The 5 Best Shower Head Filters [Ranked]
Unfiltered shower water has some really gross stuff in it. It can contain unhealthy amounts of chlorine as well as shower-head fungus and bacteria (Source).
Shower filters can help purge these hard-water impurities (Source).
Chlorine can strip naturally protective oils and minerals from your hair and skin, causing dryness and irritation while aggravating existing skin issues like eczema and acne (Source).
Besides chlorine, chloramine, which is a mixture of ammonia and chlroine is another potential health hazard (Source). It's more difficult to remove and requires a Vitamin C filter.
Read more about chloramine here to figure out if you need to guard against it.
There are 4 different options to choose from: carbon filters, KDF (filtering through kinetic degradation fluxion media), vitamin C filters, and 'bioactive' filters (Source).
- Carbon shower filters are good for removing chlorine, though not ideal for chloramines. They are most commonly used for tap water because they lose effectiveness with high heat.
- KDF shower filters are also good at eliminating chlorine and are better shower filtration options than pure carbon-filters, but if you are trying to eliminate chloramines it's best to use Vitamin C filters.
- Vitamin C shower filters are best at removing both chlorine and chloramines by a chemical reaction process that neutralizes chlorine and chloramines.
- Bioactive shower filters generally use different stones to strain out impurities- though the manufacturers are not always clear what they're made from.
Contents
| Shower Head Filters | Our Rating | Price ($) | Filter Type | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
 | The AquaBliss Universal Shower Filter | 4.6 | $$ | Carbon + KDF |
 | The Culligan Filtering Shower Head | 4.3 | $$ | KDF |
| The Keepo Universal Shower Filter | 4.5 | $ | Carbon | |
| The ZenFresh Ionic Filtration Shower Head | 3.6 | $ | Negative Ion Minerals |
Best Shower Head Filters For 2023
Effectiveness
Price
Ease of Use
This shower head filter offered by AquaBliss is a good option for someone who needs a universal shower filter with a replaceable multi-stage filter cartridge. Users love the results they got from using this shower head filter, but some do complain about reduced water pressure and short-lasting filter cartridge.
This product features a unique blend of KDF 55, calcium sulfite and activated carbon, which is great because it ensures multi-stage filtration in both hot and cold water. The filter purifies water by removing chlorine, heavy metals, bacteria, pesticides, and it inhibits the growth of scale, algae, fungi, and mold. This shower head filter seems like a good choice if you are looking for a universal shower head filter that works with all shower types, including fixed, rain and handheld showers.
The general user consensus concerning the AquaBliss shower head filter is that it works great in purifying water and chlorine removal. Many happy purchasers highly recommend this item for anyone who has hard and chlorinated water that causes itchy skin and dry hair. They also praise the easiness of installation and the fact that a plumber tape is included in the package.
However, some buyers complain about a significantly reduced water pressure after the installation of the product. Moreover, some complain that the filters don’t last long. One dissatisfied purchaser shares that he tested the water from this filter with multiple ppm & ph meters and found no difference from tap water.
Unboxing The AquaBliss
Pros
- Works great in removing chlorine
- Easy to install
- Plumber tape included
Cons
- Complaints of no reduced water pressure
- Complaints of short life of the filter cartridge
Effectiveness
Price
Ease of Use
This shower head filter offered by Culligan is a good option for someone who wants a filtered shower head with massage. Users love the effectiveness of chlorine removal, but some do complain about poor water flow.
This product features anti-clog rubber spray nozzles which offer 5 spray settings for added comfort. The shower head includes a WHR-140 filter cartridge for removing sulfur odor and chlorine. It can be installed on any standard 1/2″ threaded shower arm.This shower head filter with chrome finish might be a good choice if you are looking for a 5-spray settings shower head.
In general, users have a favorable opinion of the Culligan shower head filter, saying that it works great for hard water. Many purchasers experienced significant relief in chlorine-related health issues (bloodshot eyes, itchy skin, dry and brittle hair) after the installation. One purchaser shares that she used a test paper to test the hardness of the water and it showed that the filter works as advertised.
However, some buyers complain about the reduced water flow after only a couple of months from the installation of the item. One dissatisfied user advises buying a different shower head in case the water pressure in your home is not strong to begin with. Another one says that after testing the hardness with a digital meter there was absolutely no difference between the total dissolved solids (the measure of water hardness) between the shower head and their tap water.
Unboxing The Culligan
Pros
- Works great in removing chlorine
Cons
- Complaints of poor flow
- Complaints of not proven water softening with a digital meter
Effectiveness
Price
Ease of Use
If you are looking for a top-rated shower head filter, you might want to consider this 4-stage filter cartridge offered by KEEPO. Users love the effectiveness of this product, but some do complain about not noting any real difference after several months of using it.
This product features a 4-stage filter Cartridge (polyester fiber, activated carbon, polyester fiber and metal net), which is great because it ensures the maximum filtration under any water temperature. It purifies water effectively, removing chlorine, heavy metals, pesticides and bacteria, and it prevents mold, scale, algae and mildew in the pipe. The item comes with 2 replaceable filter cartridges which can be easily changed. If you are looking for a universal multi-stage shower head filter, this might be a good option.
In general, users have a favorable opinion of this shower head filter and they state that it is a great value for the price. Many users share that the water quality does seem improved and that their hair and skin seem softer. They also state that it is very easy to install the item, which comes with a sealer tape.
However, some purchasers complain about not seeing or feeling any difference after the installation of the filter.
Pros
- Great value for the price
- Easy to install
- Sealer tape included
Cons
- Complaints of no difference in water hardness
4. The Bioactive Stone Filtered Shower Head Filter Review
Effectiveness
Price
Ease of Use
This shower head filter offered by Bath & Relax is a solid option for those who need a filtered hand held shower with bioactive mineral stone. Users like the performance of this product, but some do complain about poor quality.
This product features 3 layers of filters in the shower head and 3 shower modes (rainfall, massage and jetting). It removes over 98% of chlorine for softer, smoother, cleaner skin and hair. It can be connected to any standard hose in seconds.This shower head filter could be a solid choice if you want a product with water saving feature that saves water by as much as 30%.
In general, buyers are satisfied with the performance of this shower head filter. The majority state that the water pressure is decent and that they can see positive results regarding the water purification.One satisfied user says that it is very easy to install.
However, several buyers complain about the quality, sharing that the item fell apart within several months. One dissatisfied purchaser says that the plastic switch for changing shower settings stopped working after some time.
Pros
- Works well
- Good water pressure
- Easy to install
Cons
- Complaints of poor quality
Effectiveness
Price
Ease of Use
If you are looking for a shower head filter, you might want to consider this high-pressure water-saving ionic handheld filtration shower head offered by ZenFresh. Users like that the product does the job well, but do complain about cheap quality.
This product is a filtered body spray with a water saving feature without sacrificing water pressure.The 3 layers of mineralized spheres greatly reduce impurities in water. It is easy to install and it connects to any standard hose in minutes.If you are looking fora good quality metal shower head filter, this might not be such a good option.
In general, users have a favorable opinion of this ZenFresh shower head filter, saying that it does the job of purifying hard water well and that the water pressure is adequate. They also state that the item is easy to install.
However, some buyers complain about the cheap quality of the product. One purchaser shares that the product fell apart after a few months of use.
Unboxing The ZenFresh
Pros
- Works well
- Good water pressure
- Easy to install
Cons
- Complaints of poor quality
What Are Buyers Saying?
The AquaBliss Universal Shower Filter
The first universal shower filter we examined was the AquaBliss universal option. It's marketed as a way to purify shower water, help to revitalize dry and itchy skin, installing in under 10 minutes with easily replaceable filters.
It's marketed especially towards people with skin, nail and hair issues, potentially decreasing the incidence of eczema, dandruff and generally dry and flaky skin. The way it works is that the shower filtration head is able to purge chlorine and other types of toxic impurities, straining out a variety of heavy metals like nickel, lead, mercury, chromium, all a while inhibiting the proliferation of gross fungi and bacteria.
Once installed, the manufacturer says that the water will begin to feel a bit softer, that your hair shampoo and body soap will lather up more quickly, and the benefits will redound to your hair and skin.
- Buyers tell us that this will work with handheld showers, saying that it is easy to install.
- One of the best aspects, reviewers say, is that it's able to remove foul smells from the bathroom- this includes a variety of different unpleasant water odors, with one buyer saying that the sulfur smell that had plagued their home's bathroom was immediately eliminated after install.
- Homeowners say that it's best to swap out the filters every six months- with experienced buyers saying that it hasn't decreased their water pressure, either.
- One purchaser told us that he is satisfied with its effects but does say that once installed, because it measures about 6 inches long, that it will lower the height of your shower head a bit- potentially a problem if you are particularly tall.
- Another reviewer who suffered from pimples, acne and an itchy scalp told us that after installing he has noticed a positive influence on the surface of his skin- it is not as dry or irritable and he anticipates that it will help decrease his dermatological aggravations.
- Another reviewer purchased it to deal with a condominium showerhead with hard water issues that was ruining her hair.
The Culligan Wall/Handheld Shower Filter
The second shower head filter we examined was manufactured by Culligan and it comes in either wall-mounted or handheld configurations. The wall-mounted and hand-held option are advertised as meeting the Environmental Protection Agency's Water Sense Certification standard.
The filter is designed to deal with chlorine and sulfur odors, capable of filtering 10,000 gallons of water before requiring a replacement and providing benefits to skin, hair, and nails.
The wall-mounted option is designed to install on a half inch threaded shower arm. It's marketed as a means of reducing harmful impurities to provide an enhanced showering experience that is cleaner and more refreshing, with five different shower spray settings for enhanced customization.
One important note, before you begin using it, you should run some water through it for around 10 minutes so that the filter ration cartridge is completely flushed and different filtering media expunged.
- Buyers say they're able to remove the flow restrictor because they didn't want their shower pressure flow restricted after install.
- Another buyer had a unique dilemma, telling us that his shower was prone to rust, with his grout becoming an orange.
- Purchasing this filtration option decreased the amount of orange film in his bathroom as well as the rusting of his shower curtain rods- though a heavy duty shower curtain also helped.
- A female buyer told us that it greatly improved her dry and damaged hair, telling us that her old set up caused her hair to begin to feel like straw- she blames this on hard water issues that this shower filter has effectively eliminated, producing dramatically positive benefits to her hair.
The Keepo 4-Stage Shower Filter
The third universal shower filter we examined his manufactured by Keepo. It is a universal option that includes an integrated 4-stage filter cartridge that causes shower head water to travel through a metal net, activated carbon, and polyester fiber. It's marketed as an easy install for a variety of different showers, whether you have a handheld, rain or fixed style.
This particular option ships with two extra replaceable cartridges and has a 12-month warranty.
- One buyer observed that after installing it, they don't need to apply as much skin moisturizer as they used to- they attributed it to this shower head filter's reduction of hard water.
- Another buyer who complained about New York City hard water issues tells us that it slightly decreased the water pressure over time, which he attributes to the build-up of sediment and other nasty toxins in the filter.
The Singoracer Bioactive Shower Filter
The fourth hand held shower we examined is manufactured by Singoracer. It's a bit different than other models- it includes bioactive minerals inside of its casing that you can see- and it is a three filter option. It can provide massage, jetting and rainfall shower settings, easily installing within spa showers or common bathroom areas.
The ZenFresh Negative Ion Shower Filter
The last showerhead filter we examined is manufactured by ZenFresh- it provides a filtered body spray designed to refresh and rejuvenate your skin built with a laser-perforated technology to help save water. They tell us that its negative ion mineralized beads designed to help enhance mineral nutrient absorption while also purifying water using three layers of mineralized spheres.
- Buyers say that it only provides one type of spray- a fixed spray that has a rain-like stream on the outer circumference with a higher pressure jet in the middle.
- Buyers have provided somewhat mixed feedback, with some complaining about its durability- noting that it developed hairline cracks after only several months of use.
Final Thoughts
Water chlorination is a modern marvel-helping to keep our drinking tap water purged of harmful diseases and germs using chlorination. Some research studies have demonstrated, however, that you're able to absorb unhealthy doses of chlorine taking a 10-minute shower.
The reason why this is bad is that it will strip out the naturally occurring protective oils in their hair and skin causing them to dry and weaken over time. Shower filter heads are a unique way to modify your bathroom to eliminate the desiccating effects of chlorinating by-products.
The principal benefits are a healthier shower, rejuvenated skin and hair, removal of chlorine and sulfur smells, and decreased skin and eye irritation.
