A smart shower system is one of the most satisfying bathroom upgrades you can make — but it's also one of the most expensive and most permanent. Unlike a smart plug or a smart bulb, you can't just unplug it if you change your mind. These systems involve real plumbing, real installation costs, and real compatibility requirements. Get it right and you'll step into a perfectly tempered shower every morning without touching a dial. Get it wrong and you're looking at a costly redo.
We researched over 15 digital shower controllers and smart shower systems, consulting with licensed plumbers and bathroom renovation contractors to understand what actually holds up in daily use — not just what looks good in a product video. The five picks below cover the full range from a fully connected app-and-voice system to a rock-solid thermostatic valve that just does its job without any fuss. Before you spend $350 to $800 on a shower controller, read this.
A quick note on installation: every system on this list requires either a licensed plumber or a confident DIYer with experience in rough-in plumbing. Budget $200–$500 for professional installation on top of the product cost. Some systems — particularly the Kohler DTV+ and Roca — are best handled by a plumber familiar with the brand.
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#1 — Kohler DTV+ Digital Shower System
The Kohler DTV+ is the most capable smart shower system available for residential use, and it earns the top spot by a clear margin. At its core is a digital interface module that controls up to six independent water outlets — overhead rain head, handheld, body sprays, steam, whatever your shower is plumbed for. Temperature is set digitally and held to within 1°F of your target, which means no more cold-to-scalding swings while the system finds its balance. You set 100°F, you get 100°F, every time.
The Kohler Konnect app gives you full remote control: start your shower from bed, set a precise temperature before you get in, or build a "morning routine" that runs a warm-up cycle and alerts you when it's ready. Alexa integration works reliably — "Alexa, start my shower" is a genuinely useful command when your hands are full. The in-shower interface is a sleek touchscreen panel that's intuitive enough that guests figure it out without asking. Multiple user profiles let each person in the household save their preferred temperature and outlet combination.
Installation is the main caveat. The DTV+ requires a dedicated digital interface module to be installed in the wall cavity, and Kohler strongly recommends a certified Kohler installer or an experienced plumber. The system runs on low-voltage wiring between the interface and the valve, so it's not a standard plumbing job. You'll also need a minimum dynamic water pressure of 20 PSI at the valve — most homes are fine, but older homes with galvanized pipes or low municipal pressure should get a pressure test first. Budget $300–$600 for professional installation on top of the ~$800 product cost.
For a master bath renovation or a new build where you're already opening walls, the DTV+ is the system to spec. It's the most polished, most capable, and most future-proof smart shower on the market. The price is real, but so is the quality.
Pros
- Controls up to 6 independent outlets
- Temperature precise to 1°F — no fluctuation
- Full app control via Kohler Konnect
- Alexa voice control built in
- Multiple user profiles with saved preferences
- Sleek in-shower touchscreen interface
Cons
- Requires professional installation — not DIY-friendly
- Needs minimum 20 PSI dynamic water pressure
- High upfront cost (~$800 + installation)
- Kohler ecosystem only — no Google Home support
Best for: Master bath renovations and new builds where you want the most capable, fully connected smart shower system available — and you're prepared to invest in professional installation.
#2 — Moen U by Moen Smart Shower
The Moen U by Moen hits a sweet spot that the Kohler DTV+ doesn't quite reach: it's a genuinely capable digital shower controller at a price that's easier to justify, and it's designed with retrofit installations in mind. Where the Kohler requires opening walls and running low-voltage wiring, the U by Moen is built to replace an existing shower valve with less disruption — making it a realistic option for bathroom upgrades that aren't full gut renovations.
The system controls up to four outlets and holds temperature digitally, with the same kind of precision you'd expect from a dedicated digital controller. The Moen app is well-designed and genuinely useful: you can start your shower remotely, set exact temperatures, and create personalized presets for each user. Voice control works with both Alexa and Google Assistant, which gives it broader smart home compatibility than the Kohler. The in-shower controller has a clean, modern look with a simple interface that doesn't require a manual to operate.
Installation still requires a plumber — this isn't a weekend DIY project — but the retrofit-friendly design means the job is typically less involved than a full DTV+ installation. You'll need standard water supply lines and a minimum of 45 PSI static water pressure for the system to perform correctly. Note that the U by Moen requires a Wi-Fi connection for app and voice features; if your bathroom is far from your router, a Wi-Fi extender may be needed. The Moen app has had some connectivity hiccups reported in older firmware versions, but recent updates have addressed most of them.
For anyone upgrading an existing shower who wants app control, voice integration, and precise temperature without the full complexity of the Kohler system, the U by Moen is the most practical choice on this list.
Pros
- Retrofit-friendly — less wall disruption than Kohler
- Works with Alexa and Google Assistant
- Clean, intuitive in-shower controller
- Up to 4 outlets with digital temp control
- Strong app with user presets
- More affordable than the DTV+
Cons
- Still requires professional plumbing installation
- Needs 45 PSI static water pressure minimum
- Wi-Fi dependent — weak signal can cause issues
- 4-outlet max (vs. 6 for Kohler DTV+)
Best for: Homeowners upgrading an existing shower who want app and voice control, precise temperature, and a less invasive installation than the Kohler DTV+.
#3 — Grohe Grohtherm SmartControl
Grohe's Grohtherm SmartControl takes a different approach to the smart shower than the American brands on this list. Instead of a touchscreen panel or a smartphone-first interface, it leads with a large, satisfying rotary dial for temperature and a push-button for flow — the kind of tactile control that feels immediately natural in a wet environment. The digital precision is there underneath: the thermostatic cartridge holds temperature to within a degree, and the system responds quickly when you adjust. It's the best of both worlds for people who find touchscreens in the shower fiddly.
The design is unmistakably European — clean lines, premium materials, and a finish quality that holds up to daily use and cleaning without showing wear. Grohe's build standards are consistently high, and the Grohtherm SmartControl feels like a fixture that will still look good in ten years. The thermostatic valve is the heart of the system, and Grohe's TurboStat technology responds to pressure and temperature changes faster than most competitors, which matters in homes where someone flushing a toilet used to mean a cold blast mid-shower.
The SmartControl doesn't have a companion app or voice assistant integration — this is a deliberate design choice, not an oversight. Grohe positions it as a premium thermostatic system with smart-level precision, not a connected IoT device. That makes installation simpler (standard plumbing, no low-voltage wiring or Wi-Fi setup) and removes the dependency on cloud services or app updates. You'll need a minimum of 1.0 bar (14.5 PSI) dynamic pressure, and the system is compatible with both combi boilers and unvented cylinders. Installation is straightforward for any competent plumber.
If you want a shower that looks exceptional, performs flawlessly, and doesn't require a smartphone to operate, the Grohtherm SmartControl is the most satisfying system on this list to actually use every day.
Pros
- Exceptional build quality and European design
- Tactile rotary dial — intuitive in wet conditions
- Fast thermostatic response (TurboStat technology)
- No app or cloud dependency
- Simpler installation than app-connected systems
- Compatible with combi boilers and unvented cylinders
Cons
- No app control or voice assistant integration
- Can't start shower remotely
- Fewer outlets than Kohler or Moen systems
- Premium price for a non-connected system
Best for: Design-conscious buyers who want precise thermostatic control and premium build quality without the complexity of app connectivity or cloud dependence.
#4 — Roca Digital Shower System
Roca's digital shower system is built for new construction and full bathroom renovations where the plumbing is being roughed in from scratch. It's a fully integrated system — the digital controller, thermostatic valve, and outlet management are all designed to work together as a single unit, which means you get tighter performance and a cleaner installation than you'd get from mixing components from different brands. The touchscreen control panel is large, clear, and responsive, with a UI that's genuinely easy to navigate even with wet hands.
The system supports multiple spray modes and outlet configurations, making it well-suited to larger shower enclosures with body jets, overhead rain heads, and handheld combinations. Temperature is held digitally with the kind of consistency you'd expect from a purpose-built integrated system. The touchscreen panel can store user presets, so each person in the household can recall their preferred temperature and spray configuration with a single tap. There's no smartphone app, but the in-shower interface is capable enough that most users won't miss one.
Installation is the key consideration here: the Roca system is designed to be specified and installed during construction, not retrofitted into an existing shower. The valve and controller require specific rough-in dimensions, and the system works best when the plumber is familiar with Roca's installation documentation. Minimum dynamic pressure requirement is 0.5 bar (7.25 PSI), which is lower than most competitors — a genuine advantage in older homes or properties with variable pressure. Roca's build quality is consistent with its reputation as a premium European bathroom brand.
If you're building a new bathroom and want a fully integrated digital shower with a polished touchscreen interface and multi-outlet support, the Roca system is the most cohesive package at this price point.
Pros
- Fully integrated system — components designed together
- Large, responsive touchscreen panel
- Multiple spray modes and outlet configurations
- Low minimum pressure (0.5 bar / 7.25 PSI)
- User presets stored on the panel
- Premium European build quality
Cons
- Designed for new builds — not retrofit-friendly
- No smartphone app or remote control
- Requires plumber familiar with Roca systems
- Harder to source in North America than Kohler or Moen
Best for: New construction and full bathroom renovations where the plumbing is being roughed in from scratch and you want a fully integrated digital shower system.
#5 — Hansgrohe ShowerSelect Thermostatic Valve
The Hansgrohe ShowerSelect is the most straightforward system on this list, and that's exactly its appeal. There's no app, no Wi-Fi, no touchscreen, and no cloud account to manage. There's a thermostatic valve with a clean, flush-mounted face plate, two push-button outlet selectors, and a temperature dial. You set your temperature once, and it holds it — every shower, every time, regardless of what else is happening in the house. That's the whole pitch, and Hansgrohe delivers it with the kind of build quality that justifies the Hansgrohe name.
The thermostatic cartridge is the core of the system, and it's genuinely excellent. It compensates for pressure fluctuations and temperature changes in the supply lines faster than most valves at this price point. The iBox universal rough-in body is a particularly smart design feature: it's installed during rough-in and the trim can be swapped out later without touching the plumbing, which means you can update the look of your shower without a full replumb. The ShowerSelect trim is available in multiple finishes — chrome, brushed nickel, matte black — so it integrates cleanly with most bathroom aesthetics.
Installation is the most accessible on this list. Any licensed plumber can install the iBox rough-in body, and the trim installation is straightforward enough for a confident DIYer. Minimum dynamic pressure is 0.5 bar (7.25 PSI), and the system works with virtually any water heating setup — combi boiler, tank heater, tankless, unvented cylinder. At ~$350, it's the most affordable system here, and the total installed cost (product + labor) is typically lower than any other option on this list.
The ShowerSelect won't start your shower from your phone or respond to Alexa. If those features matter to you, look at the Kohler or Moen. But if you want a shower that's always the right temperature, never fails, and will still be working perfectly in 15 years, the Hansgrohe ShowerSelect is the most reliable choice on this list.
Pros
- Rock-solid thermostatic reliability
- iBox rough-in body — trim swappable without replumbing
- Most affordable system on this list
- Works with any water heating setup
- Low minimum pressure (0.5 bar / 7.25 PSI)
- Multiple finish options
- No cloud dependency — works forever
Cons
- No app, voice control, or remote start
- No user presets or digital interface
- Two-outlet maximum on standard trim
Best for: Anyone who wants precise, reliable thermostatic temperature control without app connectivity — and wants a system that will still be working flawlessly in 15 years.
Smart Shower Buying Guide
Digital vs. thermostatic: These terms get used interchangeably but they mean different things. A thermostatic shower valve holds a set temperature mechanically — it reacts to pressure and temperature changes in the supply lines and compensates automatically. A digital shower controller does the same thing electronically, and adds a display, app connectivity, and programmable presets on top. All five systems on this list are thermostatic at their core. The Kohler, Moen, and Roca add a digital layer on top. The Grohe and Hansgrohe are thermostatic-only, with no digital app layer. Neither approach is better — it depends on whether you want remote control and presets, or just reliable temperature.
Number of outlets: This matters more than most buyers realize before installation. An outlet in shower terms means an independently controlled water source — overhead rain head, handheld, body jets, steam generator. The Kohler DTV+ handles up to six, the Moen U by Moen handles four, and the others are typically two. If you're building a multi-function shower with body jets and a rain head, you need a system that can control each outlet independently. If you're replacing a standard single-head shower, two outlets is plenty.
App and voice control: The Kohler DTV+ (Alexa) and Moen U by Moen (Alexa + Google Assistant) are the only systems here with genuine smart home integration. Remote start — turning on your shower from bed so it's warm when you get in — is the feature most buyers cite as the reason they went digital. It requires a Wi-Fi connection and a working cloud service. The Grohe, Roca, and Hansgrohe systems have no app dependency, which means they also have no single point of failure if a company discontinues a service.
Installation complexity: Be honest with yourself here. The Kohler DTV+ requires a certified installer and wall cavity access for the digital interface module. The Moen U by Moen is retrofit-friendlier but still needs a plumber. The Roca is designed for new builds. The Grohe and Hansgrohe are the most installation-accessible, with the Hansgrohe iBox system being particularly clever — rough-in body goes in during construction, trim installs later. Budget $200–$600 for professional installation depending on the system and your local labor rates.
Water pressure requirements: This is the spec most buyers skip and then regret. The Moen U by Moen needs 45 PSI static pressure — that's higher than average and can be a problem in older homes or properties on well water. The Kohler DTV+ needs 20 PSI dynamic pressure. The Grohe, Roca, and Hansgrohe systems work at 0.5 bar (7.25 PSI) dynamic, which covers almost any residential supply. If you're not sure what your pressure is, a plumber can test it in 10 minutes. Do this before you buy.
Who Should Buy Which
- Best overall / full smart home integration: Kohler DTV+ — the most capable system for new builds and major renovations where budget isn't the primary constraint.
- Best value smart shower: Moen U by Moen — retrofit-friendly, app and voice control, precise temperature, at a more accessible price point.
- Best design / no-app thermostatic: Grohe Grohtherm SmartControl — for buyers who want European build quality, tactile controls, and zero cloud dependency.
- Best for new construction: Roca Digital Shower — fully integrated system designed to be specified during a build, with a polished touchscreen interface.
- Best pure thermostatic reliability: Hansgrohe ShowerSelect — the most affordable, most reliable, and most installation-friendly system on the list. No app, no fuss, just perfect temperature.
Frequently Asked Questions
Are smart showers worth the cost?
For most buyers, yes — but the value depends on which features you'll actually use. The biggest practical benefit of a digital smart shower is precise, consistent temperature: no cold-to-hot swings, no adjusting after someone flushes a toilet. That alone is worth the upgrade for many people. Remote start (warming up the shower before you get in) is genuinely useful if you have a long pipe run from your water heater. If you just want reliable temperature without app features, a quality thermostatic valve like the Hansgrohe ShowerSelect delivers most of the benefit at a lower cost. The full connected experience — app, voice, presets — is a real luxury, but it comes with installation complexity and a dependency on cloud services that simpler systems don't have.
Do smart showers require a plumber to install?
Yes, in almost all cases. Every system on this list involves replacing or installing a shower valve, which means working with water supply lines inside the wall. This is not a plug-and-play installation. The Kohler DTV+ additionally requires running low-voltage wiring between the digital interface and the valve, which Kohler recommends be handled by a certified installer. The Hansgrohe ShowerSelect is the most DIY-accessible — the iBox rough-in body is a standard plumbing job, and the trim installation is manageable for a confident DIYer — but the rough-in still requires proper plumbing knowledge. Budget for professional installation and factor it into your total cost.
Can smart showers save water?
Yes, in two meaningful ways. First, remote start and temperature presets mean you're not running the shower for 2–3 minutes waiting for it to reach the right temperature — the system tells you (or automatically stops) when it's ready. That warm-up water waste adds up over time. Second, precise temperature control means you're less likely to run the shower hotter than needed to compensate for fluctuations, which reduces both water and energy use. Some systems, including the Moen U by Moen, include usage tracking in the app so you can see exactly how much water each shower uses. It's not a dramatic saving, but it's real.
Do smart showers work with Alexa and Google Home?
Only some of them. Of the five systems on this list, the Kohler DTV+ works with Amazon Alexa, and the Moen U by Moen works with both Alexa and Google Assistant. The Grohe Grohtherm SmartControl, Roca Digital Shower, and Hansgrohe ShowerSelect have no smart home platform integration — they're controlled entirely at the valve or panel. If voice control ("Alexa, start my shower") is important to you, the Kohler or Moen are your options. Note that voice-activated water systems require careful setup — most users configure a confirmation step so the shower doesn't start accidentally.
What is a thermostatic shower valve?
A thermostatic shower valve is a valve that automatically maintains a set water temperature regardless of changes in supply pressure or temperature. In a standard mixing valve, if someone turns on a tap elsewhere in the house, the pressure balance shifts and your shower temperature changes — sometimes dramatically. A thermostatic valve compensates for those changes in real time, keeping the output temperature within a degree or two of your set point. All five systems on this list use thermostatic valves. The difference between them is whether that thermostatic control is managed mechanically (Grohe, Hansgrohe) or digitally with an electronic controller (Kohler, Moen, Roca).
How long do smart shower systems last?
The mechanical components — valves, cartridges, trim — are built to last 15–20 years with normal use and basic maintenance (descaling in hard water areas every few years). The digital components are a different story. The touchscreen panels, Wi-Fi modules, and app-connected features depend on manufacturer support, cloud services, and compatible apps. Kohler and Moen have strong track records for supporting their connected products, but no company can guarantee indefinitely. The Grohe and Hansgrohe systems, with no digital connectivity, have no software obsolescence risk — the valve will work as long as the cartridge is serviceable, and replacement cartridges are widely available. This is a real consideration for a $700–$800 investment.