Showering is a quick and thorough way to stay clean, even if you have a busy lifestyle. Whether you are renovating an existing bathroom or embarking on a new build, you will probably want to include a shower of some description.
When shopping for a shower, you will have a huge range of different types and styles to choose from. Modern shower systems might include an overhead shower and handset, or a larger unit with body jets and luxury features such as aromatherapy. With so many options, it can be difficult to find your ideal model.
To help you find the right product for your bathroom, we have reviewed five of the best shower systems you can buy today. We chose these models based on their type, versatility, water pressure, materials, and ease of installation.
- Connects to a standard shower water supply
- Anti-clog nozzles
- Five spray settings on handheld head
- Adjustable rain shower
- User-friendly three-way diverter
- Full shower kit
- Lifetime warranty
- Concealed parts for sleek appearance
- Pressure balance valve maintains temperature
- Durable ABS plastic
- Easy-clean nozzles
- Two adjustable body jets
- Digital temperature display
- Spray options for shower head and body jets
- Bathtub spout
Product Reviews
With so many different shower systems available, it can be difficult and time-consuming trying to find the right model for your home. To help you with your search, we have reviewed what we consider five of the best shower systems you can buy today, chosen for their materials, spray options, versatility, and ease of installation.
PULSE ShowerSpas Kauai III Shower System
Best Overall
This Pulse combination shower system is influenced by vintage style but with modern manufacturing techniques. It is available in a selection of finishes: polished chrome, brushed nickel, or oil-rubbed bronze, helping you choose a look that will complement the rest of your bathroom. There are also two flow rate options: 1.8 or 2.5 GPM.
The set comprises an 8-inch rainfall fixed shower head, a handheld shower head with a hose, and a wall-mounting bar for height adjustment. It also includes a wire tray attached to the shower rail to hold your soap or other accessories. The entire system is designed to be mounted on your shower wall and is pre-plumbed for easier fitting.
What We Like
Uses Existing Shower Water Supply
You shouldn’t need to alter your plumbing or retile your shower stall to install this shower system. It uses a standard connection, so it should fit onto your existing shower water supply.
Soft Nozzles
It is unclear what specific material the nozzles are made of, but they are soft to discourage mineral buildups. This also means that any deposits can be easily rubbed away by hand if they do appear.
Multi-Function Handheld Shower Head
The handheld shower head has five settings, including massage, jet, wide spray, or combinations of the three. It can also be used independently or alongside the fixed rain shower. This means you can have water falling onto you from above as you clean specific areas with the handheld shower if you have sufficient water pressure.
What We Don't Like
Pressure Issues
If the water pressure in your home isn’t very strong, you might receive reduced pressure from the rainfall shower. This is even more apparent if you use the handheld head and side jets at the same time. Some people have removed the flow restrictors to increase the pressure but this will also increase your water bills.
Be Careful
Product Specs
| Fixed Shower Head | Yes |
| Handheld | Yes |
| Additional Sprays | No |
| Warranty | Limited lifetime |
| Flow Rate | 1.8 or 2.5 GPM |
Our Ratings
DreamSpa Rainfall Shower Head and Handheld Shower Combo
Best Handheld Spray
If you want a shower system with a handheld shower head and a range of spray settings, this DreamSpa is a great option.
This system offers seven different spray settings:
- Power rain
- Hydro-mist
- Pulsating massage
- Rain and mist
- Eco rain
- Rain and massage
- Water-saving pause mode
Having such a wide range of options makes this model very versatile and means you can customize the spray to meet your specific needs while showering.
Regarding the design, the 4-inch polished chrome shower head is attached to a stainless steel hose with brass nuts. It also has easy-clean nozzles.
What We Like
Adjustable Rain Shower
The rain shower head of this system measures 7 inches across. It can be tilted up and down or left and right to aim it wherever you want. This means it should be suitable for your entire household, overcoming a common issue with fixed shower heads.
Easy-Click Lever
This system has a patented three-way water diverter with an anti-swivel lock nut. Its robustness means your shower will stay on the selected setting. The dial on the side is easily accessible and clicks into place, making it easy to choose from the rainfall shower, handheld shower, or both.
Quick Installation
Everything you need to connect this shower system to a standard shower fitting is included in the package. This includes the two shower heads, a hose, a wall mount, a water diverter, washers, and some Teflon tape. No special tools are required and it should only take a few minutes to connect.
What We Don't Like
Location of Handheld Shower Head
One drawback of this system is that the handheld shower head is located next to the fixed shower head. This can make it awkward to detach it from its housing.
Product Specs
| Fixed Shower Head | Yes |
| Handheld | Yes |
| Additional Sprays | No |
| Warranty | Limited lifetime |
| Flow Rate | 2.5 GPM |
Our Ratings
SUNRISE Bathroom Luxury Rain Mixer Shower Combo
Best Rain Shower
If you want a shower that evokes the feeling of standing in a tropical downpour, this SUNRISE system is a great option. You choose either a 10 or 12-inch stainless steel rain shower head finished with 10-layer chrome plating. It promises to deliver a consistent flow thanks to the company’s patented high-pressure air energy technology.
You can choose a polished chrome or matte black finish, helping you achieve your desired bathroom aesthetic. Both look stylish but the matte black is perfect for a high-end modern bathroom.
Included in the package are a mixer valve, a pressure balance valve, a handheld shower head with a 70.8-inch hose, and a 15.7-inch shower arm. The long shower arm means the rain shower can spray from overhead without being fitted to the ceiling.
What We Like
Lifetime Warranty
SUNRISE provides a lifetime warranty on this shower system and will replace faulty parts for the first five years. This is a clear sign of the company’s confidence in the quality of its product.
An extensive warranty is important when buying a higher-end model, so this is a major bonus.
Clean Lines
The bracket for the handheld shower mount is concealed, so only the small, square wall fitting and hose seat will be visible. The shower mixer and rain shower heads are mounted separately, enhancing the sleek modern appearance.
Controlled Pressure
The shower system has a pressure balance valve concealed behind the mixer tap. This prevents heat fluctuations by balancing the flow of hot and cold water, reducing the risk of cold water blasts when someone flushes a toilet or uses a faucet.
What We Don't Like
Difficult Installation
This unit’s concealed parts give it a sleek appearance but they also make it more difficult to fit than most modern shower systems. Many customers hire a plumber to install the system for them, and it will be less challenging if you are renovating a home rather than trying to replace the shower alone.
Product Specs
| Fixed Shower Head | Yes |
| Handheld | Yes |
| Additional Sprays | No |
| Warranty | Limited lifetime, 5-year exchange |
| Flow Rate | Not specified |
Our Ratings
PULSE ShowerSpas Aloha Shower System
Easy to Fit Jet Spray
Replacing your shower fittings can be expensive if you need to hire a plumber. Thankfully, that shouldn’t be necessary with this PULSE shower panel system. It comes pre-plumbed and is easy to connect to your existing shower fittings. This makes it a great option if you want to upgrade your existing system, and it can be a straightforward part of a renovation project.
The handheld shower has three modes and a 59-inch double-interlocking stainless steel hose. This combination of length and durable stainless steel material epitomizes the high quality of this PULSE product.
What We Like
Durable Materials
Made from ABS plastic with a brushed stainless steel and chrome finish, this shower system is designed to be corrosion-resistant. The manufacturer also claims that, despite being lightweight, its construction is strong and durable.
Easy to Clean
The 8-inch rain shower head, two body jets, and handheld shower head have soft tips that discourage mineral deposits. This also provides an easier cleaning experience and should keep your water flowing by reducing the likelihood of clogged nozzles.
Adjustable Sprays
Two body jets are built into the shower tower. These can be aimed at any angle you want and provide a pulsating spray. You can use two of the shower’s functions at the same time, meaning you can use the jets and rain shower, or the jets and handheld shower, if your water pressure allows.
What We Don't Like
Reduced Pressure
If you use more than one shower function simultaneously, you might experience reduced water pressure from one or both. This is a common issue with shower systems that have a dual-use design and is far from unique to this product.
Diverter Handle Not Included
This product doesn’t include a diverter handle to adjust the shower’s overall water flow. You can buy one separately from PULSE that should match this system’s finish.
Product Specs
| Fixed Shower Head | Yes |
| Handheld | Yes |
| Additional Sprays | 4 |
| Warranty | Limited lifetime |
| Flow Rate | 2.5 GPM |
Our Ratings
Blue Ocean Stainless Steel Shower Panel
Best Spa Panel
This Blue Ocean system is a true attention grabber, featuring a panel of blue, tempered glass and stainless steel. It also has an overhead rain shower, a handheld shower head with a hose, eight body jets, and a spout to fill a bathtub.
Although this shower system can be installed in an existing bathroom, its complexity means it is far easier to install as part of a bathroom renovation.
What We Like
Temperature Display
In addition to its many shower functions, the panel features a temperature display, which can be set to Celcius or Fahrenheit. It is powered by two AA batteries and removes the guesswork from determining your water temperature. You will be able to see exactly how hot or cold your water is before stepping into the spray.
Spray Options
You will be spoilt for choice with this shower system. It features an overhead rainfall shower, four different spray modes on the handheld shower, and massage or mist modes from the unit’s eight body jets.
You won’t be able to use all four functions at the same time but it is very easy to switch between them. This will prevent you from receiving the hefty water bills that come with using multiple shower heads at the same time. You also won’t need to worry about water pressure drops.
Tub Spout
Mounting this unit as part of a shower/tub combo means you won’t need a separate bath faucet — there is a built-in spout for filling a bathtub. This can also be useful in a shower stall to fill buckets or to help you clean your shower.
What We Don't Like
Can Be Noisy
Some user reviews mention this shower panel making a whirring or squeaking noise during operation. Whether or not this is a major issue seems to vary from person to person.
Can’t Aim Handheld Head in Mount
If the handheld shower head is positioned in its mount, you won’t be able to adjust where it is aimed.
Product Specs
| Fixed Shower Head | Yes |
| Handheld | Yes |
| Additional Sprays | 8 |
| Warranty | 1-year limited parts |
| Flow Rate | Approximately 2.5 GPM |
Our Ratings
| Product | Best | Fixed | Handheld | Additional Sprays | Warranty | Flow Rate |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| PULSE ShowerSpas Kauai III | Overall | Yes | Yes | None | Limited lifetime | 1.8 or 2.5 GPM |
| DreamSpa Rainfall & Handheld Shower | Handheld Spray | Yes | Yes | None | Limited lifetime | 2.5 GPM |
| SUNRISE Bathroom Rain Mixer | Rain Shower | Yes | Yes | None | Limited lifetime, | N/A |
| PULSE ShowerSpas Aloha Shower | Jet Spray | Yes | Yes | 4 | Limited lifetime | 2.5 GPM |
| Blue Ocean Shower Panel | Spa Panel | Yes | Yes | 8 | 1-year limited (parts) | 2.5 GPM |
Types of Shower Systems
Despite the huge range of models you have to choose from, there are only a couple of types of shower systems. The two broad categories of shower systems are:
Fixed Shower and Handheld Combination
These shower systems include a ceiling or wall-mounted shower head and a handheld shower head attached via a hose. You will find these systems in a wide range of different styles, incorporating both traditional and contemporary aesthetics.
Some models allow you to use both shower heads at once or to easily switch to whichever head you want at the time. Look for pressure monitoring valves, which are designed to keep the water temperature consistent to within a few degrees.
Full Body Systems
Full-body shower systems have jets that cover as much of the body as possible. They are usually mounted on a wall panel and include the following features:
- Overhead fixed shower head
- Handheld shower head on a hose
- Body jets
The main difference between combination showers and full-body systems is the addition of body jets. These jets are controlled by the main shower panel. You can also decide which jets you want active, whether you want the overhead or handheld heads flowing at the same time, or even everything working at once if you have sufficient water pressure.
Key Features
In addition to the type of shower system you want, you will need to consider some other key aspects when searching for a suitable model:
Water Pressure and Usage
If your home has low water pressure, body jets might not receive enough water to work effectively. Even so, many new systems are designed to be low flow. This means the water is pushed through smaller nozzles, resulting in a faster, more powerful spray.
It is also important to think about water consumption. Running more than one shower head at a time will likely increase your water bills, potentially significantly. However, most shower heads are now restricted to a maximum flow rate of 2.5 GPM (gallons per minute) to ensure they comply with state regulations (1).
Materials
Shower systems are available in a wide range of finishes and materials including brass, metal, and plastic. They are often finished with polished chrome, brushed nickel, oil-rubbed bronze, or antique brass. Hoses are usually stainless steel and flexible.
Look for finishes that are anti-corrosion and rust-resistant. Brass fittings will be stronger and more durable than plastic ones (2).
Adjustable Flow
One of the key features of any modern shower system is the ability to adjust the spray type and flow rate of your shower heads. While overhead showers usually have one spray type, often a rain shower, the handheld could have several different modes. These include modes such as pulse, massage, mist, rain, or a combination of multiple modes.
Multi-jetted systems offer even more options. You can aim the body nozzles wherever you want as well as choose the shower head’s spray mode. This makes full-body systems exceptionally versatile.
When considering adjustable flows, find out how easy they are to use. Some models have toggles on the shower head so you can switch the setting easily while showering; while others are controlled via taps on the wall.
Installation
If you are replacing an existing shower head, you probably want to avoid installing any new plumbing. Many combination and full-body systems should connect easily to your existing shower plumbing.
If you are working on a new build or completely renovating your bathroom, you have complete freedom and can choose whichever shower system will complement your new decor.
Get Help
FAQs
What Is a Smart Shower?
A smart shower is a fixture that’s controlled using smart technology. The electrical components of a “smart shower” allow for convenient temperature, flow rate, and outlet selection to be managed through a touchpad, smartphone, or voice-activated smart speaker.
There are numerous similarities between standard showers and smart ones. What makes a difference is how you control them and the strength that comes from doing so accurately.
Typically, the temperature of a shower is controlled by a series of knobs and levers. The rate at which water flows can also be adjusted.
Electronic controls in a smart shower take care of all those things. Digital touchpads, smartphones, voices, and smart speakers can all be used to operate a smart shower. Showering with a smart device can help reduce water and power usage in a smart home.
What Is a Thermostatic Shower System?
A thermostatic shower system comprises a special valve that helps maintain a consistent water temperature. The thermostatic valve makes this model stand out from others on the market because it combines hot and cold water at a consistent and predefined temperature.
As a result, this eliminates the risk of scalding and cold shock, making it an excellent choice for households with elderly people or young children. Because of this, the shower is suitable for people of various ages.
What Are the Benefits of a Digital Shower?
A digital shower includes an integrated digital thermostat within the shower unit itself. The shower’s water temperature and flow rate are then managed by a second control device that can be situated either within the shower itself or in another part of the bathroom.
If you have a digital shower, you will be able to enjoy a showering experience that is free of any interruptions whatsoever.
When you switch on the shower, icy water won’t spray on your face, and the temperature won’t change if someone else in the house uses the water simultaneously. You will be afforded the luxury of a steady stream of water vapor at a temperature customized to your preferences.
What’s the Difference Between a Power Shower and a Mixer Shower?
The difference between a power shower and a mixer shower is that the former uses a pressure-boosting pump. This is a great solution for people who experience low water pressure in their homes.
A power shower is a type in which water is forced out through a small hole at high pressure. This gives a powerful jet of water used to clean the body quickly and efficiently. On the other hand, a mixer shower mixes hot and cold water together to create a comfortable showering temperature.
While both types of showers have their benefits, power showers are often seen as more efficient and effective at cleaning the body.
Which Shower Systems Are the Best?
The PULSE ShowerSpas 1011-III-CH Kauai III full-length shower system is a complete showering solution that offers an adjustable height brass slide bar, wire basket soap dish, diverter, and shower arm.
This stylish and functional shower system is perfect for any bathroom. The adjustable brass slide bar allows you to customize the height of the shower head to your personal preference. At the same time, the wire basket soap dish keeps your soap within reach.
The diverter allows you to easily switch between the rain shower head and the handheld shower head, making it easy to get the perfect shower every time.
Time to Lather Up
Whether you are upgrading an existing shower or completely renovating your bathroom, choosing the right shower system will make a significant difference to its appearance and functionality.
You will have hundreds of options to choose from, including shower panels with luxury accessories, as well as simpler rainfall and handheld combination showers. You will also have several finish options, including chrome, nickel, stainless steel, glass, bronze, and brass. Choose whichever finish complements the overall design of your bathroom, or simply the one that you like the most.
Whatever shower system you choose, you will have multiple cleaning options that will make your time spent in the shower more thorough and therapeutic.
