If you want a shower head with a filter, lots of spray modes and a pause button for under €30, the Besjaar Shower Head with Filter is a strong choice. If you want a big-brand chlorine filter, look at Philips. If you don't need a filter, a Grohe hand shower is a solid alternative.
This comparison was written by Besjaar. The specifications of the other brands come from their own product sheets. We put them side by side honestly, so you can choose for yourself.
The models side by side
| Model | Filter | What the filter does | Spray modes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Besjaar Shower Head with Filter | 8-stage, incl. calcium sulphite | Stops particles, breaks down free chlorine | 10 (8 + 2 PowerWash) |
| Philips ASH1516CH | Activated carbon fibre (ACF) | Removes residual chlorine | 3 |
| Philips AWP1705 | Calcium sulphite | Up to 99% residual chlorine, rust and sediment (according to Philips) | Not stated |
| Grohe Vitalio Joy+ 120 | None | – | 3 |
No shower head with a filter makes your water softer. Dissolved limescale simply flows through. That applies to every brand in this overview.
Besjaar Shower Head with Filter
The Besjaar Shower Head with Filter has an 8-stage filter, 8 wellness modes and 2 PowerWash jets for the bath, the shower tray and pets. The pause button stops the water while you lather up. You rub limescale off the silicone nozzles with your finger.
- Price: €25.99, or €30.99 as a set with hose (October 2026).
- Filter replacement: every 3 to 5 months. A set of 2 replacement filters costs €9.99.
- Weaker point: the head is ABS with a chrome finish, not metal.
Philips ASH1516CH and AWP1705
Philips has two hand showers with a filter. The ASH1516CH has a carbon filter, 3 modes and small nozzles for a stronger spray. The AWP1705 is a compact head with a flow rate of 6 litres per minute. According to Philips, its filter lasts 3,000 litres. At 8 minutes of showering a day, that is about 2 months for one person.
- Strong point: a well-known brand with clear product sheets.
- Weaker point: fewer modes and no pause button listed.
Grohe Vitalio Joy+ 120
The Grohe Vitalio Joy+ 120 has no filter, but it does have 3 spray types and a flow limiter set to 7 litres per minute. On bol.com it costs €59.18 (October 2026).
- Strong point: a solid big brand, economical.
- Weaker point: no filter, and more than twice the price of a Besjaar.
Which one suits you?
- You live in the Netherlands and mainly want a full spray. Dutch tap water normally contains no chlorine, so a filter adds little there. Choose the Besjaar Luxury Hand Shower for €19.99, or a Grohe if you want a big brand. Also read is there chlorine in Dutch tap water?
- You want lots of modes and a pause button. Choose the Besjaar Shower Head with Filter.
- You live in Belgium, France or Spain. Tap water there often contains chlorine, and then a filter does make a difference. The Besjaar and both Philips models break down chlorine.
- You have limescale problems all over the house. No shower head will solve that. Read water softener or shower filter?
Frequently asked questions
What is the best shower head with a filter?
That depends on your water. In the Netherlands it is mostly about the spray and convenience. Where chlorinated water comes out of the tap, the filter counts too.
Does a shower head with a filter remove limescale from the water?
No. No shower filter makes your water softer. Silicone nozzles do help against limescale in the head itself.
Does a shower head with a filter fit every shower hose?
Almost always. Most hand showers in Europe, including Besjaar's, have the standard G½″ connection. Check the product sheet if you're unsure.
Besjaar makes shower heads and filters for Dutch bathrooms, from Assen. Better water, every day.