• Bathroom
  • 7 Highest GPM Shower Heads of 2024

7 Highest GPM Shower Heads of 2024

By Eugene WilliamsLast update: 2024-03-27

Gallons per minute (GPM) not only indicates the flow rate of water through a shower head but also affects the water pressure, coverage, and overall performance of the shower. If you want a strong and invigorating shower experience, choose the highest GPM shower heads that can deliver a robust and powerful water flow.

Here are the highest gpm shower heads you can buy in 2024:

  • Best For The Money (Single Shower Head) : AquaDance Bronze Hand Shower Head
  • Easy To Clean (Single Shower Head): Notilus High Pressure Shower Head
  • Best For Hard Water (Single Shower Head): Mist - Water Softening Shower Head
  • Best For Temp Control (Single Shower Head): DreamSpa 12” LED/LCD Rainfall Shower head
  • More Water Patterns (Dual Shower Head): Dreamspa Dual Shower Head Ultra
  • Best For Families With Kids (Dual Shower Head): HotelSpa Drill-Free Dual Shower Head
  • High-End Option (Dual Shower Head): Delta Faucet Universal Showering Head
Highest GPM Shower Heads
Best For The Money
AquaDance Bronze Hand Shower Head
  • Single Shower Head
Easy To Clean
Notilus High Pressure Shower Head
  • Single Shower Head
Best For Hard Water
Mist - Water Softening Shower Head
  • Single Shower Head
Best For Temp Control
DreamSpa 12” LED/LCD Rainfall Shower head
  • Single Shower Head
More Water Patterns
Dreamspa Dual Shower Head Ultra
  • Dual Shower Head
Best for families with kids
HotelSpa Drill-Free Dual Shower Head
  • Dual Shower Head
High-End Option
Delta Faucet Universal Showering Head
  • Dual Shower Head

Best For The Money: AquaDance Bronze Hand Shower Head

Best For The Money
AquaDance Bronze Hand Shower Head
AquaDance Bronze Hand Shower Head
Pros
  • Affordable
  • Lightweight
  • Great brushed nickel finish
  • Flexible
  • Durable
Cons
  • Not clear instruction

The AquaDance Single Shower Head is the best for the money around $25 because unlike other showerheads on the market, this product is independently and vigorously tested by a professional team of U.S showerhead experts to ensure it meet the highest US quality and performance standards.

To me, the best part of this product is the easy installation. You just need to use your hand to connect and tighten the unit without using any tool and hiring a plumber. This process only takes you a few minutes, it is simple even with first-time users.

If you have pets, this product is ideal for you because of its extra-long-6-foot reinforced hose. Pets, especially cats, don't like bathing, so they tend to run around and try to hide. The length of this hose allows you to maneuver around your four-legged friends easily without needing to hold him still for bathing. There are 6 shower settings, so you can choose a suitable setting for your pets who are sensitive to strong water pressure.

Although the hose is very flexible, it is a little stiff before using. This problem can be solved simply by letting warm water flow through it.

AquaDance Bronze Hand Shower Head Specifications

Gallon Per Minute

2.5 gallons

Weight

1.5 pounds

Material

ABS (Acrylonitrile Butadiene Styrene), Brass

Finish

Low-Gloss

Settings

Full, Pause, Massage

Hose length

6 feet

Verdict

The AquaDance Single Shower Head stands out as the best value for your investment, meeting the highest US quality and performance standards.

Easy To Clean: Notilus High Pressure Shower Head

Easy To Clean
Notilus High Pressure Shower Head
Notilus High Pressure Shower Head
Pros
  • Easy and quick to install
  • Powerful water pressure
  • Lightweight
Cons
  • Unattractive design

What I like the most about The Notilus Shower Head is its EPA-registered Lifetime Antimicrobial Surface Protection from Microban® - a global leader in antimicrobial technology. This technology doesn't require you to spend too much time and effort cleaning and maintaining the shower head because of its antimicrobial properties. The antimicrobial agents will inhibit the growth of microorganisms (bacteria and fungi) on the surface to keep the shower head surface cleaner.

If you’re not a handy person, this unit is still easy to install. You can tighten joints with your hand without using any tool, and it fits in any standard bracket. You can complete the installation within only 5 minutes. This includes the time for you to take off your old shower head and wrap the Teflon tape around the pipe thread.

Direction of the water flow is also easy to adjust. This shower head’s swivel ball consists of a ball inside a socket to provide a flexible connection between the water source and the output nozzle. When the ball rotates, the joint allows the nozzle to move freely in multiple directions. Thus, you can change the direction of the water flow to accommodate your preferences, the height, the areas you want to focus by adjusting the angle of the ball joint.

Notilus High Pressure Shower Head Specifications

Gallon Per Minute

2.5 gallons

Weight

1 pound

Material

ABS (Acrylonitrile Butadiene Styrene), Brass

Finish

Polished

Settings

Pause, Massage, Pulsating

Verdict

The Notilus High Pressure Shower Head takes less time and effort on your part to complete the installation.

Best For Hard Water: Mist - Water Softening Shower Head

Best For Hard Water
Mist - Water Softening Shower Head
Mist - Water Softening Shower Head
Pros
  • Easy to use
  • Quick to install
  • Great water pressure
  • Shiny look
Cons
  • Only one setting

If you are experiencing discomfort from irritated skin and dry hair caused by hard water, consider the Mist single shower head for a revitalizing solution. Featuring a 15-stage water filtration system, this shower head is designed to soften the hard water and transform the water quality by removing many contaminants and water toxins to minimize the itching sensation of dry skin and scalp itching. Just after the first week of using this shower head, my dry skin caused by hard water has improved. For the hair, it’s easier to brush through after showering with less hair sheds.

However, nothing is perfect. As this is a fixed shower head, it just stays in one spot without allowing you to adjust it up and down, so it is difficult for taller people to use. Thus, if your family has individuals of varying heights, consider installing the shower head at a height that accommodates the tallest member of your family. Or choose one of the dual shower heads that I have included in the article. With this option, both short and tall people will have comfortable bathing experiences.

Another drawback is the noise, but most people can accept it. However, I don’t highly recommend this shower head for people with sensitive hearing.

Mist - Water Softening Shower Head Specifications

Gallon Per Minute

2.5 gallons

Weight

123 pounds

Material

Chromed steel

Finish

Glossy

Settings

Mist

Hose length

5 inches

Verdict

The Mist - Water Softening Shower Head can soften hard water effectively, but the setting options are limited.

Best For Temp Control: DreamSpa 12” LED/LCD Rainfall Shower head

Best For Temp Control
DreamSpa 12” LED/LCD Rainfall Shower head
DreamSpa 12” LED/LCD Rainfall Shower head
Pros
  • Wide shower head
  • Amazing water pressure
  • Beautiful
  • Quick and easy to install
Cons
  • Hard to see the temperature on the LCD display at some angles

DreamSpa Single Shower Head is a shower head that uses LEDs (Light Emitting Diodes) that change color based on the temperature of the water. This technology serves as a visual indicator to users, helping them gauge the water temperature before stepping into the shower.

The showerhead contains temperature sensors that detect the temperature of the water flowing through it. For example, The shower head’s LCD display will change blue color when the water temperature is cool (under 95F (35C)). Below are the light colors corresponding to their water temperatures:

  • Green - warm (95-108F (35-42C))
  • Red - hot (109-122F) (43-50C)
  • Flashing red - warning hot over 122F (50C)

The light display is multifunctional because in the dark, it is light enough to allow you to read your bath products without needing the main bathroom light. Personally, I find showering in colorful light so fun and interesting.

Despite those advantages, this shower head is a bit noisy. It generates a mild whistle or squeal while the water runs. However, this drawback is not so bad since it’s not like a sudden noise that startle.

DreamSpa 12” LED/LCD Rainfall Shower head Specifications

Gallon Per Minute

2.5 gallons

Weight

1.6 pounds

Material

Plastic

Finish

Polished

Settings

Rain

Verdict

The DreamSpa Single Shower Head can help you prevent accidental exposure to too hot or too cold water.

More Water Patterns: Dreamspa Dual Shower Head Ultra

More Water Patterns
Dreamspa Dual Shower Head Ultra
Dreamspa Dual Shower Head Ultra
Pros
  • Good price
  • Beautiful
  • Easy to use
  • Quick to install
Cons
  • Short hose

The 35 full and combined water flow patterns of the DreamSpa dual shower head allows individuals to customize their shower experiences based on their personal preferences. This is great for families which have many people with varying preferences. Or you can use it for different tasks. For example, a rainfall pattern is relaxing for general use while a concentrated or massage setting is effective for massaging tired muscles. Meanwhile, a more forced and concentrated spray can rinse off soap and shampoo easier.

You can also enhance your comfortable bathing experience to a new level thanks to the following features. Large-body individuals can use both shower heads at the same time to increase the water coverage so that the water reaches more of your body. For couples, this design brings a more romantic shower experience because they can share the same shower space. Each person uses a separate shower head with their loved flow pattern without affecting another’s experience.

Aside from the benefits, this shower head also has its drawbacks. Due to the small size, this product can’t cover a large-sized body with enough water. In this case, you should consider a wider shower head.

Dreamspa Dual Shower Head Ultra Specifications

Gallon Per Minute

2.5 gallons

Weight

1.6 pounds

Material

Stainless Steel and plastic

Finish

Polished

Settings

Rain, full, pulsating, massage, pause, and mist

Hose length

5 feet

Verdict

The DreamSpa Dual Shower Head provides you with more water patterns, so you will have varying bathing experience.

Best For Families With Kids: HotelSpa Drill-Free Dual Shower Head

Best For Families With Kids
HotelSpa Drill-Free Dual Shower Head
HotelSpa Drill-Free Dual Shower Head
Pros
  • Lightweight
  • Easy to install and use
  • Good design
  • Affordable
  • Multi water settings
Cons
  • Not easy to tighten it completely with hands only

The HotelSpa shower head’s slide bar is great for washing kids and pets because this part allows you to adjust varying heights easily, ensuring a comfortable and efficient experience for both parents, kids, and pets. What you have to do is to move the mounting bracket up or down the slide bar, then tilt it in where you want.

Unlike traditional shower heads, this product allows you to use both heads at the same time for a more relaxing bathing experience. For example, you can aim a shower head at your lower back to massage this body part with the jet massage setting while using another for showering.

To ensure a smooth experience with these features, you have to install the unit properly. Although it seems like an easy task, many people make mistakes during installation which leads leaking. Although the manufacturer doesn’t require you to use any tool, without a right tool, it’s difficult to tighten the shower head completely. If you don’t have good tools and a leak occurred, follow the instructions - “disconnect Diverter and add Thin Washer (spare) to Thick Washer already inside its neck then reconnect".

HotelSpa Drill-Free Dual Shower Head Specifications

Gallon Per Minute

2.5 gallons

Weight

4.0 pounds

Material

Stainless Steel and plastic

Finish

Chrome-plated

Settings

Full, jet, massage and mist

Hose length (nếu có)

5 feet

Verdict

If you have kids, the HotelSpa Drill-Free Dual Shower Head is perfect for your family as the height of one shower head is adjustable.

High-End Option: Delta Faucet Universal Showering Head

High-End Option
Delta Faucet Universal Showering Head
Delta Faucet Universal Showering Head
Pros
  • Easy to use and install
  • Beautiful chrome color
  • Good for washing pets
  • Great water pressure
  • No tangle hose
Cons
  • Expensive

The high-end Delta Faucet Universal Showering Head provides you with features and functions that are more advanced than traditional models. So, you will get what you pay for.

For instance, its H2Okinetic® Shower technology can control the water flow in a specific way like creating larger water droplets while maintaining the feeling of a high-flow shower. This offers better coverage and a more substantial feeling of water, but uses less water.

What I like most about this shower head comes is the MagnaTite Docking technology that provides a powerful and secure connection between the small shower head to the arm of another bigger unit. It’s easier to keep it stay in place rather than the regular brackets.

Another feature I want to introduce is the patented Touch-clean spray holes technology. It can help your cleaning and maintaining process easier because the soft rubber spray holes prevent the buildup of mineral deposits. If the spray holes are accumulated with mineral and calcium deposits, this technology allows you to wipe them away easily.

Delta Faucet Universal Showering Head Specifications

Gallon Per Minute

2.5 gallons

Weight

4.46 pounds

Material

Metal

Finish

Black

Settings

Variable

Verdict

The high-end Delta Faucet Universal Showering Head can offer several advanced features and functions that are worth every penny.

How To Choose The Highest GPM Shower Head?

Which Shower Heads Are Water-Effective?

Look for shower heads that have the WaterSense label. The latter indicates they meet water efficiency and performance criteria set by the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA).

How Much GPM Is The Highest Level?

Since 1992, the highest flow rate of a shower head has been 2.5 GPM. Lower 2.0 GPM is low-flow shower heads.

Do You Need Strong Water Pressure?

If you prefer a strong water pressure, some shower heads can not only provide good water pressure but also function with a lower flow rate. Or you can choose a unit with pressure-boosting or aerating technologies.

Aerating shower heads mix air with the water, creating the sensation of higher water pressure while using less water. The pressure-boosting technologies can compensate for the lower flow rate, which ensures the adequate water pressure while reducing water usage.

Which Spray Patterns Do You Like?

A shower head with adjustable spray patterns (rainfall, massage, mist, and more) allows you to customize your shower experience.

A pulsating or massaging setting can provide a therapeutic massage experience to target specific areas of the body, promoting relaxation and relieving tension.

Rainfall or rain shower spray patterns can mimic the sensation of gentle rainfall, bringing a calming and soothing shower experience to offer a spa-like feeling during your shower.

Some shower heads are designed with a focused or concentrated spray pattern for targeted rinse. It is ideal for washing out shampoo and conditioner without wasting excess water.

Wide coverage spray patterns gives you a broad and even distribution of water, ensuring that your entire body is covered. This can be beneficial for quick and thorough rinsing.

Which Finish Suits Your Bathroom Decor?

Modern/ contemporary bathrooms

Chrome is a popular choice for modern and contemporary bathrooms because its sleek and reflective surface can complement the clean lines and minimalist design which are often associated with modern decor.

Matte black can add a bolder and more dramatic look in your modern bathroom, especially if it is versatile enough to match many color schemes.

Brushed nickel has a modern but warm appearance, so applying this finish helps your bathroom have the combination of a contemporary look and a touch of sophistication.

Traditional/classic bathrooms

Oil-rubbed bronze with dark and rich tones can add warmth and elegance, creating a classic and timeless bathroom.

Polished brass finishes have a bright and shiny appearance, so they can add a touch of luxury into a traditional bathroom. However, you have to take care of it and maintain more to prevent tarnishing.

Brushed nickel provides your traditional bathroom with a classic and modern aesthetic.

Transitional bathroom

Stainless steel finishes with the neutral and versatile appearance work well in transitional bathrooms because they blend elements of modern and traditional designs.

Polished nickel can provide a classic and contemporary bathroom with a refined and transitional look.

Neutral and minimalist bathroom

White and alabaster finishes can create a clean and seamless look for bathrooms that have a neutral and minimalist color palette.

Brushed chrome can add a muted and understated appearance into your neutral and minimalist bathrooms.

Which one is better: handheld or fixed (wall-mounted or stationary) shower heads?

Handheld shower heads

Normally, handheld shower heads are so flexible that you can direct the water wherever you need it. Thus, they are more versatile enough for tasks such as rinsing off soap, cleaning the shower, and bathing pets. This type suits individuals with mobility challenges because it’s easier for them to reach different areas of the body without requiring excessive movements. Finally, this shower head allows you to detache to thoroughly rinse effortlessly.

Fixed shower heads

When it comes to aesthetics, you should consider the fixed shower heads. Thanks to a simple design, it can add a clean and simple aesthetic in your bathroom.

Who Makes The Best Shower Heads?

AquaDance

AquaDance is famous for shower heads and related bathroom accessories. Some types of shower heads include handheld shower heads, dual shower heads, rain shower heads, and combo shower head sets.

FAQs

What is the highest GPM for a shower head?

The flow rate of a shower head is typically measured in gallons per minute (GPM). Since 1992, the highest 2.5 GPM is the federally mandated flow rate for new shower heads.

Is a higher flow rate shower head better?

A higher flow rate can provide a stronger water stream for a more invigorating shower experience, but you have to comply with your local plumbing codes and regulations. Some areas restrict the maximum flow rate allowed for shower heads, so be sure to check and adhere to the regulations in your region.

Does higher GPM mean higher pressure?

Although the higher GPM can result in higher pressure, it is not always the case. Water pressure is more accurately measured in pounds per square inch (psi) and influenced by many factors such as the plumbing system’s design, the water source’s elevation, and the shower head’s design.

In sum, a shower head with a higher GPM can provide a larger volume of water, but the water pressure depends on how the water is distributed through the shower head.

Is it OK to remove flow restrictor from shower heads?

Yes but you must be aware of potential consequences and the reasons behind the decision. This part helps you comply with water conservation regulations, promote water efficiency, and decrease the overall water usage. So if you remove this part, it can increase the water consumption during showers, putting a strain on local water resources.

Conclusion

Although the highest GPM shower heads can bring a better bathing experience, not all of them suit you. Thus, you need to determine your needs to pick up one with appropriate features and functions.

Hi, my name is Eugene, the ultimate home enthusiast! I write buying guides and ideas on how to create a warm and welcoming home. Join me on my journey to make everyday in your house a staycation in the comfort of your own space!


Related Articles