TOTO Washlet S1 vs S2: Which is Better?

TOTO is rolling out a new round of Washlet seats, including the TOTO S1, Washlet KS2, and KS5 Washlet. The S1 Washlet is the entry point of that new lineup, and it's a natural one to put up against the TOTO S2, which has been a go-to mid-tier seat for buyers who want more than the basics.

The Washlet S2 is one of the more searched Washlet seats in the lineup, and it's easy to see why once you compare it to the TOTO Washlet S1.

So what's the difference between the S1 Washlet and S2 Washlet?

Both use the same side arm control panel, both heat water instantly instead of relying on a tank, and both fit round or elongated toilets. On paper they look like siblings. The real difference is what TOTO leaves out at the lower price tier.

The Washlet S1 lists at $597 MSRP. The TOTO Washlet S2 lists at $775 MSRP, a $178 gap. For that difference, the S2 adds a full tier of hygiene features the S1 skips entirely. So the real question with this pair is whether these feature differences are worth the difference in price.

TOTO S2 vs S1: Quick Comparison

Toilet Compatibility

Both seats come in round and elongated versions, so the shape of your bowl won't decide this one for you. If you're not sure which shape you have or whether either seat will fit your toilet, measure from the two bolt holes at the back of the bowl to the front edge of the bowl rim.

Round bowls typically measure about 16.5 inches, elongated bowls about 18.5 inches.

Either way, both the TOTO S1 and Washlet S2 come in both shapes, so once you know which one you have, you're covered.

For a side-by-side look at compatibility across TOTO's full Washlet lineup, not just these two, see our TOTO Washlet comparison chart.

What the TOTO S1 Has

The S1 Washlet isn't a stripped seat. It still gives you the core experience that makes a Washlet feel like a Washlet:

• Instant water heater, so you're not waiting on a tank to recover between uses 
• Oscillating and pulsating spray for a more thorough clean 
• Heated seat, so you're never sitting down on cold porcelain 
• CLEAN RESIN coating, TOTO's antimicrobial surface that resists bacteria and makes the seat easier to keep clean 
• Auto energy saver mode, which scales back power draw when the seat isn't in use

It's a real bidet seat with the fundamentals covered. What it doesn't have is anything beyond the fundamentals.

What the Washlet S2 Adds

The TOTO S2 includes everything the S1 has, then adds a meaningful layer on top:

• Warm air dryer with three temperature settings, so you can skip toilet paper entirely 
• Night light for nighttime visits without flipping on a bright overhead light 
• EWATER+ self-cleaning wand, which rinses the wand with electrolyzed water before and after each use 
• PREMIST (bowl), which lightly mists the toilet bowl before use to cut down on buildup 
• Automatic deodorizer with an active carbon filter that neutralizes odor at the source

That's five hygiene and comfort features the TOTO S1 doesn't have, for $178 more at MSRP.

Who the S1 Washlet Is Right For

The Washlet S1 makes the most sense for budget-conscious buyers who want a real bidet seat without paying for extras they won't use. It's also a solid fit for rental units and guest bathrooms, where the dryer, night light, and self-cleaning wand tend to see less daily use anyway.

If you mainly want instant heating and dual spray without stretching the budget further, the TOTO S1 covers that without asking you to pay for more.

Who the S2 Washlet Is Right For

The TOTO Washlet S2 is the better choice for primary bathrooms, where the seat gets daily use and the dryer, night light, and self-cleaning wand actually earn their keep. It's also worth the extra cost for anyone who wants odor control built in rather than relying on a fan or air freshener.

If you'd rather pay more once than find yourself missing the dryer or deodorizer down the line, the Washlet S2 is the one to go with.

Common Questions

Is the TOTO S2 worth it over the Washlet S1? If you'll use it daily in a primary bathroom, yes. The dryer and deodorizer alone cover most of what people upgrade for. If it's going in a guest bath or rental, the S1 Washlet covers the basics for less.

How does the TOTO S1 compare to the TOTO A2? The Washlet A2 sits in a similar entry tier to the S1, but it uses a tank water heater instead of an instant heater. If you've been considering the A2 Washlet, the S1 Washlet gets you instant heating at a similar position in the lineup.

Verdict

If you're choosing between the S1 Washlet and TOTO S2, it comes down to whether the extras are worth paying a bit more for.

The TOTO Washlet S1 covers the fundamentals well: instant heating, dual spray, a heated seat, and CLEAN RESIN coating, at a lower price.

The S2 Washlet adds the warm air dryer, night light, EWATER+ self-cleaning wand, PREMIST, and automatic deodorizer on top of all of that.

For a guest bathroom or rental, the Washlet S1 is plenty. For a primary bathroom you'll use every day, the TOTO S2's extras tend to earn their keep.

Still Deciding?

See how the TOTO S1 and TOTO S2 stack up against TOTO's full Washlet lineup, including the Washlet KS2, TOTO KS5, and KS6 Washlet, on our TOTO Washlet comparison chart.