Smart toilet vs bidet seat comes down to one question: do you want to keep your current toilet or replace it? A bidet seat swaps onto the toilet you already have and costs from under $100 for a non-electric model to around $1,000 for a loaded electric seat. A smart toilet replaces the whole fixture, runs from about $700 to over $3,000 in our listings, and adds features a seat cannot, like auto flush and a tankless bowl.
Smart toilet vs bidet seat: the quick comparison
Prices come from our listings and can change. Features are the manufacturer’s descriptions.
| Product | Type | Power | Key features listed | Price |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| ANZZI Hal non-electric seat | Bidet seat, elongated | None, water pressure only | Dual nozzles, side lever, soft close | $78.39 |
| ANZZI Dive electric seat | Bidet seat | Electric | Warm water, heated seat, dryer, deodorizer, night light, remote | $449.99 |
| ANZZI Shore electric seat | Bidet seat | Electric | Warm water, heated seat, dryer, night light, remote | $499.99 |
| WoodBridge BID01 seat | Bidet seat, elongated | Electric | 6 water temps, 5 seat temps, 6 dryer levels, 2 user memories | $1,080 |
| ENVO Aura smart toilet | Smart toilet, 1.28 gpf | Electric | Auto flush, foot sensor, heated seat, dryer, night light | $849 |
| Swiss Madison Plaisir | Smart toilet, 1.28 gpf | Electric | Tankless, auto flush on standing, dryer, heated seat | $929.19 |
| WoodBridge EBT700 | Smart toilet, dual flush | 110 to 120V | Auto open and close, auto flush, foot sensor, dryer | $1,055 |
| ENVO Echo | Smart toilet | Electric | Auto open and close, motion and foot sensors, UV nozzle feature | $1,162.99 |
| WoodBridge LT610 | Smart toilet, dual flush | 110 to 120V | Auto open and close, manual flush in power outage | $1,439 |
Some smart toilets appear more than once in our catalog at different prices, so call us at 866-777-2590 to confirm the current price before you order.
Is a smart toilet worth it?
A smart toilet is worth it when you were going to replace the toilet anyway, or when you want hands-free features. The Echo and WoodBridge LT610 open the lid as you approach and flush after you leave, and the Plaisir flushes when you stand up.
A bidet seat makes more sense when your current toilet works well, your budget is tight, or you rent. You get the wash, and on electric models the warm water, heated seat and dryer, for a fraction of the cost of a new fixture.
Bidet seat vs bidet toilet: installation
Water connection
A bidet seat taps into the toilet’s cold water supply with a T-valve, sometimes called a 3-way connector, between the shutoff valve and the tank. The WoodBridge BID01 and BID02 listings include a water supply pipe and a 3-way connector. The ANZZI Hal listing describes a DIY-friendly connection to the existing water line. A plumber is the safe choice if your shutoff valve is old or stuck.
A smart toilet is a full toilet install: pull the old toilet, set a new wax seal, connect the supply line. The ENVO listings say they use the same hookups as a standard toilet and include a wax seal. The WoodBridge LT610 and EBT700 listings specify a standard 12 inch rough-in. The LT610 lists 97 pounds and the EBT700 88 pounds, so plan for two people.
Does a bidet seat need an outlet?
A non-electric bidet seat does not. The ANZZI Hal runs on water pressure alone, with no batteries or electricity. An electric bidet seat and every smart toilet we carry need a receptacle near the toilet. The WoodBridge LT610 and EBT700 list 110 to 120V power.
The National Electrical Code requires GFCI protection for receptacles in dwelling unit bathrooms, under section 210.8(A)(1), as summarized by IAEI Magazine. Many bathrooms have no outlet beside the toilet, so you may need one added. Hire a licensed electrician for that work, avoid extension cords, and remember that your local code and inspector have the final word.
Electric vs non-electric bidet seat
A non-electric seat like the Hal sprays water at the temperature of your cold line, with spray strength set by a side lever. Electric seats add comfort features. The ANZZI Dive and Shore listings include warm water, a heated seat, an after-wash dryer, an oscillating nozzle, a seat sensor that stops the spray when no one is seated, and an automatic night light. The Dive adds a deodorizer, air purifier and bowl pre-rinse.
Warm water: tank vs tankless
Electric bidets heat water one of two ways. A tank style heater keeps a small reservoir warm, so a long wash can run cooler toward the end. A tankless or instant heater warms water as it flows. Our seat listings do not all say which type they use, though the WoodBridge BID01 and BID02 listings describe unlimited warm water.
Fit: elongated vs round bowls
Measure before you order. An elongated bowl is longer from the seat bolts to the front edge than a round bowl, and a seat made for one will not fit the other properly. The Hal, BID01 and BID02 are listed for elongated toilets, and the Hal listing notes a separate round version, TL-MBSRN201WH. The Dive and Shore listings give an adjustable seat screw distance of 5.12 to 8.27 inches.
Smart toilets avoid the fit question because the seat and bowl come together. The ENVO and WoodBridge smart toilets in the table are listed as elongated; the Plaisir listing does not say, so confirm with us. Check the depth against your room: the LT610 lists 27.875 inches deep and the Plaisir 27 inches deep. Our bathroom vanity sizes guide covers clearances if you are planning the whole room.
Features compared
- Auto open, close and flush: smart toilets only. The Aura uses a foot sensor and remote; the Echo, EBT700 and LT610 open automatically as you approach.
- Night light: listed on the Dive, Shore, BID01, Aura, Echo, Plaisir and WoodBridge smart toilets.
Power outages and water use
Power outage behavior is worth checking with any electric model. The ENVO Aura and Echo listings describe an emergency battery backup so you can still use the toilet when power is out, with the battery not included. The WoodBridge LT610 listing says you can flush manually with the side button during an outage. The Plaisir listing describes a backup battery that assists the mechanical flush.
For water use, the EPA WaterSense residential toilets page says efficient toilets use 1.28 gallons per flush or less, which is 20 percent less than the federal standard of 1.6 gallons per flush. The Aura and Plaisir are listed at 1.28 gpf, and the Aura listing names WaterSense among its certifications. The WoodBridge EBT700 and LT610 use a dual flush of 1.6 and 1.0 gpf, which the listings say averages 1.28 gpf. A bidet seat does not change your toilet’s flush volume.
Cleaning and upkeep
Most electric models list a self-cleaning nozzle. The Hal’s nozzles detach for cleaning, and the BID02 lists a detachable stainless steel nozzle. Several ENVO and WoodBridge models list a water filter; check the manual for whether and when it needs replacing. Follow the care guide that comes with your model.
Frequently asked questions
Is a smart toilet worth it over a bidet seat?
If you need a new toilet anyway or want hands-free open, close and flush, yes. If your toilet works and you mainly want the wash, a bidet seat costs far less.
Does a bidet seat need an outlet?
Only electric seats do. Non-electric seats like the ANZZI Hal run on water pressure. Bathroom receptacles need GFCI protection, so have a licensed electrician add one if needed.
Can renters use a bidet seat?
Often, since a seat bolts on in place of the old one and comes off when you move. Keep the original seat and ask your landlord first.
Are bidets good for people with health conditions?
Some people find a warm water wash gentler than paper, but if you have a medical condition, check with your doctor first.
Browse our full range of WoodBridge bidet seats and smart toilets, and see our vessel vs undermount sink guide and shower door sizes guide for the rest of the bathroom. Orders of $999 or more ship free by freight in the United States, and smaller orders ship for a flat $200. Questions about fit or power? Call 866-777-2590, Monday to Friday, 9 AM to 6 PM Pacific. See our return and refund policy before you order.
