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Shower valves are the components in showers that control water temperature and the rate of water flow. Choosing the wrong valve—or worse, a low-quality product—can result in a poor fit and may lead to leaks. To help you select the proper option for your bathroom and budget, we researched dozens of popular shower valves and reached out to a plumbing expert for insights on shower valve types and key features.
Based on the expert’s knowledge and our team’s research, we chose the Hansgrohe iBox Universal Plus Rough Shower Valve as the best overall option for most users. This universal valve has an adjustable depth collar, durable brass construction, and a leak-preventing design. It might be the right choice for your DIY shower valve replacement, but one of our other top picks could also offer a great fit for your shower. Keep reading to see which of the best shower valves will work for you.
- BEST OVERALL: Hansgrohe iBox Universal Plus Rough Shower Valve
↓ Jump to Review - BEST BANG FOR THE BUCK: Grohe Grohsafe Pressure Balance Rough-In Valve
↓ Jump to Review - UPGRADE PICK: Moen Smart Shower 2-Outlet Digital Thermostatic Valve
↓ Jump to Review - BEST WITH SHOWER HEAD: Delta Faucet Ashlyn Monitor 14 Series Shower Faucet
↓ Jump to Review - BEST SHOWER ARM DIVERTER: Mingor-Style Brass Shower Arm Diverter Valve
↓ Jump to Review - BEST FOR OUTDOOR SHOWERS: EZ-Flo Self-Closing Pull-Chain Shower Valve
↓ Jump to Review - BEST VINTAGE: Kingston Brass Two-Handle Wall-Mount Tub Faucet
↓ Jump to Review
Shower Valves Comparison Chart
| Product Name | Type | Outlets | Material |
| Hansgrohe iBox Universal Plus Rough Shower Valve | Universal | 2 | Brass |
| Grohe Grohsafe Pressure Balance Rough-In Valve | Pressure-balancing | 2 | Brass |
| Moen Smart Shower 2-Outlet Digital Thermostatic Valve | Thermostatic | 2 | Copper |
| Delta Faucet Ashlyn Monitor 14 Series Shower Faucet | Pressure-balancing | 1 | Brass |
| Mingor-Style Brass Shower Arm Diverter Valve | Diverter valve | 2 | Brass |
| EZ-Flo Self-Closing Pull-Chain Shower Valve | Stand-alone | 1 | Brass |
| Kingston Brass Two-Handle Wall-Mount Tub Faucet | Stand-alone | 2 | Brass |
Our Top Picks
Check out this collection of some of the best shower valves you can buy to replace or upgrade your existing model. From high-tech to super simple, there is a wide range of options for updating showers indoors and out.
Best Overall
Hansgrohe iBox Universal Plus Rough Shower Valve
What We Like
- Adjustable collar fits most walls
- Works with pressure-balancing or thermostatic valves
- Leak-preventative design seals around wall
What We Don’t Like
- Does not come with trim kit
Specs
- Type Universal (thermostatic or pressure-balancing)
- Outlets 2
- Material Brass
The Hansgrohe iBox Universal Leak Preventing Valve is all about flexibility—for use and installation now and in the future. As a rough-in valve that works with any Hansgrohe or Axor shower trim, including The Hansgrohe iBox universal shower control valve is all about flexibility—for use and installation now and in the future. As a rough-in valve that works with any Hansgrohe or Axor shower trim, including pressure-balance and thermostatic, it allows users to maintain and update their showers at any point. There’s an adjustable depth collar meant to fit most wall thicknesses, and it mounts directly to the wall studs, providing extra strength and stability from water hammer or multiple showers each day.
This Hansgrohe iBox can supply multiple shower outlets, including a shower head, tub spout, and handheld shower wand. Its PVC housing was designed to help reduce in-wall vibrations and noise, allowing for a quiet and relaxing shower. However, it does require a trim kit, so you’ll need to buy and install shower valve trim separately.
Get the Hansgrohe shower valve at Amazon, Lowe’s, The Home Depot, Build With Ferguson, or Hansgrohe.
Best Bang For The Buck
Grohe Grohsafe Pressure Balance Rough-In Valve
What We Like
- Wide temperature adjustment range
- Built-in check valves to prevent back-feeding
- Plug included to close extra outlet
What We Don’t Like
- Requires a trim kit
Specs
- Type Pressure-balancing
- Outlets 2
- Material Brass
The Grohe Pressure Balance Rough-In Valve is a worthy contender for anyone on the hunt for a quality sThe Grohe Grohsafe pressure-balance rough-in valve is a worthy contender for anyone on the hunt for a quality shower valve at an affordable price. It has two inlets for hot and cold water and two outlets for a shower head and a tub. For those who prefer to use just the tub spout or shower head, there’s a plug to seal off the other outlet. This pressure-balance valve works with any Grohe trim kit, though no kit comes with purchase.
This shower valve has a wide range of temperature adjustability, rotating 265 degrees between handle stops so users can make small adjustments. It also has built-in check valves to prevent back-feeding hot or cold water into the other line. For maintenance, the Grohe features two built-in shutoffs for working leak-free within the wall.
Get the Grohe shower valve at Amazon.
Upgrade Pick
Moen Smart Shower 2-Outlet Digital Thermostatic Valve
What We Like
- Smart valve controlled via smartphone
- 2 outlets for a faucet and shower
- Offers personalized temperature settings
What We Don’t Like
- Controller sold separately
Specs
- Type Thermostatic
- Outlets 2
- Material Copper
Dialing in the perfect temperature is now easier. The Moen Smart Shower Digital Thermostatic Valve lets uDialing in the perfect temperature is easy with the Moen Smart Shower digital thermostatic valve. This valve is the foundation for building a smart shower system that lets you adjust the shower temperature from your phone when paired with a Moen Shower Smart Controller (sold separately). It uses a thermostatic shower mixer valve to adjust for consistent temperature and installs easily in a standard 2×4 stud wall.
This shower valve has 0.5-inch inlets and outlets, and it will work with both the tub spout and shower head (or a handheld shower in place of the spout). It also comes with a 30-foot-long data cable and necessary power supply unit, though users can also upgrade to a separate battery backup if desired.
Get the Moen shower valve at Amazon, Lowe’s, The Home Depot, Build With Ferguson, or Moen.
Best with Showerhead
Delta Faucet Ashlyn Monitor 14 Series Shower Faucet
What We Like
- Available in multiple finishes
- Universal fit for simpler installation
- Maintains temperature within 3.6 degrees
What We Don’t Like
- Only 1 outlet
Specs
- Type Pressure-balancing
- Outlets 1
- Material Brass
Whether upgrading an old shower or installing a new one, consider the Delta Faucet Ashlyn shower faucet. This pick is sold as a complete kit, meaning it includes the necessary components to revamp current shower trim, including a pressure-balance valve, a shower head, a tub spout, and hardware. It comes in four different finishes—Venetian bronze, matte black, stainless, and chrome—to suit your bathroom’s decor.
The rough-in valve itself features universal 0.5-inch inlet and outlet fittings, allowing users to replace most older valves without coupling up or down in pipe size. Its pressure-balance functionality maintains a set temperature within plus or minus 3.6 degrees, eliminating the negative effects of flushing toilets or using washing machines. This valve only features one outlet, however, so it’s only suitable for showers.
Get the Delta Faucet shower valve (various finishes) at Amazon, Lowe’s, or Wayfair.
Best Shower Arm Diverter
Mingor-Style Brass Shower Arm Diverter Valve
What We Like
- Available in 4 finishes
- 3-position handle for shower, faucet, or both
- Durable 1-piece brass construction
What We Don’t Like
- Diverter valve only; doesn’t mix temperature or balance pressure
Specs
- Type Diverter valve
- Outlets 2
- Material Brass
Shower head valves can be finicky, especially in homes with hard water. If your diverter valve isn’t working properly, it may be time to upgrade to this model from Mingor-Style, which features durable one-piece brass construction that can withstand hard water situations. It comes with the necessary O-rings for installation and is available in four finishes to match chrome, brushed nickel, matte black, or oil-rubbed bronze shower trim.
For users who don’t already have a separate shower wand, this diverter valve allows for an easy installation, as it threads onto the pipe behind the shower head. When the handle is 180 degrees backward, all of the water will flow to the wand. When it’s 180 degrees forward, all the water will exit through the shower head. At 90 degrees, it mixes both outlets equally. Keep in mind that this valve doesn’t mix hot and cold water, however, so a basic shower valve kit is still necessary.
Get the Mingor-Style shower valve at Amazon.
Best For Outdoor Showers
EZ-Flo Self-Closing Pull-Chain Shower Valve
What We Like
- Automatically shuts itself off
- Universal 0.5-inch threads
- Protects drought-prone areas
What We Don’t Like
- Needs a hook to catch the chain to prevent freezing
Specs
- Type Stand-alone
- Outlets 1
- Material Brass
Kids forgetting to turn off an outdoor shower can turn into a disaster for the wallet, and it’s especially bForgetting to turn off an outdoor shower can be disastrous, especially for those using well water or living under drought conditions. This stand-alone EZ-Flo self-closing shower valve installs directly in line with an existing shower head and will operate as long as there is tension on the pull chain. After releasing the chain, it automatically shuts off to conserve water.
This valve’s brass construction and chrome finish make it a durable choice for outdoor applications. It features a 0.5-inch inlet and outlet, allowing for direct installation of most water-supply pipe fittings.
Pro tip: Be sure to drain the outdoor shower’s pipes before winter and install a catch to hold the pull chain open to lessen the chances of a pipe bursting.
Get the EZ-Flo shower valve at Amazon, Lowe’s, The Home Depot, or Walmart.
Best Vintage
Kingston Brass Two-Handle Wall-Mount Tub Faucet
What We Like
- Stylish look with durable all-brass finish
- Comes with shower head
- Installs as wall or tub-mounted
What We Don’t Like
- No balancing or temperature control
Specs
- Type Stand-alone
- Outlets 2
- Material Brass
TThose looking for a stylish upgrade for a clawfoot tub or luxury shower should check out the Kingston Brass wall-mount tub faucet. Using its two-hole installation pattern, this kit installs as a wall-mounted unit for shower applications or attaches directly to a clawfoot tub’s plumbing. It has two stand-alone valves for adjusting to the perfect temperature and features a built-in tub spout with a 59-inch shower wand that rests on the spout. It comes in nine finishes, including chrome, matte black, brushed nickel, and antique brass.
Though this model looks charmingly old-fashioned on its surface, it still features a durable all-brass body (regardless of finish) and drip-free quarter-turn valve cartridges, helping to avoid the small leaks for which older tubs are notorious.
Get the Kingston shower valve (various finishes) at Amazon, Wayfair, Build With Ferguson, or Kingston Brass.
Jump to Our Top Picks
How We Chose the Best Shower Valves
To create a list of the best shower valves, we performed extensive product research, drew upon our team’s DIY plumbing knowledge, and spoke to Sam Chmielarski, licensed plumber and owner of Full Flow Plumbing and Drainage. After identifying dozens of potential options, we narrowed our recommendations to just seven based on features, materials, and overall value. The resulting list is made only of models we’d feel good installing in our own homes and suggesting you use in yours.
What to Consider When Choosing a Shower Valve
Believe it or not, there is more to a shower valve than simply twisting a knob and letting the water flow. The following are some of the most important considerations to keep in mind when choosing the best shower valve.
Type
Generally speaking, there are three basic types of shower valves: diverter, thermostatic, and pressure-balancing. Each works differently, so it pays to understand them before purchasing one.
- Diverter valves are simple devices that control the direction in which the water flows, such as through the wand or out the shower head. Installing a shower diverter valve is typically relatively easy.
- Pressure-balancing valves can sense a drop in hot or cold water pressure and adjust the opposite pressure to match and maintain a constant temperature. For instance, if someone flushes a toilet and the cold water pressure drops, a pressure-balancing valve will automatically change the hot water pressure coming from the water heater to match and maintain the same temperature.
- Thermostatic shower valves work similarly to pressure-balancing valves, except they maintain temperature, not balance. These valves have basic thermostats within them that allow the user to adjust the water temperature more accurately and consistently.
There are also stand-alone shower faucets with individual valves for hot and cold water. These valves are much simpler, though often more expensive. It’s also important to know that the term “rough-in” refers to the shower valve cartridge itself, which the plumber installs during the rough-in phase of construction. A rough-in valve won’t have trim kit components, such as the ring plate, handle, or other finished fixtures.
Outlets
Shower valves have varying numbers of outlets. Since each outlet will feed a fixture, having the proper number is important.
For example, folks with a simple shower head can get away with a shower valve with just one outlet. Those with a shower head and spout will need two outlets. Those with body jets will require three outlets, and so on.
It’s best to come up with a plan for the shower before choosing the shower valve. This will ensure enough outlets for the plan at hand, allowing DIYers to build the shower of their dreams.
Material
Shower valves are typically tucked behind a wall somewhere with relatively limited access. For that reason, it’s important to ensure that any valve chosen features durable materials that will last for years.
The best material for plumbing fixtures is almost always brass; it’s durable and doesn’t rust. Next, look for copper shower valves. Worry less about plastics and more about the metal materials housing the cartridges that adjust the temperatures.
FAQs
If you still have questions about choosing the best shower valves, the following answers to common questions should help.
A shower valve controls the flow of water into a shower. Some shower valves mix water together to create desired temperatures.
Some valves are listed as universal, but not all. You’ll need to read the valve’s packaging to determine if you’re looking at a universal shower valve.
The most common shower valve is a pressure-balancing valve with both shower and spout ports.
Yes! You can find a full set of steps in our How To Replace a Shower Valve guide, but the basics are as follows:
1. Turn off the water
2. Gain access to the valve by removing the knob and trim from the front
3. Cut or remove the existing shower valve at the pipes
4. Clean up the cuts and solder in the new valve
Still, as licensed plumber Sam Chmielarski points out, DIYers will want to proceed with some caution, as “Plumbing is regulated work for compliance and insurance purposes. An incorrect installation could potentially cause a hidden leak behind a wall, cosmetic and structural damage to your home, and void an insurance claim.”
According to Sam Chmielarski, “These valves limit water pressure to a safe level, protecting your valves, faucets, and fixtures. However, if you have multiple people using the plumbing system at the same time, for example, flushing a toilet while someone is showering, they could experience a drop in pressure and changes in water temperature.”
Sam Chmielarski says that “a good quality brass thermostatic shower valve can last up to 20 years. Plastic or lower-grade metal shower valves may last around 10 years.” He also points out that your home’s water quality can impact longevity, as hard water causes scale buildup that reduces a shower valve’s lifespan.
