Choosing from the best toilets on the market can feel overwhelming with hundreds of models available. Whether you are building a new bathroom, renovating an existing one, or replacing a worn-out toilet, this roundup guide cuts through the noise. We have researched, compared, and ranked the top 10 toilets of 2026 based on flushing performance, water efficiency, comfort, durability, and value for money.
- Our Top 10 Picks at a Glance
- Detailed Reviews
- 1. TOTO Drake II – Best Overall
- 2. TOTO Ultramax II – Best One-Piece
- 3. Kohler Highline – Best Value
- 4. American Standard Champion 4 – Best Flush Power
- 5. TOTO Nexus – Best Design
- 6. Swiss Madison St. Tropez – Best Budget One-Piece
- 7. Kohler Santa Rosa – Best for Small Bathrooms
- 8. TOTO Washlet+ C5 – Best Bidet Toilet
- 9. Glacier Bay Power Flush – Best Budget
- 10. Kohler Veil Intelligent – Best Smart Toilet
- Types of Toilets Explained
- Toilet Buying Guide: What to Look For
- Toilet Installation & Your Bathroom Floor
- Water Efficiency Standards in 2026
- Installation Costs
- Frequently Asked Questions
From high-efficiency one-piece designs to budget-friendly two-piece workhorses, this guide covers every type and price point to help you find the perfect toilet for your bathroom.
Our Top 10 Picks at a Glance
| Rank | Model | Type | GPF | Height | Price Range | Best For |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | TOTO Drake II | Two-piece | 1.28 | Comfort | $300 – $400 | Overall best |
| 2 | TOTO Ultramax II | One-piece | 1.28 | Comfort | $450 – $550 | Best one-piece |
| 3 | Kohler Highline | Two-piece | 1.28 | Comfort | $220 – $320 | Best value |
| 4 | American Standard Champion 4 | Two-piece | 1.6 | Standard | $250 – $350 | Best flush power |
| 5 | TOTO Nexus | One-piece | 1.28 | Comfort | $550 – $700 | Best design |
| 6 | Swiss Madison St. Tropez | One-piece | 1.28 | Comfort | $250 – $350 | Best budget one-piece |
| 7 | Kohler Santa Rosa | One-piece | 1.28 | Comfort | $350 – $450 | Best for small bathrooms |
| 8 | TOTO Washlet+ C5 | One-piece w/ bidet | 1.28 | Comfort | $900 – $1,200 | Best bidet toilet |
| 9 | Glacier Bay Power Flush | Two-piece | 1.28 | Comfort | $140 – $200 | Best budget overall |
| 10 | Kohler Veil Intelligent | Wall-hung | 1.28 | Adjustable | $1,800 – $2,500 | Best smart toilet |
Detailed Reviews
1. TOTO Drake II – Best Overall
The TOTO Drake II consistently tops professional plumber recommendations, and for good reason. Its Tornado Flush system uses two powerful nozzles to create a centrifugal rinsing action that cleans the entire bowl with just 1.28 gallons per flush (GPF). The CEFIONTECT ceramic glaze prevents waste from sticking, reducing the need for brush cleaning.
The comfort height seat (17 inches) makes it easy to sit down and stand up, especially for taller users and those with mobility concerns. The elongated bowl provides extra comfort while the two-piece design keeps the price accessible. This is the toilet we recommend for most households.
2. TOTO Ultramax II – Best One-Piece
If you prefer the seamless look of a one-piece toilet, the Ultramax II is the gold standard. It features the same Tornado Flush system and CEFIONTECT glaze as the Drake II but in a sleek, easy-to-clean one-piece design. There is no gap between the tank and bowl to collect dust and grime.
The trade-off is price and weight. One-piece toilets are heavier (around 100 lbs), making installation a two-person job. But the aesthetic and cleaning advantages make it worthwhile for many homeowners.
3. Kohler Highline – Best Value
The Kohler Highline delivers reliable performance at an accessible price point. Its Class Five flushing technology provides a powerful, clean flush using just 1.28 GPF. The canister-style flush valve opens wider than a traditional flapper, allowing water to flow from all sides of the bowl for a more thorough flush.
Available in multiple colors and configurations, the Highline is a versatile choice that fits most bathroom designs and budgets. It pairs beautifully with any bathroom tile flooring.
4. American Standard Champion 4 – Best Flush Power
If clogging has been a persistent problem in your household, the Champion 4 is the solution. Its 4-inch flush valve (the largest in the industry) and 2-3/8-inch trapway virtually eliminate clogs. American Standard claims it can flush a bucket of golf balls – and independent tests confirm this claim.
The downside is that it uses 1.6 GPF, which is higher than high-efficiency models. However, if you are tired of double flushing with weaker toilets, the Champion 4 may actually save water by eliminating repeat flushes.
5. TOTO Nexus – Best Design
For style-conscious homeowners, the TOTO Nexus combines top-tier performance with a strikingly modern design. Its clean lines, skirted base, and low-profile tank make it a statement piece in any contemporary bathroom. The skirted design also makes it exceptionally easy to clean since there are no exposed curves or crevices at the base.
6. Swiss Madison St. Tropez – Best Budget One-Piece
The Swiss Madison St. Tropez proves you do not need to spend over $500 for a quality one-piece toilet. This European-inspired design features a dual-flush system (0.8/1.28 GPF), soft-close seat, and a sleek skirted base. It looks far more expensive than its price tag suggests.
7. Kohler Santa Rosa – Best for Small Bathrooms
At just 27.75 inches from wall to front, the Kohler Santa Rosa is one of the most compact one-piece toilets available. Despite its small footprint, it features a comfort-height seat and an elongated bowl. It is an excellent choice for space-constrained bathrooms where every inch matters.
8. TOTO Washlet+ C5 – Best Bidet Toilet
Bidet toilets are rapidly gaining popularity in North America, and the TOTO Washlet+ C5 is the best entry point. The integrated bidet seat offers adjustable water temperature, pressure, and position, plus a warm-air dryer and deodorizer. The Washlet+ design hides all connections for a clean look.
9. Glacier Bay Power Flush – Best Budget
For those on a tight budget, the Glacier Bay Power Flush delivers surprisingly strong performance under $200. Available exclusively at Home Depot, it features a comfort-height seat, elongated bowl, and a powerful flush that competes with toilets costing twice as much.
10. Kohler Veil Intelligent – Best Smart Toilet
The Kohler Veil represents the cutting edge of toilet technology. This wall-hung smart toilet features touchless flushing, a heated seat, integrated bidet, UV sanitization, automatic deodorizer, and ambient LED lighting. The wall-hung design makes bathroom floor cleaning effortless since nothing touches the floor except mounting hardware.
Types of Toilets Explained
| Type | Pros | Cons | Price Range |
|---|---|---|---|
| Two-piece | Affordable, easy to transport, simple repairs | Harder to clean around tank-bowl junction | $100 – $500 |
| One-piece | Easy to clean, sleek look, no tank leaks | Heavier, more expensive | $200 – $800 |
| Wall-hung | Easy floor cleaning, adjustable height, modern look | Expensive, requires in-wall carrier | $400 – $3,000 |
| Smart toilet | Bidet, heated seat, auto features | Very expensive, requires electrical outlet | $800 – $5,000+ |
| Dual flush | Saves water with two flush options | More complex valve mechanism | $150 – $600 |
Toilet Buying Guide: What to Look For
Rough-In Size
The rough-in is the distance from the wall to the center of the drain pipe. The standard is 12 inches, but 10-inch and 14-inch rough-ins exist in older homes. Measure before you buy to avoid a costly mistake.
Bowl Shape
Elongated bowls (approximately 18.5 inches) provide more comfort. Round bowls (approximately 16.5 inches) save about 2 inches of space, making them suitable for tight bathrooms.
Seat Height
Standard height toilets are 14 to 15 inches from floor to seat. Comfort height (also called ADA-compliant or chair height) models are 17 to 19 inches, making them easier for most adults and those with mobility issues.
Flush Performance
Look for toilets rated by MaP (Maximum Performance) testing. A MaP score of 500 grams or higher indicates strong flushing performance. The best toilets score 800 to 1,000 grams.
Water Efficiency
Federal standards require toilets to use no more than 1.6 GPF. WaterSense-certified toilets use 1.28 GPF or less. Dual-flush models use as little as 0.8 GPF for liquid waste.
Toilet Installation & Your Bathroom Floor
Toilet installation and bathroom flooring are closely connected. Here are key considerations:
- Install flooring first: Always install tile or vinyl flooring before setting the toilet. This ensures a seamless look and prevents water from seeping under the toilet base into subfloor seams.
- Flange height: The toilet flange should sit on top of the finished floor. If your new flooring raises the floor height, you may need a flange extender.
- Wax ring vs. wax-free seal: Wax-free gaskets are more forgiving of uneven floors and can be repositioned during installation. They work well on tile floors where surface irregularities are common.
- Caulking: Most plumbing codes require caulking around the toilet base where it meets the floor. Use color-matched caulk for a clean finish. Leave a small gap at the back for leak detection.
- Subfloor condition: Before installing a new toilet, inspect the subfloor for water damage, especially around the flange. Rotted subfloor is the leading cause of toilet instability and leaks.
Water Efficiency Standards in 2026
| Standard | Max GPF | Annual Water Use (est.) | Annual Savings vs. Old Toilets |
|---|---|---|---|
| Pre-1994 toilets | 3.5 – 7.0 | 19,000 – 38,000 gal | – |
| Federal standard (1994+) | 1.6 | 8,760 gal | $50 – $100/year |
| WaterSense certified | 1.28 | 7,000 gal | $75 – $130/year |
| Dual flush (average) | 0.8/1.28 | 5,500 gal | $100 – $170/year |
Replacing an old 3.5 GPF toilet with a WaterSense model can save a family of four over 13,000 gallons of water per year. Many local utilities offer rebates of $50 to $200 for upgrading to high-efficiency toilets.
Installation Costs
| Service | Cost Range |
|---|---|
| Basic toilet installation (swap existing) | $150 – $300 |
| New toilet installation (new rough-in) | $400 – $800 |
| Wall-hung toilet installation | $500 – $1,500 |
| Smart toilet installation (with electrical) | $400 – $1,000 |
| Old toilet removal & disposal | $50 – $100 |
| Flange repair or replacement | $75 – $200 |
Most plumbers can swap an existing toilet in 1 to 2 hours. Plan your toilet installation alongside any flooring installation to save on labor costs.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the best toilet brand in 2026?
TOTO is widely considered the best toilet brand for overall quality, flushing performance, and innovation. Kohler is a close second with excellent value options. American Standard is the top choice for budget-conscious buyers who want reliable performance.
How much should I spend on a toilet?
For most households, the sweet spot is $250 to $450. In this range, you get comfort height, efficient flushing, quality construction, and a manufacturer warranty. Budget toilets under $200 work fine for secondary bathrooms, while premium models over $500 add luxury features and design appeal.
Is a one-piece toilet better than a two-piece?
One-piece toilets are easier to clean and look sleeker, but they cost more and are heavier to install. Two-piece toilets are more affordable, easier to ship, and simpler to repair. Performance-wise, there is no significant difference between the two designs.
What is comfort height vs. standard height?
Standard height toilets measure 14 to 15 inches from the floor to the top of the seat. Comfort height (or ADA-compliant) toilets measure 17 to 19 inches, which is similar to a standard chair height. Comfort height is easier for most adults but may be too tall for young children.
How often should you replace a toilet?
A quality toilet can last 25 to 50 years with proper maintenance. However, you should consider replacing your toilet if it requires frequent repairs, cracks appear in the porcelain, it uses more than 1.6 GPF, or it wobbles on the floor despite flange repairs.
Do I need a plumber to install a toilet?
Basic toilet replacement is a manageable DIY project for handy homeowners. However, hire a licensed plumber if you need to move the drain location, repair the flange, install a wall-hung toilet, or run electrical for a smart toilet. Improper installation can cause leaks that damage your bathroom flooring and subfloor.
Last updated: March 2026
