace of mind.
Read more: Benefits of Cold Showers
| Water Pressure | 1.8 gal/min |
|---|---|
| Head Diameter | 5.3 inches |
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$34 AT AMAZON$42 AT WAYFAIR$61 AT WALMART
PROS
- Under $50
- Affordably priced filters
- Long-lasting filters
- Easy installation
CONS
- Only has one spray setting
The VivaSpring Filtered Shower Head by Brondell is a straightforward, yet effective, solution for filtering shower water without sacrificing water pressure. Despite its simple appearance, this rainfall-style shower head features 60 nozzles to cover a wide angle and deliver a satisfying shower experience. With a water pressure of 2 gallons per minute and WaterSense certification, it not only helps save water but also maintains strong output (most filtered shower heads we tested have a water pressure of 1.8 GPM). Installation is also a breeze—all it takes is simply screwing it into your existing shower arm.
Each replaceable filter is designed to reduce chlorine, lead, mercury, and copper in the water. It lasts about 6 months (or 10,00 gallons, whichever comes first) and costs about $24. Whether you’re a budget-conscious homeowner or someone concerned about losing water pressure with a shower filter, this is a reliable choice that delivers on both performance and price.
Read more: Best Body Washes for Men
| Water Pressure | 2 gal/min |
|---|---|
| Head Diameter | 6.5 inches |
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PROS
- 2.5 gal/min is a whopping amount of pressure
- Multiple modes allow you to harness that pressure
- Has a mode for cleaning a shower/tub built in
CONS
- Price can fluctuate from week to week. Recommended to wait until it goes on sale.
This shower head from AquaCare is not only the best handheld high-pressure shower head, but it’s also probably one of the most versatile. Boasting eight different spray modes, a five-zone head, a six-foot hose and built-in cleaning modes, this shower head is ready for anything. It can go from a relaxing rainfall shower to a powerful, massaging shower in just seconds.
The real reason we’re here, though, is for the pressure. This shower head sprays at 2.5 gallons per minute, some of the best pressure we’ve seen across the board. That might be too much for some, but the different flow modes allow for personalization, ensuring that you get to choose how to wield that immense pressure. If you find you don’t need quite that much pressure, or you live somewhere that regulates shower water flow (California, Oregon, and others), you can purchase a 1.8 gal/min version that meets those states’ current requirements.
Finally, the extra-long 72-inch hose adds mobility and access, whether you want to have maximum shower potential or want to use the shower head for bathing your pets or cleaning the tub.
Read more: Best Shampoos for Men
| Water Pressure | 2.5 gal/min |
|---|---|
| Head Diameter | 4.5 inches |
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PROS
- Good balance of pressure and efficiency
- Comes in a bunch of colors and finishes
- Can be installed without any tools
- Ideal for guest bedrooms and rentals
CONS
- Those seeking the most pressure might not want a rain shower head.
When it comes to high pressure shower heads, a rain shower head might not be the first thing that comes to mind. But this one from SparkPod dials up the pressure to the limit, providing the comfortable, peaceful flow that you want along with consistent pressure for a thorough, efficient clean.
The six-inch diameter does not make for the biggest rain shower head we’ve ever seen, but for the price, you really can’t beat the SparkPod—even when it’s not on sale it’s only $35. We think it’s the perfect upgrade for a rental or guest bathroom. You don’t need any tools to swap it in and it comes with extra teflon tape and a filter to get you going right off the bat.
When using a rain shower head, the biggest headache can be keeping the thing clean—it’s a lot of nozzles to manage. (This one has 90!) To ease the burden, SparkPod used rustproof ABS plastic for the actual shower head and easy-to-clean rubber nozzles that remove hard water deposits.
Read more: Best Hair Conditioners for Men
| Water Pressure | 1.8 gal/min |
|---|---|
| Head Diameter | 6 inches |
Why Trust Us
Men’s Health editors and contributing writers are constantly testing and reviewing all the best home health products. Our writers and editors are experts in their own right, using their informed opinions to select products and ensuring that our content is of the highest quality. Our in-depth guides on the best air purifiers, sleep tech, anti-snoring pillows, and more provide all individuals (but especially men) with the best products and information to optimize their health at home.
The product recommendations featured in our articles are purely editorial, and while we may receive free products to test and review, we only recommend the products we are most impressed by. We never let retailers or public relations professionals dictate our content or product coverage, which is why you can trust us to provide you with reliable and unbiased product recommendations.
Read more: How We Test Products
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