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Jun 06, 2025

Best Filtered Shower Heads 2025 - Forbes Vetted

If you often find your hair dull and skin aggravated after showering, a good filtered shower head can help. Their built-in filters are designed to reduce irritating substances commonly found in the

If you often find your hair dull and skin aggravated after showering, a good filtered shower head can help. 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 third-party lab tested, exceedingly stylish and highly recommended by a user on our staff. 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.

The Canopy features a streamlined design and an easy-to-change filter, according to our tester.

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.

Most of our recommendations are backed by third-party lab testing 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 nine best filtered shower heads based on our extensive research, firsthand experience, and feedback from dermatologists and water systems experts.

Jolie

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)

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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 combination to effectively filter up to 150 showers’ worth of water; 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, which was recommended by her hairdresser, for improving her formerly smooth, easy-to-brush hair when she moved into her apartment four years ago. “The Jolie was easy to install myself and, after four years of use, I am really happy with the results. It has stopped the buildup on my strands, my hair stayed noticeably silkier and easy to brush, and my sensitive skin doesn’t feel as dry and itchy as it did pre-filter. My only complaint was how hard and frustrating it is to change the filter every three months.” Cuzzone says she plans to install the 2025 version of the Jolie soon to see if the company has indeed fixed the hard-to-open design. “I’ll report back on whether I agree,” she adds.

Cuzzone says of her four-year-old Jolie: "It’s stained from the hard water, so it's not the ... More prettiest, but it does its job." She plans to install a new one soon to see if it's easier to filter-change.

canopy

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: $37 every 90 days ($27 with subscription; $42 with aroma)

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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 KDF] copper and zinc combo chemically reduces the contaminants in the water, and calcium sulfite eliminates the chlorine,” she explains. Together, those layers can filter up to 3,000 gallons of water (about 180 showers, just slightly more than the Jolie). Note, though, that you’ll need to replace the filters more often if you have hard water, according to the brand itself (and echoed by one on-staff user’s experience). It’s worth highlighting that the Canopy’s effectiveness was rigorously tested to meet NSF/ANSI 177 standards—though it was conducted in-house, not independently.

This pick offers other standout features beyond its skin- and hair-preserving benefits. It has three spray settings 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. Bonus: 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.

What our editors say: Cuzzone temporarily switched to the Canopy due to how tricky it is to replace her pre-2025 version of the Jolie. She says of the Canopy: “It was super easy to install—even easier than the old Jolie—and immediately made my shower feel more luxe. The wide-stream option feels similar to a rainfall shower, which I love.” She warns though, that if you have very hard, mineralized water like in her apartment building, the Canopy’s filter may not be as strong as Jolie’s or comparably priced models. “I noticed that with the Canopy, my hair and skin felt noticeably drier and more stripped again, but you might do fine with this one if you don’t need a super strong filter.”

Cuzzone reports that the Canopy was "super easy" to install, thanks to the quick-release filter ... More design.

Amazon

Filter type: KDF-55 | Head diameter: 6.5 inches | Flow rate: 1.8 GPM (includes flow restrictor) | Spray settings: 1 | Filter replacements: $15 every 3 to 6 months

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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. It’s WaterSense certified by the EPA, meaning it’s 20% more water efficient than a typical shower head; the filter is independently tested to meet the NSF/ANSI 177 benchmark for reducing chlorine. The 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.

Perhaps of this pick’s most remarkable features is that it’s designed to filter up to 10,000 gallons or six months’ worth of water (more than three times as much as with the Jolie and the Canopy). That said, plenty of reviewers say it lasts closer to three months, like its competitors. Some users recommend replacing the filter a couple of months earlier than listed to avoid sacrificing water pressure. Luckily, an extra filter cartridge comes with your purchase.

Amazon

Filter type: KDF-55 | Head diameter: 4.9 inches | Flow rate: 1.8 GPM | Spray settings: 6 | Filter replacements: $12 every 2 to 4 months

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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 budget-conscious 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, consistent pressure, six spray modes and how well the filter eases the harsh effects of treated water.

In addition to its filtration prowess, the Cobbe shower head features 142 silicone nozzles, and its versatile spray settings (it has the most of the picks on our list) include pulsing and massage patterns. While the filter cartridge is not the longest-lasting, at about two to four months, the replacement is quite inexpensive.

Amazon

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: $18 every 4 to 6 months ($16.19 with subscription)

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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: “We have very hard tap water that leaves a residue, so having a shower head filter is a necessity. I chose the Aquabliss simply because it’s easy: It works with almost any shower head, is available on Amazon (along with replacement filters, and no subscription is required), is affordable, has decent reviews and replacing the filter cartridges is fairly straightforward. While I don’t have any before-and-after miracle stories, I do think the Aquabliss does the job and gives me peace of mind. Plus, when the old filter is removed, it’s amazing to see how much gunk it collected.”

The AquaBliss SF100 shower filter is compatible with all standard shower heads.

sproos

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)

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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.

In terms of long-term observations, my household of three has been using the Sproos filtered shower head for just over four months now (the brand recommends replacing the filter every three months, for context), and the water pressure has stayed impressively consistent; to be honest, I didn’t expect it to, so the Sproos gets bonus points for that. Replacing the old cartridge was easy, too, since I didn’t have to remove the handheld head itself. And the colored matte finish has stayed pristine, though I typically take care to wipe it down every so often when I clean the tub.

The Sproos Filtered Shower Head has a water-saving pause feature in addition to its three spray ... More settings.

Amazon

Filter type: KDF-55, calcium sulfite | Head diameter: 7.7 inches | Flow rate: 2.5 GPM (restrictor included) | Spray settings: 1 | Filter replacements: $29 every 2 months ($26 with subscription)

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At first glance, the Afina A-01 is the priciest of the bunch, with a listed price of $145 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 $129 for the entire shower head-and-filter bundle, and filters only cost $29 going forward (or $26 if you nab a subscription). That said, the filter is designed to last only two months—shorter than the typical three-month span—but your first box, luckily, includes a 50% off coupon for the next filter. We recommend grabbing that second one before two months is up to avoid it sneaking up on you; better yet, sign up for the subscription. 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. It 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 the aforementioned 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. (Note: Before installing this filter, I took out the cartridge and shook it; it is indeed quite hefty.) Afina also offers a free trial period and 90-day free returns, one of the longest trial periods we’ve seen, 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.

Having recently installed the Afina, I appreciated the all-in-one kit, which contains a wrench, plumber’s tape and flow restrictor, and the included QR code linking to a short installation video. Admittedly, I didn’t even need to use the video because the installation was incredibly simple, taking me about a minute. And the wide spray is no joke: After switching from a 5-inch faceplate to this one’s almost-8 inches, it feels like I’m covering more surface area in a shorter span of time. The water pressure was surprisingly even and strong, too (I’m always skeptical on this front when a shower head is advertised as “spa-like”), but I’ll report back if that fluctuates during the filter’s 60-day lifespan.

The Afina A-01 filtered shower head had the widest face of our picks—almost 8 inches—giving its ... More spray an even, spa-like quality.

kohler

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: $41.17 every 6 months

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Kohler’s shower heads are known for their style, quality and performance (the brand earned the top spot in our roundup of the best 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 her old shower head had unsightly stains, while this model (we installed the Chrome) has a shiny finish designed to withstand mineral buildup. Its classy appearance also elevated her bathroom. However, because the pipes in her 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.

After about four months of use in my partner’s shower, the Cinq has lived up to its buildup-resistant finish—it still looks as shiny and stain-free as it did at first install (as in, exactly like the photos below, taken the day it was installed). The gentle, wide spray has stayed consistently even and soothing, too, but that’s to be expected since the filter hasn’t reached the end of its six-month lifespan. This also means we haven’t needed to replace the filter yet, but I plan on updating this story with details on the process after we do.

The Kohler Cinq's timeless design, no-frills setup and soothing, even spray has been a welcome ... More upgrade in my partner's bathroom.

The Forbes Vetted home editorial team has extensive experience researching, testing and investigating home products across the board, including those that are designed to upgrade your bathroom.

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

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.

One of our top criteria when selecting filtered shower heads to test is that they're easy to install ... More without a professional. Afina's kit was one of the most straightforward to use.

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.

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.”

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.”

“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.

Some filtered shower heads, like the Kohler Cinq (1.75 GPM), are also tested to meet the EPA's ... More WaterSense standard for water efficiency.

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.

Are Filtered Shower Heads Worth It?

If your home is serviced by municipal water or if you’re noticing irritation or damage to your skin and hair when you shower, it’s worth getting a filtered shower head, says Postmus. “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,” he says. “Therefore, certified shower filters are used more often in homes serviced with municipal water.”

Do Filtered Shower Heads Reduce Water Pressure?

If installed correctly, filtered shower heads won’t reduce water pressure or will do so very minimally. That said, if you wait too long to change the filter, the buildup of particles and debris can slow down the stream.

Are Filtered Shower Heads Good For Your Hair?

Yes, using a filtered shower head can improve hair health. According to board-certified dermatologists, filtered shower heads can help 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."

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.

We added more original photos from real-world testing and long-term testing feedback.

We added more insights from industry experts, observations and photos from firsthand testing, and new recommendations, including the Sproos Shower Filter System and the Kohler Cinq.