There is no verified basis here for presenting eight specific toilets as The Spruce’s tested 2026 picks. Current guides from Good Housekeeping and Consumer Reports do name several models, but their findings should not be relabeled as The Spruce’s ranking. The models below are useful starting points—not a confirmed top-eight list—and the available findings do not establish a model-by-model performance order.
What current toilet testing can—and cannot—tell you
A toilet’s flush and bowl-cleaning performance matter more than its appearance. Consumer Reports says its testing assesses waste removal, bowl cleaning and drain-line clogging. Good Housekeeping says its Home Improvement & Outdoor Lab and consumer testers evaluated more than 20 toilets from major brands in 2026. In Good Housekeeping’s lab, top-performing toilets handled more than 12 golf balls in one flush, and some handled more than 20. Those figures describe test results across top toilets; they are not results attributed to each model in the table.
Good Housekeeping’s guide, dated September 24, 2026, identifies five highlighted models with specific distinctions. Consumer Reports’ 2026 coverage names additional models, but the available information does not establish individual scores or award labels for them. A model appearing in a guide is not, by itself, proof that it outperformed every other toilet.
Eight models named in 2026 buying coverage
| Model | What the guide says | What to verify before buying |
|---|---|---|
| Toto Drake | Good Housekeeping names it best overall. | Confirm the exact generation and model number: the Drake name covers configurations, and the cited guide’s distinction should not be assumed to apply to every version. |
| Glacier Bay McClure | Good Housekeeping highlights it for value. A tester reported installing the model in a rental unit more than a year earlier without maintenance or performance issues. | Check the precise configuration, rough-in, bowl shape and included seat. The tester’s experience is one report, not a guarantee of long-term performance. |
| Gerber Viper Edge | Good Housekeeping highlights it as DIY-friendly. | Confirm that the installation suits your plumbing and skill level; the available guide information does not state a universal installation time or fit for every bathroom. |
| Kohler Innate | Good Housekeeping highlights it as a smart toilet. A tester described it as “Nice to look at and much easier to clean than a regular toilet.” | Check electrical and water requirements, included functions and how controls and electronic components are serviced. |
| KOHLER Prosa | Good Housekeeping highlights it as a one-piece toilet. | Verify the exact model’s dimensions and rough-in. The one-piece distinction alone does not establish its flush performance. |
| American Standard H2Option | Good Housekeeping discusses its dual-flush performance; no award label is stated. | Confirm the flush volumes for the exact model and whether its performance suits your household’s use. |
| Kohler Gleam | Named in Consumer Reports’ 2026 coverage; a model-specific distinction is not stated in the available coverage. | Look up the exact model and configuration in current ratings and product specifications before comparing it with other toilets. |
| Kohler Cimarron | Named in Consumer Reports’ 2026 coverage; a model-specific distinction is not stated in the available coverage. | Confirm the exact model number, bowl shape, height and rough-in; the family name alone does not identify a single configuration. |
Consumer Reports’ 2026 coverage also names Glacier Bay, Toto, American Standard and other brands. Without a specific model and configuration, a brand name is not enough to identify a toilet or compare its test results. The listed models are not all presented as directly comparable, and no head-to-head scores are established here.
#1 Best Overall
- Tank only configuration - giving you the opportunity to select your matching bowl
- Toilet seat not included with this product
- Overall Depth: 6-1/4" (furthest points back to front)
- Flow Rate: 1.28 gallons-per-flush
- Tank Depth: 6-1/4"
How to choose a toilet that fits your bathroom
Measure the rough-in and check the supply location
Before choosing a model, measure the rough-in—the distance from the finished wall behind the toilet to the center of the floor drain—and compare it with the manufacturer’s installation specifications. Also check the water-supply location and the toilet’s dimensions. A toilet that performs well but does not fit the existing plumbing is the wrong purchase unless you are prepared to change the installation.
Choose bowl shape and seat height for the people using it
Elongated bowls generally provide more seating room; round bowls generally take up less space. Comfort-height toilets are generally easier for many people to sit on and stand up from, while a lower seat may suit some users better. Check the specified seat height and whether a seat is included rather than relying on a marketing label alone.
Rank #2
- POWERFUL PERFORMANCE WITH LESS FREQUENT CLEANING - TORNADO FLUSH swirls water in a circular pattern to fully wash the bowl surface. CEFIONTECT is an ultra-smooth glaze that minimizes waste from sticking so that it is easily washed away..Trap Seal : 2-1/8". Minimum Water Pressure 8 psi (Flowing)
- MORE COMFORT ACROSS A WIDER RANGE OF INDIVIDUALS - TOTO's Universal Height is taller than a standard toilet and makes sitting down and standing up easier for many people. Universal Height models are capable of meeting the ADA height requirement.
- REDUCE WATER USEAGE WITHOUT SACRIFICE - The 1.6 gallon per flush Drake enables you to save water without worrying about diminished performance. The Drake features a wide 3 inch flush valve and a siphon jet bowl that gets the job done in one flush.
- STYLISH AND MODERN DESIGN - Update your oasis with this stylish design that couples well with any bathroom décor. The elongated bowl provides added space for comfort. The toilet fits into 12 inch rough-in installations and has a left-hand trip lever.
- COMPLETE YOUR TOILET - Finish your purchase with the addition of a TOTO SoftClose seat or upgrade to a WASHLET bidet seat. Drake tank and bowl with hardware included. Purchased Separately: Wax ring, flange bolts, and water supply lines.
Decide between one-piece and two-piece construction
A one-piece toilet has no tank-to-bowl seam, which can simplify cleaning. Two-piece toilets separate the tank and bowl, which may make the parts easier to move and can cost less. These construction differences do not, by themselves, tell you which model flushes better; assess performance separately.
Compare water use and flush controls
Consumer Reports says WaterSense-labeled toilets use 1.28 gallons per flush or less. A dual-flush toilet offers a lower-volume flush for liquid waste and a higher-volume flush for solid waste. Water savings depend on users selecting the appropriate control, and some models may be less consistent between their two flush modes. Check the exact model’s labeled water use and performance rather than assuming every dual-flush toilet works equally well.
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- COMPACT FOOTPRINT, ELONGATED COMFORT: Designed for apartments, powder rooms, and smaller bathrooms, this toilet measures 28.75" D x 14" W x 28" H. The elongated bowl and chair-height seating provide added everyday comfort while helping preserve usable bathroom space.
- WATER-SAVING DUAL FLUSH: Choose 1.1 GPF for liquid waste or 1.6 GPF for solid waste, for an average of 1.28 GPF. This dual-flush system helps reduce water use while delivering reliable daily flushing performance.
- EASIER-TO-CLEAN SKIRTED DESIGN: The concealed, skirted trapway removes many of the corners and exterior grooves found on standard toilets, making routine exterior cleaning quicker and easier.
- SOFT-CLOSE SEAT INCLUDED: Includes a soft-close PP seat with durable stainless-steel hinges to help prevent slamming. The removable seat design supports easier cleaning and maintenance.
- MADE FOR 12-INCH ROUGH-IN INSTALLATIONS: Includes the toilet, pre-installed flush valve, soft-close seat, wax ring, floor bolts, and installation instructions. Please confirm your rough-in measurement and bathroom clearance before ordering; professional installation is recommended.
Account for smart-toilet power and maintenance
Smart toilets can combine features such as an integrated bidet, heated seat, dryer, deodorizer, night-light and automatic functions. They also cost more and add electronic components that may need maintenance. Check the model’s electrical requirements, water connections, controls and service options before choosing one. A separate bidet seat or attachment is another route, but compatibility with the toilet must be confirmed.
What price and testing details are established
Consumer Reports says that most toilets with high Overall Scores in its ratings cost about $200–$350. That is a general guide to the toilets it rated, not a current price for any model in the table. The exact price and configuration for a particular purchase are not established here.
Rank #4
- MODERN TWO-PIECE TOILET: Versatile Gerber toilet complements any decor, making it a great choice for both primary and secondary bathrooms
- POWER FLUSH TOILET: 1.28 gpf high-efficiency toilet delivers a strong, bowl-clearing flush that helps prevent clogs
- SOFT CLOSE TOILET SEAT INCLUDED: Round slow close toilet seat gently lowers to prevent noise and slamming, ensuring a safe and quiet close
- RELIABLE & EFFICIENT FLUSH SYSTEM: Fluidmaster 400A fill and 3" flush valves deliver consistent, quiet refills and powerful, water-saving flushes built for lasting performance
- NO CLOG TOILET: Smooth glazed trapway keeps waste flowing with each flush for a virtually clog-free experience for years of everyday use
Good Housekeeping’s performance figures summarize its lab findings rather than guaranteeing that a specific toilet will prevent every clog in every home. Consumer Reports’ stated test areas—waste removal, bowl cleaning and drain-line clogging—are useful criteria when checking the exact model in a current rating. Confirm that the rating corresponds to the model number and configuration you intend to buy.
Independent reader supportYour contribution helps us test, update, and keep practical guides available for everyone.Purchase checklist
- Match the product listing to the exact model number and configuration.
- Confirm rough-in, dimensions, bowl shape, seat height and water-supply location.
- Check whether the seat is included and whether it suits your needs.
- Compare flush performance, bowl cleaning, clog resistance, noise and gallons per flush where model-specific information is available.
- For a dual-flush toilet, check both flush modes; for a smart toilet, check power, connections and service requirements.
- Confirm that the toilet can be installed and maintained with your existing plumbing or planned renovation.
Which toilet should you shortlist?
The Toto Drake is the clearest starting point if you want the model named best overall in Good Housekeeping’s September 2026 guide, provided you confirm the exact generation and configuration. The McClure, Viper Edge, Innate and Prosa are alternatives with different distinctions in that guide, while the H2Option is relevant if you are considering dual flush. The cited material does not establish enough model-specific scores to declare one universal winner across all eight models.
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Best Value
- Includes a PerforMAX fill valve and 2 in. flapper kit designed to restore the performance of toilets with a 2 in. flush valve by replacing worn or outdated components.
Product prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on Amazon at the time of purchase will apply.
