In the last decade, the sale of shower filters has risen dramatically. Part of that trend may have a lot to do with the knowledge that herbicides, pharmaceutical drugs and other chemicals are showing up in the water we use in our homes. Another possibility is that the link between showering in filtered water and positive health and cosmetic benefits is steadily growing. One thing that does seem certain is that when the health risks become known, many people view a chlorine shower filter as a need and not just an amenity. Once people become aware of the hidden dangers of chlorine and other chemicals, the issue becomes which product is right for you.

Many reviews rightly focus on attributes like quality and price. However, this in-depth shower filter comparison of five top brands will also delve into service record, guarantees and filtration technology. Figuring out which one is the best can be a lengthy process, but well worth the time. In regards to the specifics of filter performance, the research is based on the manufacturer’s own data. The reduction of chlorine, VOCs (Volatile Organic Chemicals), THMs (Trihalomethane) and both lead and copper, were used to determine each filtering system’s effectiveness. One of the first points to mention is that the most expensive filter is definitely not always the one that works the best.

ShowerWise and Paragon

When looking at price, it is important to take into account the overall price of operation for an entire year, as well as the filter technology involved. The Paragon filter actually has a very low startup cost of $69.99. However, because a new filter must be purchased every three months at a cost of $39.99, its initial cost is very deceiving. Similarly, the ShowerWise filter has a $79.99 price tag and a new filter, which will also need to be purchased every three months, costs $39. For both systems, the average price comes to $13 per month.

Their prices are among the lowest of the top brands, but neither system utilizes a carbon filter. The Paragon has a KDF filter and ShowerWise relies on both KDF and Chlorgon. However, both shower filters fail to take advantage of carbon filtration, which is highly effective at removing synthetic chemicals, THMs and VOCs. Though their prices are low, the lack of a carbon filter and having to replace the filter every three months, helps explain why neither are at the top of many comparisons. Additionally, Paragon and ShowerWise reduced the height of the shower and have flow rates that are less than 2.5 Gallons Per Minute (GPM). Therefore, let’s shelve them until we look at the elite of the comparison.

Wellness

The Wellness Filter costs $249. While it only needs a new filter every 18-24 months, the cost for a replacement filter is a steep $189. This averages out to a cost of $16 per month, easily the most expensive filter. Unfortunately, the high price is largely unjustified since its filtering performance is very similar to the much more reasonably priced Aquasana AQ-4100. Furthermore, the Wellness shower system uses only a single KDF filter and is priced at $150 above its nearest competitor. For these reasons, and particularly because of the price, this filter doesn’t make the top two spots of this shower filter review.

Aquasana and Jonathan Beauty Shower Systems

The five competitors have been narrowed down to two and it’s time to look at the finer points. The Jonathan Beauty shower filter is priced at $95 and a replacement cartridge costing $55 is needed at six-month intervals, for a monthly cost of $9.25. Although most of the top brands won’t hurt your wallet too much, the Aquasana AQ-4100 gives you the most bang for the buck. The overall costs are lower than any other system. It is priced at $67.99 and the replacement filter, which lasts up to 6 months, is a very inexpensive $42. Monthly cost is an extremely affordable $7. It represents an amazing deal, but the filter’s effectiveness must still be compared with its main rival.

Aquasana scored very high, as it removed over 90% of all chlorine, VOCs, and THMS, while also removing over 70% of all lead and copper. Jonathan Beauty equaled Aquasana in three out of four categories, though when it came to lead and copper, it removed over 90%. These top-rated filters are clearly much better than Paragon and ShowerWise at filtering out chemicals. While not much separates them at this point, Jonathan Beauty does cost over 39% more than Aquasana and the replacement cartridge is 23% more expensive.

The last point to consider about the two leading brands is service. Aquasana has more than 17 patents and has been involved in the home water treatment industry for more than 15 years. They have sold over 9 million water filter products, which are backed by an amazing 60-day guarantee (90 for some products). Furthermore, when you enroll in their auto-ship program called “Water 4 Life,” you get a lifetime warranty on your system. On the other hand, the Jonathan Beauty shower filter webpage does not even mention a shower filter warranty. Only after you look through lots of salon products will you find the terms and conditions. While each item comes with a money-back guarantee, there are no details about how long it lasts, so buyers beware. Given the consistent marks of the Aquasana shower filter in all categories, especially service, it wins the top spot.

Final Thoughts

Aquasana beat every competitor on price, and with one exception, its patented two-stage system performed equal to or better than the other shower filter brands. It’s worth mentioning that out of these five leading brands, only the Aquasana and Jonathan Beauty have been awarded the prestigious Consumers Digest Magazine’s “Best Buy” award, so they do have to live up to some high manufacturing standards. If you live in an area where it is not safe to drink from the faucet, then it is probably not safe to be taking a shower, unless you invest in a high-quality shower water filter.

Searching for the best shower filters? Then check out www.aquasanaforlife.com where you’ll find the Aquasana shower filter that earned Consumers Digest Magazine’s “Best Buy” award 2006-2008!