In a squat, the puborectalis muscle (which loops around your rectum) relaxes more fully, allowing for smoother and more complete bowel movements
In a 2019 study published in the Journal of Clinical Gastroenterology, researchers gave 52 people a bathroom stool to use for four weeks. The results? 71% had faster bowel movements, 90% strained less, and 85% felt more fully emptied. Many also noticed less constipation and bloating.
At their core, all bathroom stools aim to do one thing: lift your feet to mimic a squat. But the difference between a 4.1-star stool and a 4.7-star one? That’s where comfort, stability—and yes, appearance—come in. Our pick for best overall went to the original. The OG. The one that started it all… the Squatty Potty bathroom stool.
When you use a Squatty Potty for the first time, the giggles quickly turn into, “Why didn’t I get this sooner?” You raise your feet, shift into that squat-like position, and… hello, relief. No pushing. No straining. And no prunes needed.
How effective a toilet stool is surprises most people—but what’s even more surprising is how many people actually travel with one. Naturally, for a toilet stool to be travelable (yes, that’s my word), it needs to fold a certain way. That said, you’ll find the Squatty Potty travel bathroom stool in backpacks, bathrooms, and best-seller lists. No question, this is the toilet stool everyone picks. It has a 4.7-star rating, sold over 1,000 units this month, and holds an Amazon’s Choice badge. Design-wise, it folds flat in seconds, slides into a backpack or carry-on, and comes with a canvas bag that doesn’t scream “toilet stool.” At 17 centimeters high, it gives just enough lift to change your posture without feeling like you’re perched. The slope puts your heels slightly above your toes… and suddenly everything moves more easily. The anti-slip lines on top keep your feet steady, and it stays planted on the floor without sliding around. It’s clean, subtle, and doesn’t feel weird to leave by the toilet when you’re not using it. In short, the Squatty Potty’s 4.7-star rating tells you three things: It’s trusted by thousands, it improves how you go, and, odds are, you’ll wonder how you ever went without it.
Okay, we’re onto #2 (no, not that #2)—the runner-up. Now, some people aren’t looking for a toilet stool but an actual bathroom step stool to stand on. So there’s this one: the Easylife bathroom stool. Construction-wise, it’s made of alloy steel, stands just over 28 centimeters tall, and includes a full-height handrail. If you’re reaching for shelves, stepping out of the tub, or helping someone with mobility issues, this stool is the one you’ll trust to hold steady.
Despite its sturdy frame, it’s surprisingly lightweight and easy to move from room to room. The legs are spaced wide for balance, and the step surface has an anti-slip grip so you can step confidently. Okay, next, let me answer the question you’re probably asking yourself: Can this stool also be used for squatting on the toilet? Technically, yes—you could put your feet on it while sitting on the toilet, but it’s taller than a typical toilet stool (which is usually 17 centimeters), meaning your knees would be raised higher than usual. In essence, it’s not designed for squatting. So while it can double as a poop stool in theory, it’s much better as a step stool.
Here we have another bathroom stool for standing on. (Need another poop stool like #1? Keep going—#4 and #5 are made for that.)
When you read the reviews for the Ikea bathroom step stool, you’ll consistently see: “It’s super sturdy.” “It’s really strong.” “Very stable.” and “It’s slip-proof.” Surprisingly, it costs only £13.99 and has a 4.6-star rating. Structurally, this stool holds up to 150 kg and includes an anti-slip grip on both the step surface and the feet. At 25 centimeters high, it gives enough lift to reach high bathroom shelves or help kids brush their teeth at the sink. Essentially, it’s lightweight but stable, easy to clean, and fits easily into most bathrooms right next to the toilet.
Alright, so we’re back to toilet stools. And with the Run Helix bathroom stool, you have options. You can go with a foldable stool in a yellow-toned wood (photo above) or choose the non-folding white stool with a pretty pattern. Design-wise, they sit at the standard 17-centimeter height, with a 35-degree ergonomic angle designed to help you mimic a natural squat.
Both stools are made from wood-plastic board, which is lightweight but strong. They’re listed as supporting up to 200 kg (about 440 lbs), and the surface feels stable when in use. The foldable stool packs away easily, while the fixed white design is more decorative if you’re planning to leave it out. More importantly, both have a quality look, which makes them great for shared bathrooms or guest spaces.
If you’re after a light grey toilet stool (yes, I know—it looks white) that does more than elevate your feet, the JJA Bathroom stool might surprise you. It holds a 4.4-star rating, wears the Amazon’s Choice badge, and over 200 people bought it last month. At 23 centimeters tall, it offers a slightly higher lift than most standard toilet stools—but what makes it popular is the textured foot surface. The sloped design raises your heels above your toes, and the textured surface is meant to stimulate circulation while you… go.
Design-wise, the body is made of sturdy, eco-friendly plastic that’s solid but lightweight, and the non-slip drainage slats on top add extra grip and water resistance. There’s no folding or adjusting—just place it down and it’s ready to use. For households with kids, elderly family members, or anyone who wants the ultimate budget-friendly stool, this is one of the most practical picks.
When you sit on a modern toilet, your anorectal angle (the angle between your rectum and anus) is roughly 90°. In a squatting position, it opens up to about 35°–45°, which straightens the pathway and makes elimination much easier.
This angle is controlled by the puborectalis muscle, a sling-like muscle that kinks the rectum to help hold in poop. Ultimately, squatting relaxes it; sitting doesn’t.
Researchers gave 52 people a bathroom stool to use for 4 weeks.
Here’s what they found:
Compared sitting and squatting:
Bathroom stools have also been linked to reduced:
Moreover, a 2020 article in Current Gastroenterology Reports suggests that toilet posture can play a major role in pelvic health—especially for women.
Anthropologists note that humans squatted to poop for over 200,000 years. Modern toilets only showed up in the late 1800s.
Pediatricians often recommend foot support for toilet training. When children’s feet dangle, it can cause withholding, constipation, and stress around bathroom use. A stool fixes that instantly.
Just a stool under your feet—and suddenly, digestion improves. No pills. No fibre gummies. And no diet changes. That’s why wellness influencers, dietitians, and GI doctors keep recommending toilet stools.
A: Modern plumbing made seated toilets more convenient, and Victorian culture viewed squatting as uncivilized. Ultimately, comfort trumped form—Western design favored aesthetics and posture norms over how the body actually works.
A: Yes, and noticeably so. Elevating your feet shifts your internal angle, which helps your rectum open more fully. For many people, that means faster, smoother trips without the need to strain.
A: Yes, even if you’re not struggling now, using the Squatty Potty bathroom stool, for example, can help keep things that way. It’s more about protecting your gut long-term—before issues like straining or incomplete emptying become habits. Prevention always beats dealing with symptoms later.
A: Because it’s the brand that made toilet posture mainstream. Squatty Potty didn’t just create a useful product—they nailed the design, earned medical endorsements, went viral with clever marketing, and built a loyal fan base.
A: The Squatty Potty bathroom stool is not designed to support full body weight. Using it as a step stool or for assistance in exiting the bath is not recommended. For safety, opt for stools specifically intended for those purposes.