Best Toilets Under 200: Top Picks & Reviews

Finding good toilets on a budget is not always easy, especially when you’ve to consider numerous factors like your bathroom decor, measurements, height, bowls, tanks, flushing systems, water use, ADA compliance, and so on. Also, with the advent of so many upgraded features in recent years, you could get lost in all the technical details.

Here at Toiletsguide, we tested and reviewed 5 of the best toilets under 200 from renowned brands. These units are highly function al, aesthetically pleasing, and long-lasting without being heavy on the pocket. With our carefully shortlisted choices that we thoroughly reviewed, you won’t have to worry about the reliability of a budget toilet.

Top 5 Toilets Under $200 Tested and Reviewed

American Standard 2889218.020 H2Option (Editor’s Choice)

Why it Stands Out to Us

The H2Option won our heart with its highly aesthetic and function al design. With chrome-plated push buttons mounted on top of the tank, it’s so pleasant to look at. The H2Option lets you choose between a full or a partial flush while the height is comfortable for most. From high water efficiency to a nice flushing mechanism, American Standard did their best to make this unit worth every penny.

Our Experience with the H2Option

• The reliable dual flush mode lets you choose between two different flushes – partial flush for liquid and full for solid. The button intender for liquid is powerful enough to take care of a substantial amount of solid waste.
• This unit uses noticeably less amount of water due to being a high efficiency 1.28 gpf toilet. Over the years, we’ve used many water-saving toilets but we’ve to say this unit does shine in that department.
• The powerful dual flush helps prevent any possibility of clogging. We didn’t have to use the plunger even once during our extended period of use. All went down with just one flush, leaving the bowl as clean as a whistle.
• DIYers or those with some plumbing experience would be able to install the unit in an hour. The instructions are clearly stated for the first-timers and easy to follow requiring a few tools.
• No need to worry about waking everyone up in the middle of the night. The water swirling sound vanishes immediately after the flush and the tank refills quietly.
• Even though less water is used, the siphonic flushing feature manages to rinse and clean the inside of the bowl thoroughly while the Everclean surface makes life much easier for you.
• The H2Option sits a little taller than standard toilets. We thought the height wouldn’t make much of a difference but it did! The elderly and your family members with knee, hip, or back problems might find this height super comfy.
• The extra height isn’t inconvenient for the little ones either – easy enough for kids to reach the top button and push it down two inches to activate the flush.
• Not only is the H2Option stylish, but it’s durable as well with long warranty periods on its chinaware and mechanical components. Being conventional also means the parts are easy to find at your nearest store or online.
• An added bonus – both the push buttons have braille dots so visually impaired people can use them; i.e., 3 dots mark the partial flush while 9 dots mark the full. The dots are also handy in the dark.

What We Didn’t Like

• Does not come with a seat that needs to be bought separately
• The kit does not include wax rings.

 Our recommendation

• You can put a sticker marking ‘1’ and ‘2’ on top of the buttons, so it’s easy for people to know which to press.

Specifications

Pros

• Water-efficient
• Powerful flush
• Doesn’t clog & easy to clean
• Easy installation
• Quiet, Quick flush and refill
• Robust build
• Taller than standard toilets

Cons

• No seat and wax rings in the package

TOTO CST243EF#12 Entrada (Two-Piece Toilet)

Why it Stands Out to Us

Toto Entrada is a nice combination of modern design and high function ality that still comes with an easily affordable price tag. Just like any high-efficiency unit, its powerful flush requires a little amount of water. The comfortable ADA-compliant height is suited to every member in your family. This unit is sure to serve you for the years to come with little maintenance on your end.

Our Experience with the Round Toto Entrada

• The sleek design is so pleasing to the eye that fits any small bathroom perfectly. If yours is also short on space then you now know which toilet to go for.
• Installation was a breeze with no surprise or difficulty. It took us a little over one hour to get the job done. Never forget to call in a plumber if you’re not the handy type.
• All of our shortlisted choices are highly water efficient. With 1.28 gallons of water per flush, Entrada helps save on your water bill and benefits the environment in the long run.
• Every inch matters in a small toilet where this round toilet fits in nicely – sometimes even leaving space for a wastebasket. The small tank is actually a powerhouse that makes your bathroom look spacious.
• Although the tank seems small, this toilet has a partial flush by pressing the lever quickly or a full flush by holding the lever down until the tank’s empty.
• The quick flush and refill time is quite satisfactory that’s achieved by the siphonic jet that flushes with minimal noise.
• The comfortable universal height suits even short people who can keep their feet flat on the floor.

What We Didn’t Like

• The stock connector that connects the toilet to the water supply was a little short. We had to get a longer one from a hardware store. However, this may work fine in your case because every toilet has a different plumbing setup.
• No seat in the package.

 Our recommendation

• Get the Entrada if your bathroom is small
• You can try to fit the old round seat to save a few dollars.

Specifications

Pros

• Water-efficient
• Doesn’t clog
• Quiet & quick flush & refill
• Compact design with a small tank to save space
• Easy installation
• Partial & full flush option
• Comfortable universal height

Cons

• Short water connector line
• Doesn’t come with a seat

TOTO CST244EF#12 Entrada

Why it Stands Out to Us

Here comes another Entrada model (the next version of our 2nd pick). This beautifully designed two-piece elongated compact toilet has powerful flush while being highly water efficient. There is no doubt this is one of Toto’s finest productions with an inviting and warming look. If you’re revamping your small bathroom or replacing an old toilet, this unit is sure to take your bathroom decor to a whole ‘another level.

Our Experience with the Toto Entrada

• You get to enjoy incredibly quiet flushing with this unit. Toto has done a great job at making this unit much quieter than the previous versions.
• The Entrada’s powerful flush means it’s time to say goodbye to double flushing. It has a 1000MaP score and anything above 800 means you’re going to have a good flush.
• Due to the powerful flush, it hardly ever clogs no matter how much paper you are using. We haven’t come across a single complaint of the Entrada clogging even after years of use. This means you can put down your pesky plunger for good. However, don’t try to flush anything other than human waste.
• The elongated bowl is longer than the standard ones that offer more sitting area. The tank is smaller than its predecessors with a minimalist look that’s still nice looking.
• The tank fills up quickly after a flush. So the waiting time for a second or third flush is not much (max. 20 secs as per our observations).
• The package comes with wax seal flange bolts and a seat. We got everything we needed to install the toilet (except the seat of course).

What We Didn’t Like

• The plastic flush trip lever may break after a few years and if that happens to you, you’ll have to buy a metal replacement for the handle from Toto.

What Could be Improved

• Toto could include a sturdier flush trip lever. Rather than plastic levers, they could use metal for enhanced durability.
• We would appreciate more color options

Our recommendation

• The flange bolts are prone to rust. You may opt for a heavy steel replacement ring from your local hardware store.

Specifications

Pros

• Water-efficient
• Quiet
• Powerful flush
• Doesn’t clog
• Small tank
• Quick refill
• Attractive design

Cons

• Plastic trip lever
• No seat in the package

Swiss Madison Forever Ivy SM-WT450 (Wall Hung Toilet)

Why it Stands Out to Us

Although Swiss Madison stepped into the industry quite recently, they’ve already made a name for themselves with top-of-the-line bath products that are within everyone’s reach. The Forever Ivy’s seamless elegant design still facilitates full access to the plumbing system despite being completely concealed. This means you’ve the opportunity to add style to your bathroom decor and save space as an added bonus.

Our Experience with the Forever Ivy

• When installed we were doubtful about its sturdiness since wall mounted toilets require extraordinary strength to serve well. To our surprise, it was easily able to hold users over 200 lbs. firmly and was so comfortable to sit on.
• The tank is completely concealed so the unit looks amazing. The modern and elegant look gives your bathroom a luxurious appearance without having to break the bank.
• The adjustable height allows you to set it up at your convenience if you’ve problem with the standard size. Sitting on a standard toilet can be a herculean task for some.
• Height is often a matter of concern, especially for the elderly and physically challenged people. The Forever Ivy can be of great help if typical toilets give you a tough time. The adjustable 15” to 19” height is there to ensure a comfortable height.
• The dual flush lets you choose between 1.1 and 1.6 gallons per flush. You can also use a partial flush with 1.1 gallons for liquid waste and a full flush for solid waste to save water. But the flush is not so strong like the previous units.
• Yes, unlike our previous choices, the unit comes with a soft-close and quick-release seat. Just a little push on your lid and it comes down slowly and quietly. You won’t have to worry about accidentally slamming the toilet seat again.

What We Didn’t Like

• Installation was tricky as the connections had to be of proper length. Cutting them short may lead to leaks and we recommend that you seek professional help to be on the safe side. However, homeowners with some plumbing knowledge might get the job done without much hassle.
• Not the best drainage system but still function s great.

What could be improved

• The instruction manual could be more detailed so people with little plumbing knowledge could go DIY and handle the installation themselves easily
• The flush could be more powerful.

Our recommendation

• You will hardly find such an ultra-modern toilet at this low price range. This is what separates Swiss Madison from the competition.

Specifications

Pros

• Dual-flush
• Saves space
• Good customer service
• Adjustable height
• Sleek design
• Soft-close quick-release seat

Cons

• Tricky installation
• Weak flush

American Standard 221CA.004.020 Colony

Why it Stands Out to Us

American Standard claims that the Colony is the right combination of function and form. Well, we have to agree that they are right and you will see why. Aside from the sleek design, the power wash rim scrubs the toilet with each flush and its compact size means it can be fitted in small bathrooms. This expertly crafted piece comes with an elongated bowl and works well for years if maintained properly.

Our Experience with the American Standard 221CA.004.020 Colony

• This unit was easy to assemble and installation was straightforward as well. People with little DIY experience can install this unit themselves without seeking professional help.
• Flushing a loud toilet can be annoying. We certainly don’t want the world to know we just took a dump. The powerful flush of the Colony does its job quietly and discreetly.
• The toilet flushes immediately after you push the lever. We also found the tank refill time quick and you have to wait for just 15 seconds or so if you ever have to flush twice.
• Unlike the old toilet tanks that cause an earthquake every time you flush, the tank of this American Standard model didn’t rock while flushing or during refills.
• The compact design ensures that the unit won’t eat up much space. This will be perfect if you have a small or a half bathroom.
• You get to enjoy a powerful flush with less water every time. It does the job well while saving on water bills.
• The package comes with a nice elongated bowl for a more comfortable experience. This is considerably more modern and stylish when compared to their round bowl counterparts. The elongated shape also makes this unit easier to clean as it’s simpler to see the front interior of the bowl.

What We Didn’t Like

• The toilet didn’t come with a seat and we had to buy one separately.
• You will also need a wax ring to finish the installation

What could be improved

• American Standard should add a seat and wax ring in the package. Even though it’s easy to get your hands on a seat that matches your toilet, some may find this inconvenient.

Our recommendation

• If you order one for your bathroom make sure you know where to get the seat from.

Specifications

Pros

• Water-efficient
• Powerful & quick flush & refill
• Easy Installation
• Nice looking
• Compact size
• Quiet

Cons

• No seat in the package
• No wax ring

A Comprehensive Guide on Choosing the Best Toilets Under 200

1. Size

When replacing an existing unit, figure out the rough-in measurement; i.e., the distance between the wall and the floor drain. Although 12” is the standard distance, an older house may have a 10” or 14” rough-in measurement. This measurement is really important so the new unit can be installed based on the existing plumbing.

2. Toilet style

Two-piece toilets are the most common where the bowl and the tank are separated while one-piece units have a seamless design and are much easier to clean but they’re more expensive. Wall-mounted are so pleasing to the eye but their installation process is a hassle and they are also not so pocket-friendly.

These toilets, however, save a lot of space in your bathroom and present a minimalistic outlook, especially when you hide the tank out of sight. They can be installed at any height that works for you. The bowl floats over the floor, so it is easy to keep the surroundings clean. If you are looking for the best toilets under $200, the style should also be a major concern.

3. Height

A standard toilet usually comes with a 14” or 15“ rim off the ground but some may have 17” to 19” that’re known as comfort height toilets to easily sit on and then get off. For handicapped people, ADA compliance toilets have rims at least 16.5 inches off the ground.

4. Flushing Technology

a. Gravity Fed

The most commonly used flush technology that’s been around for over a century. But their efficiency has surely improved over the ages. The flushing system works with a lever. Once the lever is activated the flush valve is lifted allows water to enter and flush the waste while the fill valve fills in the tank.  Easy to maintain and inexpensive, gravity toilets tend to sweat  and can sometimes underperform. 

b. Pressure or power-assisted

These flush systems use a pressure tank to fill up with water to maintain a certain pressure. They have the strongest flushing power that helps keep the toilet bowl clean and clear more waste with less water. The pressure flushes also mean fewer chances of clogging. However, be ready to pay some extra bucks, endure some noise, and for a difficult repair procedure.

c. Dual Flush

One of the most modern systems where you’ve to choose between a full and a partial flush to save a lot of water. Some offer you a setting for solid waste and a different one for liquid. These toilets also use water efficiently, which can save you money in the long run. The button that operates the flush may require a greater amount of force when compared to the lever.

d. Touchless Flush

They look similar to traditional toilets but flush themselves without having to push a button or a lever. They are a welcoming addition to maintain better hygiene and are often powered by batteries.

5. Water Use

Every gallon of water you save helps your wallet and the environment. It’s always a good option to switch to an updated model that’s supposed to be more water efficient. Old designs are known to waste a huge amount of water with every flush and often develop leaks inside the tank or around the base. In fact, a leaky toilet may waste hundreds of gallons of water without you even realizing it. A toilet marked with a ‘WaterSense’ label helps conserve water as it has to surpass or at least meet strict plumbing standards set by the authority.

6. Bowl Shape

a. Round bowls

Round bowl toilets are the standard units that you should stick to if you have limited space. They are either circular-or square-shaped.

b. Elongated Bowls

Modern houses with large bathrooms usually feature elongated bowls. To add comfort to these toilets, two inches are extended in length in the front. They are either oval or rectangular shaped.

7. Special Features

Seat warmers, motion-activated lids, bidets, air dryers, LED lighting, deodorizers, music players, feet warmers – you’re spoilt for choices. The basic smart toilets usually feature water sensors and automatic flushes. You can get a lot more features like massage wash, feminine wash, bidet wash, heated seating, air dryer, nightlights, emergency flushes during power cuts, and many more with a hefty price tag. The more features you want to be incorporated into your toilet the heavier it’s going to be on your wallet.

8. Waterless units

Great for water-scarce or environmentally fragile areas, composting toilets are the most commonly used waterless toilets. They don’t really smell bad If used and maintained properly. You need an elevated platform or a pit to construct them and they actually work best when planted in the sunny part of the house.

Composting toilets also make fertilizers but you have to go through a complex and time-consuming biological process that involves maintaining the correct pH, temperature digestion, and desiccation by invertebrates.

Toilet Maintenance Tips

• Clean them regularly

Regular cleaning is vital to keep your bathroom better smelling and hygienic. You can use mild soaps, baking soda, and even vinegar.

• Check for leaks

Food color can be used to check for any leaks. Drop a little food color in the tank water to see if it appears in the bowl. Also, look for wet areas around the toilet and on the water pipes connected to it.

• Unclog them properly

Even though plungers are used by most, try using snakes and augers to clean any hard-to-reach clogged areas. Make sure the lines are cleared thoroughly since a partially unclogged toilet may result in weak flushes and clog again sooner than your expectation. It’s best not to use chemical drain cleaners because they’re known to damage old pipes and fixtures as well as human skin.

• Don’t use your toilet as a garbage disposal

Flush only the human waste and toilet papers. Never try to flush anything else like feminine products, cleaning wipes, or paper towels. Teach your children what can and what cannot be flushed. It will be easier for you to train them during potty training.

• Consider the type of toilet paper you are using

Use papers that break down easily when flushed. Thicker papers that are difficult to break down will lead to clogs.

•  Call in a plumber

When in doubt, don’t hesitate to seek professional help. If your toilet keeps clogging or breaks down way too often or there’s a leak you cannot fix yourself, professional repair services are just a call away.

FAQs

1. How much is a handicapped toilet?

A handicap or comfort height toilet will set you back anywhere from just $100 to as much as $1500.

2. What’s the difference between cheap and expensive toilets?

Elongated vs round and comfort height vs standard height are the two main differences. Cheaper toilets usually are round with lower height and less-than-stellar-quality glazing and low-end engineering for the flush system. On the other hand, more expensive toilets are taller height and have elongated bowls for comfortable sitting with better glazing and a once-and-done flush system.