Handwashing is essential for good health, but manual soap dispensers are often a haven for bacteria. That’s why we recommend using automatic soap dispensers, which don’t require direct contact and are thus much more hygienic. But before investing, it’s worth taking the time to find an automatic soap dispenser that’s also convenient and easy to use. With plenty of options on the market from brands including simplehuman, Elemore Home, and PZOTRUF, it can be challenging to find the best option for you.
So we’ve done the dirty work for you. We tested eight popular automatic soap dispensers, including the latest models and top-selling picks from each manufacturer. We vetted the options thoroughly, then ranked them to make it easier to gauge quality. We define the best automatic soap dispenser as one with a sensor that works smoothly, dispensing soap with a single activation and is also easy to refill, for longtime usage.
Clint Stevenson is an associate professor in the Department of Food, Bioprocessing, and Nutrition Sciences at North Carolina State University. He began his academic career as a freshman studying food science and eventually earned his B.S. at the University of Idaho, M.S. at Purdue University, and Ph.D. at NC State University. Before his current position, Clint worked in quality control and quality assurance through internships and jobs with Nestle, Kraft, General Mills, Heinz, and Schreiber Foods.
Kohei works on articles covering a variety of daily goods. Since joining mybest, he has mainly overseen men's fashion products, comparing more than 400 items. Currently, he is working on creating helpful content for users, expanding his scope from daily necessities such as detergents and fabric softeners to stationery and interior goods.
To gauge whether a product had sufficient dispensing smoothness, we defined a high satisfaction level as: "Soap comes out quickly and smoothly as soon as you reach your hand out."
To determine a sufficient sensor range, we defined a high satisfaction level as: “The sensor responds quickly when waving your hand anywhere below the dispenser."
To gauge sufficient sensor accuracy, we defined a high satisfaction level as: "A state where the sensor reacts 100% of the time."
To determine easy refilling, we defined a high satisfaction level as: "Not being required to refill frequently."
To gauge excellent usability, we defined a high satisfaction level as being able to use popular soaps, check the remaining quantity, and adjust the dispensing volume.
To determine whether an automatic soap dispenser had sufficient water resistance, we defined a high satisfaction level as having enough water resistance to withstand a strong water jet.
All product tests
were conducted in-house at mybest
The expert oversees the Buying Guide only, and does not determine the products and services featured.The mybest team independently conducts its own tests to rank products.
Handwashing can seem like a chore for kids, but using an automatic soap dispenser can make it fun. With a simple wave of the hand, kids get a shot of foam that will capture their interest and help establish handwashing as a habit.
The touchless capability of automatic soap dispensers is another bonus. You don’t have to worry about cleaning the surface as much as you do with a manual dispenser. Less contact with human hands means fewer germs and less risk of transmission of infectious diseases.
Here are the points to keep in mind when choosing the best Automatic Soap Dispensers.
Most of us are pressed for time, so it’s important that an automatic soap dispenser is fast and easy to use. We recommend models that dispense soap smoothly and quickly—ideally under one second. During testing, users commended the faster models, noting in one case that: “The soap came out quickly, so I could wash my hands easily.” Other models can take 2 seconds or more to dispense soap. We suggest you opt for automatic soap dispensers that perform quickly and help you get on with your day.
Automatic soap dispensers are designed with sensors that detect movement, triggering the release of a puff of foam soap. Those sensors come in a range of sizes, however. We tested automatic soap dispensers with sensors ranging from 2.7 inches wide to 0.7 inches wide. In general, we determined that dispensers with wider sensors are easier to use and clean. When we tested dispensers with narrow sensors, we found during that the soap sometimes stuck to the outlet. The soap could solidify over time, blocking the opening and making it more challenging to dispense soap.
Choosing an automatic soap dispenser with a wide sensor will prevent the soap from collecting on the dispenser and save you the effort of cleaning the residue.
When it’s time to replenish your supply of soap, it’s very helpful to have an automatic soap dispenser with a wide refill opening. Testers noted that: “With a wide refill opening, there's no worry about spills, and refilling is easy.” If you’ve got a family of five, with each member washing their hands three times a day, you likely need to refill your dispenser about once a month. That’s a high-frequency task. So look for an automatic soap dispenser with a wide refill opening to make the job easier.
We also recommend you choose an automatic soap dispenser that lets you check how much soap is left, so you and your family won’t run out of soap.
It’s also important to make sure that your automatic soap dispenser is compatible with the liquid soap you like. We tested hand soaps from popular brands Dial, Softsoap, and Mrs. Meyers and found that they were compatible with six of the eight automatic soap dispensers we analyzed. The other two models we tested were not able to accommodate highly viscous, or thick and sticky, soaps.
Before purchasing an automatic soap dispenser, check the “Compatible with Major Soap Brands” section in our ranking below. During our testing, we found that you can activate the sensor in some automatic soap dispensers, and the machine will sound like it’s working, but no soap will come out. That’s why it’s essential to make sure that your favorite soap works well with a dispenser before you buy one.
Soap dispensers are typically set up in locations with lots of water, like bathrooms and kitchens. So it’s important to make sure the model you select is waterproof. Fortunately, there’s an easy way to tell. An IPX rating is the international standard for water resistance. Manufacturers often highlight this rating when promoting their products. The higher the number, the better.
Want to protect an automatic soap dispenser’s sensor from water splashes or an accidental drop in the sink? Look for a model with a rating of IPX5 or higher, which can withstand some pressure. If water damage is a particular concern for you, be sure to check for waterproof models in our rankings below.
With the number of times we wash our hands every day, it’s also important to look for automatic soap dispensers that allow you to adjust the volume of soap that they dispense with each use. With the touch of a button, these products let you choose between small, regular, and large amounts of soap. For a family of five, this capability can make a big difference in how often you have to refill the dispenser. Using volume control could result in an additional two months without needing a refill.
Out of the eight automatic soap dispensers we tested, three of them allowed users to adjust the volume of soap dispensed with each use. If you have a large family and saving soap (and money) is important to you, we recommend you choose one of these options.
Products | Image | mybest Score | Click to purchase | Key features | Main Score | Details | |||||||||||||
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Dispensing smoothness | Sensor accuracy | Range of sensor | Ease of use | Ease of refilling | Water resistance level | Width | Depth | Height | Dispensing volume adjustable | Charging method | Weight | Water resistance | Compatible with major soap brands | ||||||
1 | simplehuman Rechargeable Liquid Sensor Pump | ![]() | 4.59 | mybest's Top Choice: Essential for Effortless Handwashing | 4.65 | 5.00 | 4.82 | 4.11 | 4.47 | 4.65 | 2.8 in. | 4.4 in. | 6.8 in. | Rechargeable | 0.8 lb. | IP67 | |||
2 | BreaDeep Touchless Soap Dispenser | ![]() | 4.52 | Currently unavailable | Wide Sensor Range Plus Smooth Dispensing and Level Indicator | 4.65 | 5.00 | 4.82 | 4.97 | 3.36 | 4.76 | 5.7 in. | 2.83 in. | 8.77 in. | Dry cell battery | 0.55 lb. | IPX6 | ||
3 | PZOTRUF Touchless Dish Soap Dispenser | ![]() | 4.13 | High Water Resistance and Easy Refilling, Plus Large Capacity | 3.57 | 5.00 | 3.46 | 5.00 | 3.97 | 4.29 | 6.4 in. | 3.8 in. | 7.4 in. | Dry cell battery | 1.08 lb. | IPX4 | |||
4 | YIKHOM Automatic Liquid Soap Dispenser | ![]() | 4.04 | Easy to Refill, but Narrow Sensor Range | 4.65 | 5.00 | 3.22 | 3.40 | 4.61 | 4.29 | 3 in. | 5 in. | 7.8 in. | Rechargeable | 0.95 lb. | IPX4 | |||
5 | Apphome Automatic Soap Dispenser | ![]() | 4.03 | Currently unavailable | Easy Refill, but Long Dispensing Time | 3.57 | 5.00 | 3.00 | 4.97 | 4.68 | 3.93 | 3.1 in. | 4.15 in. | 7.6 in. | Dry cell battery | 0.5 lb. | IPX3 | ||
6 | Elemore Home Automatic Soap Dispenser | ![]() | 3.98 | Currently unavailable | User-Friendly, but Long Dispensing Time | 3.22 | 5.00 | 3.69 | 4.97 | 3.72 | 3.93 | 3.4 in. | 4.1 in. | 7.8 in. | Dry cell battery | 0.5 lb. | IPX3 | ||
7 | Monstake Automatic Soap Dispenser | ![]() | 3.86 | Smooth Dispensing, but Narrow Sensor Range | 4.65 | 5.00 | 3.22 | 3.40 | 3.29 | 4.65 | 5.51 in. | 5.51 in. | 2.76 in. | Rechargeable | 0.57 lb. | IPX5 | |||
8 | Linkpal Automatic Soap Dispenser | ![]() | 3.82 | Wide Sensor Range, But May Not Be Waterproof | 3.00 | 5.00 | 5.00 | 4.11 | 4.11 | 3.00 | 2.87 in. | 4.21 in. | 7.17 in. | Dry cell battery | 0.91 lb. | N/A |
Water resistance | IP67 |
---|---|
Compatible with major soap brands |
What we loved
What we didn't love
The Rechargeable Liquid Sensor Pump by simplehuman features a stylish design and earned high marks from our testers for ease of use.
When we tested how fast this model worked, the simplehuman Rechargeable Liquid Sensor Pump garnered high praise for a fast dispensing time of 0.7 seconds from initiation to completion. In addition, a wide sensor range of 2.7 inches prevented the opening from getting clogged with soap residue. When we tested the sensor for accuracy, waving hands ten times in the soap dispensing area resulted in consistent and precise responses, demonstrating excellent sensor accuracy.
Plus, this dispenser boasts a refill opening diameter of 1.5 inches, making it easy to replenish soap without spilling. It also has a water resistance level of IPX5, which makes it waterproof even in the face of strong water jets. Moreover, you can use three popular soap brands with it. If you’re looking for a no-fuss soap dispenser, this is our top choice.
On the downside, this dispenser lacks a soap level indicator, and you can’t adjust the dispensing volume, making its usability satisfactory but not exceptional.
Weight | 0.8 lb. |
---|
Water resistance | IPX6 |
---|---|
Compatible with major soap brands |
What we loved
What we didn't love
The Touchless Soap Dispenser by BreaDeep features an elegant design and is easier to use than some other models.
When we tested for the speed of dispensing soap, this model earned high praise for a short dispensing time of 0.8 seconds from initiation to completion. The accuracy of its operation was flawless, with a wide sensor response range of 2.7 inches that prevented the dispenser outlet from getting clogged. Plus, this model’s IPX rating of 6 indicates a high level of waterproofing. True to form, its resistance to strong water jets was excellent.
While BreaDeep’s Touchless Soap Dispenser doesn't allow for dispensing volume adjustment, it accommodates all three popular soaps and lets you check how much soap is left, making it more user-friendly than other models.
On the other hand, the refill opening diameter is narrow at 1.1 inches, which makes it difficult to refill soap and resulted in a low rating for ease of refilling. This dispenser is probably not the best choice for high-volume users who need to refill soap every month.
Weight | 0.55 lb. |
---|
Water resistance | IPX4 |
---|---|
Compatible with major soap brands |
What we loved
What we didn't love
The Touchless Dish Soap Dispenser from PZOTRUF features a cleverly designed cap, so even if it topples over, the soap inside is less likely to spill.
This dispenser is also user-friendly in some important ways. It’s compatible with all three popular soaps used in this review and allows users to check how much soap is left in the container. Plus, it offers 5-level dispensing adjustment, ensuring excellent usability.
Moreover, this dispenser’s refill opening diameter of 1.9 inches means soap is less likely to spill, making refilling less stressful. Its IPX rating is 4, which indicates good water resistance and suitability for use in the kitchen and other water-prone environments.
On the downside, this dispenser received a low rating for taking 1.2 seconds to dispense soap. While the sensor accuracy is high, the narrow sensor response range of 1.5 inches may result in the outlet getting clogged. This dispenser may not be the best option for high-volume usage or people who are always in a hurry.
Weight | 1.08 lb. |
---|
Water resistance | IPX4 |
---|---|
Compatible with major soap brands |
What we loved
What we didn't love
The Automatic Liquid Soap Dispenser from YIKHOM features a sophisticated modern design.
This model stood out for its fast dispensing time of 0.7 seconds. Its refill opening is also a generous 1.9 inches wide, making replenishing your supply of soap a cinch. In addition, this dispenser’s IPX rating of 4 lets you rest easy as it can resist splashes. What’s more, you can check the remaining quantity of soap and adjust the volume of soap that you dispense, which are notable selling points over some of the competition.
Unfortunately, while we gave the sensor accuracy high praise, the narrow sensor response range of 1.1 inches led to soap sticking to the dispenser outlet. Moreover, the popular soap Mrs. Meyers couldn't be used with this dispenser, which resulted in a lower rating for usability.
Weight | 0.95 lb. |
---|
Water resistance | IPX3 |
---|---|
Compatible with major soap brands |
What we loved
What we didn't love
Apphome touts its Automatic Soap Dispenser as a touchless and hygienic option, and it also provides some user-friendly features.
It took 1.2 seconds for this model to dispense soap, placing it in the middle of dispensers we tested. Additionally, while the sensor is accurate, its response range is narrow at 0.7 inches. So users will have to make sure soap doesn’t get stuck in the dispensing outlet during use. In addition, its IPX rating is on the low side at 3, so you’ll have to be careful not to expose this dispenser to running water.
Although you can’t adjust the dispensing volume, this model can accommodate the soaps we used in this test. You can also check how much soap is left, which earned this dispenser some praise. Finally, the refill opening is 2.3 inches wide, making it easy to refill and less prone to spills.
Weight | 0.5 lb. |
---|
Water resistance | IPX3 |
---|---|
Compatible with major soap brands |
What we loved
What we didn't love
Elemore Home's Automatic Soap Dispenser boasts advanced infrared sensing technology.
In our verification of sensor accuracy, this dispenser responded flawlessly 10 out of 10 times when we placed our hands in the sensor's range. Additionally, although you can’t adjust the soap dispensing volume, this model supports the use of the three popular soap brands. This dispenser also allows you to check how much soap is left, earning it high marks for user-friendliness.
On the flip side, at 1.7 seconds from start to completion, it takes slightly longer for soap to dispense from this model, which may be inconvenient for some. Moreover, the sensor range is quite narrow at 1.1 inches, which means the outlet is more likely to get clogged. The refill port, with a diameter of 1.1 inches, is also narrow, making it somewhat challenging to replenish the supply of soap. Finally, its low IPX rating of 3 means this dispenser can resist only light splashes, so you’ll have to be careful where you use it.
Weight | 0.5 lb. |
---|
Water resistance | IPX5 |
---|---|
Compatible with major soap brands |
What we loved
What we didn't love
The Automatic Soap Dispenser sold by Monstake features a screen that displays battery level and indoor temperature, setting it apart from competitors.
At 0.7 seconds, this model provides a quick and efficient release when you wave your hand. It also boasts an IPX rating of 5 and can easily withstand spray water, making it suitable for use in kitchens and bathrooms.
However, the sensor range is narrow at 1.1 inches, so you’ll need to place your hand quite close to activate it. In addition, despite the ability to check soap levels and adjust dispensing quantity, none of the popular soaps used in this evaluation were compatible, resulting in a low usability rating. Finally, the narrow refill opening made refilling the dispensers somewhat challenging.
Weight | 0.57 lb. |
---|
Water resistance | N/A |
---|---|
Compatible with major soap brands |
What we loved
What we didn't love
The Automatic Soap Dispenser from Linkpal claims to avoid secondary infection through touch-free operation.
However, it took 2 seconds to dispense the soap, longer than other dispensers, which resulted in a low rating for smooth dispensing. In addition, while all three popular types of soap can be used, the inability to check soap levels or adjust dispensing quantity led to a moderate usability rating. The refill opening is large but slightly tilted, making it somewhat challenging to replenish the supply of soap. Moreover, the manufacturer doesn’t provide any information about whether this dispenser is waterproof, so you must be careful when using this model in wet areas.
On the other hand, the sensor range is quite wide at 5.1 inches, allowing for you to dispense soap without clogging.
Weight | 0.91 lb. |
---|
At mybest, we define the best automatic soap dispenser as one with accurate and wide-ranging sensors, smooth dispensing, easy refilling, and high-quality waterproof performance.
To find the best product, we gathered the latest offerings from popular manufacturers and the top-selling automatic soap dispensers on platforms like Amazon, Rakuten, and Yahoo! Shopping. We thoroughly tested and examined 8 products based on the following six criteria:
Products we tested
To gauge whether a product had sufficient dispensing smoothness, we defined a high satisfaction level as: "Soap comes out quickly and smoothly as soon as you reach your hand out."
We waved our hand over the automatic soap dispenser, measured the time it took for soap dispensing to start and complete three times, and recorded the average. We scored and recommended products based on speed.
To determine a sufficient sensor range, we defined a high satisfaction level as: “The sensor responds quickly when waving your hand anywhere below the dispenser."
We assessed the automatic soap dispenser from the bottom to the top, measuring the position where the sensor reacted three times and recording the average. We scored and recommended products based on a wider sensor range.
To gauge sufficient sensor accuracy, we defined a high satisfaction level as: "A state where the sensor reacts 100% of the time."
We waved our hands from bottom to top in front of the automatic soap dispenser 10 times and recorded how many times the sensor reacted. We scored and recommended products based on a higher number of reactions.
To determine easy refilling, we defined a high satisfaction level as: "Not being required to refill frequently."
We had each product refilled with soap and scored the ease of refilling for each product.
To gauge excellent usability, we defined a high satisfaction level as being able to use popular soaps, check the remaining quantity, and adjust the dispensing volume.
To determine whether an automatic soap dispenser had sufficient water resistance, we defined a high satisfaction level as having enough water resistance to withstand a strong water jet.
We checked the IPX rating, an international standard for waterproof performance, as stated by the manufacturer. The higher the IPX, the better the water resistance, and we scored accordingly.
No. 1: simplehuman|Rechargeable Liquid Sensor Pump
No. 2: BreaDeep|Touchless Soap Dispenser
No. 3: PZOTRUF|Touchless Dish Soap Dispenser
No. 4: YIKHOM |Automatic Liquid Soap Dispenser
No. 5: Apphome |Automatic Soap Dispenser
View Full RankingThe descriptions of each product are referenced from content available on manufacturer, brand, and e-commerce sites.
Health
Beauty
Home goods
Home electronics
PC
Camera
Food and drinks
Kitchen
Fashion
Accessories
Kids and baby
Interior
Hobbies
Outdoor
Home, garden, and tools
Sports and fitness
Pets
Media
Games
Apps
Automotive
Gifts
Mobile devices