Swapping your old shower head for a rain shower head is one of the simplest ways to upgrade your bathroom. These wide heads, which come in both ceiling- and wall-mounted forms, mimic the sensation of rainfall, providing a soothing bathing experience. Some also come with handheld wands or multiple spray settings for added versatility. Plus, today’s best rain shower heads are available in a wide variety of finishes, ensuring you can find an option that perfectly matches your existing bathroom fixtures.
Check out the quick info below on the top rain shower heads, then scroll deeper for more helpful buying info and full reviews of all the high-ranking options.
The Best Rain Shower Heads
What to Consider
Not every shower head will work in every bathroom, so it’s important to find a model that suits your needs. You’ll want to consider factors such as the fixture’s flow rate and installation requirements as you shop.
Flow Rate
Flow rate—measured in gallons per minute (GPM)—isn’t synonymous with water pressure, but rather how much water a shower head uses. Most shower heads have a flow rate of 2.5 GPM, but you should look for a shower head of 2 GPM or less for more water efficiency if you want to save on your water bill! Some locations like New York and Colorado require a 2.0 GPM or lower flow rate, while California has a lower standard of 1.8 GPM.
Water Pressure
Even shower heads with lower flow rates can still have a higher water pressure. Keep in mind that if you already have low water pressure in your shower, a rain shower head may not be the best option for you. Because a wider shower head distributes the same amount of water across a larger surface, you may end up feeling less pressure. If this is the case for you, we recommend several two-in-one shower heads that allow you to switch between spray settings—which also happens to be the perfect compromise if you live with others who have varying preferences.
Installation
When shopping for a new shower head, it’s important to consider its installation requirements. You’ll want to check the connection size—½ an inch is standard for most fixtures—as well as if the design requires a shower arm. If it does need an arm for installation, be sure to check if this component is included or needs to be purchased separately.
How We Selected
We researched eight expert sources such as Good Housekeeping, The Spruce, and Wirecutter, as well as consumer reviews to select the top rain shower heads. We evaluated each product on factors like its dimensions, flow rate, spray settings, and ease of installation, and we prioritized models made of high-quality materials. For consulting the consumer reviews, we noted the percentage of people who bought each shower head and rated it at least four out of five stars on retail like Amazon and Home Depot.
Pros
- Easy to adjust
- Multiple finishes
- Self-pressurizing for a powerful spray
Cons
- Pricey
Key Specs
| Dimensions: | 8 x 3 in. |
|---|---|
| Flow rate: | 2.5 GPM |
| Connection size: | ½ in. |
The top adjustable shower head, according to The Spruce, is the Moen S6320, a round shower head at eight inches in diameter with 100 nozzles and a simple lever that allows you to easily adjust the water settings between the full or concentrated spray. Its flow rate is 2.5 GPM, and Moen uses an immersion technology that claims to be three times more powerful than other shower heads.
This model doesn’t come with an arm, which allows you to use an existing arm or select a new one, like Moen’s curved shower arm or overhead shower arm. And though this model is a bit pricey, we also like that it comes in four finish options, including chrome, brushed gold, brushed nickel, and bronze.
Pros
- Easy to install
- Full-coverage spray
- 3 spray patterns
Cons
- Small diameter
Key Specs
| Dimensions: | 5.5 x 4.9 in. |
|---|---|
| Flow rate: | 1.75 or 2.5 GPM |
| Connection size: | ½ in. |
The Kohler Forte excelled in testing in Good Housekeeping’s lab and was easy to install with no tools. Though it’s smaller, it’ll fit better in tighter showers, and it still features a full-coverage spray, as well as a pulsating massage and silk spray. The shower arm and flange is also sold separately, so it’s easy to replace your existing shower head with the Forte.
Pros
- Sleek design
- Extension arm comes included
- Several finishes
Cons
- Wand mount is very high
Key Specs
| Dimensions: | 7.9 x 7.9 in. |
|---|---|
| Flow rate: | 2.5 GPM |
| Connection size: | ½ in. |
You can switch back and forth between using the shower head and a handheld wand with the G-Promise Dual Square Shower Head Combo. This 2-in-1 design comes in a range of classic finishes to match any shower, and it has a large 8-inch square shower head that comes with a 9-inch extension arm for easy installation. The shower wand has a 71-inch hose, and the smooth control lever makes it easy to switch back and forth between the two outlets.
Pros
- Large shower head
- Handheld wand
- 10-year warranty
Cons
- Noisy
Key Specs
| Dimensions: | 5 x 13 x 19 in. |
|---|---|
| Flow rate: | 2.5 GPM rainhead, 2 GPM handheld |
| Connection size: | ½ in. |
The best way to mimic the sensation of actual rainfall is through a shower head that mounts directly overhead, instead of angled near the shower wall. SR Sun Rise makes some of the best overhead mounts like this 10-inch head, available in chrome, black, nickel, and bronze. It comes with a handheld wand, a 15-inch shower arm, and 10-year warranty.
One reviewer on Amazon said, “Unlike most modern faucet sets, this thing is made of solid metal, not chrome-plated plastic. It’s heavy brass with a thick chrome plating.” If you want to try a ceiling-mounted shower head, SR Sun Rise also offers a 12-inch ceiling-mounted system.
Pros
- Affordable
- Height-adjustable arm
- Limited lifetime warranty
Cons
- Seam can split
Key Specs
| Dimensions: | 10 x 14 x 3 in. |
|---|---|
| Flow rate: | 2.5 GPM |
| Connection size: | ½ in. |
Anyone who’s ever done a bathroom remodel knows how quickly the costs can add up. Fortunately, HotelSpa offers an affordable, square rain shower head that can add some luxury to your bathroom without breaking the budget. The 10-inch stainless steel head comes with a solid brass, extendable, and height-adjustable arm, meaning you can raise or lower the shower head by up to two feet to ensure it works best with your shower and height.
HotelSpa also offers a lifetime limited warranty, though some reviewers on Amazon complained that the head’s seam split after months of use.
Pros
- Consistent water flow
- Easy-to-clean nozzles
- Scratch- and tarnish-resistant finish
Cons
- Plastic outer shell
Key Specs
| Dimensions: | 11 x 11 x 3.2 in. |
|---|---|
| Flow rate: | 1.8 or 2.5 GPM |
| Connection size: | ½ in. |
American Standard offers premium shower heads at a great value, like this 11-inch Spectra+ rain shower head. A shower arm isn’t included, so you can pair this round head with an existing arm or purchase a new overhead right-angle shower arm. With a max flow rate of 2.5GPM, this head features a pressure-compensating device that’ll provide a consistent flow if you have a wide water-pressure range.
Pros
- Affordable
- Extra large
- Adjustable angle
Cons
- Not pressurized
Key Specs
| Dimensions: | 12 x 12 x 5 in. |
|---|---|
| Flow rate: | 1.8 GPM |
| Connection size: | ½ in. |
If you want an extra-large shower head for a luxury bathing experience, this model from Voolan has an impressive 12-inch form. The ultra-thin rain shower head is made from durable stainless steel and it features 144 silicone jets, which resist clogging and are easy to clean.
The swivel ball connector makes it easy to angle any way you’d like, but keep in mind it’s not pressurized, so the flow isn’t the most powerful. In fact, our deputy editor found that her shower ran out of hot water faster when using this, so you might consider a smaller shower head if you have a small water heater.
Pros
- Affordable
- Wide spray
- Comes in one of several finishes
Cons
- Plastic components
Key Specs
| Dimensions: | 6.9 x 3.9 in. |
|---|---|
| Flow rate: | 1.8 GPM |
| Connection size: | ½ in. |
For smaller showers, the SparkPod Shower head has a compact six-inch diameter, yet it still delivers a wide-angle spray that covers your whole body. This shower head comes in a wide range of finishes and it features 90 easy-to-clean rubber jets. The high-pressure design provides a steady stream of water, and it’s hard to beat the affordable price point of this shower head.
Pros
- Three spray patterns
- Nozzles are easy to wipe clean
Cons
- Plastic construction
Key Specs
| Dimensions: | 10.2 x 3.4 in. |
|---|---|
| Flow rate: | 1.8 or 2.5 GPM |
| Connection size: | ½ in. |
It’s always frustrating when shower head jets get clogged, but the Grohe Euphoria 260 features SpeedClean nozzles that’s exceptionally easy to clean. If they ever get clogged, you simply have to wipe a cloth over the nozzles to remove limescale—no soaking needed. The shower head has a 10-inch spray face for maximum coverage and there are three spray patterns that you can adjust using a knob in the center of the shower head.
Pros
- Modern design
- Wide coverage
- Lifetime warranty
Cons
- Pricey
Key Specs
| Dimensions: | 11.8 x 11.8 x 2.4 in. |
|---|---|
| Flow rate: | 2.5 GPM |
| Connection size: | ½ in. |
It’s hard to beat this Delta rain shower head when it comes to design and performance. The high-end fixture has a large 11.75-inch square form for unbeatable coverage and it comes in a variety of popular finishes to match your existing decor. You can purchase it with or without the matching shower arm, and it’s quick to install without any tools. Plus, the shower head is backed by a limited lifetime warranty.
Camryn Rabideau is a freelance writer and product reviewer specializing in home, kitchen, and pet products. In her four years as a product tester, she's tested hundreds of items firsthand, and her work appears in publications such as Forbes, USA Today, The Spruce, Food52, and more.
Paige Szmodis is an editor for Runner’s World, Bicycling, and Popular Mechanics, who researches and writes home, tech, and outdoor product reviews and news.
