What Is a Smart Toilet? Features and Benefits Explained

What is a smart toilet?

A smart toilet is a toilet that uses electronic components to enhance the user experience. It goes beyond the basic flush and adds features such as a heated seat, an integrated or attached bidet wash with warm water, an automatic lid that opens and closes, and often a warm air dryer. Some models also include a deodorizer, night light, self-cleaning functions, and remote control or app connectivity.

These toilets are designed to improve personal hygiene and comfort while often using water more efficiently than traditional designs. Many smart toilets are available as one-piece or two-piece units, and some are built with wall-hung configurations. Because they combine the toilet and bidet in a single fixture, they simplify your bathroom layout and eliminate the need for a separate bidet seat.

• Heated seat: warms the seat to a comfortable temperature, adjustable in many models.
• Warm water wash: an integrated bidet nozzle provides a stream of water for cleaning.
• Automatic lid: opens and closes the lid when you approach or leave, or with a button or remote.
• Warm air dryer: blows warm air to dry after washing, reducing the need for toilet paper.
• Deodorizer: uses a fan or carbon filter to reduce bathroom odors.
• Self-cleaning: some models sanitize the bowl or the bidet nozzles with electrolyzed water or UV light.

Core features to know

The three most common smart toilet features are the heated seat, warm water wash, and automatic lid. A heated seat is often the first feature that draws people to smart toilets because it provides added comfort on cold mornings. Many models allow you to set the seat temperature to your preference.

The warm water wash is essentially a built-in bidet. It uses a small nozzle that extends under the seat to spray warm water for cleaning. You can usually adjust water temperature, pressure, and nozzle position. Some models offer a separate wash for women or a pulsating massage mode. If you're specifically interested in integrated bidets, see our built-in bidet toilets guide.

An automatic lid uses sensors to detect when you approach or leave, opening the lid and sometimes the seat, and closing and flushing after you step away. This reduces contact with the fixture and helps keep the bathroom more sanitary. Other features like a warm air dryer and deodorizer add to the overall convenience.

Water efficiency and environmental impact

Smart toilets often combine low water consumption with advanced flushing technology. Many models use around 1.28 gallons per flush or less, which meets the Environmental Protection Agency's WaterSense criteria. According to the EPA, toilets account for nearly 30 percent of an average home's indoor water use, and replacing older, inefficient toilets with WaterSense labeled models can reduce water used for toilets by 20 to 60 percent, saving nearly 13,000 gallons per year for a household.

When shopping for a smart toilet, look for the WaterSense label or check the flush volume. To understand what the certification entails, read our WaterSense toilet certification guide. The EPA notes that WaterSense labeled toilets must meet strict performance standards, including waste extraction and bowl surface cleaning, so efficiency doesn't come at the cost of flushing power. You can also search for models with dual-flush options that use a lighter flush for liquid waste.

If water efficiency is a top priority, compare models in our best 1.28 gpf toilets guide.

Accessibility and comfort

Smart toilets often deliver enhanced accessibility through comfort-height seating and easier operation. The Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) sets technical standards for public accommodations and commercial facilities. While residential bathrooms are not always required to meet ADA guidelines, applying those principles can make your home more comfortable for elderly family members or individuals with mobility challenges. For a deeper look at how ADA rules apply, see our ADA toilet requirements guide.

Features like a heated seat, warm water wash, and automatic lid reduce the effort needed to use the toilet. Some models come with a chair-height seat, which is similar to a standard chair and makes sitting and standing easier. You can adjust water pressure and temperature to suit individual needs, which is especially helpful for people with limited mobility or sensitivity.

If you're considering a taller toilet for accessibility, take a look at our best chair height toilets guide.

Choosing a smart toilet for your home

The right smart toilet depends on your needs and bathroom layout. Start by deciding which features are essential. If a warm water wash is your main reason, focus on models with a robust bidet system. If you want the full experience, look for a toilet with automatic lid, seat heating, and drying.

Consider the bathroom's electrical situation. Smart toilets require power for the electronic components, so you may need an outlet near the toilet. If you use a built-in model, the installation is a bit more involved than a standard toilet, but it can be done. You can learn more about the process in our how to install a toilet guide.

Bathroom dimensions also matter. Smart toilets are available in round and elongated shapes, and some are wall-hung to save floor space. Check your rough-in measurement and bowl shape to avoid mismatches. Our guide on round vs elongated toilets and toilet rough-in sizes can help.

Finally, set a budget that covers the toilet and installation, but remember that prices vary widely. Look for models with a warranty and reliable customer support. To see a range of options, browse our buying guides to find a model that matches your wish list.

What to pick for your use

Questions

What is the difference between a smart toilet and a regular toilet?

A regular toilet is a basic fixture that flushes waste with water. A smart toilet adds electronic features such as a heated seat, warm water wash (bidet), automatic lid, air dryer, and deodorizer. These features improve comfort and hygiene, and many smart toilets use water-efficient flush systems. You can explore models in our smart toilet buying guide.

Do smart toilets use more electricity than regular toilets?

Yes, because they have electronic components. The power consumption is generally modest, similar to a night light or a towel warmer, but it adds a small amount to your energy bill. Models with instant water heating may use more than those with a small reservoir.

Can a smart toilet work during a power outage?

Most smart toilets rely on electricity for the electronic features, but the flush itself is often gravity-assisted and will still work. However, the bidet, seat heating, and drying functions will not operate without power. Some models have a manual release for the seat and lid.

Are smart toilets more hygienic than regular toilets?

Many people find them more hygienic because the warm water wash reduces the need for toilet paper, and the self-cleaning features help keep the bowl and nozzles sanitary. The automatic lid also reduces contact with bacteria. However, regular cleaning is still necessary to maintain hygiene.

What maintenance does a smart toilet require?

Besides routine bowl cleaning, smart toilets need occasional descaling of the bidet nozzles and hoses if you have hard water. Filters may need replacing. The electronics are generally reliable, but it's wise to choose a model with a good warranty.

Is a smart toilet the same as a bidet toilet?

Not exactly. A smart toilet is a toilet with integrated bidet features, while a bidet toilet is often a separate seat or attachment. A bidet toilet seat can be added to an existing toilet, but a smart toilet replaces the entire fixture. See the differences between a bidet toilet and a bidet seat in our article.