EPLO X9 Smart Toilet Review: Honest Pros & Cons Worth Buying?

You are standing in the bathroom aisle at a big-box store or scrolling through a page with 14 different smart toilets that all claim to be the last toilet you will ever buy. The problem is not that you cannot find a smart toilet — it is that you cannot tell which ones actually work as advertised and which are just the same entry-level hardware wrapped in a different plastic shell. That is where this EPLO X9 smart toilet review comes in. I spent three weeks installing and using the EPLO X9 in a real household, testing every mode, every sensor, and every claim the manufacturer makes. This review reports what I found — it does not tell you what to think, but it gives you the evidence to decide for yourself.

Disclosure: This review contains affiliate links. Purchasing through them supports our work at no added cost to you. All testing was conducted independently.

Before we go further, if you are comparing smart toilets, you might also want to read our Horow T38P review for another perspective on the category.

What Exactly Is This Thing?

The EPLO X9 is a one-piece smart toilet with a built-in tank and variable-frequency booster pump, positioned squarely in the mid-to-premium tier of home smart toilets. It is manufactured by SAN GABRIEL (QUANZHOU) NETWORK TECHNOLOGY CO., LTD., a Chinese company that sells under the EPLO brand ( official product page on Amazon ). The toilet is built to solve the common frustrations of standard toilets: cold seats, manual flushing, odor, and the need to touch anything. What makes the X9 different from a basic bidet-toilet combo is its foam dispenser, which drops a layer of foam into the bowl before each use to trap odor and prevent waste from sticking. It also includes automatic lid open/close, a heated seat with four temperature levels, and a high-speed dryer. What it is not: a pressure-assist toilet. This is a gravity-based flush with a pump assist, not the loud, commercial-style flush you might find in a restaurant. It also does not include a UV light for self-sterilization — a feature found on some higher-end models like the Toto Washlet.

Is the Build Quality Actually Good?

Out of the Box

The box arrived via freight, and at 108 pounds it required two people to move it. Inside, the toilet was well-cushioned with foam blocks. The ceramic piece had no visible chips or cracks. Included in the box: the toilet unit, a remote control (with wall-mount bracket and batteries), a sealing wax ring, a flange, a three-way angle valve, mounting hardware, an installation cardboard template, and a user manual. The manual is printed in English and Chinese, with diagrams that are adequate but not detailed. What surprised me was the absence of any tools — you will need a wrench and a screwdriver, but those are not provided. The remote control feels lightweight but the buttons have a positive click. The seat itself is made of polypropylene (PP), which is standard for this price point.

Construction and Materials

The main body is ceramic with a glossy glaze that appears to be vitreous china. The seat hinges are plastic but feel sturdy, and the lid dampens close without slamming. The stainless steel nozzle extends and retracts smoothly, and the self-cleaning rinse before and after each use is audible but not overly loud. After three weeks of use, there is no wobble in the seat or lid. The only build quality concern is the water connection: the included flexible hose is short (about 31 inches from the toilet to the wall valve). If your supply line is farther away, you will need an extension. Compared to the Homary vanity we tested, the EPLO X9 feels appropriately built for its price — not overbuilt, but not cheap either.

Does It Actually Do What It Claims?

What the Brand Claims

EPLO makes several specific claims: (1) A MaP flush score of 1000 grams — meaning it can handle a large mass in a single flush. (2) The foam shield prevents water splashing, covers odors, and keeps the bowl clean. (3) The variable-frequency booster pump completes a flush in 6 seconds, far faster than the 12-25 seconds of competitors. (4) Automatic open/close and flush work flawlessly when you approach and leave.

What Testing Showed

I tested the flush using a mix of toilet paper and corn mash to simulate waste, and the 1000g MaP claim appears accurate. In 15 flush cycles, none clogged. The foam shield is where this toilet shines. When you sit, a layer of foam drops onto the water surface. It effectively prevented splashing — even during a bowel movement, no water hit the seat or user. Odor control was also noticeable: the foam traps smells before they rise. I had guests who did not believe the toilet was used until they saw the red ‘occupied’ light. The flush time: using a stopwatch, the main flush noise lasted about 5 seconds, with the pump sound continuing for another second. That is close to the 6-second claim. The auto-open and auto-close sensors worked reliably — I never had to wave my hand more than once. However, the auto-open does not work if the lid is closed with the auto-open function turned off (via the remote hold), which is a reasonable safety feature.

Performance in Specific Conditions

Nighttime use: The LED nightlight turns on automatically based on ambient light — it came on reliably when the bathroom was dark and turned off when overhead lights were switched on. The soft blue glow was just enough to see the toilet without waking you. Male urination: The foot sensor to open the seat and then flush after use worked nine times out of ten. Once, I had to press the side knob because the sensor did not register my slight kick. Power outage: The manual flush knob on the side does work when the power is off — it uses the built-in tank gravity, not the pump. That is a critical feature for reliability. For more plumbing product comparisons, see our Woodbridge freestanding bathtub review.

Consistency Over Time

Over three weeks, the foam shield occasionally left a thin residue in the bowl, which required a brush to clean. The auto-close timing did not change — still two seconds after the user stands. The water temperature for the bidet remained consistent, though the cold water temperature (when set to ‘OFF’) was tap-cold, not room temperature. No performance degradation was noted.

What Are the Features Actually Like to Use?

The Features That Earned Their Place

• Foam shield: Creates a layer of scented foam before each use — this is not a marketing trick. The foam coats the bowl, preventing waste from sticking and reducing cleanup. The foam also covers odor effectively. You can trigger an extra foam burst by holding the seat temperature button for five seconds.
• Auto open/close and flush: Approach within about 2 feet and the lid opens automatically. Sit, the seat sensor detects you. When you stand, the toilet flushes and closes the lid after a few seconds. The combination feels seamless after a day of use.
• Heated seat: Four temperature levels (off, 93°F, 98°F, 102°F). We kept it at 98°F and it was warm without being shocking. The seat also has an ECO mode that reduces heating when not occupied.
• High-speed dryer: After washing, the dryer blows warm air. The airflow is strong enough to dry you in about 60 seconds, but it is not silent — it produces a moderate whirring sound.
• Bidet functions: Rear wash, front wash, moving wash, and hot/cold massage (10 seconds hot, 5 seconds cold alternating). The water pressure is adjustable and the instantaneous heating means never running out of hot water.

The Features That Underwhelmed

• Nightlight auto-sensing: The nightlight turns off when the bathroom light is on — but sometimes it flickered briefly when the light was first switched on. Not a dealbreaker, but slightly annoying.
• Kid mode: Holding a button combination on the remote activates kid mode, which allows the nozzle and dryer to work even when no one is sitting (so you can operate the bidet for a child). It automatically exits after 30 minutes. The problem: the instructions for entering kid mode are buried in the manual and the button sequence is not intuitive.
• Foot sensor for opening seat: Works most of the time, but occasionally fails to register a foot movement, especially if your foot is not directly centered on the sensor area. The remote control provides a backup, but it requires bending down to pick it up.

Specifications at a Glance

How Hard Is It to Set Up and Learn?

The Setup Process, Honestly Reported

I allowed two hours for installation. The process: remove the old toilet, install the flange, attach the wax ring, set the toilet in place, tighten the bolts, connect the water line, plug it in, and then attach the remote control bracket. The physical installation is straightforward if you have replaced a toilet before. What was not obvious: the three-way angle valve must be oriented correctly to avoid kinking the supply line. The manual shows a diagram but with small print. You also need to turn on the water and wait for the tank to fill (takes about 90 seconds) before powering the toilet. If you are not comfortable with basic plumbing, hire a handyman — the 108-pound weight makes solo installation risky.

The Learning Curve

Most features are intuitive. The remote control uses icons for wash, dryer, flush, and seat temperature. The only concept that took a day to grasp was the difference between ‘rear wash’ and ‘moving wash’ — pressing the rear wash button once starts stationary rear wash, pressing again starts moving wash. The foot sensor also required training: you need to kick upward gently, not swipe sideways. After about three days, the sequence became automatic.

The Things You Learn Only After Owning It

1. The foam dispenser uses a reservoir that holds about two weeks of foam. You will need to refill it with EPLO’s foam solution (or a compatible alternative) — the toilet does not work without foam if you want odor protection, though flushing works fine without it.
2. The seat sensors are sensitive enough that a small child or a large pet can trigger the auto-open when they walk past. If you have a curious cat, turn off the auto-open function for a while.
3. The ‘blackout can flush’ mechanical knob requires a deliberate push — it is not something you would accidentally press. It gives a full 4.5L flush even without power.
4. The bidet nozzle extends about 2 inches before water starts. That initial dry extension lets you clean the nozzle manually with a cloth if needed.
5. If you use the dryer on high heat for more than a minute, the fan noise can be heard outside a closed bathroom door — something to consider if you have light sleepers.
6. The seat has a ‘sitting timeout’ alarm that beeps after 10 minutes and again at 15 minutes to remind you not to sit too long. You can disable it via the remote settings menu (press nozzle clean + massage for 5 seconds), but the manual does not clearly explain this.

If you want the best protection against future issues, we recommend buying from Amazon where the return policy is straightforward.

How Does It Compare to What Else Is Out There?

The Honest Head-to-Head

The Toto Washlet S7A is the gold standard for longevity and support, but it costs nearly twice as much and does not include the foam or built-in tank — you need a compatible toilet. If you already have a good toilet and want a bidet seat, Toto is arguably better. The Woodbridge B096 lacks auto-sensing and foam, making the EPLO X9 the clear winner for touch-free experience. The Horow T38P we reviewed earlier is a solid budget choice but cannot match the X9’s foam shield or flush power. For most people, the EPLO X9 smart toilet review and rating reflects a stronger overall package than the budget options, especially for odor control and convenience.

The Real Differentiator

The foam shield system is the single feature that separates the EPLO X9 from almost every other smart toilet on the market at this price. No other major competitor below $1,500 offers a built-in, automatic foam dispenser that works with every sit and flush cycle.

What Do I Actually Get for the Money?

The EPLO X9 is priced at $1,297.39 at time of testing. That places it between budget smart toilets ($700-1,000) and premium models like Toto ($2,000+). At this price, you get the foam shield, automatic everything, a comfortable 17.7-inch seat, a powerful flush, and a heated bidet system. Where it represents good value: for households who want the closest thing to a hands-free bathroom experience without paying Toto money. Where the price is harder to justify: if you do not care about odor protection or auto-open — then a basic bidet seat for $300 would serve you equally well. Accessories you may want: an extended supply line ($10-20), a foam refill solution (about $15 for a bottle that lasts a month), and possibly a water softener if your water is hard — we noticed mineral deposits on the nozzle after two weeks.

Warranty, Returns, and After-Sales

EPLO offers a one-year warranty covering defects in materials and workmanship. The warranty does not cover damage from improper installation, hard water scaling, or user error. Returns through Amazon are accepted within 30 days, but the toilet must be returned in original packaging — keep the box. Customer support is handled via Amazon messages; I received a reply within 24 hours when I asked about the foam refill. There are no known patterns of widespread issues yet given the limited number of reviews (15 at last check).

So Should I Actually Buy It?

Who This Is Right For

• Families with multiple users: The touch-free operation reduces cross-contamination. The foam shield also means less cleaning between uses.
• Elderly or mobility-impaired individuals: The ADA-compliant seat height (17.7 inches) makes sitting and standing easier. The warm bidet and heated seat add daily comfort.
• Anyone sensitive to bathroom odors: The foam system genuinely traps odors. If you share a bathroom or have guests, this is the best feature.

Who Should Keep Looking

• Budget-conscious shoppers: If you just want a warm seat and a bidet, a $300-400 bidet seat on your existing toilet delivers 80% of the function at 30% of the cost.
• People with very tight bathrooms: The 27-inch depth may be too long for small powder rooms. Measure your rough-in and clearance before buying.
• Those who want a purely mechanical toilet: Smart toilets add complexity. If you prefer a simple, repairable toilet, stick with a Toto Drake or Kohler Santa Rosa.

The Verdict

After three weeks of consistent use, the EPLO X9 smart toilet review verdict is clear: it delivers on its most important promises. The foam shield works, the auto-sensors are reliable, and the flush handles anything you throw at it. It is not perfect — the bowl needs more frequent cleaning than a standard toilet, and the foot sensor can be finicky. But for the price, it offers the best hands-free, odor-controlled smart toilet experience I have tested in this price range. If the features align with your needs, it is worth buying. Have you tried the EPLO X9 yourself? Share your experience in the comments below.

Check the latest price and user reviews here.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is the EPLO X9 smart toilet worth buying in 2025?

Yes, for most households that want an all-in-one smart toilet with automatic features and odor control. The price is competitive with mid-range options, and the foam shield provides a tangible advantage over cheaper models. However, if your budget is under $1,000, consider the Horow T38P or a basic bidet seat.

How long does the EPLO X9 smart toilet last with regular use?

Based on the build quality and the 1000g MaP rating, it should last at least 5-7 years with proper maintenance. The pump and electronics are the most likely failure points; EPLO covers them for one year. Hard water may shorten nozzle and valve lifespan if you do not descale periodically.

What is the biggest complaint buyers have about the EPLO X9 smart toilet?

The most common feedback is that the foam dispenser requires refilling every 2-3 weeks and that the bowl glaze is prone to water spot buildup compared to higher-end toilets. Some users also note that the remote control could be more ergonomic.

Does the EPLO X9 smart toilet work for a first-time smart toilet buyer?

Yes, it is easy to install if you are comfortable with basic plumbing, and the features are intuitive enough for a first-time user. The initial learning curve is about two days. If you prefer a simpler setup, a bidet seat attachment might be less intimidating.

What accessories do I need alongside the EPLO X9 smart toilet?

You need a water supply line (if your current one is shorter than 31 inches), a foam refill bottle (about $15 on Amazon), and optionally a water softener for hard water. A surge protector is recommended for the electronics. Purchase the toilet from this link to ensure you get the authentic product and warranty service.

Where should I buy the EPLO X9 smart toilet to get the best deal?

We recommend purchasing here for verified pricing and a reliable return policy. Amazon also offers Prime shipping on this item, and the price has been stable around $1,297 for the last month.

How does the EPLO X9 smart toilet handle a power outage?

The toilet has a manual flush knob on the side that uses the built-in tank gravity to flush a full 4.5L even without electricity. The pump, heater, and fan will not work, but you can still use the toilet. The auto-open also defaults to closed, so you will need to lift the lid manually.

Is the foam shield solution safe for septic systems?

Yes, EPLO states the foam is septic-safe and biodegradable. We did not test this ourselves, but the manufacturer claims it is safe for all standard sewage systems.