Best Filtered Shower Heads of 2025

If you’ve noticed dry skin or brittle hair, your problem may not be the shower head itself — it could be what’s in your water. A filtered shower head can help reduce chlorine, heavy metals, and other impurities that irritate skin and dull hair, providing a gentler showering experience. Like many of the best shower heads, they’re easy to install and don’t require any special tools or skills.

To find the best filtered shower head options, we tested 11 popular models, evaluating filtration effectiveness, flow rate, ease of installation, and overall design. Our top pick overall ended up being the Hydroviv Filtered Showerhead, due primarily to its impressive 93% chlorine removal backed up by third-party lab testing, comfortable stream, and hassle-free installation and operation.

For a more budget-friendly option, the Brondell VivaSpring offers similar filtration verification at a much lower price, making it a great value pick.

Our picks of the best filtered shower heads

Best overall: Hydroviv Filtered Showerhead – See at Hydroviv

Best budget: Brondell VivaSpring – See at Brondell

Best for hard water: Canopy Filtered Showerhead – See at Canopy

Best for chlorine: Aquasana AQ-4105 – See at Aquasana

Best for hair and skin: Jolie Showerhead – See at Amazon

Best handheld: Sproos Filtered Showerhead – See at Sproos

Best in-line filter: AquaBliss High Output Revitalizing Filter – See at Amazon

Best overall

Best budget

If you’re looking for effective chlorine reduction without spending over $100 (replacement filters are just $17 every six months), the Brondell VivaSpring is a smart, verified choice.

Best for hard water

Best for chlorine

Best for hair and skin

Best handheld

While the all-plastic build feels less “premium” than metal models, and the $148 price tag is on the higher end, this could be a great fit for those looking for proven filtration with convenient mobility.

Best in-line filter

What else did we test

In addition to our winners, we tested several other filtered shower heads that performed well in certain areas, but didn’t quite claim a top spot.

• Croix Classic Filtered Showerhead ($145): Equipped with a KDF-55 and calcium sulfite filter cartridge, the Croix achieved over 85% chlorine in lab testing at the start of its filter life, remaining above NSF/ANSI 177 minimums through extended use (with lab results provided by its chemical engineer founder). Its all-metal construction provides extra durability, although I found replacing the filter to be exceptionally difficult, requiring all my strength (over about an hour) to finally unscrew the filter head for removal.
• Kohler Cinq Filtered Showerhead ($150): Features an integrated KDF-55 cartridge inside a sleek, minimalist design. Unfortunately, the provided materials did not include NSF/ANSI 177 certification or independent lab test data, and replacement filters are among the most expensive in our lineup.
• Cobbe Filtered Showerhead ($25): This is the most affordable model we considered, using a basic mineral filter cartridge. However, it does not have NSF certification or independent lab data, and its claimed filter life is shorter than that of other options.
• T3 Source Showerhead ($160): Featuring a unique calcium sulfite and copper-zinc filtration blend and a whopping seven spray settings, the T3 did a great job of combining filtration effectiveness with overall bathing functionality. However, its lack of third-party testing data and high price tag ultimately left it out of our top spots. Its filter has an indicator to let you know when it’s time to replace it, a convenient design choice.
  

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What to look for in a filtered shower head

Filter type

Filtered shower heads can feature a variety of filtration media, often in different combinations. Understanding what each one does (and doesn’t do) will help you choose the best match for your needs.

• KDF-55 (Copper-Zinc): This is one of the most common and most effective materials for shower filtration. This copper-zinc alloy works through a redox reaction (short for “reduction-oxidation reaction”) to reduce free chlorine, hydrogen sulfide, and certain heavy metals like lead and mercury. It’s also bacteriostatic, meaning that it helps prevent microbial growth inside the filter between uses. It’s important to note that KDF-55 does not soften hard water, and calcium and magnesium particles will still pass through.
• Activated Carbon: Typically made from coconut shells, this powerful absorbent targets chlorine, odor-causing compounds, and some volatile organic compounds (VOCs). While carbon is good for improving smell and taste, it works best in cool water, so in shower filters, it’s best paired with KDF-55 or calcium sulfite to maintain performance at higher temperatures. According to Dr. Marisa Garshick, a board-certified dermatologist recommended specifically by the American Academy of Dermatology, “Filters that combine KDF and activated carbon are most effective at reducing chlorine, heavy metals, and some bacteria.”
• Calcium sulfite: Calcium sulfite reacts quickly with chlorine, making it especially effective in hot shower water, where carbon alone might underperform. Many shower heads in our testing, including the Croix and Jolie, pair calcium sulfite with KDF-55 for stronger chlorine reduction across a range of temperatures.
• Multi-stage filters: Multi-stage cartridges layer several filtration media, typically starting with a sediment filter to trap particulates, followed by KDF-55, carbon, and/or calcium sulfite. This approach allows each stage to target a different containment type, which could be especially useful for complex water conditions. For households on well water, where issues like sediment, iron, and sulfur odors can be more common, multi-stage filters can be a better fit.

What contaminants to watch out for

• Chlorine: Chlorine is the most common target for shower filters, and for good reason. Municipal water systems use it as a disinfectant to kill bacteria and viruses, but according to Dr. Garshick, chlorine can be irritating to sensitive skin and can damage the hair cuticle, leaving hair dry and brittle.” Chlorine can also accelerate fading in color-treated hair. Dermatologists also specifically recommend chlorine-reducing filters for people with eczema, psoriasis, or general skin sensitivity.
• Heavy Metals: Lead, mercury, and copper can enter your shower water from corroded pipes or plumbing fixtures. While their levels are typically much lower than what’s considered dangerous to drink, they can still contribute to skin irritation and scalp dryness. KDF-55 and certain multi-stage filters are particularly effective at reducing these.
• Bacteria: Most people on municipal water won’t need to worry about bacteria in their shower supply, since chlorine is added specifically to contain microbial growth. However, in certain well systems, bacteria can be a concern. Shower filters are not disinfectors, so if bacterial contamination is an issue, you’ll need a separate treatment method, such as a UV system or chlorination.
• Sediment and Particulates: Especially common in well water, sediment can clog shower heads and make water feel gritty. Multi-stage filters with a sediment pre-layer can help trap these particles before they reach your spray.

NSF-certification

When shopping for a filtered shower head, you’ll see a lot of products claiming to be “tested to NSF standards.” That phrase sounds reassuring, but it’s not the same as being NSF certified or backed by verifiable third-party lab tests like the IAPMO.

Kyle Postmus, senior manager of water systems at National Sanitation Foundation (NSF), the authority behind this certification, explains that “NSF/ANSI 177 certification confirms that a shower filter can reduce free chlorine by at least 50% at the manufacturer’s tested capacity.” The certification process also checks for structural integrity (so the filter can handle household water pressure without failing) and flow performance to ensure the water comes through at an acceptable rate.

It’s important to note that “tested to NSF standards” may only mean that the manufacturer ran internal testing according to NSF protocols — it does not mean the results have been verified by the NSF or another third party. Full certification requires an independent lab evaluation and ongoing product audits to ensure continued compliance.

If you want to be confident that a filter will actually perform as advertised, look for the NSF mark or verified third-party lab reports in the product’s documentation.”Regardless of what filter people choose, I recommend they choose an NSF-certified filter to NSF/ANSI 177,” said Postmus.

It’s also important to understand what this standard doesn’t cover. NSF/ANSI 177 is specific to chlorine reduction, not chloramine. Many large cities — including Los Angeles, where I tested these filters — use chloramine instead of chlorine to disinfect water. Chloramine is more chemically stable than chlorine, which makes it harder to remove. Standard filter media like KDF-55 or activated carbon (found in several of the models I tested) are generally effective for chlorine, but they do little against chloramine.

For chloramine reduction, catalytic carbon is needed, a form of activated carbon chemically modified to more effectively break down chloramine molecules. At this time, most shower filters marketed to consumers are designed with chlorine in mind and do not contain catalytic carbon.

Compatibility with home plumbing and well water

Most filtered shower heads screw directly into a standard ½-inch shower arm, making them easy to install without a plumber. Handheld models require an added hose and extra clearance in smaller stalls (just like non-filtered versions), but the installation is just as straightforward.

For municipal water, the top concern is chlorine reduction, so look for NSF/ANSI 177-certified models or products with verifiable lab results.

If you’re on well water, a single-media chlorine filter won’t be enough. Well water can contain sediment, iron, sulfur odors, or even bacteria, none of which are addressed by a simple KDF cartridge.

If you’re not sure, it’s important to get a clear idea of what type of water you’re dealing with. The EPA’s Consumer Confidence Reports (CCR) are the most reliable place to start, since they publish annual municipal water quality data. My specific city unfortunately directed me to a broken link, but I was able to find the CCR report by Googling “(City Name) CCR report”.

Maintenance considerations

Even the best shower head is only as good as its upkeep. Every model has a recommended filter lifespan, typically measured in gallons or months (the ones I tested fall between three and six months of use under average household conditions).

In homes with very hard water or higher-than-average chlorine content, you may need to replace the cartridge sooner. There are also some variances when it comes to how easy it is to actually change the filter; some require no tools and take less than a minute, while others need a full disassembly.

It’s important to factor in replacement cost as well: in my pricing data, I found that some cartridges run as low as $12, while others approach $75 per swap. The pricier filters do cover up to six months of use, however.

Staying on top of the schedule matters a great deal, since performance drops quickly once a filter reaches capacity, so an overdue replacement may give you no more protection than an unfiltered shower head.

How we tested filtered shower heads

Installation and user friendliness

Each model was installed in my Los Angeles home, with installation time and difficulty carefully tracked. I noted whether tools or plumbers’ tape were required or included, and how securely the units attached to standard shower arms. Handheld models were also evaluated for hose flexibility and ease of docking.

Water pressure and flow rate

To measure water flow, I used the bucket test: I ran each shower head into a 5-gallon bucket for 60 seconds, then weighed and calculated gallons per minute. I compared those figures against manufacturer specs and paid attention to how strong, soft, or dispersed the spray felt in my daily showers.

Filtration testing (and limitations)

I initially tried using chlorine test strips to compare water samples before and after filtration, but quickly ran into two problems. First, the subtle color shifts on my testing strips made the results subjective and hard to compare. Second, Los Angeles uses chloramine rather than chlorine to disinfect its municipal water supply, which these test strips don’t actually measure.

For those reasons, I relied more on third-party lab data for chlorine and heavy metal reduction instead of my own strip readings, while also noting any subjective changes in water smell and feel.

Filter lifespan and replacement.

I tracked how often filters needed replacement (based on manufacturer guidance and observed buildup) and evaluated how easy it was to swap them out. I also factored in replacement costs to give a clear sense of long-term value.

Filtered shower head FAQ

Do I need a filtered shower head?

You might. If you have chlorine sensitivity, dry or itchy skin, eczema, color-treated hair, or live in an area with hard water, a filtered shower head can make a noticeable difference. Dermatologists confirm that chlorine and heavy metals in municipal water can strip moisture and irritate the skin. If you’re seeing a buildup on your faucets or noticing scalp issues, a shower filter may help alleviate those symptoms.

Do filtered shower heads really work?

Yes, but effectiveness depends on the type of filtration. High-quality filters using KDF-55, calcium sulfite, or activated carbon can reduce chlorine, heavy metals, and odors. Look for NSF/ANSI 177 certification to ensure it actually meets performance standards. Some filters only claim to meet those standards without certification, so it’s important to verify the lab results or certifications when choosing a model.

What contaminants do filtered shower heads remove?

Filtered shower heads primarily target chlorine (the biggest irritant for skin and hair), heavy metals (like lead, mercury, and iron), hydrogen sulfide (that rotten egg smell), and some bacteria and sediment. Keep in mind that most don’t reduce calcium or magnesium — the minerals responsible for hard water — unless explicitly designed to do so with multi-stage filtration.

How often should you replace the filter?

Most filters need replacing every 3-6 months, depending on the model and your local water quality. Some are rated by gallon usage — typically 10,000 to 25,000 gallons — so make sure to read your user manual carefully to maintain filtration effectiveness. Dermatologist Dr. Elizabeth Houshmand notes that “in very hard water regions, filters may need to be replaced more often” to stay effective.

Are filtered shower heads good for colored or damaged hair?

Yes. Chlorine and heavy metals in unfiltered water can strip color, weaken hair structure, and cause dryness. “These contaminants can dull hair and irritate the scalp,” says Dr. Houshmand. Using a filtered shower head helps extend the life of color treatments, reduce breakage, and improve moisture retention. Depending on your type of treatment, cost, and coloring schedule, a filtered shower head could be a particularly valuable investment.

What’s the difference between a filtered and a softener shower head?

A filtered shower head is designed to remove chlorine, heavy metals, and odors, but does not soften water. A softener shower head, on the other hand, targets calcium and magnesium, the minerals responsible for hard water. Softening effectively typically requires ion-exchange resin or a full-house system, while filters focus on chemical contaminants.

Do filtered shower heads reduce water pressure?

Not necessarily. Most high-quality models maintain consistent pressure, even with multiple layers of filtration. In my testing, models like the Hydroviv and T3 performed well at 1.5 to 1.7 GPM. That being said, clogged filters can reduce flow, so timely replacement is important.

Are there filtered shower heads for well water?

Yes, but not all filtered shower heads are designed to handle the specific challenges of well water. Unlike municipal water, which is usually chlorinated and relatively clean, well water can contain a wider range of contaminants, including sediment, sulfur, iron, bacteria, and even volatile organic compounds (VOCs).

Because of these challenges, a multi-stage filter is better suited for homes that use well water than a single-stage filter.

Multi-stage systems typically are composed of some kind of cotton or mesh to remove larger particles and sediment, KDF-55 to target iron, hydrogen sulfide (that rotten egg smell), and heavy metals, calcium sulfite to reduce chlorine at high temperatures, and activated carbon element to absorb those VOCs as well as any pesky odors or chemical residue.

That being said, if your well water contains bacteria, coliforms, or nitrates, a shower filter just isn’t going to be enough. You’ll need to install a whole-house filtration system or UV treatment at the point of entry. If you’re not sure, it’s always a good idea to test your well water before selecting any filter.