If you’ve been on the fence about upgrading to a smart toilet, the Horow T38 smart toilet might just be the one that finally tips you over the edge. This isn’t just a toilet with a few fancy buttons slapped on — it’s a fully integrated, all-in-one bidet toilet combo that genuinely changes your daily bathroom routine. Think heated seat, auto-flush, self-cleaning nozzle, mood lighting, warm air dryer, and a built-in bidet — all in one sleek, modern unit.
Whether you’re renovating your master bath or just tired of your outdated porcelain throne, this review covers everything you need to know before you buy the Horow smart toilet T38. We’re talking features, real-world performance, pros and cons, installation tips, and a full buying guide to help you make the right call.
Before we get into it, if you’re also considering other smart bathroom upgrades, check out our guide on the best one-piece toilet options to see how the T38 compares to the competition.
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What Is the Horow T38 Smart Toilet?
The Horow T38 is a one-piece elongated smart bidet toilet designed for 12-inch rough-in installations — the most common standard in North American homes. It combines the functionality of a high-end bidet seat with a full toilet unit in one seamless, skirted design. The result is a sleek, modern-looking fixture that looks like it belongs in a luxury hotel, not just any bathroom.
The T38 is HOROW’s flagship consumer smart toilet, and it’s been gaining serious traction in the market as an affordable alternative to premium brands like TOTO and Kohler. It delivers most of the same features at a significantly lower price point — which is a big deal if you want the smart toilet experience without spending $3,000+.
Horow T38 Smart Toilet Specifications Table
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Model | Horow T38 |
| Type | One-piece elongated smart bidet toilet |
| Rough-In Size | 12 inches |
| Shape | Elongated bowl |
| Color | White (Gloss) |
| Flush Type | Auto-flush, foot-kick, remote, knob |
| Flushing Modes | 4 modes with built-in tank |
| Water Efficiency | 1.28 GPF or less |
| Bidet Features | Front & rear wash |
| Water Temperature | Adjustable (instant warm) |
| Seat Temperature | 4 adjustable levels (93.2°F – 102.2°F) |
| Dryer Temperature | 4 adjustable warm air levels |
| Night Light | Yes (colorful dynamic mood light) |
| Lid Operation | Auto open/close |
| Deodorizer | Yes (carbon filter) |
| Self-Cleaning Nozzle | Yes |
| Emergency Flush | Yes (battery box sold separately) |
| Pre-Wet Function | Yes (bowl pre-wets before use) |
| Electric Booster Pump | Yes (for consistent pressure) |
| Power Requirement | Standard electrical outlet |
| Warranty | 12-month limited + lifetime after-sales service |
| ADA Compliant | No (standard height) |
| Installation Type | Floor-mounted, DIY-friendly |
Key Features of the Horow T38 Smart Toilet
1. Built-In Electric Booster Pump
One of the standout features that separates the Horow T38 from many competitors is its built-in electric booster pump. This is a game-changer if you live in a home with low water pressure — something that’s frustratingly common in older homes, upper-floor apartments, or rural areas.
The booster pump ensures every flush is powerful, consistent, and clog-resistant regardless of your home’s plumbing situation. No more weak, swirling flushes that don’t quite get the job done. The T38’s flush system is forceful and reliable every single time.
If inconsistent water pressure is a concern in your home, you might also want to read our article on how to increase pressure in your shower head — because low pressure problems often affect the whole bathroom, not just the toilet.
2. Advanced Front & Rear Bidet Wash System
The T38 comes with a dual bidet cleansing system offering both front and rear wash functions. Both options feature adjustable water pressure and temperature control, so you can customize the experience to your personal comfort level. The self-cleaning nozzle retracts and rinses itself before and after each use, so hygiene is never a concern.
The warm water is delivered instantly — there’s no waiting for the water to heat up like you might experience with some older bidet seat designs. That alone is a quality-of-life upgrade that users consistently rave about.
For anyone who’s been considering a bidet upgrade, also check out our bidet toilet combo guide for a broader look at integrated options available on the market.
3. Heated Seat with 4 Temperature Levels
Cold toilet seats in the morning? Not a problem with the Horow T38. The seat heats up to comfortable levels across 4 adjustable temperature settings ranging from 93.2°F to 102.2°F. It’s one of those comforts you never knew you needed until you’ve experienced it — and then you can never go back.
The seat also features overheat protection, so you don’t have to worry about safety. It’s soft-close, meaning no more slamming lid at 2 AM.
4. Auto Open/Close Lid with Motion Sensor
Walk up to the Horow T38 and the lid automatically lifts. Walk away and it gently closes on its own. It sounds like a small feature, but in practice, it’s one of the most appreciated conveniences — especially for maintaining hands-free hygiene. No touching, no fussing, just clean and convenient.
5. Multiple Flushing Modes & Pre-Wet Technology
The T38 offers 4 flushing modes including auto-flush (triggered when you stand up), a foot-kick button, a remote control, and a manual knob. The pre-wet function is particularly clever — before each use, the bowl is lightly coated with water, which creates a slippery surface so waste doesn’t stick. This translates to cleaner flushes, less residue, and a bowl that stays cleaner longer.
The auto-flush kicks in the moment you stand, so you never have to touch anything. For households where hygiene is a priority — or if you have young kids who forget to flush — this is worth its weight in gold.
6. Warm Air Dryer
Once you have a warm air dryer built into your toilet, toilet paper starts to feel almost unnecessary. The T38’s dryer delivers warm, gentle airflow at adjustable temperatures, offering a comfortable and sustainable way to dry off after washing. It’s especially beneficial for people with sensitive skin, arthritis, or anyone who just wants a more eco-friendly bathroom routine.
7. Night Light & Dynamic Digital Display
The T38 features a built-in mood night light that casts a soft, colorful glow in the bowl — a surprisingly practical feature for middle-of-the-night bathroom trips that don’t require blinding overhead lights. There’s also a colorful dynamic digital display that adds a modern, tech-forward vibe to your bathroom aesthetic.
If you’re a fan of ambiance-focused bathroom design, you’ll love this feature. It pairs perfectly with other bathroom upgrades — speaking of which, check out these romantic bath ideas for more ways to elevate your bathroom atmosphere.
8. Automatic Deodorizer
The T38 includes a built-in deodorizer that activates after every use, pulling bathroom air through a carbon filter to neutralize odors. This is ideal for shared bathrooms, small spaces, or guest bathrooms where you want everything to stay fresh without sprays or plugins.
9. Emergency Flush Function
Power outages happen — and when they do, you still need your toilet to work. The T38 features an emergency flush function that ensures the toilet remains operational even without power. Note that this feature requires a separately purchased battery box, but it’s a reassuring safeguard to have.
10. Self-Cleaning System
The T38’s self-cleaning capabilities go beyond just the nozzle. The entire system is designed to minimize manual scrubbing. The pre-wet bowl prevents buildup, the auto-flush keeps things clean after each use, and the nozzle rinses itself thoroughly before and after washing. The result? You’ll find yourself picking up the toilet brush far less often.
For more smart cleaning solutions, our guide on self-cleaning toilets is worth a read.
How Does the Horow T38 Smart Toilet Perform in Real Life?
Real-world reviews from verified buyers are overwhelmingly positive. Here’s what actual users are saying:
Flushing Power: Users consistently note that the flush is strong and effective. The built-in booster pump does exactly what it promises — powerful, consistent flushes with no clogging issues.
Bidet Comfort: The front and rear wash functions receive high marks for adjustability and effectiveness. The instant warm water gets particular praise — no cold surprise that you sometimes get with tank-style bidet systems.
Heated Seat: Almost universally loved, especially during winter. Multiple reviewers describe it as the feature they didn’t know they needed until they had it.
Ease of Installation: Most users report a smooth installation process that fits within a standard 2-hour window with basic DIY skills. However, given the unit’s weight, many recommend hiring a plumber for the heavy lifting.
Customer Service: HOROW’s after-sales support stands out in customer reviews. Multiple buyers report prompt, helpful responses from the HOROW support team when issues arose — which speaks well for long-term ownership confidence.
One reviewer on Amazon put it simply: “This is sleek, smart, and it works well. If you’re wondering if you should buy it: yes, you should.”
Pros and Cons of the Horow T38 Smart Toilet
Pros
- Powerful electric booster pump solves low-pressure issues
- Instant warm water bidet — no cold surprise
- Heated seat with 4 adjustable temperature levels
- Auto open/close lid for hands-free hygiene
- 4 flushing modes including auto-flush
- Pre-wet bowl function keeps the toilet cleaner
- Built-in deodorizer with carbon filter
- Soft, calming night light for nighttime use
- Warm air dryer reduces toilet paper dependency
- Sleek, modern one-piece skirted design
- Water-efficient (1.28 GPF or less)
- Excellent after-sales support from HOROW
- Works for standard 12-inch rough-in (most homes)
- Emergency flush capability (with battery box)
Cons
- Requires a nearby electrical outlet for full function
- Heavier than standard toilets — may need professional installation
- Foam solution reset can be inconvenient for some users
- Limited brand recognition vs. Kohler or TOTO
- May feel feature-overwhelming for users who prefer simplicity
- Battery is sold seperately
Who Is the Horow T38 Smart Toilet Best For?
The Horow T38 smart toilet is ideal for:
Tech-savvy homeowners who want a premium bathroom experience without premium pricing. If you’ve been eyeing TOTO or Kohler smart toilets but balked at the price, the T38 gives you most of the same features at a fraction of the cost.
People with low water pressure. The built-in booster pump is a practical solution for homes that struggle with consistent flushing performance.
Hygiene-conscious households. Between the self-cleaning nozzle, auto-flush, pre-wet bowl, and deodorizer, the T38 is about as sanitary as a toilet can get.
Eco-conscious buyers. Reduced toilet paper usage (thanks to the bidet and dryer), low water consumption, and energy-efficient design all contribute to a more sustainable bathroom routine.
People with sensitive skin or certain health conditions. The gentle warm water bidet and soft dryer are excellent for anyone who experiences discomfort with traditional toilet paper — including those with hemorrhoids, postpartum sensitivity, or skin conditions.
If you’re also exploring options specifically for aging-in-place or accessibility, check out our guides on comfort height toilets and walk-in showers for seniors.
Horow T38 vs. The Competition
How does the Horow smart toilet T38 stack up against other popular options?
vs. TOTO Washlet: TOTO is the gold standard in smart toilets, but their comparable models often cost 2–3x more. The T38 matches many of TOTO’s core features — instant warm water, heated seat, auto-flush, warm air dryer — at a much lower entry point. For a deeper look at TOTO’s lineup, see our best TOTO toilet guide.
vs. Kohler Smart Toilets: Kohler makes excellent smart toilets with beautiful design, but again, at a premium price. The T38’s aesthetic is competitive, and the feature set is comparable for everyday use. Our best Kohler toilet guide covers Kohler’s top models in detail.
vs. Woodbridge Smart Toilets: Woodbridge is a closer price-point competitor. The T38 edges ahead with its booster pump, more robust customer service reputation, and the pre-wet bowl feature. Check out our Woodbridge toilet review for a direct comparison.
vs. Horow T33: HOROW’s own T33 is another smart option with plasma air purification and ultra-powerful flush. The T38 pulls ahead with the booster pump and more customizable bidet settings. Both are excellent — it depends on your priorities.
Buying Guide: What to Consider Before Buying the Horow T38
1. Check Your Rough-In Size
The T38 is designed for a 12-inch rough-in, which is standard in most North American homes. Before ordering, measure the distance from the wall to the center of your toilet’s floor bolt holes. If it’s 10 or 14 inches, you’ll need a different model. Our guide on why 14-inch rough-in toilets are more expensive can help you understand your options.
2. Make Sure You Have a Nearby Outlet
The T38 requires electricity to power its smart features — bidet, heated seat, dryer, auto-flush, and night light all run on power. You’ll need a GFCI-protected outlet within reach of the toilet area. This is building code in most regions for outlets near water sources. If you don’t have one, budget for an electrician.
3. Consider Professional Installation
While the T38 is designed for DIY installation and most users report completing the job within 2 hours, the unit is heavy. If you’re not comfortable handling heavy fixtures or working with plumbing connections, hiring a plumber for the install is money well spent.
4. Think About Your Bathroom Layout
The T38’s one-piece skirted design is visually stunning, but it’s also a specific size. Make sure you have adequate clearance on all sides — typically 15 inches from the center of the bowl to any sidewall, and 24 inches of clear space in front.
For smaller bathrooms, also consider reading our guide on toilets for small bathrooms to ensure the T38’s footprint works for your space.
5. Plan for the Battery Box
If you want the emergency flush function to work during power outages (and you should — outages happen!), budget for the separately sold battery box. It’s a minor additional expense but provides meaningful peace of mind.
6. Water Efficiency Considerations
The T38 uses approximately 1.28 GPF or less, making it WaterSense-compliant. If you’re on a septic system, this is great news — efficient flushing is kinder to septic systems over time. For more information on toilet choices for specific setups, our toilet for septic tank guide and low-flow toilet guide have you covered.
7. Understand the Warranty
The T38 comes with a 12-month limited warranty from the purchase date, plus HOROW’s lifetime after-sales service commitment — meaning their support team is available indefinitely. Customer reviews overwhelmingly praise HOROW’s responsiveness when issues arise, which is a big deal for a product with this many electronic components.
Installation Tips for the Horow T38
Getting the T38 set up properly makes a big difference in long-term performance. Here’s what to keep in mind:
Turn off the water supply before beginning. Standard stuff, but worth mentioning.
Use a wax ring for a proper seal at the floor flange. Make sure the flange is at or slightly above floor level.
Don’t overtighten the floor bolts. Vitreous china can crack under too much force.
Have a helper. Seriously. The T38 is heavy, and you don’t want to scratch the bowl or hurt your back trying to maneuver it into place alone.
Plug into a GFCI outlet only. This is a safety requirement for electrical devices near water.
Read the manual before starting. The T38’s remote and control panel have a learning curve — setting your preferred temperature, pressure, and flush preferences upfront makes the whole experience smoother from day one.
If you’re doing other bathroom upgrades alongside the T38 install, our guide on shower valve height standards is handy reference material for any plumbing work you’re tackling at the same time.
Frequently Asked Questions About the Horow T38 Smart Toilet
Does the Horow T38 work without electricity? The basic flushing function can work without power using the emergency flush feature (battery box sold separately). However, all smart features — bidet, heated seat, auto-flush, dryer, night light — require electricity.
Is the Horow T38 ADA compliant? No, the standard T38 is not ADA compliant. If ADA compliance or comfort height seating is a priority, check out our guide on comfort height toilets or the HOROW T38P model which offers ADA compliance.
Can I install the Horow T38 myself? Yes, most buyers report successful DIY installs in under 2 hours. That said, given the weight of the unit, having a helper or hiring a plumber for the physical installation is a smart move.
Is the Horow T38 good for people with low water pressure? Absolutely — this is one of the T38’s strongest selling points. The built-in electric booster pump ensures consistent, powerful flushing regardless of your home’s water pressure.
Does the Horow T38 work with septic systems? Yes. The T38’s water-efficient flushing (1.28 GPF) is septic-friendly.
What’s the rough-in size for the Horow T38? The T38 is designed for a 12-inch rough-in, which is the standard size in most North American homes.
How do I clean the Horow T38? The T38’s self-cleaning nozzle and pre-wet bowl significantly reduce manual cleaning needs. For routine maintenance, use non-abrasive cleaners and a soft cloth. Avoid harsh chemicals that can damage the seat or nozzle. The skirted design makes exterior cleaning easy.
Final Verdict: Is the Horow T38 Smart Toilet Worth It?
Short answer: Yes — and then some.
The Horow T38 smart toilet delivers a genuinely premium bathroom experience that rivals products costing significantly more. The combination of the electric booster pump, instant warm water bidet, heated seat, auto-flush, warm air dryer, pre-wet bowl, deodorizer, and mood lighting creates a complete, thoughtful system that improves your daily routine in ways you’ll appreciate every single day.
It’s not perfect — the lack of ADA compliance rules it out for some users, and the battery box is a frustrating separate purchase. But for the vast majority of homeowners looking to upgrade their toilet experience, the T38 hits the sweet spot of features, performance, design, and value.
If you’re ready to ditch the cold seat, the weak flush, and the toilet brush, the Horow T38 smart toilet is waiting. Once you try it, you won’t look back.
Looking for more bathroom upgrade ideas? Check out our guides on elongated toilets, the best toilet brands, rain shower head systems, and corner shower units to complete your bathroom transformation.
