Today, we’re looking at the best bidets for $300 or less, focusing on models typically found between $200 and $300. For sub $200 bidets (more non-electric options), check out the article on bidets under $200.
With $300 to work with, we’re looking at electric seats with warm air blowers, and potentially more sophisticated water heating technology than what’s offered by the more entry-level bidets.
The best bidets under $300 include the Alpha iX Hybrid and Brondell LE99 seats. They offer a handheld remote, a hybrid heating system (extended warm water flow), and an air dryer. Other great bidets in the $300 price range include the Alpha GX, Brondell SE400, BB Slim TWO, and SB-1000.
Each model listed has a version for both round and elongated toilets, so one should be available for your toilet.
For an idea of what you can usually expect from a bidet in the 300 price range, this table summarizes the typical options.
Keep in mind, this is the usual. I spent a lot of time ensuring the suggestions in this article more closely resemble the most expensive (>$300) category.
Best Bidets Under $300: Quick Summary Table
| Feature(s) | Bidet Under $300 |
|---|---|
| Endless Warm Water | Alpha iX Hybrid |
| Limited Warm Water (~45sec) | Alpha GX |
| Dryer | All |
| Side Panel | Alpha GX and Brondell SE400 |
| Wireless Remote | Alpha Hybrid, Brondell LE99, SB-1000, BB Slim TWO |
| Self-Cleaning Nozzle | All |
| Best Pressure | Alpha iX Hybrid |
| Oscillating and Massage Spray Modes | All but SB-1000 |
| Sittable Lid | Alpha GX |
| Slimmest | Alpha GX (5.4″ Rear Height) |
| Bulkiest | Slim TWO (6.8″ Rear Height) |
| Nightlight | All but SB-1000 |
| Best Overall Under $300 | Alpha iX Hybrid Bidet |
The Brondell SWASH LE99 Electric Seat
One great option is the Brondell LE99 advanced bidet seat (Amazon link).
Brondell refers to this seat as entry-level, but it has a few features making it a cut above most bidets that are marketed as basic.
For example, it has a warm air dryer, a feature lacking in more basic seats like the Swash 300 and TOTO A100.
It also has a hybrid heating system so it should offer a longer supply of warm water—which is probably the reason the wash cycle is 2 minutes with this model, instead of the typical 1 minute offered by bidets with tank-type heaters.
Because of the extra features, it retails for a lot higher if you get it directly from the manufacturer site, but tends to be priced much lower at other retailers.
The Brondell LE99 Swash
The Brondell LE99-RW LE99 Swash Electronic Bidet Seat, Fits Round Toilets
We've thoroughly tested all the features of this bidet and written a detailed review. Be sure to check it out before making your purchase! Read the article here. (Article Link)
Features
Warm air dryer? Yes
- Warm air dryer—you can ditch TP for good if you want, because you won’t need any paper for dabbing dry.
Warm water:
- Hybrid heating system (longer warm water flow).
- 4 settings for each wash mode.
- Settings include: “Off” (cold tap), Low (91.4°F), Medium (96.8°F), and High (102.2°F)
Comfort, convenience, and aesthetics:
- Handheld remote. Bidets with handheld remotes look better (sleeker and lower profile) and a remote control, compared to a side panel, is much more convenient for users with limited mobility and/or vision.
- Relatively sleek at 5.7” (~14.5 cm) rear height. So, not a super bulky, high-sloping seat.
- Cool blue nightlight.
Seat and lid:
- Heated seat.
- Gentle closing seat/lid (saves wear and tear).
- Quick-release seat for easy cleaning.
Spray modes:
- Posterior mode (regular)
- Strong posterior mode
- Feminine spray mode.
- Oscillating spray mode for better cleaning.
- Massage and pulse setting.
- Sitz bath mode—provides a longer and softer water stream.
Cleaning wand:
- Positionable wand for precise aiming.
- Single nozzle with front and rear spraying capability.
- Stainless steel nozzle (no plastic).
- Automatic self-cleaning nozzle to keep the spray wand clean.
Water pressure:
- Adjustable pressure w/five settings.
- Range from 0.16 to 0.21 gal (or 0.8-0.6 L) per minute.
Efficiency
- Energy-saver mode—when used, the water and seat temperatures are automatically lowered to save energy.
- Aerated wash for comfortable spray and water efficiency.
- Higher-efficiency hybrid water heater lowers energy costs.
On the Hybrid Heater
Bidets with hybrid heaters offer a longer supply of warm water than the usual 30 seconds offered by tank-type heaters.
Technology-wise, they’re somewhere between the tank-type heaters (like the one on the SB-1000 above) and the instantaneous heaters common to luxury bidets.
They often advertise “endless” warm water, and some hybrid heaters live up to that claim. Namely, the iX above.
But, endless or not, hybrid heaters are still a step up from tank heaters and definitely worth opting for.
Recommended Reading: The Best Value Option for Older Adults: Brondell LE99 Swash
The Best Value Bidet Under $300
The Alph GX Wave Bidet Seat
For those who like the iX but want to spend as little as possible, I’d go with the Alpha GX Wave (also available on Amazon).
It’s Alpha’s entry-level option. To cut costs, it comes with a side panel instead of a remote control, which helps lower the price.
Remote controls are preferred over side panels, but they’re far from necessary, at least, for most bidet users.
Folks who benefit the most from remote controls include heavier individuals (the side panel can dig into your side), older adults, and anyone with limited mobility and/or vision.
Features of the Alpha GX Wave Bidet
The features are similar to the iX, with a few differences:
- Basic hybrid heating system for ~45 seconds of warm water. There’s no endless warm water as with the iX, but it’s still better than the usual 30sec provided by basic tank-type heaters.
- Cleansing effectiveness. The GX cleansing spray isn’t quite as strong as the iX, despite the GX having a greater nozzle output (or flow rate). It think it has to do with the angle of spray. Also, the oscillating function with the iX works better–the GX nozzle doesn’t move back and forth as much. Anway, it got a lower score on the fake poop test (compared to the iX), but still performed great overall.
- White instead of blue LED nightlight for bathroom navigation in the dark. Also, the light is a bit underpowered so it’s not as bright as the iX light.
- The GX has a side panel instead of a remote control. So, the controls are fixed to the side of the bidet.
- The GX has a sturdy, sittable lid. It’s usually advised that you not sit on bidet seats, or plastic toilet seats in general, but you can sit on the GX when it’s closed. Some folks like to sit for resting, texting, or clipping toenails.
We've thoroughly tested all the features of this bidet and written a detailed review. Be sure to check it out before making your purchase! Read the article here. (Article Link)
Recommended Reading: Alpha GX Wave Bidet Reviews: Every Feature Tested Practically
Best Overall Best Bidets Under $300
The Alph iX Hybrid Bidet Seat
Alpha makes some good bidets, and I like the Alpha iX Hybrid bidet seat (also available on Amazon). It’s their premium (mid-tier) level bidet and it’s available at an entry-level price. I.e., you can get it for the same price (even less) as entry-level TOTO bidets that offer very few features.
It has an advanced water heater that provides endless warm water.
We've thoroughly tested all the features of this bidet and written a detailed review. Be sure to check it out before making your purchase! Read the article here.
Features of the Alpha iX Hybrid Bidet
Water Temperature:
- Hybrid heating system for never-ending warm water flow.
- Multiple water temperature and pressure settings.
- The water temperature include “Off” (cold tap), and three settings that range from Low (93° F) to High (102° F).
- Good strong wash, with an output of 0.13 to 0.21 gallons (or ~0.5-0.8 L) per minute.
Comfort:
- Warm air dryer for comfort and toilet paper savings.
- Cozy heated seat with adjustable temperature. Choose the “Off” position or adjust the temperature between 89° F and 102° F.
Convenience:
- Sleek handheld remote control and wall mount.
- Child wash mode allows kids to get an adequate wash with child-friendly settings all with one push of a button.
Look and Design:
- Average size with a rear height of 6” (~15.2 cm).
- Solid white with minimal decals. Most manufacturers can’t resist putting an obvious logo in the back.
Seat and Lid:
- Slow/gentle-close seat and lid to prevent wear and tear.
- An easy-release button for quick bidet removal/installation (i.e., removal for periodic cleaning or to uninstall the bidet).
Spray Modes:
- Rear setting (regular).
- Rear+ (stronge or “turbo”) mode.
- Front feminine wash mode
- Oscillating spray setting: the nozzle moves back and forth to clean more effectively by covering a wider area.
- Massage/pulse setting rotates soft and strong pressure to provide a massage-like effect..
Cleaning Wand:
- Single, stainless-steel 2-in-1 nozzle for front and rear cleansing.
- Adjustable position for precise aiming.
Safety and Sanitation:
- Blue LED nightlight illuminates the bathroom for safe navigation in the dark.
- The stainless-steel nozzle self-cleans before and after each use (automatically).
- On-demand nozzle self-clean function can be activated via remote.
Efficiency:
- Power saver modes.
- Higher-efficiency hybrid water heater lowers energy costs.
On the Oscillating Spray Mode
When you clean your car, you don’t just put the hose in one spot and expect to clean the entire windshield. Instead, you move it back and forth in a regular pattern. The same is true with bidets.
I really like the oscillating spray mode, as it covers a wider area meaning less work for the user when it comes to getting water to all the right places (I.e., adjusting body position).
Other Good Bidets Under $300
The Brondell SWASH SE400
Next up, is the Brondell SE400 (Amazon link).
If you liked the LE99 but it’s not available (it’s out of stock or unavailable for your toilet type), the SE400 is a good option.
Warm air blower? Yes
Warm Water:
- Tank-type water heater
- 4 settings for each wash mode.
- Settings include: “Off” (cold tap), Low (93.2° F), Medium (98.6° F), and High (104°F)
Comfort, convenience, and aesthetics:
- Side panel instead of remote.
- Mid-range bulkiness at 6.1” in the rear.
- Blue nightlight.
Seat and lid:
- Heated seat.
- Slow/gentle-closing seat and lid.
Spray modes:
- Rear wash.
- Front wash.
- Oscillation mode.
- Massage/pulse mode.
Cleaning wand:
- Adjustable nozzle position—five settings.
- Stainless steel nozzle.
- Automatic self-cleaning wand.
Water pressure:
- Adjustable pressure w/five settings.
- Max output of 0.25 gal or 0.95 L per min.
Efficiency
- Power-saving eco mode.
The Brondell SE400 vs the LE99
As you can see, the SE400 has the features of the LE99 minus the remote control and hybrid heating system.
In my experience, they’re usually about the same price, which is why I recommend the LE99 if it’s available for your toilet.
SmartBidet SB-1000 Electric Bidet Seat
One popular bidet that’s been around for a while is the Smart Bidet SB-1000 (Amazon link). It’s got a good track record of user feedback so it’s definitely a go-to recommendation.
The SB-1000 isn’t the most sophisticated bidet in the lineup, but I like it because it has a long history of satisfied users. There are tons of cheap entry-level bidets on the market, so making sure you get a quality unit is important.
Features:
- Tank-type water heater.
- Remote control.
- Three wash modes: turbo, posterior, and feminine wash.
- Adjustable warm water temperature.
- Heated seat.
- Soft/gentle-close seat and lid (saves wear and tear).
- Warm air dryer.
- Self-cleaning nozzle.
The SB-1000 offers a lot more than other bidets in the same price range, but it lacks a couple of features offered by other units in this article.
For one, it has a tank-type instead of a hybrid heater. Tank heaters are less energy-efficient and only provide 30 seconds to 1min of warm water before the stream starts to run cold, depending on the model. Most users find that 30sec to 1min is sufficient for most cleaning sessions.
The cleaning nozzle isn’t stainless steel, but it’s made of high-quality plastic. Just avoid cleaning the wand with harsh solvents, and it should last a good long time.
On Water Pressure
The SB-1000 does have a lower water flow rate, which often means lower pressure. Compared to other bidets in this article—the flow rate (through the nozzle) is on the low end at about ~0.18 gal or 0.7 L per minute.
However, complaints of low pressure don’t seem to be especially common with this bidet. I haven’t used this bidet personally, but I’ve seen it operated and it appears to be plenty strong.
The Bio Bidet Slim TWO Electric Seat
If you can forego the warm air dryer, one good option is the Bio Bidet Slim Two electric seat (Amazon link).
It offers the features of the Slim One but with a handheld remote. The Slim Two is a good option for folks who could take or leave a warm air dryer but otherwise want as many features as possible at an entry-level price.
Features:
- Remote control.
- Tank-type heater + never cold fusion technology.
- Stainless-steel, self-cleaning, retractable nozzle.
- Rear and front cleansing for posterior and feminine hygiene.
- Turbo wash mode for a more vigorous clean.
- Several spray modes: oscillating, pulsating/massage mode, a wide spray pattern, and a wash mode for children.
- Gentle-closing seat and lid.
- Power saving mode.
- Heated seat.
- Quick-release seat for easy cleaning.
- Night light.
Warm Water
The Slim Two has a regular tank-type heater, so you’re still getting about a minute of warm water. But the heater also has something called “fusion” technology that ensures the water never runs cold. So, when the warm water tank runs dry, the unheated water will remain lukewarm, which will be useful especially if you live in a cold climate.
On the Different Spray Modes
The BB Slim TWO offers several spray settings to choose from. In fact, I’d say the biggest strength of this bidet, compared to others in the lineup, is the many spray patterns.
Having an extra spray mode is common (usually feminine wash), but the Slim Two has a handful to pick from, some of which are typically limited to more expensive seats.
The turbo mode offers a stronger jet stream, but it’s still an electric bidet we’re talking about so complaints of lower water pressure do arise from time to time.
As touched on with the Alpha bidets, I really like the oscillating spray mode.
It covers a wider area, even more so than the wide spray setting, because it actually moves for you. When using a bidet without this function (like my trusty non-electric attachment), I find I have to rock back and forth and side-to-side to get decent coverage.
On the Air Dryer (or Lack Thereof)
The BB Slim Two is the only bidet in this article that lacks a warm air dryer. Keep in mind, some users find they don’t need or want an air dryer. They’re kind of like the hand dryers in public restrooms, some people just don’t have the patience for them, and others find that paper does a lot better job at drying anyway.
Warm air dryers aren’t necessary, as you can always use a dedicated bidet towel or 1-2 squares of TP to get the job done. If you decide to dry with toilet paper, you’ll still cut your TP use by 95% in the long run.
So, whether you continue to use paper or not, switching to a bidet offers benefits for your wallet and the environment.