TOTO Washlet S5 Review 2026: Is It Worth It?
If you are shopping for a bidet seat and want the best features without going all the way to a full smart toilet, the TOTO Washlet S5 is the one most experts point to. Wirecutter named it the best bidet seat in 2025, and after looking at everything it offers at its price point, it is easy to see why.
This review covers every feature of the S5, how it compares to the C5 and S7, who it is best for, and what you need to install it. By the end you will know exactly whether the S5 is the right upgrade for your bathroom.
What Is the TOTO Washlet S5?
The TOTO Washlet S5 is a premium bidet toilet seat that replaces your existing toilet seat. It adds heated water washing, a warm air dryer, an air deodorizer, and several self-cleaning technologies. It works on most standard elongated toilets and plugs into a standard GFCI outlet.
TOTO is one of the world's largest toilet manufacturer and the Washlet line is their flagship bidet seat product. The S5 sits in the middle of the Washlet lineup, above the entry-level C2 and C5 models and below the top-tier S7. It is the sweet spot most buyers land on when they want serious features without paying for the S7 premium.
TOTO Washlet S5 Key Features
Instant Tankless Water Heating
Most entry-level bidet seats store warm water in a small tank. That tank runs out after 30 to 60 seconds, leaving you with cold water mid-session. The S5 uses instant tankless heating that produces warm water continuously with no wait and no cold surprise. This is one of the most important practical upgrades the S5 has over cheaper bidet seats.
EWATER+ Self-Cleaning Technology
EWATER+ is TOTO's electrolyzed water system. Before and after each use, the wand and bowl are misted with electrolyzed water, which inhibits bacterial growth without any chemicals. The bowl stays cleaner between regular cleanings and you never need to apply cleaning agents to the wand directly.
PREMIST Bowl Pre-Wetting
Before you sit down, PREMIST automatically mists the inside of the toilet bowl with water. A wet bowl surface repels waste far more effectively than a dry one, which means less scrubbing during regular cleaning. It sounds like a small detail but makes a real difference over time.
Wireless Remote Control
The S5 comes with a wall-mountable wireless remote that controls water temperature, water pressure, wand position, dryer temperature, and all cleaning modes. The remote is intuitive enough that most people figure it out without reading the manual. It mounts beside the toilet so it is always within reach.
Warm Air Dryer
The built-in warm air dryer lets you go fully hands-free. It has adjustable temperature settings and most users find a complete dry takes about 30 to 60 seconds at the warmer settings.
Air Deodorizer
The S5 pulls bathroom air through a deodorizing filter before releasing it back into the room. It activates automatically when you sit down and handles odors at the source rather than masking them with fragrance.
Nightlight
A soft blue LED illuminates the bowl when the bathroom is dark. It is subtle enough not to disturb sleep but bright enough to navigate safely. A small feature that ends up being more useful than most people expect.
TOTO Washlet S5 vs C5: Which Should You Buy?
The C5 is the most common alternative buyers consider when comparing Washlet models. Here is how they stack up side by side:
| Feature | TOTO Washlet S5 | TOTO Washlet C5 |
|---|---|---|
| Water Heating | Instant tankless | Tank-based (may go cold) |
| EWATER+ | Yes | No |
| PREMIST | Yes | No |
| Remote Control | Wireless wall remote | Side panel only |
| Air Deodorizer | Yes | Yes |
| Warm Air Dryer | Yes | Yes |
| Nightlight | Yes | No |
The S5 is worth the upgrade over the C5 if you use the bidet daily and want water that stays warm throughout the entire session. The tankless heating alone justifies the price difference for regular users. If budget is the primary concern, the C5 is still a capable bidet seat, but the S5 is the better long-term investment.
TOTO Washlet S5 vs S7: Is the Upgrade Worth It?
| Feature | TOTO Washlet S5 | TOTO Washlet S7 |
|---|---|---|
| Water Heating | Instant tankless | Instant tankless |
| EWATER+ | Yes | Yes |
| PREMIST | Yes | Yes |
| Auto Open/Close Lid | No | No |
| Auto Flush | No | Compatible with add-on kit |
| Side Nightlight | No | Yes |
| Warranty | 1 year | 2 years |
| Design | Standard profile | Sleeker low-profile |
The S7 offers a sleeker design, an additional side nightlight, a 2-year warranty, and compatibility with TOTO's optional auto flush add-on kit. For most buyers, the S5 provides the same core wash quality at a meaningfully lower price. If the slimmer aesthetic or longer warranty matters to you, the S7 is worth the premium.
Who Should Buy the TOTO Washlet S5?
The S5 is the right choice if:
- You want continuous warm water with no cold cutoff mid-session
- You care about hygiene and want a self-cleaning wand and bowl (EWATER+ and PREMIST)
- You prefer a wireless remote over a side-mounted control panel
- You want a bidet seat from a brand with decades of proven reliability
- You want premium bidet seat features without spending on a full smart toilet
It may not be the right choice if budget is the primary concern (the Brondell Swash 1400 is worth considering at a lower price point) or if you specifically want a fully automatic experience with an auto-opening lid and auto flush (look at the S7A instead).
Installation Requirements for the TOTO Washlet S5
Installing the S5 is straightforward for most bathrooms. Here is what you need:
- Outlet: A GFCI outlet within 4 feet of the toilet. This is standard in most bathrooms but worth confirming before you order.
- Water supply: The S5 connects via a T-valve on your existing supply line. No new plumbing required.
- Toilet compatibility: Fits most elongated and round toilets. Measure your bowl length from the front of the bowl to the bolt holes to confirm fit.
- Cord length: The power cord is approximately 4 feet.
Most installations take 15 to 30 minutes. It is recommended to have a licensed professional install the bidet seat.
Frequently Asked Questions About the TOTO Washlet S5
What is the difference between the TOTO Washlet S5 and S7?
The S7 adds a slimmer seat design, an additional side nightlight, a 2-year warranty (versus 1 year on the S5), and compatibility with TOTO's optional auto flush add-on kit. The S5 covers all the core wash features at a lower price and is the better value for most buyers.
Does the TOTO Washlet S5 require a special toilet?
No. The S5 fits most elongated and round toilets. You need a GFCI outlet within 4 feet of the toilet and a water supply line with a T-valve. No special plumbing is required.
Does the TOTO Washlet S5 heat water instantly?
Yes. The S5 uses tankless instant water heating so you never run out of warm water. This is a significant upgrade over tank-based bidet seats that can go cold after 30 to 60 seconds.
What is EWATER+ on the TOTO Washlet S5?
EWATER+ is TOTO's electrolyzed water technology. It mists the wand and bowl with electrolyzed water before and after each use to inhibit bacterial growth and keep the seat cleaner between uses.
Is the TOTO Washlet S5 worth the price?
For most buyers, yes. Its tankless heating, EWATER+ self-cleaning, and PREMIST put it in a class above budget bidet seats at a price meaningfully lower than the S7 or a full smart toilet.
Shop the TOTO Washlet S5 at Majestic Flush. Free curbside shipping, price match guarantee, and expert support Monday to Friday 9am to 5pm EST at (980) 452-3079.
Related reading on the Majestic Blog:
Leave a comment