Showers are one of the biggest consumers of water in the world today, accounting for about 20% of the water used in residential settings. The average American household uses about 40 gallons of water per day while showering (1).
To reduce water waste, the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) recommends installing a low-flow shower head, which restricts the flow rate to less than 2 gallons per minute (GPM). If you decide to install one, it is important to choose a model that will still provide a thorough clean.
To help you find the best low-flow shower head for your home, we have reviewed seven of the top-rated models available today. We chose these models based on their efficiency, size, style, and ease of installation.
- Large droplet spray
- Adjustable swivel
- Brass & steel construction
- 3 spray settings
- Self-cleaning nozzles
- Standard half-inch connector
- H2O Kinetics technology
- Flow rate toggle
- Polished chrome finish
- WaterSense-certified
- 3 spray options
- Includes mounting bracket
- FloWise turbine technology
- 1.5 & 2.0 GPM settings
- 2 finish options
- 1.75 GPM flow rate
- Can use 40% less water
- ASME-accredited
Product Reviews
There are numerous low-flow shower heads to choose from, so it can be difficult to find the ideal model for your bathroom. To help narrow down your search, we have reviewed seven of the top-rated low-flow shower heads available today.
High Sierra's All-Metal Low Flow Showerhead
Best Low Flow Shower Head Overall
High Sierra claims its award-winning low-flow shower head will reduce your water waste by as much as 40% compared to a standard head. This also means 40% less energy is required to warm your shower’s hot water, resulting in less water use and reduced bills.
There are three flow rates to choose from: 1.5, 1.8 and 2.0 GPM — the lower the flow rate, the less water you will waste. Whichever option you choose, you will be well below the limit of 2.5 GPM.
What We Like
Large Droplet Spray
High Sierra uses a patented nozzle design that delivers a powerful spray of large droplets. This means that even as you restrict the flow of water to reduce water waste, this unit should still provide an impressive spray.
Adjustable Head
The shower head is fixed in place but it can still be aimed at many different angles thanks to its easily adjusted swivel. This means you will be able to point it away and avoid accidentally rinsing off soap and shampoo. It could also make it easier to clean your shower enclosure.
Metal Construction
This shower head has an all-metal construction of brass and stainless steel, coated in multiple finishes. Available finishes include polished chrome, brushed nickel, polished brass, and oil-rubbed bronze.
Certified Design
This product is assembled in the United States and bears the WaterSense seal of approval. It also complies with California Energy Commission regulations for shower heads, in both the 1.5 GPM and 1.8 GPM versions (2).
What We Don't Like
Narrow Spray Pattern
Although this shower head provides a powerful spray; some users find the spray pattern too narrow. It can also become thinner if the water pressure drops for any reason.
Can Be Noisy
There are concerns that the two higher flow rate versions of this shower head can be quite loud during use. Some users describe it as sounding similar to a train whistle.
However, these complaints are not widespread, so it is possibly due to faulty products. If you notice your shower head making a lot of noise, contact the manufacturer, especially if it is still under warranty.
Product Specs
| Fixed or Handheld | Fixed |
| Size | 2.5 x 1 x 1 inches |
| Weight | 0.8 ounces |
| Warranty | 30-day money-back guarantee. 2-year materials and parts warranty |
| Flow Rate | 1.5, 1.8 or 2.0 GPM |
Our Ratings
Water Management Fire Hydrant Spa Shower Head
Best Power Stream
With a name like “Fire Hydrant”, you probably expect this Water Management shower head to feature powerful jets. Thankfully, that’s exactly what it delivers.
This model has minimalist lines and a polished chrome finish to help it complement most bathroom styles. At just 3 inches wide, it is compact enough for even the tightest shower enclosures.
Despite being a fixed shower head, its metal ball joint means it is easy to aim the spray wherever you need it when showering.
This model is designed for homes with low water pressure. If you live with low pressure, this is a great way to enjoy a thorough shower.
What We Like
Adjustable Flow
The Fire Hydrant offers three different spray settings to customize your time spent in the shower: massage, spray, or a combination of both. It is easy to switch between modes by turning the end of the shower head. The grooves on the circular adjuster make it easy to grip, even with wet hands.
Self-Cleaning Nozzles
The nozzles have been designed to discourage limescale and mineral deposits. This should reduce how often they need to be cleaned, and will make it much easier to do so.
Quick Installation
This head has a standard half-inch connector, so it should be easy to swap it with your current model. Water Management claims it should only take a few minutes to fit. Teflon tape and an extra washer are included with this product to ensure a watertight fit.
What We Don't Like
Two-Handed Adjustment
Despite the end of the shower head having grooves to improve your grip, some users find that they still need two hands to adjust the spray settings.
Product Specs
| Fixed or Handheld | Fixed |
| Size | 4 x 3 x 3 inches |
| Weight | 4.8 ounces |
| Warranty | None specified |
| Flow Rate | 2.5 GPM |
Our Ratings
Delta 2-Spray Low Flow Shower Head
Best Dual Setting Low Flow Shower Head
The Delta 2-Spray earned its name because it provides options for both 1.85 and 2.5 GPM flow rates in the same unit. You can switch between the two spray modes by adjusting one toggle on the shower head. This means you can use an economical spray throughout your shower and turn it up when you want a more thorough rinse.
The low-flow setting is designed to work with low water pressure but still provide a powerful flow. Self-cleaning spray holes help keep the water flowing by reducing mineral deposits and scale buildup on the shower head.
What We Like
H2O Kinetics Technology
Delta claims its patented H2O kinetics technology and unique spray pattern will reduce water waste by as much as 20%. You can use a drenching, powerful spray or a gentler, more water-efficient one. This shower also promises three times more coverage than the average model.
Flow Control
A raised toggle on the side of the head controls the flow rate of the shower. This makes it easy to switch from a gentler to a stronger spray and back again. This is great when you need to rinse the shampoo out of your hair or want a gentler flow to relax in.
Chrome Finish
The polished chrome finish will complement most contemporary and traditional bathroom designs, making this a highly versatile product.
Lifetime Warranty
Delta has the utmost confidence in its products, which is reflected in the lifetime limited warranty on the finish and parts of this shower head.
What We Don't Like
No Directional Adjustment
This is a true fixed shower head, so there is no way to adjust it once it is installed. This means it is imperative that you install it exactly where you need it. Housemates of different sizes might struggle to position the shower head in such a way that it is suitable for everyone.
Product Specs
| Fixed or Handheld | Fixed |
| Size | 4.63 inches x 4.06 inches |
| Weight | 12.3 ounces |
| Warranty | Lifetime |
| Flow Rate | 1.85 or 2.5 GPM |
Our Ratings
Niagara Conservation Earth Massage Shower Head
Best Handheld Low Flow Shower Head
A handheld shower head provides versatility, allowing you to hold it or leave it positioned in its wall mount.
Niagara Conservation’s Earth series has a flexible 72-inch long stainless steel hose. This provides flexibility when showering — great for hard-to-reach spots, washing your pets, or cleaning the shower enclosure. If you want a normal relaxing shower, you can leave it where it is.
An ABS thermoplastic mounting bracket can be fixed onto your wall to hold the shower head — it is corrosion-resistant and durable. Overall, the design is streamlined and the chrome finish should complement almost any bathroom design.
What We Like
Water-Saving
This shower head is EPA WaterSense-certified and meets ANSI (American National Standards Institute) specifications. You can be confident that it is of a high quality and safe to use (3).
Pressure Compensation
Niagara Conservation provides three spray options with this shower head. It is easy to switch between them by twisting the end of the shower head. The three settings are:
- Needle
- Massage
- A combination of both
The company claims its patented technology will maintain the shower’s performance, even with low water pressure.
What We Don't Like
Might Leak
Multiple customer reviews complain that the shower head, hose, and connections can eventually start leaking. The brand provides a 10-year warranty, so you should be covered if this occurs.
Product Specs
| Fixed or Handheld | Fixed |
| Size | 8.6 x 2.7 x 3.3 inches |
| Weight | 17.6 ounces |
| Warranty | 10 years |
| Flow Rate | 1.5–2.0 GPM |
Our Ratings
American Standard FloWise Water-Saving Shower Head
Best Fixed Low Flow Shower Head
A fixed shower head doesn’t necessarily mean a fixed spray of water. This American Standard shower head provides a great deal of versatility, especially for a fixed head. You can adjust the angle of the spray to ensure you receive good coverage, however tall you are.
There are three spray options to choose from:
- Turbine spray — 1.5 GPM
- Full spray — 2.0 GPM
- A combination of both — 2.0 GPM
When you turn the shower off, it automatically reverts to the 1.5 GPM water-saving mode for the next time you use it.
What We Like
Turbine Technology
This shower head features American Standard’s patented “FloWise” turbine technology. It pressurizes the water as it flows into a small chamber, which then turns a small water wheel. This increases the force of the water as it sprays from the nozzles, providing a consistent stream even with a low-pressure plumbing system.
Water-Saving
American Standard claims this shower head can reduce water usage by up to 20% on the 2.0 GPM setting and as much as 40% on the 1.5 GPM setting. The company estimates a saving of 8,000 gallons of water per year for a family, reducing water waste and energy bills.
Two Finishes
This shower head is available in two finishes to help you match it to the rest of your bathroom. You can choose either polished chrome or a brushed nickel finish.
What We Don't Like
Water-Saving Mode
The water-saving mode will help you reduce your water waste and energy bills. However, as it defaults to this mode whenever you turn it off, you will need to alter the setting every time you want a more powerful stream.
Plastic Construction
Although the finish of this shower head is metallic, its main construction is plastic. This means it is less durable than a stainless steel shower head. However, it is protected by a lifetime limited warranty, so you can still buy it with confidence.
Product Specs
| Fixed or Handheld | Fixed |
| Size | 5.5 x 5.5 x 4.75 inches |
| Weight | 1.3 pounds |
| Warranty | Limited lifetime |
| Flow Rate | 1.5 2.0 GPM |
Our Ratings
Niagara Conservation Sava Spa Shower Head
Best Spa Low Flow Shower Head
Niagara Conservation’s Sava Spa shower head is just 4.4 inches wide. Despite its compact size, it has 39 nozzles to provide an at-home spa experience. The shower head is mounted on a 360-degree ball joint, which will allow you to aim the spray wherever you want for better coverage.
This shower head is made using corrosion-resistant high-impact ABS thermoplastic and finished in chrome.
What We Like
Low Flow Rate
The water pressure compensator in the shower head restricts the flow rate to 1.75 GPM and cannot be removed. This patented design promises a consistent water output, regardless of your home’s pressure.
Conserves Water
Like many other low-flow shower heads, this unit is designed to help you use less water. You could use as much as 40% less than a standard shower head without a restrictor.
Certification
This shower head’s construction and materials comply with the standards set by the American Society of Mechanical Engineers (ASME). This means you can buy with confidence that it is fit for its purpose (4).
What We Don't Like
Low Water Pressure
If your home has low water pressure, this shower head might not provide the boost you’re looking for. You should consider an alternative option that is designed specifically for low-pressure systems.
Product Specs
| Fixed or Handheld | Fixed |
| Size | 3.1 x 4.4 x 4.4 inches |
| Weight | 3.2 ounces |
| Warranty | 10 years |
| Flow Rate | 1.75 GPM |
Our Ratings
Waterpik EcoFlow Fixed Mount Showerhead
Best Low Flow with Trickle Setting
Sometimes you don’t want water spraying on you while you’re in the shower, usually to allow hair and body products to work. This means stepping away from the flow or, in small enclosures, turning the shower off entirely.
Waterpik addresses this with its EcoFlow model. There is a water-saving trickle mode that you can activate via the shower head to slow the flow completely while maintaining your set temperature.
There are also three settings to choose from, controlled by a user-friendly toggle:
- Full-body spray
- Pulsating massage
- Both modes together
What We Like
Patented Water Saving
Waterpik’s advanced OptiFLOW technology controls the flow rate through the shower head. The flow is limited to 1.6 GPM to save water and energy. The trickle setting allows you to temporarily reduce the flow to conserve even more water.
Anti-Clog Nozzles
Shower nozzles are very susceptible to becoming blocked by mineral deposits, especially in hard water areas. The nozzles on this shower head are designed to resist build-up, and to be easy to clean if they do become blocked.
Easy Install
Fitting this shower head should be quick and easy:
- Remove: Unscrew your existing showerhead
- Clean: Clean the threads
- Plumber’s tape: Wrap some fresh plumber’s tape around the threads
- Attach: Screw your new shower head in place of the old one
You should be able to do this in a few minutes, so you will be able to enjoy your new shower without having to wait for a plumber to fit it.
What We Don't Like
Weak Ball Mount
This fixed head has a ball mount so you can adjust its aim. This makes the unit more versatile but it is held in place by a plastic ring that some customers have complained is flimsy.
Product Specs
| Fixed or Handheld | Fixed |
| Size | 5.2 x 3.4 x 8.5 inches |
| Weight | 6.4 ounces |
| Warranty | Limited lifetime |
| Flow Rate | 1.6 GPM |
Our Ratings
| Product | Best | Fixed or Handheld | Size | Weight | Warranty | Flow Rate |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| High Sierra’s Low Flow Showerhead | Overall | Fixed | 2.5 x 1 x 1″ | 0.8 oz | 2-years | 1.5, 1.8 or 2.0 GPM |
| Water Management Fire Hydrant Spa | Power Stream | Fixed | 4 x 3 x 3″ | 4.8 oz | N/A | 2.5 GPM |
| Delta Low Flow Shower Head | Dual Setting | Fixed/ Handheld | 4.63″ x 4.06″ | 12.3 oz | Lifetime | 1.85 or 2.5 GPM |
| Niagara Conservation Earth Massage | Handheld | Fixed | 8.6 x 2.7 x 3.3″ | 17.6 oz | 10 years | 1.5–2.0 GPM |
| American Standard FloWise Shower | Fixed Model | Fixed | 5.5 x 5.5 x 4.75″ | 1.3 lbs | Limited lifetime | 1.5 2.0 GPM |
| Niagara Conservation Sava Spa | Spa Low Flow | Fixed | 3.1 x 4.4 x 4.4″ | 3.2 oz | 10 years | 1.75 GPM |
| Waterpik EcoFlow Showerhead | Trickle Setting | Fixed | 5.2 x 3.4 x 8.5″ | 6.4 oz | Limited lifetime | 1.6 GPM |
What is a Low Flow Shower Head?
A low-flow shower head restricts the amount of water that passes through it. Despite reducing the amount of water used, they are designed in such a way that their effective pressure still feels strong. You will be able to choose from two main types:
- Aerated flow
- Streamline/laminar flow
These low-flow shower heads have smaller nozzles than standard heads. This means the jet of water they produce is more concentrated, increasing its effective pressure. Streamline versions produce a steady flow whereas aerated models add air, providing a wider stream with a lighter feel.
A low-flow shower head is a lot like a watering can with a sprinkler rose attached. Without the rose, the water pours out in one thick stream. However, with a rose attached, a larger area can be watered by multiple small streams and the flow is slower but has a longer range.
Low-flow shower heads are designed to reduce water waste and keep gallons per minute (GPM) within the restrictions set by the US Department of Energy. The maximum water usage for shower heads is 2.5 GPM (5).
Buying Guide
There are numerous low-flow shower heads available today and most of them will perform their job admirably. However, if you want the best low-flow shower head for your home, consider the following.
Water-Saving
Look for eco-friendly features built into the shower head. These can include a lower GPM or a pause button that temporarily stops the flow of water while you apply shampoo or other shower products. These features could help you save money on energy and water bills.
A device called a restrictor valve controls the amount of water that flows through the shower head, without impacting its water pressure. The lower the GPM, the more economical the shower head.
Quick Tip
Adjustable Spray Settings
Many shower heads offer different spray settings to increase your shower’s versatility. These include pulse options, powerful massage jets, rainfall cascades, or a combination of multiple types.
More spray settings will allow you to customize your shower to suit your preferences. However, you will usually have to pay more for a shower head with more settings.
Shower Head Size
Think about whether you want a compact shower head or a larger one with a wide spray area, as there will be plenty of options for both types. You should also check whether or not a model will match your current shower fittings and setup — if it doesn’t, you might need to buy additional parts to install it.
Easy to Install
Installing shower heads is usually quick and simple and should only take a few minutes. Simply unscrew your old shower head and replace it with your new one. In most cases, you won’t need to make any other adjustments to your plumbing, but there are exceptions.
Some buyers only discover that they need extra fixtures and fittings when their new shower head arrives. You can avoid this by reading the product details closely. The most reliable way to check this is by asking the manufacturer directly.
Design Options
Some high-end shower heads offer a selection of finishes and materials. This will allow you to choose one that matches your bathroom’s current decor, or that will complement your new design.
If possible, you should try to get a metal low-flow shower head rather than plastic. They tend to be more robust and durable than their ABS plastic counterparts.
Quick Tip
FAQs
Is Low Flow Shower Heads Good?
Low-flow shower heads are good if you want to reduce water consumption.
Shower heads with a low flow rate can cut water usage by as much as a whopping forty percent. This helps the environment by reducing water usage and lowers your monthly water cost, which adds to savings at the end of the year.
Since it takes energy to heat the water for showers, reducing the amount of water used simultaneously reduces the amount of energy used. You might anticipate savings of up to fifty dollars each year on your heating expenses.
In addition to this, it results in fewer emissions of carbon dioxide. As a result of the reduced need for hot water, there is a corresponding reduction in the quantity of energy consumed, leading to a lesser amount of carbon dioxide being released into the atmosphere.
Is 1.75 GPM a Good Flow Rate for a Shower Head?
Considering that most shower heads have a flow rate of 2 or 2.5 GPM, 1.75 might be considered a low flow rate. Sadly, there isn’t an exact threshold to determine what low flow means but shower heads with less than 1.5 GPM are considered ultra-low flow.
How Often Should I Change My Low Flow Shower Head?
Low-flow shower heads normally need changing once every six months, but it’s always best to look out for the signs before buying a new one. If you live in a hard water area and notice that your water flow is even lower, you might have to change it more often.
How Much Money Do You Save With a Low-Flow Shower Head?
A new showerhead with a low-flow rate will recoup its initial investment (and then some) during the first year of use alone.
Using the information shown before, let us assume that you, as an individual, take a total of 175 minutes worth of showers each month, each lasting seven minutes.
Only taking showers will cause you to use about 440 gallons of water in a single month if yours has a flow rate of 2.5 gallons per minute. If you have a showerhead with a low-flow setting, a shower 175 minutes long will only use 262 gallons of water. That amounts to a monthly savings of almost sixty percent.
What Are the Disadvantages of Water Saving Shower Heads?
Aerating shower heads are responsible for most of the drawbacks associated with water-saving shower heads. As a result of the fact that they combine hot water with cooler air, you could find that you need to use more hot water to get your shower to the ideal temperature.
It’s also possible that your showers won’t feel as forceful, especially if you live in a home with poor water pressure.
On the other side, shower heads that do not incorporate aeration have fewer disadvantages. If you have very hard water flowing out of your taps, the small apertures in these high-pressure shower heads are more likely to become obstructed with mineral deposits.
