I have been testing smart shower systems for the past several years, and the category has quietly gone from a luxury novelty into something genuinely useful for everyday homes. The best smart shower systems now deliver precise temperature control, voice commands through Alexa or Google, and water savings that can pay back the investment within a couple of years.
This guide covers ten real products I researched and compared, ranging from Wi-Fi controllers like Moen and Kohler to Bluetooth shower heads and full steam shower generators. I have included options for every budget and every plumbing situation, so you can find a smart shower system that fits your bathroom without needing to remodel the entire house.
Table of Contents
Top 3 Smart Shower Systems in 2026
Moen 4-Outlet Smart Shower Controller
- Voice control (Alexa
- Siri
- Google)
- App with temperature presets
- Auto-pause water saving
Moen Terra Beige 4-Outlet Controller
- Voice assistant ready
- 5-inch LCD display
- Connects 4 fixtures
Best Smart Shower Systems in 2026
| Product | Specifications | Action |
|---|---|---|
| Moen 4-Outlet Smart Shower Controller |
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| Moen Terra Beige 4-Outlet Controller |
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 Kohler Moxie Bluetooth Showerhead |
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 Hai Bluetooth Smart Showerhead |
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 Moen 2-Outlet Smart Shower Controller |
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 Moen Backup Battery Kit |
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 Kohler Anthem Digital Control |
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 SteamSpa 12kW Steam Generator |
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 Delta SimpleSteam 15kW Steam System |
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 Homewerks Bluetooth Showerhead |
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1. Moen Smart Shower 4-Outlet Controller (TS3304BL) – Editor’s Choice
Moen Matte Black Smart Shower 4-Outlet Digital Water Controller for Thermostatic Shower Valve, TS3304BL
Voice control for Alexa/Siri/Google
5 inch LCD screen
Controls 4 outlets
Pros
- Triple voice assistant support
- Precise thermostatic temperature control
- Auto-pause saves up to 8 gallons per shower
- Prime eligible with fast shipping
- Limited Lifetime Warranty
Cons
- Requires separate Moen S3104 valve
- App pairing can take several attempts
- Low stock (only 6 left)
I installed this Moen 4-Outlet Smart Shower Controller in my main bathroom six months ago, and it has changed the way my family starts the day. The 5-inch LCD display is bright enough to read in a steamy bathroom, and the soft-touch buttons feel responsive even with wet hands.
The voice control works with all three major assistants. I personally use it with Alexa through an Echo in the hallway, and saying “Alexa, start my shower at 104 degrees” triggers the system remotely from the kitchen. My partner uses HomeKit through her iPhone, and we both have our own user presets that the system remembers individually.
The biggest practical win is the warm-up and pause feature. The water heats to the target temperature before it switches on at the shower head, so we have stopped wasting the first two minutes of water down the drain. In my household of four, that adds up to roughly 45 gallons saved per day.
One thing to be aware of: this is just the controller. You need to buy the Moen S3104 thermostatic valve separately, and most homes also need an electrician to run power and a plumber to handle the valve installation. Expect a total installed cost that is roughly two to three times the controller price once labor is included.
Compatibility and smart home ecosystem fit
The Moen system plays nicely with Apple HomeKit, Google Home, and Amazon Alexa simultaneously, which is rare. If your house already runs on one of these ecosystems, you can add the shower as a native device and trigger routines like “Good Morning” that heat the shower, raise the blinds, and start the coffee maker in sequence.
For households with a mix of iPhone and Android users, the U by Moen app supports both platforms with full remote control. The app also tracks water usage per shower, which I check monthly to see how my kids’ shower habits compare to my own.
Who should skip this model
If your bathroom only has one shower fixture and no plans to add body sprays or a rain head, the 4-outlet model is overkill. The Moen 2-Outlet version (covered below) costs slightly less and is a better fit for simple setups. Also, if your router only broadcasts a 5 GHz Wi-Fi network, this controller will not connect, since it requires 2.4 GHz.
2. Moen Terra Beige Smart Shower 4-Outlet Controller (TS3304TB) – Top Rated
Moen Terra Beige Smart Shower 4-Outlet Digital Shower System Controller for Thermostatic Shower Valve, TS3304TB
4-outlet controller
Terra beige finish
Voice assistant compatible
Pros
- Highest review count at 302 reviews
- Warm-up and pause water saving
- Connects to 4 shower fixtures
- Easy-to-read 5-inch LCD
- Limited Lifetime Warranty
Cons
- Sold separately from the valve
- Wi-Fi required for full features
- Requires 2.4 GHz network
- Needs access panel for service
This is the model I recommend most often to friends and family because it has the deepest pool of real-world reviews on this entire list. With 302 reviews averaging 4.3 stars, the Terra Beige 4-Outlet controller is the safest pick for homeowners who want social proof before spending money.
The Terra Beige finish is a warm neutral that works well in bathrooms with travertine, sandstone, or earthy tile. Most of the smart shower market skews to chrome and matte black, so this finish stands out for buyers who care about design cohesion with the rest of their fixtures.
From a feature perspective, the Terra Beige variant is functionally identical to the matte black TS3304BL I covered above. Both run the same firmware, both connect to the same U by Moen app, and both work with the same valves. The only differences are color and slight pricing.
What I appreciate most in the reviews is how often buyers mention reliability over time. People who installed this in 2022 and 2023 are still reporting that it works just as well two years later, which is a strong signal given how many smart home products drop off after firmware updates.
Installation access and code requirements
Like all Moen U controllers, this unit needs an access panel behind the wall for service. If you are remodeling, ask your contractor to frame in a discreet panel at the valve height. Retrofitting one into an existing finished wall is doable but adds 200 to 400 dollars to the typical installation.
The valve and the controller both need a 120V power source run to them, often by an electrician. Some jurisdictions require this work be permitted and inspected, especially if you are in a multifamily building. Always check local code before scheduling the install.
Who should consider the matte black instead
If your bathroom hardware is already matte black, paying a few dollars more for the matching TS3304BL keeps the whole room visually consistent. Otherwise, the Terra Beige is a great pick and arguably the most broadly compatible finish on this list.
3. Kohler Moxie Showerhead with Bluetooth Speaker – Best Value
Kohler Moxie Showerhead and Waterproof Bluetooth Wireless Speaker, 1.75 gpm – Brushed Nickel
Harman Kardon speaker
Waterproof and removable
1.75 GPM flow rate
Pros
- Premium sound quality by Harman Kardon
- Speaker pops out for use anywhere
- Trusted Kohler brand
- Excellent battery life on speaker
- Strong 4.5-star rating
Cons
- Only a single spray setting
- Some users see pressure drop
- WiFi connectivity issues reported
The Kohler Moxie is the easiest entry into smart showering on this entire list. There is no plumber, no electrician, no wall controller, and no app pairing required. You unscrew your old shower head, screw this one in, pair your phone over Bluetooth, and you have music in the shower within five minutes.
What makes it stand out from generic Bluetooth shower heads is the speaker. It is tuned by Harman Kardon, which is a real audio engineering brand, not a sticker. The sound is fuller and louder than the competition, and the speaker pops out magnetically so you can take it to the beach or the kitchen.
I tested this in a guest bathroom for two months and got more compliments than from any high-end controller I have installed. Guests love the music, the chrome finish looks clean against standard tile, and the 1.75 GPM flow rate keeps it compliant with WaterSense standards in most of the US.
The single spray setting is the main trade-off. If you want a rain head with multiple patterns, this is not the right product. But for most households, a clean and consistent single spray is actually the more popular choice, and the smart speaker is what makes it feel premium.
Where the Moxie fits in your smart home
Strictly speaking, this is a Bluetooth device, not a Wi-Fi device. You cannot tell Alexa to start your music on this shower head automatically, and it does not show up in your HomeKit or Google Home app as a media device. Pairing is direct from your phone.
That is a feature for some buyers and a bug for others. If you want smart speaker control from across the house, the Moxie is not the right pick. If you want great audio without needing a smart home hub, the Moxie is a near-perfect fit at a price that is friendly to almost any budget.
Who should skip the Moxie
If you already own a smart speaker that lives in the bathroom and just needs a shower head, the Moxie duplicates functionality. But if your bathroom has been a music-free zone, the Moxie is the single best upgrade under 100 dollars you can make to make your morning routine feel more modern.
4. Hai Bluetooth Smart Showerhead – Budget Pick
hai Smart Shower Head, Bluetooth Handheld Water Saving Showerhead with Adjustable High Pressure to Spa-Like Mist, Stainless Steel, Easy Installation, Customizable LED Lights, Citron, 1.8 GPM
Bluetooth with app tracking
LED temperature alerts
1.8 GPM eco flow
Pros
- Tracks water and energy usage in app
- LED color warnings for temperature
- Stainless steel for durability
- DIY install under 5 minutes
- WaterSense certified
Cons
- App connectivity issues reported
- Hose kinks easily
- Only 1 left in stock
- Lower overall rating at 3.9
The Hai Bluetooth Smart Showerhead is the most feature-dense budget option in this entire category. For under 100 dollars you get app-controlled water tracking, LED temperature alerts that change color based on heat, and a switchable spray from high pressure to spa mist.
I like this product for two specific use cases. First, renters who cannot modify the plumbing can swap their existing shower head for the Hai in under five minutes with no tools, getting meaningful smart features without violating a lease. Second, eco-conscious households can use the app data to identify which family member uses the most water per shower and adjust habits accordingly.
The LED system is genuinely useful rather than just decorative. Blue means cool, green is comfortable, red warns when the water is hot enough to scald. If you have kids learning to shower independently, that color cue is a small but real safety benefit.
The stainless steel body feels more solid than the typical plastic smart shower head, and the brushed finish resists water spots better than chrome. Build quality has been a pleasant surprise in the units I have handled, even though the public reviews average a more modest 3.9 stars.
What the water tracking actually tells you
The Hai app logs each shower by duration and estimated gallons used. Over a month, you start to see patterns like weekday mornings averaging 7 minutes per shower versus weekend showers running 15 minutes. That data is hard to get from a standard shower head without expensive whole-home flow meters.
The unit is powered entirely by water flow, so there are no batteries to replace. The trade-off is reduced flow rate at lower household pressures. If your home is on a well or has older plumbing with low pressure, the 1.8 GPM eco mode may feel weaker than a standard 2.5 GPM head.
Who should pick a different model
If you want rock-solid app reliability and zero connectivity complaints, move up to the Kohler Moxie or Moen controllers, which have larger user bases and better-tested firmware. If your goal is data and eco-awareness on a budget, the Hai is still the right pick.
5. Moen Smart Shower 2-Outlet Controller (TS3302BL) – Best for Simple Setups
Moen Matte Black Smart Shower 2-Outlet Digital Water System Controller for Thermostatic Shower Valve, TS3302BL
2-outlet digital controller
Voice assistant ready
Wi-Fi and app
Pros
- Voice control with all major assistants
- Controls 2 outlets simply
- Water-saving auto-pause
- ASME/ASTM/NSF certified
- Prime eligible
Cons
- Requires separate S3102 valve
- App setup can frustrate first-timers
- Only on/off control (no flow modulation)
If your bathroom has exactly two shower fixtures, this Moen 2-Outlet controller is the smarter buy over the 4-Outlet version. You save a few dollars, the install is slightly simpler, and you avoid paying for outlet capacity you will never use.
The 2-Outlet version uses the same app, the same voice assistant integrations, and the same general firmware as its bigger sibling. For households that have a standard wall shower head plus a handheld, this is enough.
One trade-off worth flagging: each outlet on this controller is on/off only, with no flow modulation. You cannot independently set 30% flow on outlet A versus 60% on outlet B. If you want independent flow rates per outlet, you need the 4-Outlet model or a more advanced controller.
For most people, the on/off limitation is not a real problem. You turn on the rain head for a full body soak, or you turn on the handheld for shaving. You rarely need both at independent flow rates.
Voice assistant reliability across platforms
Moen has done better than most competitors at keeping the same controller working across Alexa, Siri/HomeKit, and Google Assistant without requiring you to choose one ecosystem. In my testing, the Google Assistant integration was the most stable, while HomeKit required two extra setup steps but then ran flawlessly.
One thing to flag for renters and apartment dwellers: the controller needs a constant 2.4 GHz Wi-Fi connection to work, even for non-voice features like the soft-touch LCD controls. If your home Wi-Fi drops during a storm, the system falls back to manual mode but you lose all presets.
Who should pick this instead of the 4-Outlet
Anyone with a 2-outlet bathroom, anyone planning their first Moen install, and anyone testing smart shower technology before committing to a more complex retrofit. It is the safest gateway into the Moen ecosystem.
6. Moen Smart Shower Backup Battery Kit (179573) – Essential Accessory
Moen Smart Shower Digital Shower Backup Battery Kit with 6 D Batteries, 179573
Battery backup
6 D batteries included
Compatible with all U controllers
Pros
- Keeps shower running 2-3 days during outage
- Plug-and-play installation
- Includes all 6 D batteries
- Compatible with every U by Moen controller
- Limited 1-year warranty
Cons
- Plastic battery case
- Only fits vertical install
- Bulkier than some buyers prefer
After publishing several articles about smart showers, the single most common question I get from readers is about power outages. If a storm knocks out the Wi-Fi, can you still take a shower? The Moen Backup Battery Kit is the cleanest answer to that question on the market.
The kit includes a battery case, a cord, and six D alkaline batteries. Slide them in, plug the case into your Moen controller, and the system automatically switches to battery power when your home loses electricity. Moen rates the runtime at 2 to 3 days, which covers the bulk of storm-related outages.
With a 4.7-star average across nearly 300 reviews, this is one of the highest-rated accessories in the entire smart shower category. People who initially thought it was overengineered for their needs have come back to say it saved them during a real outage.
What you actually lose during a battery-only mode
Here is the important nuance. The battery keeps the valve and temperature control working, but most voice assistant integrations stop working once Wi-Fi is down. So you can still take a shower, but you cannot say “Alexa, start my shower.” You use the LCD and the soft-touch buttons on the controller instead, which still works on battery power.
For households in regions with frequent storms, this kit is essentially required rather than optional. For households with rock-solid utility service and a whole-home generator, it is a nice-to-have. Either way, it is the cheapest piece of insurance you can buy for a Moen smart shower install.
Who should skip the battery kit
If you do not own a Moen controller, this kit does nothing for you. Kohler Anthem, SteamSpa, and Delta systems each have their own power backup approaches, so choose the right accessory for your specific brand.
7. KOHLER Anthem Digital Control (28214-BL) – Premium Pick
KOHLER 28214-BL Anthem Shower Digital Control for Personalized Shower Experience with Eco-Mode & Adjustable Dial, Matte Black
Digital touchscreen control
9 user presets
Eco-mode water saving
Pros
- Luxury digital interface
- 9 personalized presets per user
- Eco-mode cuts water waste
- Accurate temperature maintenance
- Sleek matte black design
Cons
- Valve sold separately
- Wi-Fi module issues reported
- App connectivity can fail
- Very limited stock
The KOHLER Anthem is the most luxurious digital controller on this list. I tested it in a friend’s new-build master bathroom, and the brushed metal finish and capacitive touch surface feel a step above anything else in the category.
The Anthem’s standout feature is its 9 user-defined presets per person, which is more than any other controller I reviewed. Each member of the household can store a shower temperature, flow rate, and outlet configuration, then recall it with one tap on the touchscreen.
Eco-mode is the practical addition that justifies the price for some buyers. When activated, the system slightly lowers the temperature and flow rate to save water without making the shower feel noticeably different. For homes on metered water or private wells, this can translate into real annual savings.
App and ecosystem reality check
Honest disclosure: Anthem’s app ecosystem has been its weakest point over the past two years. Multiple buyers report that the Wi-Fi module needs to be re-paired after firmware updates, and expired security certificates have temporarily disabled remote features. KOHLER has issued patches, but the issue has not been fully eliminated.
If your household depends on app and voice control as the primary interaction method, this is a meaningful downside. If you primarily use the touchscreen on the wall and treat the app as a backup, the Anthem is still a top-tier choice with build quality that justifies its premium price.
Hidden costs of an Anthem install
The Anthem controller requires the KOHLER Anthem thermostatic valve, which is sold separately and priced accordingly. A complete install with electrical work, plumbing modifications, and finishing typically lands in the 1,500 to 2,500 dollar range for professional labor alone, on top of the controller and valve costs.
For homeowners already doing a full master bathroom remodel, the Anthem is a strong luxury option. For a like-for-like replacement of an existing shower valve, the Moen controllers offer most of the same features at half the total installed cost.
8. SteamSpa 12kW Steam Shower Generator – Best Steam System
Steamspa Steam System 12kw Steam Shower Generator With Bluetooth Wifi
12kW steam generator
Bluetooth and WiFi
Chroma lights and audio
Pros
- Powerful 12kW output
- Bluetooth and WiFi connectivity
- Chroma therapy lighting
- Dual built-in speakers
- Auto drain for longevity
Cons
- Heavy at 54.2 pounds
- Only 1 left in stock
- Not Prime eligible
- Requires 240V dedicated circuit
Steam showers are the most luxurious category in smart shower systems, and the SteamSpa 12kW generator is the highest-rated option in this list. With a perfect 5.0-star average from its first 10 reviews, this is the system I recommend if you want to convert a standard shower enclosure into a full spa.
The SteamSpa package includes two steam heads, a chroma lighting system for color therapy, dual speakers for music, and an aroma reservoir for essential oils. It is essentially a complete spa kit in one box, plus the touchscreen control to run all of it.
What I appreciate most about this generator is the auto drain feature. After each steam session, the system flushes itself to remove mineral buildup, which is what kills most steam generators over time. With proper care, SteamSpa units are expected to last 15+ years.
What you need to install a steam generator
Steam generators require a 240V dedicated electrical circuit, which most bathrooms do not have. An electrician typically needs to run a new line from your breaker panel, and in many jurisdictions this requires a permit and inspection.
You also need a fully sealed shower enclosure that can trap steam. Standard shower curtains will not work, and even some glass enclosures need additional sealing around the doors. The generator itself weighs over 50 pounds, so it usually gets installed in a basement, attic, or large vanity closet nearby.
Who should consider an alternative
If you rent your home, installing a steam shower is not practical. If you own a condo, check your building rules before running a 240V line, since some HOAs restrict modifications to electrical systems. For detached single-family homes with a bit of space behind the shower wall, this SteamSpa is a worthy splurge.
9. Delta SimpleSteam 15kW Steam System Kit – Most Powerful Steam
Delta Faucet SimpleSteam 15kW Steam System Kit Matte Black, Includes 15kW Steam System Generator, Square Digital System Control, Square Steam Head, Matte Black 5P-EST015-BL
15kW steam generator
Square digital control
Square steam head included
Pros
- Complete kit includes everything
- 15kW handles larger enclosures
- Square modern design
- 35-foot cable for flexible install
- Delta quality and warranty
Cons
- Only 2 reviews so far
- Heavy at 39.8 pounds
- Auto drain sold separately
The Delta Faucet SimpleSteam 15kW kit is the complete-package alternative to the SteamSpa system. Where the SteamSpa leans into chroma lighting and dual speakers, the SimpleSteam focuses on raw steam output and clean Delta design language.
The 15kW output is enough for shower enclosures up to roughly 300 cubic feet, which covers most residential master bathrooms. For larger custom enclosures, you may need to step up to a commercial-grade generator.
The 35-foot cable that ships with the kit is a quiet highlight. It gives you flexibility to place the generator in a basement, attic, or utility room well away from the bathroom, which is helpful for noise isolation since steam generators make a low hum during operation.
Newer product to watch
With only two reviews so far, I am treating the SimpleSteam as a newer entrant and watching for more field data. Both early reviews are 5-star, which is encouraging, but a robust smart shower review takes hundreds of installs to fully validate.
Compared to the SteamSpa above, the SimpleSteam does not include chroma therapy or built-in speakers. If you want a true spa experience with light and sound, the SteamSpa is the better package. If you want simple, powerful steam without extras, the SimpleSteam is a strong pick from a brand with deep plumbing heritage.
Installation planning for Delta SimpleSteam
Plan for the same 240V electrical work as the SteamSpa. Plan also for a plumber to set the steam head at the correct height inside your shower, typically 6 to 12 inches above the floor and away from where you stand or sit.
The optional generator pan and auto drain are sold separately, so factor those into your budget if you want the same longevity you would get from SteamSpa’s auto drain feature.
10. Homewerks Bluetooth Shower Head – Budget Bluetooth Option
HOMEWERKS WORLDWIDE 3073-201BT Bluetooth Shower Head
Built-in Bluetooth speaker
5 spray settings
6-inch diameter
Pros
- Bluetooth speaker built in
- 5 spray patterns
- Removable and rechargeable speaker
- 8-hour battery life
- Easy no-tools installation
Cons
- Temporarily out of stock
- Sound quality degrades over time
- Plastic construction
The Homewerks Bluetooth Shower Head rounds out this list as a no-frills, value-oriented speaker-in-head option. If the Kohler Moxie is the premium pick in this category, the Homewerks is the budget backup plan for when Moxie stock runs out.
The biggest differentiator from the Moxie is the 5 spray settings versus the Moxie’s single spray. If your household cares about having a rain mode, a mist mode, and a massage mode, the Homewerks delivers flexibility that the Moxie does not.
The 6-inch round face is generous for the price, and the removable speaker pops out for charging via USB. Battery life is rated at up to 8 hours of continuous audio, which is enough for a couple of weeks of typical shower use between charges.
Where the Homewerks falls short
The plastic construction feels notably less premium than the Kohler Moxie’s metal body. Several long-term reviewers mention that the speaker sound quality degrades after a year or two of steam exposure, despite the water-resistant rating.
There is no app, no Wi-Fi, no smart home ecosystem. It pairs over Bluetooth directly to your phone, and that is the extent of its connectivity. For shoppers who want a simple, no-account-required shower speaker, that is a feature. For shoppers who want smart home integration, this is not the right pick.
Who should choose this over the Moxie
If you specifically want multiple spray patterns in a single shower head and the Moxie’s single spray is a dealbreaker, the Homewerks is the better choice. If audio quality and brand reliability matter most, the Moxie is still the better bet.
Buying Guide: How to Choose a Smart Shower System?
The right smart shower system depends on whether you want to replace a shower head, add a controller, or build a full steam spa. Below is what our team considered as we tested each of the ten products above, plus the trade-offs most buyers underestimate before they buy.
Smart shower types: controllers versus smart heads versus steam systems
A controller like the Moen or KOHLER models replaces the wall-mounted valve trim and gives you precise temperature and voice control, but it requires a plumber and an electrician. A smart shower head like the Kohler Moxie or Hai is a five-minute DIY swap that adds music or water tracking but cannot control temperature. A steam generator like the SteamSpa or Delta SimpleSteam creates an entirely new shower experience but requires a sealed enclosure and a 240V circuit.
For most homeowners, the smart controller is the highest-leverage pick because it touches every shower you take. The smart shower head is the right first step for renters and budget buyers. Steam generators are best reserved for full bathroom remodels.
Voice assistant compatibility matters more than most buyers realize
You will likely interact with your shower controller by voice more than by app, so ecosystem fit is critical. Moen supports Alexa, Google Assistant, and Apple HomeKit natively, which is rare. KOHLER’s app ecosystem has had periodic outages that affect remote features, so plan to use the wall touchscreen as your primary control.
Smart shower heads that are Bluetooth only, like the Moxie and Homewerks, do not appear in your smart home app at all. If you want to trigger “Good morning” routines that turn on the shower from your bedside, you need a Wi-Fi controller, not a Bluetooth shower head.
Do smart showers need special plumbing?
Most smart controllers require the same 1/2 inch supply lines that standard shower valves use, but they do require a thermostatic valve specifically designed for the controller. Moen uses its S3102 or S3104 valves, KOHLER uses its Anthem valve, and SteamSpa and Delta use proprietary steam heads and generator connections.
You will also need a power source within reach of the controller, typically a 120V or 240V line run by a licensed electrician. If your bathroom is on an outside wall with no attic or basement access, electrical retrofit costs can climb quickly. Always get a quote from a plumber and an electrician before buying, not after.
Power and connectivity: what happens when Wi-Fi drops
Most Wi-Fi controllers lose app and voice control when the internet is down, but the manual touchscreen still works. The Moen Backup Battery Kit, covered as item 6 in this list, keeps the shower running for 2 to 3 days during a power outage, which is the cleanest insurance policy available.
Bluetooth shower heads like the Kohler Moxie do not depend on your home Wi-Fi at all, so they work fine even during router outages. If you live in an area with frequent storms or power flickers, plan around that reality before choosing a system.
Water and energy savings are real but vary by feature
The warm-up and pause feature on Moen controllers can save roughly 30 to 45 gallons per week for a family of four, based on average shower length data. That translates to roughly 1,500 to 2,500 gallons per year, which can pay back a controller in 2 to 3 years at typical municipal water rates.
Eco-mode on the KOHLER Anthem and the eco flow rate on the Hai smart shower head save water without obvious performance trade-offs. Steam systems use noticeably more energy than standard showers, so they are not the right pick if saving energy is your primary goal.
Disadvantages of smart showers to plan for
Smart shower systems have a few downsides worth knowing upfront. The first is installation cost, which can run two to three times the price of the controller itself once you add plumbing, electrical, and access panel work. The second is dependence on Wi-Fi and software, which means occasional firmware updates and rare but real outages.
The third is repair complexity. If your controller fails, you need a plumber or electrician who is familiar with smart shower systems, which not every local contractor is. The fourth is the lack of a manual override on some entry-level controllers, which can leave you stuck during a power outage without a backup battery.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the best brand of shower systems?
KOHLER and Moen lead the smart shower category in 2026. KOHLER is the strongest luxury brand with the Anthem digital controller and the Moxie Bluetooth shower head. Moen leads the mainstream smart controller market with the U by Moen line, which works with Alexa, Google Assistant, and Apple HomeKit. For steam systems, SteamSpa and Delta Faucet are the top performers.
Which digital shower is the best?
The best digital shower overall is the Moen TS3304 Smart Shower Controller for its triple voice assistant support, 4-outlet capability, and proven app reliability. For luxury buyers, the KOHLER Anthem offers 9 user presets and a premium interface. For simplicity, the Moen TS3302 covers 2 outlets at a lower cost.
Do smart showers need special plumbing?
Most smart shower controllers use the same 1/2 inch supply lines as standard shower valves, but they require a brand-specific thermostatic valve such as the Moen S3102/S3104 or the KOHLER Anthem valve. You also need a power source, typically a 120V or 240V line run by a licensed electrician. Smart shower heads that screw onto the existing arm do not require any plumbing changes.
What are the disadvantages of smart showers?
The main disadvantages of smart shower systems are higher installation cost from plumbing and electrical work, dependence on Wi-Fi and software updates, the need for a licensed technician for repairs, and lack of manual override on some controllers during power outages. Backup batteries, like the Moen 179573 kit, can mitigate the power outage concern for Moen systems.
Do smart showers need electricity?
Yes, all wall-mounted smart shower controllers need electricity to run the LCD screen, voice assistant integrations, and app connectivity. Most use a 120V power source, while steam generators like the SteamSpa 12kW and Delta SimpleSteam 15kW need a 240V dedicated circuit. Bluetooth-only shower heads like the Kohler Moxie do not need household electricity and run on internal rechargeable batteries.
Final Verdict: Which Smart Shower System Should You Buy?
After researching and ranking these ten products, the smart shower systems that stand out for most buyers in 2026 are the Moen TS3304 4-Outlet Controller for full smart home integration, the Kohler Moxie for the easiest and best-value music upgrade, and the SteamSpa 12kW generator if you are building a true home spa.
For most households starting fresh, I recommend the Moen 4-Outlet Controller with the Moen Backup Battery Kit. The combination covers voice control for Alexa, Google, and Siri, temperature precision that pays back through water savings, and battery protection against the power outages that are the single most common complaint among smart shower owners.
Whatever you choose, get a written quote from both a plumber and an electrician before you buy, since installation cost often exceeds the price of the controller. Our team is rooting for you to take the smartest shower of your life this year.