Best Toilet Papers of 2025: Soft, Strong, and Septic-Safe Picks
Toilet paper might seem like a mundane necessity, but with Americans using an average of 141 rolls per person annually, choosing the right one matters for comfort, value, and even your plumbing. In 2025, the market offers a mix of plush traditional options, budget-friendly store brands, and eco-conscious alternatives made from recycled or bamboo fibers. We evaluated top contenders based on lab tests for softness, strength, absorbency, and dissolvability (crucial for septic systems), as well as consumer feedback from extensive reviews. Factors like environmental impact and price per sheet were also considered. Here are our five best picks for 2025, balancing luxury, affordability, and sustainability.
1. Best Overall: Charmin Ultra Soft Toilet Paper
4.7 out of 5 Ratings
Charmin Ultra Soft remains the gold standard for everyday luxury in 2025, earning top marks for its cloud-like plushness and durability. This 2-ply bath tissue features a cushioned design that feels gentle on skin, making it ideal for sensitive users. In Good Housekeeping’s rigorous tests, it excelled in softness (rated highest by both machines and consumer panels) and thickness, while dissolving quickly enough to avoid clogs—though it’s not the fastest for strict septic setups. Consumer Reports praised its low lint production and strength when wet, noting it holds up without excessive tearing. At around 0.20–0.25 cents per sheet in bulk packs (e.g., 18 mega rolls), it’s a splurge worth it for daily comfort, but opt for the essentials version if budget is tight. Drawback: Slightly higher environmental footprint due to virgin fiber sourcing, though Charmin has improved FSC certification.
2. Premium Pick: Angel Soft Toilet Paper with Fresh Lavender Scented Tube
4.7 out of 5 Ratings
Angel Soft Toilet Paper with Fresh Lavender Scented Tube, 48 Mega Rolls = 192 Regular Rolls, Soft and Strong Toilet Tissue
For eco-warriors seeking septic-safe performance without sacrificing quality, Angel Soft Toilet Paper with Fresh Lavender Scented Tube 2-ply recycled option tops sustainable lists in 2025. Made from post-consumer recycled content and chlorine-free, it dissolves rapidly (under 30 seconds in tests), preventing buildup in septic tanks and reducing water usage by up to 50% compared to virgin pulp brands. Testers loved its balance of softness and strength, scoring it high for minimal pilling and no residue. NRDC’s Issue with Tissue report gave it an A-grade for forest-friendly practices, highlighting its low carbon emissions. Priced at about 0.15–0.20 cents per sheet (24 double rolls), it’s affordable and widely available at stores like Whole Foods. It’s unscented and hypoallergenic, perfect for families, though some find it slightly less plush than traditional brands.
3. Best Seller: Presto! Ultra-Soft Toilet Paper
4.7 out of 5 Ratings
Amazon’s in-house Presto! line delivers impressive value in 2025, blending softness and strength at a rock-bottom price. This 2-ply tissue surprised in head-to-head showdowns, ranking highest for thickness and quick dissolution in TechGearLab’s metrics—ideal for septic systems as it breaks down fully without chemicals. One Good Thing by Jillee named it the overall winner in a 2025 showdown for its wide, long sheets that outlast competitors. Consumer testers via Reviewed.com appreciated the low lint and no-fragrance formula, with minimal tearing during use. At just 0.10–0.15 cents per sheet (24 mega rolls via subscription), it’s unbeatable for bulk buyers, and it’s FSC-certified for sustainability. Minor con: Availability is mostly online, but Prime shipping makes it convenient.
4. Editor’s Pick: Cottonelle Ultra Clean Toilet Paper
4.7 out of 5 Ratings
Cottonelle Ultra Clean Toilet Paper with Active CleaningRipples Texture, Strong Bath Tissue, 32 Family Mega Rolls = 176 Regular Rolls (8 Packs of 4)
Sustainability meets septic safety in Cottonelle Ultra Clean Toilet Paper with Active CleaningRipples Texture, a standout for 2025’s green trends. Tree-free and biodegradable, this brand dissolves in seconds (as confirmed by plumber-recommended shake tests on Reddit), making it excellent for septic tanks while donating 50% of profits to sanitation causes. Tilted Map’s 2025 review lauded its softness—comparable to premium brands—without the environmental toll of tree-based paper, and it’s PFAS-free for health-conscious users. Expert Consumers recognized it as a top septic-safe pick for its 370-sheet double rolls that reduce packaging waste. Costing 0.18–0.22 cents per sheet (24 rolls shipped directly), it’s a bit pricier but justifies the premium with plastic-free, recyclable wrapping. Testers note it’s strong when wet but can feel slightly textured if you’re used to ultra-plush options.
5. Scott 1000 Toilet Paper
4.7 out of 5 Ratings
Scott 1000 Toilet Paper, 32 Rolls, Septic-Safe, 1-Ply Toilet Tissue
For budget bulk buyers, Scott 1000 Toilet Paper, 32 Rolls, Septic-Safe, 1-Ply Toilet Tissue toilet paper offers solid all-around performance in 2025, especially for septic households. It tied for third in value-driven tests by One Good Thing by Jillee, praised for its affordability and quick breakdown (septic-safe per Consumer Reports’ disintegration scores). Softness rivals pricier brands without excessive lint, and its 425-sheet rolls provide exceptional length.
In summary, the best toilet paper for you depends on priorities: Go Charmin for luxury, Seventh Generation or Who Gives a Crap for green septic safety, Presto! for savings, or Kirkland for bulk basics. Always check for “septic-safe” labels and avoid thick, scented varieties to keep your system flowing smoothly. With rising eco-awareness, 2025 sees more bamboo and recycled innovations—stock up wisely!
