Choosing between the TOTO S2 and S5 WASHLET means picking between two of the most advanced bidet seats on the market today.
Both are part of TOTO’s refreshed S Series lineup, but they serve different buyers — and knowing the difference could save you from over- or under-spending for your bathroom.
| Feature | TOTO WASHLET S2 (SW3346#01) | TOTO WASHLET S5 (SW3446#01) |
|---|---|---|
| Image |  |
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| Dimensions (L x W x H) | ~20.5″ x 14.75″ x 5.5″ | 21″ x 15 1/8″ x 5.5″ |
| Water Heating | Instantaneous / Unlimited | Instantaneous / Unlimited |
| Control Type | Side Arm Panel | Wireless Remote (4 user presets) |
| Seat Temp Settings | 3 levels | 5 levels |
| Dryer Temp Settings | 3 levels | 5 levels |
| Cleaning Technology | PREMIST + EWATER+ | PREMIST + EWATER+ |
| Nightlight | Yes | Yes |
| Buy Now |  |
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1. TOTO WASHLET S2 Electronic Bidet Seat (SW3346#01)
The TOTO WASHLET S2 is TOTO’s new entry-level seat for 2025, and it’s a genuine upgrade from the old C2 that so many buyers loved.
With a 19% slimmer profile and a tankless instant water heating system, this seat gives you continuous warm water and a cleaner look than anything in TOTO’s previous C Series lineup.
Features
- Tankless instantaneous water heating for unlimited warm water
- PREMIST wets the bowl before each use to prevent waste adhesion
- EWATER+ electrolyzed water auto-cleans the wand before and after use
- Side arm control panel with adjustable spray, position, and pressure
- SoftClose heated seat with 3 temperature settings
- Warm air dryer with 3 temperature settings
- Built-in air deodorizer
- Illuminating nightlight for late-night trips
- Fits elongated toilets; WASHLET+ compatible
Pros
- More affordable entry point into the new S Series
- Unlimited warm water — no cold surprises mid-wash
- 19% slimmer design looks far more modern than the old C2
- Easy DIY installation included with all hardware
- EWATER+ keeps the wand hygienic without chemicals
Cons
- No wireless remote — controls are side-mounted only
- Only 3 temperature settings for seat and dryer vs. 5 on the S5
- No user memory presets for multiple household members
If you want a clean, reliable, modern bidet seat without paying premium pricing, the S2 is a fantastic pick.
It replaces the discontinued TOTO C2 with meaningful upgrades — particularly the move to instant water heating — and it holds its own against much more expensive options when it comes to cleaning performance.
If you’re debating between a bidet toilet vs a bidet seat, this model is one of the strongest arguments for going with a bidet seat — you get exceptional features without the cost of a full toilet replacement.
Check its current price on Amazon
2. TOTO WASHLET S5 Electronic Bidet Seat (SW3446#01)
The TOTO WASHLET S5 is the mid-range seat in TOTO’s new S Series and the successor to the discontinued C5 — and it’s the model that won the Wirecutter’s top pick for best bidet seat in 2025.
It delivers everything the S2 does and adds a wireless remote with four user memory presets, making it ideal for households where more than one person shares the bathroom.
Features
- Tankless instantaneous water heating for continuous warm water
- PREMIST pre-wets the bowl before every use
- EWATER+ wand self-cleaning before and after each use
- Wireless handheld remote with 4 customizable user memory presets
- SoftClose heated seat with 5 temperature settings
- Warm air dryer with 5 temperature settings
- Built-in air deodorizer
- Illuminating nightlight
- Seamless seat design with no gaps for easier cleaning
- Fits elongated toilets; WASHLET+ compatible
Pros
- Wireless remote is a significant convenience upgrade over a side panel
- 4 user memory presets — everyone in the house gets their own settings
- 5 levels of heat and dryer customization for a more dialed-in experience
- Seamless seat design is easier to wipe clean
- Wirecutter’s #1 pick for best bidet seat in 2025
Cons
- Costs more than the S2 — premium you’re paying is mostly for the remote and extra settings
- Remote can be misplaced (though a side panel never goes missing)
For households with multiple users, or anyone who simply doesn’t want to reach to the side of the seat to change settings, the S5’s wireless remote makes everyday use noticeably more comfortable.
It’s also the seat to consider if you care about bathroom aesthetics — the seamless seat design leaves fewer crevices for grime to accumulate, which is a real practical benefit when you’re thinking long-term.
If you’ve been comparing TOTO models across generations, the S5 represents the clearest leap forward in both technology and design from what TOTO offered a few years ago.
Check its current price on Amazon
Cleaning Performance: Both Are Excellent, But Equal
When it comes to how clean you actually get, the S2 and S5 are essentially identical.
Both use TOTO’s PREMIST technology to pre-wet the bowl before use and EWATER+ to automatically sanitize the wand with electrolyzed water before and after every wash.
Both offer rear cleanse, rear soft cleanse, and front cleanse modes with oscillating and pulsating options — and both deliver unlimited warm water thanks to the tankless heating system.
The S5 does not spray harder, reach further, or clean more effectively than the S2.
If your main priority is hygiene performance, the S2 gives you everything you need. Winner: Tie.
Comfort and Customization: S5 Pulls Ahead
This is where the two seats genuinely diverge.
The S5 offers five levels of seat temperature and five dryer settings versus the S2’s three in each category.
That’s not just a numbers game — if you run hot or cold, or if your bathroom gets particularly chilly in winter, that extra range of adjustment makes a real difference in how comfortable the seat feels day-to-day.
The S5 also stores personalized settings for up to four users, so there’s no adjusting every time a different family member sits down.
If comfort customization matters to you — especially for a shared bathroom — the S5 is the clear winner here. Winner: TOTO S5.
Control and Usability: Remote vs. Side Panel
The biggest functional difference between these two seats is how you control them.
The S2 uses a side arm control panel attached to the seat itself.
It’s perfectly functional — you press the buttons while seated, and the controls are logically laid out.
But it does require you to reach to your right side, which some users find slightly awkward, especially for people with limited mobility.
The S5 comes with a wireless remote you can mount on the wall or keep on a nearby shelf.
You can adjust your settings before you even sit down, and it’s particularly valuable for seniors or anyone with mobility concerns who benefits from having controls closer at hand.
If ease-of-use and accessibility are factors for you, check out our guide to the best bidets for seniors — the S5 ranks as a standout recommendation in that context.
Winner: TOTO S5.
Design and Installation: Nearly Identical
Both the S2 and S5 share TOTO’s new S Series design language — a 19% slimmer profile compared to older TOTO models, with a cleaner, more modern look that will complement most contemporary bathrooms.
The S5 does add a seamless seat construction that eliminates the gap where dirt can collect between the seat and lid hinge, making it marginally easier to keep clean over time.
Both seats install the same way — attach the mounting bracket, slide the seat onto the bracket, connect the water supply via the included T-connector, and plug into a standard outlet.
Most people complete installation in under 30 minutes without any professional help.
If you want to understand more about what’s involved in switching from toilet paper to a bidet seat long-term, our article on whether bidets save money gives you the full picture.
Winner: Slight edge to S5 for the seamless design.
Value for Money: Depends on Your Priorities
The S2 is the smarter buy if you live alone or in a two-person household where everyone is happy sharing a single set of saved preferences — or no saved preferences at all.
It’s also the right call if you prefer physical controls that can’t be lost or misplaced, and you’re happy with a narrower range of temperature settings.
The S5 earns its higher price if you have a multi-person household, if you want the flexibility of a wireless remote, or if you’re the type of person who likes dialing in exactly the right temperature every time rather than picking from a shorter list of options.
Either way, both seats are dramatically more hygienic than toilet paper alone — you can read our full breakdown on bidet vs toilet paper if you’re still making the case to yourself or a skeptical partner.
Winner: S2 for value-seekers; S5 for feature-maximizers.
Verdict — Which One Should You Buy?
Buy the TOTO S2 if… you want a high-quality, modern TOTO WASHLET at a more approachable price, you live alone or with one other person, you don’t mind side-mounted controls, and you’re perfectly happy with unlimited warm water and solid spray performance without the premium extras.
Pick the TOTO S5 if… you share your bathroom with family members who each want personalized settings, you want the convenience of a wireless remote, you prefer five levels of temperature control rather than three, or you simply want TOTO’s best-reviewed seat in this price class — the one Wirecutter called its top pick for 2025.
Either seat is a genuine upgrade from any older TOTO model, and both reflect the best of what the brand has to offer in TOTO’s redesigned S Series lineup.
If you’re comparing TOTO to other brands at a similar level, our bidet toilet seat comparison chart is a great place to see how they stack up.
FAQ
Are the TOTO C2 and C5 still available?
Both the TOTO C2 and C5 have been officially discontinued as of 2025. TOTO replaced them with the S2 and S5 respectively — the new S Series seats use tankless water heating (replacing the old reservoir tank), a slimmer profile, and updated spray controls. If you were shopping for a C2 or C5, the S2 or S5 is the correct current equivalent to consider.
What is the main difference between the TOTO S2 and S5?
The two most meaningful differences are the control method and the number of customization levels. The S5 has a wireless remote with four user memory presets; the S2 has a side-mounted control panel with no presets. The S5 also offers five levels of seat temperature and dryer heat vs. three on the S2. Cleaning performance — the actual wash — is virtually identical between them.
Do both the S2 and S5 have unlimited warm water?
Yes. Both seats use an instantaneous tankless water heater, meaning you won’t run out of warm water mid-wash. This was a known limitation of the older C2 and C5 (which used reservoir tanks), so the upgrade is a meaningful one if you’re coming from an older TOTO model.
Can I install either seat myself?
Yes — both the S2 and S5 are designed for DIY installation. You attach the mounting bracket to your toilet, slide the seat on, connect the included T-connector to your water supply, and plug the power cord into a standard GFCI outlet. Most people complete the process in under 30 minutes. If you want a full walkthrough of what the process involves, our guide on the best bidets for existing toilets covers installation considerations in detail. You don’t need a plumber unless you’re adding a new electrical outlet near your toilet.
Conclusion
The TOTO S2 and S5 are the best bidet seats TOTO makes at their respective price points, and either one will deliver a far cleaner and more comfortable bathroom experience than anything from the old C Series lineup.
If you’re shopping on a budget or living solo, the S2 gives you everything that matters — unlimited warm water, PREMIST, EWATER+, and a sleek modern design — at a price that’s easier to swallow.
If you want the full package — wireless remote, four user presets, five temperature levels, and the seamless seat that’s easier to clean — the S5 is worth every dollar over the S2.
For a broader look at how TOTO compares to the rest of the market, explore our best bidet brands roundup, or see our best heated bidet toilet seats guide if seat warmth is your top priority.
Whichever you choose, you’re getting TOTO quality — and you won’t look back.
