7 Best Shower Filter Reviews & Ultimate Buying Guide in 2024

Regardless if you’re managing your children and home duties or vigorously working on hitting your professional sales objectives, getting through the day can indeed be challenging. Often, even the quick shot of energy from coffee isn’t potent enough to fuel you. But did you know there is one thing that always stands up to the task?

A good bath! A good, nice, warm, and refreshing bath to wash away the entire day’s sweat and grime, and exhaustion. But if you are not careful enough, you may just be walking into another death trap.

The water we use to shower makes all the difference in the world, and unfortunately, it is filled with harmful compounds like calcium, chlorine, heavy metal traces, etc. This contaminated water is more than enough to get us really, really sick. In fact, skin conditions like back acne, eczema, and itching are just some of the side effects. And don’t even get us started on what it does to our body on the inside!

That’s where shower filters come in. And just about any shower filter won’t do for you. This is why, in our article today, we are going to cover everything you need to know in order to find the Best Shower filter for you and your family! This is going to change the way you see water forever. Let’s start!

7 Best Shower Head Filters of 2023, According to Experts

1. AquaBliss High Output Chrome SF220 Universal Shower Filter

Let’s kick start our list of the Best Shower filters with something that is more straightforward, simple, and basic. If you are looking for a shower filter that more or less gets the job done and isn’t too over the top, then the AquaBliss High Output Universal Shower Filter is for you.

The AquaBliss Chrome shower filter is as simple as a filter can get. It has universal connections, which means it will work with all types of showers, ranging from rain to fixed handheld. You will no longer need to worry about matching and compatibility issues. And the whole installation process is tools-free too!

We can totally get used to products like these, ey? The AquaBliss Chrome uses a filter that is a unique blend of KDF 55, calcium sulfite, and activated carbon to ensure a clean and efficient filtration performance, both with cold and hot water! It gets rid of the nasty chlorine and heavy metals that include lead, mercury, nickel, and chromium.

The AquaBliss High Output Universal Shower Filter also takes care of bacteria and pesticide-infested water while also making sure to inhibit the unwanted growth of algae, fungi, scale, and mold. Your skin and hair are probably thanking you already. As for the aesthetics of it, it is pretty standard chrome that you see almost everywhere. Nothing too special and looks good in every shower.

The AquaBliss High Output Universal Shower Filter has an extra spare removable filter cartridge. Should last you quite a while.

2. Aquasana AQ-4100 Deluxe Shower Water Filter System

Next up, we have for you a shower filter that’s no less than your day at the spa. It is the Aquasana AQ-4100 Deluxe Shower Water Filter System and it is just the shower filter you need if you want a proper spa experience at home!

The Aquasana AQ-4100 Deluxe Shower filter uses a coconut shell carbon and copper-zinc mix filter which reduces chlorine, lead, mercury, iron, hydrogen sulfide, pesticides, herbicides, and other not so welcome junk in your water.

This reduces the risk of skin issues like itching and eczema and helps keep your skin and hair feeling and looking healthy. Apart from this, the entire system is pretty easy to install and maintain.

All you have to do is remove your current showerhead, install the Aquasana AQ-4100 Deluxe Shower, flush the system and attach the given shower head. The filter is also one of the longest-lasting in the market which more or less means you will need to replace it only twice a year! All you have to do for replacement is twist the filter head and boom, that’s it. No tools, no hardware, whatsoever.

As for how it looks, it does okay. It is a little bulky, but we’re totally cool with that if it does its jobs as expected. But here’s the thing we absolutely love about this filter system; it comes with a shower head with multiple massage settings! We, personally, think a lot of us will appreciate this feature alone, especially at the end of a long, exhausting day.

Speaking of which, the Aquasana AQ-4100 Deluxe Shower Water Filter System is NSF certified to remove 90% of chlorine from your water. Pretty impressive, we must admit. But what’s even better is that the filter system comes with a year-long warranty and a 90-day guarantee. That’s confidence!

3. Aquasana Deluxe Shower Water Filter System AQ-4105CHR

If you liked the Aquasana AQ-4100 Deluxe, then the Aquasana Deluxe Shower Water Filter System AQ-4105CHR is right up that alley… but only a notch above!

The Aquasana Deluxe Shower Water Filter System AQ-4105CHR is more or less everything the Aquasana AQ-4100 Deluxe is, but a little more. First of all, it shares a lot of common features with the Aquasana AQ-4100, the identical installation process, the easy replacement process, the super long-lasting filter and so on. They even use the same shower filter, which is the coconut carbon shell and copper-zinc mix (or KDF 55).

However, there is clearly a few obvious features that make the AQ-4105CHR stand taller than the AQ-4100 shower filter.

To begin with, the AQ-4105CHR or Aquasana Deluxe Shower Water Filter System uses a chrome shower head which also comes with a long pipe. Great for bathing the kids, pets and even plants! And yes, these shower heads come with the much anticipated multiple massage settings as well! Such a treat, we know.

Finally, you get the same after-sales benefits which include a yearlong warranty and a 90-day guarantee. Oh, and it is NSF certified as well.

4. Jonathan Product Beauty Hard Water Shower Filter System 415

The next name on our list of the Best Shower filters is a cult favorite among women who love their skin and hair and want to keep them looking like a million bucks. It is the Jonathan Product Beauty Hard Water Shower Filter System and it is one of the most favored filtration systems on our list today!

The Jonathan Product Beauty Hard Water Shower Filter System uses a patented 2-stage purification filter that is designed to remove synthetic chemicals and toxic heavy metals from your water.

The first stage is the Redox stage where the filter uses oxidation process and treatment to remove up to 91% of chlorine from the water. This step also prepares the water for the next and final filtration process.

The next and final stages use granular activated carbon with ion exchange resin to filter out every unnecessary and harmful compound like leads, copper, etc. This process also replaces the metals with potassium ions to establish a balanced pH, and we all know how important that is for healthy skin and hair. It is said to do some great things for the hair, nails, and skin and people really seem to like it!

The installation is fairly easy too. No rocket science there. It is a little bulky, but that’s fine. The water pressure remains consistent, something we know is a problem with many filters. As for the filter itself, each lasts a good while. You only need 2 each year! Not bad, not bad at all.

5. WaterChef Premium Shower Filter System SF-7C

And the 5th shower filter to make it to our list of the Best Shower Filter is something right out of your dream. It is powerful, luxurious, and super-duper relaxing. We are talking about the WaterChef Premium Shower Filter System SF-7C and you are going to agree with everything we just said!

The WaterChef Premium Shower Filter System SF-7C is a high impact shower with plated ABS and metal fittings. It has a sleek, shiny chrome finish which looks good in just about any bath and shower.

Now for the power and performance aspects. The WaterChef Premium Shower Filter System SF-7C uses a very powerful and efficient double stage filtration system which filters and sieves out all unwanted compounds like lead, metal, copper, and most importantly, chlorine.

Speaking of which, this shower filter utilizes its very own patented ThermalGuard which serves as a powerful filter for chlorine. This filtration system significantly lowers the chlorine density, among other compounds, which greatly benefits your skin, hair, and nails.

Then come the shower head and wand. The WaterChef Premium Shower Filter System SF-7C comes with a very luxurious shower wand with 5 adjustable spray patterns, including pulsating massage.

One other thing about this shower filter is that it comes with an anti-clog rubber nozzle that won’t get stuck or clog on you from the water’s gunk. You furthermore get an odorless and PVC-free stainless-steel flex-hose that’s a good 60 inches in length.

Convenient? Speaking of convenience, installing the WaterChef Premium Shower Filter System SF-7C is laughably easy to install. It comes with a pre-installed cartridge and you need no tools whatsoever to install it. We like that idea.

You may also be happy to know that this shower filter comes with NSF certification. Last but not least, your purchase of the WaterChef Premium Shower Filter System SF-7C is backed by a very generous 3-year warranty!

6. UBS INC Vita Fresh Shower Deluxe Combo H Shower Filter

If you have tried every generic filter and failed, then take a look into the UBS INC Vita Fresh Shower Deluxe Combo H Shower Filter, undoubtedly the most unique and refreshing filter system on our list today!

The UBS INC Vita Fresh Shower Deluxe Combo H Shower Filter is unique in the way that it uses a very different filter than what we have been looking into so far.

This shower filter uses a 100% pharmaceutical food grade Vitamin C, or L-ascorbic acid, to get rid of chlorine and other junk from your water. Not just that, the vitamin C filter also reduces the level of chloramines which is very tough to get rid of for standard and generic filters.

The UBS INC Vita Fresh Shower Deluxe, in fact, meets the chlorine cleaning requirements of the EPA’s Clean Water Act and is also environmentally conscious. The shower wand uses a ceramic ball which makes water molecules tinier and more enjoyable and soft on your skin. It also has anti-clog mesh put inside for smooth, uninterrupted water flow.

The wand is pretty good to look at with the transparent body and is also very indicative since you can monitor when the filter needs to be changed, which is a very easy process.

Last but not least, the Pontos shower head features not 5, or 10, but a whopping 60 individual spray nozzles for the best and most versatile shower and massage therapy!

7. Pelican Water PSF-1W-C1 Premium Shower Filter Combo

And the last and final, but not least by any means, shower filter to make it to our list of the Best Shower filters is the Pelican Water PSF-1W-C1 Premium Shower Filter Combo. If you are looking for something a little more refined and sophisticated, then this is your kind of thing!

The Pelican Water PSF-1W-C1 Premium Shower Filter Combo is a show stopper. It uses a triple stage filtration system which includes the KDF or copper and zinc stage, the GAC carbon stage, and the very coveted infrared stage.

In the first stage, the water is filtered to remove the maximum of your unwanted compounds like chlorine, lead, and other metallic junk. The second stage comprises of the special blend of steam activated carbon media which filter out difficult and stubborn compounds like chloramines. It also eliminates that weird odor you get from hard water.

And finally, in the last stage, Far-Infrared emitting volcanic media introduces reduced or negative ions into the water which allows it to seep into your skin deeper and better for maximum hydration. The Pelican Water PSF-1W-C1 is nothing less than a full-on high-end spa treatment!

Now, let’s get to the user experience. First of all, this shower filter is super easy to install. It also has long-lasting filters which can easily be replaced via its quick connect feature.

And to add even more to the experience, the 5 ft. long shower and offers a massage-like water flow. One very neat detail about this filter is that it has a clip on it that allows you hang accessories on it. Finally! A good place to hand the loofah, right?

But that’s not even the best part. One very unique feature about this shower filter is that it has an Ocean Breeze scent bar inside to also cater to your aromatherapy needs. How smart is that? But, lastly, to top off the already sweet deal, the Pelican Water PSF-1W-C1 premium shower filter comes with a yearlong warranty as well!

Benefits of Using a Shower Water Filters:

1. Filters out unwanted organic compounds.

Let’s start the list with the absolutely obvious and fundamental. The most important reason behind using a shower filter is to, of course, filtrate!

Believe or not, but your water isn’t as crystal clear as it looks.

It is a breeding ground of hundreds of different types of bacteria, metal traces like lead and copper, and of course, the absolute worst; chlorine. And using a sieve won’t filters these bad guys out.

That’s what a shower filter is for. Shower filters use special filter cartridges made out of various different types of contaminant eliminating and absorbing compounds like activated carbon, vitamin C, zinc, etc. The filter sieves out the harmful compounds to the maximum and allows you to enjoy cleaner and more hygienic water.

2. Softens water.

In the process of filtering the water, shower filters also end up softening the water. Yep! Water also contains a good amount of calcium which can accumulate and build up and leave stains and that white ashy residue everywhere.

With a shower filter installed, the calcium is filtered back and you get a much cleaner, softer water that won’t stain or clog the drain nor irritate your skin.

3. Helps improve hair and skin conditions.

Speaking of irritating, one of the best reasons to get a shower filter is for the sake of your precious hair, nails, and skin! Unfiltered water is contaminated and hard. This can cause or trigger cases of skin conditions like itching, acne, and eczema. You will also find that your hair and skin feel dry and chalky. It can even turn your nails yellow and brittle!

Apart from all the external factors, there something much more fatal about hard, unfiltered water. Did you know that you ingest and inhale a good portion of water during your bath via steam? Let’s also not forget how it has the ability to seep into your bloodstream through the pores. Prolonged exposure to unfiltered water has been shown to result in very serious conditions like asthma, tooth decay, etc.

4. Eliminates funky odor.

Lastly, you have the odor issue. Some water can have a very distinct, funky odor. In other words, it smells like a dead rat that’s been soaking in your reserve like a tea bag. Don’t visualize that. Ew.

Buying Guide: Best Shower Filter

Types of Filters

1. Carbon filters.

Carbon filters are one of the most common and widely used filters in the market. This is because they are the least expensive. The downside? It is also the least effective in filtering out harmful compounds and chemicals from water. Carbon is furthermore affected by high temperatures, which means its efficacy and performance drops as the water gets warmer.

2. KDF filters.

KDF filters use equals ratios, or parts, of copper and zinc to create an electrical charge. This charge is highly efficient in filtering out metal traces. However, KDF filters aren’t so effective in filtering chloramines.

3. Vitamin C filters.

Vitamin c uses l-ascorbic acid to filter out your water and is one of the best filters out there. It is very effective in filtering out (neutralize, in this instance) chlorine, chloramines, and sediment. The downside is that the filters don’t last as long and are relatively expensive.

4. Multiple stage filter.

In multiple stage filters, mainly 2-stage, there is a KDF-style treatment which filters out the contaminants while the second stage of the water treatment uses activated carbon to do the second filtration. These types of filters are great at maintaining a pH balance but can be expensive.

What Features to Look for?

Easy Installation

Installing the shower filter properly is extremely important if you want to be able to make the most of it. Make sure you get a product that is easy to install and comes with proper instructions and hardware, or better yet requires 0 tools to install.

Also, make sure that the wand of the filter sits at the right angle.

Leaks

Here’s the thing; shower filters will leak at some point or the other, no matter how cheap or expensive it is. That’s the sad truth. The only way to ensure you don’t get a weeping filter is that you buy from a reputed brand and do your research. Check the connecting points and the rings where it tends to leak the most. There should be no loose parts, no cracks.

Water Pressure

One thing shower filters are notorious for is cutting down the water pressure. This obviously means a slower and much softer flow which is always frustrating. So, get something that won’t down the pressure too much. Some filters utilize a special design that allows the water to flow perfectly. You really shouldn’t have to beg for water in your own bathroom.

Frequently Asked Questions about Shower Filter:

How often should I replace the filters?

Answer: Well, that’s a tricky question because it depends entirely on the model of the shower filter and very much on how hard and contaminated your water is. Many companies say their filters last 6 months, but the truth is usually far from that. In reality, you may have to change the filter every 3 to 4 months.

Do steam, soap, and humidity not affect the shower filter? Won’t it grow molds or something? Do I have to clean it?

Answer: Great question. First of all, shower filters need to be installed in the bathroom where it could get wet, humid, steamy, soapy, whatever. Hence, they are designed specifically to last in such conditions, so don’t worry about that.

Having said that, some shower filters last better and longer than others. In fact, many low-quality shower filters will start to rust from all the humidity! And there isn’t much cleaning you can do it, to be honest. The best way to prevent this is just to be a conscious customer and purchase a high-quality product.

My chrome shower head is getting some soap scum. How can I get rid of it?

Answer: Vinegar plus lime juice. Slather it on the scum and let it sit for 10 minutes. Scrub off with the soft sponge. Or get a chemical cleaner.

Final words

So, folks, that’s all and everything you needed to know about shower filters and on how to pick the Best Shower filter. We have put together all the essentials and all the details that go into choosing a proper shower filter from a sea of products.

Use our express buying guide as your shower filter checklist to get the best products in the market. Or dive right into our super comprehensive and detailed reviews of the top 7 Best Shower filters to save yourself the pain and trouble.

With this, it’s a wrap to our quest for the best shower filter. We hope you found it useful and informative. Don’t forget to share the word with your friends and family. The perfect shower filter is going to change your life. And no, we are not being dramatic. See you next time. Adios!