8 Best Toilets to Upgrade Your Bathroom 2025

A bathroom upgrade doesn’t always require marble slabs, mood lighting, and a contractor who “just needs one more week.”
Sometimes the biggest glow-up is… replacing the thing you use every single day.

In 2025, the best toilets aren’t just “a bowl with opinions.” They’re water-saving, surprisingly powerful, easier to clean,
and (if you want to go fancy) can wash, warm, deodorize, and basically act like a spa day for your backside.
WaterSense-labeled toilets use 1.28 gallons per flush (or less) and are independently certified for both performance and efficiency,
while older toilets can use dramatically more water per flush.

This guide synthesizes research from reputable U.S. resources and product specsthink EPA WaterSense guidance, major home & lifestyle testing outlets,
and manufacturer/retailer documentationthen rewrites it into a practical, no-fluff shortlist you can actually shop from.

Quick Comparison: The 8 Best Toilets (2025)

What Makes a Toilet “Best” in 2025?

1) Water efficiency that doesn’t require “courtesy flushing”

Modern toilets can use 1.28 gallons per flush (GPF) or less and still perform extremely wellespecially WaterSense-labeled models,
which are tested and independently certified for performance and efficiency.

The EPA notes toilets account for nearly 30% of an average home’s indoor water use, and replacing older, inefficient toilets can cut toilet water use by 20–60%,
saving roughly 13,000 gallons per year and more than $170 annually for the average family.

2) Real flush performance (not just marketing bravado)

If you like numbers, look at MaP (Maximum Performance) testing. MaP Premium listings generally require at least 600 grams of solid waste removal in one flush,
and the dataset helps compare models by flush volume, type, and features.

Translation: a low-flow toilet doesn’t have to be a low-confidence toilet. The best designs move waste efficiently with smarter bowl and trapway engineeringnot brute-force water volume.

3) Comfort + fit (because “it looks nice” is not a measurement)

• Rough-in: Most homes are 12-inch rough-in. Measure from the wall to the center of the floor bolts.
• Bowl shape: Elongated is more comfortable for most adults; round is often better for tight powder rooms.
• Seat height: “Chair height”/“universal height” can be easier on knees and backs.
• One-piece vs. two-piece: One-piece looks sleek and cleans easier; two-piece is usually lighter, cheaper, and easier to service.

The 8 Best Toilets to Upgrade Your Bathroom in 2025

1) TOTO Drake II (Best Overall for Most Bathrooms)

If you want the “buy it once, love it daily” upgrade, the Drake II is the safe bet that still feels like a treat.
It’s built around TOTO’s Tornado Flush design, engineered to rinse efficiently with a strong swirling action.

• Why it stands out: Consistent flush performance + widespread availability + strong reputation among reviewers and testers.
• Efficiency: Common configurations use 1.28 GPF, aligning with modern water-saving expectations.
• Nice bonus: Many versions are WASHLET+ ready, so you can add a bidet seat later without redesigning your bathroom.

Best for: Primary bathrooms, guest baths, and anyone who wants an upgrade without a learning curve.

Watch-outs: Some packages don’t include the lid/seatverify what’s in the box before checkout.

2) TOTO UltraMax II (Best One-Piece Upgrade)

The UltraMax II is for people who want a cleaner look (and fewer crevices to scrub) without going full “spaceship toilet.”
It’s a one-piece elongated design, typically running a 1.28 GPF flush and using TOTO’s Tornado Flush system.

• Why it stands out: One-piece styling is easier to wipe down, and the spec sheets highlight high-efficiency operation.
• Performance vibe: Designed as a premium “daily driver” with strong rinse action and a refined build.
• Great for remodels: Looks especially sharp in modern bathrooms where you’re swapping out multiple fixtures.

Best for: Design-forward bathrooms and homeowners who hate cleaning around tank-to-bowl seams.

Watch-outs: One-piece toilets can be heavier to installplan for help if you’re DIYing.

3) KOHLER Cimarron (Best “Classic Bathroom, Modern Performance” Pick)

The Cimarron line is popular because it fits a ton of bathroom styles: traditional, transitional, even slightly modern if you choose a sleeker profile.
Many Cimarron models come in 1.28 GPF configurations and are built around Kohler’s modern flushing tech (varies by model).

• Why it stands out: Comfort Height options and an elongated bowl make it feel like an upgrade the moment you sit down.
• Efficiency: Common 1.28 GPF specs support water savings without reverting to “sad 1990s low-flow energy.”
• Cleaning advantage: Kohler designs often focus on bowl rinse patterns that help keep the bowl cleaner longer (model-dependent).

Best for: Homes where you want a proven brand and a timeless look that won’t feel dated in three TikTok cycles.

Watch-outs: Cimarron is a family of toiletsconfirm the exact model’s flush tech, included seat, and height before you buy.

4) American Standard Champion 4 (Best Anti-Clog Confidence)

If you’ve ever had the kind of clog that makes you consider moving, the Champion line is basically therapy.
American Standard markets the Champion for clog resistance and “bucket of golf balls” flushing poweryes, that’s a real claim.

• Why it stands out: Built around a large flush valve and design choices aimed at reducing clogs.
• Helpful features: PowerWash rim action and EverClean surface tech are commonly highlighted for cleanliness.
• Efficiency: Many Champion configurations are WaterSense-class high-efficiency (often 1.28 GPF).

Best for: Busy households, rentals you manage, or bathrooms where “reliability” is a love language.

Watch-outs: Double-check which Champion variant you’re buyingseat inclusion and exact flush specs can vary by kit and retailer.

5) KOHLER Highline Classic (Flushmate) (Best Pressure-Assisted Power)

Most people do great with a quality gravity-flush toilet. But if you have older plumbing, long drain runs,
or you just want a little extra “whoosh,” a pressure-assisted toilet can make sense.
The Highline Classic (K-3493) spec sheet calls out Sloan Flushmate pressure-assisted hardware and 1.6 GPF operation.

• Why it stands out: Pressure assist can help move waste through challenging drainlines with more force than standard gravity designs.
• Fit: Standard 12-inch rough-in, elongated bowl, and fully glazed trapway noted in specs.
• Pro tip: If you’re replacing a notorious under-performer, pressure assist can feel like “night and day.”

Best for: Older homes, basements, or bathrooms where you’ve tried everything except a priest and an exorcism.

Watch-outs: Pressure-assisted flushes can be louder. Also, 1.6 GPF is the federal standard; many homeowners prefer 1.28 GPF for savings.

6) Glacier Bay McClure (Best Big-Box Value Upgrade)

Not every upgrade needs to cost “vacation money.”
Glacier Bay’s McClure is a popular one-piece option in the budget-friendly range,
and Home Depot lists versions at 1.28 GPF as well as dual-flush variants (model-dependent).

• Why it stands out: One-piece design at a lower price point than many premium brands.
• Space-friendly: One-piece profiles can feel visually smaller and work well in modest bathrooms.
• Efficiency angle: 1.28 GPF aligns with WaterSense-style efficiency targets (verify WaterSense label for your exact SKU).

Best for: Guest baths, starter-home remodels, or “I want it nicer, not priceless.”

Watch-outs: With value brands, the exact model number matters moreflush volume and included seat can vary.

7) Gerber Viper 1.28 GPF (Best “Simple, Solid, Serviceable” Pick)

The Gerber Viper is a “no drama” toilet in the best way: designed to clear the bowl reliably, with specs that prioritize clog resistance.
Gerber highlights a large, fully glazed trapway for virtually clog-free performance.

• Why it stands out: 1.28 GPF efficiency with a straightforward, serviceable design.
• Spec highlights: The spec sheet calls out a 3-inch flush valve and a fully glazed 2-inch trapway.
• Practical bonus: Fewer proprietary “mystery parts” vibes when it’s time for maintenance.

Best for: Homeowners who want a dependable toilet that a plumber won’t side-eye.

Watch-outs: As with any line, verify bowl height and included components (seat included vs. not) before purchase.

8) WOODBRIDGE One-Piece Dual Flush (B0910/T-0035) (Best Modern Skirted Look)

If your bathroom upgrade is chasing a sleek, modern aesthetic, WOODBRIDGE models are often chosen for their clean lines,
skirted trapways (easier to wipe), and contemporary proportions.
The brand lists a one-piece dual flush configuration at 1.0/1.6 GPF for this model family.

• Why it stands out: Modern design + dual flush water control for liquid vs. solid waste.
• Comfort factor: Some listings highlight taller seating heightsgreat for comfort, but confirm it fits your household.
• Upgrade feel: It’s one of those swaps where the bathroom instantly looks “newer,” even if you didn’t touch the tile.

Best for: Contemporary remodels, minimalist bathrooms, and anyone who wants “hotel vibes” at home.

Watch-outs: Confirm local water-use rules and your preference: some people want 1.28 GPF max for full flush; others like dual-flush flexibility.

How to Choose the Right Toilet (Without Turning It Into a Weekend of Regret)

Measure first: rough-in and clearance

Before you fall in love with a toilet online, measure your rough-in (most commonly 12 inches),
plus side clearance and front clearance. If your bathroom is tight, a compact elongated or round-front bowl can save precious inches.

Pick your “comfort settings”

• Elongated bowl: Usually more comfortable for adults.
• Comfort/Chair/Universal height: Easier sitting and standing for many adultsespecially in a primary bath.
• Seat included or not: It’s not glamorous, but it’s the difference between “installed today” and “another trip to the store.”

Decide what matters most: power, quiet, or easy cleaning

• Gravity flush: Quiet, common, and great when the design is modern and well-engineered.
• Pressure-assisted: Louder, but often very effectivehelpful for tricky plumbing situations.
• Skirted trapway / one-piece: Less grime-catching geometry (translation: fewer awkward scrub angles).

Look for credible performance signals

WaterSense labeling is a strong starting point because it reflects both efficiency and performance certification.
For extra confidence, MaP testing datasets can help you compare performance across models and flush volumes.

Installation & Upgrade Tips (So Your New Throne Doesn’t Rock)

• Replace the supply line if it’s old: It’s cheap insurance against leaks.
• Inspect the flange: A wobbly flange leads to a wobbly toilet. Fixing it now is easier than later.
• Don’t over-tighten bolts: Snug is good. “I will crush this porcelain into submission” is not.
• Confirm tank-to-bowl hardware: Two-piece models usually include it, but always verify what your kit contains.
• Consider rebates: Many utilities offer incentives for WaterSense toilets, and the EPA notes rebates/vouchers are common in many areas.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is 1.28 GPF enough in 2025?

Yesmodern designs are engineered to perform well at 1.28 GPF or less, and WaterSense models are independently certified to meet performance criteria.

What’s the biggest “upgrade feel” for the money?

A well-reviewed, efficient elongated toilet with comfort height and a quality seat often delivers the biggest everyday difference.
If you want luxury, adding a bidet seat later (especially on WASHLET-ready designs) can feel like jumping two upgrade tiers at once.

Should I prioritize WaterSense or MaP?

WaterSense helps ensure you’re getting both efficiency and certified performance.
MaP scores (when available) add another performance data pointparticularly useful if you’re replacing an older toilet you didn’t love.

Conclusion: Pick the Toilet You’ll Love Using (Yes, That’s a Sentence Now)

Upgrading your toilet is one of the rare home improvements that pays you back in comfort, convenience, and water savingsevery single day.
Start by measuring your rough-in, choose the height and bowl shape your household actually likes, then decide whether you’re after
classic reliability (TOTO Drake II), sleek one-piece style (UltraMax II), a timeless Kohler look (Cimarron),
anti-clog peace of mind (Champion 4), pressure-assisted punch (Highline Classic), or a budget-friendly refresh (Glacier Bay McClure).

And if you take nothing else from this article, take this:
buying a toilet is like buying shoesyou can’t judge comfort from across the room, and once you commit, you’re going to be spending a lot of time together.

of Real-World Toilet Upgrade Experiences (What People Don’t Tell You Until After)

Toilet upgrades are funny because they’re rarely someone’s “dream purchase,” yet they’re one of the most instantly noticeable improvements in daily life.
In real homes, the upgrade usually starts with a small annoyance: a weak flush, a bowl that stains too easily, a handle you have to jiggle like you’re cracking a safe,
or a seat that slides sideways at the exact moment you’re trying to maintain dignity.

The first surprise many homeowners report is how much the bathroom “feels” different after a swap. A newer toilet often sits slightly taller (comfort height),
the seat closes quietly instead of slamming like a cymbal, and the bowl rinse pattern is bettermeaning fewer brush sessions that feel like a punishment for being hydrated.
That “cleaner longer” effect is especially noticeable when you move from an older design to a modern high-efficiency one with improved rinse action.

Another real-world moment: measuring. People assume toilets are one-size-fits-all until they meet the rough-in measurement.
In many upgrades, the homeowner excitedly orders a gorgeous one-piece model, then realizes the tank hits the wall or the bowl crowds the door swing.
The best remodel stories are boring because someone measured first, checked clearance, and didn’t have to invent new yoga poses just to install it.

There’s also the “sound factor.” Pressure-assisted toilets can feel powerfullike they’re sending waste on a one-way trip with a boarding pass
but they can be louder. In a hallway bath near bedrooms, that can matter. Meanwhile, a well-designed gravity toilet can be both efficient and quiet,
which is why models with strong rinse systems and reputable performance testing tend to win long-term satisfaction.

Then there’s maintenance reality. Many people only think about toilets when something goes wrong, so serviceability matters.
Homeowners who pick widely available models (with common parts) often have smoother “five-years-later” experiencessimple flapper/fill valve replacements,
easy seat swaps, and fewer “special order” delays. The EPA even points out that toilet leaks are often caused by worn flappers,
and replacing them is typically quick and inexpensive.

Finally, the most common post-upgrade reaction: “Why didn’t we do this sooner?”
It’s not glamorous like a new vanity, but it’s arguably more impactful. A great toilet saves water, reduces cleaning time, and adds comfort to a daily routine.
And in 2025, you don’t have to choose between efficiency and performanceyou can have both, and still keep your bathroom looking sharp.