
TOTO S7A vs S5: Comparing TOTO’s Luxury Washlets
The TOTO Washlet sets the gold standard in luxury bidets—and now there’s a new model in the mix.
The TOTO S5 Washlet (replacing the Washlet C5) is the latest addition to TOTO’s premium collection, and it's poised to sit right alongside the long-standing TOTO S7A Washlet (read the TOTO S7A review).
So what's really different about the TOTO S7A vs S5?
If you’re considering either of these high-end bidet seats, this guide breaks down what they have in common, what sets them apart, and how to decide which is right for your bathroom upgrade.
TOTO S5 vs S7A – What’s the Difference?
Both the TOTO S7A and the new TOTO S5 bidet seat deliver advanced comfort and hygiene features—heated water, customizable sprays, warm air drying, and modern, easy-to-clean seat designs.
But the Washlet S5 is brand new, while the TOTO S7A has proven itself as a top-tier option over the years.
“What excites me most about the TOTO WASHLET S5 is how it delivers a premium washlet experience at a more accessible price point,” says John, founder of Premier Bidets. “It brings together many of the high-end features customers love—like instant warm water, a seamless seat, and a night light—while offering a fresh, modern design.”
Let’s take a look at how these two compare side by side.
Feature | TOTO S7A | TOTO S5 |
Auto Open/Close Lid | ✅ | ❌ |
Auto Flush (with kit and compatible toilet) | ✅ | ❌ |
EWATER+ Wand Cleaning | ✅ | ✅ |
EWATER+ Bowl Cleaning | ✅ | ❌ |
PREMIST® | ✅ | ✅ |
Heated Seat | ✅ | ✅ |
Warm Air Dryer | ✅ (5 temps) | ✅ (3 temps) |
Air Deodorizer | ✅ | ✅ |
Seat Height | 4.06" | 5.5" |
Remote | Block-style, multifunction | Slim, magnetic mount |
Seat Sensor | Touch | Pressure |
Night Light | Bowl + Side | Bowl Only |
Design Styles | Classic & Contemporary | Single Design |
Shared Features on the TOTO S7A and S5 Washlets You’ll Love
Both the TOTO S7A and TOTO S5 are full-featured bidet seats that include:
- Compatibility with T40 toilets (concealed hose and electric cable)
- Instantaneous warm water (no tank)
- Heated seat with adjustable temperature
- Front and rear warm water sprays
- Oscillating and pulsating spray patterns
- Air deodorizer
- Warm air dryer
- SoftClose® lid and seat
- PREMIST® bowl misting before use
- Self-cleaning wand
- Night light
- Easy-to-remove docking station for cleaning
TOTO S5 vs S7A - Main Differences
Although the S7A and S5 offer many of the same features, a few key differences set them apart:
1. Automatic Lid & Auto Flush
Only the TOTO S7A offers automatic lid opening/closing and auto flushing (when paired with compatible toilets and an auto-flush kit).
If this is a must on your wishlist, grab the TOTO S7A and don't look back.
2. Bowl Cleaning with EWATER+
The Washlet S7A cleans both the wand and the toilet bowl with EWATER+, while the S5 Washlet only sanitizes the wand .
“If you want every feature TOTO offers—like the auto open/close lid and full EWATER+ system—then the WASHLET S7A is absolutely worth the investment,” says John. “But if you're okay without those extras and want to save some money while still getting top-notch performance and comfort, the TOTO S5 is well worth the wait.”
3. Seat Height
The S7A Washlet is one of the sleekest bidet seats on the market, with a height of only 4.02" at the highest point in the back. The TOTO S5 seat, while still being remarkably sleek for its price, comes in at 5.5" at its highest point.
“The TOTO S7A definitely takes the crown for sleekness,” John says. “That ultra-low 4-inch profile doesn’t just look good—it actually makes for a more comfortable sitting experience. The TOTO S5 is a bit taller in back, but still impressively streamlined for its price. It’s not quite as thin, but it’s far from bulky.”
4. Seat Sensor
The TOTO S7A comes with a true seat‑occupied sensor that needs direct skin contact to kick in, ensuring features only activate when someone’s actually seated.
The TOTO S5—like the older Washlet C5—relies on a pressure sensor in the seat hinge, which only detects weight pressing down. This results in a slight clicking noise as you sit down on the seat, a design choice that tends to annoy the more particular crowd.
Basically, the TOTO S7A uses a smart touch sensor, while the TOTO S5/C5 sticks with the classic weight-switch setup.
“The seat sensor on the S7A is a subtle but smart upgrade,” says John. “It only activates when someone’s actually seated, which makes the whole experience feel more seamless and responsive. The S5 still uses a pressure sensor like the older models—it works, but it’s not quite as refined.”
Early Buzz About the TOTO S5
Customers are responding well to the TOTO S5. According to John, “Early feedback has been very positive. Customers are excited about the upgrade in design and the tankless heating system. A lot of them have told us they’ve been waiting for something that sits between the TOTO C5 and the WASHLET S7A, and the TOTO S5 hits that sweet spot.”
Here's a real review from one of our customers:
S5 or S7A – Which One Should You Get?
Here’s how to decide:
-
Choose the TOTO S7A if you want:
- Full feature set (auto open/close, auto-flush)
- More refined design (sleeker, skin sensor)
- Premium styling with Classic or Contemporary options
-
Choose the TOTO S5 if you want:
- Instant warm water with a seamless, modern design
- Most of the premium features at a more accessible price
- A simple, elegant upgrade from the TOTO C5 (read more on the differences between the Washlet S5 vs C5 here)
“The WASHLET S5 bridges the gap between luxury and practicality,” John says. “It’s going to be the go-to choice for a lot of our customers moving forward.”
Final Thoughts on the TOTO S5 and S7A Washlets
The TOTO WASHLET S7A (SW4734AT40 / SW4736AT40) remains a flagship bidet seat packed with features and design versatility.
But with the release of the TOTO WASHLET S5 (SW3446), TOTO is offering a fresh new option for those who want high-end functionality without the top-tier price tag.
Shop TOTO S7A Bidet Seat Shop TOTO S5 Bidet Seat
No matter which one you choose, both offer a luxurious, hygienic upgrade that transforms your bathroom experience.
Still have questions about these or bidets in general?
Reach out and we’ll help you find your perfect match:
707-297-3991 or sales@premierbidets.com
Take our short bidet quiz to find your perfect bidet
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