Best Shower Head Filters

Posted on the 01 January 1970 by Charlene Farwell

Sick and tired of replacing shower heads every so often due to damage by scale deposits and scum from hard water? Not anymore. Here are some of the best shower head filters you need to check out.

As far as damages to appliances and equipment due to the effects of hard water, I think we have reached a decisive point. From leaky plumbing fixtures to spotted kitchenware, the cost and damages associated with using hard water are just overwhelmingly insane.

Personally, I have had to replace my bathroom shower head so many times because of scaling, rusting, and plug formation. What’s was even more frustrating was the cost associated with buying non-soapy detergents that lather easily with hard water. That was then. Now, however, things are a lot more different.

You don't have to let hard water damage your expensive bathroom and kitchen appliances anymore. With a shower head filter, you can now get a stream of fresh sot water for bathing, no matter the water source.

In this review, we have enlisted some of the best shower water filter brands that you really need to check out. As always, our editorial picks are competitively selected from among the best brands. Using this list as a buying guide is, therefore, a surety of quality and affordability; real value for money.

Product name Consumption Filtration method Warranty

Sprite HOC High Output Replacement Shower filter Cartridge 2.5 GPM Replacement chlorine filters 1 year limited

Culligan WSH-C125 Wall mounted filtered shower head 2.0 GPM Patented Bacteriostatic 5 year limited

AquaBliss High Output Universal shower head filter 2.0 GPM Blend of redox media, calcium sulfite, activated carbon N/A

Culligan Certified WHR-140 shower head filter 3.0 GPM Patented Bacteriostatic 5 Year limited

Barclay’s Buys better Home Goods Filtered shower head 2.5 GPM Ion box, filter sponge, and calcium sulfite stones 1 year

AquaHome Group shower head filter 2.0 GPM 15 stage filtration cartridge N/A

Rainshow’r – CQ 1000 MS shower filter 2.5 GPM KDF-55 filters N/A

Aqua Elegante luxury shower filter 3.0 GPM KDF-55 filters 6 month money back guarantee

HotelSpa 1145 7-setting filtered hand held shower 2.5 GPM Active carbon – KDF-55 filters US limited lifetime warranty

FlowTec filtered handheld shower head 1.7 GPM Red Germanium, Grey Tourmaline, and white medical stone filters 1 year

What is a shower head filter?


A shower head water filter is basically a type of shower head that serves the same purpose as ordinary shower heads. The only difference is that the material and technology of its design makes it resistant to scale and scum deposits. An ideal shower head, therefore, helps to soften hard water so that it is gentle on your skin and hair.

Do you really need a shower head filter?

Your need for one of these water softening equipment will depend on where you source your tap water. If it’s from a well then you had better choose from one of the brands we have enlisted here. If you already installed a water filter or softener to your household water supply system then you can be excused to think that you don’t actually need a shower filter.

That all for the brief intro. Straightaway lets elaborate details about the various brands and models of shower filters. We’ll start off with a table to give you a sneak peek of what we are just about to elaborate in further details.

Types of shower head filters

There are different types of shower head filters. The categorization is on the basis of different aspects that relate to their working mechanisms.

On the basis of their method of installation, the main shower head categories are two. These include:

  • Filtered shower heads

As the name suggests, these shower heads come with an integrated filtration system. You won’ have to buy an alternative filtration system for your shower head.

  • Portable or in-line shower filters

These ones do not come with the shower head. They are sold separately and are installed between the water supply line and your existing shower head.

On the basis of target filtered contaminants, some of the options available include:

  • Chlorine filters

These types of shower head filters use different filter media including calcium sulfite, GAC, KDF 55, etc. And they are the most popular varieties around.

  • Chloramine filters

These types of shower head filters have gained popularity over the recent past. This is owing to the fact that chloramine is just as harmful a water contaminant as chlorine.

  • Fluorine filters

Scientific research seems to suggest that fluorine is a potential risk factor in some health condition. No wonder there’s a sudden increase in the number of fluorine water filters lately.

That a side, the following are some of the best shower head water filters we have rounded up for you. Have a look.

Our Picks: Top 10 Best Shower Head Filters Reviews

Best Combo Shower Head Filter

  • Sprite HOC High Output Replacement Shower filter Cartridge

Sprite HOC High Output Replacement shower water filter is a very popular brand. It is very easy to tell why it is a consumer favorite. First, it comes with an oversized 4” chrome face featuring a 3 zone, a click lever dial, and a rub clean jet. In addition, it supports 5 luxurious shower settings and up to 24 combined water a flow patterns. What’s even better is that it comes with a patented 3-way water diverter that also has and safety anti-swivel lock nut and an angle adjustable overhead bracket.  This showerhead filter also comes with a 5-foot stainless steel hose for better reach while bathing. The installation process is the simplest you can imagine. Just a couple of hand twisting and tightening with absolutely no need for tools. For instance, the flexible stainless steel hose has a set of conical brass hose nuts for quick fixing to a standard overhead shower arm.

Why We Like It:

  • Every purchase of Sprite HOC High Output shower head water filter comes with a guaranteed 1-year limited warranty.
  • Stylish and luxurious bathroom accessory with 5 full setting, 3 zone click dial, oversize 4-inch face, and a patented 3-way water diverter.
  • The shower head includes special water filtration compartments that eliminate scum and scale that could potentially damage your bathroom appliance and even your skin.
  • It supports DIY installation procedure and connects quickly to any standard overhead shower arm.
  • Comes with a 5ft flexible stainless steel hose for better-enhanced flexibility and reach.

Why We Hate It:

  • Not identified.

Best Anti-clog Rubber Spray Nozzles

  • Culligan WSH-C125 Wall mounted filtered shower head

This is another very good shower head filter you really need to check out the next time you go shopping. With a max flow rate of 2.0 GPM, Culligan WSH-C125 is very much resource efficient and hence EPA WaterSense certified.

It comes with anti-clog rubber spray nozzles that offer with up to 5 spray settings for additional luxury. This bathroom stylish bathroom equipment is very easy to install. You won’t require any tools or even help from a plumber.

Culligan WSH-C125 wall-mounted shower filter uses WHR-140 filter cartridges with a 6-month or 10,000-gallon capacity before replacing. WHR-140 cartridges are the industry’s finest filters with a capacity to eliminate chlorine, sulfur, and hardness causing magnesium & calcium ions.

What’s more, this wall mounted shower water filter uses a patented bacteriostatic filter media. This has the ability and capacity to eliminate growth and passage of bacteria thus keeping the entire household safe from infections.

Why We Like It:

  • Installs very easily with absolutely no need for tools or even help from a plumber.
  • Highly compatible with any standard 0.5” threaded shower arm.
  • Utilizes a patented bacteriostatic filter media that keep you and family safe from infections.
  • Uses WHR-140 filter cartridge that is capable of eliminating all chlorine, sulfur, and hardness causing magnesium & calcium salts.
  • The WHR-140 filter cartridges are durable and have a maximum capacity of 10000 gallons or 6 months before replacement.
  • Anti-clog and anti-scale rubber shower water filter spray nozzles with up to 5 spray settings.
  • Comes with a 5-year warranty.

Why We Hate It:

  • Not identified.

Best Multistage Cartridge Filters

  • AquaBliss High Output Universal shower head filter

Save your family from dandruff, eczema, dry skin, and other hard water-related conditions by installing AquaBliss universal shower head water filter in your bathroom. This one is equipped with the right technology to eliminate chlorine, sulfur, bacteria, viruses, fungi, and hardness causing mineral ions. It has an integrated high-end multi-stage filtration system that includes a blend of redox media, calcium sulfite, and activated carbon. This unique combination makes it ideally suited for filtering cold as well as hot water. The installation process is very easy. There’s a user manual to help with the same. And it is compatible with most standard shower arms.

Why We Like It:

  • Has a quick installation process and is compatible with all shower head types including rain, fixed, and handheld varieties. Absolutely no need for tools or even plumber to help with installation.
  • Uses a unique mix of redox media, calcium sulfite, and activated carbon to remove all forms of impurities.
  • Removes all water contaminants; bacteria, viruses, heavy metals, chlorine, sulfur and many other impurities that would otherwise pose a significant health risk.
  • The filter cartridge is durable and replaceable after a long duration of excellent filtration service.
  • Ideally suited for use in hot or cold showers.

Why We Hate It:

  • No product warranty.

Best Bacteriostatic Filter Media

  • Culligan Certified WHR-140 shower head filter

This shower head filter offers a very good way of removing all chlorine, sulfur, bacteria, and other infectious contaminants from your bathing water. The filter head nozzles are resistant to scale and scum build up hence very durable. Culligan certified shower head uses WHR-140 filter cartridges which have a 10,000 gallon max lifetime capacity and require replacement once every 6 months. The cartridges are easily replaceable. Like any other Culligan shower head, this one uses the patented bacteriostatic filter media. This eliminates and deters growth and passage of any form of bacteria for a cleaner, healthier bathing experience.

Culligan WHR-140 shower filter is NSF/ANSI standard 177 certified. Its performance and efficiency are therefore superior. The installation process is very simple and direct. No tools required for the same.

Why We Like It:

  • NSF/ANSI standard 177 certified shower head water filter
  • Patented Bacteriostatic filter media deters bacterial growth and eliminates any bacteria thus keeping you and family safe from infections.
  • WHR-140 cartridges are replaceable once every 6 months.
  • Every purchase comes with a comprehensive 5 year warranty.

Why We Hate It:

  • Not identified.

Best Warranty Coverage Shower Head Filter

  • Barclay’s Buys better Home Goods Filtered shower head

This is a durable filtered shower head that features a trademark metal ring housing for durability and easy cleaning. It has 3 main components; a filter sponge, calcium sulfite stones, and an ion box.  With this filtered shower head, you have the luxury of choosing from three options; rain, non-pulsating massage, and a combination of both. Barclay’s filtered shower head uses inexpensive filter cartridges that are replaceable once every 8 months. What actually sets it apart is its 2.5 GPM flow rate. You water pressure won’t be sacrificed either. In addition, it is also capable of removing chlorine, bacteria, sediments, and other chemical contaminants. What’s more, every purchase comes with a 1 year 100% money back guarantee.

Why We Like It:

  • Comes with a 1 year 100% money back guarantee and dedicated customer support.
  • Removes all chlorine, sulfur, bacteria, viruses, heavy metals and other contaminants.
  • Barclay’s shower water filter has a flow rate of 2.5 GPM and does not sacrifice your water pressure.
  • The filter cartridges are replaceable one every 8 months.
  • The design features a durable crack resistant top and bottom metal ring.
  • Uses a 3 component filtration system to eliminate all water contaminants. These include an ion box, a filter sponge, and calcium sulfite stones.

Why We Hate It:

  • Not identified.

Best Budget Shower Head Filter

  • AquaHome Group shower head filter

AquaHome group shower head water filter has a multi-stage replacement premium filter cartridge for the best water filtration experience. The filter cartridge used with this shower filter has up to 15 stages of contaminant removal. This rids your bathing water of all chlorine, sediments, heavy metals, and other contaminants. And the filter cartridges require replacement once every 6 months. The lifespan of the filter cartridges is largely dependent on the quality of water from your supplier. Because of the efficient removal of sediments and other contaminants, AquaHome Group shower water filter will protect your family against infections. It uses a unique blend of scientific formulation for maximum filtration. And it works well for hot and cold water showers.

Why We Like It:

  • The 15 stage filter cartridges are replaceable once every 6 months.
  • The unique filter cartridges use a special scientific formulation that makes this shower head filter ideal for use with both hot and cold water.
  • Removes chlorine and other harmful contaminants thus keeping your family protected from infections.
  • Uses Granulated Activated coconut Carbon for the best filtration experience.
  • Includes Polypropylene cotton filtration is effective at eliminating all sediments and other related contaminants.
  • It uses kinetic Degradation Fluxion (KDF) 55 to eliminate heavy metals, sulfides, and many other mineral contaminants.

Why We Hate It:

  • No warranty

Best KDF-55 Cartridge Shower Filter

  • Rainshow’r – CQ 1000 MS shower filter

The Rainshow’r CQ-1000 MS shower filter uses formulated KDF-55 to remove up to 90% of chlorine and other water-soluble contaminants. This makes your bathing water safe for the entire household; gentle on your skin and hair. The formulated KDF 55 filters are very durable and have a max lifetime capacity of up to 25000 gallons. They are replaceable once every 6 to 9 months depending on the quality of your household water. The installation process for Rainshow’r CQ-1000 MS is very simple. You won’t require any tools for the same. In fact, there’s a user guide complete with installation instructions. What’s more, this shower filter is NSF standard 177 certified for reduction of free chlorine.

Why We Like It:

  • The formulated KDF-55 filters convert free chlorine into harmless soluble chloride that is eco-friendly.
  • NSF standard 177 certified for reduction of chlorine and other harmful contaminants.
  • The filter cartridges have a max lifetime capacity of 25000 gallons and are replaceable once every 6 – 9 month depending on water quality.
  • Simple installation procedure with no need for tools.

Why We Hate It:

  • No warranty.

Best Spa Luxury Experience

  • Aqua Elegante luxury shower filter

Get relief from allergies due to water contaminants by installing Aqua Elegante luxury shower head filter in your modern bathroom. It comes with KDF 55 formulated purification media that rids your bathing water of all heavy metal and other soluble contaminants. Say goodbye to scale build up, lime, mold and other water contaminants that otherwise make bathing with unfiltered water a serious health hazard. All the impurities are eliminated without sacrificing vital water pressure.  With Aqua Elegante shower filter, you will be able to remove up to 95% of all the dissolved chlorine. The KDF 55 formulated filter cartridges need replacement once every 6 months and have a max lifetime filtration capacity of up to 12,000 gallons.

Why We Like It:

  • The installation procedure is very simple and requires absolutely no tools
  • The formulated KDF-55 cartridge filters are replaceable once every 6 months and have a max lifetime capacity of 12,000 gallons.
  • Eliminates 95% of dissolved chlorine and other chemical contaminants.
  • Removes heavy metal contaminants, calcium & magnesium salts. In addition, it inhibits the build-up of scale, lime, mold, and fungi.
  • Every purchase comes with a 6-month money back guarantee.

Why We Hate It:

  • Not the best for removing Total Dissolved Solids (TDS)

Best 3 Stage Filtration Shower Head Filter

  • HotelSpa 1145 7-setting filtered hand held shower

The HotelSpa 1145 handheld shower filter is a luxury bathroom equipment built and designed with the latest technology. It comes with 6 luxury high power settings and a 3 stage KDF, calcium sulfite, and Active carbon filtration system. All these add to your luxurious HotelSpa experience. It has a 7 setting spiral 4-inch chrome face featuring a patented pause switch for flexibility and inflow control. The inbuilt filtration system removes 99% of all chemical, physical, and other contaminants.

HotelSpa filtered handheld shower is very simple to install. Just a couple of twists and turns with absolutely no need for tools. The 3 stage filtration cartridges should be replaced once every 9 months and have a max lifetime capacity of 10,000 gallons. What’s more, every purchase of this shower head water filter comes with a lifetime US limited warranty for free repairs and replacements.

Why We Like It:

  • Lifetime US limited warranty and dedicated tech support
  • Simple and direct installation involving hand tightening and twisting of connections.
  • Has a 3 stage filtration cartridge that combines KDF, calcium sulfite, and Active carbon media for superior filtration experience.
  • Handheld shower head filter with a 4” chrome face and 7 high power settings for the best shower experience.
  • Removes 99% of all chlorine, heavy metals, pesticides, and other soluble contaminants from your bathing water.

Why We Hate It:

  • It has a comprehensive US limited warranty.

Best Handheld Shower Head Filter

  • FlowTec filtered handheld shower head

This one comes with a triple stage filter system for unmatched bathing water filtration. The filter system includes Red Germanium, Grey Tourmaline, and White Medical Stones. They help eliminate 95% of chlorine and other harmful chemicals from your bathing water. Ultimately, this guarantees healthy skin and hair for the entire family. FlowTec shower head water filter comes with a removable sprayer with up to 7 luxury settings for the best bathing experience. This is an eco-friendly shower head that is resource efficient; uses less than 1.66 GPM.

Why We Like It:

  • The cartridge filter has gray tourmaline beads that induce negative ionization process for softer skin and healthy hair.
  • The FlowTec handheld shower head is easy to install and maintain. In addition, it is very compatible with most standard shower hoses.
  • Ecological and economic design with a max flow rate of just 1.66 GPM.
  • Detachable sprayer with 7 luxury setting and 8 body spray options.

Why We Hate It:

  • No warranty coverage.

What to consider when shopping for shower head filters?

There are a number of things you need to consider when choosing an ideal shower filter. Some of these include:

  • Product durability
  • Ease of installation
  • The durability of the cartridge filters
  • Warranty

Conclusion

That’s the end of our review of the best shower head filters. We have provided detailed coverage of each product and even included the pros & cons. We hope this helps you make an informed purchase of a filtered shower head that suits you best.