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One of our biggest findings is that price does correlate with quality.

The Dream Spa Ultra-Luxury 9" Rainfall Shower Head/Handheld Combo installed in a shower

The Spruce

Luckily, we rounded up the best rain shower heads for every budget.

We had no issue switching out our old shower head with this new one in just 15 minutes.

We enjoyed the even, yet light pressure that this shower head had.

The DreamSpa Ultra-Luxury 9" Rainfall Shower Head/Handheld Combo installed in a shower

PHOTO: The Spruce

The three flow prefs on the nozzle also made up for the actual shower head’s single flow setting.

Overall, we couldnt be more pleased with this shower heads design from installation to aesthetics.

This small but mighty shower head has four flow configs, including a rain shower spray.

Close up of the DreamSpa Ultra-Luxury 9" Rainfall Shower Head/Handheld Combo

We liked the addition of the handheld nozzle on the DreamSpa Ultra-Luxury Rainfall Shower Head.PHOTO: The Spruce

Our favorite spray setting was the Kotton which feels like a fine water mist.

Hard water spots were visible on the polished chrome finish, but they were easy to wipe off.

This shower head is the perfect no-frills upgrade with consistent water pressure.

A person installing the DreamSpa Ultra-Luxury 9" Rainfall Shower Head/Handheld Combo

While we love the spa-like spray that this shower head has, it is not adjustable.

Some users may find it lacks the water pressure they prefer.

We recommend wiping the chrome with a soft cloth duringregular cleaningsto keep it looking spotless.

Close up of the DreamSpa Ultra-Luxury 9" Rainfall Shower Head/Handheld Combo

Plus, this shower head is available in a 10-inch width, which we tested and loved.

We loved the pressure it provided and felt it was a happy medium.

While the water pressure is adjustable, this shower head doesnt have multiple spray patterns.

A person installing the DreamSpa Ultra-Luxury 9" Rainfall Shower Head/Handheld Combo

However, we love the sleek design of the handheld nozzle sitting directly below the main shower head.

So, users looking for both features will be happy.

We recommend our best value pick, theKohler K-15996-CP Flipside Showerhead, for anyone wanting multiple spray patterns.

Close up of the Kohler K-15996-CP Flipside Showerhead with water coming out of it

The Kohler Flipside Showerhead has four spray settings, which are easy to switch between.PHOTO: The Spruce

We not only tested rain shower heads but also tested standard shower heads and those with filters.

In total, we tested 17 shower heads, 7 of which had rain shower functions.

First, we evaluated the ease of setup, installation requirements, and the clarity of instructions.

Close up of the Kohler K-15996-CP Flipside Showerhead with water coming out

We loved the high power spray on the Kohler Flipside for targeted rinsing.PHOTO: The Spruce

We made sure to test any additional features, too.

We also evaluated the durability of each shower head, including resistance to hard water stains and calcium buildup.

Shower heads with a larger diameter can overpower small spaces.

The Kohler K-15996-CP Flipside Showerhead on a chair

In general, rain shower heads are larger than your average shower head.

In comparison, standard shower heads are 3 to 6 inches wide.

Rain showers may be bigger, but they have the same flow rates as traditional shower heads.

Close up of the Kohler K-15996-CP Flipside Showerhead with water coming out

Federal restrictions mandate that shower head flow rates cant be higher than 2.5 GPM to help conserve water.

Most homeowners with basic skills can replace a shower head, says Smedley.

Stephenson agrees and says, Ceiling-mount installations require a different bang out of rough-in than your standard wall-mounted showerhead.

The Kohler K-15996-CP Flipside Showerhead on a chair

All of the shower heads on our list can be installed on short wall arms.

Plastics like ABS are tough and resistant to both water and heat.

Brass is often used as well and is most resistant to corrosion compared to other metal options.

Close up of the American Standard 1-Spray Ceiling Mount Rain Shower Head with the water coming out

We liked the wide coverage area the American Standard 1-Spray Rain Shower Head provided.PHOTO: The Spruce

We loved how well-made it felt in weight and in performance.

Why Trust The Spruce?

Emma Asheis an editor for The Spruce and has been a member of the team since 2022.

Close up of the American Standard 1-Spray Ceiling Mount Rain Shower Head

Despite our short shower arm, we installed this American Standard shower head in five minutes.PHOTO: The Spruce

She also appreciates the ease of maintenance, as she cleans the nozzles with a toothbrush when buildup accumulates.

Phelps reviewed our testing to learn which rain shower heads our team enjoyed using at home.

A person holding up the American Standard 1-Spray Ceiling Mount Rain Shower Head

Close up of the American Standard 1-Spray Ceiling Mount Rain Shower Head

A person holding up the American Standard 1-Spray Ceiling Mount Rain Shower Head

Close up of the Kohler Awaken Rain Showerhead with water coming out

The Kohler Awaken Rain Showerhead’s 10-inch diameter offers good coverage and perfect pressure.PHOTO: The Spruce

Close up of the Kohler Awaken Rain Showerhead

The adjustable shower arm we purchased ensured optimal positioning and clearance from the wall.The Spruce

The Moen Verso Shower Head with Infiniti Dial with water coming out

We found it easy to adjust the water pressure, but note that this shower head does not offer any additional spray settings.PHOTO: The Spruce

A person holding up the Moen Verso Shower Head with Infiniti Dial with water coming out of the showerhead

We liked that the Moen Verso Shower Head features a handheld nozzle with a magnetic dock.PHOTO: The Spruce

A person holding up one part of the Moen Verso Shower Head with Infiniti Dial

A person holding up the Moen Verso Shower Head with Infiniti Dial with water coming out of the showerhead

A person holding up one part of the Moen Verso Shower Head with Infiniti Dial

The Moen Velocity Two-Function Spray Head Rainshower with water coming out of it

We love how easy it is to switch between the settings on the Moen Velocity Rain Shower Head.PHOTO: The Spruce

Close up of the back of the Moen Velocity Two-Function Spray Head Rainshower

This shower head would also be a great choice for a ceiling-mounted shower arm.The Spruce