Best Toilets of 2026: Reviews & Buying Guide

Planning a new bathroom or replacing an old toilet? There are plenty of options to choose from. Our 2026 toilet review and comparison covers the most important buying criteria, from toilet style and flushing system to the right toilet seat. Here’s what to consider.

Which toilet style is right for you?

Start by choosing a style. It affects the look of your bathroom, the space you need and how easy the toilet is to clean.

Floor-standing toilet (close-coupled toilet)

The traditional floor-standing toilet is a popular choice. Its waste pipe connects directly to the floor, and installation is usually straightforward. The downside is that the area around and underneath the toilet can be hard to clean, where dirt and dust tend to collect.

Wall-hung toilet

A wall-hung toilet is attached to a mounting frame, with the waste pipe running into the wall. This offers a clear hygiene benefit: the floor underneath is open and easy to mop. It also creates a more spacious feel. Installation takes more work because the frame and cistern need to be built into the wall.

Toilet flush systems compared: which one is best?

The flushing system affects hygiene, water use and noise. Modern systems offer a range of useful features.

Cistern with dual-flush button

This is the standard option. One button activates the small flush (3 Liter), while the other activates the full flush (6 Liter). Look for a cistern that refills quietly.

Turboflush or vortex flush

The bowl’s shape and water pressure create a powerful vortex. It rinses the entire bowl effectively and helps leave less residue behind.

Rimless technology

Rimless design is one of the biggest advances in toilet hygiene. Without the traditional rim around the bowl, water can flow across the whole interior. This eliminates hard-to-reach areas where limescale and dirt can collect, making the toilet much easier to clean.

Comfort and accessibility: why seat height matters

Toilets are available in different heights, and seat height makes a real difference to comfort.

Standard height: Approximately 40 cm. Suitable for most people.

Comfort-height or height-adjustable toilet: A seat height of 46 to 48 cm can reduce strain on the knees and hip joints when sitting down or standing up. It can be a good choice for older adults and people with limited mobility, and a step toward an accessible bathroom.

Choosing the right height can also improve everyday usability throughout the home.

How to choose the right toilet seat

The seat is the part of the toilet you come into direct contact with, so material and features matter.

Materials: thermoset plastic vs. MDF

Thermoset plastic is easy to care for, moisture-resistant and durable. It can feel a little cool to the touch.

MDF toilet seats with a melamine coating feel warmer and more natural. High-quality models are also sturdy and moisture-resistant.

Useful features

Modern toilet seats can add extra comfort:

• Soft-close function: The lid closes gently and quietly, preventing loud slams. It’s a great feature for families. The
  

  "Family" toilet seat with dual soft-close function - white

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  also has soft-close hinges for both the lid and seat.
• Soft-close: This feature uses the same gentle-closing principle.
• Damping mechanism: An integrated shock absorber, like the one in the
  

  MDF toilet seat with damping mechanism

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  , helps the seat close particularly gently and quietly.

An MDF seat with a soft-close function, such as the

Bamboo MDF toilet seat with soft-close function

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Here’s a direct comparison of some of the highest-rated toilet seats in our range:

Toilet installation and connections

Toilet installation is a job for a professional or a highly experienced DIYer.

You’ll need to connect the water supply and waste pipe securely. Wall-hung toilets also require installing a concealed cistern frame, which is a more complex job. Mistakes can lead to water damage.

Include the cost of professional installation in your budget. A professional can also make sure the toilet is at the right height and securely fitted.

Our Buying Guide: How to Choose the Right Toilet

Follow these steps.

1. Choose a style: Wall-hung toilets offer a sleek, modern look and make cleaning easier, while two-piece toilets are easier to install.
2. Choose a flushing system: A rimless toilet with a dual-flush button is a premium choice. A powerful vortex flush is another good option.
3. Check the comfort: Choose a seat height that suits the people who will use it. Comfort-height toilets work well for the whole family.
4. Choose a toilet seat: Decide between plastic and MDF. A soft-close mechanism is a worthwhile comfort feature.
5. Check the dimensions: Measure the available space carefully, and remember to allow room for the tank.

Care and Cleaning

A modern toilet can make cleaning easier.

Rimless models offer the biggest advantage. Clean your toilet regularly with a suitable bathroom cleaner. Avoid abrasive products, which can scratch the surface.

With a wall-hung toilet, you can easily wipe the floor underneath. This helps keep the bathroom cleaner.

A soft-close seat with a damper, as in , also protects the material and helps it last longer.

Conclusion: The best toilet for you combines the style you want with a hygienic flushing system and the right level of comfort. Invest in quality and modern features such as rimless technology or soft-close. You’ll appreciate the benefits every day, along with the reduced cleaning effort.

Frequently Asked Questions

Which is better: a two-piece toilet or a wall-hung toilet?

A wall-hung toilet is more hygienic and saves space because it hangs above the floor, making the floor easy to clean. A two-piece toilet often costs less to buy and install. The right choice depends on your budget and hygiene priorities.

Which flushing system is the most water-efficient?

Modern dual-flush systems with 3- and 6-liter flush options are among the most water-efficient. They save water without compromising cleaning performance. Tornado-flush systems and rimless toilets offer additional hygiene benefits. Look for efficiency class A.

What is the right toilet seat height?

The standard seat height is about 40 cm. For accessible living, comfort-height or height-adjustable toilets with a seat height of 46-48 cm are ideal. They reduce strain on the knees and make it easier to stand up.

What is a rimless toilet?

A rimless toilet has no traditional rim beneath the edge of the bowl. Water flows around the entire bowl, helping prevent limescale and dirt buildup and making cleaning easier and more hygienic.

Can I replace a toilet myself?

Experienced DIYers can replace a toilet themselves, but the job involves water supply and drain connections. Mistakes can cause leaks. Installing the support system for a wall-hung toilet is a demanding job. In many cases, hiring a professional is worthwhile.