The 10 Best Tension Shower Rods That Won’t Rust in 2022

What can you do if you’re a renter and you want to hang a shower curtain? Damaging the walls is out of the question, so the smartest option is to find the best tension shower rods.

Tension shower rods aren’t installed with tools, but they vary quite a bit with regard to quality. We set out to find the absolute best of the bunch.

Keep reading to learn about the most reliable tension shower rods on the market.

10 Best Tension Shower Rods:

1. AmazonBasics Rust Resistant Easy to Install Tension Shower Doorway Curtain Rod

Review

When all that you’re looking for is the best tension shower rod at an affordable price, keep this selection in mind. It’s brought to you by AmazonBasics, so you know that it gets the job done.

This one is a good choice if you’re looking for a minimalist design that won’t call a lot of attention. It’s black, so it will look fantastic in a variety of décor styles.

This one also is available in a range of sizes from 24 to 36 inches up to 78 to 108 inches. This means that whether you’re dealing with a tiny shower stall or a huge, customized shower, you’ll be able to get a tension rod that fits.

Regardless of the length of the rod, the maximum weight that it can bear is 15 pounds.

What Customers Are Saying

Most people love the sleek and simple design, but many people wish that this rod could carry more weight.

Conclusion

If you’re hanging a lightweight shower curtain, this is an excellent solution.

2. BRIOFOX Shower Curtain Rods 42-72 Inches

Review

This stainless steel shower curtain rod is super thick and works hard at repelling rust. With an oversized non-slip plate, this is one of the best shower rods because it stays in place so well.

The 43 inch to 73-inch size is ideal for most shower openings, and this rod looks particularly sleek and elegant. It also seems to be pretty sturdy. While it’s probably wise not to overload it, it seems safe to assume that even a heavier shower curtain might do well with this rod.

What Customers Are Saying

Most people praise this tension rod for being easy to install and for staying in place. Many of them remark that this rod is sturdy and durable. However, some critics note that the rod and the end caps may come with different finishes.

Conclusion

This sturdy and reliable choice is a good value too.

3. iDesign Shower Curtain Rod

Review

Available in a variety of sizes starting at 26 inches and extending up to 108 inches, this is a versatile solution. This model deserves to be among the best tension shower curtain rods because it’s made from rust- and corrosion-resistant steel. Accordingly, you get years of use.

Although the manufacturer does not disclose a weight limit, many people remark on how sturdy it is. The materials out of which the rod is built appear to be of good quality, which indicates that this is a durable pick.

Installation wasn’t much of a problem, and the tension is tight enough to declare that this thing isn’t going anywhere.

What Customers Are Saying

People love how durable this rod is and how great it looks, though critics wish that the instructions were clearer.

Conclusion

People who can parse the instructions on this one will love how durable it is.

4. Zenna Home NeverRust Aluminum Tension Mount Curved Shower Rod

Review

Here’s a solution for those of you who prefer a curved shower rod. Because it is curved, this rod allows for six-and-a-half more inches of elbow room.

However, this is the best curved shower rod because of its beautiful design. We love the elegant chrome finish and the rust-proof guarantee. The manufacturer is able to offer this guarantee because the rod is made from aluminum rather than steel.

Available in one size, this tension rod can be adjusted from a minimum of 50 inches up to 72 inches.

With U.S.-based customer service available, this tension rod is a bargain in more ways than one.

What Customers Are Saying

Most people find that although this one may cost more than others, it’s worth the extra price. Critics warn that the end caps may damage drywall.

Conclusion

This gorgeous curved rod will enhance any shower.

5. RoomDividersNow Premium Tension Curtain Rod

Review

This is another option that’s available in many sizes. The shortest spans from 28 to 50 inches while the longest stretches from 120 to a whopping 150 inches. That makes this the best shower curtain rod for a large, custom shower.

A made in the U.S.A. product, the manufacturer encourages its customers to call with questions and comments. The manufacturer also boasts an extra-strong hold on all of its tension rods.

These rods are fixed in place with clear rubber end pads that blend into the background. Each rod is one-inch in diameter and features a sturdy one-inch spring.

What Customers Are Saying

Fans remark that even the longest of these rods is able to hold with bowing. However, if you’re thinking of using these rods for a really heavy shower curtain, you may want to look elsewhere.

Conclusion

These well-designed shower curtain rods are the perfect complement to any bathroom.

6. Zenna Home, Chrome NeverRust Aluminum Double Curved Rustproof Shower Rod

Review

This aluminum, chrome finish tension shower rod has a great deal to recommend it. For instance, it has a significant curve that gives you more than a foot of extra elbow room in the shower. Additionally, it features two rods, so that you can hang a curtain and a liner separately.

Why might you want a double rod? It’s mainly because it helps the liner to dry faster and to keep the curtain dry. Alternatively, you could hang both your liner and curtain on one rod, reserving the other for a towel or a shower caddy.

What Customers Are Saying

Because aluminum doesn’t rust, you can trust that this rod will stand the test of time. Fans love the way that it makes any shower seem spacious. Critics wish that a drill wasn’t necessary for installation.

Conclusion

This beautiful, useful, and rust-proof rod will look great in any bathroom.

7. Zenna Home Adjustable Tension Shower Curtain Rod

Review

If a double shower curtain rod isn’t for you, then perhaps you’ll consider this alternative offering from Zenna. The brushed nickel finish is particularly attractive, and even the most budget-conscious among you would have to agree that this rod is a bargain.

This rod relies on TwistTight technology to keep it firmly in place. It will fit any space between 44 and 72 inches, so it’s suitable for just about any standard shower.

Steel construction ensures that this tension rod resists rust.

What Customers Are Saying

People who love it say that it looks great in their bathroom and is easy to install. Nonetheless, others remark that some pretty good hand strength is required at installation.

Conclusion

Anyone seeking an affordable solution will be happy with the price and performance of this product.

8. BRIOFOX Tension Curtain Rod 43-73 Inches

Review

The manufacturer of these bathroom curtain rods boasts that they can hold up to 30 pounds. That’s pretty impressive. Accordingly, you can not only hang your shower curtain on these rods but also your shower caddy and a wet towel without any problem.

Nonetheless, this is a really economical choice that is rust and corrosion-resistant. Also according to the manufacturer, this rod is constructed from a particularly thick pipe, which makes it sturdier than the competition.

What Customers Are Saying

People like the substantial weight of this rod, saying that it feels sturdy and strong. Nonetheless, a few people report problems with the finish chipping off the rod.

Conclusion

Economical and practical, this tension shower rod is an asset in the bathroom.

9. ALLZONE Tension Shower Window Curtain Rod

Review

This inexpensive bathtub curtain rod can fill any space between 42 and 81 inches, which makes it really versatile.

Able to hold up to 20 pounds, this is a pretty sturdy rod that will stand up to most users. Well-designed and easy to install, this basic rod seems like it’s well suited to its intended purpose.

This rod also comes with an extender that can be used if you’re curtaining off a particularly large shower.

What Customers Are Saying

People frequently praise this rod for its design. However, some people don’t like that this tension rod doesn’t have the usual twist technology. Instead, it relies on pushing in the spring, placing the rod, and then releasing the spring. It may be necessary to repeat the process several times, which can be hard on the hands.

Conclusion

With its affordable price and reliable functionality, this is a good choice.

10. BINO Expandable Curved Shower Curtain Rod

Review

Extending from 48 to 72 inches, this bathroom shower rod should be the perfect size for most showers. This is another curved rod, so it gives you up to 10 additional inches of elbow room in the shower.

Of course, to take full advantage of that curve, the rod needs to be extended to its full length. Those with smaller showers won’t get an extra 10 inches of space.

What Customers Are Saying

People frequently remark on how easy this rod is to install, and they love having extra space in the shower. Nonetheless, a few users were confounded by the instructions.

Conclusion

With good looks and reliable sturdiness, this rod is a great choice.

Factors to Consider When Buying the Best Tension Shower Rods

A tension rod is an ideal solution when you want to hang a shower curtain without damaging the wall or tile that surrounds the shower. Instead of relying on screws to stay in place, a tension rod relies on a strong spring. This means that there is no need to use tools to install a tension rod.

First

The first consideration before buying a tension rod is the size of the space that it needs to fit. Get out a tape measure and span the distance between two facing walls. Be precise to ensure that you get a rod that’s long enough.

Additionally, take notice of the wall where the rod will be placed. A tile or a concrete wall can easily take the pressure of a tension rod.

Look for a stud to ensure a particularly sturdy installation. Installing against simple drywall may be inadvisable because the tension can cause damage.

When you shop for a tension rod, ensure that it is capable of extending to a length that is longer than the opening that you measured.

Also, try to find out how much weight the tension rod can bear. If you’re using a lightweight shower curtain, this won’t be much of an issue.

However, if your shower curtain is heavy or if you plan to hang anything else on the rod, like wet towels or drying laundry, then you’ll need to get a rod that can handle a larger load.

It’s additionally wise to consider your bathroom’s décor. It’s likely that the tension rod will come in a variety of finishes like chrome, brushed nickel, black and white.

Think of the other fixtures in the bathroom, and try to match their finish with the tension rod.

Shape

The shape is yet another thing to think about before making a purchase. Straight rods are the standard, but more consumers are beginning to lead toward curved rods that make any shower feel at least a few inches wider.

We’ve also reviewed shower pans and shower panels for the bathroom.

Making the Decision

In our opinion, the best tension shower rods are made by RoomDividersNow. We found quite a lot to like about not only the manufacturer but also their products. These tension rods are made in the U.S.A. and are available in extra-long lengths. Strong and sturdy, we love how these rods grip the walls.

If you prefer a curved rod, then try the Zenna Home Tension Mount Curved Shower Rod. We like the rust-proof aluminum and the extra elbow room.