TOTO vs Kohler Smart Toilets: Which Is Best for You?
TOTO NEOREST vs Kohler intelligent toilets, compared from each maker's spec sheets: flushing, self-cleaning, power needs, warranty and which suits which buyer.
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Neither brand is best for everyone. TOTO’s NEOREST toilets lead on automated bowl hygiene, with EWATER+ cleaning the bowl and under-seat area as well as the wand. Kohler’s intelligent toilets lead on emergency flushing and, on the Numi 2.0, app-controlled lighting. Both use low-flow dual flushes, both need a GFCI-protected outlet, and both list a three-year limited warranty on the models we checked.
This comparison is based on TOTO’s and Kohler’s own product pages and spec sheets. We haven’t physically tested these toilets. Read our methodology to see how we research products.
The two lineups
TOTO NEOREST
TOTO introduced NEOREST in 1993 as its first tankless toilet design and made the NEOREST NX its global flagship in 2017. As of November 2026, TOTO USA lists the floor-mounted NX1, NX2, LS, AS and RS, and the wall-hung WX1 and WX2. Several of those pages show a limited-inventory notice.
Kohler intelligent toilets
Kohler’s Numi 2.0 (K-30754-PA) is listed on Kohler’s site. Kohler’s spec sheets also cover the Eir (K-77795), the floor-mounted Veil (K-5401-PA) and the Innate (K-29777-PA). Those spec sheets are dated 2024, and we couldn’t load Kohler’s product pages for the Eir, Veil and Innate when we checked, so confirm current availability with a Kohler dealer.
Side-by-side specs
The figures below come from each manufacturer’s documentation. A dash means we couldn’t confirm the detail.
| Model | Flush (gpf) | Flush system | Wand/bowl cleaning | Power-outage flushing | Rough-in |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| TOTO NEOREST NX2 | 1.0 / 0.8 | TORNADO FLUSH, HYBRID ECOLOGY SYSTEM | EWATER+ (wand, bowl, under-seat), ACTILIGHT, PREMIST | Manual backup flush | 12 in. |
| TOTO NEOREST AS | 1.0 / 0.8 | TORNADO FLUSH, HYBRID ECOLOGY SYSTEM | EWATER+ (wand, bowl, under-seat), PREMIST | Manual backup flush | 12 in. |
| TOTO NEOREST LS | 1.0 / 0.8 | TORNADO FLUSH | EWATER+ (wand, bowl, under-seat), PREMIST | Manual backup flush | – |
| TOTO NEOREST RS | 1.0 / 0.8 | TORNADO FLUSH | EWATER+ (wand, bowl), PREMIST | Manual backup flush | – |
| Kohler Numi 2.0 | 1.0 / 0.8 | Power flush | UV light and electrolyzed water (wand), bowl pre-mist | Up to 100 flushes | 12 in. |
| Kohler Eir | 1.0 / 0.8 | Pump-assisted washdown | UV light and electrolyzed water (wand), bowl pre-mist | Up to 100 flushes | 12 in. |
| Kohler Veil (K-5401-PA) | 1.28 / 0.8 | Pump-assisted, tankless with direct supply | UV light and electrolyzed water (wand) | Up to 100 flushes | 12 in. |
| Kohler Innate | 1.28 / 1.0 | Dual flush, auto flush | UV light (wand), bowl pre-mist | Remote or backup button (outage use not stated) | 12 in. |
| Feature | TOTO NEOREST (floor models) | Kohler intelligent toilets |
|---|---|---|
| Electrical | 120V GFCI outlet required; TOTO spec sheets recommend a surge protector | Dedicated 120V GFCI circuit (15A on the Eir, Veil and Innate sheets) |
| Seat height | “Universal Height,” ADA compliant; about 17-1/4 in. floor to seat on the AS and NX2 sheets | Comfort Height (chair height) on all four models |
| Auto lid | Yes, all models | Yes, all four (Numi 2.0 opens both seat and cover) |
| Remote | Stick-style remote with 4 user memories (NX, LS, AS); block remote (RS) | Touch-screen LCD remote (Eir, Veil); Numi 2.0 adds KOHLER Konnect app |
| Dryer | Warm air, 5 temperature settings | Warm air; adjustable temperature listed on the Veil |
| Wall-hung option | Yes: WX1 and WX2 with WT175MA in-wall tank | Not covered by the spec sheets we checked |
| Warranty | 3-yr limited residential (NX2 and AS sheets) | 3-yr limited Intelligent Toilet and C3 Cleansing Seat warranty |
Where TOTO stands out
Bowl hygiene beyond the wand
TOTO’s EWATER+ is the clearest difference between the brands. TOTO describes it as electrolyzed water made from the chloride ions in ordinary tap water. On the NX, LS and AS, it’s sprayed over the wand, the bowl and the area under the seat after each use. Kohler’s electrolyzed-water and UV systems, as described on its spec sheets, target the wand surfaces. TOTO adds PREMIST bowl wetting and CEFIONTECT glaze on all floor models, and ACTILIGHT on the NX2 and WX2.
Lower full flush across the range
Every floor-mounted NEOREST uses 1.0 gpf for a full flush and 0.8 gpf for a light one. Kohler matches that on the Numi 2.0 and Eir, but the Veil and Innate use 1.28 gpf for a full flush. All of these meet the EPA WaterSense limit of 1.28 gpf.
Wall-hung models
If you’re remodeling and want a wall-hung smart toilet, TOTO lists the NEOREST WX1 and WX2 with its WT175MA in-wall tank system. Our guide to wall-hung smart toilets explains what that kind of installation involves.
Where Kohler stands out
Power-outage flushing
Kohler’s spec sheets for the Numi 2.0, Eir and Veil say the emergency flush supports up to 100 flushes during a power outage with a touch button. TOTO lists a manual backup flush for outages but doesn’t give a figure. If you lose power often, that’s worth asking both brands about.
App control and lighting
The Numi 2.0 is the only model in either lineup with app control. Kohler’s spec sheet says KOHLER Konnect lets you set preferences and presets, choose from preloaded lighting “experiences,” and switch between seven ambient lighting shades.
Compact and installation-friendly options
Kohler describes the Eir and Veil as compact one-piece toilets. The Innate uses Kohler’s ReadyLock system, which Kohler says avoids drilling into the floor on a standard 12-inch rough-in.
Design and finishes
Both brands sell mostly white toilets, but each has a few finish options. TOTO’s spec sheets list Cotton (#01) for the NEOREST AS and NX1. TOTO’s press release says the LS has metallic trim and a stick remote in silver, nickel or black. The wall-hung WX1 page lists Matte Black and made-to-order Matte White versions.
Kohler’s Eir spec sheet lists White plus white with rose gold, sunrise gold, brushed nickel or matte black accents, and a Vibrant Brushed Moderne Brass finish. The Veil comes in White or Honed Black, and Kohler’s site also lists a Honed Black Numi 2.0. If you want a colored or accented smart toilet, Kohler currently lists more choices.
Shape is the other big design difference. TOTO’s NX models have a rounded, pebble-like form. The LS, AS and RS look more like conventional skirted toilets. Kohler’s Numi 2.0 is rectangular, the Veil is egg-shaped, and the Eir and Innate are compact and upright. Since these toilets sit in plain view, it’s worth looking at them in a showroom before you buy.
If none of these fit your budget or bathroom, remember that both brands’ washing features also come in seat form. Our best smart toilet seats guide covers seats that fit a toilet you already own.
Which should you choose?
Choose TOTO NEOREST if:
- You want the bowl and under-seat area cleaned automatically, not just the wand.
- You want a 1.0 gpf full flush on every model.
- You’re planning a wall-hung installation.
- You value TOTO’s long washlet history. TOTO has made WASHLET products since 1980.
Choose Kohler if:
- Power outages are common where you live and you want a large emergency flush reserve.
- You want app control and ambient lighting (Numi 2.0).
- You prefer chair-height seating and a compact one-piece design.
- Your local Kohler dealer can offer better support or service.
What to check before you buy either brand
- Current availability: Several NEOREST pages show limited inventory, and Kohler’s spec sheets are dated 2024. Confirm stock with a showroom or dealer.
- Outlet: Both brands need a GFCI-protected outlet, and Kohler calls for a dedicated circuit. Hire a licensed electrician if you need one added.
- Rough-in: The models we could confirm use a 12-inch rough-in. Measure from the finished wall to the center of the drain.
- Water pressure and flow: Kohler lists a minimum static pressure of 35 psi for the Numi 2.0 and 6 gpm flow for the Veil. TOTO lists a minimum flowing pressure on its NEOREST spec sheets.
- Service: Ask who repairs the electronics in your area once the warranty ends.
Our step-by-step guide to installing a smart toilet covers the prep work.
Frequently asked questions
Is TOTO better than Kohler for smart toilets?
On paper, TOTO goes further on automated bowl cleaning and Kohler goes further on emergency flushing and app control. Which matters more depends on how you’ll use the toilet. Neither is better across the board.
Do TOTO and Kohler smart toilets use less water than regular toilets?
Every model in this comparison has a dual flush with a full flush of 1.28 gpf or less, which meets the EPA WaterSense limit. The NEOREST range, Numi 2.0 and Eir use 1.0 gpf for a full flush.
Can I use these toilets during a power outage?
Yes, for flushing. TOTO lists a manual backup flush, and Kohler’s Numi 2.0, Eir and Veil support up to 100 emergency flushes. Heated seats, washing and drying need power.
Do I need a plumber and an electrician?
Usually you need a plumber or an experienced installer for the toilet, and a licensed electrician if there isn’t already a GFCI-protected outlet nearby. Kohler’s spec sheets call for a dedicated circuit.
Bottom line
Pick TOTO for the most complete bowl hygiene and wall-hung options, and Kohler for outage resilience, app features and compact designs. Then confirm stock, power and water requirements for the specific model. For more options beyond these two brands, see our best smart toilets shortlist and the Japanese smart toilets guide.