The 5 Best Toilets of 2024, Tested and Reviewed

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Find the best one-piece, two-piece, wall-mounted, or toilet-bidet combo for your bathroom. ceramic sanitary wares pedestal basin

Kat is a writer, editor, author, SEO specialist, and mother based in the UK. She has over 10 years of commerce writing experience and has written for a variety of publications, including InStyle, Real Simple, Food & Wine, Southern Living, Shape, Better Homes & Gardens, Parents, and Parenting.

A good toilet might not be the most glamorous of home purchases, but it is a necessary one. Sure, toilets are a very basic feature found in every home, but that doesn’t mean you can’t have style options. When it comes to shopping for the perfect toilet, homeowners have a wide range of choices to consider, including bowl shape, flush mechanism, and efficiency.

“The toilet is no longer a fixture to take for granted,” says Caroline Danielson, director of showrooms at Ferguson Bath, Kitchen & Lighting Gallery. “Many models now come with sleek designs that can add a touch of luxury or modernity to a bathroom space.” Danielson also advises that the type, size, and shape are important considerations, as they can affect both comfort and space issues. “Flush performance is another important aspect because it ensures wastewater is removed quickly and efficiently so that the bathroom stays clean,” she says.

With the help of Danielson and Doyle James, president of Mr. Rooter Plumbing, we scoured the market to find the very best toilet models in every shape and size, for every style, budget, and need. We then tested some of the most popular toilets on the market to come up with our list of the five best.

It has an efficient tornado flush, and it’s easy to maintain and clean.

The toilet lid is not included, so you’ll need to buy that separately.

The Toto Drake Cotton Elongated Standard Height 2-Piece Toilet with a 12-inch Rough-In 1.6-GPF CST776CSFG-01 model is our top pick for the best toilet. Although it has a pretty basic and rather plain design, it exceeded our expectations. It offers remarkable efficiency and has user-friendly features, including the side flush that offers a single–albeit very strong—flush. We chose this model for its tornado flush technology; a powerful single flush capability that effectively disposed of waste without ever clogging or the need for a second flush.

We arranged for the toilet to be professionally installed via Lowe’s, and they hired an expert from Angi (Angi is owned by Dotdash-Meredith parent company IAC). The whole process was completed within an hour. The installers said that the directions were very clear and that it was an easy install.

The toilet has a sturdy construction that gives us confidence in its long-term durability and reliability. It has a solid tank lid that prevents leaks or any movement. The cyclonic flush mechanism significantly reduced the need for frequent cleaning and the typical scrubbing associated with conventional toilets, as it thoroughly rinsed every inch of the bowl with each flush.

Despite the minor inconvenience of having to purchase a separate lid, we found the toilet's performance far outweighed this additional expense, given its exceptional efficacy in water usage and maintenance. It’s also quite reasonably priced, so having to buy the lid wasn’t too much of a burden. The comfortable seat height and elongated design were added perks that enhanced our comfort and convenience. We found it to be an excellent value for money.

It’s advanced bidet features that include multiple functions with customizable settings, it’s strong flush, and the fact that it’s self-cleaning.

The sensor for the automatic seat is overly sensitive, activating with minimal movement nearby, and the seat lid is a bit thin and not as sturdy as it could be.

With its user-friendly and innovative (and quite attractive and futuristic) design, the Woodbridge B0930S Smart Bidet Toilet is our top pick for anyone after a toilet with a built-in bidet. It might be a bit of a splurge, but we were very impressed with its advanced features. Despite a longer setup time of over two hours (which included removing the old toilet, installing the new one, and connecting hoses and electric components), the installation process was straightforward and the instructions were clear. The toilet has a sturdy build and solid construction.

The toilet's powerful pressure distributed the water around the bowl rather differently compared to traditional toilets, and this effectively prevented waste from clinging to the bowl. It also got rid of waste in a single flush and never clogged or overflowed during the testing period. The toilet features a dual and an auto-flush feature, too. The bidet functions in particular worked exceptionally well, offering various customizable features including auto open/close, front and rear wash, dryer, and even adjustable temperatures and positions.

The bowl has a dual-level design that made for effective cleaning and waste removal. We also liked the comfortable seat height, elongated seat, and heated seat feature. The only downside was the overly sensitive automatic seat sensor that seemed to activate with minimal movement. In addition, the seat lid was a bit thinner and less sturdy than we would have liked, and this caused slight dipping when we sat on the toilet with the lid down. Despite this, we still highly recommend this toilet and bidet for an upgraded bathroom experience.

Its one-piece design makes it easy to clean, and it’s well-built and comfortable because of its seat height and elongated shape.

Though it functions without issues, the flush feels a bit weak.

Available in four colors (white, bisque, matte black, and matte gray) and either left, right, or top dual flush, the Swiss Madison Well Made Forever SM-1T254 St. Tropez One Piece Toilet is a good-looking and sleek model that’s easy to clean, thanks to its smooth bowl with hardly any nooks and crannies for dirt to accumulate. We called in a professional to install this toilet who reported that it was a straightforward process with no complications.

The toilet’s smooth sides and one-piece construction made for effortless cleaning. We set the water level at an appropriate height upon installation, and it remained consistent throughout use with no further adjustment required. While this toilet's flushing performance was a little weaker than some other models we tested, it was still efficient and disposed of waste without any instances of clogging or incomplete flushing. It has two flushing settings, and even the liquid waste flush, which was notably gentler than the full flush, was sufficient.

The toilet seemed a little taller than average, but the elongated seat provided extra comfort. There’s also a soft-close lid to prevent any unexpected slamming. This is a basic toilet with no added bidet or fancy features, but for its price, and considering its ease of maintenance and solid construction as well as the choice of several colors to suit any bathroom decor scheme, we found it to be an excellent value for money. If you’d rather a more powerful unit for your main bathroom, this option would work great for a guest bath or extra WC.

If offers strong, one-flush waste removal and easy installation, is high quality, and is water efficient.

It’s noticeably louder than some other toilets and could potentially be too tall for shorter users.

From well-known and trusted toilet fixture brand Kohler comes the K-3493-0 Highline Classic Pressure Lite Comfort Height Elongated 1.6 gpf Toilet which we found to be both extremely efficient and comfortable, especially for taller folk. We undertook the installation process by ourselves; this took under two hours and the instructions were helpful, clear, and easy to understand. The pre-set tank mechanism also aided the installation process.

The toilet doesn’t have many bells and whistles, i.e., there’s no multiple flush settings, but despite this it delivered a forceful flush that effectively disposed of waste with a single flush. The toilet’s water efficiency was noticeable and the tank refilled in just 32 seconds. The toilet has a vitreous enamel coating that helped keep the bowl clean so no rigorous scrubbing was ever needed.

The 4.5-inch water depth and 17-inch seat height makes it a comfortable and optimal choice for taller users, although anyone under 5-foot-6 (or perhaps children) might find this a little too tall. The toilet was also a little bit louder compared to some other models (specifically, we registered a maximum of 87.8 decibels compared to 75.7 decibels of other toilets). Overall, we appreciated the toilet's performance and high-quality construction, which we feel justify its slightly elevated price tag. It’s also available in white, biscuit, and black.

It has a strong flushing power and a sleek design that makes cleaning easy.

While comfortable, the seat height is a bit lower than standard, which might not suit all preferences.

Its combination of efficiency, durability, and a sleek and streamlined look makes the Toto Aquia IV Toilet our top choice for anyone looking for a good high-efficiency toilet for their home. It took our plumber two hours to install two of these units, and he reported that it was a pretty basic process that only took about an hour for each toilet. After months of use, the toilet has proved to be reliable and low-maintenance. And to illustrate how durable these toilets are, after an unfortunate house fire (firefighters had to actually tear through the walls), the toilets remained fully intact and unscathed.

The toilet's sleek design facilitates easy cleaning, both inside and out, with minimal elbow grease needed to get it sparkling. The toilet comes equipped with an elongated seat and a slow-close lid. Another great thing about these toilets is that they are compatible with the Toto bidets, although you’ll have to purchase these separately.

Despite offering only one flush option that’s activated by a top button, the toilet’s water pressure was by far its standout feature—it was able to effortlessly dispose of waste with just one flush, and we never had any instances of overflow or clogging. It has a slightly lower seat height which could be a potential drawback for some users who are perhaps accustomed to a standard height toilet, but we felt that this was hardly noticeable.

The Toto Drake Cotton Elongated Standard Height 2-piece Toilet 12-in Rough-In 1.6-GPF CST776CSFG-01 is our top pick for the best toilet, thanks to its efficient tornado flush, a strong, single flush capability that doesn’t clog or require the need for a second flush. Its cyclonic flush also makes for easy maintenance and less frequent cleaning of the bowl. For an option with a built-in bidet, we loved the Woodbridge B0930S Smart Bidet Toilet.

To come up with our list of the best toilets, we tested five of the most popular options on the market over a testing period of a few months using a set methodology to determine each unit’s efficiency, ease of installation, ease of use, convenience, and overall value for money. Initially, we uninstalled and removed the previous toilets to install the new ones (and timed the whole process), keeping track of how easy or difficult it was to do so and how helpful the provided instructions were.

Once installed, we tested the toilets using all the various functions (if any, including dual flush, bidets, etc.) and assessed various factors, such as the ease of flushing, efficacy of waste removal in a single flush, noise level during flushing, occurrences of clogging or overflowing, and intensity of water pressure. For toilets with dual flush options, we experimented with both settings to gauge their water-saving capabilities. We also took note of other factors such as comfort of the seat and bowl shape and height, and how easy they were to keep clean, both inside and out.

We are currently long-term testing each item on this list and will update this roundup with new insights when we have them.

When shopping for the best toilet, consider the type of toilet that will best suit your needs, Danielson says. “Some popular options include one-piece toilets, two-piece toilets, wall-mounted toilets, corner toilets, and toilet-bidet combos,” she says. While two-piece toilets come with separate tanks and bowls that are connected during installation, one-piece toilets have it all incorporated in one unit, making installation easier, too.

With a wall mounted, or wall-hung toilet, only the toilet bowl is exposed and hung directly on the wall. The tank and working parts are all hidden inside the wall, providing a neat and streamlined look and taking up less space. In addition to offering a high-end and modern aesthetic, sweeping and mopping the floor under wall-mounted toilets is also a breeze since they don’t rest on the floor.

A toilet’s flush mechanism is a critical factor to consider when choosing a toilet. There are two flush options: single flush and dual flush. “Dual-flush toilets have two flush options; one for liquids and one for solids,” James says. “Each type of flush uses the appropriate amount of water needed for each job.” Danielson adds that toilets with dual-flush systems are preferable as they allow you to conserve water whenever possible.

Flush type is another key factor to look for when shopping for a toilet based on your preferences and needs. There are two primary types of flushing systems: gravity-fed and pressure-assisted.

“Gravity-fed toilets use the force of gravity to move waste through the drain line while pressure-assisted toilets use compressed air to push water into the bowl with more force, resulting in more powerful flushes that can clear waste quickly and efficiently,” Danielson says. “Dual-flush toilets allow homeowners to choose between two different levels of water usage depending on whether they need a full or partial flush.”

A toilet’s efficiency is measured in gallons per flush (GPF) which is the amount of water used by the toilet with each flush. Generally speaking, toilets with higher GPF ratings tend to be less efficient and more expensive than those with lower GPF ratings. “Homeowners should aim for a toilet with a low GPF rating to save money on their water bills in the long run,” Danielson says.

GPF can vary between toilet types and brands. “Many toilets today are manufactured to have water-saving options at 1.28 gallons per flush,” James says. “They consume less water, helping to save on utility bills. The current federal standard for toilets is 1.6 gallons per flush, found in traditional non-low-flow toilets.”

Considering a toilet’s bowl shape is vital in order to get the right fit for your needs. There are two main types of bowl shapes: round and elongated. Round bowls are typically smaller and take up less space, making them a good choice for smaller bathrooms or powder rooms. However, elongated bowls offer more comfort as they provide more seating surface area.

“Round bowls have been around for decades,” James says. “They are a good choice for smaller bathrooms because they occupy less space. Elongated bowls tend to be more comfortable because of the extra length on the front of the bowl. They take up more space and would suit a larger bathroom.”

Danielson says that a toilet’s material is also worthy of consideration, as this can impact its durability, cleanliness, and overall appearance. “Popular materials include porcelain, ceramic, and vitreous china,” she says. “Porcelain is a popular material for toilets because it is affordable and durable. It has been used for many years in the production of bathroom fixtures and is known for its smooth surface that resists stains and scratches.”

Ceramic and china toilets are also common options because they have similar properties to porcelain but can come at a slightly lower price point. “These materials provide a classic look that fits well with traditional bathroom designs,” Danielson says. “For those who want something unique, some toilets are made of glazed cast iron, steel, or stainless steel.”

While both one-piece and two-piece toilet options have their pros and cons, ultimately, the best choice depends on a homeowner's personal preferences and needs. While one-piece toilets have a sleek look and are easier to clean, they can be more expensive than their two-piece counterparts.

“One-piece toilets are made from a single piece of porcelain or ceramic, which gives them a sleek and modern look,” Danielson says. “They're also easier to clean compared to two-piece toilets since there aren't any crevices where dirt and grime can accumulate. However, one-piece models can be more expensive than their two-piece counterparts, which may not be ideal if you're on a tight budget.”

On the other hand, two-piece toilets consist of two separate parts, and, while they may not look as streamlined as one-piece models, they do offer some advantages. “They tend to be less expensive and offer more flexibility when a repair or replacement is required,” Danielson says.

According to James, a one-piece toilet is by far the best option, as they are sleek, stylish, and easier to clean. However, it’s worth keeping in mind that if any part of the toilet breaks, the whole toilet will need replacing.

Nope! “Toilets come in one- or two-piece variations and also vary in height,” James says. “Most toilets will fit the space you are looking to put it in, especially if you are replacing an older one, but it never hurts to measure the new toilet to ensure it is manageable. You don't want the toilet to block access to cabinets located near or above the toilet.”

Toilets come in different heights, but two of the most common are comfort height and standard height. James says that “comfort height” is a term only used by Kohler and refers to toilets that are 17 inches or taller. The standard height toilets measure 15 to 16 inches from the floor to the seat.

“The difference between them may seem negligible, but it can make a big impact on the overall bathroom experience,” Danielson says. “Comfort-height toilets are typically 2 to 3 inches higher than standard-height ones, making them easier to use for people with mobility issues or disabilities.”

Aside from being more accessible for those who need assistance, comfort-height toilets also provide a more comfortable seating position for many people. They require less bending and straining to sit or stand up from, which can be especially beneficial for older individuals or those with knee or back problems. On the other hand, standard-height toilets might be a better fit if you have young children in the house as they'll find it easier to reach the seat and maintain balance while using it.

“Toilets measuring 17 to 19 inches from the floor to the toilet bowl seat are called chair-height toilets and are ideal for taller people,” James says. “You also have the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA)-compliant toilet heights that are popular and sometimes required depending on where they are installed.”

While there is no one single answer to this question, Danielson explains that it's important to understand that a toilet's lifespan can vary depending on several factors including usage patterns and proper maintenance. “Some of these factors include the quality of the materials used in its construction, how well it has been maintained over time, and even the location of use,” she says.

James adds that the lifespan of a toilet can be up to 20 years with proper maintenance, explaining that homeowners are more likely to replace toilets due to home upgrades rather than the toilet not functioning properly.

When purchasing a new toilet, it's important to pay attention to the manufacturer's warranty. “Most manufacturers offer warranties ranging from five years up to lifetime warranties,” Danielson says. “These warranties can be an indication of how long a manufacturer expects their product to last under normal use conditions. However, it's important to note that many warranties are only effective when valid by a licensed plumber.”

modern bathroom vanity This article was written by Kat de Naoum, who has over 10 years of commerce-writing experience. Kat is also the commerce editor-at-large at Thomas-Xometry, the leading U.S. online platform for supplier discovery and product sourcing. For this article, we tested multiple toilets and considered factors such as each toilet’s height, material, bowl shape, flush mechanism, efficiency, and overall value for money. Kat also spoke to Caroline Danielson, director of showrooms at Ferguson Bath, Kitchen & Lighting Gallery, and Doyle James, president of Mr. Rooter Plumbing, a Neighborly Company.