7 Best Rain Showerheads, Tested and Reviewed

With its drenching spray pattern and solid construction, Kohler's 8-inch Awaken rain showerhead earned top overall marks in our tests. Installation was a breeze, though, as with most showerheads we evaluate at the Good Housekeeping Institute, the shower arm and flange are sold separately.

The fixture can be ceiling or wall-mounted; if you opt for the wall-mount, you'll find that the adjustable swivel ball joint enables precise positioning, a mark of quality design, as with cheaper fixtures, the spray face doesn't always stay in its set position.

We tested the water-efficient 1.75 gallons per minute version of the Awaken and found it generated adequate force for washing and rinsing — a crucial feature, given that it has only one spray setting. If you're concerned about water pressure, particularly to deal with extra-thick heads of hair in the home, the Awaken comes in a 2.5 gallons per minute version that will send out a more forceful spray. There's also a 10-inch version that delivers a wider spray pattern.

All iterations of the Awaken boast the same clean, elegant lines and expansive range of handsome finishes. The polished chrome finish of our test model proved fairly smudge-resistant in our tests. The matte black (pictured) should be even easier to maintain, based on our tests of other Kohler fixtures with the same low-gloss finish.

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The Spectra from American Standard costs about half as much as the top-rated Kohler and delivers a similar soaking rain experience. With its 11-inch face, the spray pattern is among the widest of any rain showerhead we tested, providing full-body coverage. Keep in mind that the diffuse pattern of the single-setting spray results in a somewhat less forceful stream, which may mean an extra minute or two is needed to get all the suds out. That's especially true given the 1.8-gallon-per-minute flow rate, though the upside there is exceptional water efficiency.

If the oversized 11-inch Spectra is too much showerhead for your shower, or you want a bit more oomph from your spray, our testers also liked the American Standard Studio S Rain Showerhead, which sells for about the same price as the Spectra. Between its compact 8-inch sprayhead and 2.5-gallon-per-minute flow rate, the Studio S offers a more forceful spray that testers still found stimulating.

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The complaint we hear from some consumer panelists about rain showerheads is that their diffuse spray patterns can result in longer rinse times, especially when washing conditioner out of long, thick hair. Multi-spray models, like Grohe's Euphoria 260, offer the best of both worlds.

During extensive Lab and home testing, the 10-inch showerhead delivered a soothing full-body spray in its widest setting. With a simple turn of a dial at the center of the spray face, the pattern becomes more concentrated and forceful, ending with a jet spray that is effective at rinsing soap — as well as delivering a vigorous massage to tired neck and shoulder muscles.

The choice of finishes is a bit more limited with the German-made showerhead, although the popular options include polished chrome, matte black and brushed nickel.

Rain showerheads are all about the full-body soaking experience, but you might still want the additional rinsing capability of a handheld spray. That versatility is what made this combo unit from Delta such a hit with our engineers and expert testers.

The rain showerhead itself is a 10-inch square, which brings a unique, geometrical look to the shower stall, along with an effective spray pattern. The wall-mounted handheld spray is supplied by the same three-way diverter, making installation of the multifunctional fixture surprisingly straightforward. The 6-foot hose on the handheld spray comes in handy for cleaning the shower or during shower time for any pets in the house.

Don't need the combo? Another Delta rain showerhead that performed well in testing is the Vero, with a 9-by-6-inch rectangular design that, like the Raincan, combines high-end looks with solid performance.

Our testers loved the full-body coverage of Moen's 9-inch Verso, as well as the fact that the spray pattern can be easily adjusted with a sliding control on the side of the fixture. However, what really sets the Verso apart from the competition is its magnetic docking system, which makes it easy to remove the shower spray for cleaning. This convenience feature is especially helpful for homeowners with hard water, as scale buildup and soap residue can clog a showerhead's spray holes and corrode its finish.

The magnetic dock installed quickly and easily in our tests, and the showerhead was fairly simple to detach for cleaning, once testers got the hang of it. The black plastic spray face could seem a little less luxurious compared with the all-metal construction of other rain showerheads. With its 2.5 gallon-per-minute flow rate, the Verso is also less efficient than most of the showerheads we tested; however, this also gives the fixture a more vigorous spray.

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While you don't have to spend top dollar on a rain showerhead, there are plenty of ways to do so. Kohler's Statement Oblong Rainhead is one example that's worth the splurge, our experts say, especially if the installation is part of a complete bathroom redo.

The luxury showerhead features two functions — a drenching overhead shower spray for cleaning and rinsing, and a deep massage setting with a kneading stream designed for muscle relief.

The installation of the Statement is much more involved, as each function requires its own water line. That's why we like this Kohler for full-scale renovations, when the walls are opened up and plumbing lines can be easily modified. In fact, when one of our outside judges installed a similar fixture from Kohler's Statement collection, he had to put in 1-inch supply lines, an upgrade from the 1/2-inch lines that are common in most homes.

If you're willing to go the extra distance, the invigorating effects of the oblong showerhead are sure to satisfy. With its unique design and array of rich finishes, the fixture should live up to its name, making a bold statement in your new bathroom.

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The Delta HydroRain combines a fixed rain showerhead with a flexible handheld sprayer, offering a smart two-in-one setup that makes everyday showers feel more like a spa experience. Our testers were impressed by how easy it was to install without tools and how seamlessly it transitioned between spray options.

The handheld wand features four spray patterns, including a clever front-facing setting that’s great for rinsing off soap, cleaning the tub or even washing pets. The wand is on the small side, but still performs well and we like the magnetic holding system which easily secures the wand back to the showerhead. The system is WaterSense certified, conserving water while delivering strong, satisfying pressure.

Available in seven finishes, including brushed nickel, chrome and matte black, this model is easy to match with most bathroom fixtures. Testers gave it top marks for both performance and durability. One user appreciated how each setting felt intentionally designed for comfort and relaxation, while another pointed out the unique utility of the handheld sprayer. With solid construction, smooth operation and standout versatility, this is a worthwhile upgrade that brings both function and luxury into your daily routine.