Smart toilets have grown in popularity due to their high-tech features that promise a more hygienic, customized, and streamlined bathroom experience. But with price tags ranging from $500 to over $7,000, are these futuristic commodes worth the investment or just an overpriced gimmick?
In this comprehensive guide, we’ll analyze the costs, benefits, and return on investment of installing a smart toilet in your home to help you decide if upgrading from a standard toilet makes financial sense.
How Much Do Smart Toilets Cost?
The upfront cost of a smart toilet includes the purchase price of the unit itself plus any installation or remodeling fees. Here is an overview of typical smart toilet costs:
- Basic models – $500 to $1,000
- Mid-range models – $1,000 to $3,500
- High-end models – $3,500 to $7,000+
- Installation – $200 to $500 for removal of the old toilet and installing a new smart toilet
- Electrical work – $100 to $200 if outlet needed near toilet
- Plumbing costs – $50 to $100 if water supply line adjustments needed
So, at the minimum, expect to invest around $700 to $1,500 to install a basic smart toilet. Higher-end models with more features and luxury styling can cost upwards of $10,000+ fully installed.
Key Features and Benefits of Smart Toilets
What do you get for all that money? Here are some of the most useful features and conveniences smart toilets offer:
- Heated seats – Comfortable and cozy, even on the coldest mornings
- Bidet functions – Adjustable water jets for superior cleaning
- Air drying – Gentle air flow to dry you after using the bidet
- Automatic lid lifting/closing – Handless opening and closing for improved hygiene
- Automatic flushing – Touchless flushing activation sensors
- Deodorizers – Filtered air systems to minimize odors
- Night lights – Illuminated bowl to guide you in the dark
- Custom user presets – Programmable settings for different family members
- Remote controls – Control features from a wall-mounted or handheld remote
- Smart app integration – Monitor usage, and access features via app
- Premium design – Sleek, seamless styling and high-quality materials
Key benefits include improved hygiene, customization, and automated convenience. Smart toilets also use less water per flush while offering health benefits like reducing irritation and promoting proper hydration.
Smart Toilet Return on Investment Analysis
The higher initial cost of smart toilets means it can take time to recoup your investment. However calculating the long-term return on investment (ROI) can give insights into the overall value.
Here is an example ROI analysis of a $1,500 smart toilet purchase over 10 years:
Upfront costs
- Smart toilet: $1,000
- Installation: $500
10 year cost savings
- Water savings from 1.28 GPF flush: $90/year x 10 years = $900
- Energy savings from heated seat: $25/year x 10 years = $250
- Fewer toilet scrub cleanings: 2 hrs/month x 12 months x 10 years = 240 hrs x $20/hr value of time = $4,800
Total 10 year cost savings = $900 + $250 + $4,800 = $5,950
ROI = ($5,950 savings – $1,500 cost) / $1,500 cost x 100 = 296%
Over 10 years, this smart toilet paid for itself nearly 3 times over. The key factors are water bill savings, time savings, and convenience. With proper maintenance, the lifespan of a smart toilet can exceed 20 years, providing even greater long-term value.
Smart Toilet Prices by Model
To help estimate costs for your bathroom, here is an overview of popular smart toilet models and their price points:
| Brand | Model | Price | Key Features |
|---|---|---|---|
| Toto | Neorest 700H | $4,500 | Actilight cleaning, ewater+, heated seat |
| Toto | Neorest RH | $7,000 | Auto open/close seat, air deodorizer |
| Kohler | Numi 2.0 | $6,400 | Touchscreen remote, personalized bidet |
| American Standard | VorMax 2 | $5,500 | Automatic flush + lid |
| Woodbridge | B-0960S | $1,200 | Night light, heated seat, remote |
| Bio Bidet | IB835 | $700 | Adjustable warm water, heated seat |
| Brondell | Swash 1400 | $1,500 | Stainless steel wand, air dryer |
Prices vary based on the brand, model, and included technology. Entry-level smart toilets start around $500 while high-end models with the latest features can exceed $7,000.
Cost Comparison to Standard Toilets
To make the most informed decision, it helps to compare smart toilet costs to basic toilet models:
| Toilet Type | Hardware Cost | Estimated Installation | Total Cost |
|---|---|---|---|
| Basic gravity flush toilet | $100 to $300 | $100 to $200 | $200 to $500 |
| Standard two-piece toilet | $150 to $400 | $100 to $200 | $250 to $600 |
| Smart toilet | $500 to $1,000 | $200 to $500 | $700 to $1,500 |
While you’ll pay more upfront for a smart toilet, the convenience and long-term savings can make the investment worthwhile.
Tips for Maximizing Your Smart Toilet Value
To maximize ROI on a smart toilet, consider these tips:
- Compare features across models to avoid overpaying for unnecessary bells and whistles
- Hire a professional for installation to extend the lifespan
- Enable auto-opening and auto-flushing to amplify water savings
- Use energy-saving mode like a timer or motion sensor when traveling
- Follow proper maintenance and cleaning procedures
- Repair leaks promptly to prevent water waste
- Use manufacturer rebates and tax credits if available in your area
Prioritizing the features that will improve your experience and deliver real savings can get you the most bang for your buck.
Are Smart Toilets Ultimately Worth the Investment?
For most homeowners, the decision of whether or not to install a smart toilet comes down to your bathroom needs and budget.
If you want the latest innovations in comfort, hygiene, and efficiency, don’t mind splurging, and plan to stay in your home long-term, then a smart toilet can be a worthwhile upgrade that pays off over time.
However, if budget is a main concern, you don’t need advanced features, or you aren’t sure how long you’ll be in your current home, then it may be harder to justify the higher upfront cost of a smart toilet model.
Focus your search on mid-range models with your must-have features and calculate the long-term ROI to determine if investing in a smart toilet makes sense for your household.
