If you’re looking to upgrade your shower experience, Shower Envy and StoneStream are two popular high-pressure shower head options to consider. Both boast luxury spa-like pressure, but have some key differences when it comes to features and performance.
In this comprehensive guide, we’ll compare the key specs and user experiences between Shower Envy and StoneStream shower heads to help you determine which is best for your needs and budget.
A Brief Comparison Table
| Feature | Shower Envy | StoneStream |
| Type of Head | Fixed | Handheld |
| Water Flow Rate | 2.5 GPM | 2.0 GPM |
| Number of Settings | 6 spray patterns | 3 spray patterns |
| Material | ABS plastic | Stainless steel |
| Easy Install | Yes, tool-free | Yes, tool-free |
| Special Technologies | AirFortified technology for full pressure | PowerPulse technology for full pressure |
| Filtered Water | No | Yes, removable filter |
| Shut Off Valve | No | Yes |
| Hose Length | N/A | 60 inches |
| Warranty | Lifetime | Lifetime |
As you can see from the table, Shower Envy and StoneStream have some noticeable differences when it comes to design, features, and specs. Keep reading for an in-depth look at how they compare.
Shower Envy Overview
Shower Envy is a luxurious fixed shower head designed to provide a high-pressure rainfall experience.
It features an extra-large 4.5 inch face with 90 rub-clean nozzles for full water coverage.
The ABS plastic construction is chrome-plated for durability and shine.
One of the standout features is the patented AirFortified technology, which injects air into the water flow to amplify pressure.
This allows the Shower Envy to provide a satisfying high-pressure stream while only using 2.5 GPM, saving water compared to standard shower heads.
The shower head has 6 different spray settings that can be toggled using a convenient lever on the side:
- Rainfall spray
- Jetting spray
- Mix spray
- Rain air-infused spray
- Flood spray
- Water-saving economy spray
This versatility allows you to customize your shower for the perfect pressure and coverage for your preferences. Installation is easy with the tool-free connection that fits any standard shower arm.
Shower Envy provides a limited lifetime warranty, so you can purchase with confidence. Overall, it’s a solid fixed shower head option with excellent pressure and coverage.
Shower Envy Pros
- Provides satisfying high-pressure while only using 2.5 GPM
- AirFortified technology amplifies water pressure
- 90 rub-clean nozzles resist mineral buildup
- Large 4.5 inch face for full coverage
- 6 spray settings for customized showering
- Easy tool-free installation
- Lifetime limited warranty
Shower Envy Cons
- Fixed head, no handheld option
- No filtered water option
- No shut-off valve
- Some users report issues with cheap plastic parts
StoneStream Overview
StoneStream takes a high-tech approach to delivering luxury pressure while filtering your water.
It features a unique handheld shower head design with PowerPulse technology that uses air chambers to deliver a powerful concentrated stream. The stainless steel construction is built to last.
The head has 3 spray modes that are toggled by twisting the spray face:
- Power rain
- Pulsating massage
- Circular rinse
While StoneStream doesn’t have as many settings as Shower Envy, the adjustable angle of the handheld head allows you to customize your shower’s spray coverage.
One of the most unique aspects of StoneStream is the built-in filter.
The SF100 filter cartridge is designed to remove chlorine, scale, rust and other impurities from your water for a cleaner shower.
Other handy features include a 60 inch stainless steel hose, self-cleaning rub-clean jets, and a convenient water shut-off valve for easily pausing your shower. Tool-free installation takes minutes.
StoneStream provides a lifetime limited warranty for defects. It’s a thoughtfully designed shower head that brings both luxury pressure and filtration.
StoneStream Pros
- Innovative handheld design
- PowerPulse technology for full pressure
- Built-in filter clears chlorine, scale, rust
- Shut-off valve for pausing shower
- Self-cleaning rub-clean jets
- Easy tool-free installation
- Lifetime limited warranty
StoneStream Cons
- Fewer settings than Shower Envy
- Replacement filters are required
- Some users don’t like handheld design
- Lower flow rate may not satisfy all users
Comparing the Pressure Performance of Shower Envy And StoneStream Shower Heads
Let’s dive deeper into how Shower Envy and StoneStream deliver their high-pressure streams.
- Shower Envy’s AirFortified Technology
Shower Envy’s AirFortified tech injects air into the shower stream to amplify its pressure. More air in the water creates larger, fuller droplets that feel more powerful on your skin.
With a standard shower head, decreasing the GPM reduces pressure. But Shower Envy’s aerated stream maintains satisfying pressure even at an efficient 2.5 GPM flow rate.
User reviews confirm the AirFortified tech works well, providing rainfall and jetting streams with excellent pressure. The flood spray is less focused, but provides immersive coverage.
- StoneStream’s PowerPulse Technology
StoneStream takes a different approach by using PowerPulse technology, which forces the water through tiny nozzles into chambers that build up pressure.
The pressurized water is then released through jets, creating a focused high-pressure stream. Twisting the spray face toggles between powerful raindrop style jets for the main cleanse to a more massaging circular spray pattern.
With a 2.0 GPM flow rate, StoneStream users say the pressure is outstanding, providing a luxurious soak and massage. However, some note the pressure drops a bit when using the handheld sprayer’s full range of motion.
- Pressure Performance Comparison
While both shower heads deliver exceptional pressure, Shower Envy appears to have a slight edge in providing consistent satisfaction across all its spray patterns.
However, StoneStream users appreciate the flexibility of its handheld design. The pressure may dip slightly depending on angle, but the ability to direct and customize the stream is a worthy tradeoff for many users.
Comparison of Filtration Capabilities
One of StoneStream’s biggest differentiating features is its built-in filtration system. Let’s compare how it stacks up against Shower Envy.
StoneStream’s Filter
The StoneStream features a SF100 filter that uses five stages to remove impurities from your water:
- Polypropylene fibered mesh catches sediment, rust, and large particles
- Activated carbon reduces odors, chlorine, benzene, and volatile organic chemicals
- Ion exchange resin filters out heavy metals like lead
- Calcium sulfite crystals trap additional heavy metals not caught by the resin
- A final 5 micron coconut shell carbon block filters fine particles
This comprehensive filtration allows StoneStream to provide noticeably cleaner, purer water. The filter cartridge is easy to access and replace after 6-8 months.
Shower Envy Has No Built-In Filter
One downside of the Shower Envy is it does not include any filtration or water treatment capabilities.
You simply get the standard water quality flowing from your existing shower pipe.
If your current water supply has no issues, this may not be a concern.
But for many people, filtering out chlorine, minerals, metals, and other contaminants results in a cleaner, healthier shower.
If filtered water is important to you, StoneStream is the clear choice.
While Shower Envy doesn’t have built-in filtration, you could pair it with an external shower head water filter.
But this adds hassle and cost compared to StoneStream’s integrated filter.
Ease of Use Comparison
Both shower heads aim to provide a luxurious spray while remaining easy to install and operate. Here’s how they compare when it comes to convenience:
- Simple Tool-Free Installation
One area where Shower Envy and StoneStream are equally matched is installation. Both feature straightforward, tool-free installation that takes just minutes.
You simply remove your existing shower head, clean the shower arm threads, and screw on the new shower head until tight. No tools or plumbing expertise required.
- Convenient Control Methods
When it comes to controlling spray modes, Shower Envy uses a simple dial on the side of the fixed shower head. Click it left or right to toggle between the 6 settings.
StoneStream requires a bit more effort by having you twist the spray face itself to change modes. Since it’s a handheld, you have to use one hand to hold it steady while turning with the other.
Shower Envy’s dial makes switching sprays a bit quicker and easier. But StoneStream users appreciate being able to adjust spray direction by angle and position of the handheld.
- Other Handy Features
StoneStream includes a few bonuses like its 60 inch stainless steel hose for range of motion and a flip lever to pause water flow as needed.
While Shower Envy doesn’t have these extras, its AirFortified technology and high-pressure performance satisfy most users.
They both deliver on the key goal of providing luxurious pressure while remaining easy to install and use.
Customer Reviews Comparison
Based on thousands of customer reviews, both shower heads receive outstanding satisfaction ratings. Here’s an overview of what users like and dislike about each model:
Shower Envy Reviews
On Amazon, Shower Envy earns a 4.4 out of 5 star average based on 7,000+ reviews. Positive feedback includes:
- Provides incredibly high pressure while saving water
- Quality rainfall feel across all spray patterns
- Easy tool-free installation
- Reliable performance even after years of use
Critical reviews mention:
- Plastic can feel flimsy
- Spray head is heavy, angles down over time
- Mineral buildup problems in hard water
- Some reliability complaints
Overall, Shower Envy users are very satisfied with the luxurious pressure and coverage it provides. Some quality control issues lead to a handful of negative reviews.
StoneStream Reviews
StoneStream earns a 4.5 out of 5 star average from 6,000+ Amazon reviewers. Positive feedback highlights:
- Provides incredibly strong pressure
- Handheld design allows adjusting spray direction
- Built-in filter makes a noticeable difference
- Reliable and durable even after years of use
Top complaints include:
- Spray pressure diminishes at certain angles
- Replacing filters can be a hassle
- Handheld hose leaves water dripping
- Higher price tag
The premium features like filtration and handheld design justify the higher price for most StoneStream users. Some minor drawbacks still lead to it earning outstanding reviews.
Also Read: Differences Between Showery And StoneStream Shower Heads.
Cost Comparison of Shower Envy And StoneStream Shower Heads
When it comes to price, StoneStream is the more expensive option:
- StoneStream retails for $299.99. Replacement filters cost around $40 for a 2-pack.
- Shower Envy retails for $189.99.
The price difference comes from the hand shower design, metal construction, shut-off valve, and integrated filter system that StoneStream offers over the simpler Shower Envy.
Both come with lifetime warranties and outstanding customer reviews noting excellent durability and longevity.
Either can provide 5+ years of reliable performance to justify the initial investment.
For shoppers on a tight budget, Shower Envy provides excellent pressure and coverage at a more affordable price point. But if you can spend extra for filtration and handheld convenience, StoneStream is worth the upgrade cost.
Shower Envy Vs. StoneStream: Which Is Better?
Based on this comprehensive comparison, is Shower Envy or StoneStream the better high-pressure shower head overall?
While both excel in delivering a luxurious shower, here are some key points to help summarize the key differences:
- For Premium Filtration: StoneStream is the winner if you want built-in water filtration. Its multi-stage filter cartridge provides noticeably cleaner, healthier water.
- For Handheld Flexibility: StoneStream’s handheld design allows adjusting spray angle and position for maximum control.
- For Sheer Power: Shower Envy appears to maintain slightly stronger pressure across all its spray modes. But StoneStream still provides outstanding power.
- For Affordability: Shower Envy gives you excellent pressure and coverage for roughly $110 less.
- For Low Maintenance: Shower Envy avoids the periodic filter changes required by StoneStream.
Overall, choose Shower Envy if your top priority is keeping costs down while getting superb pressure from a durable fixed head.
Go with StoneStream if you want purification, handheld adjustability, and premium materials worth the higher price.
Either delivers the high-pressure luxury shower experience most users are seeking. As two leading options in this category, you really can’t go wrong with Shower Envy or StoneStream.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
For most users, StoneStream is worth the higher $299.99 price tag. The integrated filter provides noticeably cleaner and healthier water. The handheld design allows you to customize spray position and target sore muscles. And the PowerPulse technology delivers incredibly strong pressure for a luxurious soak. If you can afford the upgrade, StoneStream is an excellent investment to transform your shower into a spa-like retreat right at home.
Some of the top shower head brands to consider for high pressure and luxury features include Moen, Delta, Speakman, Kohler, Grohe, and Hansgrohe. Both Shower Envy and StoneStream have emerged as leading brands in recent years for their innovative designs that boost water pressure. While more premium, brands like these consistently earn outstanding customer reviews and satisfaction.
The main benefits of the StoneStream shower head are:
1. Provides very high water pressure by using PowerPulse technology
2. Built-in multi-stage water filter removes chlorine, metals, and other impurities
3. Handheld adjustable design allows directing spray where needed
4. Three spray settings (Power Rain, Pulsating Massage, Circular Rinse)
5. Convenient on/off valve to pause water
6. Easy tool-free installation
Most experts recommend a shower head flow rate between 1.5 – 2.5 GPM (gallons per minute). Flow rates lower than 1.5 GPM may have unsatisfying pressure, while higher flow above 2.5 GPM wastes water. Within this ideal range, 2.0 – 2.5 GPM provides the best balance of water savings and strong pressure for most users. Shower heads with air injection or pressure-boosting technology can also help ensure good water coverage at lower flow rates.
Wrapping Up
If you’re seeking the spa-like experience of a luxury high-pressure shower right at home, both Shower Envy or StoneStream are excellent options that will transform your daily showers. With outstanding customer reviews and proven technology to deliver satisfying water pressure, either model is sure to impress.
Shower Envy provides superb rainfall coverage at a more budget-friendly price point. Meanwhile, StoneStream offers premium filtration, flexibility, and materials for those who can invest a bit more upfront.
Hopefully, this detailed breakdown of the key differences makes it easy to determine which is the best fit for your own needs and budget. With their tool-free installation and limited lifetime warranties, you can upgrade to these modern marvels of showerhead engineering with confidence.
I think you need to update this review because it’s not accurate. You’re comparing apples to oranges. Shower Envy has a handheld shower head & that’s what you should be using for this comparison. The reason I know this is because I have one. If you’d like any info about it I’d be happy to give it to you.