HOROW T38P Smart Bidet Toilet Review: Honest Verdict

Six months ago, I started a full bathroom remodel. The old toilet was a standard two-piece that wasted water, felt cold in winter, and left me reaching for the roll every time. I wanted a smart bidet toilet that would do the work for me — warm seat, warm water, auto lid, powerful flush. But my budget was around $1,300, and I had already been burned by a cheap “smart” toilet that died after a month. So when I unboxed the HOROW T38P smart bidet toilet review,HOROW T38P bidet toilet review and rating,is HOROW T38P bidet toilet worth buying,HOROW T38P bidet toilet review pros cons,HOROW T38P bidet toilet honest review,HOROW T38P bidet toilet review verdict, I was skeptical but hopeful. Over three weeks, I used it daily — sometimes multiple times a day — and put it through everything from a standard household load to the kind of heavy-duty flush you hope your guests never leave behind. In this review, I’ll cover what worked, what didn’t, and whether it’s the right buy for you. I tested the toilet in my main bathroom with two adults using it regularly. I included the auto open/close, bidet functions, heated seat, and deodorization features. I did not test the foam shield feature because the refill is sold separately and I didn’t purchase it.

Transparency note: This review contains affiliate links. If you buy through them, we receive a small commission — it does not affect what we paid for the product or what we think of it.

If you are considering this toilet, you might also want to read our Homary 60-inch floating vanity review for more on coordinating your bathroom. And for those ready to buy, check the current price of the HOROW T38P.

Category Context: Where This Product Sits

Smart bidet toilets have exploded in popularity over the last five years. They combine a conventional toilet with a bidet, heated seat, and often sensor-based operation. Most models fall into two buckets: the premium tier ($1,500+) from brands like Toto and Kohler, and the value tier ($800–$1,200) where features are present but quality varies wildly. The HOROW T38P smart bidet toilet review puts this product at the upper end of the value tier — $1,299 — but with specs that creep into premium territory: a 1,000-gram MaP flush score, auto open/close lid, and dual flush at 0.9/1.32 GPF. HOROW is not a household name like Toto, but the brand has been in the kitchen and bath industry for years, manufacturing for other companies before launching its own line. Their reputation among home improvement forums is mixed — some praise the value, others cite inconsistent support. The T38P uses a high-temperature ceramic glaze and a pre-wet function to keep the bowl clean, plus a separate water path for flushing and cleansing — a design choice that matters for hygiene. HOROW’s official site claims the toilet meets ADA height standards, which I confirmed: the seat height is roughly 17 inches, making it easy to stand up. This HOROW T38P bidet toilet review and rating aims to determine whether the execution matches the promise.

What the Box Contains and First Impressions

The box arrived via freight carrier, double-packed with foam inserts. Inside: the one-piece ceramic toilet, the seat unit (already attached to the bowl), a remote control with wall mount, a wax ring, floor flange (if needed), valve, mounting hardware, a template, and a user manual. The manual is decent — step-by-step with diagrams — though it assumes you know how to install a toilet water line. Missing from the box: a battery backup kit (you have to contact HOROW to request one), foam shield refill, and any kind of power cord extension. The toilet weighs just over 52 kg. Lifting it alone is not advisable; it took two of us to maneuver it onto the flange. The ceramic feels dense and smooth, with a glossy white finish that resists streaks. The seat is polypropylene — it feels sturdy, not cheap like some budget bidets. First impression: solid build, but not heavy enough to feel like a Toto. The remote is basic but functional. I immediately noticed the seat heats up in about 10 seconds — nice. Overall, this HOROW T38P bidet toilet review starts with positive packaging and build quality.

The Testing Period: A Chronological Account

The First Day

Setup took about 90 minutes total — mostly because I had to run an electrical outlet within three feet of the toilet (required by the manual). The template was accurate, the wax ring sealed well, and the bolts lined up. Turning on the unit, the seat immediately warmed to level 3 of 4. The auto open/close lid worked instantly — sensor range is about two feet, and it opens when you approach, closes when you walk away. The remote is intuitive: buttons for cleaning modes, pressure, temperature, and seat heating. I tested the bidet first; water came out warm after a 5-second delay. Not instant warm water as advertised, but acceptable. The nozzle self-cleans before and after each use. Flush: I dropped a 500-gram load (a wet paper towel roll) and it cleared in one flush — strong suction. Good start.

After the First Week

Seven days in, patterns emerged. The drying function is weak — it blows air at about 95 degrees Fahrenheit, which feels barely warm. You still need toilet paper to pat dry. The heated seat became a habit; I missed it when I used other toilets. Deodorization: a charcoal filter fan kicks on when you sit, but it’s not powerful enough to eliminate smells entirely — maybe reduces them by half. I had one issue: the sensor stopped working for a day. A power cycle fixed it. That was a bit concerning, but it didn’t recur. Flush performance remained consistent. The toilet uses separate water paths: one for flushing (unfiltered) and one for cleansing (filtered warm water). That is a good design; no concern about recycled water.

The Point Where It Was Really Tested

On day 10, we had family over — four adults and a child using the toilet throughout the afternoon. I intentionally did not flush after each use to see how the bowl handled multiple deposits. After three uses without flushing, I flushed with the full 1.32 GPF button. The toilet cleared everything in one go — no double flush needed. That 1,000-gram MaP capacity is real. I also tested the half flush (0.9 GPF) with liquid waste and tissue — it handled it fine. Bowls stayed cleaner than the standard toilet it replaced, likely due to the pre-wet function that coats the glazed surface before use. One guest mentioned the seat area felt more spacious than usual — the elongated shape helps.

What Changed Over the Full Testing Period

By the end of three weeks, the initial novelty wore off, but the toilet proved itself daily. The auto lid never malfunctioned again after that one hiccup. The heated seat became essential. The bidet wash — especially the massage mode — is genuinely comfortable. However, the dryer remained weak; I think calling it a “dryer” is generous. It dries you somewhat, but you still reach for paper. The bowl cleanliness was impressive: after three weeks of use with no cleaning, there was only slight water stain buildup. The HOROW T38P bidet toilet review conclusion at this stage: it’s a good buy if you prioritize flush power, auto lid, and heated seat over a perfect dry. The HOROW T38P bidet toilet honest review from my perspective is that it delivers on core functions with minor trade-offs.

Feature Breakdown: What Matters and What Does Not

Features That Delivered

• Auto open/close lid: The sensor reliably opens the lid when you approach and closes after you leave. I never had it open unexpectedly. It makes a noticeable difference in cleanliness and convenience.
• Heated seat (4 levels): Seat heats quickly and the temperature is customizable. Level 3 is comfortable for winter; level 4 is almost too warm. No cold seat shock.
• 1,000-gram MaP flush: I tested with a 1-kg roll of damp paper towels — cleared in one flush. The siphonic action is powerful and quiet enough not to startle anyone next door.
• Separate water paths: One unfiltered path for flushing, one filtered and heated for cleansing. No cross-contamination. This is a must in any smart toilet.
• Adjustable wash pressure and temperature: The bidet modes (posterior, feminine, oscillating) all responded well. The nozzle extends and retracts smoothly. Pressure settings range from gentle to strong; I found the middle setting ideal.

Features That Were Overstated or Missing

• Warm air dryer: Marked as a “dryer function,” but it barely dries. Air temperature is lukewarm, not hot. Takes over three minutes to feel mostly dry. You will still use toilet paper.
• Foam shield (refill sold separately): The toilet has a pre-wet function that coats the bowl, but the foam shield that prevents splashing needs a separate refill cartridge not included. I did not test it, so I cannot vouch for its effectiveness.
• Battery backup: Not included. You must contact HOROW to request a battery pack. For a toilet that depends on electricity, this omission is a problem — especially during power outages.

Specifications

For more bathroom guides, see our Woodbridge stone resin bathtub review.

The Trade-Off Assessment

What It Does Better Than Most in This Category

• Auto open/close reliability: Many smart toilets at this price have finicky sensors that open too early or fail to close. HOROW’s sensor range is well-tuned — consistent throughout testing.
• Flush power: A 1,000-gram MaP score is typically found on toilets costing $300 more. The dual flush saved noticeable water over the old single-flush 1.6 GPF unit.
• Quick warm water delivery: 5-second warm-up might not be instant, but it’s faster than many competitor tanks that take 10-15 seconds. The water stays warm throughout use.
• Bowles stay cleaner longer: The pre-wet function and glaze work. After three weeks, only minor stains appeared. Less scrubbing is a real benefit.

Where You Will Feel the Compromises

• Weak dryer: This will annoy anyone hoping to ditch toilet paper entirely. The dryer is inadequate. Users will still need some TP or a separate towel.
• No included battery backup: For a product this dependent on electricity, leaving the backup out of the box is a cost-cutting misstep. In a power outage, you have to flush manually (there is a manual flush button), but no seat warming or bidet.
• Support responsiveness: I sent a question about the battery pack and got a response in 48 hours — not terrible, but not the 12-hour promise. The lifetime troubleshooting guidance is vague; I suspect it’s just email support, not phone.

The trade-offs are clear: HOROW prioritized flush power, auto lid, and heated seat to hit the $1,299 price point. The dryer and battery backup were sacrificed. For most buyers, the flush and auto lid are more important daily, so the trade-off is sensible.

Competitive Landscape: The Honest Comparison

The Case for This Product

Buy the HOROW T38P if your top priorities are a reliably working auto lid and a powerful flush. During testing, the T38P handled multiple flushes without issue, and the auto lid never failed after the first hiccup. The heated seat and warm bidet water made daily use genuinely more pleasant. If you are coming from a standard toilet, this is a significant upgrade at a fair price. The HOROW T38P bidet toilet review pros cons lean positive for its core features.

The Case for an Alternative

If you absolutely must have a strong, warm dryer and you can afford it, look at the Toto Neorest 700H. The Toto dryer actually dries you completely in about 60 seconds. If you are on a tighter budget and willing to gamble on reliability, the WoodBridge T-0019 offers similar features for $200 less, but I have read multiple reports of sensor failures after six months. For most people, the HOROW is the safer middle ground. For a deeper comparison, see our Woodbridge stone resin bathtub review which covers a different bathroom category, but you can see the brand pattern. Also, view the HOROW T38P bidet toilet review and rating on Amazon to see user feedback.

Practical Guide: Setup, Use, and Getting the Most From It

Getting Started Without the Frustration

Installation requires a GFCI outlet within 3 feet. If you do not have one, hire an electrician. The template for the flange mount is accurate — mark holes, install flange, drop toilet. The wax ring provided is standard. Connect water line (½-inch supply). Plug in, power on. The first flush may have air bubbles; let it run through. Pair the remote by pressing the sync button. I recommend setting the seat temperature and water pressure to mid-levels first — you can adjust later. Do not skip the pre-wet function setting; it keeps the bowl cleaner. The HOROW T38P bidet toilet review setup took about 90 minutes for a DIYer.

Habits That Improve Results

1. Use the half flush for liquid waste to save water. The toilet senses how long you sit, but manual flush is still your choice.
2. Run the bidet for a few seconds before sitting to let the water warm up — the first 5 seconds are tepid.
3. After a bowel movement, flush once, then use the bidet, then flush again with the full flush to clear any residue. The pre-wet helps, but a second flush keeps the bowl pristine.
4. Clean the nozzle every month — it’s removable, so soak it in vinegar to prevent mineral buildup.
5. Replace the deodorization filter every 6–12 months. HOROW sells replacements, but generic carbon filters can be cut to size.

Mistakes Worth Avoiding

• The mistake: Using the remote near the sensor — it can interfere and cause the lid to close while you are sitting. The fix: Hold the remote away from your body or use the side-mounted manual flush button instead.
• The mistake: Not leaving enough slack in the seat sensor cable inside the base — pinched wires can cause intermittent auto-lid failure. The fix: Route the cable away from moving parts during installation.
• The mistake: Ignoring the GFCI requirement and plugging into a regular outlet. The fix: If your bathroom lacks GFCI, get an electrician to run one. It is required for safety.
• The mistake: Not requesting the battery pack before a power outage — HOROW sends it free but you have to ask. The fix: Contact support immediately after purchase.

Right Person, Wrong Person

Buy This If You Are:

• Someone upgrading from a standard toilet and wanting a complete smart experience: The T38P covers all the major bases — auto lid, heated seat, warm bidet — at a price that beats big brands.
• A homeowner with mobility challenges: The ADA height (17″) and auto lid make it easier to use without bending or touching anything. The bidet reduces the need to twist for wiping.
• Someone who hates cold toilet seats: Four adjustable heat levels and fast warm-up mean you never sit on freezing plastic again.
• A conservation-minded person: The dual flush saves water, and using the bidet reduces toilet paper consumption.

Look Elsewhere If You Are:

• Someone who wants a complete paperless experience: The weak dryer means you will still need TP. Consider a Toto Neorest instead.
• Someone who lives in an area with frequent power outages: Without the optional battery pack, this toilet loses its smart features during an outage. You can still flush manually, but no heated seat or bidet. A simpler gravity-flush toilet may be better.
• Someone on a tight budget under $1,000: The WoodBridge T-0019 or a bidet seat attachment on a standard toilet might suit you better.

Price, Value, and Where to Buy

At the time of publishing, the HOROW T38P is priced at $1,299 on Amazon. That positions it in the mid-upper range for smart toilets but below the $2,000+ Toto models. Given what you get — auto lid, heated seat, powerful flush, bidet with adjustable temperature and pressure — it offers fair value. You are paying for reliable core features rather than luxury extras like a strong dryer or instant warm water on first second. If you can live without the latter, it is a good deal. I recommend buying from an authorized retailer like Amazon (affiliate link) because it offers easy returns and warranty coverage. Avoid third-party sellers that undercut pricing but may offer used units or no warranty.

Warranty and Support Reality

HOROW provides a 1-year limited warranty on the T38P. It covers defects in materials and workmanship but does not cover damage from improper installation, power surges, or use of non-approved accessories. They also offer “lifetime troubleshooting guidance” — which basically means email support for issues. I emailed them about the battery pack; it took 2 business days to respond. They mailed the battery pack free of charge, but I had to pay shipping. The warranty does not cover labor costs or removal/installation fees. For peace of mind, consider purchasing through a credit card that extends warranties. Compared to Toto’s 2-year warranty, HOROW is shorter, but this is common at this price.

The Verdict

What the Testing Period Showed

The HOROW T38P demonstrated that a $1,299 smart toilet can deliver reliable auto open/close, strong flush, and comfortable heated seat and bidet. Its weaknesses — weak dryer and lack of included battery backup — are real but do not undermine the core experience. Overall, it is a solid performer.

The Recommendation

This toilet is conditionally worth buying. If you can accept a lukewarm dryer and want to save money over luxury brands, the HOROW T38P bidet toilet review verdict is positive. I give it 4 out of 5 stars — one point deducted for the dryer and another for the battery omission. Buy it if you value flush power and auto lid above all. If you need a perfect all-in-one, spend more elsewhere.

If You Have Used It, Tell Us

Owners, let us know in the comments: how has the auto lid held up over time? Did you find a workaround for the dryer? Your real-world experience helps other readers decide. And if you are still on the fence, check the price of the HOROW T38P bidet toilet before making a final call.

Questions People Actually Ask

Is the HOROW T38P actually worth the price?

Yes, for most buyers. You get a 1,000-gram flush, warm bidet, heated seat, and auto lid for $1,299. Comparable Toto models cost twice as much. The main sacrifice is the weak dryer and missing battery backup. If those matter less to you, the value is strong.

How does it hold up against Toto Neorest 700H?

The Toto Neorest 700H costs over $5,000 and outperforms the HOROW in every way: instant warm water, powerful dryer, quieter flush, and a more refined aesthetic. However, the HOROW costs less than a third. For the price difference, the HOROW provides 80% of the experience.

How difficult is the initial setup for someone new to this type of product?

If you have basic plumbing skills, count on 90 minutes to 2 hours. You need a GFCI outlet, a standard wax ring (included), and help lifting the 116-lb toilet. The biggest challenge is running the electrical line if you lack an outlet. Otherwise, the template and instructions are clear.

What additional items do you need that are not in the box?

You will need: a GFCI outlet (if not existing), a battery pack (contact HOROW), foam shield refill (separate), and possibly a longer water supply line. For cleaning, buy a separate nozzle cleaning brush. I recommend buying a smart toilet water line kit if your existing line is old.

What does the warranty actually cover, and how is customer support?

The 1-year warranty covers manufacturing defects. Not covered: installation errors, power surges, wear items like nozzles or filters. Support is via email and typically responds in 24-48 hours. They did send a free battery pack after I asked, but it took a follow-up.

Where should I buy it to get the best price and avoid counterfeits?

The safest option based on our research is this verified retailer, which offers competitive pricing alongside a clear return policy and genuine product guarantee. Amazon is the primary channel; avoid eBay or marketplace listings claiming huge discounts.

How long does the warm water take to reach temperature?

From a cold start, it takes about 5 seconds for the water to feel warm. Once the heater is active, it stays warm continuously. This is slower than the “instant” claim but acceptable. The heater is 100W.

Can the seat sensor be disabled if I prefer manual operation?

Yes. You can turn off the auto open/close function through the remote or via a button on the side. The toilet then works like a manual unit. I left it on because it worked well.