After 165 Hours of Testing, These Are The 5 Best Toilets of 2024

The Bottom Line

Overall, we thought the Toto Drake Elongated Standard Height 2-Piece Toilet was the best toilet thanks to its comfortable shape and unique double flush mechanism.

Our Testing Process

To find the best toilets, we tested six different models in at-home settings. Over one month, we spent 165 hours evaluating each toilet based on installation, performance, quality, and value. 

For installation, we either installed the toilets ourselves or hired a plumber to have it professionally done. If we did it ourselves, we timed the process.

Once installed, we used it throughout the testing period, noting how easily it flushed, how well it flushed waste, how loud it was, intensity of the water pressure, if it ever got clogged, and how easy it was to clean. 

After testing, we noted if there was anything we’d want to change about the model, as well as if we thought the price was appropriate given our experience.

What to Know About Toilets Before Shopping

Dimensions

While they may seem standard, toilets come in various dimensions, with variations in height and depth most common. If you are replacing a toilet or have a particularly tight space, always measure the dimensions of your current toilet before disposing of it. This will give you a good sense if you can add height or depth or if you need to stick with the same size. 

When choosing a toilet, you may also want to consider the space you’re installing it in as well. During testing, we had two Toto Aquia IV Toilets professionally installed in our home. One bathroom was particularly tight, so it took our plumber a bit longer to navigate the space and install the toilet. 

Though we noted that this would have happened with any toilet we had chosen, keep in mind that if you’re having the toilet professionally installed and the plumber charges by hour, this may increase the cost of installation as well.

Material 

Most toilets for home use are made from Vitreous china or porcelain. Vitreous china is a type of ceramic known to be durable, with an easy-to-clean smooth finish, and the thick ceramic material can help dampen sounds. 

Porcelain often looks the same as Vitreous china, but it is made from a mix of materials, making it denser and heavier. The material can have less of a sheen than in Vitreous china. Toilets made from plastic or stainless steel are often used in industrial settings or public bathrooms and are not recommended for home bathrooms. 

The Woodbridge Smart Bidet Toilet, our best bidet toilet pick, is the only option on our list that’s made of porcelain. Our best overall option, the Toto Drake Elongated Standard Height 2-Piece Toilet, and the Kohler Highline Elongated Toilet are made of Vitreous china. 

Number of Pieces

One-piece toilets are crafted with all-in-one pieces where the tank and the body are connected. Two-piece toilets have separate tanks and bowls.

One-piece toilets are heavier, so you may opt for professional installation with those styles. However, many people find them more accessible to clean since there are fewer nooks, crannies, or spots for mold or dust.

“I prefer a single-piece toilet to avoid the dirt and grime that can occur with a two-piece,” says Minister.

If you prefer a one-piece style, consider the Swiss Madison St. Tropez One Piece Toilet, Toto Aquia IV Toilet, or the Woodbridge Smart Bidet Toilet. 

Bowl Shape

The two most common bowl shapes are round and elongated. The elongated shape is about two inches longer than the round shape, forming more of an oval. Elongated toilets provide more room, which can benefit both kids and adults. All of the toilets on this list feature an elongated bowl shape. 

Flush Technology

When it comes to choosing toilets, there are three flush technologies to choose from, each of which has their own benefits. 

• Gravity: The most common flushing system utilizes the flapper system, which opens upon flushing and allows water to flush into the bowl. The Toto Drake Elongated Standard Height 2-Piece Toilet features this mechanism. 
• Pressure: Relying on maintaining a certain pressure level, this flush system works when the pressure valve opens upon flushing. The water flushes to the bowl thanks to pressure and gravity. These can be louder and more powerful. If you prefer this style, consider the Kohler Highline Elongated Toilet. 
• Dual Flush: A more modern approach, you can choose whether you want a full flush for solid waste or a partial flush for liquid waste only. The flushing mechanism has two options, looks a bit different, and should save water if the partial flush is used often. The Toto Aquia IV Toilet is our favorite option that features this flush style.

Additional Features

When it comes to choosing the best toilet for your home, some may have several additional features to consider. Though they’re likely more expensive, some may have a heated seat or a bidet. 

“It’s important to decide on a toilet style before any bath renovations are done as many toilets with the interior lights and upgrades need an outlet added next to the toilet,” notes Elizabeth. For example, the Woodbridge Smart Bidet Toilet, our best bidet toilet pick, requires an outlet to work properly. 

If you don’t want to invest too much in a model, consider adding a separate bidet, heated seat, or other element to your current toilet.

Your Questions, Answered

How much should you expect to spend on a toilet?

The price of a toilet depends on the style, material, and any additional features. For example, the Woodbridge Smart Bidet Toilet is one of the more expensive options on our list, but it features dual flush, auto open and close, auto flush, front and rear wash features on the bidet, and a dryer function. 

“For lessor used bathrooms and powder rooms, I’d recommend buying a one-piece, chair-height toilet as they look great, are more comfortable to sit on, and don't break the bank,” says Elizabeth. 

Can you install a toilet yourself? 

Installing a toilet yourself is doable if you are willing and able. Toilets can weigh over 100 pounds, so the first step is being able to lift, move, and remove your old toilet. 

Installing a new toilet requires turning off the water and having some tools, like rubber gloves, a wrench, and some toilet-specific parts like a toilet seal, wax ring, toilet flange, and more. Always read through the instruction manual before installation and ensure you have the necessary parts ready before removing a working toilet. 

If you choose not to install yourself, this is a standard job for a plumber but will make for an additional cost. 

“All our clients use certified tradespeople to install any plumbing fixtures, likewise with light fixtures. That way, you are covered if any issues arise, and you have peace of mind that the jobs were done right,” says Elizabeth. 

Minister also advises using a professional, “There are so many issues that can be revealed beneath the surface, especially if a toilet is being replaced. Having a plumber make sure the wax seal is installed correctly and that all the pipes surrounding the toilet are in order is an essential part of the process.”

How do I know if I need a new toilet?

If a toilet is made well and installed properly, you likely won’t need to replace it often, if at all. However, there are a few signs that it may be time for an upgrade. 

“If a toilet is showing signs of leaking around the base, constantly running, or incurs multiple repairs, it is time to get a new one,” says Minister.

Who We Are

Maya Polton is a freelance writer with a family of five with multiple toilets in her home. The toilet in her primary bathroom has a bidet add-on seat, which she loves more than she thought she would. 

For this story, Maya used testing insights from real-world testing. She consulted Sarah Elizabeth, interior designer at Sarah Elizabeth Design, and  Campbell Minister, CEO and creative director of Campbell Minister Design, for additional insight.

What is BHG Recommends?

Next to all of the products on this list, you may have noticed our BHG Recommends seal of approval. Products that earn the seal have been put through rigorous testing to make sure they're worth a spot in your home. We buy most of the products we test ourselves, but occasionally we are provided samples by companies if buying isn't an option. In these cases, we use the same testing criteria we use to test the purchased products.