A toilet might not be the first thing people think about upgrading, and it's confusing to know which is the best toilet to buy. However, it is used more than any other permanent fixture in the home. Older models can cause issues– they may waste water or have blockages that need frequent attention. If a flush isn't quite strong enough, it might miss residue– so you have to flush again, using more water. In many houses, some toilets waste water and break down often. These problems raise costs, cause trouble, and harm health. Cleaning becomes more difficult day by day due to leaks, clogs, and weak flushes.
In 2025, Consumer Reports reviewed toilets across major categories. They tested flush power, water use, comfort, and overall design. The results guide buyers toward durable and efficient toilet choices. Their research lists models that meet today's needs, from affordable types to advanced smart toilets. This guide presents the top picks, their features, and how to select the right toilet for your bathroom.
How Consumer Reports Tests Toilets
Toilet technology is improving fast with helpful modern features. Consumer Reports checks toilets in labs and real homes. Each model is tested the same way for performance, design, and water use.
Flush Power – Measures how well the toilet clears waste in one flush using set test materials.
Water Efficiency – Tracks the exact amount of water used in gallons per flush (GPF). The best models use 1.28 GPF or less.
Ease of Cleaning – It examines the bowl shape, rim style, and glaze. These factors show how easily stains can be cleaned away.
Comfort – Reviews seat height, bowl shape, and design for user comfort.
Noise Level – Measures sound during flushing and refilling in decibels.
These steps make sure all toilets are tested fairly under controlled conditions. High scores in several areas show strong performance, comfort, and water savings.
Top Picks from Consumer Reports 2025
Today, toilets offer a variety of features aimed at conserving water and improving overall performance. The best toilets in terms of value for money, comfort, as well as being reliable have been outlined in the Consumer Report of 2025.
Best Overall: TOTO Drake
The TOTO Drake combines efficiency with modern features. It uses a 1.6 GPF gravity flush for strong cleaning. The elongated bowl provides more room for a comfortable seat. Its heated SoftClose seat prevents loud slams and adds warmth. PREMIST sprays water inside the bowl before each toilet use. The built-in bidet offers adjustable water pressure and direction. A wireless remote allows quick and easy setting changes. Its skirted base hides trapways for a smooth, modern style. This design suits daily family use and modern bathroom looks.
Why it stands out:
Adjust the water pressure and bidet features exactly to your preference.
Use the simple remote control for quick changes.
Its smooth, skirted shape goes well with modern bathroom designs.
Best Luxury Option: TOTO Neorest LS Dual Flush Smart Bidet Toilet
The TOTO Neorest LS is a blend of contemporary style and innovative technology. It uses a dual flush system with 0.8 or 1.0 GPF. The elongated bowl offers extra seating space for comfort. Its skirted base hides trapways for a smooth, clean look. The automatic lid opens and closes without touching the toilet. A heated seat keeps users warm in cold weather months. The built-in bidet allows water pressure and temperature adjustments. It cleans the bowl and nozzles before and after use. The air deodorizer removes odors, keeping the bathroom fresh.
Why it stands out:
Integrated bidet with adjustable water settings for comfort.
EWATER+ system keeps the bowl and nozzles clean automatically.
Comfort height seating meets ADA standards for easy access.
Best Smart Upgrade: TOTO Washlet C5 Smart Bidet Seat.
The TOTO Washlet C5 turns an elongated toilet into a smart system. It is an affordable way to improve daily hygiene and comfort. The PREMIST function sprays the bowl before use to prevent residue. This feature reduces the need for frequent scrubbing and cleaning. Its heated SoftClose seat voids sudden slamming sounds. A wireless remote control has an illuminated touchpad for easy use. The warm air dryer offers several heat levels for drying comfort. Its adjustable bidet spray allows gentle, targeted cleaning for any user. The slim profile design blends easily with most bathroom interiors.
Why it stands out:
PREMIST keeps the bowl cleaner between cleaning schedules.
Heated SoftClose seat with adjustable temperature settings.
Remote control with illuminated touchpad for quick adjustments.
Best Design Choice: TOTO Aimes Washlet+ S7 One-Piece Bidet Toilet
Skirted toilets have smooth sides that cover the pipes. This design gives the bathroom a clean and modern look. With no ridges, cleaning the sides is quicker and easier. A good example is the TOTO Aimes Washlet+ S7 model. It is a one-piece toilet using 1.28 gallons per flush. Tornado Flush's strong water spin cleans and saves water. The CEFIONTECT glaze stops waste from sticking to the bowl. This reduces scrubbing and keeps the toilet looking clean longer. The WASHLET S7 seat sprays warm water and warms the seat. It also dries with air and removes odors for better comfort and hygiene.
Why it stands out:
Smooth sides hide pipes for a clean, modern look.
Flat surfaces clean faster with less effort.
Built-in bidet boosts hygiene and comfort.
Comfort height helps most adults sit and stand easily.
ADA-compliant height improves accessibility.
Budget-Friendly Pick: BidetMate 700 Series
Some toilets work well but are not expensive. Consumer Reports shows budget models that still work well in essential ways. One example is the BidetMate 700 Series Electronic Smart Bidet Toilet Seat, which gives comfort and saves water for under $300. The side knob is easy to use, and the soft lid closes quietly. It has several wash settings, including regular, feminine, power, and oscillating. These make cleaning easier and help keep users comfortable each time.
Why it stands out:
Heated seat and adjustable warm water for comfort.
Multiple wash options for thorough personal cleaning.
Self-cleaning nozzle improves hygiene.
What to Look for When Choosing a Toilet
When choosing a toilet, consider comfort, size, and its overall performance. Below are key points with examples to help you make the right choice.
1. Bowl Shape
Elongated bowls provide more seating space and improve comfort. For example, they are ideal for main bathrooms used daily. Round bowls are shorter and fit well in small bathrooms. This makes them perfect for guest bathrooms.
2. Height
Comfort-height toilets are between 17 and 19 inches tall. This height is easier on the knees and back when sitting down or standing up. People who have trouble moving around– such as older adults– often find this design a benefit. For example, comfort height makes standing easier after use.
3. Flush Type
Gravity flush systems are simple and work well for most homes. Pressure-assisted flushes use extra force to clear waste more effectively. These are helpful in busy households or commercial settings. Dual-flush toilets let you choose light or full flush options. For example, a light flush saves water for liquid waste.
4. Water Use
Toilet designs are now highly efficient, using 1.28 gallons per flush or even less. And by selecting a model with the WaterSense label, you can be sure it will perform well while cutting back on water use. This helps both your bills and the environment.
5. Smart Features
Certain toilets have warm seats that offer comfort in chilly weather. Bidet seats enhance cleanliness and decrease the need for toilet paper. Touchless lids open and close automatically. For example, this feature is helpful in homes with children.
6. Cleaning Ease
Rimless designs prevent dirt from building up under the rim edges. Waste doesn't stick to the surface because of special glazes. This makes cleaning quicker. Pipes are concealed within skirted bases to achieve a sleek contemporary style.
Why a Quality Toilet Is Worth the Investment
A good toilet is a smart long-term buy today. It does more than just basic daily bathroom work. Efficient flush systems use less water per flush cycle. This helps lower monthly bills and cuts waste, too. Durable models handle years of regular family use easily. They significantly reduce repairs and early replacements over time.
Many high-quality toilets last over fifteen years. Comfort features enhance daily use for both children and adults. Right height options make sitting and standing easier everyday. Bowl shapes support different body sizes and needs well. Advanced hygiene features include add-on bidet seats for cleanliness. These improve cleanliness and reduce toilet paper usage significantly. Top-rated toilets prevent clogs and weak flushing issues altogether.
As a result, cleaning becomes quicker and easier on a weekly basis. Special bowl glazes stop stains from sticking inside longer. Reliable performance adds real value to your home investment. It delivers practical benefits and a better experience daily. Therefore, upgrading now is a wise, rewarding choice overall.
Conclusion
In 2025, the highest-rated toilets will not only work well but also look good. You can choose one that saves water, is simple to clean, or comes with high-end features– there is a model to suit every requirement and price range. An upgrade does more than fix problems. It improves daily comfort for many years.
Ready to explore your options? Browse trusted picks and find your best match. Upgrade your bathroom effortlessly. Make 2025 the year for choosing simple, stress-free convenience!
