The 7 Best Shower Filters in 2024, According to Hair and Water Experts

If you’re looking for a handheld shower filter, many reviewers swear by this pick from Cobbe. It features several filter bead types in one, including KDF-55, maifan stone ball, and tourmaline ball to help eliminate chlorine and other heavy metals.

Several users agreed that it was easy to install and appreciate that the handheld design can be used for cleaning dogs, small children, or residue in the bathtub.

What reviewers say: “It works great! Love the different settings,” said one reviewer. “My only complaint is that the hose is shorter than my old one.”

This choice by Philips stands out with its unique three-stage filtration system. It combines NSF certified KDF material with a double mesh filtration, all of which helps remove chlorine, rust, and sediments.

The filter also boasts a high water flow of 2.11 gallons per minute, or 8 liters per minute. It’s compatible with most handheld, fixed, or rainfall shower head styles.

What reviewers say: “My water was burning my skin prior to installing this,” said one Amazon reviewer. “This made my skin softer and less irritable when taking hot showers.”

Not only is this filter NSF-certified, it also holds IAPMO certificationOpens in new windowOpens in new windowOpens in new windowOpens in new windowOpens in new window. IAPMO is an international association of mechanical and plumbing experts that tests the expertise and professionalism in construction codes and standards. IAPMO’s certifications are intended to help maintain and protect public health and safety.

The filter uses catalytic carbon to reduce chlorine beyond than just what’s on the surface. In fact, the brand claims that the filter can eliminate up to 96% of chlorine for up to 10,000 gallons per cartridge, which surpasses the NSF requirement. It’s important to note that we have not tested the product to back up this claim.

What reviewers say: “The product appears to be very well constructed, the hose is extra long (which is very handy for washing the dogs) and easy to adjust shower head,” said an online reviewer.

Culligan is a global name for water treatment. This stationary filter is also IAPMO certified. Plus, its water flow rate of 1.8 gallons per minute complies with EPA WaterSenseOpens in new windowOpens in new windowOpens in new windowOpens in new window certification standards. For context, EPA is the National Environmental Protection Agency, whose mission is to protect human health and the environment via formal assessments.

The filter easily installs onto any 0.5-inch shower arm, and the replacement cartridges aren’t as expensive as others on this list.

What reviewers say: “Overall, I think this unit is of very good quality, and for a reasonable price,” said one Amazon reviewer. “It is easy to install, provides great pressure and flow, and has seemingly great filtration. I only take off one star for the spray settings.” (The user complained about the settings being too strong, not as useful).

According to info cited on CulliganOpens in new windowOpens in new window, softer water isn’t always filtered, and filtered water isn’t always soft. The WaterSticks ShowerStick shower headOpens in new windowOpens in new window ($260) was constructed with softening resin to soften water as it streams through the head.

This KDF filter was specifically made to work in line with the ShowerStick. That would mean you would have to replace your current shower head with a pricey one, but it’s one of the few options available that helps soften water while also filtering out chlorine.

What reviewers say: “I live in Sacramento, California where hard water is common throughout the valley,” said an online reviewer. “I have been using this device for about four years now and my family loves it. I recommend it to my clients as well. Easy to install and works immediately.”