The Best Toilets, According to Our Editors

If you’ve ever stood in the plumbing aisle staring at a wall of gleaming porcelain thinking, “How different can toilets really be?” you are absolutely our people. The truth is, the best toilets can save water, prevent clogs, make cleaning easier, and even turn your bathroom into a tiny spa (hello, heated bidet seat). Our editors have waded through specs, reviews, and plenty of real-life flush tests to round up the best toilets for real homes and real budgets.

Below, you’ll find our editor-approved picks, from rock-solid basic models to powerful flushers, compact round bowls for small bathrooms, and smart toilets with built-in bidets. We’ll also walk you through the features that actually matter like gallons per flush, bowl shape, and seat height so you can buy with confidence instead of guessing and hoping.

How We Chose the Best Toilets

Before we crowned anything “the best toilet,” we combined hands-on editor testing with deep research into expert reviews, plumbing pros’ opinions, and long-term homeowner feedback. We focused on models that repeatedly ranked well for flushing, comfort, and reliability across multiple reputable testing and review organizations in the United States.

Flush Performance and Clog Resistance

Toilets are appliances, but they’re also the unsung heroes of your home’s plumbing. The top models we considered are known for strong, consistent flush performance, often using advanced flush technologies (like pressure-assisted systems or specialized flush valves) that move waste quickly and reduce the risk of clogs. We prioritized toilets that maintain good performance while using no more than 1.6 gallons per flush and often 1.28 gallons or less.

Water Efficiency

Most of the best toilets today are WaterSense-certified, meaning they meet EPA standards for high performance with 1.28 gallons per flush or less. That’s a big drop from old-school 3.5 gallon tanks and can save thousands of gallons of water per year in a busy household. Dual-flush models, which give you a lower-volume option for liquid waste, earned bonus points for extra savings.

Comfort and Ergonomics

It’s hard to talk about “comfort” without sounding like we’re reviewing a couch, but seat height and bowl shape matter more than most people realize. Many of our favorite toilets are “comfort height” or “chair height,” typically around 17 to 19 inches from floor to seat, which makes sitting and standing easier for tall people, older adults, or anyone with knee issues. Elongated bowls give more seating space and are generally considered more comfortable, while round bowls save space in tight rooms.

Ease of Cleaning

We also looked closely at how easy each toilet is to keep clean. One-piece toilets skip the seam between tank and bowl where grime tends to collect, and skirted trapways (smooth-sided bases) mean fewer grooves for dust and gunk. Several of the models our editors love feature specialized glazes or bowl coatings that help waste slide off more easily, reducing the need for aggressive scrubbing.

Our Editors’ Top Toilet Picks

Best Overall: A Reliable Two-Piece Elongated Gravity-Flush Toilet

For most households, our editors’ top choice is a classic two-piece elongated toilet from a major Japanese or American brand known for legendary reliability and powerful gravity flushing. This style of toilet shows up again and again in independent testing as a standout for performance, comfort, and durability.

Why we love it:

• Excellent flush power: The larger flush valve and smart bowl design move waste efficiently with minimal clogs.
• Water-efficient: Most variants use about 1.28 gallons per flush, making them WaterSense-certified while still feeling like a “full” flush.
• Comfortable elongated seat: The oval bowl gives more room and feels less cramped than older round-bowl designs.
• Pro-approved reliability: Plumbers and homeowners routinely praise this style of toilet for performing well for years with minimal repairs.

This is the toilet we’d recommend to almost anyone: solid flushing, reasonable price, and available in countless configurations at big-box stores and online retailers.

Best Budget Toilet: A No-Frills WaterSense Workhorse

If you’re replacing a toilet in a guest bath, rental unit, or starter home and want to keep costs down, a budget-friendly two-piece toilet from a big-box house brand can be surprisingly good. Many of these models are simple, 1.28-gallon gravity-flush toilets with basic white vitreous china construction.

What you can expect from a good budget toilet:

• Low price: Often well under $200, sometimes closer to $100 on sale.
• Water-saving performance: Look for the WaterSense label and GPF rating on the box.
• Decent flush: It may not be glamorous, but for small households or secondary bathrooms, it gets the job done.

Our editors consider these a great option when you’re prioritizing price over premium comfort features just be sure to check user reviews for recurring complaints about weak flushing or cheap hardware before you buy.

Best for Small Bathrooms: Compact Round-Bowl Toilets

In tight half baths or powder rooms, every inch counts. Round-bowl toilets and compact elongated designs can save precious floor space without feeling like you’re balancing on a dollhouse fixture. Some of the best compact toilets move the tank closer to the wall and shorten the bowl length while still offering full-sized flushing performance.

Features to look for in a small-space toilet:

• Short projection: The distance from the wall to the front of the bowl is reduced, making the room feel larger.
• Round or “compact elongated” bowl: More space-efficient but still comfortable.
• Standard or comfort height: Choose based on who uses the bathroom most kids may prefer standard height.

Best One-Piece Toilet: Sleek, Easy-to-Clean Designs

If cleaning around the tank and base is your least favorite chore, a one-piece toilet may earn a permanent place in your heart. Because the tank and bowl are molded together, there’s no seam for dust and grime to settle into. Many design-forward one-piece toilets pair a skirted trapway with a smooth silhouette that’s as easy to wipe down as it is to look at.

Our editors like one-piece toilets for primary baths and design-conscious remodels, especially when paired with a quiet-close seat and a slow, gentle lid. Expect to pay more than for a basic two-piece model, but consider it a long-term investment in less scrubbing.

Best Power Flush: High-Performance Pressure-Assisted Toilets

Got a busy household, a finicky sewer line, or kids who seem determined to test the limits of plumbing? Pressure-assisted toilets use compressed air in the tank to boost the flush, sending waste through the trapway with impressive force. Many of the most famous “clog-less” toilets fall into this category.

Pros:

• Exceptional clog resistance: The turbo-like flush helps keep lines clear.
• Great for high-traffic bathrooms: Ideal in big families or homes where a toilet gets constant use.

Cons:

• Louder flush: That power comes with more noise when the tank empties.
• Slightly higher price: More complex internals mean a higher upfront cost than a basic gravity toilet.

If you dread plungers and emergency plumber visits, this category is absolutely worth a look.

Best Smart Toilet or Bidet Combo: High-Tech Comfort

Toilets have officially entered the “smart home” era. Smart toilets and integrated bidet combos can include heated seats, warm-water cleansing, adjustable spray positions, nightlights, automatic lids, deodorizing filters, and even air dryers. Some models are one-piece smart toilets, while others are standard toilets paired with advanced electric bidet seats.

Why our editors are obsessed with these:

• Cleanliness and comfort: Warm water cleansing and drying can drastically reduce toilet paper use while leaving you feeling fresher.
• Accessibility: For people with limited mobility or dexterity, a bidet seat can make personal hygiene much easier and more comfortable.
• Night-friendly: Built-in nightlights and soft-close lids make midnight visits less jarring.

Installation is usually straightforward you’ll need a nearby electrical outlet for electric seats and many homeowners say they’ll never go back once they’ve lived with a smart toilet setup.

Best Eco-Friendly Toilet: High-Efficiency WaterSense Models

If saving water is a priority, look for toilets that are both WaterSense-certified and well-reviewed for flushing strength. Some budget-friendly models from big-box brands have built impressive reputations by pairing a 1.28-gallon flush with thousands of positive reviews and strong lab test results. These toilets are proof that you don’t have to spend a fortune to cut your water usage.

For maximum eco-impact, pair a high-efficiency toilet with a bidet seat to reduce paper consumption, and avoid flushing wipes or other non-toilet-paper products that can cause clogs and sewer issues.

Key Features to Consider When Buying a Toilet

Bowl Shape: Elongated vs. Round

Elongated bowls are oval-shaped and generally more comfortable, especially for adults who use the bathroom frequently. They offer more seating space and show up in most premium models. Round bowls are shorter and better for very small rooms, tight clearances near doors, or bathrooms designed for kids.

Seat Height: Standard vs. Comfort Height

Standard-height toilets are usually around 15 inches from floor to seat and may be better for shorter users or children. Comfort-height (or chair-height) toilets rise to about 17–19 inches, making them easier to sit down on and stand up from, particularly for older adults or tall people. If you’re remodeling a bathroom you’ll age in, comfort height is often the smarter long-term choice.

Flush Type: Gravity vs. Pressure-Assisted

Gravity-flush toilets are the most common. They use the weight of the water in the tank to clear the bowl and are generally quieter, cheaper, and easier to repair. Pressure-assisted toilets add a sealed inner tank that uses air pressure to supercharge the flush, which can mean fewer clogs but more noise and a higher price. For most homes, a good gravity toilet is enough but if you’re constantly plunging, pressure-assisted may be worth the upgrade.

Gallons Per Flush (GPF)

Look for 1.28 GPF or less with the WaterSense label for a great combination of performance and efficiency. Older 1.6 GPF models can still be strong performers, but anything above 1.6 GPF is now considered outdated for residential use in many regions. Dual-flush models typically offer a low-volume option around 0.8–1.0 GPF and a full flush around 1.28–1.6 GPF.

Ease of Cleaning

Details that make a big difference in long-term maintenance include:

• Skirted trapways: Smooth sides instead of exposed curves and bends.
• Special glazes or coatings: Help waste slide away and reduce hard-water buildup.
• One-piece construction: Fewer nooks and crannies around the tank and bowl junction.

Noise Level

If your bathroom is near a bedroom or nursery, a quieter gravity toilet may be preferable to a louder pressure-assisted system. Some tanks and valves are specifically designed to fill more quietly; reviews and spec sheets will often mention “quiet fill” or similar language.

How Much Should You Spend on a Toilet?

Toilets span a wide range of price points, and the “best” one for you depends on your budget and how long you plan to stay in your home.

• Entry-level: Around $200–$400 gets you a good-quality two-piece gravity toilet with WaterSense-level efficiency and solid everyday performance.
• Mid-range: Around $400–$600 brings more premium brand names, better flush technology, nicer finishes, and sometimes skirted bases.
• Premium: $600–$1,000+ is where you’ll find sleek one-piece models, integrated bidet features, and highly design-focused toilets.

For most people, the sweet spot is in the entry to mid-range, especially when paired with a separate bidet attachment or seat for added comfort.

Are Bidet Seats and Bidet Toilets Worth It?

Short answer: for many of our editors, absolutely yes. Bidet seats and bidet toilet combos have exploded in popularity in recent years, and with good reason. They provide better hygiene, can reduce toilet paper usage, and add serious comfort to your daily routine.

There are three main approaches:

• Non-electric bidet attachments: Affordable, simple, and powered only by water pressure. They offer a cool-water spray and basic controls.
• Electric bidet seats: Replace your existing toilet seat with a heated seat, warm water spray, adjustable nozzles, and often a dryer and nightlight.
• Integrated bidet toilets: High-end units where the toilet and bidet system are built together for a seamless look and advanced features.

If you’re already planning to replace a toilet, pairing a solid mid-range toilet with a quality bidet seat can deliver a “smart toilet” experience without the fully integrated price tag. Many homeowners say they never want to go back to a standard seat once they’ve tried warm water and a heated seat in winter.

Our Editors’ Real-Life Toilet Testing Experiences

Looking at specs is helpful, but the real story comes from living with these toilets day in and day out. Over months of testing and long-term use in different homes, our editors learned some surprising and occasionally hilarious lessons about what makes a toilet truly great.

The Power of a Strong Flush (and a Weak Plumbing System)

One editor lives in an older house with quirky plumbing that likes to remind everyone it was built decades ago. Their first “modern” toilet looked sleek and promised water savings, but in real life it demanded a plunger more often than anyone liked to admit. After upgrading to a higher-performing model known for strong flushing, the number of emergency plunging sessions dropped dramatically.

The takeaway? When in doubt, prioritize reliable flush performance over looks. A toilet can be pretty, but if it can’t move waste reliably through your particular pipes, it’s not the right fit for your home.

Comfort Height vs. Family Height

Another editor swapped an older standard-height toilet for a comfort-height model and immediately noticed how much easier it was to stand up especially first thing in the morning or late at night. However, their young kids struggled at first because the seat felt high and their feet dangled like they were perched on a bar stool.

The solution was simple: a sturdy step stool. Once the kids had a secure place to rest their feet, everyone in the family appreciated the new toilet. This experience highlighted an often overlooked point: comfort height is fantastic for adults, but pair it with a stool if you have children.

One-Piece Toilets: Love at First Wipe

One member of our team freely admits they bought a one-piece toilet for purely aesthetic reasons they wanted that smooth, modern look for their primary bathroom. What they didn’t expect was how much easier it would be to clean. Without all the little nooks around the tank and base, dust and hair had fewer places to hide.

After a few months, this editor realized they were cleaning the bathroom faster and with less frustration. The toilet still needed regular attention (this isn’t a Disney movie), but the lack of awkward corners made it a more pleasant chore. Moral of the story: design features that look sleek often make cleaning easier too.

Bidet Seats: The Household Converting Non-Believers

Perhaps the most dramatic transformation came in the home of an editor who installed an electric bidet seat “just to see what all the hype was about.” Within a week, their skeptical partner and guests were converted. The combination of a warm seat, adjustable water temperature, and a gentle nightlight turned their bathroom into a tiny, very private spa.

They also noticed that toilet paper use dropped significantly. They still kept a roll on the holder, but it stopped shrinking at its usual alarming pace. This editor’s verdict: if you’re even mildly curious about bidets, start with a good electric bidet seat it’s the most impactful bathroom upgrade they’ve made in years.

Why “Quiet” Matters More Than You Think

Another editor learned the hard way that noise level matters. They installed a powerful, pressure-assisted toilet in a small hallway bathroom right next to a nursery. The first time they flushed it during a 2 a.m. diaper change, the sound was somewhere between “jet engine” and “startled walrus.” The baby woke up. Nobody was happy.

After a few weeks of stealthy hand-flushes and strategic timing, they swapped that model for a quieter gravity toilet with a “quiet close” lid. Life instantly got easier. The lesson here: if your bathroom is near a bedroom, prioritize quieter flushing and slow-close seats. Your future sleep will thank you.

The Bottom Line From Our Editors

Across all our testing and personal stories, a few themes kept coming up:

• A trustworthy gravity toilet is the safest default pick for most homes.
• Comfort height and elongated bowls make everyday use more pleasant for most adults.
• Skirted and one-piece designs genuinely reduce cleaning hassle.
• Bidet seats and smart features feel luxurious but quickly become “normal” in the best way.
• Matching the toilet to your plumbing, space, and lifestyle matters more than chasing the fanciest spec sheet.

If you choose a well-reviewed toilet that fits your budget, plumbing, and comfort needs and maybe add a bidet seat for extra credit you’ll end up with a throne that quietly does its job for years without demanding constant attention. And in a busy home, that might be the most luxurious feature of all.