Homes across the world are boosting their IQs with smart home technology. In fact, millions of people are embracing clever tech and making their everyday lives much, much easier. If you want to bring your bathroom into the 21st century along with the rest of your house, a smart toilet is definitely the way to go.
Smart toilets are hugely popular in countries like Japan, but they have been a bit slower to take off in the Western world. This is starting to change.
Nonetheless, the term “smart toilet” is a little misleading. While it sometimes refers to a complete unit, it’s often the seat that is “smart.” Regardless, there’s quite a bit of variation between models, which is why we have created this buying guide highlighting the 10 best smart toilets on the market.
We looked at today’s entire range of smart toilets including both seat upgrades and complete toilet systems in order to find the best of the best. Keep reading to learn more about smart toilets and discover some of the best options available today.
Why Use a Smart Toilet?
Smart toilets provide users with a ton of benefits over traditional models. One of the most obvious is convenience. Some models have seats and lids that automatically flip, some feature a bidet wand, and some smart flush toilets actually flush or you. These benefits may not seem like much, but each can save you precious seconds every single day.
Then, there’s the whole hygiene thing. The best smart toilets provide enhanced cleanliness versus traditional toilets. They automatically spray after each use, which is much more hygienic than using toilet paper alone.
Smart toilets can also benefit people with hemorrhoids, irritable bowel syndrome, and other medical conditions. If you suffer from these conditions, it’s easy to overdo it on the toilet paper and exacerbate your discomfort. With a smart toilet’s wash feature, however, there’s no need for excess wiping and skin irritation.
On top of all that, the automatic functions of smart toilets reduce the need to touch the seat, lid, or flush handle, which minimizes the transmission of germs. Plus, some models have self-cleaning functions, so there’s no need to stick your hand in the bowl to clean it and expose yourself to harmful bacteria on the toilet’s inner surfaces.
What to Look for When Shopping for a Smart Toilet
When shopping for a smart toilet, you’ll notice a plethora of available features. However, some models have more features than others, and they all seem to offer different combinations of features for users to enjoy. The most important thing when choosing a smart toilet, is to pick one that offers the features you want without breaking the bank.
The most basic features relate to comfort. In addition to the width of the seat and the materials used, features like a heated seat and heated water jets can greatly affect its comfort.
Comfort is key, but durability is important too. Things like cheap plastic hinges can be a disaster waiting to happen and render a toilet unusable. In terms of durability, the biggest area of concern is usually the seat itself. However, the hinges and electronics can also fail. So, in order to avoid the dreaded basement bathroom, it’s important to keep the overall quality of each component in mind.
Last but not least, you need to consider efficiency and a smart toilet’s gallons per flush, or GPF, rating. if you want to avoid waste and keep your water bills low, look for a model with a low GPF. While you’re at it, also consider an option with an automatic shutdown feature to keep you from wasting electricity as well.
Now, with that out of the way, let’s have a look at some of the most popular smart toilets being sold today.
1. Kohler Karing
If you’ve been shopping for the best smart toilets, then chances are you’ve run across the Kohler Karing a time or two. Kohler is known for making great smart toilets and plumbing fixtures, but the brand’s integrated Karing toilet might take the cake.
It may not be a Gucci smart toilet, but one look at this Kohler will evoke futuristic images of the bathrooms of tomorrow. With no reservoir tank or straight lines of any kind, this column-shaped toilet is about as far from conventional as a toilet can get.
As one of the best smart toilets 2019, the Kohler Karing not only looks great but it works great too – most of the time. Like other Kohler smart toilets and many smart toilets Japan, the one-piece unit is stacked with all of the typical smart toilet features, including an automatic smart heated seat and lid, auto-flush, a deodorizer, dryer, self-cleaning wand, and a nightlight. It’s also equipped with a separate cleansing wand and a variety of bidet functions, such as adjustable jets and pressure and temperature controls.
Needless to say, if you’re wondering what do smart toilets do, the Kohler Karing is a good example of their capabilities. The only drawback of the Karing is, well, the fact that it’s “smart” and powered by a computer. Like most things computerized, it sometimes needs rebooting, which can happen at the most inopportune times.
Pros:
• Sleek good looks
• Loaded with smart features
• Fully adjustable bidet functions
• Separate feminine cleansing wand
Cons:
• Requires occasional rebooting
• Remote goes dark
2. Kohler Veil
Like the Karing and other Kohler smart toilets, the Veil pushes the envelope of innovation. While many smart toilets feature a smart toilet seat with buttons or a wireless remote control that’s easy to misplace, the Veil uses a wall-mounted LCD touchscreen instead. From the auto-flush to the deodorizer, all of its features are controlled from the touchscreen with the press of a button.
In addition to its automatic smart toilet flusher, heated toilet seat, and other smart toilet features, another neat aspect of the Veil, which is reminiscent of smart toilets in Japan, is its integrated lighting system. With LED lights positioned inside the toilet bowl, it creates an aesthetically pleasing glow and guides the way in the middle of the night.
Like many other smart toilets for sale, the Kohler Veil also features an adjustable flush rate. You can choose a partial or full flush, using 0.8GPF or 1.28 GPF respectively. If you want to be a responsible consumer, this is by far one of the most important smart toilet features.
As far as drawbacks go, one of the biggest is the need for considerable water pressure. Simply put – it needs the right water pressure to function properly. Another drawback is its cost. That said, its price is quite comparable to other smart toilets, and very few live up to the form and function of the Veil.
Pros:
• Sleek design
• Convenient wall-mounted touchscreen
• Great lighting system for at-night use
Cons:
• Requires considerable water pressure
• Not a cheap investment
3. Toto Neorest
At 0.8 and 1.0 GPF, the Toto Neorest trumps all other smart toilets in terms of water efficiency. Whether you’re looking for smart toilets Australia or smart toilets Canada, if water consumption is a concern, this Toto is for you.
Like other Toto smart toilets, it features a skirted design and a SoftClose toilet seat, which means no more loud slams. The seat is also heated similar to other water smart toilets, so you won’t be shocked by a cold seat on those frosty morning bathroom trips.
Everything else about the Neorest and other Toto smart toilets screams convenience. From the automated flush function to the proximity sensor that lifts the lid automatically as you approach, everything is designed to be as convenient and hands-free as possible.
However, if you have a smaller bathroom, the proximity sensor can be more of a hinderance than a help. If your shower or sink is nearby, you may accidentally trigger it while showering or brushing your teeth. This automatic function also lifts both the lid and the seat, so female users beware!
Pros:
• Low GPF rating
• Great hands-free design
• Temperature-controlled SoftClose seat
Cons:
• Not the most female-friendly
• Proximity sensor is neat but can be annoying
4. BioBidet Bliss
The BioBidet Bliss is one of the most advanced smart bidet toilets seats out there today. This sleek looking smart toilet seat features stainless steel parts that make it both durable and attractive. However, let’s get to the good stuff.
On the side of the bidet seat you’ll notice a convenient touchscreen panel with LED nightlight. However, the bidet seat can also be operated by its “U-Pick” remote control. While the futuristic remote does a lot, it won’t replace the toilet paper for you. After all, it’s a smart toilet seat and not a smart bathroom. Those will come next.
The remote can also be challenging to use. Since it lacks labels for the buttons, you could have some fun, or not so fun times depending on your outlook, trying to figure it out. It also takes AAA batteries instead of AA, so they’ll need replaced more often.
As far as what the BioBidet Bliss actually does, it has three dedicated cleansing modes: Turbo/Vortex, Posterior, and Feminine. The last two spray options have an oscillating feature that moves the wand around for a more thorough wash. There is also a massage feature that alternates the water pressure.
The nozzle position, water pressure, and seat temperature can also be adjusted, and there is an adjustable air dryer and deodorizer as well. When you add it all up, if you’re looking for the best smart toilets 2019, you could do a lot worse than the BioBidet Bliss.
Pros:
• Attractive stainless-steel design
• Convenient touchscreen and remote
• Loaded with cleansing and comfort features
Cons:
• AAA batteries need frequent replacing
• Economy mode lowers the water temperature
5. WoodBridge T-0001
Any smart toilet that discreetly hides the controls away on a wall-mounted LCD or remote gets two thumbs up in our book, and the WoodBridge T-0001 does exactly that. Not only does it have a remote and a remote holder, but it can be attached to the wall as well. This means you can stash it away out of sight when not in use.
Toilets designed for easy cleaning also score high marks. This self-cleaning intelligent toilet has a built-in quick-release seat feature that makes cleaning easy as can be. There’s also a built-in sensor that automatically turns the toilet on or off as needed to save energy and keep energy costs down.
Despite these design features, the WoodBridge T-0001 loses points to Toto smart toilets and others in a few areas. In addition to having a narrower seat, the water pressure dispersed from the built-in jets is a little weaker. The remote also lacks a “flush” button. This means you’ll have to flush it manually, which doesn’t seem very “smart” to us.
Pros:
• Sleek good looks
• Quick-release seat feature
• Automatic On/Off sensor
• Discreet controls
Cons:
• Seat is a bit narrow and small
• More water pressure would be nice
• No flush function on remote
6. Ove Decors Smart Toilet
Ove smart toilets are known for their functionality, and this Ove Decors smart toilet is no exception. While this one-piece toilet isn’t the most attractive and doesn’t have the best GPF rating of the smart toilets on this list, it makes up for its shortcomings in several other aspects of its design.
One of these is its Eco-Friendly mode. As is the case with other Ove smart toilets, this energy-saving feature make sure the water is only heated when you sit on the seat. The water pressure and temperature can also be adjusted to your liking via the controls on the side of the unit or the included remote.
On the topic of the remote, it leaves a little to be desired. It’s clunky and outdated design isn’t exactly what you envision when you picture a “smart” toilet. Installing the Ove Decors Smart Toilet is also a bit challenging. If you’re handy, you can do it yourself, but the instructions are poor and an online search won’t help much either.
Pros:
• Eco-Friendly mode
• Temperature and pressure controls
• Bowl and controls are nicely backlit
Cons:
• Outdated design
• Poor GPF rating
• Installation instructions could be better
7. Kohler Veil Intelligent Wall-Hung Toilet
If your bathroom is short on space but big on style, the Kohler Veil Intelligent Wall-Hung Toilet may be for you. Unlike many other smart toilets, it mounts to the wall using their own toilet frame, saving users at least a foot of precious bathroom space.
Similar to the standard Veil and Roca smart toilets, it also looks quite nice. It’s designed to sit flush against the wall and features nicely curved lines for an eye-catching look.
As far as features go, it’s equipped with a heated seat, an automatic flushing function, adjustable water temperature and jets, a deodorizer, and more. You may need to hire a professional for the installation, especially if you want to hide the tank in the wall for a super chic look, but most users find it’s well worth the expense.
Pros:
• Compact and contemporary design
• Great for small bathrooms
• Quiet-close seat and other great features
Cons:
• Not self-cleaning
• May require expert installation
8. Euroto Luxury Smart Toilet with Integrated Bidet
When shopping for the best smart toilets, chances are you haven’t run across the Euroto Luxury Smart Toilet nearly as often as Kohlers, Totos, and smart toilets from other popular brands. However, if you value convenience, overlooking this smart toilet would be a big mistake.
You see, while most smart toilets are convenient, convenience is what this Euroto is all about. From its automatic flush to its self-lifting toilet seat and lid, everything about the Euroto Luxury Smart Toilet with Integrated Bidet is automated. There’s also a remote to control the water pressure and temperature of the seat, water, and dryer.
Another neat feature is its integrated deodorizer and tankless water heating system. With it, you can cut down on energy costs and always have warm water to splash on your tush.
Of course, there’s a price to pay for all of these features. As is the case with the Toto Neorest, the self-lifting seat function can also be a little aggravating for users with smaller bathrooms.
Pros:
• A ton of features and automation
• Tankless water heating system
• Built-in nightlight and deodorizer
Cons:
• A bit pricey
• A little bigger than other models
• Not ideal for small bathrooms
9. Bio Bidet Ultimate BB-600
The Bio Bidet Ultimate is another great cost-saving alternative to complete one-piece smart toilet systems. Installing it is straightforward and easy enough to do on your own, making it a great option for testing the smart toilet waters and seeing if a full system will be right for you down the road.
Unlike the Kohler Numi and other smart toilets with wireless remotes, the controls of the Bio Bidet Ultimate are located on the side of the seat. This means there’s no need to worry about losing a remote in the sofa cushions or the jaws of the family pet. Unfortunately, unlike other smart toilets health, the hoses of the Bio Bidet are just as visible as the controls, so it isn’t the sleekest option around.
The air drying function could also be stronger, and while the water jets are adjustable to allow you to find the perfect warm water setting, it doesn’t remember your settings, so you’ll need to reset them with each use.
Pros:
• Easy to install
• Controls are easily accessible
• Never have to worry about losing the remote
Cons:
• Hoses are visible
• Air dryer is a bit weak
• Doesn’t remember your water pressure settings
10. Toto Washlet UltraMax II
Last but not least, the Toto Washlet UltraMax II is considered by many one of the best smart toilets 2019. Why? Well, first off, it’s highly efficient. Not only does it meet ADA compliance and Water Sense certification standards by having a high per flush cleaning capacity, but it only uses 1.28 gallons of water per flush as well. Sure, it’s not the lowest GPF, but it’s certainly not the worst.
In addition to its efficiency, it features a sleek design that completely conceals its power cord and water supply. Combined with its pre-mist feature, SoftClose seat, and adjustable water pressure and temps, it’s a complete package.
On the downside, the footprint of this Toto is a little larger than many other smart toilets. So, if you have a small bathroom, it may not be ideal.
Pros:
• Attractive single-piece design
• Water Sense certified and ADA compliant
• Good selection of smart features
Cons:
• Slightly larger than other toilets
• Shadows created by the contours of the bowl can resemble staining
Smart Toilet FAQs
What exactly do smart toilets do?
Whether you’re redoing your entire bathroom or simply replacing an old, outdated toilet, a smart toilet is a good choice. In addition to looking cool and modernizing your home, they’re super convenient, hygienic, and economical too.
The most basic models include air drying, a bidet wand, and automatic flushing. However, more feature-rich models also included heated seats, LED nightlights, deodorizers, and more.
How are smart toilets powered?
Like other smart devices, smart toilets require electricity to heat, spray, and perform other functions. While some are powered by batteries, others connect directly to a wall socket.
This means you’ll need to scope out your bathroom outlets to decide which type is right for you. Of course, if you want the full power and functionality of a smart toilet but lack an outlet, you can always hire an electrician to install one.
Trust us, while some battery-powered smart toilets and seats are nice, the extra power of a quality outlet-powered smart toilet will be well worth the expense.
How much water do smart toilets use?
In addition to convenience, one of the benefits of a smart toilet is usually a lower water bill. While the average standard toilet uses 1.6 gallons of water per flush, some smart toilets can use as little as 0.8 gallons, or roughly half the amount.
How do I install and maintain a smart toilet?
Installing a smart toilet for the first time can be a bit challenging. Depending on the model you choose, you may or may not be able to install it yourself.
If you choose one with a power cord, you may need to hire an electrician to install a nearby outlet. Others may require a plumber for installation, especially if you’re not very handy.
The good news is once it’s installed and running properly, maintaining it is a breeze. In fact, many feature self-cleaning features too prevent grime buildup in the bowl.
Which smart toilets are the best?
We put in a ton of time and research to discover the best smart toilets being sold today. You honestly can’t go wrong with any of the 10 smart toilets above, but choosing the “best” one for you depends on your specific budget, tastes, and needs.
For the best budget smart toilet, you may want to consider the Bio Bidet or Toto Washlet. Both of these are seat-only smart upgrades that seamlessly fit onto your existing bowl. Although they still provide many of the same convenient functions and features of more expensive one-piece units, they cost thousands less.
Meanwhile, the Kohler Karing, Kohler Veil, and Toto Neorest are at the opposite end of the price spectrum. These intelligent toilet systems offer modern good looks and a full range of features and functionality unmatched by cheaper models.
Ultimately, the choice is yours to make. So, consider your needs, read over each of the options above one more time, and get ready to make your bathroom just as smart as your kitchen, den, and the rest of your 21st century home!