Annie Collyer
Been holding off buying one of the best high-pressure shower heads? Trust me when I say it's my hack for starting the day well. But don't worry, you won't be pouring money down the drain as we've got intel on the powerful and high-performing models.
Before browsing the picks I've found below — some of which are highly rated by shoppers and one has been reviewed by our editor — go and check if you need a fixed showerhead (that attaches to the wall) or a handheld showerhead that attaches to a hose.
Honestly, switching your current, old shower head for a high-pressure pick is a purchase you will not regret. These specially designed heads are created to increase your water pressure without the need to rip your entire bathroom out. Some will even soften your hair and skin, so I recommend you make this investment before buying all of those expensive creams and conditioners.
The best high-pressure shower heads, rated by us
We've shortlisted shower heads with various finishes (to ensure they suit your scheme), and they have a variety of modes as we know everyone's cleaning regime is personal to them.
Prices were correct at the time of publishing.
High-pressure shower heads we've tested
For most of the shower heads we have tested, we've included a Reach statistic. To get this stat, we turned on the shower and placed the head facing upwards in our tub. We measured the distance the water reached. This way, you can compare the reach of your current shower head to ensure it will improve pressure. Do note, however, that everyone's water pressure will be different, so you won't be able to replicate these stats exactly.
Our favourite high-pressure shower head
Type: Standalone (with hose)
Finish: Chrome
Modes: 6 - Shower Spray, Mist+ Spray, Mist, Mist+ Massage, Spray Massage and Power Massage
Reach: 220cm+
Approved by the Real Homes team, this easy-fit shower head enhanced our water pressure by a considerable amount. Not only that but there are six modes to choose from using the sleek button on the side of the shower head. It also comes with a new anti-kink hose, and it has a pearlescent anti-limescale head in a chrome finish. In testing, in its most powerful mode, it was hitting our ceiling its pressure was so strong. We also like its squared head, as it fits with the look of our bathroom and in our eyes, it looks more elegant than rounded options.
Real Homes rating: 5 out of 5 stars
An easy-to-clean shower head
Type: Standalone
Finish: Chrome/White
Modes: 5 - Jet, Blast, Spray, Rain and Drench
Reach: 220cm
This one gives you all the mod cons you expect from a modern shower head, at an absolute bargain price. It offers five different settings and thanks to Dura-Flow — a removable ‘push and twist’ spray plate — it's super easy to clean, even in those hard-to-reach places. Much similar to our first pick, its pressure was so strong it managed to hit our ceiling when facing upwards in the tub. It's easy to fit and it has a small lever for changing the spray. The only thing to note is it doesn't come with a new hose.
Real Homes rating: 5 out of 5 stars
The best budget-friendly high-pressure shower head
Type: Standalone
Finish: Chrome
Modes: 3 - Rainfall, Jetting, Massage
Reach: 130cm
Depending on how strong your current shower head is, this £12 one will offer a big boost in water pressure. Otherwise, it has countless pinholes three modes, and three layers of filtration to remove chlorine and fluoride toxins as well as heavy metals, rust, and odour from your water. If you live in a hard water area it's a true winner. Going from an already powerful showerhead, we would recommend measuring your current pressure and comparing it with what we discovered in our testing. After putting this shower head on its strongest mode, the Massage mode, its pressure measures 130cm in height. On the Rainfall setting, it hit 30cm and on Jetting mode, it was around 110cm. It comes with extra beads and a spare rubber plate.
Real Homes rating: 4.5 out of 5 stars
The best high-pressure shower head for hair and skin care
Type: Handheld
Finish: 1 color
Modes: 1
Price: £65
OK, so here's how my experience with the Hello Klean showerhead went. I saw a bunch of Instagram influencers with super shiny hair and dolphin-smooth skin. The IG ads kept on retargeting me, and each time I wanted that 'filter-without-the-filter' appearance. And that's what I got! The girls at the office always compliment my shiny hair, plus, I'm constantly asking my husband to touch the back of my arms. Because bumps be gone, baby. Yes, it would be great if it came in a few more colorways, but the benefits outweigh the one-shade option. Scientifically speaking, the built-in KDF 55 filter reduces water-soluble, skin-drying metals such as lead, iron, copper, mercury, and nickel, it's enriched with amino acids to filter nasties, and the activated carbon fiber reduces trihalomethane (a contaminant found in treated water). Note, that it does feel heavier after you've showered, so I like to dismantle mine from the shower pipe/hose (takes 30 seconds) and let it drain out. Oh and FYI, you do need to replace the filter every four months or so (based on a 2-person household) so factor that into your costs.
Read our Hello Klean showerhead review to see why we gave it 4.5/5 stars
Type: Fixed
Finish: 4 colors
Modes: 1
Price: £182.50
Similar to the Hello Klean showerhead, the Jolie removes chlorine, heavy metals, and other contaminants from your shower water, to improve your skin, hair, and well-being, also uses a KDF-55 filter, while also providing strong pressure. No shade, but did find that the "Tiny but Mighty" wrench is actually made from metal (unlike HK's plastic provision). This high-pressure showerhead also came in a very giftable presentation box, with the "Cutest Tape in the World" (a roll of plumbers tape), a scented ceramic, and a beautifully illustrated how-to guide. While Hello Klean is half the price, this wall-mounted fixture comes in five colors (Brushed Steel, Matt Black, Modern Chrome, Vibrant Red, and Gold) which adds to its aesthetic appeal. The latter has been featured on Goop, which means that it's got Gwyneth Paltrow's attention. I'm a fan of the modern round shape which reminds me of my Dyson diffuser!
Rated 4.5 stars out of 5 in our Jolie showerhead review
Things to consider when buying a high-pressure shower head
Whether it’s your plumbing that has low water pressure or it’s down to your shower head getting clogged with limescale, a good low-water pressure shower head will be self-cleaning to minimise maintenance as much as possible. As well as this, what other factors and questions should you or might you be considering?
1. Which type of shower head do you need?
When investing in a high-pressure shower head, you need to think about where and how it is being installed. Some options are standalone, which means they sit on your current shower setup, and you can pop them on a stand or use them as a handheld shower head. These are also usually super easy to fit as it's just a case of unscrewing your old head and screwing on the new one. Other shower heads, wall-mounted ones, need to be attached directly to the plumbing which might prove to be a bit trickier depending on your knowledge.
2. Consider your water bill
If you're keen to cut back a little on the water bill and want to do your bit, it is well worth looking at an option that reduces water usage. Otherwise, switch your shower to eco mode and invest in our strongest pressure shower head, which ought to help cut your bills and save the environment too, by decreasing your time spent showering.
3. Consider how hard your water is
Depending on where you're based, the hardness of the water varies. Some models might struggle with harder water, however, some choices are well equipped. For this reason, it is worth checking how the water in your region compares to others before buying a shower head.
4. Think about modes and settings
If you're looking for a new shower head to enjoy several settings, then consider how many you'd realistically like and use. There's no point having six modes if you know you'll only ever use two. Think about what you will use these modes for. Those with children might want to ensure their new shower head offers a mist mode for light pressure, or anyone with pets might want a jet mode to tackle muddy paws. Our top pick has six settings, which is the most on offer out of the options we've featured.
Where to buy a high-pressure shower head
Here's a list of retailers where you can shop for a high-pressure shower head, online.
- Amazon shower heads
- Argos shower heads
- B&Q shower heads
- eBay shower heads
- Wayfair shower heads
- Wickes shower heads
- Very shower heads
- Victoria Plum shower heads
FAQs
Can a shower head increase water pressure?
Yes, that's part of the high-pressure shower head's charm. A little confusingly, these can be called high-pressure shower heads or a low-pressure shower heads. They both mean the same thing just phrased differently. Suited to homes with low water pressure (hence the name), they push the water out at high pressure, compensating for the low water pressure in your home.
How often should I replace my shower head?
We asked the experts and it's safe to say that this answer will depend on the quality of your shower head, as well as how hard the water is in your area.
"Shower heads get overly covered with sediment, mould build-up or black spots, and become a breeding ground for bacteria that can cause respiratory illnesses,’ said Plumbing expert Stephany Smith from My Plumber, a Fantastic Services company. "Because of the millions of germs thriving in your shower head, you will hear the medical experts recommend getting a new shower head installed at least once or twice per year."
However, Rikki Fothergill, content specialist at Big Bathroom Shop begs to differ, arguing that they can last for ten years when looked after properly. "They are easy to clean, using household products such as white vinegar and bicarbonate of soda. This is an easy task if done regularly, we suggest once a month, and is also much more cost-effective."
How we test high-pressure shower heads
We've had hands-on experience with all five of these high-pressure shower heads, and we are working to test a load more. With this in mind, we've had to give them out to the team, so that everyone can have their go at testing and comparing these shower heads, mostly because we find it would be biased to test on only one shower and type of water pressure. Also, no one wants to end up with five odd shower heads at the end of it as that wouldn't be very eco-friendly. So, once we've tested these shower heads, we usually keep the one we like and offer the others to family and friends, this way we can keep an eye on how they fare, and update our verdict after six months of use, a year of use... you get the idea. The test is all about whether the head improves shower pressure, rather than the height the water can reach against gravity. But this is our way of confirming that they do increase the pressure of the existing system.
Hello, I'm Annie, and I've tested two of these shower heads, the Newentor model and the Magichome shower head. The Newentor shower head, featured number one in our guide, truly wowed me as its pressure meant that the water was hitting my ceiling as it added so much pressure. The Magichome head didn't add much to my pressure at all, but I did notice the difference in our (rather hard) water, and how it made my skin and hair feel.
Hi, I'm Lindsey! My old shower setup wasn't struggling for pressure, but I wanted more control of the pressure with just one spray pattern to choose from my old head. Our second pick, the Triton shower head, means you can have everything from a gentle drench to a back pummelling jet, with three other settings between.
Christina is our head of ecommerce and she's currently using the Hello Klean shower head in her home, to take her self-care regime to another level.
One reason your water flow might be weak through your shower head could be the fact it needs to be cleaned. Don't miss our guide on how to clean a shower head for help with this.
You might also find that water flow improves based on how high or low your shower is sitting on your wall. This isn't applicable to wall-mounted shower heads as these can be a pain to move, but standalone options might perform better placed higher towards your ceiling. Give it a try!
Failing that, call in a plumber who will either advise to update the system feeding water to your shower, or boosting the pressure with an electric pump. This can be pricey, so you may as well try a shower head designed for low pressure first to see if that improves things.