We Tested The Top 3 Filter Shower Heads Of 2026
The Good Trade editors endorse products we’ve personally researched, tested, and genuinely love. Learn more about our methodology and business model here.
I researched and tested the best filtered shower heads in my bathroom — these are my top picks for filtering out chemicals and heavy metals with notes on install and benefits for each.
Do you have sensitive or dry skin, a dry scalp, eczema, or brittle hair? It might be because of “hard water,” also known as water with extra minerals. Most of the US water supply falls under this category, and while not all minerals in hard water are dangerous, there is potential for contaminants like heavy metals. Plus, the minerals in hard water can build up in our skin, hair, and even the shower itself. But don’t worry! Filter shower heads can help reduce hard water, and in turn, provide benefits for your hair and skin.
I tried out the three top filter shower heads out there, so if you’re looking to make the switch, read on to hear what I liked about each of them. Reap both the wellness and sustainability benefits — and enjoy softer, more nourished, and shinier skin and hair along the way. 🚿
What do filtered shower heads do?
In short, filter shower heads reduce hard water (that’s water with a high mineral content) and unwanted contaminants. Filtered shower heads use Kinetic Degradation Fluxion (KDF) — otherwise known as a zinc or copper filter — to get rid of these contaminants, like heavy metals, chlorine, and other minerals, and instead pass through clear, clean water. But how exactly do they filter water? It varies depending on the brand, but generally, as the water passes through the filter, it catches the contaminants on the way. These filtered shower heads have multiple layers within the filters to catch different elements as they pass through.
The filters also take into consideration things like hot water and the velocity of the water, which is one way that shower head filters differ from a sink or pitcher water filter. Another difference from sink or pitcher water filters: The filtration area of focus. Sink filters focus on filtering water for drinkability, contaminants, and taste, whereas a shower head filter focuses more on reducing hard water and removing contaminants that could cause dry or irritated skin and hair.
What are the benefits of having a filtered shower head?
Some studies suggest that minerals in shower water might contribute to dryness and irritation, both for your hair and your skin. Shower head filters can help remove these and other chemicals, like chlorine (which is great for keeping bacteria out of water but not necessarily great for your skin and hair), from your water. Filtering these elements out can leave your skin feeling smoother and your hair looking shinier.
Plus, if you live in an area with hard water, a filtered shower head that softens water can help reduce hard water damage to your hair and skin. While research on the effectiveness of filtered shower heads is still ongoing, many users swear by them for improving their overall shower experience and water quality.
How often do I have to change the filter?
Most filter shower heads — all of the ones on this list — should be changed every three months. The filters are catching things like minerals, dirt, rust, and other chemicals, and that builds up! Just look at the side-by-side image that Sproos provides here. You can literally see all of the gunk that gets filtered out. So, if you don’t change it every 90 days, you might find that it’ll lose its effectiveness and could even become clogged from all of the minerals and gunk that it’s collecting. Luckily, all three of these brands offer subscription plans that send you a new filter every three months so you don’t even have to think about when to do it. The filter will show up at your door, and it takes just a few minutes to swap it out.
Our methodology criteria:
I personally tested three of the most popular shower head filters on the market to determine which was best for filtration, water pressure, and ease of use.
To test the filter shower heads, I installed each myself and noted how long it took me to install (and if there were any difficulties). I tried them out for two weeks, taking note of how soft my hair and skin felt after using each. Being someone who is very sensitive about water pressure — I need good water pressure for my thick hair — I noted the different water pressures for each. To get a male perspective, I also regularly asked my husband his thoughts on the showerheads throughout the trials.
- EFFECTIVE FILTRATION | These filtered shower heads effectively filter out harsh chemicals, heavy metals, and help soften hard water, for healthier and softer skin and hair.
- GOOD WATER PRESSURE | The showerheads we tested provide good water pressure while also offering low-flow options to reduce water consumption and prevent unnecessary water waste.
- EASY TO USE | Each of these filtered shower heads fit standard showers, are easy to install, offer filter subscriptions, and look aesthetically pleasing, making it an upgrade that you, your hair, and your skin will appreciate for years to come!
Refresh the rest of your shower too with our guide to eco-friendly shower curtains and liners. And maybe give your bathroom a full reset with some organic bath towels, too.
Overall Favorite: Jolie, $122+ | Best Multi-Pressure: Canopy, $125+ | Best Handheld: sproos!, $120+
1. Jolie
Best for | Overall favorite
Features | Five colors, filters last 90 days, DIY installation, biodegradable packaging
Prices starting at | $122
Jolie’s philosophy is that clean beauty starts with clean water. Using two filter media, American-made KDF-55 (high-purity copper-zinc) and calcium sulfite, Jolie’s Filtered shower head removes heavy metals and chlorine from your water. The shower head has been third-party tested as well to back this claim up. They have customers’ reviews sharing how the filtered shower head has helped them with their ailments, from eczema to acne to thinning hair and more.
The shower head itself only has one pressure setting; however, it’s a steady stream coming through the precision-cut 0.1mm holes. It comes in five colorways, from modern chrome to bright red. And in the box — which is made from biodegradable reclaimed cardboard and paper pulp — you’ll find a tiny wrench, plumbers tape, instructions, your first filter, and the shower head itself. The filter is good for 90 days, and you can sign up for Jolie’s filter subscription ($35 every 90 days) so you don’t have to remember when to change it.
Jolie’s shower head is easy to self-install, using only the tools they provide (the wrench and the tape), and the filter is easy to change, too. Another cool thing: If you’re curious about what exactly is in your water, Jolie will create a free water report that tells you what chemicals are in your water based on where you live.
Our Editor’s Review | “From the packaging to the shower head itself, Jolie feels luxurious and high-quality. I love the simple design and durable feel to it. I found the filter and the shower head itself easy to install, and the cute aqua-colored wrench made me feel like a plumbing genius while I was installing it. Showering with the Jolie shower head was a delight, too. The water pressure is great but not over-the-top, and my hair felt so soft even after just one shower. “Indulgent, not wasteful,” is how the brand describes it, and I couldn’t agree more.”
2. Canopy
Best for | Multi-pressure
Features | Four colors, three-stream settings, three-stage filter, pure essential oils aroma included, filters last 90 days, DIY installation, HSA/FSA available
Prices starting at | $125
Canopy is a New York-based beauty and wellness-forward brand that creates devices for your home that help you build your wellness routine. This includes their filtered shower heads, which are designed with a three-stage filtration system that uses activated carbon, copper-zinc, and calcium sulfite — all natural materials — to filter your water from chlorine, magnesium, calcium carbonate, iron, and other contaminants.
There are two shower head options from Canopy: the Filtered shower head and the Handheld Filtered shower head. Or they also offer a Shower System that includes both, if you prefer to have the option to switch back and forth. The regular shower head has three stream settings: wide, narrow, and dual, which you can easily switch between using the little toggle on the bottom of the shower head.
All of the shower heads come in four colorways and include your first filter. However, you have to change the filters every 90 days and you do have to purchase the replacement filters separately. Canopy does offer a subscription ($40 every 90 days, includes an aromatherapy essential oil) where you can get replacement filters sent to you every 90 days. All of Canopy’s shower heads also come with a bottle of aromatherapy essential oil and a felt diffuser that you can hang off your shower head to create a spa-like experience while you shower.
The shower heads are easy to self-install, and the only tools — a wrench and optional plumbing tape — are included with your purchase.
Our Editor’s Review | “I had really high expectations for Canopy’s shower head. The packaging, the fancy, chrome look of the shower head, and the aromatherapy were all really impressive and made me excited to try it out. Installation was easy, especially with the little notch on the neck of the shower head to help you turn it tight. The aromatherapy essential oils made me feel like I was at the spa, luxuriating in the scented steam. However, while it did a great job at filtering water, I found myself slightly underwhelmed by the water pressure, even when I turned it from the wide spray to dual. If you’re looking for an option that doesn’t have as intense of a stream, this could be a good choice.”
3. sproos!
Best For | Handheld
Features | Three shower sprays, pause button, long shower hose, 50% recycled materials, colorful designs
Prices starting at | $120
Creating home-improvement shower solutions that are renter-friendly is the name of the game for Sproos. Their handheld shower head and filter set — developed by a filter expert and shower designer — has a two-step filtration system that uses a pre-filter to catch rust, sediment, and larger particles and an American-made KDF-55 to filter chlorine and heavy metals. The filter is made of 50% post-consumer recycled materials, too, for a more environmentally-friendly option.
The shower heads themselves are iconically colorful, available in bright fun colors like blue, red, yellow, green, and pink. They also have two metallic options as well, if you prefer a more traditional shower head color. The handheld shower head has a long hose and multiple flow settings, as well as a pause button, which can be used for washing pets and kids, or even watering your plants! Sproos comes with everything you need to install it yourself, including a full-size wrench and detailed instructions right on the box itself.
Our Editor’s Review | “I love the playful, bright color options of Sproos. That’s definitely what appealed to me the most right off the bat. I opted for the blue shower head, excited about the pop of color it’d add to my bathroom. Both the shower head and the filter were easy to install, though when I turned it on, I found that one end of the hose dripped a bit when the water was running. Despite this, the shower head’s water pressure was great! My husband couldn’t stop talking about how much softer his hair felt from this shower head. I loved the handheld option and the steady stream of water on the main setting. The other two water flows weren’t as practical in my opinion, but it’s nice to have options!”
Brianna Schubert is a writer and editor based in Milwaukee, Wisconsin. She is a Contributing Editor at The Good Trade, an editorial assistant at Motley Bloom, and a freelance writer. She has a Bachelor of Arts in Journalism from the University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee. Since 2023, Brianna has combined her expertise and investigative skills to deliver thoughtful reviews of sustainable products and home goods, helping readers make informed, eco-conscious choices. Brianna is also the writer behind The Mood Board, a Substack newsletter for creativity and inspiration. When she’s not writing, you can find her cooking up a new recipe, reading and recommending books, cuddling with her cat, or yapping with her friends at a café. Say hi on Instagram!
