The 5 best modern toilets (water-saving and easy to install)
I've installed hundreds of toilets: the cheap ones that clog every week and the modern ones that flush perfectly on just over a gallon. In 2026 you don't have to choose between saving water and good performance: 1.28 GPF WaterSense toilets perform as well or better than the old 1.6 models.
Here's the essentials — GPF, rough-in, comfort height — and the 5 types I recommend: one-piece, two-piece, wall-hung, smart with bidet, and the budget one that's actually worth it.
How to choose a modern toilet: what really matters
- GPF (gallons per flush): look for 1.28 GPF or less with the WaterSense label. You save thousands of gallons a year without losing flushing power.
- Rough-in: distance from the finished wall to the drain center. The US standard is 12 inches: measure it before buying.
- Comfort height: 17 to 19 inches from floor to seat, like a chair. More comfortable for adults and older folks.
- Round vs. elongated bowl: elongated is more comfortable but takes ~2" more in front; in small bathrooms round wins.
- One-piece vs. two-piece: one-piece has no crevices (less grime); two-piece is cheaper and lighter to install.
- Flush system: dual flush saves more water; simple gravity flush is the most reliable and cheapest to repair.
Quick comparison
| Toilet | Best for | Price | See deal |
|---|---|---|---|
| TOTO one-piece toilet ⭐ best choice | Total quality and easy cleaning | check current price | Buy on Amazon ↗ |
| Kohler two-piece toilet | Reliable and easy to install | check current price | View on Home Depot ↗ |
| Wall-hung toilet | Modern design, fully clean floor | check current price | Buy on Amazon ↗ |
| Smart toilet with bidet | Maximum comfort and hygiene | check current price | Buy on Amazon ↗ |
| American Standard budget toilet | Tight budget without sacrificing the essentials | check current price | View on Home Depot ↗ |
1. TOTO one-piece toilet — the one I install when the client wants the best
TOTO leads in flush technology, and its one-piece models (like the Drake family) are my recommendation when the budget allows: powerful, quiet flushing at 1.28 GPF, and glazing that keeps waste from sticking.
With no slot between tank and bowl, the weekly cleaning takes a minute. It's heavier than a two-piece, so get help setting it onto the flange.
- Powerful, reliable flushing at 1.28 GPF
- No crevices: the easiest cleaning on the market
- Glazing that repels stains and bacteria
2. Kohler two-piece toilet — the trusted classic, modernized
Kohler is the brand I see most in American homes for a reason: parts at any hardware store and decades of reliability. Its modern two-piece models (like the Cimarron line) already come at 1.28 GPF with comfort height.
The practical advantage: the tank travels separately, weighs less, and if it ever breaks, you replace it without changing the whole toilet. Ideal if you install it yourself.
- Parts easy to find at any store
- Simpler DIY installation thanks to lower weight
- Excellent value for money
3. Wall-hung toilet — the most modern look and the cleanest floor
The wall-hung toilet anchors to the wall with the tank hidden inside it: it never touches the floor, so you can mop underneath. It's the favorite in modern and small bathrooms because it frees visual space. Brands like TOTO and Geberit offer the most reliable in-wall tank systems.
Pro tip: it requires opening the wall, installing the carrier frame, and moving the drain. If you're remodeling from scratch, that's the time; if you're only swapping the old toilet, pick another option.
- 100% clear floor: total cleaning underneath
- The most modern, minimalist design
- Mounting height adjustable to your fit
4. Smart toilet with integrated bidet — the bathroom of the future, today
Heated seat, bidet with adjustable temperature, air drying, and automatic flushing: once you try a smart toilet (the TOTO Washlet popularized the category), you never want to go back. Plus, the bidet drastically cuts toilet paper use.
Before buying: it needs a grounded outlet near the toilet and a water connection for the bidet, which tees off the tank's supply line with a T included in the kit.
- Unmatched hygiene and comfort
- Saves toilet paper long-term
- Automatic flushing and touchless functions
5. American Standard budget toilet — the essentials, done right
When the budget rules, American Standard has two-piece models that cover what matters: 1.28 GPF with WaterSense certification, reliable flushing, and cheap parts. It won't have the premium glazing, but it flushes well and lasts years.
Installer's tip: invest in a good extra-thick wax ring or silicone seal and level the base well. A careful installation makes a cheap toilet perform like an expensive one.
- The most affordable price with WaterSense certification
- Cheap, easy-to-find parts
- Simple installation, ideal for DIY
In-depth buying guide
Measure the rough-in before buying. It's the number-one mistake: people buy a 12" toilet and their drain is 10" from the wall. Measure from the finished wall (not counting the baseboard) to the flange center. 12" is standard; 10" and 14" exist but limit your options.
On GPF: 1.28 gallons per flush is the sweet spot: a family of four saves ~13,000 gallons a year versus an old 3.5 GPF toilet. Be wary of models without WaterSense certification promising "savings": they tend to clog more.
Installation: swapping a toilet is an accessible DIY: shut off the water, empty the tank, unbolt, lift the old one out, set the new wax ring, seat the new one, and reconnect. About two hours at an easy pace. Only the wall-hung and the smart one are worth leaving to a professional.
Height and bowl: with older people, comfort height (17"-19") plus an elongated bowl is most comfortable. In small bathrooms, round bowl and standard height save space.
Frequently asked questions
What does GPF mean, and what should my toilet have?
GPF is gallons per flush. Look for 1.28 GPF or less with WaterSense certification: modern savings without sacrificing performance. An old toilet can use 3.5 GPF or more.
How do I measure my bathroom's rough-in?
Measure from the finished wall to the center of the drain flange. 12 inches is common; if you measure 10" or 14", you'll need a specific model.
Is a one-piece toilet worth it over a two-piece?
The one-piece cleans more easily (no crevices) and looks more modern. The two-piece is cheaper, lighter, and easier to repair part by part. If the budget allows, the one-piece is worth the difference.
Can I install a toilet myself?
Yes: about two hours with basic tools. You need a new wax ring and help lifting the toilet (60 to 100 pounds).
Does the integrated bidet use much water or electricity?
No. The wash uses a fraction of a gallon per use and the seat consumes less than an old light bulb. You just need a grounded outlet nearby.
Final verdict
For most people, the TOTO one-piece toilet is the best buy: flawless flushing at 1.28 GPF and one-minute cleaning. If you want the proven, easy-to-install pick, the Kohler two-piece never fails. Full remodel? The wall-hung transforms the bathroom. Maximum comfort? The smart one with bidet. Tight budget? The American Standard budget with WaterSense gets it done. In every case: measure your rough-in first and go with 1.28 GPF.