The Best Rain Showerheads for a Spa-Like Shower
These are the best rain showerheads to upgrade your shower from routine to ritual.
More than a way to get clean, a rain showerhead can provide rejuvenation for your mind and body. These types of showerheads are designed to mimic the soft, gentle pattern of rain or a waterfall. That relaxing feeling is the key reason that most people choose a rain showerhead, according to Megen Rapp of Kohler. To deliver a spa-like sensation, rain showerheads have a larger spray face that creates a wider canopy of water when compared to a showerhead with a narrower, focused water stream.
If you want to turn your shower into a spa retreat, swap out your standard showerhead for a more luxurious rainfall showerhead. Available for wall-mount or ceiling-mount shower arms, these are the best rain showerheads that deliver a deluge.
Showerhead Tips From Our Experts
The Moen Velocity stands out as the best overall pick for a rain showerhead because it offers a soft, nature-inspired rain pattern from the eight-inch head but offers a stronger rinse pattern when you need it, using a simple lever on the showerhead. It's backed by a lifetime warranty against leaking or dripping, and the metal components and brass swivel ball add further reason to be confident in the workmanship and longevity of this shower head.
Depending on your preferences or limitations regarding flow rate, you can pick between a standard model with a 2.5 GPM flow rate or an EPA WaterSense model with a 1.75 GPM flow rate. Regardless of which version you opt for, Moen uses immersion technology — which distributes water throughout the entire spray head — to create a fuller, more satisfying stream of water.
- Flow Rate 1.75 GPM, 2.5 GPM
- Finishes Available Chrome, brushed gold, brushed nickel
- Features Rubber spray nozzles, self-pressurizing, dual spray patterns
For a rain shower effect on a budget, we suggest the SparkPod Rainfall Showerhead. Available in a round or square style that costs under $40, the six-inch face of the showerhead has 90 rubber-tipped spray jets to give you a high-pressure rain shower experience and an easy cleaning experience. If you want a fuller shower, you can also opt for an eight-inch version, and it's compatible with the brand's add-on filter or extension arm.
The SparkPod touts easy installation since it simply screws onto your existing standard shower arm, and reviewers agree that it's a quick and easy job. The biggest decision you'll have to make is whether to stick with the pre-installed 1.8 GPM flow restrictor or opt for the less restrictive 2.5 GPM version that's included. The downside to this budget rain shower head is that it's made of ABS plastic rather than more durable metal components. However, the plastic construction means that it's rustproof, and you can pick from about a half dozen finishes, including a classic option like polished chrome or a more whimsical rainbow effect.
- Flow Rate 1.8 GPM, 2.5 GPM
- Finishes Available Polished chrome, charcoal gray, Egyptian gold, brushed nickel, matte black, radiant rainbow, oil-rubbed bronze
- Features Rubber spray nozzles, interchangeable flow restrictors
The Delta 12-inch Raincan Showerhead serves up a modern take on the rain shower. Instead of a classic round spray head, this oversized head delivers a drenching flow from 63 spray nozzles spread across the square spray face. The geometric shape fits right into modern bathrooms that prioritize clean lines and streamlined aesthetics. Plus, it's available in a handful of finish options, including sleek stainless steel or matte black.
Depending on your installation requirements, this pick can be installed as a ceiling- or wall-mount rain showerhead (just make sure you add the right shower arm at the time of purchase). It's available with a max flow rate of 2.5 GPM or 1.75 GPM. Delta backs this square rain showerhead with a lifetime warranty, and it utilizes metal components for the sake of durability. Like many other popular showerheads, this model has rubber spray nozzles that can quickly be wiped clean when you need to remove limescale or calcium build-up.
- Flow Rate 1.75 GPM, 2.5 GPM
- Finishes Available Black, champagne bronze, chrome, matte black, stainless steel, Venetian bronze
- Features Rubber spray nozzles, stainless steel construction
You can bask in a spa-like shower without excessive water consumption if you choose a water-saving rain showerhead, like the Moen Spa Shower. This rain showerhead meets the criteria necessary to be labeled as compliant with the EPA WaterSense standards, but at 1.3 GPM, it also happens to have the lowest flow rate of any model on our list. It's also unique for having an adjustable height showerhead. You can raise or lower the support arm, giving you a total range of 17 inches for the height of the showerhead.
It may be conservative in terms of water usage, but the Moen Spa Shower aims to create an immersive, relaxing shower experience. The 7.9-inch rain shower head is shaped like a ring and features six spray nozzles that together equate to the coverage of a 20-inch showerhead, according to Moen. In this case, the key to doing more with less water is atomization, which creates a steamier shower. Reviewers say it does take some getting used to but describe it as spa-like. It's best for enclosed shower spaces.
- Flow Rate 1.3 GPM
- Finishes Available Chrome and white, brushed nickel, matte black, matte black and chrome
- Features Adjustable shower head height, meets EPA WaterSense criteria
For a rain showerhead that mounts to a typical wall-mounted shower arm, the American Standard Studio S is an attractive and effective choice. This eight-inch round showerhead has a simple, modern aesthetic and is available in three finish options. It has a 2.5 GPM flow rate, which is designed to mimic a downpour, but it’' worth keeping in mind that this showerhead doesn't meet more strict criteria for water flow rates required in some states.
The metal showerhead and brass fittings are good indicators of long-term durability. And in locations with hard water, you can easily eliminate mineral build-up by rubbing the rubber nozzles on the face of the showerhead with your hand. There aren't any other special features to mention, but the affordably priced Studio S rainfall showerhead is frequently praised for its consistent water flow and excellent spray pattern.
- Flow Rate 2.5 GPM
- Finishes Available Polished chrome, brushed nickel, matte black
- Features Rubber spray nozzles
If you're looking to combine the relaxing sensation of a rain shower with the focused spray that comes from a handheld shower wand, the Delta HydroRain is a great combination. While the six-inch head is on the small side for a rain can, it pivots so you can get the overhead angle of the water flow just right. Anything you might be missing in terms of water coverage can be supplemented by the hand shower, which magnetically docks to the base of the rain head. It comes in handy as a secondary body spray or can be used for rinsing off pets or kids during bath time — making this an ideal rain showerhead for families.
In total, there are five spray patterns to fine-tune your shower experience. The ProClean setting is worth mentioning since it sends a targeted stream of water from the handheld shower to quickly and efficiently rinse down shower walls and tub surfaces. This is an EPA WaterSense shower head with a 1.75 GPM flow rate, but reviewers consistently mention strong water pressure as a major plus of this showerhead.
- Flow Rate 1.75 GPM
- Finishes Available Brushed nickel, chrome, champagne bronze, matte black
- Features Rubber spray nozzles, five spray settings, magnetic docking, spot-resistant finish available
For an immersive rain shower experience, look for an oversized showerhead that measures 10 or more inches in diameter. The Kohler Statement exceeds this baseline with a 14-inch rain showerhead that delivers a satisfying soak according to reviewers. Although there is only one spray setting for this stylish, saucer-like showerhead, it's been favorably compared to a waterfall or a summer rain shower.
Aside from its supersized spray face, the other reason that the Kohler Statement makes an ideal pick for an oversized showerhead is the use of air induction technology to create a full shower stream. Kohler says that by infusing the droplets with air, you get a more forceful spray — ideal for tasks like rinsing your hair. Combined with the large diameter of the head, you get an all-encompassing shower experience.
It's available in a range of attention-getting finishes, including on-trend options like a brushed modern brass or French gold. Regardless of which finish you pick, the spray face features a coating designed to resist mineral build-up, and the metal components have a finish that is resistant to corrosion and tarnish.
- Flow Rate 2.5 GPM
- Finishes Available Brushed modern bronze, polished nickel, brushed nickel, brushed bronze, polished chrome, French gold
- Features Easy-clean coating, air-induction technology
For a premium rain shower experience, consider the Hansgrohe Raindance S 300. This 12-inch rain head boasts 225 individual spray nozzles for a complete immersion in the water flow (by comparison, many other 12-inch rain showerheads have between 150 and 200 spray nozzles). The 2.5 GPM flow rate is enhanced by Hansgrohe's RainAir technology, which infuses air into each water droplet for a softer, fuller feel and less shower spray. It's no surprise that reviewers often describe this high-end showerhead as being high-quality with excellent water pressure and performance.
In addition to premium features, this showerhead is made with durability in mind. Hansgrohe is a German brand with a reputation for well-engineered and long-lasting plumbing fixtures. The Raindance S 300 is constructed of metal components and covered with a lifetime warranty. For day-to-day maintenance, this showerhead has silicone nozzles that can be rubbed clean to remove mineral build-up. The biggest drawback is that if you splurge on this rain showerhead, you only have the choice of chrome or brushed nickel finish options.
- Flow Rate 2.5 GPM
- Finishes Available Chrome, brushed nickel
- Features Silicone spray nozzles, air-enriched spray pattern
What to Consider When Buying a Rain Showerhead
As you compare rain showerheads, remember that the fixture you choose must match your installation requirements and any applicable flow-rate restrictions. The best rain showerhead will also provide enough coverage to deliver a satisfying soak and be made of durable, easy-to-clean materials.
Size & Coverage: Rain showerheads are typically six to 14 inches in size. The majority have a spray face that measures eight to 10 inches, but more compact versions address the needs of small showers or tight budgets, while oversized rain showerheads are available for large showers where you want a truly spa-like feel.
The size of the rain showerhead impacts its coverage area. A larger rain showerhead usually has a greater number of spray nozzles and will distribute water flow across a greater surface for a more enveloping soak — comparable to being caught in a soaking rain shower. Smaller rain showerheads with a tighter spray pattern will feel more focused and less diffused.
Water Pressure & Flow Rate: Make sure that your home's water pressure is between 40 and 60 PSI — otherwise the output of a rain showerhead may be disappointingly weak. If your home's water pressure is on the lower end of this range, prioritize models that infuse air into the water stream for a fuller, more satisfying rain shower experience.
It's also important to choose a model with a flow rate that is compliant with local regulations. While 2.5 GPM is the federal flow-rate limit for showerheads, some states or counties impose a lower limit for showerhead flow rates. To narrow your search for a water-saving showerhead, look for models that meet the criteria for the EPA's WaterSense label. Showerheads with a flow rate of 2.0 GPM or less are eligible for this designation.
Material & Durability: The components of a rain showerhead are subjected to a moist, humid environment, so what the showerhead is made of will have a big impact on its durability. The longest-lasting but usually most expensive rain showerheads have a brass or stainless steel head and brass fittings.
It's typical to see these showerheads offered with a coating that mimics a range of finishes, including chrome, brushed nickel, oil-rubbed bronze, gold and other options. More budget-friendly options might be made of ABS plastic, which is lightweight but more prone to leaking and cracking.
Features: Consider what features are most important to you in a showerhead. Many models have a single spray function, but some offer multiple spray patterns or a handheld wand for a more focused rinse. Look for models that pressurize the water flow or add air to the droplets if you want to maximize the force of the shower spray.
Some features streamline the maintenance needed to keep a showerhead clean. Rubber-tipped spray nozzles are a popular feature that makes it easier to rub away any limescale or calcium deposits with your fingers. And since rain shower heads typically have a large spray face that needs to be kept clean, some manufacturers apply a specialized coating to the showerhead that makes it faster and easier to wipe away any build-up.
Installation: Regarding the type of installation mount you'll need, Rapp says, "Single-function rainheads all have the same universal installation — either from a wall shower-arm or a ceiling-arm." So whether your shower arm is overhead or on the wall, if it has standard half-inch NPT threads, most rain showerheads will be compatible.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do rain showerheads have low pressure?
No, rain showerheads don't have low pressure, but how you experience the flow is different. "Rainheads are typically a larger surface area than a showerhead, so you're feeling the water in a less concentrated stream," explains Rapp. The same amount of water is diverted across a larger showerhead, resulting in a more diffuse spray pattern than a typical showerhead. While it doesn't have the same force, it delivers a softer, more soothing spray pattern.
What size rain showerhead is best?
There's no single size that is universally recommended for a rain showerhead. "[The] size of the rainhead depends on personal preference," says Rapp. She points to how much spray coverage you want as a key consideration and reminds homeowners that the larger the circumference of the showerhead, the greater surface area of water coverage. Rapp adds that aesthetics should be considered, as well. The size of your shower space may dictate how large of a showerhead can fit in the space.
Can I install a rain showerhead myself?
Often, installing a new showerhead is a DIY project, but keep in mind that some rain showerheads might require professional installation, especially if you're shopping for a flush-mount ceiling rain showerhead or plan to incorporate a shower panel.
Do rain showerheads use more water?
Rain showerheads offer a different spray pattern but, according to Rapp, they do not use more water than a standard showerhead. The flow rates you see — ranging from 1.75 to 2.5 GPM — are the same flow rates that you'll see on a typical hand shower or showerhead.
Why You Should Trust Our Writer
Erica Puisis is a freelance product tester and writer with expertise in floor care appliances like vacuums and robot mops, clothing care and other cleaning products, as well as small kitchen appliances. She has conducted dozens of interviews with industry experts about everything from water filtration and air purification to mold prevention and best practices for cleaning. Combined with hands-on product testing experience for sites like The Spruce, Forbes Vetted and Business Insider, she has a keen eye for what makes a product effective and worth buying.