When compared to the initial cost of a whole-house water filtering system, a shower water softener is far less expensive. It is also far less expensive to install because it does not need to be piped in. It will also not necessitate professional installation. These units, however, have an obvious flaw: they only cover your showerhead while leaving your pipes, faucets, and appliances, including your washing machine, vulnerable to hard water. So, unless you are purchasing the showerhead for temporary usage, such as in a hostel, installing a whole-house water softening system is the most cost-effective solution.