A shower filter is one of those things you didn’t know you needed - until you try it, and then you can’t imagine life without it.
Have you ever noticed how your hair and skin look their best while you're on holiday? Sure, relaxation, rest, and a little sun probably help, but the real game-changer is likely the water you’re washing with. Water can be classified as either soft or hard, and while hard water has some benefits (like for bone health), it can also lead to limescale buildup on taps and shower heads - and cause a whole range of hair and skin problems.
The hardness of your water depends on where you live (you can even look up your postcode to check your water hardness level). Generally, places like London and the South East have very hard water, while it’s much softer in Scotland.
A shower filter is designed to capture chlorine and the minerals found in hard water. There are two main types of shower filters to choose from:
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In-line shower filters sit between your current showerhead and the shower arm, filtering the water as it passes through.
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All-in-one shower filters, on the other hand, replace your existing showerhead entirely, with the filter built right into the fixture.
heat's best shower filters at a glance:
Best shower filter overall: Hello Klean Shower Head 2.0, £65 on Hello Klean
Best inline shower filter: AquaBliss High Output Universal Shower Filter, £40.81 on Amazon
Best all-in-one shower filter: Aquasana Filtered Shower Head, £81.19 on Amazon
Whether you're looking to upgrade your beauty routine or have sensitive skin, these shower heads could be the game-changer you need. Most of the models in this selection are super easy to install - they simply screw right in, so no need to call in a plumber or invest in an expensive water-softening system. Plus, many of them offer a more powerful shower experience without cranking up your water bills.
Sound good? Below, you'll find our complete guide to the best shower filters and filtered shower heads.
SHOP: Best shower head filters of 2024
Best shower filter overall
Hello Kleanhelloklean.com
A standout in the shower head game since its launch in 2019, Hello Klean has impressed us with the Shower Head 2.0 thanks to its easy assembly, great value, and solid performance. This all-in-one filter and shower head not only boosts water pressure but also reduces chlorine in your shower water by up to 90%. So, you can enjoy that refreshing, powerful spray while still getting the benefits of filtered water. The purifying filters last for about 13,000 liters of water - roughly 3 months for a household of 3 or 4 months for a household of 2.
Pros
- Modern design
- Removes over 90% of chlorine from water
- Could save you 25% more water with each use
Cons
- Only offers a single pressure setting
Best inline shower filter
AmazonLike most filters we tested, the AquaBliss is incredibly easy to install. It feels sturdy and well-made, with a chrome finish that pairs nicely if you already have a chrome showerhead. This is a great choice if you're looking for a budget-friendly option that still improves your water quality.
Pros
- Great price for the results
- Reduces contaminants in your shower water while also infusing it with beneficial vitamins and minerals
- Has multiple filtration stages
Cons
- Not available with an attached showerhead
Best all-in-one shower filter
AmazonAquasana's straightforwardly named "Filtered Shower Head" keeps your water fresh for up to 6 months. It goes beyond just removing chlorine, effectively filtering out a wide range of impurities like lead, pesticides, hydrogen sulfides, and other volatile organic compounds. We found it super easy to install with just basic household tools - no DIY expertise required.
Pros
- Effective at filtering chlorine and other nasties
- Extremely easy install
- Adjustable showerhead
Cons
- Water pressure could be higher
Best shower filter for easy installation
AmazonHard water can really take a toll on your hair and skin, and that’s where Culligan steps in. This showerhead is designed to easily swap your current setup, making the switch hassle-free. Plus, it's built to save water, helping you cut down on those rising household bills while still enjoying a great shower experience.
Pros
- Provides a spa-like shower experience
- Boosts hair health
- Comes with five spray settings
Cons
- Some say the head is quite heavy
Best all-in-one handheld shower filter
AmazonIf you’re a fan of handheld showerheads, you’ll love this option from PureAction. It filters up to 99.9% of sediments, heavy metals, and dissolved solids found in hard water while also boosting pH levels. It’s especially helpful for hair loss, dry scalps, itchy skin, dandruff, and eczema. The filter is easy to install—just connect it to any standard shower arm in minutes—and it’s compatible with all types of showers, including wall-mount, dual, spray, combo, fixed, rain, and handheld.
Pros
- Sleek design
- Excellent chlorine filtration
- Easy to install
Cons
- Some customers would like a stronger water pressure
Best discreet inline shower filter
Hello Kleanhelloklean.com
Hello Klean’s handy attachment easily screws onto any standard showerhead and claims to reduce up to 90% of impurities, hard minerals, and chlorine. Installation is a breeze - just remove the shower hose from the tap, attach the Hello Klean filter, and then reconnect the shower hose to the bottom of the filter. It's quick, simple, and effective!
Pros
- Incredibly easy to install
- Provides fantastic water pressure
Cons
- Some reviewers say installation instructions are unclear
Phoebe Denman is a Style Writer for heat and Closer where she covers fashion and beauty content. She writes broadly across both for print and online, covering everything from trend reports and shopping pages, to product reviews and chatting to celebs about their style faves.