This is our review of the best shower filters for 2022
If you suffer from dry skin or hair, your shower might be to blame.
According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), your tap water might contain trace levels of metals, pharmaceuticals, and even bacteria. These contaminants in your water could be reacting with your soap, causing a scum build up on your skin, which ends up drying it out.
One simple and inexpensive way to alleviate some of these issues is to install a shower filter. Luckily for you, we’ve compiled a list of the best shower filters available.
Best Shower Filter Reviews
We have scoured the internet researching shower filters of all makes and models. Ultimately, we have narrowed our options down to our top 5 favorite shower filters.
1. AquaBliss High Output Shower Filter
In our opinion, the best shower filter is the AquaBliss high output filter with over 20,000 positive feedback. Feel the effects of this inline shower filter immediately after installation by ridding your water of chlorine and other harmful chemicals. A 12-step filtration system ensures ultimate purification through different levels of sediment removal, impurity removal, revitalizing vitamins addition and minerals, and protection.
No tools are necessary when purchasing the AquaBliss filter because it fits all standard shower water pipes. With a small roll of Teflon tape included, you can ensure a snug fit on your shower right away.
Drawbacks:
Although this product claims to have a filter cartridge that lasts up to six months, users claim that it is much closer to 2-3 months. Luckily, you can easily purchase replacement filters online at a minimal cost.
The only other downside to this product is that if you live in an area with high levels of chloramine, which is a disinfectant, you might see some issues in your water. The chloramine causes blockages within the filter, heavily impacting your water pressure and the filter’s effectiveness altogether.
- A 12-step inline shower filtration system
- Added vitamin C infusion to add collagen
- Added activated carbon to reduce chlorine
- Redox media to eliminate harmful chemicals
- Long-lasting 6 month filter cartridge design
- Chloramine might cause blockages in the filter
- Cartridge more likely only lasts 2-3 months
2. Aquasana Premium Shower Head Filter
The Aquasana Premium shower head filter offers a unique drop-down design that maximizes your shower water filtration process. This design also helps to prevent any channeling or to clog within the filtration system. You can purchase this inline shower filter by itself or with a showerhead or handle attachment in either white or chrome.
The filter uses natural products like coconut shell carbon filters to minimize chlorine and other harsh chemical levels. Additionally, copper and zinc filtration systems help enhance your water’s pH balance. The Aquasana Premium guarantees the removal of over 90% of chlorine from your showers. They also provide a performance data sheet to back their claims, unlike many other filter manufacturers out there.
Drawbacks:
Specific individuals who had purchased this filter had issues with the overall fit design and claim to have severe leaking. While this was rare, it’s nice to know that Aquasana backs their product with a 90-day money-back guarantee should you face similar concerns.
The Aquasana Premium filter’s drop-down model, once filled with water, can significantly increase the weight. Some users have had issues with this weight on their water pumps. But, for those with secure and steady pipes, they saw no problems whatsoever.
Aquasana filters are long-lasting and only require replacement every six months. The company backs these filters with a 90-day satisfaction guarantee policy as well as a one year warranty.
- Removes over 90% of chlorine
- 90-day satisfaction guarantee
- Backed with a one year warranty
- Six-month filter cartridge life
- Performance Data Sheet readily available
- Users claim poor fit design
- Heavier weight adds pressure to water pipes
3. Berkey Shower Filter
The Berkey Shower Filter combines an inline with a showerhead filter to provide you with an extensive filtration blend of zinc, calcium, and copper. These elements are proven to be extremely effective in reducing, if not eliminating, chlorine, dirt, and unpleasant odors in shower water. Additional filtration systems within the Berkey shower filter help kill and inhibit bacteria growth, algae, and fungi.
This shower filter’s lifespan is up to one year, which is on the longer sides of the products we researched. While it is a bit pricier upfront, your cost savings will indeed show over time with this product.
A unique back flush attachment to the Berkey shower filters helps prevent clogging within the filtration system, proving to maintain the filter’s longevity.
Drawbacks:
While installation is simple, as this filter fits standard sizing, it does not include any Teflon sealing tape. You can easily pick some up from any hardware store at minimal costs, so this should hardly be a deterrent.
Lastly, the manufacturer has explicitly stated that this is not the right water filter choice for any high iron content systems, including polyphosphates. Luckily, the company does offer a 30-day return policy to get your money back if you see any issues arise.
- Reduces chlorine by up to 95%
- Backflush attachment helps to prevent premature clogging
- Lifespan of 1 year or 20,000 gallons
- 30-day return policy
- Exclusive lifetime warranty
- Teflon sealing tape not included
- Not for high iron content water systems including polyphosphates
4. Crystal Quest Filter
The Crystal Quest filter works your shower water through a three-stage process, including an ERA 6500, ERA 9500, and coconut shell granular activated carbon filtration system. As a result, you receive water quality free of chlorine, chloramines, VOCs, THMs, pesticides, sulfur, heavy metals, hydrogen sulfide, iron oxides, dirt, and any other unwanted sediment. It also ensures your water is always pH balanced.
This filter is another durable design, boasting a one-year filtration capacity. So although it is easy to install, if you are not looking to be bothered with frequent filter cartridge replacement, this is an excellent option for you.
Drawbacks:
Some users have mentioned that this shower filter design is heavier than others, causing additional stress to water pipes. As previously mentioned, if you have reliable, secure lines, this shouldn’t be a concern whatsoever.
While their website does not explicitly state at what levels their filter can remove contaminants, they are a company that has been around for over 30 years. Hence, we are confident in their water treatment capabilities.
Quality Water Treatment, distributors of the Crystal Quest Filter, has been in the water treatment industry for over thirty years, so as you can imagine, their products have lasted the test of time. Additionally, this company partners with LoveWater.org, which means your purchase will provide clean drinking water to a family of five in either Nicaragua or Africa for one full year.
- One year filtration capacity
- 3-stage filtration system
- The company partners with LoveWater.org
- White or chrome color options
- Water treatment providers for over 30 years
- The heavy design may pull on the water pipe
- It does not specify what level of filtration it achieves
5. Luxego Handheld Shower Filter
There are two different types of beads within the Luxego handheld shower head filter; gray and red natural stones. The water filters through the natural red rocks, which help increase blood circulation and minimize water impurities. Next, the water will travel through the natural gray stones, adding in additional minerals to help enhance the overall quality of your skin and hair.
This handheld showerhead filters unique design, the micro nozzle technology makes the holes smaller and denser, boosting your water pressure by up to 200%. As a result, you can see up to a 30% reduction in your water usage by installing this filter.
The Luxego filter comes in two different colors, blue or gray, each offering three different shower modes from which to choose. It is easy to install and fits most standard shower arms. They also include a full roll of Teflon tape to ensure you have a snug and secure fit.
Drawbacks:
Of our favorites, this filter requires replacement the most frequently. Although you will likely have to replace the beads in this handheld shower filter every 6-8 weeks, replacements are easy to find and significantly less expensive than other replacement filter cartridges.
Because of the micro nozzle technology and the increased shower pressure, some users found it a bit hard to handle. Water pressure is ultimately a user preference, so be wary if you tend to be sensitive to water pressures. Most claim to enjoy this added benefit from their water filter.
- Rainfall, jetting, and massage shower modes
- Increases water pressure up to 200%
- Up to 30% water savings due to design
- Standard size roll of Teflon tape included
- Two color options to choose from
- Filtration balls need to require replacing every 6-8 weeks
- Some might not prefer the increased water pressure
First Time Buyer’s Guide: How to Buy Right
With all of the different types of shower filters on the market, it might become difficult to narrow down your options. Don’t become bogged down by the paradox of choice. Follow these simple steps to know how to determine the best shower filter for you.
Step 1: Know the Different Types of Shower Filters
There is a wide variety of shower filters for sale, each offering a different filtration system, model, or fit. It is essential to identify the different shower filters to determine which is the best for your home.
Inline Shower Filter
An inline shower filter comes in smaller sized barrels that directly attach to your shower pipe, behind your existing showerhead. The inline shower filter will screw onto the line, and your showerhead will screw directly into the filter.
The filtration system within an inline shower filter is large, but you can easily replace it and contains a series of stages for the filtration process. Overall, these filters require simple maintenance, and each filter cartridge can easily last you anywhere from 600 to 1,500 showers.
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Showerhead Filter
A shower head filter comes with a built-in filtration system and replaces your current showerhead. While they tend to look like your standard showerheads, they can be a bit bulkier as they need to house the filtration system within them. Alternatively, other models, including a detachable handheld filter in which the filtration system is inside the handle.
Although showerhead filters may seem like the most convenient option, they do not typically provide a filtration system as useful as other types. If you are looking for a shower head filter option and require heavier duty filtration, look for a filter with a multi-layer filtration system, which helps increase its capabilities.
Another added feature you will sometimes find in showerhead filters are aroma filters, which will give your shower water a lovely smell. For anyone suffering from hard water with a strong, eggy smell, this might be a good option for you.
Combination Filter
Maybe you are looking for some serious, heavy-duty filtering for your showers. If that’s the case, you might want to consider doubling up on an inline shower and showerhead filter system. It is easy enough to do, considering both fits to standard sizing.
When using both filters, your shower water will first go through your inline filter, which will immediately remove most contaminants in your water. Next, it filtered a second time through the showerhead, removing any leftover pollutants the first filter could not catch.
You will still have to replace the filter cartridge in the inline shower filter as the manufacturer recommends, but doing so should result in the longevity of your showerhead filter as well.
Multi-Level Carbon Filter
A multi-level carbon filter uses a series of carbon layers and other filtration systems to safely clean your water. Some of the contaminants removed in the process include:
- Sediment
- Bacteria
- Chlorine
- Volatile organic compounds (VOCs)
- Lead
- Fluoride
Each layer within the filter specifically targets specific contaminants in your water. For example, granulated activated coconut charcoal commonly minimizes chlorine, sediment, VOCs, and foul smells or tastes.
While multi-level filters tend to be less costly than other filter options, it’s important to remember that they become less effective in removing some contaminants in hotter water temperatures. This means, if you enjoy a hot shower, this might not be the best option for you.
Kinetic Degradation Fluxion (KDF) Filter
A step up on the pricing scale to the multi-level carbon filter is the Kinetic Degradation Fluxion (KDF) filter. These filters use a copper-zinc filtration system to help remove metals, chlorine traces, and hydrogen sulfide from your shower through a process known as redox.
Through redox, an extremely complex chemical reaction, the filtration system essentially changes the contaminants’ chemical composition in your water, rendering them harmless. If you’re interested in reading more about the redox process, you can check out the KDF Fluid Treatment, Inc. website for more information.
Some inline shower and showerhead filters include layers of a KDF filtration system within them. So, if you are looking to protect yourself from heavy metals in your water, be sure to look out for this feature in whichever option you choose.
Vitamin C Filter
There are many debates surrounding vitamin C and its benefits in neutralizing chlorine in your water supply. The claims are that the presence of vitamin C in your filtration system will not only dechlorinate your water but also add nutrient value to your water.
Since vitamin C proves to help build collagen, you can imagine the added benefits of having this nutrient-packed vitamin streaming through your showerhead.
If you’re looking to add some of the benefits of vitamin C, make sure to look out for a filter with vitamin C or this added benefit in an inline shower or showerhead filter.
Step 2: Look Out for Key Features
Once you have figured out what type of shower filter best suits your needs, you will have to be mindful of some other key features they have to offer.
Lifespan
One good thing about shower filters is that, generally speaking, they are not an expensive add-on. However, if you find yourself replacing them often, the costs can begin to add up. Pay attention to the lifespan of the filter you are looking to purchase. Opt for longer-lasting filters with cartridges that you can easily buy. You can easily find cartridges lasting for 1,500 showers or more.
Maintenance
In addition to considering the costs of replacing filter cartridges, you’ll also want to pay attention to the level of difficulty required in doing so. For example, most inline shower filter cartridges are easy to replace as the barrel will unscrew in half typically.
If you are looking for detachable showerhead filters where the handle holds the filtration components, you will likely have to replace them more frequently. Since you will have to replace it often, you will want to make sure you can do it quickly and easily. Between pellets and aroma filters, you’ll also want to make sure you can easily find replacements online.
Filtration Capability
It is not difficult to find a shower filter that is 99.99% effective, so make sure you don’t allow yourself to settle for anything less than that. In addition to effectiveness, you want to make sure to identify specific contaminants the filter will target.
Some of the quality shower filters out there should reduce, if not eliminate, the following contaminants from your water:
- Heavy metals
- Bacteria and parasites
- Chlorine
- Chloramine
- Disinfection by-products (DBPs)
You’ll find that many filter manufacturers do not explicitly state this information, but you should be sure to find a trusted source that does.
Material
The most common materials you will find shower filters made of are either plastic or chrome. Plastic is an excellent option because it is long-lasting, and you don’t have to worry about it rusting over time. You can find a wide variety of finishes of plastic filters, so they will easily match your bathroom fixtures.
There are BPA-free models available, but chrome is another excellent option that is readily available if you choose to avoid plastic entirely.
Weight
Take into consideration the weight of the filter you are looking to purchase. Generally speaking, most filters are lightweight coming out of their box, but once you add water, you will be adding weight to that. For inline shower filters, all of this additional weight can put stress on your water pipe.
Customization
Some water filter options will let you choose the water flow to control your water usage. Some showerhead filter options can adjust for different water flows such as jet, pulsing, or rainfall. If you are looking at a showerhead filter and you like having these options, make sure to find one with adjustability to your liking.
Step 3: Pick a System That Falls Within Your Budget
Generally speaking, shower filters are relatively inexpensive purchases. You can usually find a great option around the $40-50 price range. Of course, depending on how sophisticated a system you are looking for, this price can significantly increase.
FAQs: What Questions Are Other Buyers Asking?
If you’ve got questions, the good news is you’re not alone. Take a look at some FAQs to discover what queries other customers are asking.
Shower filters work to reduce, if not eliminate, your tap water from any harsh contaminants, including; minerals, heavy metals, bacteria, parasites, chlorine, and more. Showerhead filters, specifically, replace your existing showerhead with one that has a built-in filtration system.
In addition to showerhead filters, several other filtration options include; inline shower filters, multi-level carbon filters, KDF filters, and vitamin C filters.
If you do your research and find a high-quality shower filter, yes, they do work. A reliable manufacturer will guarantee 99.99% effectiveness in removing particular contaminants, which they should explicitly state.
Showerhead filters tend to be less effective than others but can easily be doubled up with an inline filter to provide an even higher quality dual-filtration system.
Healthy skin and hair can be a direct result of the water you use to shower. Hard water accumulates scum on your scalp, resulting in dryness and itchiness. An effective shower filter will help prevent this, allowing more moisture retention in your scalp, allowing it to grow more healthy.
Additionally, there are vitamin C shower filters and added elements to other shower filters that add a powerful antioxidant to your showers, boosting collagen levels. Studies prove that added collagen may help with preventing hair thinning.
You will determine the longevity of your shower filter by the specific filter you purchase. Showerhead filters in handheld models typically have to be replaced more frequently, while inline shower filters can easily last over 1,300 showers. Be sure to check these details when you purchase your filter so you are not burdened by having to replace it continually.
Typically, you will find shower filters that come with their manufacturer’s filter cartridge include. Replacements will usually have to be purchased separately, but hopefully, you should look for an easy to replace model. As they are larger models, Showerhead filters tend to last longer but still need replacing on an annual basis.
All will work incredibly to combat the negative impacts of hard water on your skin and hair in terms of shower filters. Regardless of which type of shower filter you choose, you can rest assured it will significantly improve your water quality in your shower.
Most shower filters aim to reduce, if not eliminate, chlorine from your water source. But, if you are looking for additional filtration for this chemical specifically, seek out a vitamin C filter, or make sure the filter you are looking for has a vitamin C filtration process within it.
Conclusion
Say goodbye to dry skin and hair forever by installing your shower filter!
Remember, before choosing a product, consider what contaminants are in your water, what type of filter you need, and what customization capabilities you would like. With those factors, you’ll be able to choose the best shower filter for your home from our list above.
Remove all those harmful contaminants in your water, whether they be minerals, metals, or bacteria, and shower in peace with the highest level of filtration possible.
