Hi, I’m Jen!

I'm a proud grandmother and retired physics teacher in Virginia. I've kept my science hat on in retirement by testing 8 bidets over the last year. Enjoy!

The Best Bidets of 2026

When I decided to get a bidet for our house, I realized the options are overwhelming. I wanted something that worked well for my family, so I got back into science and did some experimenting (see more). I tested the top models on four key criteria: cleaning effectiveness, comfort, easy installation, and reliability. Here are my results:

Testing line-up

★ Most Effective ★

Cleaner Rinse

Check Availability

My Research Outcome & Overview

Finding the right bidet that delivered a truly clean and comfortable experience proved surprisingly difficult. Many products felt more like decorative water fountains than effective cleaning tools. As a science teacher, I believe in hygiene, not just the idea of it, so my family's comfort and cleanliness quickly became the most important factors in my rankings. To be honest, the market is overwhelming, with endless features and technical jargon that make it hard to choose with confidence. You just want something that works perfectly, every time.

This in-depth guide is the result of my methodical, hands-on testing. Yes, this is more than the average person might do before buying a bathroom fixture, but the science teacher in me couldn't resist a good experiment! I also created this comparison chart that summarizes all my findings.

Scientifically Testing Bidets

My key components and checklist: (Cleaning Effectiveness + Comfort + Value / Price + Ease of Installation + Reliability) / 5

  • Test The Leading Bidets - Firstly, I wanted to ensure I tested a representative sample of the most popular and highly-rated bidets. I chose the following eight models for this review: Toto Washlet C5, Cleaner Rinse Bidet Gen 4, Bio Bidet BB2000, Tushy Classic, Tushy Wave, Boss Bidet, and two that I call "Amazon generics" for a powered bidet (FVZ Electric Seat) and an unpowered bidet (iHork Pro).
  • Sample Size - I installed each bidet in our master bathroom myself and used it for 7 bowel movements. I am consistent in my schedule, so this usually meant 1 week per bidet.
  • Factors Compared - I rated each bidet based on the following five factors: cleaning effectiveness, comfort, value / price, ease of installation, and reliability.
  • Rating System - I then scored each bidet on each category with a simple 1-5 rating system (1 = Poor, 5 = Exceptional).
  • Choosing a Winner - Lastly, I added up all the points for each bidet and gave them a final score to choose a winner!

Methodical testing using my test criteria and ranking formula.

Testing Environment & Layout

I also needed to test the cleaning effectiveness of each bidet to see if it truly left you clean. Standardizing the installation and testing process was the most challenging part—here’s how I did it:

  • I installed each bidet in our primary bathroom which has standard plumbing, a classic toilet shape, access to hot water from the sink, and an outlet within reach for electric bidets.
  • I then gave each one a full week of use by me, my husband, and my grandson. This gave me enough time to not only test its core function but also to expose any longer-term issues, reliability, and ease of use for different people.
  • I determined cleaning effectiveness with a simple, repeatable experiment: the single-square confirmation test. After each use, does a single square of toilet paper come back perfectly clean? It’s a simple pass/fail metric that removes all guesswork.

A "perfect clean" was checked with a piece of toilet paper after completing a wash cycle.

What Is It Like to Use a Bidet?

If you’ve spent your whole life using toilet paper, the idea of switching to a bidet can feel a little strange. It’s natural to wonder about the mechanics, the sensation, and whether it’s truly an upgrade.

The simple answer is that using a bidet is like giving yourself a mini-shower after you use the bathroom. It’s a shift from wiping to washing, and once you get the hang of it, it’s a remarkably simple and clean process. Check out our Frequently Asked Questions below to learn more about the specifics like how they feel, how well they work, and what goes into owning one.

Once you try it, the clean, comfortable feeling speaks for itself. To get there, you just need to pick the right style for your needs.

Types of Bidets

Unpowered vs. Powered

The biggest decision you need to make is whether to get an unpowered or a powered bidet.

Unpowered bidets are simple mechanical devices that use manual valves to control a spray. They require no electricity. Some unpowered bidets allow you to access hot water by connecting to your hot water supply in your sink, while many are limited just to cold water.

Powered bidets (or "electric bidets") plug into a wall outlet to offer features like instant warm water, a heated seat, a warm air dryer, and adjustable settings controlled by a remote or side panel.

How to Choose Between Unpowered and Powered

The two main things to think about are which you can install and what are the tradeoffs?

Which can you install?

  • An unpowered bidet is easy to install manually, but it will either be limited to cold water, or it can come heated with a separate hose that might require drilling through a vanity.
  • A powered bidet will require a GFCI outlet near the toilet, often adding an additional $100-200 in professional installation cost. Do not use an extension cord, as it presents an electrical risk.

Powered bidets often need a new GFCI outlet right by the toilet so the cord can reach.

What are the tradeoffs?

  • An unpowered bidet is often simpler to install, even with heating, but the warm water is limited by how quickly warm water is provided to your sink. If you don't want an initial cold splash, look for a bidet that lets you run off the cold water before directing it at you.
  • A powered bidet will require a GFCI outlet near the toilet, often adding an additional $100-200 in professional installation cost. However, you often get luxury benefits, like instant warm water without a separate hose, a heated seat, and air drying, which lets you skip the toilet paper entirely.

Attachment vs. Seat Replacement

One of the first variables you need to control for is form factor. Do you want a device that slides under your current seat, or do you want to replace the seat entirely?

Bidet Attachments are thin plates that sandwich between your porcelain bowl and your existing toilet seat.

  • The Upside: They are generally the cheapest option and allow you to keep your current decorative seat if you are attached to it.
  • The Trade-off: These types stick out more visually and they often create a gap between the seat and the bowl. This gap make the toilet feel awkward and unstable, and it can lead to long-term damage to the seat and require replacement.

The gap that attachment-type bidets can create can put stress on your toilet seat, sometimes leading to cracks. Pictured here with my grandson on the Tushy Classic bidet.

Bidet Seats replace your entire toilet seat and lid with a unit that has the bidet built right in.

  • The Upside: This provides the most seamless, stable, and hygienic fit. There is no gap, no wobble, and the water stream is usually calibrated more precisely because the nozzle position is fixed relative to the seat.
  • The Trade-off: They are a little bit more expensive, but the difference is not usually as large as powered vs unpowered. Additionally, some models come only in specific toilet seat shapes, while others will support different shapes.
Toilet Seat Shape: Elongated vs. Round

When considering toilet seats with or without a bidet, almost everything falls into two shapes, and 95% of toilets in the US are one of them.

  • Round: These look like a perfect circle. They are common in older homes or smaller powder rooms where space is at a premium.
  • Elongated: These look like an oval or an egg. They extend further out and are generally considered more comfortable for adults.

You don't really need to measure - just look at the drawings below and select the seat that looks more like your toilet.

A round (left) vs. an elongated (right) toilet seat

Other Fit Considerations

Before buying any bidet, check your toilet’s geometry. Most standard toilets are fine, but you will run into installation failures with these specific types:

  • French Curve Toilets: If the tank curves forward into the bowl area, most bidets won't sit flat.
  • Skirted Toilets: These have smooth sides that hide the mounting bolts. Unless you have top-fixing hardware, you won't be able to screw the bidet in.
  • Wall-Mounted or "Flushometer" (Commercial) Toilets: These usually lack the external water access needed to connect the bidet hose.

If your toilet has any unusual design like mentioned here, take extra care with understanding how each bidet model will fit to your toilet. Some won't take a seat replacement, and some won't take an attachment, while others can't take a bidet at all without major renovations. If you have a "standard" two piece toilet, you should be good with most options.

The best bidet I tried: Cleaner Rinse

Cleaner Rinse

Check Availability

⭐ Overall Rating ️
The Cleaner Rinse Bidet Gen 4 earned my top spot because it balances cleaning power with simplicity. It scored a perfect 5 out of 5 in Cleaning Effectiveness, Reliability, and Ease of Setup. It is an unpowered bidet, meaning it just hooks up to your water line. While it lacks some of the luxury features found in more expensive electric models, it performs the fundamental job of hygiene better than any other unit I tested and its still very comfortable with just the hot water sink connection. It is reliable, effective, and does not require an electrical outlet behind the toilet.

❤️ What I love ️
In my "single-square confirmation test," this unit achieved a 100% clean result in every single trial. Unlike many of the other other unpowered bidets I tested which had erratic or uncomfortable pressure, the Cleaner Rinse Bidet Gen 4 has a valve that provides a smooth, adjustable stream.

The installation was also seamless. It took me about 15 minutes to connect to the hot and cold water supplies under my sink without any leaks, and I was able to do it all myself. The build quality feels sturdy and durable and we haven't seen any issues in the time we've used it.

🙈 What could be better
The main drawback was the absence of some of the luxury features you see on the much more expensive bidets, like heated seats and an air dryer. If these features are non-negotiable, then I suggest getting a powered unit. Just be mindful that you'll need to install a GFCI outlet near your toilet if there isn't one already.

Since this is a non-powered unit, the water is not instantly hot. To get warm water, you slightly turn the nozzle to the "clean" setting to run the pre-heat. The time to heat up depends on your home's plumbing, though in my testing, this was the fastest of the unpowered bidets. You can verify the water is ready by simply touching the clear hot water hose near the knobs.

There is a powered Cleaner Rinse model as well, if the instant warmth or other powered features are non-negotiable.

📄 Description
"Upgrade your bathroom hygiene instantly without the need for electricity or expensive plumbing. The Cleaner Rinse Bidet Gen 4 features dual-temperature controls, self-cleaning nozzles, and adjustable pressure for a tailored, spa-like clean in the comfort of your home."

☁️ Quality & Packaging
The materials used here are excellent. Unlike the plastic fittings on other generic units I tested, this uses high-quality components and braided steel hoses. The packaging was logical and organized, including all necessary washers and tape, which made the installation process error-free.

📊 Multiple Options
Bathrooms vary, so make sure you figure out if you have an "elongated" or a "round" toilet. It's as easy as comparing your toilet to the examples I show above. Cleaner Rinse offers this model in both variations to ensure the nozzles align correctly with your specific toilet bowl geometry.

📏  Instruction for use
The control panel is highly intuitive. There are two simple dials: one for temperature and one for pressure/mode. The self-cleaning function activates when you start turning the pressure dial, keeping the nozzle sanitary between uses without complex maintenance and allowing you to "pre-heat" the water. I like to activate the pre-heat as soon as I take a seat, and the water is always warm by the time I'm ready to clean up.

Runner-Up: Bio Bidet BB2000

Check Availability

⭐ Overall Rating ️
For those looking for a more powerful blast, the Bio Bidet BB2000 is a high-performance machine, but it comes with significant logistical hurdles. It scored well on Cleaning Effectiveness due to its sheer power, and it offers luxury features like a heated seat and air dryer that unpowered models like the Cleaner Rinse lack. However, the high price point (over $450) and difficult installation prevented it from taking the top spot. It is a powerful device, but it requires a commitment to both budget and infrastructure that some homeowners may not want to make.

❤️ What I love ️
If budget is not a constraint and you specifically prefer a very high-intensity wash, this unit delivers. The water heats up after about 5 seconds of spray, and the inclusion of a heated seat and warm air dryer adds a level of comfort that mechanical units cannot match. It is built well and offers a wide range of nozzle adjustments. For those specifically looking for a "power wash" experience and willing to invest the extra money for the unit and the setup, this is a functional option.

🙈 What could be better
This one had a tricky installation. Unlike the mechanical options, this requires a GFCI electrical outlet near the toilet. I had to hire a professional to install a new outlet, which added $150 and a few days of organizing quotes to our process. Once running, we noticed a significant power draw; the bathroom lights actually flickered when the unit's heater engaged. Finally, the water pressure is aggressive. Even on the lowest setting, the stream felt harsh rather than gentle, which I personally found a bit overwhelming.

Toto Washlet C5

Check Availability

⭐ Overall Rating ️
The Toto Washlet C5 is a well-known name for bidets online, and initially, I assumed it would be our leading choice. However, it still required the same challenges to setup the other electric bidets have, and it didn't quite deliver on the comfort features, notably hot water, I'd expect with a powered seat. While it is a solid, functional option, the experience felt like an overpay. You are paying a premium price for a device that has a critical limitation in its heating capacity, making it difficult to justify over the top-performing unpowered or instant-heat electric options.

❤️ What I love ️
When the unit is operating within its optimal parameters, the experience is good. The water pressure is adjustable and comfortable, offering a gentle experience with some luxury amenities.

🙈 What could be better
The tank-style heating system introduced a variable that negatively impacted my results. The warm water lasts for approximately 30 seconds before turning unpleasantly cold. This created a sense of urgency; I felt I had to "race" the tank to finish cleaning before the cold shock hit. Because I was rushing, I failed my "Single-Square Confirmation Test" once, scoring a 6/7. For a premium device, running out of hot water is a major drawback. Additionally, installation required professional electrical work, and even after tightening the mounting plate, the seat retained a noticeable wobble that felt less secure than other seat replacements.

FVZ Electric Bidet Toilet Seat

Check Availability

⭐ Overall Rating ️
The FVZ Electric Bidet Seat is a solid option for an electric bidet. Once installed, it performed surprisingly well, earning a perfect 5 out of 5 for Comfort thanks to its instant heating and luxury features. However, getting it up and running was a significant hurdle, reflected in its low Ease of Setup score (2.5). It offers great performance for the price, but you pay for that savings with a frustrating installation process and challenges with manufacturer support.

❤️ What I love ️
The luxury comfort features were great. It uses an instant-heating method, meaning I never ran out of warm water, even during longer cleaning cycles, and I had it right away.

🙈 What could be better
Installation was the most difficult for this model in this entire experiment. The mounting hardware was finicky, requiring significant effort to align the seat properly - I actually had to call my grandson over to insert the mounting screws which I wasn't strong enough to do. Additionally, it looks like online other customers have had challenges reaching the manufacturer. If you buy this unit, you should assume you are on your own for troubleshooting.

The cleaning was great, but it wasn't perfect, passing my test after 6 out of 7 uses.

Boss Bidet Revolution

Check Availability

⭐ Overall Rating ️
The Boss Bidet Revolution is a study in compromise. It's easy to set up but it's not very comfortable, especially with its cold water function. It does okay as a basic cold-water sprayer, but it's priced too high for me to recommend it.

❤️ What I love ️
If you are intimidated by DIY-work, this is one of the more approachable options. I had it installed and running in under 15 minutes. It connects directly to the cold water line, so no electrical work is required. In terms of the fundamental task, it works; the dual nozzles provided a passable clean with decent pressure regulation in my tests.

🙈 What could be better
It didn't nail the clean - passing 5 of 7 tests. The cold water is a shock, and makes cleaning unpleasant. I think this led to my trying to rush the process and not getting as complete of a clean every time. The parts themselves weren't too well built. Finally, this is minor, but, the box claimed to include installation tools, and they were missing. If you get this one, you'll still need your own tools, despite what their advertisements say.

Tushy Classic 3.0

Check Availability

⭐ Overall Rating ️
The Tushy Classic 3.0 is one of the first bidets I heard about, probably thanks to their marketing. However, my testing data shows that popularity doesn't always equal reliability. While it scored a perfect 5 for Ease of Setup, it plummeted to a 1.5 in Reliability. When it works, it functions reasonably well as a basic cold sprayer, but the quality of the components—specifically the plumbing connections—raises serious concerns for long-term home safety.

❤️ What I love ️
The installation claims are accurate. I was able to install this unit in about 15 minutes without any electrical tools. The water pressure is adequate for a decent clean as long as your water pressure is sufficient, and the nozzle adjuster is simple to use. I really liked the way you could fine-tune the nozzle position a bit more than many other nonpowered options.

🙈 What could be better
I encountered a critical failure in my experiment: a water leak within 24 hours of installation. The Tushy uses a plastic T-adapter to connect to your home's water supply, whereas higher-quality units use more durable metal components. Plastic threads easily cross-thread or crack under pressure, creating a significant risk of water damage. Additionally, as an independent attachment this model creates a sizable gap under the toilet seat, and I found my grandson putting a lot of strain on the toilet seat because of it.

Finally, I suggest being careful with cold-water-only options. The shock led my husband to eventually abandon the bidet altogether, and revert to toilet paper.

Tushy Wave

Check Availability

⭐ Overall Rating ️
I initially thought the Tushy Wave would just be the Classic 3.0 with a built-in seat to solve the gap issue. While it does solve the seat fit, they changed the design of the nozzle itself, and not for the better. It loses the fine position control found on the cheaper Classic model. Because I couldn't aim the spray as precisely, the Cleaning Effectiveness score dropped to a 3.3. It feels like one step forward for the seat, but two steps back for the actual cleaning function.

❤️ What I love ️
The best feature here is the integrated seat. Unlike the attachments that sit under your existing seat (like the Boss or Tushy Classic), this replaces the seat entirely. This means you don't have that awkward gap or wobble, and it looks much cleaner on the toilet. The installation was also fairly simple and didn't require any electrical work, earning it a decent 4 out of 5 for setup.

🙈 What could be better
The nozzle redesign makes it harder to get a good clean. Without the fine-tuning knob available on the Classic 3.0, the water stream is harder to direct. I often had to shift my weight and "shimmy" around on the seat to align with the water, which is inconvenient. Additionally, because of the leak I experienced with the other Tushy model, I still have reservations about the durability of the plastic plumbing connections used by this brand. The water on this model is still exclusively cold, so watch out for that.

iHork Bidet Pro 3.0

Check Availability

⭐ Overall Rating ️
The iHork Bidet Pro 3.0 is a generic option that proves the saying "you get what you pay for." It scored well on Value simply because it is very cheap, but the Comfort and Reliability scores were the lowest in the group. It feels flimsy, and the water pressure is poorly regulated. It works as a basic sprayer, but it lacks the durability and precision of the better models.

❤️ What I love ️
Installation was straightforward and didn't require electricity, earning a 4 out of 5 for setup. If your primary goal is to spend as little money as possible, this unit technically functions. It provides basic front and rear wash capabilities without a complex assembly process.

🙈 What could be better
The user experience is rough. The pressure dial offers almost no control; it feels like it jumps straight to the maximum setting, which is uncomfortable. The nozzle angles are also poor, forcing me to shimmy around to get the water to hit the right spot. It also forces you to use a specific water filter that seems unnecessary, yet the device won't connect without it. Overall, the plastic feels brittle and weak.

My Bidet Comparison Chart

Why I Chose "Cleaner Rinse"

After rigorous testing, the Cleaner Rinse Bidet earned my top spot because it balances superior hygiene with practical simplicity. It was the only unpowered unit to pass my "single-square confirmation test" 100% of the time, providing a precise, comfortable clean without needing electricity. I loved that I could install it myself in 15 minutes, and unlike the cheaper plastic models, the durable metal components feel built to last.

While it skips the heated seat and a few other luxuries, it has access to warm water pretty quickly without a cold splash. The warm water wash is a game-changer that makes it significantly more comfortable than cold-water-only options. If you want a reliable solution that actually gets you clean without a complicated renovation, this is the A+ choice.

I also enjoy seeing what other products come to market, so check back to see if this changes. If you know of a product not tested here that's worked for you, reach out to let me know!

Frequently Asked Questions About Bidets

How do I use a bidet?

Getting started is straightforward. While different models have slightly different controls (a knob on the side, a remote control, or a panel), the basic steps are always the same. Please note that we are discussing the type of bidet that is part of a normal toilet. There are free-standing, separate bidets that look like small bathtubs, but they are less common in the US and out of scope for this article.

  • Do your business. Use the toilet just as you normally would.
  • Activate the wash. Instead of reaching for toilet paper, you’ll turn a dial or press a button. A small nozzle will extend from under the seat and begin spraying a gentle stream of water. The water comes directly from your home's fresh water supply line—the same clean water you use to wash your hands—not from the toilet bowl.
  • Find the right position. Most bidets allow you to adjust the nozzle's position and the water pressure to find what’s most effective and comfortable for you. It might take a couple of tries to get the aim just right, but you’ll figure it out quickly. The whole process usually takes less than 30 seconds.
  • Turn it off. Once you feel clean, you simply turn the dial off or press a stop button. The nozzle will automatically retract, and on most models, it will run a self-cleaning function.
  • Dry off. You have two options here. Electric bidets often include a built-in air dryer. With unpowered models, you’ll use a small amount of toilet paper (usually just one or two squares) to gently pat the area dry. Either way, you’ll find your toilet paper consumption drops dramatically.

How does a bidet feel?

The sensation is one of the biggest questions for first-timers, but most people are pleasantly surprised.

  • The Water Pressure: Forget the idea of a fire hose. A bidet provides a gentle, targeted stream of water. Most models allow you to adjust the pressure from a very soft stream to a more robust flow, so you are always in control. At the top end of the spectrum, pressure can be strong enough to go a little bit into you, so make sure to start gentle.
  • The Water Temperature: Many bidets use the cold water from your supply line, which can mean the occasional "cold splash" in the winter, though some people online don't seem to mind. Some models (like our top pick) provide hot water as well, which for me was a game-changer for comfort. Whichever model you chose, it is important to be comfortable because the bidet is only useful if you want to use it.
  • The Mess Factor: It’s far less messy than you might imagine. The nozzles are carefully angled to spray only you and to keep the water contained within the toilet bowl. The process is clean, controlled, and hygienic, and most nozzles are self-cleaning.

How does using a bidet compare to toilet paper?

Switching from wiping to washing is a fundamental upgrade in personal hygiene, but it also has other practical benefits.

  • A Superior Clean: Think of it this way: if you got dirt on your arm, would you be satisfied just wiping it off with a dry paper towel? Or would you wash it with water to ensure it was truly clean? A bidet provides a more thorough and hygienic clean by washing residue away completely, rather than smearing it.
  • Gentler on Your Skin: The constant friction from dry toilet paper can be irritating, especially for those with sensitive skin. A bidet cleanses the area with a gentle stream of water, reducing skin irritation and providing a more comfortable experience.
  • Better for the Environment (and Your Wallet): The environmental cost of toilet paper is surprisingly high. Manufacturing just a single roll of toilet paper can require up to 37 gallons of water. A bidet uses about an eighth of a gallon per wash. Over time, that adds up to significant water savings, fewer trees cut down, and far less money spent on toilet paper.

Will the bidet get soiled since it's under me in the toilet bowl?

I get this question sometimes from friends who have never tried a bidet before. The short answer is no, the bidet will stay clean during regular use. The angle of the sprayer on most models is such that the runoff water doesn't come back to the nozzle and the water drops down into the toilet. Additionally, many of the models featured above have a self-cleaning mode in which the nozzle redirects water at itself to keep things tidy. Obviously, toilets can always get messier than expected, and in those cases the bidet is usually just as easy to scrub off as the rest of the bowl.

    Find what you needed? Click to return to Types of Bidets or to See our Top Rankings

    Thanks for reading!

    This was a fun experiment, and I'm excited to move forward with better hygiene. Good luck to you, I hope I was able to help!