The 8 Best Tension Shower Rods That You Can Install Without Power Tools

With a glowing, 4.7-star overall rating on Amazon after more than 25,000 reviewers have chimed in, this best-selling tension rod is the complete package. The shower rod is designed with a large plate at each end to prevent it from slipping down tile walls, a common issue with standard tension rods. It also is super strong and can hold up to 30 pounds of weight. Choose from several finishes, including stainless steel and brass, to match the design of your bathroom. Plus, this rod is guaranteed to be rust-proof for at least five years.

One reviewer wrote: “Easy to install. Stays secure. Looks good. Seems as though it will stay in place better than other types of rods I have used.”

Fits shower sizes: 27 — 73 inches | Available finishes: 6

To cut straight to the point: This tension rod is a bargain. Not only does it have a sleek, contemporary design, but it’s available in three sizes to fit showers from 26 inches to 90 inches in length. You can even pick between five different finishes, including white and black as well as nickel, chrome, and bronze. While the rod is rust-resistant and has garnered an overall 4.5-star rating on Amazon, some reviewers have noted that it can start to corrode after long-term use and one shopper noted that they “wouldn’t hang anything heavy from it.” So buyers should beware that it may not be the longest-lasting rod for inside a humid, wet bathroom.

One reviewer wrote: “I recently moved to a new apartment and the bathroom didn’t have a shower rod. This product came in so handy. Easy to install and very sturdy.”

Fits shower sizes: 26 — 90 inches | Available finishes: 5

There’s nothing more annoying than a shower curtain that sticks to you. That’s what makes this curved tension shower rod so appealing. The curved design of this corrosion-resistant, stainless steel rod provides you with more elbow room and keeps the curtain at a further distance, so it’s less likely to make contact with you while you’re showering. Plus, it has decorative covers that snap over the tension mounting, giving this rod an elegant look. Moen also backs their products with a limited lifetime warranty, so you can be sure it’ll last a while.

One reviewer wrote: “I love it! I have been wanting to purchase a curved shower curtain rod, however, most shower rods are mounted with screws [...] This curved shower rod is a tension rod. It could be helpful to have a second pair of hands, but I managed to [install] it all alone!!! I have both a shower curtain and liner hanging with no problem!!! AND the price was awesome! Some rods range from $50-$60! I’m totally happy with my purchase!!!!”

Fits shower sizes: 57 — 60 inches | Available finishes: 2

Also available on: Home Depot, $32, and Wayfair, $43

Buying a double tension rod, like this aluminum one, is the way to go if you'd like to hang up your shower curtain and liner separately. (Doing so may reduce a curtain’s drying time and prevent mildew and mold from forming.) Available in a nickel or chrome finish, this lightweight, rust-proof rod comes in one size that fits showers measuring between 44 and 72 inches. It’s also easy to install: Simply extend both sides of the rod to the wall and twist. Although it works as a tension rod, you also have the option of permanently mounting this rod to a wall with screws, should you want to use it for a different purpose or in a different space at any point.

One reviewer wrote: “Wonderful replacement for cheap shower rods. Tension rod holds liner and curtain with a wet towel as well. Very sturdy.”

Fits shower sizes: 44 — 72 inches | Available finishes: 2

Also available on: Wayfair, $50

As the name implies, this doubled curved rod features two curved rungs instead of one, which allows you the freedom to hang your shower curtain and liner separately. As a bonus, the curved design adds 9 more inches of precious elbow room as you bathe. The silvery chrome rods are made with rust-proof aluminum and are also available in a bronze finish and a more muted nickel finish.

One reviewer wrote: “I love my double curved rod [...] I have had this up for over a year now I have had no problems with it. The only exception I would say is that it’s possible to put it up by yourself but it’s much simpler and easy to put up with a second pair of hands. Other than that it wears well [...] I live in a humid environment and the finish has held up well. Just as shiny as it was the day I took it out of the box.”

Fits shower sizes: 50 — 72 inches | Available finishes: 3

Also available on: Bed Bath & Beyond, $76

This ultra-sturdy tension shower rod holds up to a whopping 66 pounds. It’s made with rust- and corrosion-resistant stainless steel and the end caps have a nonslip material that protects walls and tile from damage. It also stretches the widest of all the options on this list, so you can use it in extra-large spaces. Shop it in four finishes: black, brown, white, and stainless steel.

One reviewer wrote: “Easy to install and very sturdy. No more flimsy shower rods that were constantly falling. This rod has been up for weeks now and it is solid. Also strong enough to hold towels thrown at it. Just make sure it’s properly installed.”

Fits shower sizes: 51 — 165 inches | Available finishes: 4

If you want something with some pizazz, you might appreciate this stylish shower rod. The gold finish lends it a refined touch, but it’s also available in four other finishes, including black, brown, silver, and white. It’s made from stainless steel, which promises to stay free of rust. It can bear the weight of shower curtains up to 30 pounds, and thanks to its grippy end caps, it shouldn’t slip or slide when secured in place.

One reviewer wrote: “This is an elegant and sturdy curtain rod that was easy to install.”

Fits shower sizes: 26 — 85 inches | Available finishes: 5

If you don’t have curtain rings on hand, consider snagging this tension shower rod set, which comes with 12 curtain rings so you can set it up right away. The rust-resistant stainless steel rod has a maximum capacity of 30 pounds, and it’s designed to stay up on both smooth and textured surfaces. Reviewers have praised how sturdy and easy to install it is — especially for such a reasonable price.

One reviewer wrote: “This was as easy as it gets to put up and it looks really nice! I thought it was a great value that it came with the rings [...] The rings slide along the bar smoothly and with ease.”

Fits shower sizes: 28 — 84 inches | Available finishes: 3

Sturdy as the strongest tension shower rod may be, these tension shower rod holders can reassure you that the rod will stay up on the off-chance that it starts to slip. They’re made of plastic and come in black and white options to best suit your bathroom’s aesthetic. You can mount them to your shower wall or tile with adhesive or screws, depending on your preference.

One reviewer wrote: “I was tired of the tension rods sliding down the shower walls and came to Amazon to purchase a rod that I could screw into the wall. I came across these tension holders and was unsure if they would work. I purchased one set and had no issues. I even tested it by hanging wet clothes up on the rod to dry and it did not move. I have since purchased more for other bathrooms. Tension holders were easy to install as well.”

Available finishes: 2