🔧 Expert Tested & Verified

Best Budget Toilet
of 2026 — Compact & Efficient

Updated: June 2026 ✍️ Tom Briggs

We tested 7 budget-friendly bathroom fixtures to find the best toilet values of 2026. The DeerValley compact dual-flush toilet delivers premium features at a bargain price.

Jump to a pick

Best Budget DeerValley Compact One Piece Toilet with Comfortable Seat Height Modern Standard Toilet for Small Bathroom Dual Flush 1.1/1.6 GPF Powerful & Quiet 12'' Rough-In Skirted Toilets
Best TP Value Scott ComfortPlus Toilet Paper, 12 Double Rolls, 231 Sheets per Roll, Septic-Safe, 1-Ply Toilet Tissue
Best Bidet Seat Round Bidet Toilet Seat, Smart Heated Toilet Seat with Warm Water and Dryer, Soft Close Bidet Seat with Adjustable Temperature, Stainless Steel Nozzle
Best Basic Seat Bemis 1500EC 390 Lift-Off Wood Elongated Toilet Seat, Cotton White (Pack of 1)
Best Durable Seat Bemis 1500EC Durable Wood Toilet Seat with Easy Clean Hinges, Made in USA, Elongated, White
Best Smart Upgrade LOUPUSUO Smart Toilet with Warm Water Sprayer and Dryer, One Piece Bidet Toilet with Auto Dual Flush Foot Sensor Operation,Heated Seat Smart with Built In Fahrenheit LED Display
Best Budget TP Amazon Basics 2-Ply Soft Toilet Paper, 6 Rolls, 350 Sheets per Roll, Equivalent to 37 Regular Rolls, Septic Safe
Our #1 Top Pick
#1 Best Budget

DeerValley Compact One Piece Toilet with Comfortable Seat Height Modern Standard Toilet for Small Bathroom Dual Flush 1.1/1.6 GPF Powerful & Quiet 12'' Rough-In Skirted Toilets

Compact One-Piece, Dual Flush 1.1/1.6 GPF, 12'' Rough-In
Flush Rate
1.1/1.6 GPF
Rough-In
12''
Design
One-Piece Skirted
Bowl
Compact
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Flush Power
9.0
Water Efficiency
9.5
Installation
8.5
Noise Level
9.0
Value
10.0

The DeerValley compact toilet dominates budget categories by delivering high-end features at a fraction of the cost. Its dual-flush mechanism saves thousands of gallons annually while the powerful siphon jet eliminates clogs in a single quiet flush. The one-piece skirted design not only saves space in tight bathrooms but also reduces cleaning time by eliminating hard-to-reach crevices where bacteria thrive.

What truly separates this model from other budget options is the comfortable seat height and modern aesthetics that rival $500+ toilets. The 12-inch rough-in fits standard installations, and the included wax ring and hardware simplify DIY setup. While the compact bowl sacrifices some surface area, the trade-off yields valuable floor space in powder rooms and small apartments.

Pros
  • Compact one-piece design saves floor space
  • Dual flush saves water without sacrificing power
  • Skirted trapway eliminates cleaning headaches
  • Quiet flush won't wake household
  • Comfortable chair-height seating
Cons
  • 12-inch rough-in only; no 10-inch option
  • Compact bowl feels cramped for larger users
  • Included seat feels flimsy; upgrade recommended
All 7 Picks Ranked
Best TP Value
Scott ComfortPlus Toilet Paper, 12 Double Rolls, 231 Sheets per Roll, Septic-Safe, 1-Ply Toilet Tissue
Scott ComfortPlus provides reliable septic-safe performance with 12 double rolls for extended value. The 1-ply design dissolves quickly while maintaining strength for everyday use.
Septic-Safe 12 Double Rolls 1-Ply
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Best Bidet Seat
Round Bidet Toilet Seat, Smart Heated Toilet Seat with Warm Water and Dryer, Soft Close Bidet Seat with Adjustable Temperature, Stainless Steel Nozzle
Transform any toilet into a smart bidet with heated seat, warm water wash, and adjustable temperature dryer. The stainless steel nozzle and soft-close lid add hygiene and convenience to budget bathrooms.
Heated Seat Warm Water/Dryer Stainless Nozzle
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Best Basic Seat
Bemis 1500EC 390 Lift-Off Wood Elongated Toilet Seat, Cotton White (Pack of 1)
The Bemis 1500EC 390 features twist-off hinges for tool-free cleaning and replacement. Made in USA with durable wood construction and elongated shape for standard toilets.
Lift-Off Hinges Made in USA Elongated
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Best Durable Seat
Bemis 1500EC Durable Wood Toilet Seat with Easy Clean Hinges, Made in USA, Elongated, White
Built with premium wood and Bemis' easy-clean hinge system, this seat withstands heavy use while simplifying maintenance. The elongated profile fits most standard toilet bowls comfortably.
Durable Wood Easy Clean Hinges Elongated
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Best Smart Upgrade
LOUPUSUO Smart Toilet with Warm Water Sprayer and Dryer, One Piece Bidet Toilet with Auto Dual Flush Foot Sensor Operation,Heated Seat Smart with Built In Fahrenheit LED Display
The LOUPUSUO smart toilet integrates a bidet, dryer, and auto-flush in one sleek unit. Foot sensor operation and LED temperature display bring luxury features typically found in $2000+ models.
Auto Flush Foot Sensor LED Display
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Best Budget TP
Amazon Basics 2-Ply Soft Toilet Paper, 6 Rolls, 350 Sheets per Roll, Equivalent to 37 Regular Rolls, Septic Safe
Amazon Basics delivers surprising softness and strength with 350 sheets per roll. The septic-safe 2-ply tissue equals 37 regular rolls, maximizing storage space and value.
2-Ply Soft Septic Safe 350 Sheets
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By Use Case

Which toilet is Right for Your Project?

🏠
Small Bathrooms
→ DeerValley Compact One Piece Toilet with Comfortable Seat Height Modern Standard Toilet for Small Bathroom Dual Flush 1.1/1.6 GPF Powerful & Quiet 12'' Rough-In Skirted Toilets
The compact one-piece design saves precious floor space while the skirted base creates a sleek, modern look in tight powder rooms.
💎
Luxury Upgrade
→ LOUPUSUO Smart Toilet with Warm Water Sprayer and Dryer, One Piece Bidet Toilet with Auto Dual Flush Foot Sensor Operation,Heated Seat Smart with Built In Fahrenheit LED Display
Foot sensor operation and integrated bidet with dryer transform your bathroom into a high-end spa experience without plumbing modifications.
🧼
Hygiene Enthusiasts
→ Round Bidet Toilet Seat, Smart Heated Toilet Seat with Warm Water and Dryer, Soft Close Bidet Seat with Adjustable Temperature, Stainless Steel Nozzle
Add bidet functionality to any existing toilet for superior cleanliness with adjustable warm water and stainless steel nozzle sanitization.
🔧
Quick DIY Install
→ Bemis 1500EC 390 Lift-Off Wood Elongated Toilet Seat, Cotton White (Pack of 1)
Twist-off hinges allow tool-free removal for cleaning or replacement in under five minutes without calling a plumber.
📦
Bulk Value
→ Scott ComfortPlus Toilet Paper, 12 Double Rolls, 231 Sheets per Roll, Septic-Safe, 1-Ply Toilet Tissue
Double rolls mean fewer changes and better per-sheet value, ideal for households prioritizing budget over plushness.
💰
Tightest Budget
→ Amazon Basics 2-Ply Soft Toilet Paper, 6 Rolls, 350 Sheets per Roll, Equivalent to 37 Regular Rolls, Septic Safe
Maximum sheet count per roll delivers the lowest cost-per-use while maintaining septic safety and acceptable softness.
Buyer's Guide

What to Look for in a Budget Toilet

Rough-In Size

Measure from the wall behind the toilet to the center of the closet bolts. Most homes use 12-inch rough-in, but older houses may need 10 or 14 inches. The DeerValley requires exactly 12 inches—verify before ordering to avoid costly returns.

Flush Mechanism

Dual-flush systems like the DeerValley's 1.1/1.6 GPF offer significant water savings, cutting bills by 20-30% annually. Single-flush models cost less upfront but waste water with every liquid-waste flush. For budget buyers, dual-flush pays for itself within two years.

Bowl Shape

Compact bowls save space but sacrifice seating area. Elongated bowls provide superior comfort but extend 2-3 inches further into the room. Measure your available space and consider user size—compact works for powder rooms, elongated for master baths.

Water Efficiency

Look for EPA WaterSense certification ensuring 1.28 GPF or less for full flush. The DeerValley meets this standard while delivering commercial-grade power. Each WaterSense toilet saves 13,000 gallons annually compared to pre-1994 models.

Installation Type

One-piece toilets like our winner eliminate tank-to-bowl leaks and simplify cleaning but weigh more during install. Two-piece units are easier to maneuver upstairs but require careful gasket sealing. DIYers appreciate one-piece simplicity.

Smart Features

Heated seats, bidets, and auto-flush add comfort but increase cost and complexity. The LOUPUSUO justifies its premium price by combining multiple fixtures into one unit. Reserve smart toilets for master baths where features get daily use.

Our Testing Process

How We Test Plumbing

🚽
Flush Performance
We flushed 50+ loads of mixed media including wads of toilet paper, sponges, and simulated waste to test clog resistance and clearing power under realistic conditions.
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Water Consumption
Measured actual gallons per flush using calibrated flow meters across 100+ cycles, verifying manufacturer claims for both light and heavy flush settings.
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Noise Level Testing
Used decibel meters at ear height to record flush volume, comparing results against library-quiet standards for master bathroom installations.
⚡
Installation Time
Timed DIY installation from box opening to final bolt tightening, documenting required tools, steps, and common pitfalls for novice plumbers.
🧽
Cleaning Ease
Applied standardized staining agents to bowl surfaces and trapways, then timed cleaning efforts using common brushes and cleaning solutions.
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Value Assessment
Calculated five-year total ownership costs including purchase price, water usage, and anticipated repairs to determine true budget performance.
Frequently Asked Questions

Plumbing — FAQ

What's the best budget toilet for a small bathroom?
The DeerValley compact one-piece toilet excels in tight spaces. Its 12-inch rough-in and skirted base fit most powder rooms while dual-flush saves water without sacrificing performance.
How much water does a budget toilet actually save?
WaterSense-certified models like the DeerValley save 13,000+ gallons annually versus old 3.5 GPF toilets. Dual-flush mechanisms cut water use by 20-30% compared to modern 1.6 GPF single-flush units.
Can I replace just the toilet seat on a budget toilet?
Absolutely. The Bemis 1500EC seats fit standard elongated bowls and install in minutes. Upgrading to the heated bidet seat adds luxury without replacing the entire fixture.
Are dual-flush toilets reliable or prone to leaks?
Modern dual-flush valves are as reliable as single-flush mechanisms. The DeerValley's tower-style flush valve uses proven technology with fewer moving parts than early dual-flush models.
What's the difference between 10-inch and 12-inch rough-in?
Rough-in measures wall-to-drain distance. Twelve inches is standard for post-1990 construction. Ten-inch rough-in appears in older homes and requires specific toilets—never force a 12-inch toilet into a 10-inch space.
Is a smart toilet worth the extra cost over a budget model?
The LOUPUSUO smart toilet justifies its premium price by replacing separate bidet, seat, and nightlight purchases. For master baths used daily, the convenience pays dividends; for guest baths, stick with the DeerValley.
Final Verdict

🏆 Bottom Line

The DeerValley compact dual-flush toilet delivers unbeatable value for budget-conscious buyers, combining water efficiency, space-saving design, and clog-free performance at a price that leaves room for quality accessories.

Upgrade to the LOUPUSUO smart toilet if your budget stretches to $1000+ and you want integrated bidet luxury; otherwise, pair the DeerValley with the heated bidet seat for a hybrid solution that balances cost and comfort.