TOTO WASHLET S5 Review: Honest Pros & Cons for Buyers

I was standing in the doorway of my own bathroom, staring at the standard toilet seat I had been using for years, and thinking: there has to be a better way. Every morning, the same routine—toilet paper that never quite got things clean, awkward twists to reach, and a lingering awareness that I was spending more time on cleanup than I wanted to admit. Someone had mentioned bidets, but I shrugged it off. Then a friend who had recently renovated his master bath insisted I try his. That was the moment I started looking seriously at electronic bidet seats, and specifically at the TOTO WASHLET S5. I ordered one, installed it, and have been using it daily for the past three months. Here is my honest TOTO WASHLET S5 review—what works, what does not, and whether you should buy one.

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What This Thing Is and Is Not

The TOTO WASHLET S5 is an electronic bidet toilet seat designed to replace your existing toilet seat. It is not a standalone toilet; it attaches to your current toilet bowl, provided the shape is elongated (not round). It is not a portable bidet or a cheap attachment—it is a full-featured seat with a wired remote, heated seat, warm air dryer, deodorizer, and a self-cleaning wand.

Many people confuse bidet seats with bidets (the standalone fixture) or with simple spray attachments. The S5 is automatic: sensors detect when you sit, and the seat warms up. The spray nozzles extend and retract automatically. The TOTO brand has been in the bidet game since the 1980s, and their WASHLET series is their consumer line. The S5 sits in the mid-to-premium tier—above the C2 and C5, below the S7A. At $780, it is not an impulse buy, but it is not the most expensive seat they sell. In terms of category, consider it a reliable mid-range choice for someone who wants most of the luxury features without paying for the top-tier model.

What You Get When It Arrives

The box is substantial and well-packed. Inside you get the bidet seat itself, the remote control (with a wall-mount bracket), a T-valve for connecting to your water supply, hoses, mounting hardware, and an installation manual. What is missing? A power cord extender—the included cord is about four feet, so if your outlet is farther, you will need an extension cord rated for bathroom use. Also missing: any kind of inline water filter. Some competitors include one at this price. TOTO expects you to rely on your home’s existing water filtration, but I added a simple external filter for peace of mind.

First impressions: the seat feels solid. The plastic housing is smooth and has a quality finish—no sharp edges or cheap hollow sound. The remote is lightweight but feels fine in hand. The seat has a slow-close mechanism that works silently. The nightlight is a soft blue glow that is subtle enough not to startle you at 2 AM. Overall, the unboxing confirms the price: it feels like a premium product, despite being mostly plastic.

Getting Started: What the First Week Was Actually Like

The Setup

Installation took me about 45 minutes from start to finish. I have moderate DIY experience. The hardest part was fishing the power cord to the nearest GFCI outlet—my toilet is not near one. The instructions are clear enough, though the diagrams are small. For someone with no plumbing experience, I would budget an hour and have a wrench ready. The T-valve installs straightforwardly onto the fill valve. The seat clips onto the mounting bracket and snaps into place. No special tools needed.

The Learning Curve

The remote has maybe 15 buttons. That is intimidating at first. But after two days, I only used three: stop, rear cleanse, and front cleanse (for my wife). The dryer and oscillating/pulsating functions are nice, but I did not use them much the first week. The learning curve is mostly remembering which button does what. The seat itself is intuitive: sit down, and it warms up. Stand up, and it stops. The feature that took the longest to trust was the automatic wand cleaning—it sprays EWATER+ (electrolyzed water) to sanitize the nozzle. It works, but it is weird to hear it hiss after you stand up.

The First Result

The very first time I used the spray, I was not prepared for the pressure. Even on the lowest setting, it is strong. The water is warm within a second—instantaneous heating means no cold blast. The coverage is good, and the oscillating mode really does feel like a gentle massage. I did not need toilet paper at all. I used the air dryer (which is warm but takes a full minute to dry), then patted dry with a small towel. The first result: cleaner than any paper wipe, and surprisingly comfortable. My wife reported the same.

If you are wondering is TOTO WASHLET S5 worth buying based solely on first impressions: yes, it delivers what it promises.

After Extended Use: What Changed

What Got Better With Time

After a month, I stopped reaching for toilet paper entirely. The dryer works well enough, though I still use a dedicated towel. I learned to adjust the spray position and pressure to exactly where I need it. The remote’s memory settings (up to four users) are great—each person can save their preferred position, pressure, temperature, and dryer setting. The nightlight became indispensable; it illuminates the bowl enough to see without blinding you. The PREMIST feature (which wets the bowl before use) genuinely reduces the need for a brush. My cleaning schedule stretched from weekly to biweekly.

What Stayed Consistently Good

The seat heating never fluctuated. The water temperature remained constant, even during long sprays. The wand retracts cleanly and the self-cleaning works without issue. The remote battery lasted three months on the included coin cell (I replaced it proactively, but it was not dead). The slow-close lid held up perfectly—no sagging or noise. The deodorizer, which I was skeptical about, actually works. It pulls air through a charcoal filter and neutralizes odors within seconds. My bathroom smells fresher.

What I Wished I Had Known Earlier

First: the seat’s shape is very elongated. If your toilet bowl is round, this will not fit—double-check your bowl length (the S5 requires at least 18.5 inches from mounting bolts to the front rim). Second: the remote needs to be wall-mounted or placed somewhere with a clear line of sight to the toilet. The infrared receiver is on the side of the seat, so if you put the remote in a drawer, it will not work. Third: the air dryer is not strong enough to fully dry a heavy cleanse—use the spray for less time or accept that you will need a pat towel. Minor, but worth knowing.

Any Degradation or Concerns Over Time

Nothing broke. The only change I noticed after three months was a slight yellowing of the plastic on the seat near the back, where the body sits. It is barely visible and wiped off with a non-abrasive cleaner, but it suggests the material is not entirely stain-proof. The wand’s self-cleaning cycle can leave a little water pooled on the nozzle, which could be a hygiene concern if you are particular. I dry it occasionally with a tissue. Overall, no mechanical concerns.

The Features That Actually Matter

Features That Delivered

• Instantaneous Water Heating: Heats water on demand, so no tank. That means endless warm water. In practice, I never ran out, even during a three-minute cleanse. Temperature stays consistent regardless of flow.
• PREMIST: Sprays the bowl before you use it. This really works—waste slides off more easily, reducing the need for scrubbing. I noticed a significant reduction in bowl stains.
• EWATER+ Wand Cleaning: After each use, the wand is rinsed with electrolyzed water. This sounds gimmicky, but it prevents buildup. I checked the nozzle after a month—no residue. It feels cleaner than manual wiping.
• Heated SoftClose Seat: Five temperature settings. On the highest, the seat is noticeably warm but not hot. The soft-close mechanism is silent and has not loosened over time.
• Air Deodorizer: Activated by the remote or automatically when you sit. The fan is quiet and the filter lasts about six months. It genuinely eliminates odors within seconds. Impressive.
• Remote with Memory: Four user profiles. I set mine to oscillating, medium pressure, warm water. My wife set hers to front cleanse, soft spray. Each profile remembers everything. No re-adjusting.

Features That Were Overstated

• Warm Air Dryer: TOTO claims it dries you. It does—sort of. On the highest temperature, it takes over a minute for a light cleanse. For a full cleanse, you need two to three minutes. I ended up using a towel instead. It is better than nothing, but not a replacement for drying.
• Oscillating and Pulsating Streams: These are marketed as a massage. They move the spray in a pattern. In practice, I used them a few times, but the standard rear cleanse already covers the area well. The oscillation does add a pleasant sensation, but it is not a dealmaker.
• Nightlight: It is a glow, not a beam. It illuminates the bowl area but does not light the floor. Useful for not stubbing toes, but do not expect to read by it.

Specifications Reference

For more guidance on choosing the right bidet seat, check our comparison of bidet seat features.

The Honest Scorecard

That overall score of 4.2 reflects a product that does most things beautifully but stops short of perfection. The dryer speed and the potential for minor plastic discoloration keep it from a 5. For most buyers, the day-to-day experience will be very satisfying.

How It Stacks Up Against the Real Alternatives

The Case For This Product Over the Alternatives

The S5’s instantaneous water heating is a genuine advantage over tank-based systems like the Brondell Swash 1400, which can run out of hot water. The PREMIST feature reduces cleaning time, something neither the C5 nor the Bio Bidet offers. For anyone with bowel sensitivity or a desire for less toilet maintenance, the S5 is a clear winner. The memory settings are also more refined than competitors—four profiles instead of two on most similar seats.

The Case For Choosing Something Else

If drying performance is critical to you, the Bio Bidet Bliss BB-2000 has a noticeably stronger and faster dryer. If you are on a strict budget, the TOTO C5 gives you the same spray experience for $230 less, sacrificing only the self-cleaning wand and oscillating spray. The Brondell Swash 1400 offers an enema function that some users with medical needs may require. Choose the S5 only if you value consistent warm water and a self-cleaning wand without needing the best dryer.

For a deeper look at how the S5 compares to other smart toilet seats, read our full comparison.

Who This Is Right For, Stated Plainly

The right buyer is someone who uses the toilet multiple times a day, wants a significant upgrade in cleanliness, and is willing to spend around $800 for comfort features that last for years. Ideal for households with two or more users, thanks to the memory profiles. Also ideal for anyone with limited mobility—no twisting to wipe, just a button press. The warm seat is a godsend in winter. If you are already comfortable with bidets and want to step up to instantaneous hot water without breaking the bank on the S7A, this is your seat.

The wrong buyer is someone who dislikes the idea of a remote control on the wall, or who wants a truly hands-free experience (the S5 still requires pressing a button to start the spray). Also not for those with round toilets—it will not fit. If your budget cannot stretch beyond $600, the C5 will serve you almost as well. If you absolutely need a built-in toilet (not just a seat), look at all-in-one bidet toilets like the TOTO Ultramatic.

Price, Value, and Where to Buy

At $780, the TOTO WASHLET S5 sits in the middle of the premium bidet seat market. For that price you get a seat that will last years—TOTO has a strong reliability reputation. The value proposition is strong for mid-range buyers who want most of the top-tier features without paying $1,200. Compared to the C5 at $550, the extra $230 gets you the self-cleaning EWATER+ wand, PREMIST, oscillating spray, and four user memory settings. That is a fair upgrade for anyone who values hygiene and convenience.

I bought mine from Amazon, as did many friends. TOTO is also sold at authorized plumbing supply stores, big box home improvement retailers, and directly through TOTO’s website. Buying from Amazon gave me free shipping and a 30-day return window. Note that TOTO’s warranty requires proof of purchase from an authorized seller; third-party marketplace sellers may not qualify. Stick with Amazon or a reputable plumbing supplier.

A note on pricing: The S5 occasionally dips to around $720 during Amazon Prime events or holiday sales. I saw it at $699 once. Worth waiting if you are not in a rush.

Warranty and After-Sales Support

TOTO covers the S5 with a two-year limited warranty on electronic components and one year on labor. The warranty does not cover damage from improper installation, hard water buildup (if you have very hard water, consider a filter), or cosmetic issues like staining. I have not needed support, but TOTO’s phone support is available during business hours and they have a network of authorized service centers.

Questions I Get Asked About This Product

Is the TOTO WASHLET S5 actually worth the price?

For anyone who uses the toilet multiple times daily and values instant warm water without a tank, yes. The PREMIST and EWATER+ reduce cleaning time and improve hygiene. The heated seat and nightlight are nice bonuses. If you are the kind of person who will pay extra for a consistent, comfortable experience, it is worth it. If you just want the basic clean, save $200 and get the C5.

How does it compare to the TOTO C5?

The C5 uses a small tank for warm water (limited to about 30 seconds) and does not have oscillating spray, PREMIST, or EWATER+. The C5 also lacks memory settings. The S5 is a clear step up in features. For a couple hundred bucks more, I think the S5 is a wiser long-term buy, especially with multiple users.

How long does setup realistically take?

I did it in 45 minutes with basic tools. A first-timer might take 60–90 minutes. The most time-consuming part is routing the power cord. If your outlet is not near the toilet, budget extra time for a safe cord management solution (like a cord cover). The T-valve install is simple—just a few turns.

What do you actually need to buy alongside it?

You need a GFCI outlet within four feet (or a properly rated extension cord). No water filter is included, so if your water is hard, I recommend an inline filter (about $15–20 on Amazon). Also, a small towel for drying if you don’t want to wait for the dryer. The seat itself is complete. Optionally, get a replacement charcoal filter for the deodorizer (lasts 6–12 months).

Has it had any reliability issues over time?

In three months, no issues. The seat heating remains consistent. The wand retracts smoothly. The remote still works. I did notice the plastic on the seat back yellows slightly—common with white plastic bathroom fixtures. Clean with non-abrasive cleaner to reduce it. No electronic failures. TOTO’s reputation is strong, but I’ll update this review at six months.

Where should I buy it to avoid fakes or poor service?

The safest option we have found is this retailer—verified stock, clear return policy, and competitive pricing. Avoid third-party sellers on other platforms that do not show TOTO’s authorized badge.

Does the S5 work with a round toilet?

No. The S5 is designed for elongated bowls only. If you have a round bowl, you will need a different seat (like the TOTO C2 or S300e). Measure the distance from your toilet mounting bolts to the front rim—at least 18.5 inches for the S5.

How loud is the spray and the deodorizer fan?

The spray is about as loud as a small electric shower—noticeable but not disruptive. The deodorizer fan is quieter than a bathroom exhaust fan. At night, the sound is minimal. The seat closing is silent.

My Actual Take, After All of It

What Tipped It For Me

Two things: the instantaneous heated water, which means I never got a cold surprise, and the PREMIST, which cut my toilet cleaning frequency in half. Those two features alone made the daily experience noticeably better than my old seat. The memory settings also made life easier for my wife and me—we each have our own profile, no fiddling with buttons.

The Honest Verdict

I would buy the TOTO WASHLET S5 again without hesitation. It is a well-engineered seat that delivers a consistent, comfortable cleanse. It is not perfect—the dryer is weak and the plastic may eventually discolor—but the core features work exactly as advertised. If you have an elongated toilet and $780 to spend, this is one of the best mid-range options available. I recommend it to any friend who asks for my honest home improvement advice.

If You Have Used It, Tell Me What You Found

I have shared my experience, but every household is different. If you already own the S5, I would love to hear how it holds up for you—especially if you have had it longer than three months. Drop a comment below. And if you are ready to order, check the current price right here.