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Automatic soap dispensers offer a more hygienic way to wash your hands. With a completely touchless design, these dispensers eliminate the need to touch the soap pump, which can be teeming with germs and bacteria.
A good automatic soap dispenser is reliable, dispensing soap every time it detects a hand underneath. It should also be easy to use with features to make refilling, recharging, and cleaning the unit simple and mess-free. Lastly, it should look nice on a kitchen or bathroom counter. Ahead are the best automatic soap dispensers for a clean and convenient hand-washing experience.
- BEST OVERALL: Simplehuman Rechargeable Soap Pump
- BEST BANG FOR THE BUCK: Umbra Otto Automatic Soap Dispenser
- BEST FOR LARGE FAMILIES: Secura Premium Touchless Automatic Soap Dispenser
- BEST FOR FOAM SOAP: Secura Foaming Soap Dispenser
- BEST WALL-MOUNTED: Aike Automatic Liquid Soap Dispenser AK1205
- BEST SMART: Amazon Smart Soap Dispenser
- BEST BATTERY LIFE: Simplehuman Sensor Pump
- BEST RESPONSIVE SENSOR: Hanamichi Soap Dispenser
What to Consider When Choosing the Best Automatic Soap Dispenser
Automatic soap dispensers are an upgrade compared to manual pump soap dispensers. Their touchless designs reduce cross-contamination, which is especially useful when your hands are soiled, such as after touching raw chicken or working in the garden. Many units can also be used to dispense other hygiene and skin-care products, such as dish soap, hand sanitizer, or lotion. Since these automatic units are pricier than simple manual models, shoppers will want to find a dispenser that suits their needs. When choosing an automatic soap dispenser, consider the dispenser type, material, design, power supply, sensor type, and capacity.
Wall-Mounted vs. Countertop
Automatic soap dispensers come in wall-mounted or countertop versions. Countertop units are the type most commonly used in the home. Similar to pump soap dispensers, they sit on the side of the sink and pump soap into hands—just with an automatic pump instead of a manual one. Countertop automatic soap dispensers are available in a range of designs and don’t require any installation. Simply charge the unit or insert the batteries and fill it with liquid dish or hand soap. Then it’s ready for use.
Wall-mounted soap dispensers are more common in commercial settings and public bathrooms, but there are options available for home use as well. These units save sink-side space because they are attached to a nearby wall. However, they do require mounting.
Material and Design
Most automatic soap dispensers are made of either plastic or stainless steel. Unlike manual soap dispensers, which come in a wide variety of glass designs, there are few automatic glass soap dispensers, likely due to how breakable glass is.
Plastic soap dispensers are waterproof, affordable, and lightweight. They are quite durable and shouldn’t dent or break but often have a less premium look than stainless steel or glass. Plastic can also become scratched or stained over time. Clear plastic allows the user to see the soap level inside.
Stainless steel dispensers have a sleeker look that can complement modern kitchen or bathroom fixtures. These models are moisture- and corrosion-resistant, so they’re a great choice beside the sink. Some units have a mix of steel and plastic to take advantage of the benefits of each material.
Choosing the dispenser’s material and overall design will come down to personal preference. Since soap dispensers are sitting in plain view, most shoppers will want one that looks nice on the counter. Besides aesthetics, other design features can make the dispenser more pleasant to use, including clog-free tubing to prevent blockages and mess-free valves to prevent dripping.
Battery Operated vs. Rechargeable
All automatic soap dispensers need a power source to run their pump. Automatic soap dispensers can be battery operated (running on single-use AA or AAA batteries) or have rechargeable built-in batteries (they recharge using an included charging cable). Battery-operated automatic soap dispensers are sometimes cheaper up front than rechargeable ones. But with these models, new batteries are a small yet ongoing cost to consider.
Some dispensers advertise their battery runtime. Automatic soap dispensers have good battery life and therefore don’t need frequent charging. Most dispensers will last a couple of months to even up to a year between battery changes or recharges, although keep in mind that battery life will also depend on usage.
Sensor and Capacity
Some automatic soap dispensers have simple sensors that detect only motion, pumping out a predetermined amount of soap when they’re triggered. A good dispenser should have a sensitive enough sensor to detect when a hand is close (usually about 1 to 2 inches away).
Some higher-tech dispensers take it a step further with volume-control sensors. These sensors can detect how close or far a hand is from the soap dispenser and adjust the soap volume accordingly. They are usually set to dispense less soap when the hand is close and more soap when it’s further away. Simpler versions have manual soap-volume controls, with buttons to adjust the amount of soap dispensed instead, independent of the sensor.
The capacity of the dispenser is a measure of the volume of soap it can hold. Capacity is measured in ounces and can range from 5 to over 20 ounces. The more soap the dispenser holds, the less often it’ll need to be refilled. For large and busy households, look for a larger-capacity soap dispenser. Small households can get away with lower-capacity dispensers.
Our Top Picks
Here are the best automatic soap dispensers for keeping hands squeaky clean.
Best Overall
Simplehuman Rechargeable Soap Pump
Designed with style and convenience in mind, the Simplehuman Rechargeable Soap Pump is the best automatic soap dispenser for most homes. One of the coolest features of this automatic soap dispenser is the variable dispense-volume control. Instead of a manual button, this soap dispenser has a variable sensor. The closer a hand is placed, the less soap it dispenses, and vice versa. A no-drip valve ensures no drips or messes get left behind, regardless of the volume of soap.
This soap dispenser is on the smaller side, holding 9 ounces of liquid soap. Refilling and charging it is very straightforward. The funnel refill opening makes refilling a mess-free process. It will need recharging every 3 months, but since it’s rechargeable, this is as easy as plugging in the unit.
Made of stainless steel, this dispenser comes in several attractive finishes, including silver, matte black, white, brass, and rose gold. One downside of the full stainless steel design is that users can’t monitor the soap level, but it’s worthwhile for the polished look.
Product Specs
- Capacity: 9 ounces
- Volume control: Yes
- Power supply: Rechargeable
Pros
- Several finish options
- Variable dispense-volume control
- Easy to refill, clean, and charge
- Clog-free tubing
- No-drip valve
Cons
- Pricey
- Can’t see soap level
Get the Simplehuman Rechargeable automatic soap dispenser at Amazon, The Home Depot, Target, or Simplehuman.
Best Bang for the Buck
Umbra Otto Automatic Soap Dispenser
Though automatic soap dispensers feel like a small luxury, they don’t need to break the bank. The Umbra Otto Automatic Soap Dispenser is affordable and stylish. Although made of plastic, this unit has a finish that makes it look like metal from afar. The curved lines also give it a sleek look to match modern kitchens and bathrooms.
In addition to being stylish, this battery-operated automatic soap dispenser boasts plenty of practical, user-friendly features. A thin fluid-level indicator window makes it easy to see the soap level while keeping the design polished looking overall. When it’s time for a refill, a large opening at the top makes the process mess-free.
Product Specs
- Capacity: 8.5 ounces
- Volume control: No
- Power supply: Battery operated
Pros
- Budget-friendly
- Stylish design
- Soap-level indicator window
Cons
- Thick soaps can cause clogs
- Lacks volume controls
Get the Umbra automatic soap dispenser at Amazon, The Home Depot, Wayfair, or Umbra.
Best for Large Families
Secura Premium Touchless Automatic Soap Dispenser
Large households can go through a lot of soap, especially when encouraging little ones to keep up with hand hygiene. The Secura Premium Touchless Automatic Soap Dispenser is an extra-large automatic dispenser that holds 17 ounces of soap—double the amount of some dispensers on this list. It’s battery-powered, using four AA batteries (not included), and its versatile design means it can be wall-mounted or used on the countertop.
Alongside its large capacity, this automatic soap dispenser has a few other convenient features. The manual adjustable soap dispenser volume control allows users to choose between 0.03 to 0.19 ounces of soap per activation. Adjusting the amount is as easy as rotating the battery-saving on-off switch on the top of the unit.
Lastly, this dispenser looks smart with a chrome and black finish. Plus, since it has a clear soap container, it’s easy to monitor the soap level.
Product Specs
- Capacity: 17 ounces
- Volume control: Yes
- Power supply: Battery operated
Pros
- High capacity
- On-off switch to save battery
- Adjustable volume dial
- Countertop or wall-mounted
Cons
- Requires a screwdriver to access battery compartment
Get the Secura Premium automatic soap dispenser on Amazon.
Best for Foam Soap
Secura Foaming Soap Dispenser
Foaming soap requires a special type of pump to turn it into its foamy texture. The Secura Foaming Soap Dispenser is a feature-filled automatic dispenser that’s designed for foaming soaps. This dispenser has a 10-ounce capacity, and users can fill it with foaming soap or diluted liquid soap to dispense a foamy soap that’s perfect for hand-washing.
With fast-reacting sensors, this dispenser takes just 0.2 seconds to detect a hand below it and dole out some suds. It features a straightforward one-button control, which allows users to turn the unit on and off and adjust between three different soap-volume levels. The button lights up with a different color to indicate the chosen volume level.
For even more convenience, this unit is rechargeable, fully charging in a few hours and lasting up to 3 months between charges.
Product Specs
- Capacity: 10 ounces
- Volume control: Yes
- Power supply: Rechargeable
Pros
- Easy 1-touch controls
- 3 volume levels
- Fast 0.2-second sensor and pump reaction
Cons
- Plastic finish is less attractive than steel options
Get the Secura Foaming automatic soap dispenser on Amazon.
Best Wall-Mounted
Aike Automatic Liquid Soap Dispenser AK1205
Often found in commercial settings, wall-mounted soap dispensers are an excellent choice for high-traffic areas. The Aike Automatic Liquid Soap Dispenser AK1205 brings the convenience of a wall-mounted soap dispenser home—though this one is nice enough for use in commercial spaces as well.
This unit has a sleek look that’s available in polished and brushed stainless steel, matte black, and off-white finishes. The rust-resistant steel finishes offer a more modern aesthetic compared to the clunky plastic wall dispensers found in many public bathrooms.
In terms of utility features, this unit has five volume-control levels, ranging from 0.5 to 2.5 millimeters of soap per activation. It’s easy to set the desired volume amount, which requires no more than the push of a button. A wide top opening makes the unit easy to refill, and this unit has a 24-ounce capacity, so it’s excellent for busy areas. This unit is battery operated and uses six AA batteries for up to 6 months of battery life.
Product Specs
- Capacity: 24 ounces
- Volume control: Yes
- Power supply: Battery operated
Pros
- Very high capacity
- Great for high-traffic areas
- Sleek look
- Decent battery life
Cons
- Requires a fair amount of clearance room beneath sensor
Get the Aike automatic soap dispenser on Amazon.
Best Smart
Amazon Smart Soap Dispenser
Amazon brings its smart features to the sink with the Amazon Smart Soap Dispenser. This smart soap dispenser has several neat features that set it apart from the rest.
When the sensor is triggered, this nifty unit turns on a built-in 20-second timer that guides users to wash for the amount of time recommended by the Centers for Disease Control. This feature is great for kids, who may need the reminder to scrub their hands. When paired with a compatible Echo device that’s within 30 feet of the dispenser, users can also set Alexa Routines to play a song or rattle off jokes or fun facts automatically during the hand-washing process
Keep in mind that this dispenser has no speaker, microphone, or Alexa built in. It needs to pair with a compatible Echo device to take advantage of smart features, but it will still dispense soap either way. The unit has a 12-ounce capacity and is rechargeable, lasting up to 3 months per charge. A variable dispensing sensor changes how much soap is dispensed, depending on how close the hand is to the nozzle.
Product Specs
- Capacity: 12 ounces
- Volume control: Yes
- Power supply: Rechargeable
Pros
- Built-in countdown timer
- Variable volume dispensing
- Compatible with Echo devices
Cons
- Some users found the variable volume dispensing finicky
Get the Amazon automatic soap dispenser on Amazon.
Best Battery Life
Simplehuman Sensor Pump
For those who just need a dependable, no-frills automatic soap dispenser, the Simplehuman Sensor Pump is the best pick. Instead of fancy variable volume controls or smart features, this dispenser touts a lengthy battery life, with four AA batteries providing a charge for up to a year.
Though it’s more basic than other options on the list, this dispenser doesn’t lack in user-friendliness. It features a precise, quick-responding sensor and a no-drip valve to dispense soap in a timely and mess-free manner. Manual volume-control buttons make it possible to adjust the volume of hand soap.
Available in several finish options, including brass, polished stainless steel, white steel, brushed nickel, and rose gold, all models feature a clear soap tank that makes it easy to monitor soap levels. Like other Simplehuman soap dispensers, this one features a wide opening to reduce refilling messes.
Product Specs
- Capacity: 8 ounces
- Volume control: Yes
- Power supply: Battery operated
Pros
- Long battery life
- No-drip valve
- Clear soap tank
Cons
- Relatively low capacity
Get the Simplehuman Sensor automatic soap dispenser on Amazon or Simplehuman.
Best Responsive Sensor
Hanamichi Soap Dispenser
With two sensors instead of one, the Hanamichi Soap Dispenser is a reliable choice. This dispenser features both an infrared motion sensor and a passive infrared sensor to make sure it doesn’t miss a hand, which is one of the most common complaints with automatic soap dispensers.
Besides its sensitivity, this unit has a decent 13.5-ounce capacity, so it’s another excellent choice for high-traffic areas. Like many of the best automatic soap dispensers, it has several user-friendly features. Manual volume-control buttons make it simple to adjust the dispense volume from 0.5 to 3 millimeters. This unit runs on four AAA batteries and features a clear tank, so it’s easy to monitor soap levels.
Product Specs
- Capacity: 13.5 ounces
- Volume control: Yes
- Power supply: Battery operated
Pros
- Reliable sensor system
- Decent capacity
- Clear soap tank
Cons
- Not great for dish soap; thicker soaps can clog spout
Get the Hanamichi automatic soap dispenser on Amazon.
Our Verdict
With a sleek look and excellent user-friendly features, the Simplehuman Rechargeable automatic soap dispenser is a stylish and convenient choice for most homes. The Umbra automatic soap dispenser also offers a contemporary look for a more budget-friendly price. Although it lacks some convenience features, it’s an affordable pick.
How We Chose the Best Automatic Soap Dispensers
There are two main reasons to choose an automatic soap dispenser over a manual one: They’re more hygienic and more convenient. Since all automatic soap dispensers are touchless, hygiene is already covered—as long as the sensor is sensitive and works every time. We researched product specifications and consumer reviews to ensure the dispensers on this list are dependable.
Besides a reliable sensor, we also looked for user-friendly features. We included dispensers with a range of extra-convenient features, from as simple as a soap-level indicator and drip-free spout to as complex as variable soap-volume sensors and even Amazon Echo–compatible smart dispensers. Lastly, we kept design in mind and prioritized stylish picks that will look nice on most kitchen or bathroom counters.
FAQs
Manual soap dispensers make a lot of contact with dirty hands—it’s the last item you touch before you scrub your hands, after all. Even if you wash the germs off your hands right after, the dispenser will be a whole lot cleaner without all that touching. Touchless automatic soap dispensers solve this problem, doling out a portion of soap with no contact involved. Although these devices are pretty straightforward, new users may have some questions, which are answered ahead.
Q. Are automatic soap dispensers worth it?
Yes, automatic soap dispensers are worth it for those who want a dispenser that’s highly hygienic and convenient. Their touchless designs prevent the spread of germs, and they’re easy to use for people of all ages, from kids to adults.
Q. Can I use any soap in an automatic soap dispenser?
Most automatic soap dispensers use liquid soap. Many of these dispensers can also dispense similarly viscous liquids, such as hand sanitizer or lotion. For use with foam soap, look for an automatic dispenser made specifically for foam soap; not all automatic soap dispensers will work with foam soap.
Q. Which brand of automatic soap dispenser is the best?
The Simplehuman Rechargeable automatic soap dispenser is the best automatic soap dispenser for most homes. It’s mess-free, only needs to be charged about every 3 months, and has a sensor to control the amount of soap that’s dispensed
