Best Toilet Seats Reviewed

Toilet Seats Compared

Factors to Consider When Buying a Toilet Seat

Size & Shape

Comfort & Utility

Comfort and ease of use are essential, especially if you have elderly family members or those who are recovering from surgery or childbirth. Older people can have trouble getting up and down and require an elevated seat or at least a toilet which accommodates an elevating seat.

Women who have just given birth can benefit from a bidet toilet seat as it helps with hemorrhoids and soothing stitches and wounds. If you are potty training little kids, you could consider a family toilet seat which has an extra seat in a small size to help the little ones stay on the toilet and not have to perch on the "adult seat."

Material & Durability

Material and durability will determine how long your toilet seat will last before it needs to be changed again. It will also help to assess comfort. Do you live in a super cold climate with icy winters? If so, you may want to go for a heated toilet seat or something like plastic or wood which is less chilly than ceramic or porcelain.

For durability and longevity, consider a high-quality plastic seat over a wooden seat as there's less chance of wearing down and splitting.

Finish, fit and style

Aesthetics does matter when buying a toilet seat, especially if your home decor is important to you. If you choose one which doesn't quite match, or it looks a little cheap against the rest of your bathroom, it's going to bug you every time you look at it, and you'll be more likely to throw in the towel and buy yet another one.

Consider: Do the colors, materials and shape complement the look and style of your bathroom? Will it sit sleekly and neatly on the toilet, avoiding awkward lines? Does it match the overall style I'm aiming for?

Mounting Options

There are a few different mounting options, mostly involving a nut-and-bolt configuration. There are metal options and plastic options, with plastic options generally more comfortable to work with. Plastic parts won’t corrode or become stiff and stuck (most modern toilet seats use plastic parts).

You must always measure the mounting holes on your toilet so you can match them up to your toilet seat for even and accurate mounting. There are top-fixing options and bottom-fixing options which is to do with where the nuts are placed and accessed during removal and installation of the seat.

This is a great video which shows a detailed demonstration of the toilet seat installation process, showing the nuts, bolts, and pieces up close.

Features

Aside from materials, size, shape, comfort and mounting options, there are extra features you can consider when choosing a toilet seat.

1. Bath Royale BR620-01 

First on our list is a sleek, simple, soft-close toilet seat made from polypropylene (plastic). This seat + cover can be installed quickly, and the simple style adapts to most bathrooms with ease. We love the bath Royale as it comes in three colors (white, almond/bone, biscuit/linen) so you can get the right match for your bathroom.

This seat comes in both elongated and round styles to fit any toilet. It’s designed to fit almost all toilet brands, even those who don’t have a standard mounting hole spacing. The polypropylene construction would be great for homes in cold climates, as it remains reasonably warm to the touch.

This is a durable toilet seat which is easy to clean thanks to the smooth, non-porous material. What’s even cooler is that it has a quick-release feature which allows you to remove the seat easily so you can clean under and around every little nook.

There’s no risk of noisy slamming, as the seat and cover have a soft-close design, requiring no more than a gentle tap before closing on its own. If you’ve got adults and older kids at home, without any need for specialized seating, this is an affordable and sleek-looking choice.

2. TOTO C100 Washlet 

As far as fancy toilet seats go, this one from TOTO is pretty darn cool. The C100 fits any toilet and was designed to improve your comfort and hygiene. This is a very sophisticated, high-tech bidet toilet seat for elongated toilets.

There are a few sizing requirements to make sure it fits your toilet, for example, the gap between the back of the tank and the mounting holes must be 2 inches. The bidet sprays a gentle yet cleansing spray of water, which can be therapeutic and helpful for women post-birth or post-surgery.

The features are pretty impressive, such as soft-close seat, heated seat, air deodorizer, warm air dryer, pre-mist to keep the bowl clean. There's a control panel tucked to the side of the seat which allows you to customize the experience. The seat itself is a sturdy plastic (easy to clean and very durable), and it comes in either white or beige.

The installation process is easy and quick (no nuts and bolts required). If you've got a large budget and you want a super sophisticated, cleansing toilet experience, then this could be ideal for you.

Also make sure to check out our full guide to Toto brand toilets.

3. Kohler Cachet 

This is an affordable option for elongated toilets and those who prefer a plastic construction with a soft-close lid. We like that this toilet seat is designed to be very easy to install without the use of any tools.

4. Brondell LumaWarm 

Now we have one for those of you who are searching for a lighted toilet seat and/or a heated toilet seat, as this one covers both bases. The Brondell LumaWarm heated toilet seat looks like a regular plastic toilet seat, but it has a discreet control pad at the back to adjust the three heat options and turn the light off and on.

A significant positive of this toilet seat is that it is super easy to install. Also, heating remains on until you switch it off at the wall or change the setting on the control pad. This is ideal for people living in icy climates, older adults with cold sensitivity, or anyone who prefers not to turn on the blaring bathroom light in the wee hours.

There are options for both round and elongated toilets, and two colors (white and biscuit). Blondell gives a detailed diagram of dimensions so you can measure your toilet to make sure you get the right shape, and if it will fit comfortably.

It’s a stylish-looking toilet seat (classy but straightforward), and the plastic construction is easy to clean and will last a long time. The price is excellent for what you get with purchasers describing it as ‘inexpensive’ and ‘value for money.’

5. Kohler K-4648-96 Stonewood 

Here we have a simple round toilet seat made from molded wood which has been painted for a smooth, sleek finish. This is a simple design, with a regular close (not soft or quite close) and plastic hinges which match the seat color.

Because the wood is painted, there is the risk of peeling and wearing down faster than plastic or ceramic seat. This would be a good choice for students or those on a budget as it's very affordable. It would suit a household with fit adults without any medical or physical issues or needs, as it's not padded, heated or soft-closing.

There are three color choices: white, almond and biscuit. It's designed to fit most toilets and is pretty easy to install, with two nuts and bolts (included).

6. Bemis 800EC 000 

This is a very affordable round toilet seat made from plastic and coated with an enamel finish. The coating means that you need to use gentle cleaning products and tools; otherwise, it can peel, corrode or buckle.

Speaking of cleaning, this toilet seat is designed to be easy to detach from the bowl so you can clean the entire thing thoroughly before simply reattaching. If you require a soft or quiet-close toilet seat, this isn’t the one for you as it has a regular closing style.

The Bemis suits those with a low budget who require a simple toilet seat which can be detached for cleaning. There are 3 color choices: biscuit, white, bone. The fitting covers the toilet completely, and is very easy to install and clean. 

7. AquaSense Portable

Aquasense has manufactured a very affordable raised toilet set which sits neatly and securely onto the bowl of round toilets. It is 4 inches taller than an average toilet seat which makes getting on and off the toilet far easier. This is great especially for the elderly who have trouble bending the knees past a wide angle.

It is portable so you can easily switch it between bathrooms in your house, or even take to holiday accommodations. It's super easy to clean thanks to the smooth, durable plastic and no small fiddly bits to clean around. The only thing you need to consider is the fact that the toilet lid cannot close when this raised toilet seat is installed, but that shouldn't be an issue for most people.

Ideal for the elderly or people with knee injuries or surgeries who need to reduce the amount of knee bending required. Some forums and reviewers have found the AquaSense Portable Raised Toilet Seat to be both affordable and functional, “for an amazing price, you can get a seat raiser that features a seamless design that is easy to clean.”

8. Bio Bidet Supreme BB-1000 

The Bio Supreme is an incredibly sophisticated, fancy toilet seat with everything. It is a bidet toilet seat which has a heated seat, deodorizer, warm air dry, wireless remote control, self-clean, and a smooth release so you can take the seat off for a thorough manual clean.

You can adjust the nozzle position, adjust the seat and water temperature, and even use the "massage" function, all from the remote control. You can change the water pressure, with posterior, feminine and enema settings.

This is a sleek, attractive toilet seat which is easy to install and offers a wide range of functions for cleanliness, comfort and even therapeutic or medical benefit (i.e., cleaning stitches or surgical wounds from birth).

This would suit anyone with a large enough budget and the desire for an exceptional toilet experience. It might be difficult for very old or sight-challenged people to use.

9. Baby Bjorn Toilet Trainer

Baby Bjorn is a fantastic child toilet seat for little kids who are just starting to potty train. It's especially great for girls, as some parents do find that it's a bit messier with boys. It's made from safe, durable, BPA-free plastic which makes it easy to clean and smooth against a small child's delicate skin.

This toilet training seat sits directly onto the existing adult toilet seat and fits all shapes (round and elongated). It has a handily adjustable fitting which retracts and widens to fit onto all toilet seats securely. This is a safe toddler toilet seat because it stays tight and secure, with no risk of your child slipping or falling.

It's effortless to remove and install, so you can give it a thorough clean whenever you need to, and use the handy hook to hang it up to dry or store. This is a fantastic seat for all parents who are embarking on the toilet training journey with their little ones.

Our full guide to potty training toilets can be found here.

10. Bemis 113EC 000

Here we have a padded toilet seat from Bemis, with a wooden core and a cushioned vinyl top. This product is excellent for people who require something a little more gentle than hardwood, plastic or ceramic.

Women dealing with birth wounds or hemorrhoids can benefit from a soft toilet seat, as can seniors or those living in cold climates who prefer not to sit on chilly, hard seats. The hinges are designed for easy seat removal so you can give it a thorough clean whenever you need to.

Due to the nature of soft toilet seats, it’s not as durable as plastic or ceramic, as the vinyl is more likely to rip over time. This is very affordable, so it would be ideal for people who need a padded toilet seat temporarily before changing to something more sturdy if need be. Easy to install, easy to clean, easy on the body, and great looking. It comes in 6 cool colors, including green, pink and blue.

11. Big John 6-W 

The last on our list is the largest toilet seat on the market, made to fit all toilet bowls, both round and elongated. It's made from very durable, sturdy plastic which can take a heavyweight (800lbs).

The hinges are designed to withstand high impact, with stabilizing bumpers to ensure the seat stays put without shifting and sliding. This is a great medical toilet seat for healthcare facilities or plus-sized people in need of a safe and accommodating toilet seat. It has also been highlighted as a great choice for arthritis sufferers who need a little more stability and surface area for safety, “people with arthritis who need more stability for toilet transfers will find the Big John Standard Toilet Seat helpful.”

This toilet seat is very easy to install, safe and secure. The plastic is chemical and stain-resistant which makes deep-cleaning super easy.

Toilet Seat Types & Variations

Elongated vs Round

There are two key differences to be aware of when shopping for a new toilet seat: round shaped and elongated shape. This comes down to the shape of your toilet. Elongated toilets have an oval shape which extends further out from the wall than round toilets which are smaller and more compact.

Elongated toilets are more modern and often more expensive, with many adults and larger people finding them to be more comfortable to use. They’re a little tougher for young kids to use, as they have to perch on the edge of the seat rather than sitting right back on the seat as they can with round toilets.

Round toilets are smaller and best for little spaces. Be sure about the shape of your toilet before you purchase a new seat. This is a great cheat sheet for figuring out round versus elongated toilets.

Wood vs Plastic

Another crucial aspect is the material of your toilet seat. Two of the most popular and debated materials are plastic and wood, both with pros and cons.

Other Materials

Other Toilet Seat Features to Consider

Soft Close

Ease of Installation & Cleaning

Some toilet seats require tools to install, whereas others are simple and need nothing more than a quick twist and tighten with the hand. Some toilet seats have a mechanism which allows the seat to be removed easily so the entire thing can be cleaned, including around the hinges.

Cleansing/Bidet options

Bidet toilets shoot a stream of water onto the body for extra cleansing after using the toilet. These are popular for general cleanliness and comfort, but they’re also handy for people who are experiencing stitches and pain after intimate surgeries. They are more expensive and require a bit of plumbing work to install.

Deodorizing

Some toilet seats have a mechanism which sucks air and odor into a fan through an activated carbon filter, and releasing fresh, odor-free air back into the bathroom. Some have a scented air freshener feature too, leaving the bathroom sweet-smelling.

Soft Padding/Cushioned

Elderly people or those suffering from hemorrhoids can find that a padded or cushioned toilet seat is gentler on the body and more comfortable to use. Padded toilet seats are less durable and long-wearing than plastic and ceramic toilet seats due to the softness of the materials and more “parts” involved (i.e., padding and cover).

Lighted and/or Heated

Heated toilet seats are plugged into the house power supply and remain heated unless the settings are changed or the seat is switched off. They’re best suited to freezing climates where a cold toilet seat is very unappealing, or solely for people who prefer ultimate toilet comfort.

Toilet seats with a built-in light or glow-in-the-dark technology are great for saving power as you don’t need to turn the light on for night time toilet trips. They’re great for preserving sleepiness and not waking sleeping partners (en suite toilets especially).

How to Measure The Correct Size Toilet Seat

Measuring your toilet to get the right dimensions to match to your new toilet seat is important, but it’s really easy too. Here’s a quick step-by-step:

Standard (US) size for toilet bowls:

Installing and Replacing a Toilet Seat

Replacing and installing a toilet seat is pretty easy, but it does depend on the type of toilet set you've chosen and the kind you are replacing. Some have top fixings, and some have bottom fixings.

Some (older ones) have metal nuts and bolts requiring a screwdriver to remove, while others have plastic parts which can be twisted with your hand. The best way to go is to read the manual or instructions provided with your new toilet seat. The general process is:

People Also Ask (FAQs)

How do you use a bidet toilet seat?

First, you use the toilet to get rid of waste as you would a "regular" toilet. When you're done, you use the remote control or control pad to activate the wash function. Some bidets have temperature and pressure controls which you can adjust.

When you're done washing your private areas, you can use the air dry function on the control pad to dry off. You don't need to get up off the toilet seat to use the bidet function, but you might need to slightly adjust your position to make sure the water hits where you need it to.

How do you replace a toilet seat quickly and efficiently?

First, be sure of the measurements of your toilet bowl and existing seat. Remove the old toilet seat and thoroughly deep-clean the entire toilet, especially around the mounting holes.

Make sure to measure the distance between the mounting holes to match up with your new toilet seat to ensure the mounting bolts and hinges will match up. Make sure you've got all required parts and tools ready and waiting, then follow the installation instructions on the manual of the new toilet seat, and you're done.

What are toilet seats made of? How often should you replace your seat?

There are different toilet seat materials, with the most popular being wood, plastic (often polypropylene) and ceramic. You can also find toilet seats made of soft padding with vinyl layered over the top. The choice comes down to comfort, medical needs, durability, and aesthetics.

Your toilet seat needs replacing only if it's broken, peeling, wobbly, stained or generally "past it" in your opinion. As long as you regularly clean your toilet seat and it's functioning well and serves the needs of your family, it's okay.

How should you keep a toilet seat clean?

Can I use any toilet seat on any toilet?

No, it must be the correct size and shape and have matching mounting bolts to fit the mounting holes on your toilet. You need to use a round toilet seat for a round toilet and an elongated one for an elongated toilet (unless using a specialized seat such as a plus-size seat).

There are a few American standard toilet bowl sizes (see above), and some toilet seats are designed to be compatible with all toilets. Specialized toilets such as bidets can have more bulk and must be measured thoroughly to make sure they fit snugly on your toilet.

The best thing to do is to be sure of your toilet's shape and measurements before you start shopping, so you can match it up to new toilet seat options.

Conclusion

We reached the end! 11 of the best toilet seats on the market, most of which are very affordable, and some a little pricey but with some stellar features.

As we've now learned, the crucial aspects to consider are size, shape, material, and user-appropriateness. As long as you have the measurements and shape of your toilet bowl confirmed, you can easily find the right toilet seat the first time around. By finding the perfect toilet seat for your home, with the features you require to fit into your cleaning, medical and family needs, you won't have to replace your toilet seat again for a long time to come.

We think the best toilet seat from our list is the Bath Royale BR620-01 Premium Round Toilet Seat with Cover. We've chosen this one because it is affordable, sturdy, attractive and sleek, easy to clean, easy to install and has a quiet/soft close. But if you want something a little fancier, you could always check out the Bidet toilet seats from Bio Bidet, TOTO, and Brondell.

Good luck with your new toilet seat selection and installation!