Best Bidet Toilet Seats (2026): 5 Washlets I Would Actually Buy

Our Top Picks

TOTO Washlet S5 - Best bidet toilet seat overall

Wirecutter calls the TOTO Washlet S5 "the most satisfying bidet we've ever used" after seven years and 40 different bidets tested. It replaced the C5 (their previous top pick for years) in 2025 with a critical upgrade: an instant water heater instead of a small reservoir. That means the warm water never runs cold mid-wash - you can sit there as long as you want and the temperature stays consistent. It also uses less electricity since it heats only on demand.

The remote is what really separates the S5 from competitors. Wirecutter specifically called it out as the standout feature: essential controls (wash, pressure, nozzle position, dryer) on the front, less-used settings (eco modes, seat temp) on the back. Five pressure settings range from gentle to firm without ever reaching the "fire hose" levels some bidets default to. Four programmable presets let multiple people save their preferred settings - useful in shared households.

The nozzle adjusts five positions forward and back, offers oscillating and pulsating modes, and can do both simultaneously. The build quality is unmistakably TOTO - they're the Japanese brand credited with popularizing the modern bidet seat, and their products are known to last 7+ years of daily use without issues. If you want the best bidet seat and money is the secondary consideration, this is the answer.

Downsides: Premium pricing at $600-800 depending on size and retailer. No onboard control buttons - if you lose or break the remote, you can't operate the bidet (though Wirecutter notes you can keep the remote wall-mounted to mitigate). The plastic T-fitting (where it connects to the toilet tank) is gray rather than chrome like competitors. Lacks some niche features (child-specific modes, wide-spray options) that other premium bidets include.

TOTO Washlet S2 - Best bidet toilet seat without a remote

If the TOTO S5 is out of stock, over budget, or you prefer side panel controls over a remote, the TOTO Washlet S2 is Wirecutter's recommended runner-up. Almost everything they appreciate about the S5 also applies here - the same TOTO build quality, the same warm-water performance, the same comfortable spray. The main differences are the control method (side panel instead of remote) and the absence of programmable presets.

For households with consistent users who don't need to switch settings between people, the lack of presets isn't a meaningful downside. The side panel keeps the controls always accessible and impossible to misplace, which some users actually prefer over a separate remote that can get lost in couch cushions or accidentally fall in the toilet. Just be aware that the side panel is more cluttered visually than the S5's clean profile.

This is also the better choice if you've ever lost a TV remote and decided you never want to deal with another small electronic device that needs to be tracked. For visitors and houseguests who might be intimidated by a complex remote, the side panel is also more intuitive - the buttons are right there, no decoding required. If you're upgrading your overall bathroom setup, our electric toothbrush picks are another worthwhile bathroom upgrade.

Downsides: No remote means no programmable user presets. The side panel is bulkier and less visually clean than the S5's slim profile. Doesn't have the instant heater of the S5 - the S2 uses the older reservoir-style heating which can run out of warm water on longer sessions. Slightly older platform overall.

Brondell Swash LE99 - Best mid-range bidet seat

Wirecutter's budget pick (for the warm-water category) is the Brondell Swash LE99, which delivers most of what makes a luxury bidet enjoyable at roughly half the price of the TOTO Washlets. You get adjustable warm water, heated seat, presets, a sitz function, and a particularly clever "gentle mode" that runs a low-pressure wash and dry cycle - Wirecutter specifically noted this works well for children who tend to sit further forward on the seat.

The remote is easy to use and intuitive for basic functions. The LE99 also includes side panel controls as a backup, which the TOTO S5 lacks - meaning if you lose or break the remote, you can still use the bidet. The pressure adjustability is genuinely refined for this price tier, and the warm air dryer (while slow on every bidet) actually works.

The trade-offs at this price are real but reasonable. Wirecutter calls out that the cord protrudes from the side of the unit rather than tucking discreetly toward the back like the TOTO models do - it's a minor aesthetic issue but does draw the eye. There's also a slight delay before the spray activates, which Wirecutter notes is "minor enough that they may go unnoticed." For most people, the LE99 hits the sweet spot of features and price.

Downsides: Cord placement on the side is aesthetically inferior to TOTO's rear cord. Slight delay before spray activation. Lacks the polished feel of the more expensive Washlets. Build quality is good but not TOTO-level - expect 5-7 years of life rather than 10+.

Brondell EcoSeat S101 - Best non-electric bidet seat

If you like the idea of a bidet but don't have an electrical outlet near your toilet (or you'd rather not deal with running power), the Brondell EcoSeat S101 is Wirecutter's top recommendation. It's a cold-water seat that replaces your existing toilet seat entirely, integrating the bidet sprayer into the seat itself rather than mounting underneath like most cold-water attachments. The result is better aim and a cleaner appearance.

The single control knob at the rear of the lid operates the bidet - turn one way for front wash, the other for rear wash. Wirecutter notes the aim is "significantly better than that of simpler cold-water attachments," eliminating the awkward shifting around in the seat that plagues cheaper options. The discreet knob also looks much more refined than the side-panel control levers on competing attachments.

The compromises are real: no warm water (it uses your home's cold water supply directly), no heated seat, no pressure control, and no dryer. But for under $120 and a 20-minute installation, you get a genuine bidet experience without electricity, ductwork, or major plumbing changes. For anyone testing the bidet waters before committing to a $500+ electric seat, this is the smartest entry point with the best visual aesthetic.

Downsides: Cold water can be jarring, especially in winter. No pressure control - what comes out is what you get. No dryer, no heated seat. Replaces your existing toilet seat, so make sure you measure for elongated vs round. Aesthetics are far better than competing cold-water options but still not as clean as a fully integrated electric Washlet.

Bio Bidet SlimEdge - Best budget bidet attachment

For the lowest-risk way to try a bidet, the Bio Bidet SlimEdge is Wirecutter's pick. At $30-60, it costs less than dinner at a decent restaurant and installs in 15 minutes without an electrician, plumber, or even removing your existing toilet seat. It mounts between your toilet seat and the porcelain bowl, with a thin profile that's barely visible from above.

What sets the SlimEdge apart from typical $30 attachments is the design. Most cold-water attachments are boxy and clinical-looking with prominent side dial controls. The SlimEdge introduces a rubbery grip area around the control dial and gentler curves that make it look noticeably less industrial. It's still obvious you have a bidet attachment if someone's looking closely, but it doesn't look like medical equipment was installed in your bathroom.

The single dial controls front and rear wash with adjustable pressure - which is actually more control than the EcoSeat S101 offers. The water comes from your cold water supply, so expect a noticeable temperature surprise. But for testing whether you'll like a bidet at all, or for a bathroom where you don't want to commit to a full seat replacement, the SlimEdge is the perfect entry point. If you're outfitting a full bathroom upgrade, check out our water flosser picks for dental care.

Downsides: Cold water only - which can be uncomfortable, especially in winter. The aim isn't always perfect with attachment-style bidets, so some adjustment in seating position may be required. Less refined experience than a full bidet seat. No heated seat. The plastic construction feels budget-tier (which it is).