Afina Shower Head Review (Unbiased, Unsponsored Analysis)

The Afina Shower Head is a shower filter that claims to target “chlorine, heavy metals, and hard water”. It uses a KDF-55 filter cartridge and is claimed to leave hair and skin “feeling softer, smoother, and refreshed after every shower”. 

We tested this filter in real world conditions with chlorinated water in Colorado. The main focus of our testing was to see what it removed, especially looking at its ability to reduce disinfectant byproducts, chlorine, and hardness minerals. We also analyzed its flow rate, design quality, and other factors contributing to its overall value. 

You can see how this filter performed across these testing categories in the table below.

Overall Score: 8.02

How We Test & Score

7.26 Contaminant Reduction

7.20 Design

9.50 Maintenance

10.00 Filtration Rate

9.00 Setup

9.05 Company

What We Like

Almost completely eliminated chlorine

Retained our baseline flow rate

Great money-back guarantee

What We Don’t Like

Didn’t reduce hardness or DBPs

Expensive ongoing cost

Misleading claims in product description

Price	$129.00
Contaminants Removed	Chlorine
Certifications	Not Certified
Process	KDF-55 + Activated Carbon + Calcium Sulfite
Filtration Capacity	2 months
Annual Cost	~$240
Warranty	Lifetime (subscription required)

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📊 Scoring Data

At Water Filter Guru, we review filters based on first-hand testing and in-depth evaluation, looking beyond marketing claims from manufacturers (which, we’ve found, can be misleading or simply untrue).

We rate each product using our own proprietary scoring method, which considers a range of objective performance and practical factors, contributing to an overall weighted score. Contaminant reduction is our main focus, with filters also scored based on their filtration speed, quality of construction, installation and upkeep, and the manufacturer’s own policies. 

Once we’ve finished our testing for a product, we’ll log the results in our system and measure against every other filter we’ve analyzed. This allows us to clearly, fairly, and consistently compare the products we review. 

See the table below for an overview of how the Afina Filtered Shower Head compares with other shower filters that have undergone the same testing process. 

🚰 Contaminant Reduction

Our main priority with any water filter review is how well the system can tackle impurities. 

With shower filters, we’re not just looking for generic filtration. We’re evaluating whether the filter can make a noticeable difference to water quality by removing the substances that can impact your skin and hair health, as well as those that may have health effects due to dermal and inhalation exposure in shower water and vapor.

We combined several scores in this category to determine the overall contaminant reduction score. Primarily, scoring is influenced by results from our own testing, both on-site and using Tap Score lab tests. Any recognized certifications linked to performance also contribute to the score, although they carry less influence than our own data.

Our Performance Testing

Score: 7.40

To measure how effectively the Afina Filtered Shower Head reduces contaminants, we ran a direct comparison using water samples collected before and after installing the filter. This allowed us to measure the differences in contaminant concentrations in each sample tested under the same conditions. 

First, we collected untreated water straight from the existing showerhead: our baseline sample. After swapping our showerhead with the Afina filter, we let the water run to flush the filter and recorded the post-install flow rate. Then, we gathered a second, filtered water sample. 

We sent both samples for analysis by Tap Score, the independent laboratory we use for all our testing projects. 

For our shower filter tests, we followed a unique testing and scoring process for contaminant reduction. Rather than focusing broadly on contaminants that are dangerous to ingest, we specifically looked at the substances that are known to affect shower water quality, with exposure through the skin, hair, or inhalation. 

Disinfection byproducts (DBPs) were a significant focus in our analysis, with these being widely recognized for their potential health risks when inhaled or absorbed through the skin in shower water.

We also analyse:

• Chlorine levels, since this disinfection chemical is known to strip moisture from the skin and hair.
• Hardness minerals, which contribute to skin dryness and flare-ups in conditions like eczema and dermatitis. 

Each filter we test receives scores based on how effectively it reduces these specific substances. Since disinfection byproducts have the most serious known health implications, they account for 50% of the score. Filters that reduce DBP levels to below the recommended Health Guidelines or remove them entirely receive the highest scores in this subcategory.

Residual disinfectants account for just over a third of the score, based on the concentration of chlorine remaining post-filtration. Hardness has the smallest influence on the score, contributing to just 15% of the total, and is based on the percentage reduction achieved. 

Check out our detailed documentation on how we evaluate water filters to get a closer look at our full testing process and methodology. 

DBPs

Score: 6.00

DBPs form in treated drinking water when disinfectant chemicals react with naturally occurring organic matter. More than 600 DBPs have been identified, but only a small portion of them have been studied, and even fewer have been formally regulated by the EPA. 

What we know about DBPs so far is concerning. One 2005 study found that showering or bathing in chlorinated water increased THM (a group of DBPs) levels in the blood sharply, while drinking 1 liter of chlorinated tap water resulted in only a small increase. This is concerning, since THM exposure has been linked to bladder and rectal cancers, birth defects, and other serious health effects.

Our untreated shower water test revealed three DBPs:

• 8.24 PPB (parts per billion) bromoform
• 2.12 PPB bromodichloromethane
• 4.67 PPB dibromochloromethane

In our follow-up test after installing the Afina filter, all three disinfection byproducts actually increased: bromoform by 78% (to 14.7 PPB), bromodichloromethane by 59% (to 3.38 PPB), and dibromochloromethane by 107% (to 9.67 PPB).

This might seem concerning, but it’s highly unlikely that the filter itself is adding DBPs to our water. Instead, our hypothesis is that the concentrations of these DBPs simply increased in the source water at the time of taking our second sample. We noted similar results with several other shower filters we tested, too.

So, all this tells us is that the Afina Filtered Shower Head is unable to reduce disinfection byproducts. DBPs aren’t listed in the product description as contaminants that the filter can remove, so we were unsurprised by this result.

Disinfectant Residual

Score: 10.00

The water we used for our shower filter testing was disinfected with chlorine, which is typical for municipal tap water supplies across the US. 

Even though chlorine is generally regarded as safe at low levels for drinking, it can still have skin and hair effects in shower water. Many people experience dry skin and hair, along with skin irritation, hair breakage, and color fading. 

For this test, we didn’t use Tap Score’s lab analysis. Chlorine is an unstable contaminant and would dissipate in the time it took to ship our sample to the lab. This delay in testing could affect the accuracy of the result. Instead, we used a digital colorimeter to detect chlorine immediately in our before-and-after samples on-site.

Here’s what the colorimeter testing process involved: 

1. First, we filled a vial with a water sample and used it to calibrate the device.
2. We then added a reagent powder and shook the vial to mix it thoroughly. 
3. The vial was returned to the colorimeter.
4. We waited a couple of minutes for the device to display the chlorine concentration. 

Before installing the filter, our shower water contained chlorine concentrations measuring 1.68 PPM. After we fitted the Afina Filtered Shower Head and repeated the same procedure, the reading dropped to 0.02 PPM. This represents a reduction of just under 99%, and we were pleasantly surprised — Afina isn’t a well-known brand, and many similar products we tested only slightly reduced chlorine or didn’t reduce it at all.

Afina claims that the filter offers “20X Chlorine-Targeted Filtration Power” and “removes up to 95% of chlorine”, which is consistent with our results.

Hardness

Score: 6.00

An estimated 85% of homes in the US have hard water. If your water contains a high concentration of hardness minerals (primarily calcium and magnesium), it may have several unwanted effects in your shower water: 

• Soap may not lather correctly
• Your skin and hair may feel dry and “sticky”
• Limescale may form on your glass shower doors, showerhead and other fixtures

The product description on the Afina website claims that the filter “targets chlorine, heavy metals, and hard water”. We also found this bold statement: “Don’t let chlorine and hard water ruin your skin and hair. Discover the performance that made us famous.” Naturally, after reading these claims, you’d expect the filter to reduce water hardness.

Our baseline sample had a high hardness reading of around 250 PPM. After installing the filter, this reading was almost exactly the same: 251 PPM. That means, in our own testing, the Afina Filtered Shower Head is unable to address hardness. 

Actually, most shower filters don’t contain the technology needed to soften water or prevent hardness minerals from affecting skin and hair health in showers — despite the fact that many, like Afina, claim to do so. That’s a big reason why we conduct our own testing, so we can validate or disprove a manufacturer’s claims based on actual data obtained in real-world conditions. 

Performance Certifications

Score: 6.00

A small number of shower filters we’ve tested have been performance certified, meaning they’ve been independently tested and verified to remove chlorine under NSF Standard 177.

The Afina Filtered Shower Head is not performance certified, and this time, there are no misleading claims on the product page to convince us that it is.

🚦Filtration Rate

We wanted to check that the filter didn’t significantly reduce the flow rate from our shower, so we measured this by comparing the “normal” flow from our existing showerhead with the new flow after installing the Afina unit. 

We captured the water in a graduated cup and timed how long it took to reach the 1-gallon mark. We repeated this process a total of three times, first with our original showerhead, and then with the Afina model.

We captured all tests on video, then uploaded the footage into editing software and measured the time it took to fill the cup frame-by-frame. This allowed us to calculate the flow rate down to the millisecond, then convert our data to gallons per minute (GPM). 

Our feed water pressure was 48 PSI static (30 PSI dynamic), and we measured the temperature at 68.5°F*. Under these conditions, the Afina Filtered Shower Head delivered an average filtration rate of 1.85 GPM, retaining 100% of our baseline flow (in fact, it was actually 7% faster!). Dynamic PSI differed by -2 PSI, which may partially explain this slight increase between tests.

📐 Design

The Afina Filtered Shower Head has a filter cartridge built into a dedicated showerhead, meaning it replaces your existing showerhead. It’s available in three finishes: chrome, nickel, and black. 

Since design affects performance and durability, we evaluate all shower filters for the build quality and component certifications (if any). This Afina model isn’t design certified, and it’s not as sturdy as filters with a metal construction, hence its lower score in this category.

Component Quality

Score: 9.00

We noted that the Afina Filtered Shower Head has a solid, sturdy design, but it’s not the highest-quality shower filter we’ve tested. It’s made from acrylonitrile butadiene styrene (ABS) plastic, with some brass and stainless steel components. 

The filter is very similar to another we tested: the Jolie Shower Filter. Even the adjustable wrench that comes in the box looks like Jolie’s, except with Afina’s coloring and branding. 

Filter Materials

There are three filter media used in the Afina Shower cartridge: 

1. KDF-55
2. Activated carbon
3. Calcium sulfite

These are commonly used media in shower filters, favored for their chlorine reduction abilities. 

The filter cartridge itself looks very similar to a number of other shower filters we’ve tested, except with yellow plastic and the Afina brand logo. 

We can’t confirm this for certain, but it’s something to think about — pricing from one product to the next can be pretty varied, but you’re not necessarily getting anything more from a filter even when you’re paying more upfront.

Materials Safety Certification

Score: 6.00

The Afina Filtered Shower Head isn’t certified for lead-free design or materials safety. 

In fact, none of the shower filters we’ve tested so far have this certification, likely because they’re not intended for filtering drinking water, so customers are less likely to make their buying decisions based on this alone.

⚙️ Setup

We had an easy ride with setup for this Afina model, as with all the other shower filters we installed. 

The included instructions were simple to follow, although there were no images, so you might need to watch the how to install video if you’re unsure. The process involves unscrewing your current showerhead and applying plumber’s tape to the pipe, then screwing the Afina showerhead onto the pipe. 

We didn’t notice any spray or fit issues, and there were no leaks after installing the filter. We did detect 2 leak points (gaps or joins at the fittings that water could escape from), which is pretty normal for any shower filter.

🔧 Maintenance

We awarded the Afina Filtered Shower Head a high maintenance score, as replacing the filter is both easy and relatively affordable in the long run. 

Servicing Requirements

9.00

There’s just one filter to replace, and our box contained not one but four separate marketing materials promoting replacement filters and reminding us to buy a new filter after 60 days. 

Afina offers a replacement filter subscription program that autoships a new filter and charges you every couple of months. This can make things easier if you don’t want to make your own filter change reminders, but you might not want to feel “locked in” to a subscription service. In this case, you can buy filters from the website whenever you need a replacement.

The process of replacing the filter is simple enough: just unscrew the showerhead and remove the old filter inside, then insert the new filter in its place and screw the showerhead back on securely. 

Costs

Score: 10.00

We calculated that this Afina model has an ongoing cost-per-gallon of $0.042, based on its projected filter lifespan of 2 months and the cost of individual filters on the website. 

This makes it affordable when we compare it to the average filter replacement cost of all water filters, but it’s actually one of the most expensive shower filters we’ve tested, likely in part due to its shorter lifespan.

We converted the cost-per-gallon into a 5-year ownership cost of $1,329. For some perspective, most shower models we tested have an estimated 5-year cost of between $400 and $1,000. But many of these filters have slightly longer lifespans of 3-6 months, which reduces their filter replacement frequency and lowers their maintenance costs. 

🏢 Company

As a manufacturer, Afina’s returns and shipping policies are pretty great, but we have some issues with the lifetime warranty, which reduced the score slightly in this category.

Warranty

Score: 8.00

The Afina Filtered Shower Head is backed by a lifetime warranty, but this doesn’t apply to all customers. 

We mentioned that Afina offers a subscription program for replacement filters, and it turns out that only customers on this subscription are eligible for the warranty. This is sneaky and essentially forces you to subscribe if you want the warranty protection. 

Under the warranty, you’ll be entitled to a replacement filter if you encounter any issues with yours throughout its lifespan. It’s not clear how many years is classed as “lifetime”, and we couldn’t find this information on the product website.

You can read more about Afina’s warranty in these product FAQs.

Shipping 

Score: 9.50

Afina offers free shipping within the 48 contiguous US states on its website, with no minimum spend requirement. If you’re making an international order, your shipping fees will be calculated at checkout. 

Shipping info can be found here. 

Returns

Score: 10.00

Under Afina’s returns policy, you can return your filter within 90 days and receive a full refund if you’re not satisfied with your purchase for any reason. 

This is one of the best returns policies we’ve come across for a shower filter, being a true money-back guarantee, with no listed shipping fees or restocking fees, and no requirement for the filter to be new, undamaged, or unopened.

Read Afina’s returns T&Cs here. 

💰 Value For Money

We think the Afina Filtered Shower Head offers good value for money, although whether or not it’s worth it for you depends on what you’re looking for. 

If you’re just looking to reduce chlorine, that’s something the filter delivered in our testing. And actually, it’s one of a small number of shower filters that provided significant chlorine reduction in our testing. 

Plus, the money-back guarantee means you don’t really have anything to lose. You can try the filter and simply return it if you decide it’s not right for you. 

That said, the filter’s inability to address DBPs in our water might be a dealbreaker for you. If you specifically want to reduce your exposure to disinfection byproducts in your shower, we recommend the Weddell Duo, which is the only filter to have reduced 100% chlorine and 100% DBPs in our testing. 

And if you mainly want to address the skin and hair effects of hard water, it’s worth checking out our guide to the best hard water shower filters.

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