The 6 best bidets for a deep clean, tested and reviewed

I tested 30 bidet toilet seat attachments, from basic to luxe, to find the most hygienic, comfortable, easy-to-install, and cost-effective ones.

Whether you're just discovering the joys of using a bidet after your most recent Euro trip, or have long been informed about the benefits associated with bidets, we're here to help. The best bidet attachments are far more hygienic and environmentally friendly than toilet paper, and include features like warm water cleaning, heated seats, and hot air drying that turn a bathroom visit into a spa-like experience. After over a decade of using bidets, I can confidently say they've improved my hygiene, comfort, and well-being.

I tested over 30 models and interviewed two doctors in my research for this guide, and the Coway Bidetmega 500S Electronic Bidet Seat represents the best bidet you can buy with luxury features like warm air drying, an automatic lifting lid, and endless warm water. If you're new to bidets and aren't sure if you want to invest in a pricey one, consider the Tushy Spa Warm Water Bidet Attachment. It's easy to install, doesn't require electricity, and is super simple to use, though it lacks the more luxurious features.

For those new to bidets, they quickly become second nature to use. We've got dedicated stories on how to use and install a bidet, but we'll just note here that most are relatively easy to set up.

Learn more about how Business Insider Reviews tests and researches home products.

Our picks of the best bidets

Best overall: Coway Bidetmega 500S Electronic Bidet Seat - See at Amazon

Runner-up:Bio Bidet Bliss BB2000 Smart Toilet Seat -See at Amazon

Best value: Brondell LT89 Swash Electronic Bidet Seat - See at Brondell

Best for older adults: Toto Washlet C5 Electronic Bidet Seat - See at Amazon

Best non-electric: Tushy Spa Premium Warm Water Bidet Attachment - See at Amazon

Best travel: Brondell GoSpa Travel Bidet - See at Amazon


Best overall

The Coway Bidetmega 500S is the best bidet I've tested. In virtually every testing category, from installation to ease of use, this model received top marks. It only fell short in the warranty department, offering just a boilerplate one-year length, though it comes with a 90-day money-back guarantee.

The 500S is a tankless bidet, meaning it heats the water quickly as it comes in, rather than holding a reservoir of warm water. It worked impressively well, maintaining a 99-degree temperature even after running a stream of water for a full minute. The five water pressures make it easy to find your optimal comfort level, ranging from a gentle wash to a more powerful stream.

I like that the setup only took about 20 minutes, and the remote control automatically paired with the seat when I powered it on. The fit on the toilet seat was just shy of perfect, falling just short of the front lip of the bowl when positioned all the way forward. Still, the seat remained secure and was comfortable to sit on. The remote-controlled lid is like something out of the space age. With the press of a button, it opens for you. When you're done, it closes on its own.

The 500S is feature-packed, including a powerful warm-air dryer, a night light, three specialized cleaning modes, and a heated seat that reaches 99 degrees.

Turbo was my favorite cleaning mode; its strong pressure left me feeling fresh and clean. I also liked the UV nozzle sanitizer and deodorizer. While it's pricey at $700, the Coway Bidetmega 500S delivers the best luxury bathroom experience you can buy.


Runner-up

The Bio Bidet Bliss BB2000 Smart Toilet Seat performed well in every category we tested, earning its position as runner-up. It has an attractive stainless-steel appearance, and the remote control, while not completely intuitive to use, had a large, easy-to-read screen.

My favorite part was the intensity of the water pressure. There are five pressure levels, including a "vortex wash" designed to "stimulate bowel movements" with its enema-like pressure. Sensitive individuals will want to avoid this feature, and everyone else should proceed cautiously, but testing showed that it works as advertised.

There are three water temperature levels, but the BB2000 only reached 95 degrees Fahrenheit, even on its highest setting. This is warm enough for most, but I would have liked to have seen higher temperatures at this price point. Fortunately, the water stays consistently warm, even during longer cleans.

Installation was a breeze. It only took me about 10 minutes (not counting the time I needed to remove the old seat), and I appreciate that the mounting plate keeps the seat in place without wiggling. The Bio Bidet Bliss is covered by a three-year, full-coverage warranty.

Instead of a night light in the toilet bowl, the BB2000's light is on the side, illuminating the on-seat controls. This might be helpful when sitting on the toilet, but it's less so when aiming while standing up in the middle of the night. Also, while the remote had some nice features like a large screen that was easy to read, I didn't find it to be very intuitive. I had to leaf through the user manual to figure out the symbols and how to access all of the functions.


Best value

I've tested six Brondell bidets over the years, and the Swash 1400 was my main bidet for a long time. Yet, the LT89 Swash Electronic Bidet Seat worked nearly as well for less than half the price, making it the best value bidet. I was particularly impressed with how hot the water got in my tests — it reached 101 degrees Fahrenheit.

The heated seat also achieves high temperatures, which is great for colder bathrooms or drafty homes. Plus, there are several comfort settings, so you can choose lower temperatures or even Eco Mode, which provides a good balance of electricity use and comfort.

Installation should take you less than half an hour, and you can do it with nothing more than a flathead screwdriver, though you might also want a wrench for a tighter fit. I liked how securely the seat fit my toilet bowl without any side-to-side movement, and it looks nice on my toilet. Yet, the lid tilts forward, and the set isn't the best for sitting on for long periods.

Aside from a few specialized settings, the controls are intuitive to use. However, I don't like that they're installed on the seat, so you have to turn to your right to see them. There's no remote controller, which might be a problem for individuals with mobility challenges.

I would have preferred more powerful water pressure, but I personally like it stronger. Most people will find that the LT89 is powerful enough for their needs. More sensitive individuals will appreciate the softer end of the five pressure settings.


Best for older adults

The Toto Washlet C5 is the best bidet for older adults because it gives them independence and a better clean. Like having a personal attendant who remembers how you like to clean, the customization provides users with the ideal balance of luxury and simplicity.

The programmable settings are especially helpful for those with mobility challenges — you just set your preferred routine for one-button cleaning. You don't have to remember the right sequence of buttons to press each time you go. The controller features large, intuitive icons to easily change the pressure, warmth, or positioning.

The pre-misting function prevents debris from sticking to the toilet bowl, meaning you'll have to clean it less frequently. The seat features three heat levels up to 97 degrees, so your sensitive areas don't experience a jolt when you first sit down in the morning.

Installation is a breeze, taking about 15 minutes and only requiring a screwdriver. I appreciated how the toilet seat stays securely in place, so there's little chance of wobbling off.

While Toto is one of the most trusted names in bidets, I wish they offered a longer warranty than the one-year standard. Still, this is an excellent option for older users.


Best non-electric

Even the best non-electric bidets aren't as good as electric varieties. However, non-electric attachments do have their benefits. I think the Tushy Spa Premium Warm Water Bidet Attachment exhibits all of the superior features of the power-free units. It works in conjunction with your existing toilet seat.

The attachment has a hose that connects to the hot water inlet under your sink. After installing the hose, you may want to tape it to the floor to avoid a tripping hazard. Since you rely on your home's hot water, the attachment can provide water as hot as your heater. My heater's top temp was 113 degrees Fahrenheit, which is too hot, but adjusting to a more moderate temperature is easy.

If having a hot water hose running along your floor doesn't sound appealing, you can choose the Tushy Classic, which doesn't have warm water. Alternatively, you can skip installing the Spa's warm water hose altogether.

The Tushy Spa allows you to control the water pressure intensity and the nozzle position. Since both functions rely on levers, there are countless intensities and positions, and the pressure at its strongest is much more than you'll need. You'll want to be careful not to turn it on too high.

Since there are so few functions, the Tushy Spa is easy to use and much less expensive than an electric seat. Plus, since it's just an attachment, you can use it with any toilet seat you want. Another great thing about Tushy is its 10 color options, including pink, black, and blue.

Check out our full Tushy Classic review for more info on Tushy bidets.


Best travel

If you love using bidets, traveling can be a drag. Hotels rarely have them, and going back to cleaning with toilet paper is uncomfortable. While it will never replace the best bidet attachments, the Brondell GoSpa Travel Bidet is an affordable, compact way to bring bidet cleaning with you on the road.

This $10 gadget is basically a 400-milliliter plastic water bottle with a spray nozzle on the end. Before you sit on the toilet, you fill the squeeze bottle with your preferred temperature of tap water, screw the nozzle on, and set the Brondell GoSpa within reach of the toilet. When you're done going, turn the travel bidet upside down to direct the stream to your dirty area and squeeze the bottle to spray the water.

This portable bidet takes up minimal space and has earned a permanent spot in my carry-on bag. I like filling the bottle with warm water for better cleaning. I control the water pressure based on how hard I squeeze the bottle. Yet, even at its highest pressure, the GoSpa doesn't compare to a bidet attachment.

The Brondell GoSpa is also easy to clean. I clean it with soap and water after each use and before I wash my hands.

Lately, I've brought the Toto Portable Travel Washlet along on trips. It's battery-operated and more compact than the GoSpa. I like that it has great water pressure. However, at about $150, it's nowhere near as cost-effective as the GoSpa. Another candidate I'm testing for the best travel bidet is the Tushy Travel. It's about $24 and comes in eight colors. So far, I like how it's collapsible for compact transport and feels more discreet.

Read our full Brondell GoSpa Travel Bidet review.


What else we tested

While researching this guide, we tested more than two dozen bidets. Here are some models that missed the cut for our guide but that you may still want to consider.

Toto Washlet C2: The C2 is essentially the same as the C5. The difference is the C5 is controlled with a remote, while the C2 relies on controls attached to the right side of the seat.

Tushy Wave Non-Electric Bidet Seat: The Wave is incredibly easy to use: There's just one knob. I loved the range of pressure from gentle to quite powerful. Installation was a breeze, and the seat and lid were comfortable. My biggest issue is the price, as $200 is a lot for a non-electric bidet that doesn't have any special features, like nozzle adjustments. My family didn't like using it because the water was too cold. However, there's a dual-temp version that attaches to your sink's hot-water inlet for $40 more. Meanwhile, our best value pick from Brondell is right in the $200 range as well and features upgrades like a warm air dryer, heated seat, warm water wash, various modes, a nightlight, and more.

American Standard Advanced Clean SpaLet 2.0: American Standard has been a trusted name in the bathroom fixture space for nearly a century. The SpaLet 2.0 is a quality unit with excellent warm water and pressure cleaning. Plus, it has plenty of options for a custom wash. However, I feel strongly that if you're spending more than $300 on a bidet seat, it should be able to dry you, and this model doesn't have a dryer.

Bio Bidet Discovery DLS: At over $700, this is a pricey bidet toilet seat, but it has a long list of high-end features, including a lid that automatically opens and closes, so you don't have to touch it. It offers impressive water pressure and hot temperatures. Plus, it's backed by a five-year warranty. We recommend it if you have a large budget and want all the whistles and bells.

Soft Spa Fluidmaster 9500: The Fluidmaster is a midrange bidet seat with high-end options, including air drying and seat warming. However, I had a few gripes with it. First, the seat didn't stay in place once installed. I tried tightening it, but it would still wiggle. Also, the water pressure wasn't as powerful as I liked. Lastly, I wish it had warmed the water more. We recommend going with one of our top picks instead.


What to look for in a bidet

Bidet prices can vary drastically. Generally, the more features a bidet has, the higher the price. When shopping, you should consider what features you need and which you can do without. Here are the main factors you should consider:

Shape: The two main toilet bowl types are round and elongated, and you'll want to match the seat to your existing bowl type for a secure fit. You may not be able to spot the difference easily. If you're unsure, grab a tape measure and measure from the front rim of the toilet to the center of the bolt holes that keep the toilet seat in place. If it measures about 18.5 inches, it's an elongated toilet. Round toilets are 16.5 inches.

Electric or non-electric: Non-electric bidet attachments are usually cheaper than electric bidets, but they lack fancy features, like a seat warmer or air drying. Still, some non-electric models connect to your sink's water inlet to provide warm cleaning. Even the cheapest non-electric models allow you to adjust the water pressure, which is important for your comfort. If you're new to bidets, I recommend picking up a budget, non-electric model to see if you like cleaning with water. If you fall in love, go electric. With electric bidets, if you don't have a wall outlet near your toilet, you'll have the added hassle of running an extension cord.

Features: My favorite bidet features internal water heating, a dryer, a heated seat, a remote control, and a nightlight. Most models with all of these features cost more than $300. However, you can save money by skipping some of the high-end features. For instance, you can save significant cash if you forgo a warm-air dryer.


How we test bidets

I installed each unit on a Mansfield Waverly Toilet and used them over the course of several times, sometimes weeks to determine the best bidets. The most important bidet factors are performance, ease of use, and adjustment options.

Here is a rundown of our picks' features:

FeatureCoway Bidetmega 500SBio Bidet Bliss BB2000Brondell LT89 SwashToto Washlet C5Tushy Spa PremiumBrondell GoSpa
ElectricYesYesYesYesNoNo
Remote controlYesYesNoYesNoNo
Warm waterYesYesYesYesYesYes
Heated seatYesYesYesYesNoNo
DryerYesYesNoYesNoNo
NightlightYesYesNoNoNoNo
Warranty1 year3 years1 year1 year1 year1 year

Here are the main attributes we look for and how we test them:

Ease of use: Most bidet seats have one of three controls: on-seat buttons, on-seat dials, and remote controls. The remotes are easiest to use because you don't need to twist to see the controls, like the other two options, which may be a dealbreaker for individuals with mobility issues. Bidet seats also need clear, simple-to-understand graphics or words that tell you what each button is for. I examined the controls for ease of use and got my family's input.

<iframe src="https://giphy.com/embed/gRhlJWxK6BnmpIsyMz" width="480" height="270" frameborder="0" class="giphy-embed" allowfullscreen></iframe>

Pressure: Whether washing dishes or using a hose, anyone who has used water to clean knows that stronger pressure means an easier, more thorough cleaning. Well, the same is true using a bidet. Since I don't have a device for measuring PSI, this was a subjective test based on my experiences. I tend to like very strong pressure. I gave high marks to units with strong enough pressure for me and at least three pressure adjustment options, including a gentle flow for sensitive people.

Water temperature: Upping the water temperature will help you clean. So, I looked for bidet toilet seats that can produce hot water, usually around 100 degrees Fahrenheit, which is not so hot that it will scald you but warm enough to get the job done. I tested the temperature by running the bidet on its highest water temperature, collecting the water in a container, and measuring it with a probe thermometer. I also looked for at least three temperature options in addition to ambient.

Seat fit and look: If the seat doesn't fit right on your toilet, it won't function properly and will look awful. I took notes on how easy it was to install the seat securely. I also assessed how good the seat felt on my posterior and whether the lid was supportive and comfortable. Lastly, I looked at how attractive it looks on the toilet. Were the cords and hoses sticking out everywhere? Did the controls look ugly or intimidating?

Nozzle positions: We're all made differently and have different preferences. Bidets should have enough nozzle positions to deliver water right where you want it without making you move around a lot.

Extra features: The best bidets have several less-than-necessary features that just make bathroom trips more enjoyable. At the top of the list is drying. Next is a heated seat, especially on those cold winter mornings. And, if you have a youngster in the house, you'll want a bidet that only activates when significant pressure is applied to the seat, like when you're sitting on it. Otherwise, your young one can send water everywhere.

Warranty: All but four of the bidets we tested have one-year warranties. The four outliers have three-year warranties, each costing more than $500. In my more than a decade of owning bidets, I've never experienced a malfunction, but if you are particularly risk-averse, you may want to choose a bidet with a longer warranty.


Bidet FAQs

How do you install a bidet?

Installing a bidet is pretty simple. Start by removing your toilet seat and turning off the water supply. Next, attach the included T-valve to your toilet's water supply line, mount the bidet onto the toilet, and connect it to the water supply. Once that's done, turn the water back on, and you're ready to go.


Will my bidet fit my toilet seat?

It depends on the shape of your toilet. Toilets generally come in two styles: round and elongated. To figure out which you have, measure from the front of the bowl to where the seat attaches. If it measures around 16.5 inches, you'll want a round bidet seat. If it's closer to 18.5 inches, you'll need an elongated one.


How does a bidet work?

A bidet works by spraying a stream of water to clean your rear (or front) after using the bathroom. Most models let you adjust the water pressure, so you can find the level that feels best for you. We recommend starting on the gentler side until you get used to it.


How do I use a bidet?

If you're using an electric bidet, simply press the cleaning button and, when you're done, press stop. You can pat yourself dry with toilet paper or use the built-in dryer if your bidet has one. With a non-electric model, you'll turn the knob slowly to adjust the water pressure to your liking. (We also have a full guide to using a bidet if you want more in-depth tips or guidance.)


Is a bidet better than toilet paper?

According to Heidi Bahna, MD, a colon and rectal surgery specialist at Palm Beach Colorectal Surgery, using a bidet can actually minimize itching, infection, and pain from wiping. The improved hygiene especially benefits people with bowel disorders.


Do you still need to use toilet paper after using a bidet?

Yes, but not in the same way. Toilet paper is helpful for drying off, especially if your bidet doesn't have an air dryer. You'll probably end up using a lot less than you would without a bidet.


How much does a bidet cost?

Prices vary depending on the type. A simple non-electric bidet attachment (like the Tushy) usually costs around $130. Electric seats with more features typically run between $300 and $500, while full bidet toilets can range anywhere from $600 to $5,000, with many sitting around $1,500.


Are bidets hygienic?

Yes. In fact, they can be more hygienic than wiping alone. Modern bidets usually have self-cleaning nozzles, and as anal surgeon Evan Goldstein, DO, puts it, "Using bidets helps foster happy and healthy behinds."


Are bidets worth it?

Yes. After testing dozens of bidets, I've found they are game-changers for three reasons: They help lower your toilet paper bills, are environmentally friendly, and provide superior hygiene. However, they are not completely free of negatives. Research shows that excessive bidet use (longer than a minute per use) may cause itching or incontinence. Still, we think the positives outweigh the potential negatives.

The post The 6 best bidets for a deep clean, tested and reviewed appeared first on Business Insider