Head-to-head · Best Shower Heads

Kohler Forté Multifunction Showerhead K-22169 vs Speakman Hotel Anystream S-2005-HB

Which is the better buy? Side-by-side on rating, price, strengths, and watch-outs — with the published ratings we averaged to get there.

Verdict is reader-supported. As an Amazon Associate we earn from qualifying purchases. Some links on this page are affiliate links — if you click through and buy, we may earn a small commission at no extra cost to you. Our ratings are sourced from independent publications, not sponsors.

The short answer

Speakman Hotel Anystream S-2005-HB comes out ahead by a narrow margin (4.7 vs 4.6). Speakman Hotel Anystream S-2005-HB is best for: strong pressure from a simple fixed head, including on low water pressure. Read the strengths below before deciding.

Ranked #2 in Best Shower Heads

Kohler Forté Multifunction Showerhead K-22169

4.6

2 sourcesall derived$171.16as of Oct 11

The Kohler Forté Multifunction Showerhead K-22169 offers a premium spa-like experience with its three spray settings and Catalyst air induction technology that enhances water pressure. Consumer Reports praised its easy installation and water-saving capabilities. While the polished chrome finish delivers a sleek look, some users noted it may show mineral buildup. This showerhead is ideal for those seeking an upgrade from basic models but may not suit users wanting a complete shower package without additional components.

Strengths

— Features three distinct spray modes: full coverage, pulsating massage, and silk spray
— Provides up to 30% water savings while maintaining strong water pressure
— Earned the highest scores in Good Housekeeping's hands-on testing across all spray settings

Watch-outs

— Requires separate purchase of shower arm and flange for installation
— No pause setting for shaving or lathering
— Mist setting gives off a mild staticky hiss

$171.16 · Check Price on Amazon Full review →

Higher ratedRanked #1 in Best Shower Heads

Speakman Hotel Anystream S-2005-HB

4.7

1 source$51.47as of Oct 10

The Speakman Hotel Anystream S-2005-HB is a fixed 2.5 GPM shower head with three spray settings: intense, massage and a combination of the two. Bob Vila tested it in two roundups, gave it an overall 5/5 in its high-pressure comparison and named it best overall in both; its low-water-pressure testers called the massage spray the strongest they tested. Bob Vila's criticisms are narrow spray coverage and having only three settings.

Strengths

— Adjustment ring moves easily without slipping between settings, per Bob Vila
— Self-cleaning plungers resist hard-water buildup
— Four finishes

Watch-outs

— Spray coverage is narrow, per Bob Vila

$51.47 · Buy at speakman.com Full review →

Derived means the reviewer published no score, so one was inferred from their written verdict. Everything else is a number the publisher printed. How we rank.

How they stack up

Kohler Forté Multifunction Showerhead K-22169

The Kohler Forté Multifunction Showerhead K-22169 has three spray modes, against five on the Delta 5-Setting Showerhead 52535. It flows at 1.75 GPM like the Delta, and its 5.5-inch brass head is slightly smaller than the 6-inch heads of the Delta and the SparkPod High-Pressure Rainfall, with the Delta's made of plastic. It costs more than both, and a shower arm and flange must be bought separately.

Speakman Hotel Anystream S-2005-HB

The Speakman runs at 2.5 GPM, more than the 1.75 GPM Kohler Forté K-22169 and Delta 52535 and the 1.8 GPM SparkPod High-Pressure Rainfall. It has three spray settings, the same count as the Kohler Forté and fewer than the Delta's five, while the SparkPod has a single rainfall pattern. Bob Vila found its spray coverage narrow; the SparkPod and Delta heads are 6 inches across.

Specs side-by-side

Spec	Kohler Forté Multifunction Showerhead K-22169	Speakman Hotel Anystream S-2005-HB
Spray Settings	three distinct sprays	3 (intense, massage, combination)
Finish	Polished Chrome	Polished Chrome (other finishes available)
Flow Rate	1.75 GPM	2.5 GPM
Showerhead Size	5.5-in	—
Connection Type	1/2 inch NPT	—
Features	Katalyst technology	Anystream system, 8 massage jets, self-cleaning plungers
Material	Brass	—
Handheld	—	No

← See the full ranking of best shower heads