The Best Rain Shower Heads for a Spa-Like Experience at Home (2024)

How Big Is a Rain Showerhead?

Rain showerheads are meant to fully shower your body in a stream of water that feels like rainfall. That means they are typically 8 to 12 inches wide, but can reach up to 20 inches. In comparison, standard showerheads are 3 to 6 inches wide. Rain showers may be bigger, but they have the same flow rates as traditional showerheads.

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The Hammerhead Showers 1-Spray Dual Shower Head is a dual rain shower head, with a handheld combo that looks simple, but is anything but. The 8-inch shower head gives you an immersive rain experience, while the 4-inch high-pressure handheld head is attached to a flexible 72-inch metal hose that makes it convenient to shave your legs, rinse off your shower, or even wash your pet. The three-way diverter smoothly switches between each shower head or runs both at the same time. This shower head is made out of industrial-grade metal (stainless steel and brass), and it’s designed to never develop rust. Users will also love the strong spray delivered by the 2.5 GPM flow rate.

Plus, this rain shower head is easy to install. It comes with everything you need for quick setup, and it’s available in four finishes to match your existing bathroom style. The high-quality shower head offers high water pressure, durability, and a classic look. We just wish it were available from a variety of retailers, rather than just the manufacturer.

_{Dimensions: 8-inch rain shower head, 4-inch handheld shower head, 72-inch hose | Finishes: Chrome, brushed nickel, oil rubbed bronze, matte black | Head Shape: Round | Adjustable Water Flow: No | Flow Rate: 2.5 GPM}

Rain shower heads can be pricey, but the luxurious DreamSpa Rainfall Shower Head gives you the experience of a luxurious shower for a fraction of the price. It offers the best of both worlds with a drenching rainfall shower and a hand shower with convenient push-button flow control. Constructed out of chrome-plated, premium ABS, the 9-inch square shower head has an impressive 121 jets that give plenty of coverage, and the multi-setting 4.75-inch hand shower can be used as an overhead or handheld shower head with three settings: high-power rain, aeration massage (a gentle mist), and waterfall (a combination of both). A 5-foot stainless-steel hose attaches it.

This rain shower head combo also has easy-to-clean jets and a 2.5 GPM flow rate. The diverter is on the shower head, which can put it out of reach in bathrooms with higher ceilings. Another drawback is that you can’t run both the rain shower and handheld at the same time. However, if you don’t mind separate settings on your shower head, this makes a great best budget choice that offers everything you need in a single bath accessory.

_{Dimensions: 9 x 6 x 3.5 inches | Finishes: Silver, satin nickel, matte black | Head Shape: Square | Adjustable Water Flow: Yes | Flow Rate: 2.5 GPM}

Another wallet-friendly option is this 6-inch rain shower head, which is built to last and easy to install. The universal design quickly connects to any standard shower arm and requires no tools to set up. This rain shower head resists water deposits and is made of durable, rust-proof ABS plastic. Most importantly, the 90 rubber jets spread across the head offer wide-angle coverage with impressive water flow.

Each SparkPod Rain Shower comes with a screen filter and two flow restrictors: a 1.8 GPM, which gives lower pressure to conserve water, and a 2.5 GPM, which douses with higher pressure. Just keep in mind that you want to use the limiter; the water pressure can be pretty hard without it. This rain shower head is available in eight finish options, which makes it a great fit in any bathroom.

_{Dimensions: 6-inch head | Finishes: Polished chrome, Egyptian gold, charcoal grey, midnight matte black, polished brass, rainbow, brushed nickel, oil rubbed bronze | Head Shape: Round | Adjustable Water Flow: Yes | Flow Rate: 1.8 or 2.5 GPM}

You can experience the luxury of a rain shower in your own bathroom with the Grohe Euphoria 260 Shower Head, which offers multiple spray patterns, a high flow rate, and a breeze of an installation process. The Euphoria has a flow rate of 2.5 GPM, and the metal and plastic shower head measures a generous 10 inches, so it will easily provide full-body coverage.

Best of all, if you’d like to personalize your shower experience, there are three spray settings: 5-inch wide Jet Spray, 7-inch wide Rain Spray, and SmartRain Spray, which is the full 10-inch width. The Jet Spray function offers a powerful burst of water, while the SmartRain mode is an energy-efficient option that uses less water while offering an immersive rainfall feel. To adjust the mode, simply twist the knob in the center of the shower head.

The finish on this shower head is scratch-free, and the base has SpeedClean nozzles to make it easy to clean the shower head, removing any limescale with one wipe. You can customize this model with three finish options—chrome, brushed nickel, or black matte. We love how adjustable the water flow is, though you may need to play around with the settings to get the right pressure level.

_{Dimensions: 10.24 x 10.24 x 3.39 inches | Finish: Chrome, nickel, matte black | Head Shape: Round | Adjustable Water Flow: Yes | Flow Rate: 2.5 GPM}

We think it's worth checking out the Delta Single Setting Shower Head. This substantial rain shower head offers plenty of coverage—it’s just shy of 12 inches in diameter—and provides a substantial spray zone, high-quality construction, and a modern style with your choice of seven high-end finishes. Delta’s soft rubber Touch-Clean spray holes allow any residue to be wiped away, resisting mineral buildup, so you don't have to frequently bust out your favorite shower cleaners to keep them clear. Because it attaches with a metal ball connector, this rain shower swivels and pivots in every direction, allowing you to find the perfect angle.

When it comes to power and water pressure, the 1.75 GPM flow is ideal for those who prefer a less-intense shower experience. Installing the shower head onto an existing shower arm is a simple process whether you’re mounting it on the wall or the ceiling—but keep in mind the shower arm is sold separately, so it’s an extra expense. Ultimately, though, this shower head will be a beautiful focal point in your shower instead of an afterthought.

_{Dimensions: 11.75 x 11.75 x 2.38 inches | Finishes: Chrome, black stainless, champagne bronze, matte black, polished nickel, stainless, Venetian bronze | Head Shape: Round | Adjustable Water Flow: Yes | Flow Rate: 1.75 GPM}

Constructed from strong oil-rubbed bronze plated premium ABS, the AquaDance Premium High-Pressure Rainfall Combo shower head has a 7-inch rainfall shower head and a 4-inch handheld head. Each has six settings, including power rain, pulsating massage, rain mist, and a water-saving pause mode. The three-way diverter allows bathers to run each head independently or together. However, the diverter is on the shower head, which puts it out of reach for shorter users. For most, though, this is a mere minor inconvenience.

The angle-adjustable overhead bracket allows users to position the wall-mounted shower heads where needed, and the ergonomic grip handle means that soapy hands can firmly hold the hand shower. The 2.5 GPM flow rate also provides excellent water pressure, and the rub-clean jets make them easy to clean and prevent lime buildup.

_{Dimensions: 7-inch head, 60-inch hose | Finish: Brushed nickel, oil rubbed bronze, chrome | Head Shape: Round | Adjustable Water Flow: Yes | Flow Rate: 2.5 GPM}

Experience the ultimate showering indulgence with this luxurious rain shower head. The SR Sun Rise Rain Shower Set features an elegant design paired with multifunctional capabilities. It's constructed with a rectangular-shaped 10-inch shower head and an L-style wand with a 16-inch wall-mounted shower arm (attached by a 71-inch stainless-steel flexible shower hose). Soapy hands can easily use the push-button diverter to change the modes: rain shower, handheld wand, or both.

The high-pressure technology ensures a consistent, powerful stream, even during low water pressure. Plus, the built-in monitor detects water pressure balance that could cause sudden temperature changes, preventing any uncomfortable surprises from too hot or cold water. Installation is easy, the ten-year warranty gives buyers peace of mind, and the rain shower is constructed from durable stainless steel and brass. Choose from four high-end finishes, including chrome, black, oil-rubbed bronze, and brushed nickel, to complement your bathroom decor.

_{Dimensions: 10 inches | Finish: Polished chrome, brushed gold, brushed nickel, gunmetal grey, matte black, oil rubbed bronze | Head Shape: Rectangle | Adjustable Water Flow: Yes | Flow Rate: 1.75 GPM}

There are no flashy features, but the Spectra Plus Rain Shower Head is a classic choice by American Standard. The 11-inch rain shower head fully drenches you in a medium-pressure spray that’s even and comfortable. It’s available in both 2.5 GPM output and 1.8 GPM for those who are looking to conserve water without sacrificing pressure. You’ll also get a pressure-compensating flow-control device, which helps you manage the flow a bit more mindfully and effectively.

The easy-to-clean nozzles on this rain shower head allow you to stay on top of calcium and lime buildup, and whether you mount it to the wall or ceiling, the ball joint allows for a 22-degree adjustment. The scratch- and tarnish-resistant plastic shower head is available in four stylish colorways from chrome to bronze and nickel. One downside is that the shower arm is not included, so that will have to be purchased separately (or you can use an existing one if you’ve got one already installed).

_{Dimensions: 11 x 11 x 3.19 inches | Finishes: Polished chrome, brushed nickel, legacy bronze, polished nickel | Head Shape: Round | Adjustable Water Flow: No | Flow Rate: 1.8 GPM or 2.5 GPM}

The Kohler Awaken Rain Showerhead is a classic round rain shower head, with a uniform spray pattern and wide, drenching coverage. The adjustable swivel arm allows you to direct the spray where you want it, and the brass rain shower can be installed on a ceiling- or wall-mount arm, depending on your plumbing. The rain shower comes in either 8-inch or 10-inch heads, and both sizes are available in either a water-saving 1.75 GPM or a higher flow rate of 2 GPM. You can also choose from three finishes, from polished chrome to oil-rubbed bronze.

This model has only one spray function, so it offers less in terms of versatility or adjustability than many others on our list. But if you're looking for a shower head that generates rainfall-like drops, it performs this single function well. The spray face also nicely resists hard water buildup and is easy to clean.

_{Dimensions: 8 or 10 inches | Finishes: Polished chrome, vibrant brushed nickel, oil rubbed bronze | Head Shape: Round | Adjustable Water Flow: No | Flow Rate: 1.75 GPM or 2 GPM}

The temperature-sensing Heuer Rain Shower Head with Temperature-Based LED Lights from Supersonic completely updates the vibe of your shower in all the best ways. The LED light changes in response to the temperature of your water, moving from red to blue or pink. The lights can also alert you when the water is too hot for your skin, flashing red as a warning to turn the temperature down. The brightness of the lights depends on the water pressure — when things are really pumping, the brightness goes up, and when the pressure is low, the lights dim to match the mood.

The best part is that the shower head's LED lights are powered by water pressure, so there are no batteries to change. The metal shower head swivels and pivots, and with a flow rate of 2.5 GPM, this rain head has an impressive spray. Just keep in mind that the flow rate isn’t adjustable at all, which means you can’t reduce it if you prefer a slightly lower pressure. However, if you like a powerful spray, this product delivers!

_{Dimensions: 8 x 8 inches | Finish: Silver | Head Shape: Square | Adjustable Water Flow: No | Flow Rate: 2.5 GPM}

Final Verdict

FAQ

• Are rainfall shower heads worth it?

  Installing a rain shower head in your shower will give it a spa-like look and feel, potentially adding value to your bathroom. But rain shower heads are more expensive than regular shower heads, so consider your preferences before purchasing one. Do you like a high-pressure shower experience, or do you prefer a gentle stream that you can relax under? If it’s the latter, then a rain shower head is for you. Ultimately, the best shower head depends on your personal preference.

• Do rain shower heads use more hot water?

  Like all shower heads, rain shower heads have flow rates, so rain shower heads don’t actually use more hot water than standard shower heads. However, if you’re routinely taking long showers because you enjoy standing under the rainfall, you will definitely use more hot water.

• What are the benefits of a rain shower head?

  Rain shower heads have a gentle and smooth flow, which is incredibly soothing and relaxing, and they have a lot of nozzles that spread out water evenly over a larger area, offering full-body coverage. Our best overall choice, the Hammerhead Showers 1-Spray Dual Shower Head, gives you an immersive rain experience. Plus, it comes with a 4-inch high-pressure handheld head attached to a flexible 72-inch metal hose. We love that its three-way diverter smoothly switches between each shower head or runs both at the same time, leaving you with a calming, spa-like experience.

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