The 8 Best Filtered Shower Heads, Based On Experience And Expert Tips (2025)

If you often find your hair dull and skin aggravated after showering, consider filtered shower heads: Their built-in filters are designed to reduce irritating substances commonly found in the water supply, like chlorine, lead and hard-water minerals. The Jolie is our pick for the best filtered shower head overall because it’s easy to install, third-party lab tested, exceedingly stylish and highly recommended by an editor. If you’re on a budget, we have two recommendations under $40: the Brondell Nebia VivaSpring, a user-friendly fixed option that meets efficiency and filtration standards, and the handheld Cobbe 6-Spray Shower Head, which filters water without compromising on pressure.

In addition to helping curb mineral buildup in your shower, filtered shower heads can be particularly soothing for those with sensitive skin or conditions like eczema, says Miami-based dermatologist Dr. Anna Chacon. By filtering out contaminants like iron, mercury and chromium, these shower heads “can calm and hydrate the skin and protect the skin's barrier,” she explains. Reducing chlorine levels and heavy metals in your water, which strip your strands of their natural oils, can also promote hair and scalp health.

Third-party certifications back most of our recommendations to meet chlorine removal standards, and all of them use KDF-based filtration (a technology that neutralizes chlorine and inhibits bacterial growth). Still, most shower filters only remove certain types and amounts of contaminants, so the best one for you depends on your specific needs. Below, find the eight best filtered shower heads based on extensive research, firsthand experience, and feedback from dermatologists and water systems experts.

  • Best Filtered Shower Head Overall: Jolie Filtered Shower Head

  • Best Value Filtered Shower Head: Brondell Nebia VivaSpring

  • Best Value Filtered Handheld Shower Head: Cobbe Filtered Shower Head (6 Spray Modes)

  • Best Inline Shower Filter: AquaBliss Revitalizing Shower Filter (SF100)

  • Best Filtered Shower Head For Hair And Skin: Canopy Filtered Showerhead

  • Best Handheld Filtered Shower Head: Sproos Shower Filter Set

  • Best Classic Filtered Shower Head: Kohler Cinq

  • Best Filtered Shower Head With Wide Spray: Afina A-01 Filtered Shower Head

Best Filtered Shower Head Overall

Targets Hair Issues And Exceeds Filtration Standards

Editor’s Pick

Jolie Filtered Shower Head

Filter type: KDF-55, calcium sulfite | Head diameter: 5.3 inches | Flow rate: 1.8 GPM (California and New York compliant) | Spray settings: 1 | Filter replacements: $36, every 90 days ($33 with subscription)

Pros:

  • Unique, sophisticated design
  • Easy to install and comes with all tools needed
  • Shipped in reclaimed cardboard and paper pulp
  • Third-party lab tested to exceed NSF/ANSI 177 by 35%

Cons:

  • One of the priciest options on this list

According to Kyle Postmus, a water systems expert with the National Science Foundation (NSF), the most common, effective filtration technology used in shower filters is KDF, which uses a chemical reaction to neutralize chlorine and reduce heavy metals like lead and mercury (common culprits when it comes to hair and skin issues) in your shower water. “When paired with calcium sulfite, KDF-55 filters can help target chlorine at different water temperatures,” Postmus adds. Jolie’s sleek option is our top pick not just because it uses this effective combination of filters; it has also been tested by three third-party labs to exceed (not just meet) the NSF/ANSI 177 standard for chlorine removal.

Besides reducing the substances that contribute to hair buildup and scalp and skin irritation, hair professionals also back the Jolie because of its effectiveness at curbing hair shedding; clinical studies showed a 46% decrease in shedding among participants. The Jolie Shower Head’s filter can be used for around three months before needing to be changed; the brand offers a subscription service that automatically delivers new filters on a recurring schedule, and you’ll get 10% off the cost of the shower head itself. Plus, Jolie offers a risk-free 60-day trial period.

What our editors say: Senior deals editor Kara Cuzzone credits the Jolie for her improved hair health. She says, “When I moved into my current apartment a few years ago, my smooth and easy-to-brush hair became a tangly mess. After a few months of living here, it got to the point where brushing my hair after a shower would take 30 or 40 minutes because there were so many knots, and the texture had totally changed. My hairdresser suggested I get a shower filter to combat what was probably hard water, and the Jolie made a world of difference. It was easy to install myself and has stopped the buildup on my strands.”

Best Value Filtered Shower Head

Affordable, Easy To Install And Certified Water Efficient

MOST POPULAR

Brondell Nebia VivaSpring

Filter type: KDF-55 | Head diameter: 6.5 inches | Flow rate: 1.8 GPM (includes flow restrictor) | Spray settings: 1 | Filter replacements: $23, every 6 months

Pros:

  • Certified to meet NSF/ANSI 177 standard for reducing chlorine
  • EPA WaterSense certified for 20% greater water efficiency
  • Set includes a replacement filter and plumbing tape
  • Metal ball joint allows for easy angle adjustment

Cons:

  • Metal ball joint may sag if not installed securely
  • Filter may need to be replaced sooner depending on level of usage

The Brondell Nebia VivaSpring is a fixed, rainfall-style shower head that uses 100% KDF copper-zinc filtration media to reduce chlorine, lead, mercury and other irritants from your shower water. The shower head WaterSense is certified by the EPA, meaning it’s 20% more water efficient; the filter is independently tested to meet the NSF/ANSI 177 benchmark for reducing chlorine.

Brondell’s filtered shower head also stands out for its durable construction and ease of assembly; it comes with plumber’s tape, and all of its connections are made with metal, including the ball joint. Further, you won’t have to remove the shower head whenever you need to replace the filter cartridge. The brand recommends changing the filter every six months (or after using 10,000 gallons of water). However, some users recommend replacing it a couple of months earlier to avoid sacrificing water pressure. Bonus: An extra filter cartridge comes with your purchase.

Best Value Filtered Handheld Shower Head

Filtration Beads Soften Water Without Sacrificing Pressure

Cobbe Filtered Shower Head (6 Spray Modes)

Filter type: KDF-55 | Head diameter: 4.9 inches | Flow rate: 1.8 GPM | Spray settings: 6 | Filter replacements: $12, every 3 to 4 months

Pros:

  • Very easy to install, according to reviews
  • Replacement filter is inexpensive
  • Users report consistently strong water pressure
  • Versatile, with 6 spray settings

Cons:

  • Head angle is not adjustable
  • Not third-party lab tested

If you prefer a handheld filtered shower head, Cobbe’s six-spray option is affordable and popular among reviewers for its consistently strong water pressure and softening benefits. Its 15-stage filter uses standard KDF-55 filtration in the form of “beads” (unlike many other shower heads that use a one-piece filter cartridge). The beads include activated carbon balls that remove chlorine, heavy metals and other impurities, and various minerals, like maifan stone and tourmaline, to capture larger sediments. In fact, several reviewers who rent and can’t change their existing water system or water pressure say that Cobbe’s option is the next best thing—due to its easy, five-minute installation and how effectively it filters treated water.

In addition to its filtration prowess, the Cobbe shower head features 142 silicone nozzles and six different spray modes (the most on this list), including pulsing and massage patterns. While the filter cartridge (which contains the beads) is not the longest-lasting, at about three to four months, the replacement is quite inexpensive.

Best Inline Shower Filter

Infuses Vitamins And Works With All Standard Shower Heads

AquaBliss Revitalizing Shower Filter (SF100)

Filter type:Calcium sulfite, activated carbon, KDF-55, ceramic mineral|Head diameter: N/A |Flow rate: 2.5 GPM (restrictor not included) |Spray settings:N/A|Filter replacements: $16, every 4 to 6 months

Pros:

  • Users noticed less hair frizz and softer skin
  • Simple to install and works with all standard shower heads
  • Infuses water with vitamins meant to support hair and skin health

Cons:

  • Water pressure might decline noticeably after about 3 months
  • Not third-party lab-tested

AquaBliss’ SF100 shower filter is a sound choice for those dealing with dry and irritated skin and hair due to hard water. I’ve had a favorable experience with this filter during the two years I used it in an apartment with old plumbing and municipal water; my two roommates and I noticed less excessive hair shedding and dry skin over time. While this pick is technically not a shower head, it’ll work with any standard shower head; it’s also sold bundled with shower heads, if you’re looking to upgrade your existing fixture.

The SF100 infuses shower water with hair-healthy oxygen and minerals like tourmaline; its 12-stage filter uses a combination of calcium sulfite, KDF, activated carbon and ceramic beads to curb chlorine levels and calcium buildup in your hair and scalp (not to mention your faucet and shower liner). The one downside to the SF100, however, is that AquaBliss’ claims are not backed by third-party lab testing (unlike most of the other recommendations on our list).

What our editors say: Senior updates writer Karen Tietjen also vouches for the AquaBliss: “It really is amazing what that thing picks up, which you can see when you change it. It was easy to install and the filters are easy to replace; plus, they’re affordable at under $20. I’d say it does the job.”

Best Filtered Shower Head For Hair And Skin

A Dermatologist-Approved Pick That Diffuses Relaxing Scents

Canopy Filtered Showerhead

Filter type: Granular activated carbon, KDF-55, calcium sulfite | Head diameter: 6.5 inches | Flow rate: 2.5 GPM (restrictor included) | Spray settings: 3 | Filter replacements: $35, every 90 days ($25 with subscription)

Pros:

  • Tested to NSF/ANSI 177 standards
  • Recommended by our expert dermatologist
  • Comes with three spray settings
  • Included aromatherapy diffuser enhances shower experience

Cons:

  • One of the priciest options on our list

We’ve sung the praises of Canopy’s dermatologist-approved humidifiers, particularly because of their effective added filters and built-in aromatherapy diffuser. Similarly, the brand’s filtered shower head features a stamp of approval from dermatologists due to its reduction of irritants like chlorine, mercury, chromium and chloramine. The key to its effectiveness on sensitive, easily triggered skin, according to Chacon, is in its three-stage filtration system: “Carbon absorbs unwanted items, [the] copper and zinc combo chemically reduces the contaminants in the water, and calcium sulfite eliminates the chlorine,” she explains. And if this endorsement isn’t enough, this filter’s effectiveness is also proven by independent testing to meet the NSF/ANSI 177 standard. If you’re not happy with the results after 60 days of using this shower head, you can return it and get your money back.

The Canopy offers other standout features beyond its skin- and hair-preserving benefits. This unit has three spray settings (unlike alternatives at a similar price point), and replacing the filter is easy—a quick-release valve means you won’t even need to detach the head. Lastly, the Canopy shower head can diffuse the brand’s proprietary essential oils; the included aromatherapy kit has felt diffusers along with the scents.

Best Handheld Filtered Shower Head

A Bold, User-Friendly Model With Three Spray Settings

Sustainable

Sproos Shower Filter Set

Filter type: PP cotton pre-filter, KDF-55, calcium sulfite | Head diameter: 5 inches | Flow rate: 2.5 GPM (restrictor included) | Spray settings: 3 (plus 1 pause setting) | Filter replacements: $36, every 3 months ($33 with subscription)

Pros:

  • Tested to exceed NSF standard for chlorine removal by 20%
  • Company is working on test standards for heavy metal removal and anti-scale effects
  • Incredibly easy to install, even for non-handy individuals
  • Comes in 100% recycled packaging (filter is 50% recycled)

Cons:

  • Filter cartridge adds extra weight to overall fixture

The Sproos Shower Filter System offers a solution to renters who want a functional, easy-to-install product that adds a bold pop of color to their temporary space. Being the target demographic for this unit, I can unequivocally say that this one required the least elbow grease of the three shower heads I’ve installed so far—despite being the option with the most parts. (This is a handheld shower head, so it also comes with a generous 70-inch hose and a dock.) While the cartridge adds an extra part (and weight) to the fixture, it simplifies filter changes because you won’t have to remove and replace the shower head. The brand advertises a five-minute installation process, but it took me—very much not a handy person—about three.

Because the Sproos comes with a separate filter cartridge, you can buy the shower head on its own if you want to liven up your traditional fixture. You won’t be disappointed with this pick—I’ve been enjoying its three spray settings and the handy pause feature when I want to save some water while shampooing or shaving. But if you live in a place that uses municipal water, I can’t recommend the accompanying filter enough, especially because Sproos has the data to back up its effectiveness. The company sent me a copy of the results from lab testing this filter to the NSF/ANSI 177 standard; it showed about 70% effectiveness at chlorine removal per 10,000 gallons versus the 50% benchmark to meet the 177 standard. I appreciate that the brand is also developing procedures that test its filter for the removal of heavy metals and scale prevention, which don’t currently have defined industry standards.

Best Classic Filtered Shower Head

A Sophisticated, Minimalist Option

Sustainable

Kohler Cinq

Filter type: KDF-55, activated charcoal | Head diameter: 5.5 inches | Flow rate: 2.5 GPM (restrictor included; comes in 1.75 GPM version) | Spray settings: 1 | Filter replacements: $40, every 6 months

Pros:

  • EPA WaterSense, NSF/ANSI and CSA certified
  • No-frills setup and operation
  • Elegant, stain-resistant design
  • Built-in dial tracks filter replacement date

Cons:

  • The included installation wrench wasn’t as useful as the ones from other models
  • Tracking dial might be hard to read for shorter folks

Kohler’s shower heads are known for their style, quality and performance (the brand earned the top spot in our roundup of thebest shower heads), and its filtered option is no exception. The filter checks off several boxes, including a minimal but sleek silhouette, effective five-stage filtration tested to NSF standards, a sizable spray head and a water-efficient performance backed by the EPA’s WaterSense certification. The Cinq also comes in two versions: one with a flow rate of 2.5 GPM and one with 1.75 GPM to comply with New York and California regulations (though the former includes a flow restrictor should you need it). This model’s filter uses an extra-effective combination of KDF-55 and activated charcoal to remove chlorine: “Granular activated carbon works by ‘trapping’ the chlorine within microscopic pores,” says Postmus. “KDF-based technologies work by creating a chemical reaction that neutralizes chlorine, turning it into a different and harmless compound.”

As far as style goes, the Cinq was definitely an upgrade to my partner’s shower setup. The face of his old shower head had unsightly stains, while this model has a finish designed to withstand mineral buildup. Its classy appearance also elevated his bathroom. However, because the pipes in his building are old, we had to use an adapter so that the Cinq’s 1/4-inch thread connection (the standard fit in the U.S.) could connect to the 3/4-inch shower pipe. You likely won’t have to worry about this if you have standard plumbing, but it’s something to consider if you live in an older neighborhood. I also appreciate that it has a built-in dial to track when I should replace the filter—roughly every six months—and that I don’t need to remove the entire shower head to do so.

Best Filtered Shower Head With Wide Spray

A Worthwhile Splurge With A Wide Spray And Consistent Water Pressure

Afina A-01 Filtered Shower Head

Filter type: KDF-55, calcium sulfite | Head diameter: 7.7 inches | Flow rate: 2.5 GPM (restrictor included) | Spray settings: 1 | Filter replacements: $40 ($29 on Amazon or with subscription), every 2 months

Pros:

  • Ninety-day money-back guarantee is the longest on this list
  • Has an extra-wide spray face with a spa-like feel
  • Fool-proof installation process and filter replacement
  • Far exceeds NSF/ANSI 177 benchmark

Cons:

  • High cost up front
  • 60-day filter lifespan is shorter than competitors

At first glance, the Afina A-01 is the priciest of the bunch, with a listed price of $199 for the shower head alone and a $40 filter if you buy it outside of a membership. But with a subscription, you’ll only pay $139 for the entire shower head-and-filter bundle, and filters will cost only $29 going forward (a few dollars more than the average at this price point). Price aside, the A-01 features effective chlorine removal (it exceeds the NSF/NSI 177 standards, thanks to its use of a higher percentage of KDF-55 media), a wide 7.7-inch faceplate and consistently strong water pressure. The filter also uses calcium sulfite, enhancing the KDF’s filtering performance at different water temperatures.

The A-01’s design is also quite striking thanks to its generous faceplate—the Jolie’s 6.5-inch faceplate is the only one that comes closest in surface area. It doesn’t just look sleek but feels hefty, too (the filter itself weighs almost a pound)—which is a sign that it’s a genuine filter, according to Postmus. Afina also offers a free trial period and 90-day free returns if you're on the fence about this product. Another benefit? If you’re a subscriber, your shower head and filters are covered by a lifetime warranty (no questions asked).

RECOMMENDED BYFORBES VETTED

The 9 Best Filtered Shower Heads And How To Choose The Right OneByCamryn Rabideau
The 11 Best Air Purifiers To Keep Your Home Healthy And Allergen-FreeByFran Sales

Why Trust Forbes Vetted

The Forbes Vetted home editorial team extensively researched the most common water contaminants in treated water to help inform our selection process of the best filtered shower heads.

  • We’ve also written about, and in some cases tested, other bathroom and water filtration products to select the cream of the crop, including the best water filters, water filter pitchers, faucet water filters and under-sink filters.
  • We regularly review our stories to ensure that the information, specs and prices are still accurate, and that we still stand behind our product choices.
  • I last updated this story in December 2024, gathering further insights from industry experts, incorporating more observations and photos from firsthand testing, and adding three more recommendations, including the Sproos Shower Filter System and the Kohler Cinq.

To help inform our research and answer frequently asked questions, we consulted the following plumbing and water treatment experts:

  • Dr. Anna Chacon, MD, FAAD, a board-certified dermatologist and teledermatologist based in Miami
  • Constantin Geambasu, owner of Water Rehab, a residential water treatment company in Gilbert, Arizona
  • Dr. Christina Han, MD, FRCPC, a Canadian and U.S. board-certified dermatologist based in Vancouver, British Columbia
  • Kyle Postmus, a water systems expert and senior manager of NSF, a leading global public health and safety organization

How We Chose The Best Filtered Shower Heads

To find the best filtered shower heads for every home, we first analyzed models that effectively filter a variety of common water contaminants and can be installed without a professional.

  • While researching different products, we chose a mix of fixed and handheld models and options with varying flow rates.
  • We selected products that efficiently remove chlorine from shower water and prioritized those that are also effective against heavy metals and minerals.
  • We included WaterSense-certified options for those who want to conserve water, as well as models that meet or exceed the NSF/ANSI’s standards for chlorine filtration.
  • We consulted two water systems professionals and two dermatologists to vet our selection criteria.

What To Look For In The Best Filtered Shower Heads

When it comes to which filtered shower head to buy, you’ll want to look at the filter type and proven effectiveness at filtering out chlorine. After that, “it really comes down to preference of aesthetics, ease of installation and how often users are willing to replace it,” says Postmus. Read more about the top criteria below.

Type Of Shower Filter

There are many types of shower filters, including inline shower filters, filtered shower heads, and handheld shower heads with either a built-in filter or an associated in-line filter cartridge. Handheld shower heads like Cobbe’s or Sproos’ options take up more space in your shower, but they can be detached from the mount, giving you a wider range of motion while bathing. An extra feature you may also want to look for is multiple spray patterns.

If you want to improve hair, skin and nail health, look for models that capture excess minerals like calcium and magnesium, which may contribute to buildup and moisture loss. “Over time, a mineral filter can help prevent unwanted buildup in your shower and also in your hair and scalp,” says Chacon. “This is especially important for those with sensitive skin or conditions like eczema, which might become more irritated.”

Filtration System

It’s important to know what contaminants are in your water so you can target them with an appropriate shower filter. If you aren’t sure what’s in your water, it’s a good idea to send a sample out for testing, use an at-home water testing kit or do the research: “Consumers will want to check their local water quality report to learn what is in their water that they may want to filter out. That can help consumers understand what type of water filter they need to remove those contaminants,” says Postmus. In addition to looking at a shower head’s listed capacity and flow rate, you’ll want a filtered shower head that targets those specific substances. For instance, when it comes to removing heavy metals, using KDF filters that rely on ‘metal scavengers’ like titanium dioxide, activated carbon and whole-home water filters can help. “It may also help to check if the filter contains media that inhibits bacterial growth, such as KDF or silverized activated carbon,” explains Postmus.

Postmus adds that homes that use a municipal water supply might benefit from chlorine-filtering shower heads. “Municipal water treatment systems commonly add chlorine to help treat the water and minimize microbial growth while the water is transported to homes. Therefore, certified shower filters are used more often in homes serviced with municipal water.”

Certifications And Third-Party Testing

“I recommend people look for a third-party certified water filter because there are counterfeit water filters on the market that make claims they don’t uphold, or they have counterfeit certifications,” says Postmus. An easy way to confirm unbiased third-party testing is by looking for an NSF-certified filtered shower head. “[An] NSF/ANSI 177 certification for shower filters assures consumers that the filter effectively removes chlorine from the water,” he says.

Other third-party certifications that test for things like water efficiency and health and safety may also be helpful. The EPA’s WaterSense certification indicates 20% greater water efficiency than the average, and the Canadian Standards Association (CSA) includes standards for water quality, lead content and durability.

Filter Replacement

Most filtered shower heads tell you how often their filters need to be replaced—the average is every 10,000 gallons or roughly every six months. However, this frequency varies depending on your use habits, the size of your household and the quality and hardness of your water supply. You’ll also want to consider how much replacement filters cost. If filters are $30 each and you have to replace them every few months, the expense will add up quickly, so be sure you're willing to invest in the necessary upkeep.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Is It Better To Use A Filtered Shower Head?

In certain situations, households should use a filtered shower head rather than go without one. According to Postmus, two of the most common situations in which it would be better to opt for a filtered shower head are if your home is serviced by municipal water and if you’re noticing irritation or damage to your skin and hair when you shower. “Shower filters usually filter chlorine, which is a common irritant. Municipal water treatment systems commonly add chlorine to help treat the water and minimize microbial growth while the water is transported to homes,” says Postmus. “Therefore, certified shower filters are used more often in homes serviced with municipal water.”

While it’s better to use a shower filter than not, it isn’t the most comprehensive filtration solution, according toConstantin Geambasu, owner of Water Rehab, a residential water treatment company in Gilbert, Arizona. “A whole-house filtration system is going to filter all the water in your home more extensively than a filtered shower head, which works like a countertop water filter: It will filter out basic elements but keep many more.”

Do Filtered Shower Heads Reduce Water Pressure?

If installed correctly, filtered shower heads won’t reduce water pressure or will do so very minimally. “Your shower head will have little effect on your water pressure,” says Geambasu. “Your internal plumbing, water tank and municipal water system are going to have the most effect."

What Type Of Shower Filter Is Good For Hair?

According to board-certified dermatologists, the best shower filters for hair eliminate or reduce metals and minerals like calcium, magnesium and sulfates in treated (hard) water. This unwanted residue can have several adverse effects, “from impacting how products are applied and layered in the shower…to getting a full, deep clean,” says Chacon. “This coating and exposure to minerals prevent moisture from penetrating the individual strands, which can lead to hair breakage or frizz." Additionally, these metals and minerals “can end up crystalizing in your hair over time, leaving it frizzy and dull,” saysDr. Christina Han, MD, FRCPC, a Canadian and U.S. board-certified dermatologist based in Vancouver, British Columbia.

Han adds that studies have shown that hard water strips the skin (including the scalp) of its natural oils and leads to greater moisture loss. “Ultimately, hair health can be influenced by how healthy the scalp is, so there can be indirect benefits of using a shower filter to minimize issues with the scalp, such as dryness, irritation and flakiness,” she says.

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