Shower heads: Delta 5-Setting Showerhead 52535 is our No-Brainer pick

Start with fixed or handheld

A fixed head is simplest. A handheld helps with kids, pets, cleaning the tub and seated showers. Most shower heads screw onto a standard 1/2-inch shower arm with a little thread tape.

Delta 5-Setting Showerhead 52535

The Delta 52535 is the shower head most people should get. It has five spray settings, including a wide full-body spray, a massage spray and a pause setting that saves water while you lather. Rubber Touch-Clean nozzles let you rub away mineral buildup with a finger. It screws onto a standard shower arm.

Moen Engage Magnetix Handheld Shower

The Moen Engage Magnetix is the handheld pick. A strong magnet snaps the head back into its dock, which makes rinsing kids, pets and the tub easy. Moen lists six spray settings and a flexible metal hose. The settings feel less distinct than the Delta's.

SparkPod 6-Inch Rain Shower Head

The SparkPod 6-inch rain head is the budget pick for a simple, wide rain spray. It installs by hand on a standard shower arm, and its rubber nozzles are easy to clean. It has only one setting, so pick a multi-setting head if you like a massage spray.

Choose by style and budget

Pick the Delta 52535 for a great all-round fixed head with useful settings. Pick the Moen Engage Magnetix if you want a handheld that docks with a magnet. Pick the SparkPod for a simple rain spray at a low cost.

What stands out

• The Delta has a pause setting to save water
• The Moen handheld docks with a magnet
• All three fit a standard shower arm

Watch out for

• Flow rate limits vary by state; buy one sold for your area
• Hard water clogs nozzles; rub them clean often
• Rain heads feel gentler than focused sprays

Before you buy

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Choose fixed or handheld, then the spray settings you want.

Think about the fit: Choose fixed or handheld first, then the spray you like.

Check before buying: Mount type, flow rate for your area, finish and number of settings

Quick answers