The Best Shower Filters of 2023 Buyer’s Guide & Reviews
The best shower head filters not only eliminate the smell of chlorine but also remove contaminants, improving hair loss and skin irritation.
Good day to you all!
First, a question: have you ever wondered, for yourself, why your hair and skin feel a bit weird after a shower? Even worse, they both keep feeling weird and start to look terrible after a while?
If you do, well then, you’re not alone, as a matter of fact. Lots of other people (that includes me for a while) have also experienced itchiness, dryness and irritation after showering in unfiltered tap water.
It’s time for you to start considering picking up one of the best shower head filters to put this matter to rest permanently.
I say, first, we take a better look at the cause of such annoyance and, later, at which product would be the most suitable one for you.
Why do we need a shower filter?
Studies have shown that the number one suspect for dry, itchy skin and weak hair is the water that runs in our houses. And I think you all know what's the cause— or at least make a guess in the ballpark: disinfectants and impurities.
In truth, water is rarely just… water. In many cases, water prior to being pumped towards households, is disinfected with chlorine or chloramine. As those substances are beneficial to some aspects of our health, they are not so nourishing to the human skin and hair.
Also, along the pipes, chemical reactions can occur, leading to the creation of disinfection by-products, causing unpleasant taste or smell, or even rendering water unsafe for consumption.
To deal with disinfectants in the shower, shower head filters were introduced and have been the number one choice for such issues. These filters are known to remove various potential harmful elements – so effectively you can actually FEEL the rejuvenation at the first try.
I am going to make a quick list of filters that, to my knowledge, offer the best prices and utilities. Please, for the sake of your own skin and hair, and Buffalo Bill, buy yourself a shower filter ASAP.
Hope this will help! Drop a comment if it does. Thanks!
Our Top Picks
Still not confident which is the right showerhead filter to install in your bathroom? We’ve made this detailed review of the signature products from leading brands of showerhead filters and filtered showerheads this year, in case you need some references.
1. Best Overall: AquaHomeGroup 15+ Stage Filter Shower Head
- 15-stage filtration
- Skin-nourishing Vitamin C
- Universal design + Easy installation
- 6 months filter life
- Teflon tape and spare filter cartridge included
- Gift: shower caps
- No warranty (but refund/exchange is possible)
In terms of "rising stars" in the industry, the AquaHomeGroup 15+ stage filter shower head sure fits any description put forth, surpassing many other opponents to become one of the best filter shower heads to have ever been made.
It’s not without cause that consumers are crazy about this particular product out of all inline shower filters out there. Its affordability in association with what it has to offer— a 15-stage filtration system, that not only eliminates and inhibits unwanted, unnourishing elements but also revitalizes damaged skin and hair.
To put it in simpler words, the item uses a stack of 15 different, specifically designed ‘sieves’ to filter shower water.
Let’s investigate these methods of water purification in depth.
Stages 1, 3, 13, and 15 (ultra-fine and high-density stainless steel meshes) intervene with sediments, preventing them from entering and damaging the filter itself.
Stages 2 and 14 ( PP cotton) set up tight nets that block out even smaller particles, including dust and turpitudes.
Serious filtration happens at stage 6, with KDF55. It filters out chlorine, bacteria, and algae, even in hot water. Every bit of chlorine that somehow manages to pass through, along with trihalomethanes (THM’s), organic materials, and impurities, will once again be tested and fully stopped by the microporous ceramic balls in stage 7, activated carbon layer in stage 9 and calcium sulfite in stage 11.
The rest of the filter is specifically designed to improve the condition of our skin and hair.
Alkaline ceramic balls in stage 4 and maifan stones in stage 5 will release revitalizing minerals and other beneficial elements into the water.
The vitamin C in stage 8 helps with collagen synthesis and protects your skin from free radical damage.
Stage 10 with Germanium balls raise the level of negative ions and oxygen in water. Magnetic energy balls in stage 12 further enhance the oxygen quantity to reform your hair, skin and nails.
All of those come in one filter, which you can purchase separately. The famous universal, no-tool-required design of AquaHomeGroup filters that fits with all types of shower heads make it a piece of cake to install one in your bathroom.
If you buy the whole shower head set, there's an extra stage where Vitamin C and E are released to the water right before it comes out. These are both antioxidants known to have great protective and nourishing effects on your skin over long term use. Together, they're actually one of the greatest skin care ingredient combos— you must notice them on a plethora of serums and moisturizers!
At this point, we should just call it a shower water filter system. A simple 'filter' just doesn't feel good enough.
The long-lasting filter cartridge won’t need changing until after 6 months of normal use. As a plus, the package includes an extra cartridge, so you can enjoy fresh shower water for a whole year before having to buy replacement filters!
Of course, the shower head is not without room for improvement — it has only one single spray mode. If you prefer something more versatile, this high-pressure filter shower head features the same 15-stage filter and three spray modes (rain, massage, and rain and massage) for a more fascinating shower experience. On the other hand, it doesn’t have the extra Vitamin C and E cartridge.
AquaHomeGroup offers an exchange for defective products or a full refund if you return the product unused and in the original packaging within 30 days.
Price at time of publish: $27.95
- Stages of filtration: 15
- Filter media: KDF 55, ceramic, maifan stone, germanium, activated carbon
- Target contaminants: Chlorine, chloramine, fluoride, heavy metals
- Approximate filter life: 6 months / 10,000 gallons
- Shower head: Not Included
2. Best For Hair Loss: Aquasana AQ-4100 Deluxe Shower Water Filter
- Works for hard water
- Easy Installation
- 6-8 months or after 10,000-12,000 gallons
- 30-day money-back guarantee
- 1-year limited warranty
- No shower heads included
Chlorine is responsible for skin irritation and illness, while dissolved solids have harmful effects on hair strength. By eliminating both, AQ-4100 will improve your complexion and issues with hair loss to a significant extent.
The filter offers double filtration with coconut shell carbon and KDF copper/zinc media— a combination applied in many advanced household water filters to get rid of chlorine, sediments, and other volatile organic compounds found in your tap water.
There is a particular concern regarding how the said media don't work as advertised. But don't you worry! The coconut shell carbon and KDF filtration combo have been certified by the NSF to standards 42 and 61, which guarantee that the products tested are safe to use and effective in removing aesthetic impurities, including chlorine.
Moreover, this seemingly bulky piece of lavatory equipment is actually very easy to install. It takes most people about 10 minutes, depending on their existing shower, to set it all up.
The bulky look, however, is not there without reasons. It's designed to give room for thick layers of coconut shell carbon and KDF 55. The filtration mechanism also allows for longer contact time with the media compared to other canister designs, resulting in more efficiency.
Admittedly, the product is no “youngster” concerning the slightly outdated design. That being said, it is a veteran in the market and proves to be aging wonderfully. Additionally, Aquasana is a brand with no small reputation of appreciated quality.
The AQ-4100 deluxe lasts for 10,000 gallons or 6 months of shower use. Adding to that, the company offers Water for Life autoship program for replacement filter cartridges, a 1-year limited warranty and a 90-day full-refund guarantee.
Price at time of publish: $79.99
- Stages of filtration: 2
- Filter media: Coconut shell carbon, KDFcopper-zinc media
- Target contaminants: Chlorine, lead, iron, chemicals
- Approximate filter life: 6 months / 10,000 gallons
- Shower head: Included
3. Best for Hard Water: AquaBliss High Output Universal Shower Filter
- Works for hard water
- Easy Installation
- 6-8 months or after 10,000-12,000 gallons
- 30-day money-back guarantee
- 1-year limited warranty
- No shower heads included
Talking about a showerhead water softener for hard water, one simply can’t leave the Aquabliss SF100 to pass. Having been one of the best seller shower filters, the item easily earns a top spot in our list.
Introducing the Universal Shower Filter by AquaBliss. This Inline Shower Filter features a 13-stage system. The first stages are similar to the SF220, with a mix of KDF-55, active carbon and calcium sulfite. It removes chlorine and harmful impurities, and prevents bacteria and fungi from growing.
Although its efficiency in removing iron— or in dealing with hard water— is not outstanding compared to larger water filters, it is effective to a certain extent nonetheless. Adding to that, the filter prevents irritation by removing chlorine and harmful substances.
Unlike the SF220, this filter offers extra media that can help revitalize your skin. The vitamin C, zeolite, tourmaline, and magnetic energy beads all contribute to a refreshing and nourishing shower experience.
The showerhead filter performs well and would be perfect for those who want to test out what a shower softener can do at an almost next-to-nothing cost.
Plus a universal design that works with all shower types— including rainfall and handheld showers, this filter is certainly one of the best rated and most favored filter units.
The cartridge lasts 6-8 months or after 10,000-12,000 gallons of water use, whichever comes first before a replacement is needed. You can look to buy more filter cartridges right here.
If there’s any dissatisfaction within the first 30 days, AquaBliss will happily refund your money and take the product back. Additionally, a 1-year warranty is also offered.
Price at time of publish: $79.17
- Stages of filtration: 13
- Filter media: redox, ceramic, activated carbon, zeolite, tourmaline, magnetic beads, mineralized beads, Vitamin C
- Target contaminants: Chlorine, pesticides, pharmaceuticals, dirt, odors
- Approximate filter life: 6 months / 10,000 gallons
- Shower head: Not included
4. Best Vitamin C: Vitamin C Filter Inline Shower by Sonaki
- Removes chloramine > chlorine
- Good for skin
- Goes with existing shower head
- Easy set-up, wrench included in package
- 4 months money back guarantee
- Pricy
- Only 5300 gallons long cartridge
Recently, Vitamin C has been considered as one of the dechloramination methods in AWWA (American Water Works Association) Standard (AWWA, 2005b). This water filtration method has brought about such successful results that many manufacturers have adopted it to their shower filter system designs. One of them is Sonaki, the no.1 water treatment brand in Korea.
I am betting good money that Korean models with goddess-like skin would know a thing or two about Vitamin C shower filters.
The Vitamin C Inline Shower Filter Assembly by Sonaki has continuingly been the Amazon’s Choice for “Vitamin C water filter”. This product promises a 99.9% chloramine and chlorine reduction in disinfected water, which will absolutely bring a reform to your skin/ hair.
Not only that, it is not without a transparent cartridge for easy filter checking, completely made of Brass and Durable resin with a chrome finish, which provides a luxury feel.
Also, the package includes 3-Vitamin C filters and a wrench for changing out filters. Each cartridge life span varies around 1300 gallons.
Oh, have I mentioned that you don’t have to replace or change anything major in your bathroom to install this product? You’ll just have to attach it to your existing shower arm and head and you are good to go. The process is unexpectedly easy.
The price for the assembly is somewhere between $60 and $80.
I understand it is a bit expensive for a shower filter. But hey, some people would tear down a house! Just saying.
Price at time of publish: $66.62
- Stages of filtration: chlorine, chloramine, lead, iron
- Filter media: vitamin C
- Target contaminants: Chlorine
- Approximate filter life: 1 month / 1,300 gallons
- Shower head: Not included
5. Best Budget: Barclay's Buys Filtered Showerhead
- High water pressure
- Cheap
- 6-8 month long cartridge
- 1-year guarantee
- Only 2 spray settings
- Possible clogs and leaks
Don’t want to spend too much on a shower filter? Only curious about how it could possibly help your skin and hair? Then an inexpensive, yet not actually cheap, filtered shower head should do the trick for you.
The Clearly Pure Filtered Shower Head has been receiving positive reviews after positive reviews. Of course there are complaints, but nothing of serious matter so far. It’s fair to say that this item is one worth considering.
Constructed with plastic as the main material, the unit is expectedly light. With a simple design, it is not a hard task to set it up in your bathroom and to disassemble it to replace the filters when the time comes.
Water pressure coming out of this shower head sure is a nice feature, maintaining at 2.5 gallons per minute (GPM). It is not completely surprising since the item adopts the calcium sulfite filtration method only, which has been said to be effective against chlorine.
The only noticeable drawback is the occasional leaks or clogs. But with a filtered shower head under $25, it’s a good bargain. Especially true in this case, where the filter can last up to 8 months and the unit is covered with a 1-YEAR manufacturer guarantee.
Price at time of publish: $43.45
- Stages of filtration: 2
- Filter media: carbon, calcium sulfite
- Target contaminants: Chlorine, fluoride, chloramine, iron, calcium
- Approximate filter life: 6 - 8 months
- Shower head: Included
Comparison Chart
A quick overview on the shower filters/ filter shower heads in this section:
Filters | Longevity (gallons) | Filtration Method | Target of filtration | Warranty |
|---|---|---|---|---|
AquaHomeGroup Filter ShowerHead(Editor's Choice) | 10,000-12,000 | 15 Stages (KDF + Vitamin C + E included) | Chlorine + Heavy metals + Fungi, scale, mold, bacteria | N/A |
Aquasana AQ-4100 | 10,000 | KDF 55 +Activated carbon | Chlorine + Heavy metal + Volatile organic compounds | 1 year |
AquaBliss 12-Stage | 12,000 | 12 Stages* | Chlorine + Heavy metals + sediments + Fungi, scale, mold, bacteria | 1 year |
Sonaki Vitamin C | 5,300 | Vitamin C | Chlorine + Chloramine | 4 months |
Berkey Shower Filter | 20,000 | KDF 55 | Chlorine + Iron + Other heavy metals | 1 month |
Criteria For A Good Shower Filter
In case you are a person of your own knowledge and opinion who prefers to do your own research on desirable products, here are some things that should be looked at prior to a purchase.
Filtration Measures
Different products apply different methods to suit different needs. Therefore, there are quite a few of them. Make sure that you know what needs to be filtered out of your water, then do a quick check of the technology offered.
Lifespan
Keep this in mind: filter cartridges are not meant to last forever. You will have to replace them once in a while, but NOT every week. Typically, they last an average of 6 months, depending on the amount of showers you take, despite other claims.
Replacement Filters
You definitely don’t want any trouble in finding extra filter cartridges for your system. It would mean that you would have to buy a brand new set if you wanted to continue your use. So check if you can get replacement cartridges with no problems before you commit to a certain type of shower filter.
Practical Use
This might be unnecessary to say, but you should take a look at the reviews on the product to see if it really does what it means to be doing.
Chlorine or Chloramine
For many years, countries have been using chlorine as the major disinfectant in their water treatment. However, over the years, many water companies have switched to chloramine because of its long-lasting nature in water pipes and the lack of smell and taste.
Though it’s said to be safer as a disinfectant than chlorine, chloramine might lead to skin, eye, or respiratory problems.
Do Shower Water Filters Work For Hard Water?
To set the record straight one more time: hard water does have negative effects on skin and hair.
As drinking water, it may not be damaging, but hard water in showers will surely do a number on hair strands, gradually turning them rough and dull. How?
Soap in contact with hard water will combine with the dissolved metals and form a film of soap curd.
The curd will stick to our hair, making it more and more lifeless and difficult to manage. In addition to that, the film will prevent filth and bacteria from being cleansed off and hinder the skin’s ability to recover back to its normal condition.
In short, “we'd like our shower water to be soft, please. Thanks!”
Which begs the question: how do we effectively remove unwanted minerals and sediments from our water?
Since the problem occurs mainly in the bathroom, shower filters seem like a decent choice. However, when put next to other water filtering systems for hard water, they are indeed inferior. All things considered, the ultimate way to deal with water hardness is a combination of water softener systems and shower filters.
If someone says that you only need shower filters to deal with the dissolved metals such as calcium and magnesium, they've been misled, or they’re trying to sell you something.
Think about it. How can a single, small unit of shower filter completely remove all the sediments and dissolved metals? It needs help. As in, help from a bulky assembly that will take the hard water straight on. We recommend this Fleck 5600SXT, which uses ion exchange mechanics – a method proven to be effective against hard water.
About your guide
Luna Regina is an accomplished writer and author who dedicates her career to empowering home cooks and making cooking effortless for everyone. She is the founder of HealthyKitchen101.com and HealthyRecipes101.com, where she works with her team to develop easy, nutritious recipes and help aspiring cooks choose the right kitchen appliances.
