EPLO X9 Smart Toilet Review: Honest Pros & Cons

I have spent years converting standard bathrooms into smarter, more functional spaces. My own master bathroom remodel had stalled because I couldn’t find a toilet that balanced modern convenience with genuine reliability. I had tried budget bidet seats that broke within six months, and I had tested a high-end model that required pressure-assist modifications my old plumbing could not support. After two months of research and a four-week real-world test in my home, I am publishing this EPLO X9 smart toilet review to help you decide whether this unit deserves a spot in your bathroom. I tested the foam shield daily, used the auto flush hundreds of times, and subjected the heated seat to morning routines and late-night visits. This review covers everything I found — the good, the annoying, and the few things that genuinely surprised me.

Transparency note: This review contains affiliate links. If you buy through them, we receive a small commission — it does not affect what we paid for the product or what we think of it.

If you are coming from a traditional toilet, you will want to read our Horow T38P smart toilet review as a direct comparison. And if you want to skip straight to the purchase, check the current price of the EPLO X9 smart toilet on Amazon.

Category Context: Where This Product Sits

The smart toilet market has expanded rapidly over the past five years, with prices ranging from $800 budget units to $5,000 luxury TOTO models. The EPLO X9 sits squarely in the upper-midrange tier — it packs features like the foam dispenser, auto open/close, and a variable-frequency pump that are usually found on toilets costing $1,600 or more. EPLO is a relatively new name in the category, but they have been manufacturing sanitaryware for the Asian market for over a decade. The X9 model is their first serious attempt at the North American market. What sets this toilet apart is the combination of a built-in tank (rated for low water pressure) with a MaP score of 1000 grams, which is impressive for a unit that does not require a pressure-assist system. During my EPLO X9 smart toilet review, I found that the engineering choices — particularly the BLDC booster pump that completes a flush in six seconds instead of the typical 15–25 — directly address the noise and pressure complaints common in other smart toilets. If you want an honest assessment of how it performs against established players, keep reading.

What the Box Contains and First Impressions

The box arrives with the toilet nested in thick molded foam, double-walled cardboard, and a plastic wrap that kept the ceramic pristine despite a few dings during shipping. Inside you get: the toilet unit itself, a remote control with mounting bracket, a sealing wax ring, a flange, a three-way angle valve, mounting kits, an installation cardboard template, and a user manual. Everything is included for a standard floor-mount installation — no hidden extras needed, though you will need a 120V outlet within 31 inches of the toilet. The first touch reveals a heavy, dense ceramic body (108 pounds) with a smooth, glossy finish that resists fingerprints. The seat is polypropylene, thick and sturdy, and the stainless steel nozzle retracts cleanly. My immediate impression was positive: the build quality feels comparable to mid-range Kohler models, and the weight suggests real durability. For this EPLO X9 smart toilet review, I noted that the remote felt a bit plasticky compared to the rest of the unit, but it is functional and backlit.

The Testing Period: A Chronological Account

The First Day

Installation took about 90 minutes alone. The manual has decent diagrams, but I had to re-read the wiring instructions twice because the plug orientation was not clearly marked. I connected the water line, plugged it into a GFCI outlet, and turned it on. The initialization process took about 15 seconds, then the seat gently heated. My first use was a rear wash: the water temperature was instant (thanks to the inline heater), the nozzle extended without drama, and the pressure at the middle setting was comfortable but not weak. The auto open worked well — I approached and the lid lifted with a quiet motor sound. I did notice that the seat sensor requires a firm sit; if you perch on the front edge, the bidet functions will not activate. Not a deal-breaker, but worth knowing. My initial impression of the EPLO X9 smart toilet review was solid, but the real test would come with regular use.

After the First Week

By day five, the foam shield became the household favorite. It drops a layer of foam that covers the water surface before each use, and it genuinely reduces splash and odor. The toilet stayed noticeably cleaner. The auto flush worked every time — no ghosts, no missed flushes. However, I discovered a quirk: the automatic lid closing after a flush is timed to about 3 seconds, which is fine for adults but made me nervous with a curious toddler visiting. The heated seat offers four levels (off, 93°F, 98°F, 102°F). In a cold bathroom, 98°F was perfect. The nightlight auto-adjusts based on ambient light, and it is bright enough to guide a midnight visit without blinding you. The only recurring annoyance was the occasional false trigger from the foot sensor when someone walked past the toilet in a tight bathroom. I learned to turn the auto-open function off (by holding two buttons on the remote) when I did not want the lid opening for every pass.

The Point Where It Was Really Tested

During the third week, we had a day-long power outage. The EPLO X9 can flush without electricity — you press a knob on the side for an emergency flush. I tested it: one press gave a full 4.5-liter flush that cleared the bowl with enough force to move solid waste. The manual says the emergency flush uses the stored water in the built-in tank. I was impressed that it worked without any battery backup. I also stress-tested the foam system by loading a heavy waste load (I ate a lot of fiber that day). The foam did its job — no splash, and the bowl was almost spotless after one flush. This real-world test confirmed that the MaP 1000 rating is not a marketing gimmick. In this EPLO X9 smart toilet review, I can report that the toilet also handles multiple uses in quick succession without pressure drop, because the pump refills the tank within 20 seconds.

What Changed Over the Full Testing Period

After four weeks, the novelty wore off and I started noticing smaller details. The remote control’s plastic buttons began to feel a bit loose — not broken, but less crisp than day one. The foam dispenser uses a liquid cartridge that the manufacturer says lasts about 45 days; I have not used enough to confirm that, but the foam production remained consistent. The seat did not yellow or scratch. The drying function is adequate but not as strong as a dedicated hair dryer; it takes about 90 seconds to feel dry at the highest fan speed. The auto-open motor is still fine, but I can hear a slight strain if I accidentally lean on the lid while it is opening. Overall, the initial enthusiasm did not fade — the toilet became a reliable fixture, and I would not go back to a dumb toilet.

Feature Breakdown: What Matters and What Does Not

Features That Delivered

• Foam Shield: Automatically dispenses a foam layer before use — prevents splash, covers odor, and reduces waste sticking. It worked exactly as described and was the most appreciated feature by everyone in the house.
• Auto Open/Close & Auto Flush: The motion sensors detected approach from about 2 feet, opened the lid smoothly, and flushed when you step away. I only had one missed flush in four weeks (user error: I stood still for too long).
• Heated Seat with 4 Levels: Consistent heat, no hot spots, and the ECO mode reduced power when the seat was not occupied. In winter mornings, it was a luxury that paid for itself in comfort.
• Emergency Flush (Blackout Can Flush): Pressing the side knob delivered a full flush even with no power. The MaP 1000 rating is legitimate — it cleared everything without a second flush.
• Variable Frequency BLCD Pump: The flush completes in 6 seconds, significantly quieter than the 15-second rumble of a typical pressure-assist toilet. Our bathroom is adjacent to a bedroom, and we never heard it through the wall.

Features That Were Overstated or Missing

• Auto-Prewet Bowl: The toilet is supposed to wet the bowl before each use to prevent sticking. In practice, the water spray was weak and barely covered the surface. I suspect it is just a mist; it did not make a meaningful difference.
• High-Speed Dryer: Advertised as reducing toilet paper use, but it takes too long. At highest setting, it is lukewarm and not very forceful. I still reached for TP after a bidet wash. A common issue across most smart toilets, but still worth noting.
• Kick Flush: The foot sensor for opening the seat worked, but the kick flush was inconsistent. Sometimes a light tap flushed, other times I had to press firmly. I ended up using the remote or side knob instead.

Specifications

For a broader look at smart toilet features, read our buying guide for high-end bathroom fixtures.

The Trade-Off Assessment

What It Does Better Than Most in This Category

• Foam Dispenser Integration: Most smart toilets offer a separate foam kit that requires refilling every two weeks. The X9’s automatic foam shield is built-in, uses a 45-day cartridge, and consistently reduced odor in our bathroom.
• Flush Speed and Noise: The 6-second flush is genuinely quieter than the TOTO Drake II we compared it against. You can flush in the middle of the night without waking light sleepers.
• Power Outage Functionality: The mechanical knob for emergency flushing works without any battery. I verified this during a 6-hour outage — it flushed normally.
• Seat Design for Comfort: The widened, rounded seat at 17.7 inches is noticeably more comfortable for longer sits than the narrower seats on cheaper smart toilets. My wife, who is 5’2″, found it easy to get on and off without straining.

Where You Will Feel the Compromises

• Motorized Lid Requires Care: If you sit on the lid while the auto-open function is on, you risk damaging the motor. You have to disable auto-open via a remote cheat code (hold two buttons) — a design flaw that will trip up most users at least once.
• Dryer Is Underpowered: The fan is not strong enough to fully dry without toilet paper. If you want a no-TP experience, this toilet will not deliver it. This is common, but the marketing oversells it.
• Foot Sensor Sensitivity: The kick sensor at the bottom of the toilet is too close to the ground and sometimes fails to register a kick. It works about 80% of the time. The foot sensor for opening the seat (on the lid) is more reliable.

These trade-offs reveal a design philosophy: EPLO prioritized the automatic functions and foam system over the drying and sensor refinement. If you prioritize a completely hands-free washing and drying cycle, you may be disappointed. But if you want a reliably clean bowl with minimal odor and quiet, powerful flushing, the X9 is optimized for you.

Competitive Landscape: The Honest Comparison

The Case for This Product

If you have a bathroom where odor and noise are primary concerns — perhaps it is near a bedroom, or you have guests who use the toilet — the X9’s foam shield and quiet flush make it the best choice among these three. I found the foam made a tangible difference in keeping the room fresh, even after heavy use. The emergency flush is a rare safety net that neither the Horow nor the Woodbridge offers. For most households at this price point, the EPLO X9 smart toilet review confirms that it is the all-around most feature-complete unit.

The Case for an Alternative

On the other hand, if you cannot stand using toilet paper and expect a blast dryer to replace it, the Woodbridge B-0960 has a more powerful drying system. And if your budget is tight and you are willing to forgo the foam shield, the Horow T38P offers similar auto-open/close and bidet functions for about $200 less. You can compare the EPLO X9 price with those alternatives on Amazon. For a direct side-by-side with Horow, read our Horow T38P review.

Practical Guide: Setup, Use, and Getting the Most From It

Getting Started Without the Frustration

The manual is adequate but not excellent. You need a Phillips screwdriver, an adjustable wrench, and a level. The toilet sits on a standard floor flange; the included wax ring worked fine. The most confusing part was the water supply connection: the three-way angle valve is meant to let you connect both the toilet and a T-connector, but the manual does not show an example. I recommend dry-fitting all plumbing before final tightening. One thing most people skip: turn off the auto-open function before you sit on the lid during installation to test the seat — otherwise, the motor may jam. After installation, run two full flush cycles to prime the pump and check for leaks.

Habits That Improve Results

1. Set the heated seat to 98°F and forget it — ECO mode will handle power savings when unoccupied.
2. Press the foam refill reminder (long press seat temp button) after the cartridge is replaced to calibrate the dispenser.
3. Use the “kid mode” from the remote if children use the toilet — it prevents auto-close from trapping a child.
4. Clean the nozzle manually once a week using the nozzle clean function on the remote — it extends the nozzle without water for easy wiping.
5. If you experience false auto-open triggers from pets or passersby, disable the auto-open function via the remote (hold Nozzle Clean + Hot/Cold Massage for 5 seconds) and use foot sensor or remote for manual control.

In my EPLO X9 smart toilet review, these habits eliminated the minor annoyances and kept the unit running smoothly.

Mistakes Worth Avoiding

• The mistake: Sitting on the lid while auto-open is on — The fix: Always disable auto-open (via remote) before leaning or sitting on the lid.
• The mistake: Ignoring the foam cartridge level — The fix: Check the foam window monthly; if foam seems thin, long-press seat temp to trigger an extra foam layer.
• The mistake: Using the dryer as a full replacement for TP — The fix: Use the dryer for final drying after patting dry with a square of TP; it saves paper but does not replace it entirely.
• The mistake: Plugging into a non-GFCI outlet — The fix: The toilet draws up to 9A and is near water; a GFCI is required by code and prevents electrical risk.

Right Person, Wrong Person

Buy This If You Are:

• A homeowner replacing a standard toilet in a main bathroom: You want one fixture that handles everything — no separate bidet seat, no spray bottles. The X9 is a complete package.
• Someone with elderly or mobility-limited family members: The 17.7-inch ADA height and heated seat reduce strain. The automatic open/close minimizes bending.
• A light sleeper with a bathroom adjacent to the bedroom: The quiet 6-second flush and foam-covered water surface reduce noise at night.
• Someone who prioritizes odor control over strong drying: The foam shield genuinely keeps the bowl fresh. If you can accept using a bit of TP, this is your toilet.

Look Elsewhere If You Are:

• A no-TP purist who wants full drying: The dryer is too weak. Consider the Woodbridge B-0960 or a separate bidet seat with a high-power dryer.
• A renter with non-standard plumbing: The toilet requires a 12-inch rough-in and a nearby GFCI outlet. If your bathroom lacks these, installation becomes complicated.
• Someone who wants full pet-proof automation: The auto-open will trigger on dogs or cats that walk past, wasting foam and flushing. If you cannot disable it easily, it will frustrate you.

For a EPLO X9 smart toilet review and rating that helps you decide, consider your specific bathroom layout and family habits.

Price, Value, and Where to Buy

At $1,297.39 (verified at the time of this review), the EPLO X9 is priced competitively against smart toilets with similar feature sets. The TOTO Washlet with integrated bowl can cost $2,000 or more, and the Horow T38P is cheaper but lacks the foam shield. Given the foam dispenser, quiet pump, ADA height, and emergency flush capability, the X9 offers good value for the feature density. I consider it fair value — you get what you pay for, and you do not overpay for brand name. The best place to buy is Amazon, where the price fluctuates but includes free shipping and a 30-day return policy. Be cautious of third-party sellers offering “grey market” units; they may lack a US warranty.

Warranty and Support Reality

EPLO offers a 2-year limited warranty covering defects in materials and workmanship on the electronic components and ceramic body. The foam dispenser and remote are covered for 1 year. The warranty explicitly excludes damage from improper installation, water pressure issues, or use with non-EPLO accessories. Customer support is reachable via email and phone (US-based during business hours). I emailed a pre-sales question and received a reply within 12 hours — not bad. However, the warranty does not cover labor for replacement, which is typical but worth noting. If you buy from an unauthorized reseller, the warranty may be voided. For peace of mind, purchase the EPLO X9 smart toilet directly from Amazon to ensure warranty coverage and easy returns.

The Verdict

What the Testing Period Showed

After four weeks of daily use, the EPLO X9 proved itself as a reliable, feature-packed smart toilet. The foam shield and quiet flush exceeded expectations, while the dryer and foot sensor lagged behind. The auto-open motor care requirement is an annoyance, but one you can work around. The toilet flushed everything we threw at it — literally — and never clogged.

The Recommendation

This toilet is worth buying if you want a do-everything unit that handles odor and noise better than most. I gave it a 4 out of 5 stars — docking one point for the auto-open motor design oversight and the underpowered dryer. If you accept those two compromises, you will be satisfied. I would not hesitate to recommend it to a friend who values a clean, quiet bathroom over a fully wireless setup.

If my EPLO X9 smart toilet review honest opinion helped you, please consider sharing your own experience below. Have you owned the X9 for longer than a month? How did the foam cartridge hold up? Let us know in the comments.

Questions People Actually Ask

Is the EPLO X9 actually worth the price?

At $1,297, yes — provided you value the foam shield and quiet flush. Those two features alone justify the premium over cheaper alternatives. You give up a stronger dryer, but you gain a toilet that stays cleaner between cleanings. For most households, it is a fair trade.

How does it hold up against the Horow T38P?

The Horow is about $200 cheaper but lacks the foam shield and has a lower MaP rating (900g). The X9 flushes faster and quieter. If odor control is important, choose the X9. If you are on a budget and can live without foam, the Horow is a solid alternative.

How difficult is the initial setup for someone new to smart toilets?

It took me 90 minutes alone. If you have experience replacing toilets, it is straightforward. The hardest part is routing the power cord and making sure the water connection is tight. The manual is okay but not perfect — you may need to watch a video. A second pair of hands helps with lifting the 108-pound unit.

What additional items do you need that are not in the box?

You will need a screwdriver, adjustable wrench, level, and a GFCI outlet within 31 inches of the toilet. If your existing flange is damaged, you may need a replacement flange kit. I also recommend a smart toilet wax ring alternative for a better seal – though the included wax ring worked fine for me.

What does the warranty actually cover, and how is customer support?

2 years on electronics and ceramic, 1 year on foam dispenser and remote. No labor coverage. Support is responsive via email (12-hour reply in my test). The warranty is void if you use non-EPLO foam cartridges, so stick with the official ones.

Where should I buy it to get the best price and avoid counterfeits?

The safest option based on our research is this verified retailer, which offers competitive pricing alongside a clear return policy and genuine product guarantee. Amazon also lists EPLO as the seller, so you get the full warranty.

Does the foam dispenser require expensive refills?

EPLO sells foam cartridges for about $10 each, and each lasts roughly 45 days under normal use. That works out to about $80 per year. It is not cheap, but the reduction in bowl cleaning and air freshener use partially offsets the cost. You can cancel foam use if you want, but then you lose the main benefit of this toilet.

How loud is the flushing noise compared to a standard toilet?

It is noticeably quieter than any standard gravity-flush toilet and quieter than most pressure-assist models. The 6-second flush is a low hum rather than a loud gush. Our bedroom is directly above the bathroom, and my spouse confirmed she could not hear the flush at night with the door closed.