TOTO vs Kohler – Which Smart Toilet is Right for Your Bathroom?

Posted by RBP ft. MM on 2025 Sep 8th

TOTO vs Kohler – Which Smart Toilet is Right for Your Bathroom?

Are you confused about TOTO vs Kohler? In this smart toilet comparison guide, we'll clearly show you which brand best suits your bathroom, budget, and comfort.With 20+ years of experience in luxury fixtures and remodeling, American Bath doesn't just talk about features, but also about real use-cases, installation, servicing, and design to make decisions easier. Here you'll find the best smart toilets 2025 with an eye on technology, maintenance, smart price comparisons, and a buying guide. 

Why Compare TOTO and Kohler Smart Toilets? 

Both these brands are leaders in the premium segment so a wrong decision can be costly. These Japanese Innovations are Famous for: PREMIST, EWATER+ Wand/Bowl Auto-Clean, Tornado Flush, and smooth CEFIONTECT Glaze that reduces stains and makes cleaning easier. As a result, TOTO consistently leads in wash performance and hygiene.

On the other hand, Kohler is strong in American design-reliability, modern look and model range. The Veil series has Revolution 360/pump-assisted flush, auto lid/flush, comfort height, backup flush, etc., which are quite convenient for daily use. At the high-end, Numi 2.0 offers future-focused features like ambient lighting, connected control, and voice integration. In addition, the Kohler Innate was a top pick in an independent lab test in 2025, providing a good example of price-feature balance. 

Key Differences Between TOTO and Kohler Smart Toilets 

TOTO — Premium Features & Japanese Innovation

TOTO's focus is on high-hygiene and consistent wash performance. PREMIST prevents waste by soaking the bowl, EWATER+ auto-sanitizes the wand/bowl, Tornado Flush provides 360° cleaning, and CEFIONTECT reduces glaze stains. Long-term reliability is the key strength here with luxury experience in the Neorest series with auto open/close, auto flush, instant water heater, position/temperature control. 

Kohler — Budget-Friendly with Modern Designs

Kohler offers smart toilets at various price points, sleek in design, focused on usability. VeilComfort Height, Auto Lead/Flush, Pump-Assisted or Revolution 360 Flush, Backup Flush Daily Use Practical. The top-end Numi 2.0 features the KOHLER Konnect app, motion-activation, smart personalization and lighting for tech-savvy users. And the Kohler Innate is a solid ‘Top Pick’ in real-world performance in the Good Housekeeping (2025) test.. 

Side-by-Side Comparison Table (TOTO vs Kohler)

Factor

Toto

Kohler

Self-Cleaning & Hygiene

PREMIST, EWATER+, CEFIONTECT; Auto Wand/Bowl Clean

Self-cleaning wand; high-end Numi 2.0 with UV-assist, connected control

Flush Tech

Tornado Flush 360° coverage

Revolution 360 / Pump-assisted flush (depending on model)

Design & Ergonomics

Skirted, minimal, Japanese finish

slick, Comfort Height®, wall-hung/dual-flush options

Smart/IoT

Remote, Auto Lead/Flash (Newrest)

KOHLER Konnect, motion-activation, voice integration (Numi 2.0)

Market Signal (2025)

Premium wash and hygiene-first

Innate Top-Pick (Good Housekeeping Test)

Sources: TOTO tech pages & Neorest specs; Kohler Veil/Numi pages; Good Housekeeping 2025 test.

TOTO Smart Toilets – Features, Pros, and Cons

The TOTO Neorest and TOTO Washlet series are known worldwide as premium Japanese smart toilets. This brand, made in Japan, is unique in technology, hygiene, and durability.

Key Features

  • PREMIST Technology: Bowl water is coated in mist before flush, so waste cannot get stuck.
  • EWATER+: Wands and bowls are auto-sanitized with electrolyzed water, reducing manual cleaning.
  • SanaGloss (CEFIONTECT) Coating: The ceramic surface is ultra-smooth, thereby preventing the accumulation of dirt and bacteria.
  • Luxury Comfort: Heated seats, water temperature control, air dryer, deodorizer and automatic lid/flush.
  • Advanced Models (Neorest): Remote control, integrated night light, energy-saving mode.

Pros

  • Unmatched Hygiene: PREMIST and EWATER+ technology are the most advanced in the market.
  • Japanese Quality Control: Each unit is tested to ensure high quality.
  • Durability: Low maintenance in the long term, especially the Neorest series.
  • Positive Reviews: Expert plumbers and users call TOTO the #1 brand in technology and performance.

Cons

  • Higher Price: Expensive for budget users.
  • Complex Installation: Skirted bowls and hi-tech systems require experienced plumbers.
  • Parts Availability: Replacement parts can be expensive in the USA on some models.

For those who want luxury hygiene and long-term reliability, TOTO smart toilets are a premium choice.

Kohler Smart Toilets – Features, Pros, and Cons

Kohler Veil smart toilet and Kohler Innate smart toilet a popular names in the American market. They have quickly become popular with consumers due to their modern design, easy maintenance and various price ranges.

Key Features

  • Modern Design: Sleek, minimalist look that upgrades any bathroom.
  • Comfort Features: Heated seats, water pressure and temperature customization, air dryer and deodorizer.
  • Veil Series: Auto Lid/Flush, Revolution 360 Flush Technology, Comfort Height® Design.
  • Innate Series: Top pick in the 2025 Good Housekeeping test, for a great balance of price and features.
  • Numi 2.0 (High-End): KOHLER Konnect App, Voice Control, LED Ambient Lighting, Personalized Wash Settings.

Pros

  • Budget-Friendly Range: Multiple smart toilet options at lower prices than TOTO.
  • Local Support: Being an American brand, replacement parts are readily available.
  • Sleek Toilet Design: Adds extra value to modern home design.
  • Positive Lab Testing: The Innate model is particularly praised in reviews.

Cons

  • Less Advanced Hygiene Tech: No high-tech cleaning like PREMIST or EWATER+.
  • More Frequent Maintenance: Some models may require regular servicing in the long term.
  • Mid-Range Focus: Many features are not as detailed as TOTO except for high-end models.

Those with a budget, easy servicing and more modern bathroom design, then Kohler smart toilets are the right choice.

Cost Comparison – Which Brand Fits Your Budget?

Smart toilets are an investment in comfort and hygiene, but pricing often plays a big role in the final decision. TOTO and Kohler both serve different budgets, making it easier for homeowners to choose based on lifestyle and bathroom remodeling goals.

On average, TOTO smart toilets come at a higher price point because of their Japanese engineering, premium technology, and durability. Popular models like the TOTO Neorest usually range between $4,000 – $7,000, while entry-level Washlets can start around $1,000 – $1,500.

By contrast, Kohler smart toilets are designed to be more accessible. Options like the Kohler Veil or Kohler Innate usually range between $2,000 – $4,000, with more affordable models available closer to $1,000. This makes Kohler attractive for homeowners looking for modern design without stretching the budget too far.

Average Smart Toilet Pricing (US Market)

Brand

Entry-Level Models

Premium Models

Overall Price Range

THIS

$1,000 – $1,500

$4,000 – $7,000

$$$ – Luxury

Kohler

$1,000 – $1,500

$2,000 – $4,000

$$ – Mid to High

If your priority is luxury and advanced hygiene features, TOTO stands out. But if you want a balance of affordability, style, and reliability, Kohler gives excellent value.

TOTO vs Kohler – Which One Should You Choose?

Choosing between TOTO and Kohler comes down to lifestyle, budget, and how much you value technology in your bathroom experience.

Choose TOTO if:

  • You want the latest Japanese innovation like E-water+ and Pre-mist technology.
  • Long-term durability and self-cleaning features matter to you.
  • You’re looking for a luxury upgrade that enhances your bathroom’s overall value.

Choose Kohler if:

  • You want a modern, stylish smart toilet that’s budget-friendly.
  • Easy access to replacement parts and local service is important.
  • You want great design without paying a premium price.

At the end of the day, both brands are leaders in the smart toilet market. The best choice depends on whether you prefer cutting-edge innovation (TOTO) or affordable luxury with strong support (Kohler).

As an expert retailer, American Bath offers both TOTO and Kohler smart toilets, helping you make the perfect choice based on your needs.

Upgrade Your Bathroom with American Bath

Ready to transform your bathroom with the perfect smart toilet? At American Bath, we specialize in luxury bathroom fixtures, remodeling solutions, and expert installation services. Whether you’re looking for the premium comfort of a TOTO Smart Toilet or the sleek design of a Kohler Smart Toilet, we have options that fit every budget and style.

Our team has years of experience in bathroom upgrades across the US, making us a trusted name for homeowners who value quality and expert guidance. From product selection to professional installation, we handle everything—so you can enjoy a seamless upgrade.

Shop online, book a free consultation, or request installation today. With American Bath, your bathroom isn’t just upgraded—it’s redefined.