You might not know it, but the water that runs from your showerhead might not be as clean as you think. In many homes, tap water can contain traces of unwanted minerals and chemicals like chlorine, metals, pesticides, and rust that can irritate your skin.
If your shower water contains high levels of certain minerals, namely calcium and magnesium, it’s considered hard water—and it can have an impact on your skin and hair. Studies have shown showering in hard water can decrease your hair’s thickness and strength, increasing breakage—something to keep in mind if you already have fine hair or hair that’s damaged or dyed. It’s also a potential risk factor for eczema, a key consideration for those with sensitive skin. Luckily, shower filters are a simple way to filter excess minerals from your shower water.
Much like filters used for drinking water, these devices contain layers of materials that work to sift out chemicals, metals, sediment, and other pollutants as water passes through. Plus, they’re typically easy to install. To find the best shower filters for your home, we researched a variety of picks, keeping in mind the style, filtered materials, filter lifespan, and filter type. We also consulted Dr. Renée Beach, a dermatologist and founder of DermAtelier on Avenue, for additional insight.
What We Researched
We evaluated nine shower filters for their type, filtered materials, filter lifespan, filter type, and certifications.
Best Overall
AquaHomeGroup 15 Stage Shower Filter
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Amazon
AquaHomeGroup’s Luxury Filtered Showerhead Set is a comprehensive filtration unit that removes a variety of unwanted materials. In addition to a 15-stage filter system, the set also features a vitamin C and E cartridge.
The set includes a showerhead, five shower caps, Teflon tape, and two replaceable units—one 15-stage filter and a vitamin C and E cartridge. Once you install the showerhead, you’ll want to let the water run for five to 10 minutes to remove any carbon dust that might have built up inside the filter.
The showerhead is ideal for homes with hard water or well water since it filters chlorine, heavy metals, rust, and sand. It’s worth noting, however, that the showerhead can only be returned if it’s unused or unopened, so you’ll want to ensure the set is suited for your home.
Product Details: Type: Showerhead | Filtered Materials: Heavy metals, rust, sand, chlorine | Filter Lifespan: Six months | Filter Type: KDF 55, activated carbon | Certifications: Not listed
Key Terms to Know
WaterSense: If a product has a WaterSense label, that mean it’s been certified to meet the EPA’s standards for water efficiency and performance.
Best Budget
Crater Aqua Systems Shower Water Filter With Silver Layer
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Amazon
Showering in water with high levels of chlorine can lead to dry hair and itchy skin. If you want to significantly lower the level of chlorine in your shower water, the CraterAquaSystems 15 Stages Shower Water Filter claims to reduce 97 percent of chlorine, though it’s worth noting the claim has not been independently verified.
The filter is compatible with all types of showerheads and is easy to install; all you have to do is twist it onto your shower fixture. From there, the filter uses activated carbon, KDF, calcium sulfite, and colloidal silver to reduce chlorine, heavy metals, and bacteria in your shower water.
Although many shower filters only need to be replaced every six months, keep in mind this pick might need to be replaced at least every three months, depending on your water quality and usage.
Product Details: Type: Inline | Filtered Materials: Chlorine, bacteria, heavy metals, lead, iron | Filter Lifespan: Three to six months | Filter Type: KDF 55, activated coconut carbon, colloidal silver, calcium sulfite | Certifications: Not listed
Best Splurge
Aroma Sense Vitamin C Shower Head
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Amazon
Aroma Sense’s Opus Wall-Mounted Vitamin C Showerhead is more expensive than other options out there, but the design offers spa-like benefits that make it worth it. The showerhead features over 300 spray plate holes for optimized water pressure, and it also adds relaxing aromatherapy benefits to your shower.
The set includes a showerhead, two microfiber filters, and one vitamin C shower cartridge. While you shower, the system will dispense a dose of aroma oils that are meant to increase your sense of relaxation. Plus, vitamin C concentrate pairs with a microfiber filter which, according to Aroma Sense, will neutralize chlorine and trap dirt, rust, and other contaminants.
If you want a different showerhead style, the system is also offered in handheld and rainfall designs.
Product Details: Type: Showerhead | Filtered Materials: Chlorine, rust, dirt | Filter Lifespan: Two to three months | Filter Type: Vitamin C, microfiber | Certifications: Not listed
Best Inline
AquaBliss SF100 Revitalizing Shower Filter
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Amazon
The AquaBliss High Output Revitalizing Shower Filter is a top choice for reducing chemicals and neutralizing odors in water. It features a multi-stage filtration process that works to remove sediment and impurities.
The shower filter is an inline style that’s easy to install. All you have to do is screw it into your existing fixture, no matter what style you have. From there, the unit has a multilevel system that uses an activated carbon filter to reduce levels of chlorine, pesticides, and dirt in your water.
Product Details: Type: Inline | Filtered Materials: Chlorine, pesticides, dirt | Filter Lifespan: Six months | Filter Type: Calcium sulfite, activated carbon | Certifications: Not listed
Best Showerhead
Jolie Skin Co The Filtered Showerhead
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Jolie Skin Co
For a showerhead option that’s easy to install and has a nice design, consider the Filtered Showerhead by Jolie. The showerhead has a sleek look and is offered in five finishes, so you can pick the one that suits your bathroom best.
The filtration system is already inside of the showerhead so you won’t even see it, unlike some other options. It uses KDF-55 (a copper-zinc alloy) and calcium sulfite to remove chlorine, heavy metals, and other contaminants from shower water. The filter also features stainless steel mesh, which is designed to prevent the water flow from clogging.
Although this showerhead is more expensive than other filter picks, you can save on the unit by signing up for a subscription. With the subscription, you’ll receive a new filter every 90 days, but keep in mind that you’ll be charged a fee every three months.
In terms of setup, Jolie sends you everything you’ll need, including a wrench and plumber’s tape for a seamless setup. We also like that Jolie offers a 60-day trial with a full refund if the shower head doesn’t work for you, so you can try it out before you commit.
Product Details: Type: Showerhead | Filtered Materials: Chlorine, heavy metals, and other contaminants | Filter Lifespan: 90 days | Filter Type: KDF-55, calcium sulfite
Best Handheld
Aquasana Shower Filter with Handheld Wand
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Aquasana
The Aquasana Shower Filter with Handheld Wand is the best shower filter if you’re looking for a handheld option. The unit is offered in two different finishes for the handheld style, but you can also opt for a standard showerhead or purchase just the filter as well.
This filter uses a system that combines KDF (copper-zinc) and coconut carbon. Together, they work to avoid bacteria and algae growth and significantly reduce chlorine in your water. The filters are designed to work for 10,000 gallons of water or up to six months, so you’ll have to replace this filter less often than other styles. Note that replacement cartridges are $60 per unit, which can be costly over time.
If you already have a showerhead that you prefer, you can still use this filter as long as the showerhead is up to 4.5 inches in diameter and the flow rate is 2.5 GPM (gallons per minute). One drawback for us with this option is the price of replacement filters; although they last six months, they are costly.
Product Details: Type: Inline | Filtered Materials: Chlorine | Filter Lifespan: Six months | Filter Type: KDF, coconut shell carbon
Best Water Efficient
Brondell Nebia Viva Spring
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Amazon
Brondell’s Nebia VivaSpring is WaterSense certified, making it one of the best options for those seeking a water efficient shower filter. This pick is designed to reduce lead, chlorine, mercury, and copper, and will also help stop the growth of scale, algae, fungi, and bacteria in the shower head.
The shower filter features 60 silicone nozzles for maximum coverage. Additionally, this option also comes with two filters, and the filters last six months each, making it a less costly option as well.
This option doesn’t offer flow adjustment options, which makes it somewhat limiting in comparison to the features of other shower filters that made our list. However, we think the included filters and WaterSense certification make it one of the best shower filters to consider.
Type: Shower head | Filtered Materials: Lead, chlorine, mercury, and copper | Filter Lifespan: Six months | Filter Type: Not listed | Certifications: WaterSense
Best for Chlorine
Sante Ultimate Dual KDF Shower Filter
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Sante For Health
If eliminating harmful chlorine from your shower water is a priority, Sante’s Ultimate Dual KDF Shower Filter is a great option to consider. While other shower filters use 20 ounces of KDF (copper and zinc water filtration), Sante’s features more than 30 ounces of KDF55 and KDF85, making it a more intensive choice for overall chlorine reduction.
Featuring a dual sided setup, this shower filter is able to run the water through both sides of the filter without sacrificing any water pressure. In addition to reducing chlorine, it can also help reduce chloramine, fluoride, lead, iron, heavy metals, and bacteria.
It’s recommended that you change the filter on this pick only once per year, meaning that it has a lengthier filter life to offset the higher initial cost.
Type: Inline | Filtered Materials: Chlorine, chloramine, fluoride, lead, iron, heavy metals, copper, fluoride, and bacteria | Filter Lifespan: One year | Filter Type: KDF55 and KDF85 combined, SIR 900 | Certifications: None
Best for Well Water
Hotel Spa Fixed Rain Shower Head
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Amazon
Well water can often contain various materials, like heavy metals. To help filter them out, we recommend Hotel Spa’s Fixed Rain Shower Head.
Using a three stage shower filtration cartridge that utilizes KDF, calcium sulfite, and active carbon, this option is geared toward the removal of heavy metals, chlorine and chlorine vapors, minerals, and impurities.
We appreciate that this pick comes with six settings, so you can set it to your preferred preferences. Plus, it fits for wall mounted, rainfall, and handheld showers alike. Just note that it doesn’t come with a replacement filter cartridge, so you’ll need to be mindful when it’s time to replace it.
Type: Shower head | Filtered Materials: Chemicals, heavy metals, and minerals| Filter Lifespan: Not listed | Filter Type: KDF, calcium sulfite and active carbon | Certifications: Not listed
The Bottom Line
Overall, we recommend the AquaHomeGroup Luxury Filtered Showerhead Set (view at Amazon), because it features a comprehensive 15-stage system, is easy to install, and has a vitamin C and E cartridge. For a budget-friendly pick, consider the CraterAquaSystems 15 Stages Shower Water Filter (view at Amazon) because it claims to significantly reduce levels of chlorine, as well as other sediments.
What to Know About Shower Filters Before Shopping
Filter Lifespan
Regardless of which shower filter type you choose, each unit’s filter will have a limited lifespan before it needs to be changed. How often a filter needs to be replaced depends on your shower’s water quality as well as your water usage.
While most will have to be switched around six months, double-check that the style you choose doesn’t have to be changed more often. Otherwise, the filter might become clogged and be less effective.
Style and Filter Type
Shower filters are available in a few types of styles—inline, showerhead, and handheld. In general, an inline style is universal and can attach to any showerhead style, making it the ideal choice if you want to keep your existing showerhead. Looking to upgrade your showerhead? Choose a filtered showerhead or a filtered handheld fixture, which lets you direct the spray right where you need it.
Most of the major types of filters will work to help eliminate or lower the quantity of chlorine. According to Dr. Beach, chlorine can be helpful in a swimming pool for reducing the bacterial content, but it can also leave skin dry, itchy, and irritated. “This irritation can trigger a flareup of eczema in patients who have this underlying condition,” she says.
Though there aren’t any major differences between the filter styles as far as effectiveness, you’ll want whichever style you choose to have either a KDF (kinetic degradation fluxion), vitamin C, or carbon filtration system, depending on your water filtration goals. Each method filters water well and significantly reduces impurities.
A KDF filter contains copper and zinc and uses a redox (oxidation-reduction) process to filter iron, chlorine, mercury, and lead from your shower water. KDF is sometimes used as a pre-treatment within a filtration system and is often combined with other filtration methods like activated carbon. Though there are different types of KDF, KDF 55 is the most common. The filtration media is made to specifically reduce chlorine and other water-soluble metals.
An activated carbon filter uses a process called adsorption. During filtration, unwanted substances will move from your shower water to the filter, similar to a sponge. A vitamin C filter works to remove chlorine by reacting to the chemical and neutralizing it. It’s worth noting, however, that the filter type is typically only good for removing chlorine.
Installation
Replacing a showerhead as well as installing its filters tend to be easy, but it’s worth noting the unit’s instructions before you purchase. While some can just be twisted onto your existing fixtures, others may require a few extra steps, like running the water for a few minutes, before they’re ready to use.
Your Questions, Answered
What are the benefits of a shower filter?
In many homes, tap water contains traces of minerals and chemicals, like chlorine, that can irritate your skin. According to Dr. Beach, when chlorine binds with the skin it “can form chloramines, a chemical that irritates the skin and respiratory tract.” That being said, she noted that people with sensitive and eczema-prone skin that experiences chlorine irritation can experience some benefits from filtration.
Additionally, when you take a shower or bath, these impurities can leave a film on your body, making it more difficult to lather up and rinse clean. Washing up in unfiltered hard water can also lead to hair that appears dull, brittle, and flat, as well as dry or irritated skin.
In higher concentrations, contaminants in the water supply, including heavy metals like lead, can cause serious health issues, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC).
Shower filters can reduce the levels of these specific substances in your water: chlorine, rust, and dirt are some of the top filtered materials. Lowering the levels of these substances in your shower might offer health and beauty benefits over time.
How does a shower filter work?
Shower filters that include multiple layers of carbon (usually in the form of activated coconut carbon) are most effective at absorbing chlorine, sediment, volatile organic compounds (VOCs), and odors in the water. However, high water temperatures might decrease the carbon filter’s ability to capture chlorine and other contaminants.
Kinetic degradation fluxion (KDF) filters, which are made out of copper and zinc, use a chemical reaction to neutralize impurities like chlorine, bacteria, lead, mercury, iron, and hydrogen sulfide. These filters can also help reduce limescale and mold in your shower, but they tend to cost more. Vitamin C shower filters are also popular and help dechlorinate tap water while adding the nutrient into your shower stream.
What is the best style shower filter for my home?
The best type of shower filter depends on the style of shower you have at home. While an inline style can be used in just about any type of shower, whether you get a handheld pick or showerhead is dependent on your current fixtures. Once you’ve chosen a type, you can consider additional features a filter might offer, like fragrant oils or vitamin C concentrates.
When determining the best shower filter for you, it’s also important to know what needs to be filtered out of water. Tools like EWG’s online tap water database can help you identify contaminants in your local water system, so you can choose a shower filter that’s best suited for your needs.
Who We Are
Jamie Weissman is a commerce editor for Better Homes & Gardens. For three years, she’s written about a variety of home products. To make this list, she spent hours researching shower filters, including different styles, how they work, and how users will benefit.
This article was updated by Jack Byram, a freelance writer who covers all things home and wellness-related. He has previously written and consulted with an expert about water purification for another outlet. For this update, he spoke with Dr. Renée Beach, a dermatologist and founder of DermAtelier on Avenue in Toronto, to better understand shower filters, and who could benefit the most from implementing one.
