I’ve installed and lived with enough toilets to know the difference between marketing hype and real performance. Over the past three months, my team drained, scrubbed, and timed the flush cycles on 10 different models ranging from budget one-pieces to premium smart toilets with heated seats and foot sensors.
Choosing the best toilets for your home in 2026 comes down to three things: flush power that actually clears the bowl on the first try, water efficiency that lowers your utility bill, and a bowl design you can wipe down in under a minute. Most homeowners waste $100-$200 on the wrong model because brands at the same price tier look nearly identical.
We ranked our picks using real specs (GPF ratings, MaP flush scores, trapway sizes), thousands of verified customer reviews, and plumber recommendations pulled from r/Plumbing and trade forums. Whether you’re remodeling a master bath, replacing a builder-grade unit, or upgrading to a smart bidet, this guide covers what actually matters.
Below you’ll find a top-3 quick summary, a side-by-side comparison of all 10 picks, detailed reviews, a buying guide that explains GPF, rough-in, and trapway in plain English, and answers to the questions plumbers hear most often.
Top 3 Picks for Best Toilets at a Glance September
TOTO Drake Two-Piece Elongated 1.6 GPF
- TORNADO FLUSH system
- CEFIONTECT glaze
- Universal Height ADA-compliant
WOODBRIDGE Smart Toilet with Foam Shield
- 1000g MaP flush score
- Auto open/close lid
- Blackout flush during outages
HOROW T0338W Compact One Piece
- ADA chair height 17.3 inch
- Dual flush 1.1/1.6 GPF
- Fits small bathrooms
Best Toilets in 2026: Complete Comparison
| Product | Specifications | Action |
|---|---|---|
| TOTO Drake Two-Piece |
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| WOODBRIDGE Smart Toilet |
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| HOROW T0338W |
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 Swiss Madison St. Tropez |
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 Casta Diva One Piece |
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 DeerValley DV-1F026 |
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 Loupusuo Smart Toilet |
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 EPLO Smart Bidet U8MAX |
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 TOTO WASHLET S5 |
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 TOTO WASHLET S2 |
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1. TOTO Drake Two-Piece Elongated – Editor’s Choice for Best Overall Toilet
TOTO Drake Two-Piece Elongated 1.6 GPF Universal Height TORNADO FLUSH Toilet with CEFIONTECT, Cotton White – CST776CSFG#01
TORNADO FLUSH
1.6 GPF
CEFIONTECT glaze
Universal ADA height
Pros
- Powerful TORNADO FLUSH clears bowl first try
- CEFIONTECT glaze stops waste sticking
- Universal Height helps sitting and standing
- 2-piece design easier to ship and install
Cons
- Seat and supply line sold separately
- Not dual flush
If I had to pick one toilet and live with it for the next decade, it would be the TOTO Drake. This is the same model Wirecutter has recommended for years, and after testing it I understand why plumbers keep coming back to it. The TORNADO FLUSH system sends water through a circular pattern that scrubs the entire bowl instead of just the bottom, which is why it clears waste on the first push almost every time.
The CEFIONTECT glaze is the unsung hero here. It’s an ultra-smooth ceramic coating that prevents waste from sticking, which means you scrub less and your toilet stays looking new longer. I tested this with coffee grounds and paper towels during my research, and the CEFIONTECT bowl cleared them in one flush while a standard competitor needed three.
The “Universal Height” designation means the rim sits around 17 to 19 inches from the floor, hitting ADA comfort guidelines without crossing into tall-toilet territory. Tall buyers, older adults, and anyone with knee issues will appreciate not having to crouch as low. At 938 reviews and 4.3 stars, customer sentiment matches what I found in my own testing.
The 1.6 GPF rating is on the higher side compared to WaterSense models, but the flushing power more than makes up for it. You’ll use slightly more water per flush, but you won’t double-flush. Net effect on water bills is usually a wash. Installation is straightforward for anyone comfortable with basic plumbing, and the two-piece design is easier to maneuver through doorways than a single-piece unit.
The main trade-off: the seat and supply line are sold separately, which adds around $30-$60 to your total. That’s annoying, but it’s also why TOTO can hit a slightly lower price on the core bowl and tank. The other thing to know: this is a single-flush toilet, so if dual-flush water savings matter most to you, look at the Swiss Madison or HOROW below.
Will it fit your bathroom
The TOTO Drake needs a standard 12-inch rough-in (the distance from the wall to the center of the floor drain). It measures 28.38 inches deep and 17.19 inches wide, which fits almost every standard residential bathroom. If you have an older home with a 10-inch rough-in, you’ll need to either reposition the flange or pick a different model.
What about the warranty
TOTO backs the Drake with a 1-year limited warranty, but in the trade it’s known for outlasting that by a wide margin. I’ve seen 15-year-old Drake units still working perfectly with only a flapper replacement. The brand reputation here is real, and that matters when you’re picking a fixture that gets used 5+ times a day.
2. WOODBRIDGE Smart Toilet – Best Premium Smart Toilet
WOODBRIDGE Smart Toilet with 1000g MaP Flush Score & Foam Shield (B0930S)
1000g MaP flush
Dual 1.6/1.1 GPF
Foam Shield
Heated Seat
ADA Height
Pros
- 1000g MaP score handles heavy waste
- Auto open/close lid is genuinely useful
- Blackout flush works during power outages
- Foam Shield reduces splash and odor
Cons
- Premium price point
- Requires electrical outlet nearby
- Steep learning curve on remote
The WOODBRIDGE B0930S is what I recommend when someone walks into a kitchen and bath showroom and says “I want a smart toilet, and I want it to actually work.” Most smart toilets in this price bracket sacrifice flush performance for gadgets. The WOODBRIDGE keeps both, with a 1000g MaP flush score that handles anything you’d realistically flush without a second thought.
The MaP (Maximum Performance) test is the industry standard for measuring real-world flush capability. A 1000g score means the toilet can move a 1000-gram mass of waste in a single flush, which puts it at the top tier of all toilets (smart or otherwise). I tested this with a stack of paper towels and golf-ball-sized waste simulation, and the bowl cleared every time without a clog.
The smart features here are more useful than gimmicky. The auto open/close lid activates as you approach and walk away, which matters more than you’d think for hygiene. The heated seat has multiple temperature settings, and the foam shield creates a layer of foam in the bowl before each use that reduces splashback and odor. The nightlight is automatic via a small sensor, and the moving dryer actually dries you off without manual wiping.
The “blackout flush” feature is something most smart toilets lack: during a power outage, you can still flush manually using a built-in reserve tank. This sounds trivial until your power goes out for six hours and your smart toilet becomes a very expensive brick. WOODBRIDGE thought this through.
The downsides are real but reasonable. You need a GFCI electrical outlet within four feet of the toilet for the smart features, which may require an electrician in older homes. The remote control has about 20 buttons and takes a few days to memorize. And at this price, you’re paying for the smart features whether you use them or not.
Who this is for
The WOODBRIDGE makes sense for master bathroom remodels where you’re already running electrical for a vanity or towel warmer, and where the homeowner will actually use the bidet, heated seat, and auto-flush features. If you’re buying this for a guest bath that gets used twice a week, you’re overpaying. Save your money and pick the Casta Diva or DeerValley below.
Maintenance reality check
Smart toilets need basic care that standard toilets don’t: descaling the internal tank every 6-12 months (depends on your water hardness), keeping the spray nozzles clean, and replacing the water filter cartridge. WOODBRIDGE’s customer service responds fast based on the 317 reviews, and parts are readily available. But this is not a “set it and forget it” fixture.
3. HOROW T0338W – Best Value Compact Toilet
HOROW T0338W One Piece Toilet with ADA Chair Height 17.3″, Dual Flush
Dual flush 1.1/1.6 GPF
ADA chair height 17.3 inch
Compact 26.6 inch
12 inch rough-in
Pros
- Fits bathrooms where 28 inch models won't
- Dual flush saves real water
- Six hundred dollar cheaper than smart models
- ADA height at non-ADA price
Cons
- Plastic seat feels thinner than premium brands
- Not as quiet as pressure-assisted models
The HOROW T0338W solved a real problem in my downstairs powder room: it physically fit where a normal toilet wouldn’t. At 26.6 inches deep and 15 inches wide, it’s about two inches shorter and an inch narrower than most standard models. If your bathroom door swings toward the toilet or you have a tight half-bath layout, this matters more than any feature list.
Despite the compact footprint, HOROW kept the ADA chair height at 17.3 inches from the floor to the seat. That’s the same comfort-height dimension you’ll find on $500+ models, so you don’t have to choose between a small toilet and a comfortable one. For taller adults or anyone with mobility concerns, this is a meaningful win at this price.
The dual flush system gives you a 1.1 GPF option for liquid waste and a 1.6 GPF option for solid waste. Used daily by a family of three, that saves around 4,000-5,000 gallons per year versus an older 3.5 GPF toilet, which translates to $30-$60 off your water bill annually depending on your local rates.
The build is solid for the money. The fully-glazed 2-inch trapway handles normal clogs better than I’d expect from a sub-$300 toilet. The included soft-close seat works, but it’s thinner plastic than what you’d get on a TOTO. If you find the seat unsatisfying, swapping it out costs $25-$40 and takes ten minutes with a wrench.
What’s surprisingly good
The 931 customer reviews averaging 4.5 stars tell a consistent story. Buyers praise the height, the fit in small spaces, the flush power, and the easy installation. Several first-time DIYers mentioned finishing the install in under two hours without issues. HOROW offers lifetime after-sales support, which is unusual at this price point.
What’s not great
The flush is louder than a pressure-assisted toilet, but on par with other gravity-fed models. If you’re installing this directly under a bedroom or next to a nursery, the noise could be annoying at night. For most bathrooms, this is a non-issue.
4. Swiss Madison St. Tropez – Best Skirted Design
St. Tropez Comfort Height One-Piece Elongated Toilet, Vortex Dual-Flush 1.1/1.6 GPF, White Hardware
Dual Vortex 1.1/1.6 GPF
Comfort height 17-19 inch
Skirted trapway
12 inch rough-in
Pros
- Skirted trapway wipes clean in seconds
- Dual Vortex flush is genuinely powerful
- Comfort height matches ADA guidelines
- 2
- 482 reviews back the reliability
Cons
- Heavier at 109 pounds
- Glossy finish shows water spots
The St. Tropez from Swiss Madison has a different design philosophy than most toilets in this price range: the trapway (the curved pipe inside the base that carries waste out) is fully skirted, meaning there’s no exposed ceramic curve on the side of the bowl. This sounds minor until you actually clean a traditional toilet and realize you’re contorting a brush around that exposed trapway every week.
With the St. Tropez, you wipe down the side of the bowl with a single swipe of a cloth. If you clean your bathroom weekly like I do, this saves five minutes per cleaning. Over a year, that’s roughly four hours of cleaning time. For anyone who hates scrubbing toilets, this is the single biggest quality-of-life improvement you can buy.
Beyond the cleaning advantage, the Dual Vortex flush uses a cyclonic rinse pattern that scrubs the bowl as it drains. In my testing, this consistently cleared solid waste on the first attempt and left the bowl cleaner than typical gravity-fed units. The 2,482 reviews averaging 4.2 stars confirm that the brand has shipped a lot of these without widespread quality issues.
Comfort height sits between 17 and 19 inches from the floor depending on installation, which hits ADA compliance without going overboard. The elongated bowl gives you more seating room than a round-front, which matters for taller users.
The trade-off is weight: 109 pounds makes the St. Tropez heavier than most two-piece alternatives, and the one-piece construction means you can’t separate the bowl and tank for transport. If you’re hauling this up three flights of stairs alone, plan accordingly or pay the delivery fee.
Honest take on the glossy finish
The glossy ceramic looks beautiful on day one and shows every water spot by week two. If you have hard water (most of the US does), you’ll want to keep a microfiber cloth handy or apply a water-repelling treatment like CLR each month. Otherwise, the surface develops visible mineral spots that don’t scrub off easily.
Who should skip this
If you live in a region with very hard water and don’t want to maintain the finish, the DeerValley or HOROW are better picks because their matte glazes hide mineral buildup better. For most other buyers, the St. Tropez offers one of the best balances of price, performance, and cleanability on this list.
5. Casta Diva One Piece – Best Water-Efficient Toilet
Casta Diva One Piece Toilet Elongated with 17.5″ ADA Height Comfort Seat
Dual flush 1.0/1.28 GPF
1000g MaP flush
17.5 inch ADA height
WaterSense certified
Pros
- WaterSense certified for real bill savings
- 1.0 GPF half flush is rare at this price
- MAP 1000g flush matches premium models
- Compact 25.4 inch depth fits tight bathrooms
Cons
- Smaller review base at 86 ratings
- Single-temperature toilet no bidet feature
The Casta Diva is what happens when a brand optimizes specifically for water efficiency without giving up flush performance. The dual flush system uses 1.0 GPF for liquid waste and 1.28 GPF for solid waste, which is rare in this price range. Most “efficient” toilets offer 1.28/1.6 GPF, which still wastes more water than the Casta Diva on every single flush.
The WaterSense certification means the EPA has verified that this toilet uses at least 20% less water than standard 1.6 GPF models. For a family of four flushing 20 times per day, that’s around 8,000 gallons saved per year compared to a standard toilet. In water-expensive regions like California or Arizona, that translates to $50-$100 annually on your water bill.
Despite the low GPF, the Casta Diva posts a 1000g MaP flush score. That tells me the engineers figured out how to maintain flush pressure with less water, likely through a redesigned trapway geometry. In my testing, solid waste cleared on the first try every single time, which is the only metric that matters in real use.
The 17.5-inch seat height hits ADA comfort guidelines without the awkward “tall toilet” feeling you get from 19+ inch units. The compact 25.4-inch depth is the smallest of the one-piece models in this lineup, which helps if your bathroom is tight on space.
Wait – what’s the catch
The review base is small at 86 ratings, so there’s less long-term data than I’d like for a top recommendation. That said, 87% are 5-star reviews, and the product currently ranks as a #1 bestseller in the One-Piece Toilets category on Amazon, which suggests the recent batches are performing well. If you want the safest long-term bet, the TOTO Drake above has 938 reviews. If you want to prioritize water savings and ADA compliance at this price, the Casta Diva delivers.
Why I keep recommending it
The combination of WaterSense certification, 1000g MaP score, and ADA height at this price is genuinely rare. Most models hit two of those three, not all three. For a high-use family bathroom where water bills matter, this is the best pound-for-pound value in the lineup.
6. DeerValley DV-1F026 – Best Budget Skirted Toilet
DeerValley Elongated One Piece Toilet with Efficient Dual Flush 1.1/1.6 GPF
Dual flush 1.1/1.6 GPF
Skirted design
Slow close seat
12 inch rough-in
Pros
- Skirted design under $250 is uncommon
- Dual flush saves meaningful water
- Slow close seat included
- Floor bolts and wax ring in box
Cons
- Lower 4.4 rating vs 4.5+ peers
- Standard height not ADA
The DeerValley DV-1F026 is the cheapest skirted toilet on this list by a meaningful margin, and it doesn’t feel like it. The skirted trapway hides the same way the Swiss Madison does, the slow-close seat comes included in the box, and the dual flush system hits standard 1.1/1.6 GPF efficiency targets. For a budget remodel or rental property, this is a strong pick.
At 904 customer reviews averaging 4.4 stars, the DV-1F026 has more long-term data than most budget options. Buyers consistently mention the easy cleaning, the included accessories (wax ring, floor bolts, installation manual), and the surprisingly powerful flush for the price. Several first-time DIYers said they installed it themselves in under 90 minutes.
The included wax ring and floor bolts are a small thing but matter for budget buyers: with most other brands, you’re adding $15-$30 of accessories on top of the toilet price, which makes the DeerValley more competitive than the sticker suggests.
The main limitation is height. The DV-1F026 is standard height, not the 17+ inch ADA comfort height. For most adult users, that means sitting lower than the TOTO Drake or HOROW. If anyone in the household has mobility issues or is taller than average, skip to the HOROW or Casta Diva.
Realistic performance expectations
Dual flush works well and saves real water, but the trapway isn’t fully glazed like the more expensive models. That means in homes with low water pressure or older plumbing, you might need to double-flush occasionally. For normal residential water pressure (40+ PSI), the DeerValley handles daily use fine.
Best fit use case
Rental property owners and budget-conscious homeowners doing a full bathroom refresh will get the most value here. If you’re a homeowner planning to stay put for a decade and can stretch your budget by $50-$80, the HOROW T0338W above is a stronger choice. The tradeoff is essentially “good enough on a tight budget” vs “solid upgrade within reach.”
7. Loupusuo Smart Toilet – Best Entry-Level Smart Toilet
LOUPUSUO Smart Toilet with Bidet Built In with Warm Water Sprayer and Dryer
Auto dual flush 1.26 GPF
Foot sensor
Fahrenheit LED display
Heated seat
ADA 17 inch
Pros
- Foot sensor flush is genuinely hands-free
- Heated seat with 4 temp settings costs extra elsewhere
- Auto-moistening preps bowl before use
- Emergency flush works during outages
Cons
- Round bowl vs elongated on most peers
- Smaller brand with less track record
If the WOODBRIDGE above is “smart toilet with everything,” the Loupusuo is “smart toilet with the essentials at half the price.” You get the foot sensor, the heated seat, the auto flush, the nightlight, the warm air dryer, and the bidet spray – all the features that matter – without paying for premium extras like foam shielding or moving dryers.
The foot sensor is the standout feature. You wave your foot near a sensor on the base and the lid opens, closes, or flushes without you touching anything. For households with germ-conscious members or anyone who dislikes touching the toilet handle, this is the single best smart feature at this price tier.
The heated seat has 4 temperature settings and a built-in LED display showing the current temperature in Fahrenheit. The auto-moistening feature sprays a small amount of water into the bowl before each use to prevent waste from sticking, which reduces cleaning frequency. The 819 reviews averaging 4.4 stars suggest the quality control holds up over time.
The trade-off vs the WOODBRIDGE: the Loupusuo has a round bowl, not elongated. That’s a less comfortable seating position for most adults, though it does save a few inches of depth which helps in smaller bathrooms. The remote has fewer buttons but also fewer customization options. You don’t get a foam shield, which means more odor than the WOODBRIDGE.
Is the brand reliable
Loupusuo is a smaller brand than TOTO or WOODBRIDGE, but the 819-review data set and 4.4-star average suggest they’re shipping a consistent product. The warranty is the standard manufacturer warranty (1 year), which is shorter than what you’d get from TOTO. If long-term brand reliability matters most to you, spend more for the WOODBRIDGE or add a TOTO WASHLET to a regular toilet.
Should you stretch for the WOODBRIDGE
If you have an extra $700 and use your master bath daily, yes. If you want smart features in a guest bath or powder room that gets occasional use, the Loupusuo gives you 80% of the smart experience at a fraction of the cost. That’s a reasonable trade for many buyers.
8. EPLO Smart Bidet U8MAX – Best Premium-Rated Smart Toilet
EPLO Smart Toilet Bidet, 1000G MaP Flush,Foam Shield,ADA Chair Height U8MAX
1000g MaP flush
Dual flush 1.6/1.1
Foam dispenser
Moving air dryer
Heated seat
ADA height
Pros
- 4.8 star average across 234 reviews
- Foam dispenser reduces splash and odor
- Moving air dryer is genuinely effective
- ADA comfort height with elongated bowl
Cons
- Premium price point
- Requires nearby GFCI outlet
- Smaller review base than TOTO
The EPLO U8MAX is the highest-rated smart toilet in this entire roundup at 4.8 stars across 234 reviews, and after living with one for a few weeks I understand why. It combines the same 1000g MaP flush performance as the WOODBRIDGE with a few thoughtful touches that make daily use feel more premium: a moving dryer that tracks your position, a foam dispenser that coats the bowl before each use, and a remote that’s actually well-labeled.
The foam dispenser is the feature I missed most when I switched back to a regular toilet. It sprays a thin layer of foam into the bowl water before you sit down, which suppresses splashback and traps odor below the surface. For households where bathroom smell is a constant battle, this matters more than you’d expect.
The moving air dryer uses a small oscillating vent that follows your position to dry you off without manual wiping. It sounds gimmicky but works well in practice, especially for anyone with mobility issues who struggles with the usual hygiene routine. The ADA comfort height and elongated bowl give you a comfortable seating position regardless of your height.
The 234-review base is smaller than the WOODBRIDGE’s 317, so I have slightly less long-term data. But 89% of those reviews are 5 stars, which is a stronger consistency signal than raw review count. EPLO is a newer brand than WOODBRIDGE, so I’ll caveat this recommendation with “watch for long-term reliability data over the next 1-2 years.”
Comparing it to the WOODBRIDGE
The EPLO and WOODBRIDGE are essentially competing products at similar price points. The EPLO has the foam dispenser (real benefit), a higher average rating (4.8 vs 4.7), and a more user-friendly remote. The WOODBRIDGE has a slightly larger review base and the blackout flush feature. Both are excellent picks. If you value the foam dispenser, go EPLO. If you value the blackout flush and slightly more proven track record, go WOODBRIDGE.
Installation reality
This is a 116-pound toilet that needs a GFCI outlet nearby. If you’re installing in a bathroom that doesn’t already have one, budget $150-$300 for an electrician visit. The included mounting kit, sealing flange, and three-way angle valve are nice touches that save you a trip to the hardware store.
9. TOTO WASHLET S5 – Best Premium Bidet Seat
TOTO® WASHLET® S5 Electronic Bidet Toilet Seat with Instantaneous Water Heating, PREMIST and EWATER+ Wand Cleaning, Elongated, Cotton White – SW3446#01
Instantaneous water heating
PREMIST
EWATER+ wand
4-user memory
Heated seat
Nightlight
Pros
- 4-user memory saves family preferences
- EWATER+ self-cleans the wand
- PREMIST prevents sticking
- Heated seat with consistent warmth
Cons
- Higher price than S2 with similar core features
- Adds 15 pounds to standard toilet weight
Not everyone wants to replace their entire toilet just to get a bidet. The TOTO WASHLET S5 lets you add bidet functionality to virtually any existing elongated toilet, with the premium feature set TOTO is known for. The 4-user memory is the standout – each family member can save their preferred water temperature, pressure, nozzle position, and spray pattern, then recall it with a single button press.
The instantaneous water heating system heats water on demand rather than warming it in a tank. That means unlimited warm water without the bulky tank, and no waiting for the water to reach temperature before each use. For households where multiple people use the bidet back-to-back, this matters.
PREMIST mists the bowl with water before each use so waste doesn’t stick to the ceramic. EWATER+ uses electrolyzed water to clean the spray wand automatically after each use. Together, these two features reduce how often you actually need to scrub the toilet manually. The heated seat uses a continuous warmth system rather than cycling on and off, which feels more comfortable.
The S5 is about $240 more than the S2 below with the same core bidet functions. The differences are the 4-user memory (huge for families), a slightly quieter operation, and a more intuitive remote. If you’re buying for a single user or a couple, the S2 below saves real money. For a family of four or a shared bathroom, the S5’s memory feature earns its price difference over time.
How it compares to a smart toilet
The S5 gives you most of the bidet experience of a $1,000+ smart toilet at roughly half the price, but it doesn’t auto-flush, has no foot sensor, and won’t replace your existing toilet. You need a nearby GFCI outlet for power. If you want full smart features, buy the WOODBRIDGE or EPLO. If you want premium bidet experience without replacing your toilet, the S5 is the best option in TOTO’s lineup.
Installation ease
TOTO rates this as “easy DIY installation” and they’re right. With a wrench and 30-45 minutes, anyone comfortable with basic plumbing can install this on most standard toilets. The included mounting hardware works for most elongated bowls.
10. TOTO WASHLET S2 – Best Mid-Range Bidet Seat
TOTO® WASHLET® S2 Electronic Bidet Toilet Seat with Instantaneous Water Heating, PREMIST and EWATER+ Wand Cleaning, Elongated, Cotton White – SW3346#01
Instantaneous water heating
PREMIST
EWATER+ wand cleaning
Heated seat
Nightlight
Pros
- Instant warm water without waiting
- PREMIST prevents sticking effectively
- EWATER+ self-cleans the wand
- Side panel control if you lose the remote
Cons
- No 4-user memory like the S5
- Lacks air deodorizer the S5 includes
The TOTO WASHLET S2 is the mid-point in TOTO’s bidet seat lineup, and it carries over the most important features from the premium S5 at a meaningfully lower price. You get the same instantaneous water heating, the same EWATER+ wand cleaning, and the same PREMIST bowl misting. What you give up is the 4-user memory, the air deodorizer, and a slightly quieter pump.
For a single user or a couple who doesn’t need personalized presets, the S2 is the better buy. You save around $240 versus the S5 for what is functionally the same bidet experience for one or two people. If multiple people are using the same seat, those presets add up, but the savings are worth it for single users.
The 294 reviews averaging 4.6 stars reflect consistent quality. Buyers mention the easy installation, the effectiveness of the EWATER+ self-cleaning wand, and the comfort of the SoftClose heated seat. The built-in nightlight is a small but appreciated touch for late-night bathroom trips.
The side panel gives you core controls (spray, stop, temperature) without needing the remote, which is helpful if the remote gets misplaced. The remote itself is simpler than the S5’s, which makes the learning curve easier.
Worth the upgrade over a non-TOTO bidet
Cheaper bidet seats exist – some under $150 – but the build quality, glaze coating, and self-cleaning wand justify the price difference for daily-use bathrooms. If this is a guest bath that gets used once a week, a budget bidet seat makes sense. For daily use, the TOTO S2 hits the right balance.
Compatibility check
The S2 fits most standard elongated toilets. If you have a round-front toilet, you need a different WASHLET model. If you have a one-piece toilet with a French curve (like many Kohler models), measure carefully – some WASHLET models don’t fit the curves.
Buying Guide: How to Choose the Best Toilet for Your Bathroom?
Picking the best toilets for your home involves five key decisions: flush performance, bowl shape and height, water efficiency, smart features vs simplicity, and installation requirements. I’ll walk through each below so you can match the picks above to your actual needs.
Flush Performance: GPF, Trapway, and MaP Score
Flush performance comes down to three numbers. GPF (gallons per flush) tells you how much water per use; standard toilets use 1.6 GPF, WaterSense models use 1.28 GPF or less. The trapway diameter (the pipe inside the base that carries waste out) ranges from 2 to 3 inches – wider is better for clog prevention. The MaP (Maximum Performance) score measures how much waste the toilet can clear in one flush; anything above 600g is solid, and 1000g is exceptional.
For most households, look for at least 800g MaP and a 2-inch-plus glazed trapway. The picks above all clear that bar, with the TOTO Drake, WOODBRIDGE, EPLO, and Casta Diva hitting 1000g.
Bowl Shape and Height: Elongated vs Round, ADA Compliance
Elongated bowls are about 2 inches longer than round-front bowls and offer more seating comfort for adults, but they cost more and take up more space. Round bowls fit better in tight half-baths or powder rooms and typically cost less.
Comfort height (17-19 inches from floor to seat) is roughly chair height and matches ADA guidelines. Most adults prefer comfort height over standard 15-inch bowls. If you have household members over 6 feet tall, anyone with knee issues, or wheelchair users, comfort height is essentially mandatory.
The TOTO Drake, HOROW, Swiss Madison St. Tropez, WOODBRIDGE, EPLO, Loupusuo, and Casta Diva all hit comfort height. The DeerValley DV-1F026 is standard height and the better pick only if low height matters for your specific bathroom setup.
Water Efficiency: What WaterSense Actually Means
WaterSense is an EPA certification that guarantees at least 20% less water than the federal standard of 1.6 GPF. Toilets with WaterSense certification use 1.28 GPF or less, and dual-flush models use 1.1/1.6 GPF or even 1.0/1.28 GPF like the Casta Diva.
For a family of four, upgrading from a 3.5 GPF toilet (common in pre-1994 homes) to a WaterSense model saves roughly 12,000 gallons per year. At typical municipal water rates, that’s $80-$120 off your annual water bill. The premium you pay for a WaterSense model pays back in 2-4 years for most households.
Smart Features vs Simplicity
Smart toilets with bidets, heated seats, and auto-flush start around $400 for entry-level (Loupusuo) and run to $1,200+ for premium (WOODBRIDGE, EPLO). The features that matter most in daily use: heated seat (cold mornings are real), foot sensor flush (germs), and a quality bidet spray (hygiene).
Auto open/close, foam shields, and moving dryers are nice but not essential. If you’re spending $1,000+ on a smart toilet, make sure you’ll actually use it daily – otherwise buy a quality standard toilet and add a TOTO WASHLET S2 for the bidet experience at lower cost.
Installation and Rough-In
The “rough-in” is the distance from the wall to the center of the floor drain. In US homes built after 1950, the standard rough-in is 12 inches. Older homes may have 10-inch rough-ins, which limits your toilet options. Always measure your existing rough-in before buying.
Most toilets on this list use a 12-inch rough-in. The HOROW comes in both 10-inch and 12-inch configurations, which makes it the safer pick if your measurements are non-standard. All the picks above are floor-mounted with standard plumbing connections, so a confident DIYer can install most of them in 1-3 hours with basic tools.
Frequently Asked Questions About Buying a Toilet
What toilets do plumbers prefer?
Plumbers consistently recommend TOTO models (Drake, UltraMax), American Standard (Champion, VorMax), and Kohler (Highline, Cimarron) in trade forums. The TOTO Drake shows up most often because it clears clogs reliably, the parts are widely available, and the CEFIONTECT glaze reduces callback service calls. The HOROW and Swiss Madison round out the value recommendations for plumbers working on tighter budgets.
What are the highest rated toilet brands?
Based on long-term review data, the highest rated toilet brands are TOTO, Kohler, American Standard, and WOODBRIDGE. TOTO leads in reliability and flush performance, Kohler wins on design variety and ADA features, American Standard delivers value-focused workhorse toilets, and WOODBRIDGE dominates the premium smart toilet category. Brands like HOROW and DeerValley are newer entrants that earn strong reviews at lower price points.
How much should I pay for a good quality toilet?
A good quality toilet runs between $250 and $600 for most households, with sweet spots around $300 for value picks (HOROW, DeerValley, Swiss Madison) and $500-$700 for premium brands like TOTO and Kohler. Smart toilets typically start around $400 for basic models and run to $1,200+ for full-feature units with foam shields and moving dryers. Installation adds $150-$300 if you hire a plumber.
Which is better, Kohler or American Standard toilets?
Both Kohler and American Standard make excellent toilets, but Kohler tends to win on modern design and smart features, while American Standard wins on flush power per dollar. For a workhorse family bathroom where clog prevention matters most, American Standard Champion and VorMax models consistently perform well in lab tests. For a master bath remodel where aesthetics matter, Kohler Highline and Cimarron give you more design choices. TOTO Drake remains the top pick overall when both brands are in the running.
Final Thoughts on Picking the Best Toilets for Your Home
After three months of testing 10 different models, the answer to “what are the best toilets?” depends on what you need. For most households, the TOTO Drake remains the safest pick with proven flush performance, plumber-approved reliability, and a price that fits most budgets. If you want premium features and have the electrical setup, the WOODBRIDGE or EPLO smart toilets deliver flagship experiences without the TOTO premium. If you want the best value with dual flush and ADA comfort height, the HOROW T0338W is the strongest dollar-per-feature option.
The most important thing is matching the toilet to your bathroom layout, household needs, and water usage patterns. A small powder room calls for the compact HOROW or Loupusuo. A master bath remodel justifies the WOODBRIDGE or EPLO. A standard family bathroom in 2026 needs the TOTO Drake or Casta Diva. Pick the one that fits your situation and you’ll be set for the next decade.