Blog>Expert Advice>What are the benefits of smart and digital showers?
Last updated: 11 March 2025
What are the benefits of smart and digital showers?
Looking to upgrade to the latest smart or digital showers? Here’s everything you need to know.
Scorching hot or freezing cold water? Leaking, limescaled valves? If this sounds like your daily shower experience, it could be time to splash out on a smart or digital shower.
This guide outlines all the pros and cons to help you decide if it's a worthwhile investment. But first, what are smart and digital showers, and how do they work?
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What is a digital shower, and how does it work?
A digital shower lets you control the water temperature and flow with a one-touch digital interface mounted to your shower wall.
Great for creating a streamlined look, the mixer and shower processor (which powers the temperature and flow rate) are tucked away in a cupboard or cavity wall.
What is a smart shower, and how does it work?
A smart shower goes a step further by linking to your internet-connected devices. This means you can monitor your shower more precisely.
Going smart with your shower is just the latest in a long list of smart technologies UK homeowners are now embracing – from smart thermostats to smart locks.
What are the benefits of a digital shower?
Going digital can be a game-changer if you've been putting up with an unreliable or leaking shower. The perks include:
Convenience:
Pre-set your water temperature and flow for the perfect shower every time
Programme integrated cleaning programs for the shower heads to avoid limescale build-up
Energy-efficiency:
Use water-saving eco modes to help reduce water wastage
Pre-program the shower duration – handy if you have teenagers prone to long showers!
Safety:
Pre-set temperatures to keep little ones safe
There are no exposed hot valves that could potentially scald little ones
Modern design:
The mixing unit or processor is hidden in the ceiling or a wall cavity for a sleek, streamlined design
What are the benefits of a smart shower?
Along with all the perks listed above, by syncing to your internet devices, a smart shower also allows you to:
Set up profiles for each household member, so everyone can choose their perfect temperature and flow
Track your water usage to help keep an eye on your utility bills
Set up voice activation to turn the shower on – useful for homeowners with reduced mobility
What are the disadvantages of a digital shower or smart shower?
Digital and smart showers aren't cheap (more on that later), so it's helpful to consider the downsides, too, before committing:
Costs:
Compared to traditional mixer showers, digital showers are more expensive to buy, and you'll need a professional plumber to install it
Installation:
To install the shower's processor, you'll need to factor in space behind a wall, an empty cupboard or in the loft
An access panel also needs to be installed in case something goes wrong
Tech reliant:
Some homeowners might take longer to get used to the digital interface and various modes
Because it relies on technology, expect the odd glitch from time to time if there's a power outage
What's the average cost of digital and smart showers?
Because of the technology involved, smart and digital showers cost more than standard mixer or electric showers.
Also, the installation may take longer, as the shower processor needs to be fitted into a loft space or behind a cavity wall.
To give you a general steer, a digital shower costs from £400 plus labour. Meanwhile, a standard mixer shower costs from £200 plus labour.
You can compare the cost of different shower types in our cost guide.
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Find a pro to install your smart or digital shower
If you're investing in a smart or digital shower, the last thing you want to do is install it incorrectly or damage the components. That's why we recommend hiring an experienced plumber for the installation.
It's easy to find the right tradesperson for the job at Checkatrade! Only trades who pass our checks and meet our high standards are on Checkatrade.
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FAQs
What is the difference between a digital shower and a smart shower?
While both styles provide a digital interface, only a smart shower connects to your home Wi-Fi network. This allows you to have complete control both inside and outside your home.
Are digital showers expensive to run?
Once you've paid the initial cost of buying and installing a digital or smart shower, it should be no more expensive than a traditional mixer or electric shower.
In fact, you may save money if you use the water-saving eco modes!
Do digital showers increase water pressure?
Not exactly. Some digital showers allow you to pre-set the water flow rate for more consistent pressure. But if your home has low water pressure, you might need to invest in a pump. That's up next.
Do digital showers need a pump?
Some digital showers have an integrated pump that boosts the flow to increase water pressure. This is particularly helpful for homes with low water pressure.
Key takeaways
Opt for a digital shower if you want to control your shower via a sleek one-touch interface
If you want to monitor your water usage more closely along with other perks, invest in a smart shower
Remember, digital and smart showers aren't without their glitches and will need to be reset after a power outage
If you don't feel confident using digital interfaces, stick with a traditional mixer shower
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