A light rain shower is one of the most relaxing things you can experience. The noise of the rain drops hitting the leaves and ground is soothing. The feel of the rain on your face is amazing.
With a rain shower head, you can experience this at home.
The challenge is finding the right model for your home. There are dozens of rain shower heads on the market. Which one should you buy?
In This Article We'll Discuss
What Exactly Is a Rain Shower Head?
The design and water flow of a rain shower head mimics the feel of rainfall. It can be a light misty drizzle or a torrential downpour. Many of these shower heads offer the ability to adjust the water pattern and flow to suit your mood.
Natural rain fall has a completely different feel compared to a standard shower head. The rain shower heads do their best to offer the feel of rain inside your home.
On a practical level, rain shower heads deliver plenty of water in a single spray. You get a full deluge of water coming in a wide pattern. It makes showering quick and easy.
Some of these have dual shower heads, one handheld and the other fixed. This gives you the best of both worlds.
How to Select the Best Rain Shower Head
With so many models on the market, you need to decide what features are most important to you. Here are the ones we used in our comparison.
Size
The size of the shower head makes a big difference in its use. The bigger the rain shower head, the better the experience of using it will be. Many are as big as 15″ or 16″.
It is important, however, to consider the size of your shower stall. The head should not be so large that the water sprays outside the shower perimeter. A smaller version would be better in smaller showers.
Quality
The material and manufacturing quality is a primary consideration. You want something durable that will last for years. The main decision is between stainless steel and ABS plastic. While ABS plastic is durable, it doesn’t last as long as a stainless steel model.
You don’t need to go with a major brand to find a quality shower head. Look for those that have great consumer ratings.
Spray Options
Simple rain shower heads have one pattern. It’s usually a gentle rain that’s easy to relax under. Some use air technology to boost water pressure.
More complicated rain shower heads offer multiple patterns. They can offer a light mist, a gentle rain, and a driving storm. Others may offer extra patterns like massage or economy.
Style and Finish
As with any other shower fixture, you keep style and finish in mind. The rain shower head should have a similar style and finish to the rest of the bathroom. That way it will blend in instead of standing out in an unsightly way.
Styles range from sleek and modern to detailed and traditional. Finishes are just as diverse. You can find shiny chrome, oil-rubbed bronze, and even matte black.
Fit and placement
Contractors can install rain shower heads from the wall or the ceiling. Some are designed for one position, while others can mount either way.
It’s easy to install the shower head to an existing shower arm. However, if you want to add a ceiling-mounted shower arm, where one doesn’t exist, it can be expensive. It’s important to consider installation prices in this situation. Talk with a plumber about potential costs.
If there’s an existing shower arm, installation is usually quite easy. It usually takes some Teflon tape around the shower arm threads. Then, tighten the shower head into place. A few of the shower heads include all the pieces needed to complete installation.
Price
Prices for rain shower heads can range from below $50 and up to well into the hundreds of dollars. The price differences are often due to extra features. You can get multiple spray pattern options and finish choices.
If you are on a tight budget, a lower priced shower head will fit the bill. If you really want to upgrade your showering experience, add a bit to the budget to get the features you want.
Warranty
Look for a rain shower head that has a good warranty from the manufacturer. The length of the warranty is often an indicator of the shower head’s quality.
You should expect at least a year’s warranty. Some manufacturers offer longer ones. A few offer limited lifetime warranties. Always read the details of any warranty. Know what it covers and what it does not.
What Are the Benefits of a Rain Shower Head?
You may be wondering why so many people love their rain shower head. Here’s a few reasons to consider:
- Bring the outside in. With a rain shower head, you don’t have to run outside naked to enjoy the experience. Spend as much time as you want enjoying the spray without shocking the neighbors.
- Less time getting a thorough clean. There’s more water coming out in a wider pattern. It’s easy to take a quick shower and feel clean with this type of shower head. You can also stand there enjoying every gentle drop.
- Spray pattern variety. Want a gentle mist? No problem. Need a pulsating torrent? No problem. The only caveat is finding a shower head with more than one pattern.
- Luxurious addition to any bathroom. A rain shower head just looks good. It makes someone want to get under it and turn on the water. It’s a necessity if you want a spa-style bathroom.
The Comparison
Let’s look at the five rain shower heads in our comparison. Which one will be the winner?
NearMoon Square Rain Shower Head with Extension Arm
The NearMoon Square Rain Shower Head with Extension Arm offers a 12″ shower head with a 15″ extension arm. It’s easy to get an overhead stream of water without the expense of moving plumbing.
This rain shower head contains 144 seperate nozzles that gives a thorough drench. It has a swivel base that makes it easy to adjust to almost any angle. The gentle rain pattern is perfect for anyone who wants a relaxing experience in the shower. The shower head draws in air from above to ensure the pressure is just perfect.
It’s made from high-quality stainless steel and has a shiny chrome finish. This shower head has a flat design that would fit into any bathroom decor. The 15″ stainless steel extension arm holds the shower head steady while you enjoy the rain below.
The manufacturer offers a two-year limited warranty. It’s easy to install and comes with everything you need to install it in minutes.
Pros
- 12″ wide shower head with 144 nozzles
- 15″ extension arm gives vertical water flow
- Gentle rain pattern perfect for relaxation
- Easy to install, comes with everything provided
- Head swivels making it easy to find perfect angle
- Two-year warranty from manufacturer
- Made from stainless steel, not plastic
Cons
- Offers only one spray pattern
- Can be difficult to mount on existing curved shower arm
NearMoon 8 Inch Rain Showerhead with Ultra-Thin Design
The NearMoon 8 Inch Rain Showerhead with Ultra-Thin Design offers 90 nozzles of rain. It’s made from high-quality stainless steel. This shower head uses air to increase the spray pressure for a spa-quality massage.
It comes in a shiny chrome finish that works in many bathroom styles. It’s also available in matte black and brushed nickel. The swivel base offers the ability to adjust the angle for a perfect shower. The flexible silicone nozzles self-clean to prevent blockages.
In a few minutes, you can install the rain shower head without any tools. The manufacturer offers a two-year limited warranty on their shower heads.
Pros
- 8″ shower head with 90 nozzles
- Self-cleaning nozzles prevent clogs
- Made from stainless steel
- Good pressure even with low psi
- Two year manufacturers’s warranty
- Easy to install
Cons
- Only offers one spray pattern
Voolan 12 Inches Large Rainfall Shower Head
The Voolan 12 Inches Large Rainfall Shower Head offers an ultra-thin profile. It pairs well with its excellent water pressure. It’s modern styling includes 144 nozzles for optimal water flow.
This shower head uses air-in technology to boost the existing water pressure. What comes out of the nozzles is a true rain-like experience. Each nozzle has soft silicone jets that prevent scale build-up. That keeps the water flowing longer.
It can fit on to any standard shower arm, whether wall-mounted or ceiling-mounted. The shower head has a swivel base that allows you to fix it at your desired angle. You can install it using your hands or by using the included wrench.
The manufacturer offers a eighteen-month replacement warranty.
Pros
- 12″ square shower head offers 144 nozzles
- Uses air-in technology to increase water pressure
- Fits on any standard wall or ceiling shower arm
- Easy maintenance
- Swivel base for easy angle adjustment
- 18-month manufacturer’s warranty
Cons
- Only offers one spray pattern
SR SUN RISE 12 Inch Rain Shower Head
The SR SUN RISE 12 Inch Rain Shower Head is only 2mm thick. This ultra thin design pulls air in, increasing water pressure coming out. It offers a gentle torrent of rain for a relaxing shower experience.
This shower head is made from 304 stainless steel. It is 12″ square and offers plenty of jets to give you full body coverage. Heat-resistant silicone nozzles keep the water flowing, while preventing scale build-up. It’s got 10 layers of brushed nickel finished applied for long-lasting good looks.
The head of this rain shower head swivels to different angles. It’s easy to install without any tools. The manufacturer offers a five-year warranty.
Pros
- Ultra thin modern design
- 12″ shower head offers full body coverage
- Swivel head makes it easy to adjust the angle
- Five-year manufacturer’s warranty
- Easy installation with no tools
- Air energy technology boosts water pressure
- Easy to clean nozzles
Cons
- Only one spray pattern
Grohe 26457000 Euphoria 260 Shower Head
The Grohe 26457000 Euphoria 260 Shower Head offers three spray patterns. It also comes with a lifetime warranty. It’s made in Germany and is a stylish addition to any bathroom in your home.
This 10″ round shower head installs to a standard shower head arm, either wall or ceiling mounted. It has a rotating ball connector that allows you to adjust the angle of the fixture. This shower head has three spray patterns to enjoy: Jet, Rain, and water-saving Smart Rain. It’s easy to switch between water patterns with a knob on the face of the shower head.
The silicone lined nozzles are easy to keep clean. Its body is made from ABS plastic with a chrome coating. The manufacturer recommends a minimum of 15 psi for optimial functionling. They also offer a limited lifetime warranty.
Pros
- 10″ diameter shower head
- Three spray functions
- Easy to clean nozzles
- Simple to install
- Limited lifetime warranty
Cons
- Made from ABS plastic
- Does not work well in low psi systems
And the Winner Is…
The clear winner in our comparison is the NearMoon Square Rain Shower Head. This ultra-thin square shower head offers plenty of pressure and 12″ square coverage. It offers 144 nozzles of water spray for full body coverage from just about any angle using the swivel head.
What makes it stand out from the competition is the included extension arm. It offers the buyer the option of installing the shower head directly above the head. This creates a true rain experience. It installs on the existing shower arm if you don’t want to use the extension. This option isn’t available on the other models compared.
Made from stainless steel, it’s made to last. The shiny chrome finish offers a sleek modern look. It would be nice if it had many finish options, like the NearMoon 8″ shower head. However, the quality of the finish on this model is outstanding.
The NearMoon Square Rain Shower Head is easy to install in minutes. It includes a wrench and Teflon tape in the kit. Just remove the old shower head, install the extension arm (if desired), and attach the shower head. Most DIY propery owners can handle the installation.
The biggest downside to this shower head is that it does not come with multiple spray patterns. That’s a nice feature to have. With its quality and excellent water delivery, this shower head is a clear winner.
The price of this shower head is among the lowest in our comparison. It comes with a two-year manufacturer’s warranty. It’s not as good as the lifetime limited warranty of the Grohe shower head. It is enough to ensure any defects are found with plenty of time to get it fixed.