We independently evaluate all of our recommendations. If you click on links we provide, we may receive compensation. Shopping Home Products Home Improvement We Tested Toilets in Our Own Homes, and These 4 Took the Throne Find the best one-piece, two-piece, wall-mounted, or toilet-bidet combo for your bathroom. By Kat de Naoum Kat de Naoum 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. Real Simple's Editorial Guidelines Updated on July 23, 2024 Fact checked by Emily Estep Fact checked by Emily Estep Emily Estep is a plant biologist and journalist who has worked for a variety of online news and media outlets, writing about and editing topics that range from film and beauty to science and the automobile industry. Her plant biology degree has a focus on sustainable agriculture, and she’s an expert on growing your own food, environmental sciences, and all topics relating to houseplants. Our Fact-Checking Process In This Article View All In This Article Our Top Picks Reviews Final Verdict Our Testing Process How to Shop FAQs Take Our Word for It Photo: Real Simple / Patrick McGowan 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 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. Type, size, and shape are also important, as they can affect both comfort and space issues, and so is flush performance, because it ensures wastewater is removed quickly and efficiently. Of course, you probably want it to look nice, too. “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.” 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 four best. Our Top Picks Best Overall: Toto Drake Cotton Elongated Standard Height Toilet at Amazon $359 Jump to Review Best One Piece: Swiss Madison St. Tropez Elongated Vortex Toilet at Amazon $283 Jump to Review Best Tall: Kohler Highline Classic Toilet at Amazon $487 Jump to Review Best High Efficiency: Toto Aquia IV Comfort Height Toilet at Wayfair $892 Jump to Review Best Overall Toto Drake Cotton Elongated Standard Height Toilet PHOTO: Amazon $359 at Amazon $353 at Wayfair $359 at Lowe's What Stands Out It has an efficient tornado flush, and it’s easy to maintain and clean. What Could Be Improved 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. After six months, this toilet is still going strong. The quality remains excellent, and there are no signs of wear and tear, leaks, cracks, stains, or scratches. The flush is still consistent, and we have practically retired the plunger and cleaning wand. It’s incredibly easy to clean—the cyclonic flush does all of the work. The only part that needs any effort to clean is the bottom of the lid, but this only takes a quick wipedown. It’s still the best toilet we’ve owned, and it hasn’t clogged or been unable to fully flush once. In fact, since the initial testing, we’ve upgraded every toilet in our home to this one. Type: Two piece | Bowl Shape: Elongated | Flush Mechanism: Single flush | Gallons per Flush: 1.6 GPF | Seat Height: 16.125 inches | Overall Height: 30.125 inches Real Simple / Kelly Lewis Real Simple / Kelly Lewis Real Simple / Kelly Lewis Best One Piece Swiss Madison St. Tropez Elongated Vortex Toilet PHOTO: Amazon $283 at Amazon $275 at Wayfair $289 at Walmart What Stands Out Its one-piece design makes it easy to clean, and it’s well-built and comfortable because of its seat height and elongated shape. What Could Be Improved 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. After six months of use, this toilet is absolutely flawless. It has proven to be incredibly well built, robust, comfortable, and easy to use. It still looks new even though we had it installed in a construction zone as the primary toilet for a team of contractors (to say it's been getting put through its paces is an understatement). Cleaning it has also been easy; it has understandably required a lot of cleaning, so we've been using harsh cleaners and scrubbing brushes, but it’s still looking like new. The push-to-flush mechanism is the only part that feels a little bit flimsy and not as robust as the rest of the toilet. Despite this, the toilet is sturdy and feels like it’s going to last a long time. We’ve had zero other issues to report. The finish is also still perfect without any leaks, cracks, or visible scratches, and we haven’t experienced any clogging, overflowing, or failing to flush. Even the seat is still tight—no shifting has occurred at all while sitting on it. Type: One piece | Bowl Shape: Elongated | Flush Mechanism: Dual flush | Gallons per Flush: 1.1 and 1.6 GPF | Seat Height: 16 inches | Overall Height: 31.3 inches Best Tall Kohler Highline Classic Toilet PHOTO: Amazon $430 at Amazon $639 at Wayfair $512 at Houzz What Stands Out If offers strong, one-flush waste removal and easy installation, is high quality, and is water efficient. What Could Be Improved 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. The toilet has held up well with no signs of wear and tear in the six months since we installed it. There are no water leaks, scratches or stains, and it has not clogged or overflowed. Every single flush over the past three months has performed as it should, and it’s a breeze to keep clean. We noticed a slight pink film at the water line towards the front of the bowl, but this cleaned off completely with a toilet brush—no cleaner needed. In fact, we found it to stay much cleaner than our other toilets over the testing period. There have been zero changes to the water bill, either. The only thing that we noticed is that the flush is a little noisier than toilets that are not pressure assisted, but this isn’t a deal breaker. It's obvious that this is a well-made, quality toilet that is ideal for anyone considering a taller model, and it’s sure to last a very long time. That said, some users haven’t been a fan of the higher seat, so it might be worth testing a higher-profile seat before purchasing. Type: Two piece | Bowl Shape: Elongated | Flush Mechanism: Single flush | Gallons per Flush: 1.6 GPF | Seat Height: 17 inches | Overall Height: 31.25 inches Real Simple / Patrick McGowan Real Simple / Patrick McGowan Real Simple / Patrick McGowan Best High Efficiency Toto Aquia IV Comfort Height Toilet PHOTO: The Home Depot $892 at Wayfair $875 at Home Depot View on Bathroomplace.com What Stands Out It has a strong flushing power and a sleek design that makes cleaning easy. What Could Be Improved 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 toilets were still in pristine condition, and we only replaced them because the construction crew threw them out. Both the original toilets and the new ones we installed have shown no signs of wear, even after everything they've been through. Three months later, they still flush everything, every single time, without any problems. It still stands the test of time six months later—no clogging, overflowing, or flushing issues—and looks as good as new. The toilet's sleek design facilitates easy cleaning, both inside and out, with minimal elbow grease needed to get it sparkling as there are no crevices for dust to crawl into—it’s spotless in seconds. 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 only thing we’re not too keen on is the color of the flush button at the top, and we’re looking into getting it replaced so that it matches the rest of the hardware in the bathroom. Despite this personal preference, it’s a really solid toilet at a great price. Type: One piece | Bowl Shape: Elongated | Flush Mechanism: Dual flush | Gallons per Flush: 0.8 and 1.28 GPF | Seat Height: 17.625 inches | Overall Height: 28.125 inches Real Simple / Elena Garcia Real Simple / Elena Garcia Real Simple / Elena Garcia Final Verdict 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 easy-to-clean, one-piece design, we thought the Swiss Madison Well Made Forever SM-1T254 St. Tropez One Piece Toilet was well built and comfortable. Our Testing Process 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 have been testing these toilets for six months. Real Simple / Jeanne Geer How to Shop for Toilets Like a Pro Type 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. Flush Mechanism 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.” Efficiency 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.” Bowl Shape 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.” Material 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.” Price Toilet prices vary greatly depending on the type of toilet and any features and extras you want. They will also differ from brand to brand. In general, a basic toilet with standard features can cost anywhere from $100 to $200, while a mid-range model, like the Swiss Madison St. Tropez Elongated Vortex Toilet, can be priced up to $500. For a high-end toilet with advanced features such as heated seats, smart capabilities, bidet functions, lights, and self-cleaning options, you could expect to pay anything from $500 to over $1,000. Toilets with customizable settings, ergonomic designs, modern and stylish aesthetics, and quiet operation will also typically cost more. Questions You Might Ask Is a one-piece or two-piece toilet better? 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. Are all toilets the same size? 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.” What is the comfort height vs. standard height of a 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.” What is the lifespan of a toilet? 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.” How do you know when it’s time to replace your toilet? While a toilet can last up to 20 years, there are some clear signs that will let you know when it’s time to get it replaced. If the toilet is frequently getting clogged up, leaking, or overflowing, a new toilet will likely have to be added to the shopping list. Also, if you’re finding that it’s getting increasingly harder to keep the toilet clean, such as if there’s a lot of mineral buildup that doesn’t seem to go away no matter how much you scrub, a new toilet is likely in order. More obvious reasons for replacing a toilet include cracks in the porcelain or other cosmetic damage, wobbling or instability, or insufficient flushing. But, as James mentioned, proper maintenance and cleaning of the toilet should substantially increase its lifespan. Take Our Word for It 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.