8 Best Toilets to Upgrade Your Bathroom with a Worthy Throne
Updated: Apr. 12, 2024
The toilet is arguably the most important—and frequently used—fixture in your home. Here are our picks for the best toilets you can shop online.
Our editors and experts handpick every product we feature. We may earn a commission from your purchases.
Whether sprucing up an outdated powder room or planning a full-gut remodel, choosing the best toilet goes a long way in upgrading your bathroom. A high-quality, reliable toilet reduces frustrating clog issues, is convenient to clean and, most importantly, provides a comfortable, sturdy seat for the user. Since you’re likely going to use it every day—like your shower head, mattress and refrigerator—the right (or wrong) choice of toilet can significantly impact your daily life.
Although all toilets serve the same basic purpose, they vary more than you might think regarding aesthetics, comfort, water efficiency and overall performance. We combed through dozens of reviews, researched popular and well-regarded options and consulted Ben Green, a plumbing expert and CEO of Green Leaf Air, to nail down the best toilets available. Regardless of your personal style preferences, bathroom decor or budget limitations, you’ll find a quality option.
via merchant
Best Overall Toilet
American Standard Champion 4 Toilet
The Champion 4 strikes a convenient balance of flushing performance and hassle-free operation, and is the top option for anyone looking for a well-built, all-around toilet. Waste exits the bowl through a wide 2-3/8-inch trap way—larger than most toilets—and combined with the 4-inch flush valve, easily clears large masses and virtually eliminates clogs. The bowl features a double-coated finish that’s easy to clean and inhibits stains, mold and mildew growth.
Its 16.5-inch rim height is slightly taller than standard toilets, which is more comfortable to stand up from and especially valuable for those with accessibility issues. A soft-close seat also means no more annoying lid banging and slamming. Talk about a more peaceful, relaxing experience!
Pros
- Very difficult to clog
- One-piece design is easy to clean
- Low 1.6 gallons per flush (GPF) to save water
- Durable construction resists cracking, fading and chipping
Cons
- 111 pounds
via merchant
Best Value Toilet
Toto Entrada Single-Flush Toilet
If your toilet budget is tight but you don’t want to compromise on build quality, consider this affordable Toto model. Despite its relatively low 1.28 GPF, this best toilet doesn’t lack flushing power and uses two separate jets to generate a consistent and effective flush.
With a universal height and Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990 (ADA) compliance, this model is accessible to a range of users. Although you need to purchase the seat separately, this is an opportunity to customize it to your specific comfort preferences. Unlike some two-piece toilets that feel old-fashioned, this model has a clean, modern look and matches various bathroom styles. If the elongated bowl isn’t your preference, this model is also available in a round version, which is even cheaper.
Pros
- Affordable price
- Efficient flushing method
- Universal height
- U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) WaterSense compliant
Cons
- Doesn’t include a seat
via merchant
Best Compact Toilet
Horow Small One-Piece Toilet
Those with small bathrooms will appreciate the compact size of this Horow toilet, as well as its comfort-friendly design. By only reducing the size of the tank, this best toilet still uses a standard-sized bowl. Combined with the 16.5-inch height, it also doesn’t sacrifice on comfort.
Furthermore, it offers 360-degree full and light flush options. Since cleaning toilets in small bathrooms is especially challenging, we also appreciate the one-piece skirted design that’s easy to wipe down. This seamless skirt, combined with the soft-close seat, helps give the entire toilet a modern, stylish look.
Pros
- Only 25 inches deep
- Soft-close seat
- Easy to install
- Powerful 360-degree flush
Cons
- Small tank size
via merchant
Best Smart Toilet
Toto Neorest Touchless Flush Toilet
If you have the desire and budget for a toilet with technological smart features, look no further than this Toto Neorest toilet. The hands-free seat automatically raises when it senses you approaching, and a helpful nightlight illuminates the bowl for late-night bathroom visits. It’s also designed with preventative cleaning in mind, as the toilet automatically pre-mists the bowl before use, and features a glazed ceramic interior to discourage waste from sticking to the bowl.
This smart commode wouldn’t be one of the best toilets without a heated seat. It has five temperature settings—ideal for those in cold climates—and a full-service bidet that offers a range of cleansing options, followed by a warm air dry. The Toto Neorest isn’t cheap, but because you’ll use it several times a day, every day, this toilet is money well spent.
Pros
- Memory settings for different users
- Built-in heated seat and bidet
- Hygienic hands-free operation
- Automatic cleansing mist
- Backup manual flush in case of power outage
Cons
- Expensive
- May be intimidating to users who are not tech-savvy
via merchant
Best Bidet Toilet Seat
Toto Washlet C5 Electronic Bidet Toilet
This Toto bidet seat provides all the cleansing and drying benefits of a bidet without having to replace your entire toilet. It’s easy to mount directly to your existing toilet, and when you’re ready to clean, a quick-release button pops the seat off in seconds. The heated seat is contoured for maximum comfort and offers a range of temperature settings, too.
A handheld remote sets the water pressure and directional preferences for the spray wand, and has memory settings for two users. This wand stays tucked away inside the seat until you’re ready, preventing any unwanted debris from contacting it. This seat even has a warm air dryer, which leaves you feeling clean and comfortable and reduces overall toilet paper waste.
Pros
- Bidet mounts directly on existing toilet
- Warm air dryer
- Self-cleaning spray wand
- Convenient remote control
Cons
- Lid doesn’t open automatically
via merchant
Best Two-Piece Toilet
Kohler Wellworth Two-Piece Toilet
Citing its reliability and affordability, this Kohler Wellworth toilet was specifically recommended by Green as a top two-piece option. “Known for its efficient flush and durable construction, it won’t disappoint,” he says. With an included seat, wax ring and hardware, this option is about as easy to install as it gets.
Its 1.28 GPF makes it an especially efficient option and still boasts a powerful flush that’s a challenge to clog. The round bowl is well suited for smaller bathrooms and powder rooms, but some users might find an elongated version more comfortable.
Pros
- Simple to install
- Efficient, yet powerful, flush
- Affordable price
- EPA WaterSense compliant
Cons
- Round bowl may not be preferred by some users
via merchant
Best One-Piece Toilet
Toto Eco Ultramax One-Piece Toilet
This Toto Eco Ultramax model provides the sleek aesthetic you’re looking for in a one-piece toilet, as well as an efficient and powerful flushing mechanism. The 3-inch wide valve and large siphon jet create an effective and cleansing flush while only using 1.28 GPF to do so. With no gaps, seams or external bolts, this toilet is pleasing to the eye and incredibly easy to wipe down and keep clean. The included soft-close seat means no more annoying slams and bangs, helping to create a calm, peaceful bathroom environment.
Pros
- Seamless exterior is easy to clean
- Powerful flush
- EPA WaterSense compliant
- Includes soft-close seat
Cons
- 91 pounds
via merchant
Best Wall-Mounted Toilet
Duravit DuraStyle Wall-Mounted Toilet
If you’re interested in maximizing floor space and creating a sleek, modern aesthetic, consider adding this Duravit DuraStyle toilet to your bathroom. Green recommends this toilet for those looking for a wall-mounted model. “Its concealed tank and wall-hung design create a minimalist look that combines functionality with elegance,” he says.
Its rimless design increases overall flushing efficiency and eliminates that hard-to-reach area inside the bowl, making this best toilet much easier to access while cleaning. This model doesn’t provide the in-wall tank needed for installation, though, or the actuator plate that allows you to choose between flush settings.
Pros
- Efficient rimless design
- Attractive style
- Very easy to clean
- Two flush settings
Cons
- Doesn’t include all hardware for installation
What to Look for When Buying a Toilet
The best toilet for you is one that fits properly in your space, especially between the wall and floor drain, called the rough-in. According to Green, common rough-in sizes are 10 and 12 inches. You should also consider which flush option is best for you: a single-flush toilet that uses the same amount of water for each flush or a dual-flush commode. Green explains that dual-flush toilets “offer both a low-volume flush for liquid waste and a high-volume flush for solid waste, helping you conserve water.”
Another essential toilet feature to consider is the height of the bowl. Standard heights for toilet seats range from 14.5 inches to 20 inches or slightly higher. Our resident expert, Deane Biermeier explains, “A standard bowl height ranging from 14.5 to 16 inches works great for most people and for families with children. However, higher toilet bowl heights over 17 inches meet ADA requirements and offer more comfort and ease-of-use. ‘ADA compliant‘ or ‘comfort-height’ are common labels for these types of toilets.”
Types of Toilets
- Two-piece: Two-piece toilets have a separate bowl and tank and are the most common and affordable options available. They’re also simple to maintain, and replacement parts are easy to find. Although the two-piece design allows for more height and style options, it also has more nooks and crevices for bacteria to hide, so they’re less convenient to clean.
- One-piece: Constructed of a single piece of material, one-piece toilets have a sleek, modern look and are much easier to clean. Green praises the natural durability of one-piece toilets. They’re more expensive than two-piece toilets, though, and their heavy weight is more challenging to install.
- Smart: Smart toilets offer much more functionality than standard options, like adjustable bidets, warm air dryers and automatic seats for hands-free operation. They’re expensive and require access to electricity.
Why You Should Trust Us
As a former residential carpenter and current home DIY-er, I have years of experience repairing and maintaining toilets, which I kept in mind while writing this article. This came in especially handy when comparing and contrasting flush and tank mechanics, as well as installation methods. To ensure that I had the input and insight of a professional in the field, I also called upon the expertise of Ben Green, a plumbing expert and CEO of Green Leaf Air.
How We Found the Best Toilets
When assembling this list of the best toilets, I first gathered a couple dozen options, gleaned from my own experience with reputable brands, as well as popular and well-regarded options online. I also combed through customer reviews and reviewed user manuals to exclude any models with egregious quality control or usability issues. Then, I reached out to Green for additional comparison criteria, as well as specific model recommendations. After whittling down my list to about 20, I used specific categories and common use cases to land on the eight best toilets shown here.
FAQ
Are one-piece toilets better than two?
Both types have their pros and cons, so the best toilet for you will come down to personal preference. When it comes to one-piece vs. two-piece toilets, one-piece ones are best for those interested in efficient bathroom cleaning and a streamlined look. On the other hand, two-piece models are better for those who value hassle-free maintenance and repairs.
Do round or elongated toilets flush better?
While round and elongated toilets differ in several ways, like personal comfort preference, size and aesthetics, there’s no real difference between their flushing performance. If maximum flushing strength is a top priority, consider a pressure-assisted toilet. They use a tank of compressed air to increase the velocity of water when flushing and generate a much more powerful flush than the gravity-flow method used by most toilets.
Source:
- Ben Green, a plumbing expert and CEO of Green Leaf Air
Originally Published: July 11, 2023
