SHOWER FILTERS
Shower Water Filter
Reviews
Shower filters are filtration systems that attach directly to a showerhead. By removing chlorine and more from your water, they can improve the health of your hair and skin — and even the air you breathe.
What is a Shower Water Filter?
A shower filter is a water filtration system that is attached directly to a showerhead, or is built into a showerhead with the purpose of removing contaminants like chlorine and chemicals that dry out your skin and hair.
Types of Shower Water Filters
Shower filters come in several varieties based on the filtration media used to remove contaminants, but in general, there are two types of systems: showerhead filters and in-line shower filters.
Showerhead Filters
Showerhead filters have a built-in filter and are meant to replace your current showerhead. To install a showerhead filter, you’ll need to disconnect your existing showerhead and screw on the new unit to the water line in your shower. These systems are available as traditional showerheads, and as detachable spray nozzles. A showerhead filter is a great choice if you’re looking to upgrade your existing unit for a more appealing aesthetic, better water pressure, or additional spray settings.
In-Line Shower Filters
In-line shower filters connect to the water line and enable you to keep your existing showerhead. The filters are installed directly, or come with a universal adapter that allows them to work with most showerheads. This option is ideal if you like the design, water pressure, or spray features of your existing showerhead.
Buyer’s Guide for Shower Water Filters
Reading product reviews is an important part of any purchasing decision, but having some background knowledge will also be helpful during the process. To help, we’ve compiled everything you need to know about shower water filters including what they are, what they do (and don’t), along with a list of factors to consider when choosing a system for your home.
Why is it Important to Use a Shower Water Filter?
Tap water may contain chlorine and synthetic chemicals that can dry out your skin and hair when showering. In fact, many public municipalities use these chemicals to treat water and trace amounts can remain after the process. When showering with contaminated tap water, your skin and hair come in contact with those contaminants which can cause irritation and contribute to issues like redness, eczema, and dandruff among others. Additionally, some contaminants like chlorine become more dangerous when they are vaporized into steam which can be inhaled resulting in breathing difficulty.
Shower Filter Benefits
The benefits of using a shower water filter include:
Reduce Exposure to Contaminants
A lot of people filter their drinking water, but some may overlook their showers as a source of contamination. Even for just a five-minute shower, you can use 10 to 25 gallons of water which means you can be exposed to contaminants that are detrimental to your health. By installing a shower water filter, you can take another step to protect your health.
Improve the Health of Your Skin and Hair
Chlorine and other synthetic chemicals can dry out skin resulting in irritation, or brittle hair and breakage for hair. If you leave a shower feeling dried out or notice an issue after stepping out, a shower filter can remove contaminants that cause or contribute to these problems.
Make Breathing Easier When Showering
When contaminated water is vaporized as steam during a shower, it can make breathing difficult and trigger conditions like allergies or asthma. If you have either of these conditions, consider installing a shower water filter to prevent breathing issues during your shower.
Eliminate Bad Odor
Sometimes contaminated water has a bad odor, either overly chlorinated which smells like a pool or a sulfur-like odor. A foul odor will make your shower experience less pleasant, and you likely don’t want to wash with this water because the odor may stick to you. Prevent this from occurring by using a shower filter to enjoy clean, odorless water.
Shower Filters
Aquasana - Shower Filter with Adjustable Shower Head - AQ-4100
Reduces chlorine from your water to help imprive hair and skin. Comes in multiple options including a massaging showed wand.
Learn More about the Aquasana - AQ-4100Best Price*
System
$69.99
Replacement
$60.00/6 months
Performance
Chlorine Reduction
90%
Finish/Wand Option
Yes
Upflow Design
Yes
Reduce Shower Height
No
Best Price*
System
$69.99
Replacement
$60.00/6 months
Performance
Chlorine Reduction
90%
Finish/Wand Option
Yes
Upflow Design
Yes
Reduce Shower Height
No
Other Benefits:
- 90-day satisfaction guarantee
- 1-year warranty
- Easy install
- Replacement subscription option
Pelican - Premium Shower Filter - PSF-1
Features a dual-flow shower head that can be switched between high-flow and water conservation modes.
Learn More about the Pelican - PSF-1Best Price*
System
$65.65
Replacement
$59.00/6 months
Performance
Chlorine Reduction
96%
Finish/Wand Option
Yes
Upflow Design
Yes
Reduce Shower Height
No
Best Price*
System
$65.65
Replacement
$59.00/6 months
Performance
Chlorine Reduction
96%
Finish/Wand Option
Yes
Upflow Design
Yes
Reduce Shower Height
No
Other Benefits:
- 1-year warranty
- Easy install
- Replacement subscription option
GE - Universal Shower Filtration System - GXSM01HWW
NSF certified to reduce chlorine. Universal fit works with most shower heads.
Learn More about the GE - GXSM01HWWBest Price*
System
$22.11
Replacement
$19.00/12 months
Performance
Chlorine Reduction
76%
Finish/Wand Option
No
Upflow Design
No
Reduce Shower Height
No
Best Price*
System
$22.11
Replacement
$19.00/12 months
Performance
Chlorine Reduction
76%
Finish/Wand Option
No
Upflow Design
No
Reduce Shower Height
No
Other Benefits:
- 1-year warranty
- Easy install
- Replacement subscription option
Culligan - In-Line Shower Filter - ISH-200c
Reduces sulfur odor, chlorine and scale and lasts up to 6 months.
Learn More about the Culligan - ISH-200cBest Price*
System
$46.92
Replacement
$15.00/6 months
Performance
Chlorine Reduction
0%
Finish/Wand Option
No
Upflow Design
No
Reduce Shower Height
No
Best Price*
System
$46.92
Replacement
$15.00/6 months
Performance
Chlorine Reduction
0%
Finish/Wand Option
No
Upflow Design
No
Reduce Shower Height
No
Other Benefits:
- 1-year warranty
- Easy install
- Replacement subscription option
AquaBliss - Revitalizing Shower Filter - SF100
Easy to install shower filter fits on most types of shower heads. Uses a proprietary system for filtration, but contaminant claims are not tested.
Learn More about the AquaBliss - SF100Best Price*
System
$35.86
Replacement
$15.00/6 months
Performance
Chlorine Reduction
0%
Finish/Wand Option
No
Upflow Design
No
Reduce Shower Height
Yes
Best Price*
System
$35.86
Replacement
$15.00/6 months
Performance
Chlorine Reduction
0%
Finish/Wand Option
No
Upflow Design
No
Reduce Shower Height
Yes
Other Benefits:
- 30-day satisfaction guarantee
- 1-year warranty
- Easy install
Aqua Earth - 15 Stage Shower Filter - AQUA-15
15 stage shower filter that can be installed on most shower heads. Cost-effective filtration removes chlorine and more.
Learn More about the Aqua Earth - AQUA-15Best Price*
System
$48.84
Replacement
$12.00
Performance
Chlorine Reduction
0%
Finish/Wand Option
No
Upflow Design
No
Reduce Shower Height
Yes
Best Price*
System
$48.84
Replacement
$12.00
Performance
Chlorine Reduction
0%
Finish/Wand Option
No
Upflow Design
No
Reduce Shower Height
Yes
Other Benefits:
- 30-day satisfaction guarantee
- 30-day warranty
- Easy install
Aqua Home Group - 15 Stage Shower Filter - AHG12S
Metal shower filter with internal cartridge with Vitamin C + E. Reduces chlorine and more.
Learn More about the Aqua Home Group - AHG12SBest Price*
System
$44.85
Replacement
$12.00/6 months
Performance
Chlorine Reduction
0%
Finish/Wand Option
No
Upflow Design
No
Reduce Shower Height
Yes
Best Price*
System
$44.85
Replacement
$12.00/6 months
Performance
Chlorine Reduction
0%
Finish/Wand Option
No
Upflow Design
No
Reduce Shower Height
Yes
Other Benefits:
- 30-day satisfaction guarantee
- 30-day warranty
- Easy install
New Wave Enviro - Shower Filter System - DSFS
Reduces chlorine and includes an aromatherapy ring that essential oils can be added to.
Learn More about the New Wave Enviro - DSFSBest Price*
System
$36.62
Replacement
$27.00/12 months
Performance
Chlorine Reduction
0%
Finish/Wand Option
No
Upflow Design
No
Reduce Shower Height
Yes
Best Price*
System
$36.62
Replacement
$27.00/12 months
Performance
Chlorine Reduction
0%
Finish/Wand Option
No
Upflow Design
No
Reduce Shower Height
Yes
Other Benefits:
- Easy install
FEELSO - Shower Head and 15 Stage Shower Filter Combo - FeelsSo-001
Handheld shower head that reduces chlorine.
Learn More about the FEELSO - FeelsSo-001Best Price*
System
$29.99
Replacement
$19.00/4-6 months
Performance
Chlorine Reduction
0%
Finish/Wand Option
Yes
Upflow Design
Yes
Reduce Shower Height
Yes
Best Price*
System
$29.99
Replacement
$19.00/4-6 months
Performance
Chlorine Reduction
0%
Finish/Wand Option
Yes
Upflow Design
Yes
Reduce Shower Height
Yes
Other Benefits:
- 30-day satisfaction guarantee
- 30-day warranty
Jolie - The Filtered Showerhead
Comes in multiple finishes. Higher price point than other shower filter options.
Learn More about the JolieBest Price*
System
$165.00
Replacement
$36.00/3 months
Performance
Chlorine Reduction
0%
Finish/Wand Option
Yes
Upflow Design
No
Reduce Shower Height
Yes
Best Price*
System
$165.00
Replacement
$36.00/3 months
Performance
Chlorine Reduction
0%
Finish/Wand Option
Yes
Upflow Design
No
Reduce Shower Height
Yes
Other Benefits:
- 60-day satisfaction guarantee
What to Look for in a Shower Water Filter
When comparing shower water filters, you’ll find there are a lot of options to choose from and it’s hard to know where to start. To help with this process, here are the factors you should consider to determine the best option for your home.
Price
Shower head prices can start as low as $20 or exceed $100 for higher-end options with additional features. In general, you’ll likely pay more for a showerhead filter than an in-line shower filter because the former includes a replacement head unit. Think about the budget you’re willing to spend for the filter, and if you’d be willing to spend more to upgrade your showerhead or if you’d prefer to keep the cost low by using your existing unit.
Color and Design
Some water filters like whole house and under sink systems are intended to be in places most people won’t see unless they’re doing a replacement. Shower filters are visible, so the aesthetic may be an important consideration to ensure it follows the style of your home. The material is a relevant component of the filter’s aesthetic, which will also have an impact on price. Plastic filters are usually cheaper while metal showerheads tend to cost extra.
Contaminants
While most shower water filters address common contaminants like chlorine and synthetic chemicals, your tap water may contain additional impurities. You should check your local water quality report to see the full list of contaminants present in your tap water, then look for a shower filter that removes everything that concerns you.
Certifications
Before buying any shower filter, check for certifications from an independent third party that verifies the system will remove the contaminants it claims to. Without certifications from water testing groups like NSF and IAPMO, you shouldn’t assume a filter will effectively remove contaminants and make it safe for use.
Features
If you’re getting a showerhead filter that requires you to replace the one you currently have, check for features that are important for your shower experience like different spray settings and a detachable nozzle. These features will usually increase the price, but depending on how much you value them — you can weigh their importance as a purchasing factor.
Flow Rate
Flow rate is usually an important factor to consider with the purchase of any water filter, but for shower filters it’s especially relevant. An inadequate flow rate means poor water pressure and a lackluster shower, so make sure to look for a system that offers a flow rate capable of meeting your preferences. We’d recommend between 30-80 psi, but you can go higher or lower depending on what you like.
Frequently Asked Questions
Resources
How To Read Your Water Quality Report
Just because your tap water looks and tastes fine doesn’t mean it is. Sometimes, tap water contains chemicals and impurities that could harm you and cause problems to your appliances.
Water Softener vs. Conditioner: Which is Best?
If you’re looking into water treatment systems for your home, you may have come across the terms “water softeners” and “water conditioners.” While both systems aim to improve water quality by reducing hardness, they work differently and have distinct advantages and disadvantages. Water softeners use ion exchange to remove minerals that cause water hardness, while…
Comparing Water Filter Technology
Depending on the type of water filter you’re interested in, you may be able to choose from a range of different water filter technologies including mechanical, activated carbon, reverse osmosis, ion exchange, and ultraviolet light filtration. With so many options to choose from, it’s important to understand these filter technologies to determine which option is…
Why Do I Need a Water Filter?
Just because your tap water looks and tastes fine doesn’t mean it is. Sometimes, tap water contains chemicals and impurities that could harm you and cause problems to your appliances. Yes, it happens. We’re not saying this applies to all homes but in many cases, unfiltered tap water just isn’t safe enough.
Need Help?
Get expert advice choosing a water filter
*Product performance claims and prices were taken from publicly available information on Amazon, are accurate as of 9/1/2022, and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on Amazon at the time of purchase will apply to the purchase of this product. Cost per gallon is calculated as replacement filter price/capacity. Not all contaminants will be listed in charts. If you find information that is inaccurate, please send the correct info with supporting documentation to info@waterfiltercomparisons.com, and we will address any errors. As an Amazon Associate, Water Filter Comparisons receives a commission on purchases made through our Amazon links.