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While most of us don’t stop to ponder its benefits, having the best toilet seat can make a big difference in our lives. This is especially true if you suffer from back pain or another medical condition.

A comfortable, well-made throne can work wonders. They make it easier to stand up from the toilet, and can even reduce back and joint pain while you sit. To help you find the right seat for your needs, we’re looking at 10 excellent models that will serve you well.

If you’re unsure what to look for in a toilet seat, fear not. We’ve put together a handy buyer’s guide that will point you in the right direction. You’ll find it right after the reviews. Before we get started, here’s a couple of our favorite picks.

Don’t Have Time to Read the Whole Article?

The best overall goes to Bath Royale’s BR620. This tough and durable seat is easy to install and sports a quick-release feature for easy cleaning.

If you’re looking to save a few bucks, Bemis offers a great alternative with the 1500EC. This affordable entry comes with a handy quick-release feature and is built tough.

Top 10 Best Toilet Seats

We have eight more worthy contenders to look at, so let’s get to it. We’re confident that we have a toilet seat that’s just right for you, regardless of your needs.


1. Bath Royale BR620 Review - Best Overall

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  • Supreme comfort
  • Quick release
  • Attractive
  • Solid
  • A little pricey
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Bath Royale’s BR620 is one of the best seats we’ve come across. It sports the handy gentle closing feature found on other premium models, as well as the quick-release option. It’s nice being able to spray off the entire seat in the bathtub.

There are only three colors to pick between, but the BR620 looks elegant in any shade. We looked at the round version of this model, but Bath Royale offers an elongated one, as well.

You also get a two-year warranty that covers the seat from any manufacturer defects that might spring up. And when you consider that this seat will support up to 400 pounds, the odds of it breaking are pretty slim.

Features

  • 16.5 x 14 x 2 inches
  • Polypropylene
  • 3.3 pounds
  • Round

Ease of Use

Installation is made easy thanks to a unique and user-friendly process. The quick-release feature makes cleaning the seat a breeze. Once you’ve experienced this handy feature, you won’t want anything else ever again.


2. Bemis 1500EC Review - Most Budget-Friendly

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  • Easy installation
  • Smart hardware
  • Comfortable
  • Affordable
  • Potential to stain
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With several colors to choose from and a comfy, nicely-shaped seat, Bemis delivers the best seat in the house. If you’re having trouble finding a seat that matches your bathroom’s décor, chances are Bemis has an option just for you.

We reviewed the elongated model, but a round version is available, too. We absolutely love the quick-release feature. Once installed, the entire seat comes off for easy cleaning.

This is a pretty heavy toilet seat, weighing in at 7 pounds. We like this because it feels secure and sturdy. We didn’t experience any wiggling or wobbling during our testing.

With a painless installation process and a one-year warranty, you’re looking at a solid and well-rounded contender.

Features

  • 14.1 x 2 x 18.9 inches
  • Elongated
  • 7 pounds
  • Wood

Ease of Use

Thanks to user-friendly hardware that lets you get a snug fit and a comfortable finish, the 1500EC is easy to install and sit on. The bolts are non-corrosive, so you can look forward to not having to change them out.


3. Kohler K-4636 Cachet Review - Best Closing Feature

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  • Sturdy and solid
  • Fast installation
  • Gentle closing
  • Quick release
  • Pricey
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If you’re tired of your toilet seat getting slammed shut at all hours of the night by half-asleep family members, Kohler has the perfect remedy.

This luxurious throne cover comes equipped with a handy gentle-close feature. When the seat is dropped, it slowly closes on its own. It’s quiet as a mouse and won’t wake a soul.

There are several different shades to choose from, although none are quite as colorful as Bemis’ offerings. These are mostly blacks and whites, but they look classy and should complement any bathroom.

Thanks to fast installation made easy, Kohler delivers a winner. It’s a bit on the pricey side for a toilet seat. But can you really put a price on comfort?

Features

  • 14.8 x 2.8 x 21.1 inches
  • 3.2 pounds
  • Elongated
  • Plastic

Ease of Use

Kohler makes swapping out your own toilet seat for this new one a snap. All hardware is included and nothing is complicated. Installation takes only a few minutes. Soon you’ll be enjoying comfortable sitting.


4. Mayfair 13EC Review - Most Comfortable

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  • Great for back pain
  • Easy to install
  • Comfy seat
  • Tends to fade or change colors
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This is it. If you’re looking for a comfortable, plush, and affordable way to enjoy your bathroom breaks, Mayfair’s 13EC delivers the goods.

This extra padding works to not only serve your backside better, but it’s much warmer than plastic, too. Talk about comfort. No more freezing surprises in the middle of night.

There are quite a few color options to choose from, each adding its own unique character to any bathroom. Whether your toilet accepts round or elongated, Mayfair has you covered.

Features

  • 17.2 x 15 x 3.4 inches
  • 4.4 pounds
  • Round
  • Wood

Ease of Use

Thanks to a great fit and sturdy installation, you’re getting a comfy seat that lasts. Its only real detriment is that it oddly tends to change color over time. Aside from that, its padding is a delight to behold.


5. Carex Elongated Hinged Review - Best for the Elderly

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  • Easy to stand up
  • Well-made
  • Affordable
  • Great fit
  • Might need additional hardware
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Do you have trouble getting up from the toilet? Carex knows this is an all-too-common issue and did something about it. This model is thick as can be, adding an extra 3.5 inches to the height of the toilet seat.

Getting up has never been easier, or more comfortable. Those few inches make a world of difference. What’s more, Carex made this seat tough and durable. It can support up to 300 pounds of weight.

We like the hinge design used here. It makes cleaning under the seat an effortless affair. When you consider all the benefits this seat provides, it’s actually very reasonably-priced.

Features

  • 19.2 x 13.8 x 3.5 inches
  • 3.2 pounds
  • Elongated
  • Plastic

Ease of Use

With its raised seating and high weight capacity, this seat is a dream come true for those who need special accommodations. Or, if you just prefer to sit higher, Carex makes it easy. Installation is a cinch, although some bowls will require additional hardware.


6. Bemis 70 Review - Best Plastic Seat

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  • Easy installation
  • Doesn’t stain
  • Affordable
  • Durable
  • Loosens over time
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Bemis makes the list again thanks to a nicely-shaped and comfortable seat. This elongated beauty is a treat to sit on thanks to its convex design.

The tough and durable plastic construction is both lightweight and sturdy. There aren’t many colors to choose from, so you might want to look elsewhere if you’re picky about your bathroom décor.

Many times when you’re dealing with plastic seats, there’s the potential for staining. The Bemis 70 thankfully doesn’t suffer from this common problem. Factor in its easy installation and you’ve got a great seating option.

Features

  • 15.3 x 14.3 x 1.6 inches
  • 3.35 pounds
  • Plastic
  • Round

Ease of Use

With its durable and thick plastic, you’re getting a solid and sturdy toilet seat that lasts. And cleaning it is a piece of cake thanks to its non-staining quality. The plastic screws tend to loosen over time, resulting in some wiggle, but they are easily tightened.


7. Bemis 800EC Review - Best Versatility

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  • Quick release
  • Built to last
  • Affordable
  • Comfy
  • Bolts can loosen over time
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Bemis is back again, this time with one of our favorites. This basic plastic model sports a thick seat that’s rounded for maximum comfort.

It comes equipped with a quick-release option for effortless cleaning. No longer does wiping down your toilet have to be a nasty job. The seat pops right off so you can wash it off under the shower. This also lets you get those hard-to-reach areas around the hardware.

With both round and elongated versions available, you can enjoy this comfy seat with just the right fit.

Features

  • 14.4 x 2.1 x 16.8 inches
  • 4.2 pounds
  • Plastic
  • Round

Ease of Use

Once again, Bemis makes installation easy and straightforward. After it’s locked in place, the entire seat pops right off for easy hosing down in the bathtub. It doesn’t get much better than that.


8. Delta Faucet Morgan Review - Best Features

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  • Non-slip bumpers
  • Stain-resistant
  • Gentle close
  • Quiet
  • Size is slightly smaller than standard
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Many slow-close toilet seats run a little on the pricey side. But Delta Faucet’s Morgan seat lets you bring home this handy feature at an affordable price.

It’s also equipped with bumpers that ensure the seat stays put at all times. You won’t have to worry about wiggling while you’re sitting. The Morgan is easily one of the sturdiest seats we’ve ever tested, and that’s a huge plus in our book.

Installation is straightforward and snugs securely in place. Our only gripe is that the sizes of both the rounded and elongated seats are slightly off from standard.

Features

  • 18.5 x 14 x 2 inches
  • 4.25 pounds
  • Elongated
  • Plastic

Ease of Use

We love the sturdiness of this one. You’re not going to be sliding all over the place thanks to its solid installation. Be warned, however, that the size is smaller than standard. Make sure you measure twice before buying.


9. Mayfair 830CHSLB Review - Most Secure

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  • Gentle close
  • Attractive
  • Quiet
  • A bit pricey
  • Stains easily
  • Finish doesn’t last
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If you’re tired of your toilet seat slipping and sliding all over the place when you try to sit down, Mayfair has the perfect solution.

This elegant model installs securely to deliver one of the most solid entries we’ve ever seen. With its thick chrome hinges and tough enameled wood construction, you’re getting a seat worthy of your time and money.

It’s a little expensive for a toilet seat. But with a guarantee of never loosening, it may very well be worth every penny.

Our only concern lies within the gentle-close feature. It tends to lose its tightness over time for some users, resulting in noisy closing. Other than that, this thing is built tough and is sure to last for years.

Features

  • 16.9 x 14.4 x 2.4 inches
  • Enameled wood
  • 7.05 pounds
  • Round

Ease of Use

Installation is pretty straightforward. The problem you might run into is the closing mechanism losing its tightness after a while. There’s also the potential of the screws stripping out of the wood, as some users have reported.


10. Topseat TinyHiney Review - Best for Kids

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  • Strong magnet
  • Great for kids
  • Comfortable
  • Well-built
  • A bit pricey
  • Installation is a bear
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Topseat delivers one of the best solutions we’ve seen yet for families with children. The TinyHiney is two seats in one, turning your throne into a versatile unit the whole family can make use of.

Now you don’t have to break out your children’s seat every time your little ones need to use the bathroom. The TinyHiney is an ingenious and convenient idea that works wonders for saving time.

There’s a built-in magnet that secures the smaller seat when it’s not being used. This hands-free design makes using the toilet sanitary and easy.

Features

  • 14 x 2.5 x 19 inches
  • 6.5 pounds
  • Elongated
  • Wood

Ease of Use

You won’t find any instructions on how to install, and the process for doing so is quite different from traditional seats. But once you get past that, this model works well and is a huge benefit for children.


Buyer’s Guide to the Best Toilet Seat

There are a few things you want to look for when you’re shopping for the right toilet seat. Not all models are made equally, so we want to ensure that you make the right choice when it comes time to buy.

Types

Let’s start with the different types of seats. There are only two that you’re likely to come across, so this will make things easier on you by knowing the difference between them.

Elongated

Just as it sounds, an elongated seat is more oval-shaped. It is important that you know what kind of toilet bowl you have long before you start searching for a seat. If you put the wrong type on, you’ll be left with an ill-fitting seat that could potentially wobble.

Many people feel that elongated seats are the more comfortable of the two. This is because there is more space to sit, with an opening that’s more accommodating. Elongated seats measure 18.5 inches, so check to see that your toilet will accept this size.

While elongated seats are typically a bit more costly, many people swear by their comfort and will gladly pay the difference in price.

Round

You guessed it, round toilet seats are rounder in shape. Their opening is also smaller compared to that of an elongated seat. You’re going to see a lot more round toilet seats when you shop for seating. They are the most common type, too.

For this reason, round seats are generally going to cost less than elongated seats. But that’s not to say they are bad. In fact, there are many highly-comfortable round toilet seats. Some feature thick padding, while others are made with extra height.

Round seats measure 16.5 inches, 2 inches shorter than elongated models. If you’re planning on building or remodeling a bathroom, you may want to go with a toilet that uses round seating to save room. This is especially true if you’re trying to maximize your bathroom space.

Comfort

We spend a lot of time on the toilet over the course of our lives. Some more than others. It makes sense, then, that we should have the highest in comfort when sitting on the throne. Unfortunately, this aspect is often ignored, as the toilet is usually the last place we think about when it comes to improving our lives.

There are a few factors you want to consider when deciding on the right toilet seat. The following categories play a major role in the overall comfort of toilet seats.

Shape

This often comes down to personal preference. But if you’re wanting to experience the best in comfort, try out an elongated seat. Many people with back pain prefer its oblong shape, as it offers more room.

Material

This is going to be the biggest factor when it comes to comfort. If you’re really wanting to go all-out, consider going with a padded toilet seat. These are not only softer on your body, but they are warmer to the touch, as well.

When you’re looking for the right toilet seat for your needs, you’re going to come across two main types of material. A seat is generally going to be made of either wood or plastic. Let’s look at a couple of benefits of each material to give you a better idea of what works best for you.

  • Plastic Seats – You’ll see plastic more than any other kind. Plastic is sometimes cheaper, for one. It’s also a lot easier to keep clean compared to wood. You can also find a greater selection of colors with plastic seating. It’s easier to add unique features to them, too.
  • Wood Seats – Let’s face it, no one likes sitting down on a cold toilet seat in the middle of the night. Wood seats are warmer by nature, making them much friendlier. They are also quite sturdy. You’ll usually get a lot more life out of a wooden toilet seat as opposed to a plastic one.

Now, there are some less common materials that you can find if you really want them. There are some seats that are made out of ceramic, and you can even find ones constructed using vinyl materials.

And if money is no object, some manufacturers offer toilet seats made of brass and stainless steel. But again, be prepared to pay a hefty sum for these types. They aren’t common for a reason, and most people can’t justify spending their cost on a toilet seat.

Secure Fit

Ensuring that your toilet seat has a secure fit is also vital to your overall comfort. A seat that wiggles and wobbles all over the place while you’re trying to use the bathroom is a recipe for discomfort. You may have to spend a little bit more to get a sturdy and secure fit. But the results will be well worth it in the long run.

This will also help to give your seat better longevity. A seat that stays put will last a lot longer than a seat that doesn’t. You might pay more upfront, but you likely won’t have to replace your seat any time soon.

FAQs

What Causes My Toilet Seat to Fade?

This is a common issue on plastic seats. When you use certain harsh chemicals to clean the seat, you’ll likely see fading over time. Cleaners with bleach and other strong chemicals will wear out the color in no time.

What Can I Use to Clean My Toilet Seat?

Although you may be tempted to use the most powerful cleaner known to man, don’t. Go with a very mild hand soap. It doesn’t seem like toilets and hand soaps go together, but they do. This will ensure that your toilet seat’s natural color stays intact.

You won’t notice any fading, and the soap won’t eat away at the toilet seat’s materials. Just a little bit of hand soap and warm water will go a long way.

How Should I Measure for My New Seat?

Before you spend money on a new toilet seat, it’s important that you take the proper measurements beforehand. Start at the back of the bowl’s opening and go directly to the outside of the rim in a straight line.

You then want to measure the distance between the two bolt holes that the seat attaches into. Once you have these measurements, you’re ready to go shopping for your new seat.