Best Toilets in 2026: Flush Power, Comfort Height, and Water Savings

Choosing the best toilet for your bathroom is one of those decisions that affects your daily life more than most people realize. You use it multiple times a day, every day. Yet most buyers grab whatever is cheapest at the home center and hope for the best. That's a mistake. The wrong toilet clogs constantly, wastes water, and sits at an uncomfortable height that makes you dread every visit.

Here's the truth: a good toilet should flush everything in one go, save water without sacrificing performance, and sit at a height that doesn't strain your knees. The difference between a budget toilet and a mid-range one isn't just branding. It's flush technology, glaze quality, trap design, and long-term reliability. I think most people drastically underestimate how much these details matter.

I compared dozens of toilets across TOTO, Kohler, American Standard, Woodbridge, and Swiss Madison, evaluating flush performance, water efficiency, build quality, comfort height, and real user feedback. These seven picks represent the best toilets you can buy right now, whether you're renovating a full bathroom or just replacing a tired old model.

Quick Picks: Best Toilets at a Glance

• Best Overall: TOTO Drake (MS776124CEFG). I'd pick this for most homeowners. Tornado Flush, CEFIONTECT glaze, and a reputation that plumbers trust. Check price|Review
• Best One-Piece: TOTO UltraMax II. Sleek, seamless design with the same Tornado Flush technology. Check price|Review
• Best Value: TOTO Entrada (CST244EF). In my opinion, the best toilet for budget-conscious buyers who still want quality. Check price|Review
• Best Flush Power: American Standard Champion 4. The largest flush valve on the market (4 inches) virtually eliminates clogs. Check price|Review
• Best Budget One-Piece: Woodbridge T-0018. Modern skirted design, dual flush, and soft-close seat included at a budget price. Check price|Review
• Best Design: Swiss Madison St. Tropez. European-inspired skirted base with a fully concealed trapway. Check price|Review
• Best Budget Two-Piece: American Standard Colony 3. Chair height and a name-brand build at a wallet-friendly price. Check price|Review

What Makes the Best Toilet: Key Features to Consider

Before you pick a specific model, you need to understand the handful of factors that actually separate a top-rated toilet from a mediocre one. Skip this section if you already know your specs, but most people overlook at least one of these.

Flush Performance

This is the single most important factor. A toilet that can't clear the bowl in one flush is worse than useless. Look for toilets with a MaP (Maximum Performance) score of 800 grams or higher. The MaP test measures how much solid waste a toilet can handle in a single flush. Scores of 1,000 grams (the maximum) mean the toilet will handle virtually anything you throw at it.

Flush technology varies by brand. TOTO uses Tornado Flush, a rimless design with dual nozzles that creates a centrifugal washing action. Kohler uses AquaPiston and Class Five technology. American Standard uses their Champion flush system with a massive 4-inch flush valve. All three approaches work well, but they feel different. TOTO flushes tend to be quieter, while American Standard flushes are more aggressive.

Gallons Per Flush (GPF)

Federal law caps toilets at 1.6 GPF, but most modern toilets use 1.28 GPF or less and still flush effectively. WaterSense-certified models (1.28 GPF or lower) save roughly 13,000 gallons per year compared to older 3.5 GPF toilets. Dual-flush models give you two options: a light flush (0.8 to 1.1 GPF) for liquid waste and a full flush (1.28 to 1.6 GPF) for solids. If your area has high water costs, dual flush pays for itself quickly.

Bowl Shape: Elongated vs Round

Elongated bowls extend about 2 inches farther from the wall than round bowls (roughly 18.5 inches vs 16.5 inches from seat bolts to front). Most adults find elongated bowls significantly more comfortable. Round bowls save space in tight bathrooms, but unless you're genuinely short on room, go elongated.

Comfort Height vs Standard Height

Standard-height toilets sit about 15 inches from the floor to the bowl rim. Comfort-height (also called "chair height" or "right height") models sit 17 to 19 inches from floor to seat. For most adults, comfort height is easier on the knees and back, especially as you get older. If you have young children, standard height may be more practical for them. Most of the toilets in our picks are comfort height because that's what the majority of buyers prefer.

Trapway and Glaze

The trapway is the internal passage that carries waste from the bowl to the drain. Wider trapways (2-1/8 inches or more) reduce clogs. A fully glazed trapway has a smooth coating inside the passage that helps waste move through without sticking.

Surface glaze matters more than most people think. TOTO's CEFIONTECT, Kohler's CleanCoat, and American Standard's EverClean are all proprietary glazes that create a super-smooth, non-porous surface. These glazes reduce staining, minimize bacterial growth, and make cleaning easier. A toilet with premium glaze stays cleaner between scrubs.

Our Top Picks

Best Overall

01

TOTO Drake MS776124CEFG

Best for: Anyone who wants a reliable, proven toilet that plumbers consistently recommend

Brand

TOTO

Type

Two-piece elongated toilet

Weight

~94 lbs (assembled)

View on Amazon

$401.80Amazon price as of Oct 13, 3:18 PM EDTProduct prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on Amazon.com at the time of purchase will apply to the purchase of this product.

What we like

• Tornado Flush provides thorough, powerful bowl cleaning in a single flush
• CEFIONTECT glaze keeps the bowl cleaner between scrubs
• SoftClose seat included in the box
• WASHLET+ compatible for future bidet seat upgrades

Watch out for

• Higher price point than budget options
• Two-piece design requires more cleaning around the tank-to-bowl junction
• Universal height may not suit very short users or young children

The TOTO Drake is the toilet that professional plumbers recommend more than any other, and I think that reputation is well earned. The Tornado Flush system uses a rimless, hole-free design with dual nozzles that create a powerful centrifugal washing action. Every flush scrubs the entire bowl surface, not just the center. That means fewer streaks, less cleaning, and consistent performance over years of use.

CEFIONTECT glaze is the other half of the equation. This ion-barrier coating creates an exceptionally smooth surface that prevents particles and waste from adhering to the ceramic. Combined with the rimless design (no crevices for bacteria to hide), the Drake stays cleaner between scrubs than virtually any competitor.

At 1.28 GPF, the Drake is WaterSense certified and uses 20% less water than the federal maximum. Despite that low water usage, flush performance is outstanding. The SoftClose seat is included, which saves you from buying one separately like you would with many toilets. If I were outfitting my own bathroom, this is the toilet I'd install first.

Best One-Piece

02

TOTO UltraMax II MS604124CEFG

Best for: Buyers who want the Drake's performance in a sleek, easy-to-clean one-piece body

Brand

TOTO

Type

One-piece elongated toilet

Weight

~99 lbs

View on Amazon

$885.26Amazon price as of Oct 13, 3:18 PM EDTProduct prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on Amazon.com at the time of purchase will apply to the purchase of this product.

What we like

• Seamless one-piece design is significantly easier to clean
• Same proven Tornado Flush and CEFIONTECT technology as the Drake
• SoftClose seat included
• WASHLET+ ready for bidet seat upgrades

Watch out for

• Heavier than two-piece models (around 99 lbs), making solo installation difficult
• Premium price point (over $700)
• More expensive to replace if the bowl or tank area cracks (entire unit must be swapped)

The TOTO UltraMax II gives you everything the Drake offers (Tornado Flush, CEFIONTECT glaze, 1.28 GPF efficiency) in a one-piece body that's easier to clean and more visually streamlined. With no gap between the tank and bowl, there's nowhere for dust, grime, or moisture to collect. If aesthetics matter to you, the UltraMax II looks noticeably cleaner in a bathroom than any two-piece model.

Installation is slightly different from a two-piece: the UltraMax II ships as one unit, so it's heavier to lift into position (about 99 pounds). You'll want a helper for installation day. But once it's in place, the seamless design makes daily maintenance simpler.

The SoftClose seat is included, and the toilet is WASHLET+ ready if you ever want to add a TOTO electronic bidet seat. This is the same flush engine that's earned the Drake its reputation, just in a more polished package. If your budget allows the step up from the Drake, I recommend the UltraMax II without reservation.

Best Value

03

TOTO Entrada CST244EF

Best for: Budget-conscious buyers who want a reliable, name-brand toilet without overspending

Brand

TOTO

Type

Two-piece elongated toilet

Size

14-3/8" W x 28-5/8" L x 30" H

View on Amazon

$292.95Amazon price as of Oct 13, 3:18 PM EDTProduct prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on Amazon.com at the time of purchase will apply to the purchase of this product.

What we like

• TOTO quality at a much lower price than the Drake
• Quiet E-Max gravity flush at 1.28 GPF
• Universal Height and ADA compliant
• Large, fully glazed 2-1/8" trapway resists clogs

Watch out for

• Seat not included
• No CEFIONTECT glaze or Tornado Flush
• Two-piece design with exposed trapway requires more cleaning effort

I think the TOTO Entrada is proof that you don't need to pay Drake money for a quality toilet. It's TOTO's entry-level two-piece, and it uses the simple, quiet E-Max gravity flush at just 1.28 GPF. It won't match the Tornado Flush for bowl-cleaning coverage, but it moves solid waste through a fully glazed 2-1/8-inch trapway, and clogging is rare based on owner feedback.

Universal Height puts the rim at 16-1/8 inches, so with a seat installed it lands in comfort-height territory. If you've been using an older, standard-height toilet, the Entrada will feel like an upgrade even before you consider the flush. The elongated bowl adds room where it counts, and the whole unit is ADA compliant.

One downside: the Entrada does not include a seat. You'll need to buy one separately, so factor a slow-close seat into your budget. Even with that added cost, it typically comes in well under the Drake. For a bathroom renovation on a budget, the Entrada gives you TOTO's vitreous china and build quality without the premium tax.

Best Flush Power

04

American Standard Champion 4

Best for: Households that are tired of clogs and want the most powerful flush available

Brand

American Standard

Type

One-piece elongated toilet

Weight

~103 lbs

View on Amazon

$503.00Amazon price as of Oct 13, 3:18 PM EDTProduct prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on Amazon.com at the time of purchase will apply to the purchase of this product.

What we like

• Largest flush valve in residential toilets (4 inches) virtually eliminates clogs
• Perfect 1,000-gram MaP score for maximum waste removal
• EverClean antimicrobial surface inhibits bacteria and mold
• One-piece design with slow-close seat included

Watch out for

• 1.6 GPF uses more water than WaterSense-certified models
• Heavier one-piece body (around 103 lbs) makes installation a two-person job
• Higher water usage may increase utility bills over time

If your number one priority is flush power, the American Standard Champion 4 is in a class by itself. What I like most about this model is the 4-inch flush valve, the largest in the residential market (most competitors use 2-inch or 3-inch valves). The 2-3/8 inch fully glazed trapway is oversized to prevent clogs. This toilet achieved a perfect 1,000-gram MaP score, meaning it can handle the maximum amount of solid waste in a single flush. If you've been dealing with a weak flusher, the Champion 4 will feel revelatory.

The one-piece design gives the Champion 4 a clean profile, and American Standard's EverClean surface inhibits the growth of stain-causing bacteria, mold, and mildew on the surface. The slow-close seat is included, which is a nice touch at this price point.

The tradeoff is water usage. At 1.6 GPF, the Champion 4 uses more water per flush than the 1.28 GPF models on this list. It's not WaterSense certified, which may matter if you live in a region with water restrictions or high utility costs. But if you're replacing a toilet because of constant clogs, the Champion 4 solves that problem permanently.

Best Budget One-Piece

05

Woodbridge T-0018

Best for: Buyers who want a modern one-piece look with dual flush at a budget price

Brand

Woodbridge

Type

One-piece elongated toilet with skirted trapway

Size

28.5" L x 14.5" W

View on Amazon

$318.42Amazon price as of Oct 13, 3:18 PM EDTProduct prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on Amazon.com at the time of purchase will apply to the purchase of this product.

What we like

• Modern skirted design that's easy to wipe down
• Dual flush saves water and money
• Soft-close seat, wax ring, and floor bolts included
• WaterSense certified

Watch out for

• Flush power doesn't match TOTO or American Standard's top models
• Short 1-year warranty and a lesser-known brand compared to TOTO, Kohler, and American Standard
• No published MaP score

The Woodbridge T-0018 is one of the best-selling one-piece toilets on Amazon, and the reason is simple: it delivers a modern, skirted one-piece design with features that normally cost far more. The skirted trapway gives it a clean, European look and makes the sides easier to wipe down. And unlike the TOTO UltraMax II or American Standard Champion 4 at their higher prices, the T-0018 includes a soft-close seat, wax ring, and floor bolts in the box.

Dual flush is a genuine money saver. You get a light flush for liquid waste and a full flush for solids, and the toilet is WaterSense certified. Over a year, a family of four can save thousands of gallons compared to a single-flush 1.6 GPF model. The top-mounted button is intuitive and easy to reach.

Flush performance is good, not great. Woodbridge hasn't published a MaP score for this model, and user feedback generally reports clean, complete flushes. But it doesn't match the Tornado Flush technology in the TOTO models or the brute force of the Champion 4. For most households, though, I'd say the T-0018 handles daily use without issues. If you're upgrading your bathroom fixtures on a budget, the Woodbridge delivers impressive value.

Best Design

06

Swiss Madison St. Tropez SM-1T254

Best for: Design-conscious buyers who want a European-style toilet that looks as good as it performs

Brand

Swiss Madison

Type

One-piece elongated toilet

Weight

~85 lbs

Size

27" x 15-1/8" x 31-3/16"

View on Amazon

$252.93Amazon price as of Oct 13, 3:18 PM EDTProduct prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on Amazon.com at the time of purchase will apply to the purchase of this product.

What we like

• Stunning European-inspired design with fully skirted base
• Most water-efficient option at 0.8/1.28 GPF dual flush
• Soft-close, quick-release seat included
• Durable non-porous ceramic construction

Watch out for

• Smaller brand may mean slower parts availability for repairs
• Light flush (0.8 GPF) may not clear heavier waste in one go
• Comfort height measurement is slightly lower than some competitors

The Swiss Madison St. Tropez is the best-looking toilet on this list, and it's not even close. The fully skirted base, seamless one-piece construction, and compact profile give it a sleek, contemporary look that transforms a basic bathroom. If you're doing a full bathroom renovation and care about aesthetics, the St. Tropez is the toilet that will make the room feel intentionally designed rather than just functional.

Performance backs up the looks. The Dual Vortex flush technology creates a cyclonic rinsing action that scrubs the bowl effectively. At 0.8/1.28 GPF, the St. Tropez is the most water-efficient toilet on this list, using even less water than the standard 1.28 GPF single-flush models on the light-flush setting. The soft-close, quick-release seat detaches with the push of a button for easy cleaning around the hinges.

The one concern with the St. Tropez is long-term parts availability. Swiss Madison is a smaller brand compared to TOTO, Kohler, and American Standard, so finding replacement flush internals may take slightly more effort down the road. That said, the internal components use standard sizes, and Swiss Madison's customer support has earned positive reviews.

Best Budget Two-Piece

07

American Standard Colony 3 250AA104.020

Best for: Value buyers who want a name-brand chair-height toilet at the lowest possible price

Brand

American Standard

Type

Two-piece elongated toilet

Size

17-15/16" W x 29-3/4" D x 29-15/16" H

Warranty

Limited lifetime on chinaware, 5 years on mechanical parts

View on Amazon

$211.90Amazon price as of Oct 13, 3:18 PM EDTProduct prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on Amazon.com at the time of purchase will apply to the purchase of this product.

What we like

• Lowest price on this list from a major brand
• Chair-height elongated bowl
• WaterSense certified at 1.28 GPF
• Limited lifetime warranty on the chinaware

Watch out for

• Seat, wax ring, and supply line sold separately
• No premium easy-clean glaze
• Smaller 2" trapway than the Champion 4 or Entrada

The American Standard Colony 3 is the toilet I'd buy if I needed to replace several old toilets at once without blowing the budget. It's a no-frills two-piece from one of the biggest names in plumbing, and it covers the basics that matter: an elongated bowl, chair-height seating, and a 1.28 GPF flush that meets WaterSense criteria.

A 3-inch flush valve and fully glazed 2-inch trapway move waste efficiently, and the 16-1/2-inch bowl height (before the seat) is easier on knees than an old standard-height model. At 1.28 GPF, it can save thousands of gallons a year compared to older 3.5 GPF toilets. Installation is straightforward, and the two-piece design means each component is manageable in weight.

Like the Entrada, the Colony 3 does not include a seat, wax ring, or supply line. Even with those added, it represents one of the best values in the toilet market, giving you American Standard's chinaware warranty at a price that competes with no-name brands. If you're replacing multiple toilets across your home, the savings add up quickly.

One-Piece vs Two-Piece Toilets

This is one of the most common questions in the toilet-buying process, and the answer depends on what you prioritize. Choosing between these designs is a key step in finding the best toilet for your home.

Two-piece toilets (separate bowl and tank, bolted together) are the traditional design. They're lighter to carry because you can move the pieces separately, which makes installation easier for one person. They're also generally less expensive. If a crack forms in the tank, you can replace just the tank without buying a whole new toilet. The downside: the seam between the tank and bowl collects dust and grime, and the exposed trapway on most models adds more surface area to clean.

One-piece toilets combine the tank and bowl into a single unit. The seamless construction is easier to wipe down because there are no joints or crevices where grime accumulates. They tend to look more modern, especially models with skirted bases that hide the trapway entirely. The tradeoffs are weight (80 to 100+ pounds in one piece) and cost (typically noticeably more than a comparable two-piece).

For most buyers, the choice comes down to budget and aesthetics. If you want the easiest-to-clean option and don't mind spending more, go one-piece. If you want the best value and easier installation, go two-piece. Flush performance is largely independent of this design choice.

Common Questions About Buying the Best Toilet

What is comfort height, and should I get it?

Comfort height (also called chair height or right height) means the seat sits 17 to 19 inches from the floor, compared to 15 inches on a standard-height toilet. Most adults find comfort height easier to sit down on and stand up from, especially if you have knee or back issues. The only reason to avoid it is if young children are the primary users, as their feet may dangle.

Do I need to measure my rough-in?

Yes. The rough-in is the distance from the wall (not the baseboard) to the center of the drain pipe. Most homes use a 12-inch rough-in, which is the standard for all toilets on this list. Older homes sometimes have 10-inch or 14-inch rough-ins. Measure before you buy, or you'll end up with a toilet that either doesn't fit or sits awkwardly far from the wall.

Is a dual-flush toilet worth it?

If you have a larger household, absolutely. A dual-flush toilet lets you choose between a light flush (0.8 to 1.1 GPF) for liquid waste and a full flush for solids. Since the majority of flushes in a typical household are for liquid waste, the water savings add up. A family of four can save 3,000 to 5,000 gallons per year compared to a standard single-flush 1.6 GPF model.

How important is the MaP score?

Very important, if you want to avoid clogs. MaP (Maximum Performance) testing measures how many grams of solid waste a toilet can clear in a single flush. A score of 800 grams or above is good. A score of 1,000 grams (the maximum) means the toilet will handle virtually anything. The American Standard Champion 4 leads here with a perfect 1,000-gram score.

Should I upgrade my [shower head](best-shower-head) and toilet at the same time?

If you're already renovating the bathroom, replacing both at once makes sense logistically. You'll only need to shut off water once, and you can coordinate the style of your fixtures. But the toilet and shower head are independent upgrades, so there's no technical reason they need to happen together.

What about smart toilets and bidet seats?

If you're interested in a bidet seat, look for toilets labeled "WASHLET+ ready" (TOTO) or bidet-compatible. The TOTO Drake and UltraMax II on this list are WASHLET+ ready for TOTO's electronic bidet seats. You can start with the standard toilet now and add the bidet seat later without replacing the whole unit. Full smart toilets with integrated bidets, heated seats, and automatic lids are available but typically cost $1,000 or more.

How I Chose the Best Toilet Picks

I researched specifications, manufacturer data, plumber recommendations, and thousands of user reviews across Amazon, Home Depot, Lowe's, and plumbing forums. I prioritized flush performance, water efficiency, build quality, user satisfaction, and value at each price point. I did not test these toilets in a lab. My recommendations are based on published specifications, MaP testing data, and patterns in verified user feedback.

Every water-efficient toilet on this list uses a standard 12-inch rough-in and is available in white, which is the most common configuration. Most are also available in bone, biscuit, or other colors at slightly different price points. Upgrading your kitchen faucet or bathroom fixtures alongside a new toilet is a great way to refresh the feel of your home without a full renovation.

Final Thoughts

The best toilet for most people is the TOTO Drake MS776124CEFG. Its Tornado Flush system and CEFIONTECT glaze deliver a combination of flush power and cleanliness that no other toilet at this price matches. It's the model that plumbers install in their own homes, and that kind of endorsement carries weight. I recommend it without hesitation.

If you want the easiest-to-clean option, step up to the TOTO UltraMax II and enjoy the seamless one-piece design. If budget is your primary concern, I'd point you toward the TOTO Entrada CST244EF, which gives you TOTO build quality and reliable flushing at a mid-range price, or the American Standard Colony 3 if you need the lowest price. And if clogs have been the bane of your existence, the American Standard Champion 4 and its 4-inch flush valve will solve that problem once and for all.

Don't overthink it. Measure your rough-in, decide between one-piece or two-piece, and pick the model that fits your budget. Any toilet on this list will serve you well for years. In my opinion, the best toilet is the one that flushes reliably, saves water, and lets you forget it's even there.