Today, we’re looking at the difference between Alpha bidets, including the JX, iX, GX, and GXR and the newest addition to the lineup, the UX Pearl. I own all four of the bidets and currently use the JX and UX Pearl.
My Top Alpha Bidet Pick
 | Alpha UX Pearl |
| The best bidet seat, hands down. | |
| Limitless warm water Excellent performance Best air dryer |
|
| $499 on Bidet King | |
| Compare Price on Amazon |
We’ll look at questions like which is better, which costs more, is the extra cost really worth it, etc.
(For a related review: TOTO C5 vs Alpha JX)
The best overall Alpha bidets are the JX and UX. The iX is the value option, offering most of the same features of the JX at only ~2/3 the price. The GX is the best option for those on a strict budget. I recommend against the GXR since the iX is much better and the two cost about the same.
For a full in-depth reviews of the individual bidets w/images and demos:
- Full Alpha UX Pearl review.
- Full Alpha JX review.
- Full Alpha iX Hybrid review.
- Full GX/GXR review.
So, let’s get into it.
Alpha iX vs JX vs GX/GXR: Quick Summary Table
| Best Feature(s) | Alpha Bidet |
|---|---|
| Warm Water Performance (Best to Least) | Alpha JX > Alpha UX Pearl and iX > Alpha GX/GXR |
| Best Warm Air Dryer | Alpha UX Pearl |
| Most Efficient (kWh) | Alpha UX Pearl and JX |
| Wireless Remote w/Wall Mount | All but Alpha GX |
| Nozzle System | UX: Single 2-in-1 Arced Stainless-Steel JX: Single Aluminum Multi-Action Nozzle iX/GX/GXR: Single 2-in-1 Stainless-Steel |
| Available in Round and Elongated | All but UX Pearl (Elongated Only) |
| Best Fit for French Curve Toilets | Alpha JX |
| Antimicrobial Wand | Alpha JX Only |
| Child Wash Mode | Alpha iX Only |
| Save Personal Settings | Alpha UX Pearl Only |
| Easy One-Push Operation (Convenience, Kids, Elderly) | Alpha UX Pearl and Alpha JX |
| Best In-Bowl Nightlights | Alpha JX and UX Pearl |
| Slimmest Design | Alpha UX Pearl |
| Oscillation Mode | All |
| Pulse/Massage Mode | All but Alpha JX |
| Air Deodorizer and Bowl Sanitizing Function | Alpha UX Pearl Only |
| Sittable Lid | All but Alpha iX |
| All Alpha Bidets Have These Features | Adjustable Water Temp and Pressure Adjustable Nozzle Position Adjustable Seat and Dryer Temperatures In-Bowl Nightlight Front and Rear Cleansing, Nozzle Oscillation (Back-and-Forth Motion) Self-Rinsing Nozzles Slow-Close Seat/Lid, Quick-Release Seat |
| Typical Price (Least to Most) | Alpha GX < iX =/< GXR < JX < UX Pearl |
| Best Overall | Alpha UX Pearl and JX |
| Best Value | Alpha iX |
| Best Budget Option | Alpha GX |
Alpha UX Pearl
Check out this article for a full review.
The UX Pearl is Alpha’s newest bidet. Like the JX, it is advertised as a luxury option.
Features
- Limitless warm water. Like the JX, the UX has an instant heater. The max temp is limited to 102 F.
- Excellent cleansing performance: In the performance test, the UX performed right up there with the JX.
- The cheapest bidet long-term. The UX pearl only used about 1.8-2.0 W at idle with the Eco mode turned on. That comes to only 1.3 kWh per month no matter the number of users. It uses less than 1 kWH per month per user to operate the bidet. In total, that comes to about 30 to 70 cents per month for a one and four-person household, respectively. Most bidets cost a few bucks a month.
- Best air dryer: Warm air dryers can be uncomfortable at higher heat, so the power of the fan is the most important factor. The Pearl dryer puts out an air velocity of 1200 ft/minute and an air volume of 7 ft3/min which is up there with TOTO bidets.
- Wireless illuminated side control knob. The wireless remote is nice. It’s about the same size as the JX remote but doesn’t have an LCD screen. It’s the only Alpha remote in the lineup to have a magnetic holster. Instead of having an auxiliary panel it has a control knob that lets you operate the bidet by turning the dial CW or CCW for front and rear cleansing.
- Two user presets: The UX Pearl is the only Alpha bidet to let you (and another user) save your preferred settings. You can save your preferred water temperature, water pressure, and nozzle position.
- Two easy one-push auto modes: the UX is one of two Alpha bidets to offer easy one-push auto modes. This makes the bidet easy to use for folks who have never used the bidet before since the user doesn’t need to know which settings to choose.
- Slimmest design and maximum sitting room: the UX is only 4.5″ high in the rear and has a very minimal slope from front to back. With the lower rear height and minimal slope, the bidet allows for the most amount of sitting room.
- Arced stainless-steel nozzle design: The arced nozzle provides a greater range of motion for better coverage. In addition, it helps prevent splash back to promote better bidet hygiene.
- Automatic self-cleaning nozzle. I haven’t found a way to make the nozzle self-clean on-demand, but it does self-rinse before and after every use.
- Intelligent white LED nightlight: like the JX light, the UX is extra-bright (much more so than the GX/GXR) and offers an intelligent mode that causes the light to turn on and off based on light conditions.
- The only option with an air deodorizer: the UX is the only Alpha bidet to offer an air deodorizer. Unlike air fresheners that mask bad smells, deodorizers remove foul and embarrassing odors from the air. Also, instead of using a filter that has to be replaced (the industry standard), the UX uses a catalytic deodorizer that sends air through a photocatalytic reaction that neutralizes molecules responsible for bad smells.
- Pure Breeze feature. Kind of like TOTO’s PREMIST feature, the Pure Breeze setting keeps the toilet bowl fresh. Instead of misting the bowl, it generates and circulates charged air particles that attack and neutralize bad smells and any bacteria on the surface of the toilet bowl.
- Six settings to choose from for nozzle position, water pressure, water temperature, seat surface temperature, and warm air dryer temperature.
- SIttable lid with a high weight limit. Like a traditional wooden toilet seat/lid, you can use the bidet lid as a general-purpose chair.
- Slow-close seat/lid and easy quick-release button.
- Best warranty: like the JX, the UX comes with a 3-year warranty instead of the standard 1-year.
If you are interested, you can check out current prices here and also here.
The main downside is that the UX is the only Alpha bidet that’s not available for round toilets.
The best feature, IMO, is the extra-effective warm air dryer. With a good air dryer and some practice, you won’t have to use toilet paper ever again which can save hundreds a year, allowing the bidet pay for itself.
The Alpha iX vs JX
First up, we’ll make the Alpha JX vs iX comparison.
The Alpha JX edges out the iX in a few different ways. Both have features like a warm air dryer, nozzle oscillation, and wireless remote. The JX is a luxury seat, so it has the best water heater (tankless) and antimicrobial nozzle. The iX has a few features of its own.
Here’s a look at which bidet has which feature.
| Feature(s) | Alpha JX | Alpha iX |
|---|---|---|
| Instantaneous Water Heater (Endless Warm Water) | Y | N |
| Hybrid Water Heater (Extended Warm Water) | N | Y |
| Warm Air Dryer | Y | Y |
| Heated Seat | Y | Y |
| Control | Wireless Remote w/LCD Screen and Wall Mount | Wirelss Remote w/Wall Mount |
| Wand Material | Aluminum | Stainless Steel |
| 2-in-1 Nozzle for Front and Rear Cleansing (Alpha Doesn’t Use Dual Nozzles) | Y | Y |
| Adjustable Nozzle Position for Accurate Aiming | Y | Y |
| Wand Self-Clean Function | Automatic Self-cleaning (Before/After Each Use) + On-Demand Self-Cleaning | Automatic Self-cleaning (Before/After Each Use) + On-Demand Self-Cleaning |
| Antimicrobial Wand | Y | N |
| Child Wash Mode | N | Y |
| Easy One-Push Operation (Convenience, Kids, Elderly) | Y | N |
| Bowl-Illuminating Night Light | Y | Y |
| Adjustable Water Temperature and Pressure | Y | Y |
| High-Pressure Turbo Mode | Y | Y |
| Water Pressure (Flow Rate) | 0.7 L/min or 0.21 gal/min | 0.8 L/min or 0.18 gal/min |
| Nozzle Oscillation (Back-and-Forth Spraying) | Y | Y |
| Pulse/Massage Mode | N | Y |
| Sittable Lid (High Weight Capacity) | Y | N |
| Slow-Close/Quick-Release Seat/Lid | Y | Y |
| Power-Saving Eco Mode(s) | Y | Y |
| Warranty | 3-Year | 1-Year |
The Alpha iX Wave Bidet Seat
First up, is the Alpha iX Hybrid (affiliate link). I recommend Bidet King since their customer service is so good. This bidet is available for round and elongated toilets.
For Amazon availability, you can check here (affiliate link).
The iX is one of two Premium options put out by the brand, the other being the GXR (see further down in the article for that one).
It’s usually about 65% of the price of the JX but offers most of the same features (heated everything, air dryer, self-cleaning nozzle, wireless remote, etc.).
The price difference has to do with which features are missing: the JX has a better water heater (the best kind on the market) a feature that adds to the price.
It does have a fancy hybrid heater that keeps the water flowing warm, but the warm water supply isn’t quite on par with that provided by the JX heater.
The iX does, however, have a couple of features missing in the JX, like a pulse/massage mode and child wash feature.
Bottom line: if you can do without an antimicrobial wand and tankless heater, I’d go with the iX.
Features
- Hybrid heater for endless warm water. It doesn’t run forever at max temp, but the water never runs cold, saying in the mid 90’s range (Fahrenheit).
- Warm air dryer w/adjustable temperature. Say no to TP. With a good air dryer you can eliminate toilet paper altogether, allowing the bidet to pay for itself.
- Built-in blue LED nightlight. Make night time trips to the bathroom without blinding yourself.
- Single, 2-in-1 stainless-steel wand with adjustable position. Dual-action nozzles are more accurate than dual nozzles. Adjust the nozzle further forward or backward for custom aiming.
- Automatic and on-demand self-cleaning nozzle. The nozzle rinses before/after each use and you can use the remote to initiate a nozzle self-rinsing session.
- Wireless remote control with wall mount. No side panel, which is nice. Wireless remotes are more convenient (no looking down and to the side) and better for folks with limited mobility.
- Rear (regular), rear+ (turbo), and front feminine wash. Clean the entire perennial area.
- Adjustable pressure with rear+ turbo mode. Use the strong wash mode for an extra-effective wash or to help with constipation.
- Adjustable spray and seat temperatures.
- Nozzle oscillation and pulse modes. The nozzle can move back and forth to hit a wider area or rotate strong and soft pressure for a massage effect.
- Slow-close seat and lid w/quick-release tab. The slow-close seat and lid helps prevent wear and tear in the long term and the quick-release mechanism allows for easy bidet installation and removal (for cleaning, etc.).
- Child wash mode. This feature is lacking in the JX. The child wash mode is a neat feature that allows a child to hit one button and have all of the settings adjusted to be child-friendly. More on this feature below.
- Power-saving Eco modes. Use less power with the Eco mode that automatically turns water and seat temperature down during periods of non-use.
- 1 Year Warranty. The iX comes with a 1-year warranty, which isn’t as good as the 3-year warrant offered by the JX.
The Alpha JX
The next step up from the iX, and best Alpha bidet.
I recommend getting it through Bidet King since they own and operate Alpha and will give you the best customer service and warranty. You can check out the current prices here (affiliate link).
You can also check the prices at Amazon here though they are often out of stock for this bidet (affiliate link).
It’s available for elongated and round toilets.
The JX is the brand’s luxury option. There are several differences between this one and other Alpha bidets, but the main selling point is the instantaneous (tankless) heater for endless warm water.
In my opinion, and based on the feedback I get from female users, the antimicrobial wand is the other notable feature that sets it apart.
Unlike the iX, it also has a sittable lid.
Other benefits: a fancier remote with LCD screen, the longest warranty of any Alpha bidet, one-touch easy operation modes, lowest energy consumption.
Features
- Tankless heating system for limitless warm water. With the Alpha JX, you get truly endless warm water, because it has an instantaneous heater. The iX above has a hybrid heater that partly relies on a reservoir.
- Warm air dryer w/adjustable temperature. Reduce or eliminate your toilet paper use with a warm air dryer. Again, cutting down on toilet paper means big savings over the long-term, enough so to pay for the bidet several times over.
- Wireless remote control w/LCD screen and wall mount. Handheld remotes look better and make the bidet easier to use for everyone, and especially those who have limited mobility—since, you don’t have to look down and to the side to operate the bidet.
- Saves the most money long term. Tankless heaters only use energy when needed. Since water heaters use more energy than any other bidet component, bidets like the JX save the most money long term. They consume about 60% of the energy of most bidets on the market.
- Built-in white LED nightlight with ambient light sensor for power savings. Other Alpha bidets have nightlights, but the JX has an integral light sensor to ensure the nightlight doesn’t remain on during the day when it’s not needed.
- Single, 2-in-1 aluminum nozzle with adjustable position for precise aiming. The JX is the only Alpha bidet to have an aluminum nozzle instead of stainless steel. Like stainless steel, aluminum is ddurable and resists soiling.
- The most hygienic wand in the industry. The Alpha JX wand has antimicrobial nanotechnology plus automatic and on-demand self-cleaning nozzle functions. It doesn’t need to clean with a silver solution like other luxury bidets, because the wand is inherently antimicrobial.
- Rear (regular), rear+ (turbo), and front feminine wash. Clean the entire perennial area.
- Adjustable pressure with rear+ turbo mode. Use the turbo mode for an extra-strong wash or to help with constipation. Stronger pressure stimulates bowel movement and can penetrate the sphincters for a DIY enema.
- Adjustable spray and seat temperatures.
- Nozzle oscillation mode. When something oscillates, it moves back-and-forth or side-to-side. The JX nozzle moves back-and-forth to hit a wider area and provide a better clean overall.
- Sturdy, sittable lid. A fairly rare feature, you can sit on the lid when it is closed—to rest or clip your toenails. Lid sitting is usually limited to porcelain and wood toilet lids.
- Slow-close seat and lid with quick-release tab. Save wear and tear with the slow-close seat/lid and easily remove the bidet from the toilet for manual cleaning.
- One-touch wash and wash + dry modes for easy operation. A great feature for kids and seniors plus anyone who wants to get a good wash with one push of a button. The Easy Wash mode provides a generic preset wash cycle and the Wash + Dry function provides a preset wash/dry cycle.
- Power-saving Eco mode. Turn this function on to save power during periods of infrequent bidet use.
- 3-Year warranty. The Alpha JX is a bit more (~+50%) than the iX and GXR but it comes with the best warranty, lasting an additional two years.
The Main Differences
The JX Has the Best Heater
The short version is that both bidets keep the water running warm indefinitely, but the JX water flow reaches a higher temperature (closer to 104 F) and stays there the whole time (of course, you can reduce the temperature if you want to).
The iX provides an endless water flow in the low-mid 90’s F.
In case you’re new to the subject, bidets have tank-type, instantaneous-type, and hybrid-type water heaters. Tank-type heaters are the worst since they only provide 30 seconds of warm water (in addition to using the most power).
Instantaneous heaters are the best since they heat water on the spot and thus never run out. They also use the least amount of energy.
Hybrid heaters, as you’ve probably guessed, are a mix of the two, incorporating both technologies.
They provide extended warm water, which can range from an extra 15 seconds to water that stays warm (above 90 F) indefinitely.
The JX has an instantaneous heater while the iX and other Alpha bidets have hybrid heaters.
Some hybrid heaters are better than others, and the one that comes with the iX is far superior to the GX/GXR hybrid heater.
The iX Has a Child Mode While the JX Has Easy Operation Modes
The Alpha JX has two easy operation modes:
- The one-touch “Easy Wash” mode: this one activates a high-pressure rear wash with an oscillating nozzle. Oscillating nozzles clean better and are almost essential for less skillful users.
- The one-touch “Wash + Dry” mode: this mode activates a 1-minute rear wash cycle followed by a 1-minute dry cycle.
So, the two modes are pretty generic to fit the widest range of users. The feature is meant for general convenience and for older adults, children, and those with physical limitations.
The Alpha iX lacks a generic easy-operation mode, but it does have a wash setting meant for kids.
Hitting the “Child” button activates this sequence:
- Starts with a 1-min soft (regular) rear including 30 sec oscillation and 30 sec of pulsating spray. Again, an oscillating spray is key for less skillful users since getting water to the right place otherwise needs strategic body positioning (rocking back and forth, etc.).
- Then 2-min of drying.
- The cleaning nozzle is extended all the way to accommodate for lower stature.
- The water pressure and temperature are set to low. The seat temperature is also set to low to prevent low-temp burns.
- Starts with a 1-min soft (regular) rear including 30 sec oscillation and 30 sec of pulsating spray. Again, an oscillating spray is key for less skillful users since getting water to the right place otherwise needs strategic body positioning (rocking back and forth, etc.).
The Alpha JX Has a Fancier Remote Control
This is hardly worth considering when comparing the two bidets, but I’ll mention it. Both the JX and iX come with a remote control, which is the main thing. Also, both bidets come with a convenient wall mount to store the remote between uses.
The Alpha JX remote is slimmer and can do more with fewer buttons with the help of an LCD display. It’s also sleeker and more aesthetic.
The Alpha JX Has an Antimicrobial Wand and Soft Feminine Mode
The iX has a standard stainless-steel wand, which is a step up from plastic wands used by other brands like TOTO.
But the JX has an aluminum cleaning wand that’s treated with antimicrobial nanotechnology. The nozzle resists bacterial growth helping provide another layer of protection after the self-cleaning function—protection for avoiding infections, etc.
Also, the JX has an automatic. Both the iX and JX come with a self-cleaning wand that rinses itself before and after each use automatically PLUS an on-demand function to allow the user to initiate a self-rinsing session.
While both bidets have feminine spray capabilities, the frontal spray function on the JX has multiple holes for a softer, more dispersed water flow.
The Alpha iX Has an Oscillation AND Pulse/Massage Mode (JX Only Has Oscillation)
The Alpha iX has a massage/pulse mode in addition to the nozzle oscillation function, while the JX nozzle only oscillates.
The nozzle oscillation function is the main feature. When activated, it causes the nozzle to move back and forth quickly, waving kind of like a sprinkler. It makes a huge difference: it’s like the difference between holding a hose in one spot to wash your car vs moving it from side to side. Both bidets have this feature.
But the massage/pulse mode is popular too, so it’s a nice feature to have. With the iX, hit the PULSE button to have the water pressure repeatedly rotate between strong and soft pressure to provide a massage-like effect.
Nightlight Function (Ambient Sensor, White vs Blue)
Both the JX and iX have a nightlight, which is great, but the JX light turns on and off automatically based on light conditions.
Having a nightlight illuminate the toilet bowl, makes navigating in the dark easier. You can make your way to the toilet without ever turning on the bathroom light—an activity that’s temporarily blinding.
But the JX has a nightlight with an ambient sensor that detects when the room is dark enough to need the feature and when it’s light enough to cut it off. It senses artificial and natural light.
Also, the nightlight with the JX is white, whereas the iX light is blue. This may or may not be important, but a lot of folks like to avoid blue light in the evening since it’s thought to negatively affect sleep (source: Healthline).
The jury is still out on that one, and some folks don’t notice an effect. But it’s something to keep in mind if you like to avoid blue light.
The Alpha JX Has a Sittable Lid
Bidet seats are made of high-quality plastic. With most plastic toilet seats, you can’t (or shouldn’t) sit on the lid, otherwise, it’ll break. My sister once broke one at only 130 lbs. (it was probably an extra-cheap toilet seat, but you get the idea).
The lid on the Alpha JX is made to have a high weight capacity to support sitting. So, you can sit to clip your toenails or take a rest, text, etc.
The Alpha JX has a 3-Year warranty
Finally, the JX has a better warranty. Specifically, it comes with a 3-year warranty while other Alpha bidet warranties last for 1-year.
You probably won’t need one, but It’s nice to have a good warranty any time you pay $100 or more for something.
The Alpha iX vs GX and GXR
Another question I’ve gotten before (in one form or another) is what’s the difference between the iX and GX. Is one better than the other, is it worth the extra cost to get the iX, etc.
The Alpha iX costs more than the GX, mostly because it offers endless warm water, a better warranty, and a wireless remote instead of a side panel. Advantages of the GX over the iX include the lower price and sittable lid.
The Alpha iX costs about the same as the GXR but is a far better bidet, overall. The GXR has a wireless remote but is otherwise like the GX (Alpha’s entry-level bidet).
According to the specs, the GX/GXR should have a higher water pressure
| Feature(s) | Alpha GX/GXR | Alpha iX |
|---|---|---|
| Warm Water | 45 Seconds (Basic Hybrid Heater) | Endless (Advanced Hybrid Heater) |
| Warm Air Dryer | Y | Y |
| Heated Seat | Y | Y |
| Control | Side Panel (GX) Wireless Remote w/Wall Mount (GXR) | Wireless Remote w/Wall Mount |
| Wand Material | Stainless Steel | Stainless Steel |
| 2-in-1 Nozzle for Front and Rear Cleansing (Alpha Doesn’t Use Dual Nozzles) | Y | Y |
| Adjustable Nozzle Position for Accurate Aiming | Y | Y |
| Wand Self-Clean Function | AUtomatic + On-Demand Self-Cleaning | Automatic + On-Demand Self-Cleaning |
| Antimicrobial Wand | N | N |
| Child Wash Mode | N* | Y |
| Easy One-Push Operation (Convenience, Kids, Elderly) | N | N |
| Bowl-Illuminating Night Light | Y | Y |
| Adjustable Water Temperature and Pressure | Y | Y |
| High-Pressure Turbo Mode | Y | Y |
| Water Pressure (Flow Rate) | 1 L/min or 0.26 gal/min | 0.8 L/min or 0.18 gal/min |
| Nozzle Oscillation (Back-and-Forth Spraying) | Y | Y |
| Pulse/Massage Mode | Y | Y |
| Sittable Lid | Y | N |
| Slow-Close/Quick-Release Seat/Lid | Y | Y |
| Power-Saving Eco Mode(s) | Y | Y |
| Warranty | 1-Year | 1-Year |
The Alpha iX Bidet Seat
Again, the best premium bidet on the market is the Alpha iX Hybrid (affiliate link). It’s available for round and elongated toilets.
For Amazon availability, you can check here (Amazon link).
The GX will give you a better bang for your buck because it offers the most essential features at an entry-level price. The main difference is that the iX has a wireless remote and a better water heater. It also has a legit child wash mode.
The iX is comparable to the GXR in price–the GXR being the GX with a wireless remote. But it works better across the board. It’s hard to explain, but while the iX and GX/GXR share most of the same features, the iX just does everything a little bit better.
On paper, the GX/GXR should have a higher water pressure, since the nozzle output reaches 1L/min. But I found the iX pressure to feel stronger and cleanse more effectively.
Features
- Water heater superior to the GX and GXR. All three bidets have hybrid heaters, but the Alpha iX has one advertised as providing “endless” warm water and lives up to that claim.
- Warm air dryer w/adjustable temperature.
- Blue LED nightlight to illuminate the toilet bowl. This feature makes for safer night time bathroom navigation.
- Single, 2-in-1 stainless-steel wand with adjustable position. Like all Alpha bidets, you get a single 2-in-1 nozzle for front and rear spraying, instead of the dual nozzle setup. I prefer single nozzles. The wand is adjustable across several positions for precise aiming.
- Automatic and on-demand self-cleaning nozzle, operated via remote control.
- The iX has a wireless remote control with wall mount.
- Rear (regular), rear+ (turbo), and front feminine wash. Clean the entire perennial area.
- Adjustable pressure with rear+ turbo mode. The iX has a strong wash mode that made it among the most effective bidets I’ve used along with the JX and BB-1000.
- Adjustable spray and seat temperatures.
- Nozzle oscillation and pulse modes. The nozzle can oscillate back and forth to hit a wider area or pulse by rotating strong and soft water pressure for a massage effect.
- Slow-close seat and lid w/quick-release tab. The slow-close feature helps prevent wear and the quick-release tab allows for easy bidet installation and removal for cleaning.
- Child wash mode. The iX has a true child wash mode that adjusts all settings to be suitable for kids, with one push of a button. The GX and GXR have child button but it doesn’t do much.
- Power-saving Eco modes. An economy mode that cuts down on power consumption by turning energy-zapping components to their lowest setting when the bidet isn’t in use.
- 1-year warranty. The iX comes with a 1-year warranty like the GX and GXR.
The Alpha GX and GXR
Then there are the Alpha GX and GXR Wave bidet seats (also available on Amazon). Both are available for round and elongated toilets.
With the GXR, you get a remote control that looks like the above side panel but is detached from the bidet, so it’s easier to use.
Features
- Hybrid heating system provides 45 seconds of warm water The heater isn’t as good as the one that comes from the iX, but it’s much better than basic tank-type heaters that only provide about 30sec of warm water.
- Warm air dryer w/adjustable temperature.
- White LED nightlight to illuminate the toilet bowl. This light is a bit underpowered. The light is white like the JX but about half as bright. You’ll see bellow in the video. The blue light of the iX has a much more illuminating effect on the toilet bowl and bathroom.
- Like the iX, the GX and GXR have single 2-in-1 stainless-steel wand with adjustable position. So, the wand is made of high-quality durable material (not plastic like other bidets). The wand is adjustable across several positions for accurate aiming.
- Automatic and on-demand self-cleaning nozzle, operated via side panel (GX) or remote control (GXR).
- The GXR and iX have a wireless remote. A useful feature for several reasons (see the section below).
- The GX has a side panel. The side panel has all of the functionality of the GXR remote control, but it’s fixed to the side of the bidet. This means you’ll have to look down and to the side to operate the bidet. The GX is the only Alpha bidet with a side panel.
- Rear (regular), rear+ (turbo), and front feminine wash. Posterior and rear spray mode allow for cleaning of entire perennial area.
- Adjustable pressure with strong pressure. The rear+ turbo mode puts out water at the rate of 1 L/min or 0.26 gallons per minute.
- Adjustable spray and seat temperatures for max comfort.
- Nozzle oscillation and pulse modes. All Alpha bidets (the electric units) have the oscillation mode, meaning the wand will move back and forth quickly (similar to how you’d move a hose if washing a car). The pulse mode rotates soft and strong pressure to provide a soothing massage effect.
- A sturdy, sittable lid. If you like to sit down on the toilet when it’s closed (e.g., for texting or clipping toenails) the GX and GXR come with a sittable lid that has a high weight capacity. The iX lacks this feature.
- Slow-close seat and lid w/quick-release tab. The quick-release tab makes for easy bidet removal and cleaning while the slow-close feature prevents wear and tear.
- Power-saving Eco modes. A power-saving mode that cuts down on power consumption by turning energy-zapping components to their lowest setting when the bidet isn’t in use.
- The Alpha GX is the cheapest (least expensive) option. If you’re looking for the best option on a budget, go with the GX all day.
- 1 Year Warranty. The GX and GXR come with a 1-year warranty like the iX.
The Main Differences
The iX Has Better Water Temperature Control
The iX and GX/GXR come with adjustable water temperature and hybrid heaters, but the iX heater performs way better overall.
The iX has a higher-quality hybrid heater that puts out warm water indefinitely. The iX heater advertises “endless” warm water, and it provides just that. When I tested the bidet for a near 10 minutes, the water never dropped below 93 F.
Different Nightlight Function (Color and Power)
The iX nightlight did a lot better job lighting up the entire bathroom. The GX/GXR light is more like a small flashlight that’s directed into the toilet bowl (you can see the small beam on the ceiling).
The iX light is blue and has less of a beam, spreading light around the bathroom more evenly. One benefit of the GX/GXR is that some users like to avoid blue light at night because it’s thought to possibly interfere with the sleep cycle. For a brighter white nightlight, see the JX.
The GX Has a Side Panel Instead of a Remote Control
Again, the GX is the only Alpha bidet with a side panel.
The iX, GXR, and JX all have wireless remotes.
A handheld remote is considered a luxury item.
For example, they’re more aesthetic and better suited to modern bathrooms. Though, I will say that the GX side control panel is pretty aesthetic. A lot of side panels on the market are plastered with stickers and colors, decals, etc. In contrast, the GX remote is sleek and minimalistic.
The iX Has a Better Nozzle Oscillation, Stronger Spray, and Performed Better on the Fake Poop Test
As you can see, the angle of spray is more direct with the iX resulting in a stronger spray. This is likely why the pressure felt stronger even though the product specs say otherwise. The GX/GXR offers 1L/min of water flow, compared to the 0.7L/min offered by the iX. But that didn’t seem to translate into stronger water pressure with the GX/GXR.
Also, notice how the iX nozzle moves across a wider area. It may be subtle, but it makes a bigger difference than you’d think. I could barely feel the water stream moving at all with the GX.
Since the oscillation function is one of the more important features, this is one of the more significant differences between the two bidets.
And yes, the fake poop test is a thing. I perform the basic test on all bidets that I own and try out.
The GX and GXR Have Sittable Lids
So does the JX, Alpha’s luxury bidet. I’m not sure why the feature skipped the iX, but it’s the only unit without a sittable lid.
It’s nice for clipping toenails, resting, and sitting on the toilet to text when you’re in the middle of bathroom chores.
Also, if you have company, they may not know to avoid sitting on the toilet lid. Folks who use porcelain seats may pop a squat without thinking twice, cracking an expensive high-tech bidet.
I doubt this is a huge selling point for most, but it is nice to have.
The iX Has a True Child Wash Mode
While the GX and GXR both have a child button, the function doesn’t do much.
On the other hand, the iX child mode allows younger users to get all of the child-friendly settings by hitting a single button.
Hitting the “Child” button activates:
- A generic wash/dry cycle: it’s a 1-min regular cleanse with soft pressure. It includes 30 seconds of oscillation followed by 30 seconds of pulsating spray. Kids are better off with the oscillating nozzle for a bit, because it hits a wider area, reducing reliance on fancy body positioning to get water to just the right place.
- A generic 2-min of drying session.
- The cleaning nozzle is extended all the way to make up for shorter stature.
- The water temperature and pressure are automatically set to low for max comfort.
- The seat temperature is also set to low to prevent low-temp burns.
The Alpha GX vs GXR
Other than the price and the wireless remote, the GX and GXR are essentially the same bidet, offering all the same features. The GX has a side panel instead of a wireless remote and costs about 2/3 the price. With both bidets, you’ll get premium features like a hybrid heater and warm air dryer.
Here’s a quick table for all the features offered by both.
Notice they only differ in the wireless remote and price.
| Feature(s) | Alpha GX | Alpha GXR |
|---|---|---|
| Instantaneous Water Heater (Endless Warm Water) | N | N |
| Hybrid Water Heater (Extended Warm Water) | Y | Y |
| Warm Air Dryer | Y | Y |
| Heated Seat | Y | Y |
| Control | Side Panel | Wireless Remote w/Wall Mount |
| Wand Material | Stainless Steel | Stainless Steel |
| 2-in-1 Nozzle for Front and Rear Cleansing (Alpha Doesn’t Use Dual Nozzles) | Y | Y |
| Adjustable Nozzle Position for Accurate Aiming | Y | Y |
| Wand Self-Clean Function | Automatic + On-Demand Self-Cleaning | Automatic + On-Demand Self-Cleaning |
| Antimicrobial Wand | N | N |
| Child Wash Mode | N* | N* |
| Easy One-Push Operation (Convenience, Kids, Elderly) | N | N |
| Bowl-Illuminating Night Light | Y | Y |
| Adjustable Water Temperature and Pressure | Y | Y |
| High-Pressure Turbo Mode | Y | Y |
| Water Pressure (Flow Rate) | 1 L/min or 0.26 gal/min | 1 L/min or 0.26 gal/min |
| Nozzle Oscillation (Back-and-Forth Spraying) | Y | Y |
| Pulse/Massage Mode | Y | Y |
| Sittable Lid | Y | Y |
| Slow-Close/Quick-Release Seat/Lid | Y | Y |
| Power-Saving Eco Mode(s) | Y | Y |
| Warranty | 1-Year | 1-Year |
| Value | Best for the Money | Average Price for Premium Bidet |
Breakdown of Features (GX and GXR)
- Hybrid heating system for warm water. The GX and GXR both have a hybrid heater, which is a step up from the tank-type heaters offered by most bidets in this price range. It’s not advertised as providing “endless” warm water like the hybrid heater of the iX, but the heater does provide a longer warm water supply than most entry-level bidets.
- Warm air dryer w/adjustable temperature.
- A white LED nightlight for nighttime toilet and bathroom illumination. This is an especially useful feature if you make a lot of late night trips to the bathroom, since you don’t have to blind yourself with bathroom lights. The light is white instead of blue, which is good for those who like to avoid blue light in the evening (a technique for improving sleep).
- The GX and GXR come with a single 2-in-1 stainless-steel cleaning wand with adjustable nozzle position for accurate aiming. The wand is made of durable stainless steel, instead of plastic like TOTO bidtes.
- Automatic + on-demand self-cleaning nozzle, operated via side panel (GX) or remote control (GXR).
- Rear (regular), rear+ (high-pressure), and front feminine wash modes. The posterior and rear spray options allow for cleaning the entire perennial region.
- Adjustable spray pressure, spray temperature, and seat temperature for max comfort.
- Both the GX and GXR offer the strongest spray of all Alpha bidets. The rear+ turbo has one of the highest flow rates (1 L/min or 0.26 gallons per minute) of any bidets on the market.
- The GX and GXR offer both nozzle oscillation and pulse modes. When a bidet nozzle oscillates, it sprays back and forth to clean better and hit a wider area. The pulse/massage mode rotates soft and strong water pressure to provide a soothing massage. All Alpha bidets offer the nozzle oscillation function, but the pulse mode is less common. In fact, the Alpha JX (the luxury option) doesn’t have this feature.
- A sturdy, sittable lid. With the GX and GXR, you can pop a squat on the lid without breaking it. SItting on the lid (for clipping toenails, etc.), is usually limited to porcelain and wood toilet seats.
- Gentle-close seat and lid equipped with quick-release tab. The quick-release mechanism makes it easier to remove the bidet for periodic toilet and bidet cleaning. The slow-close feature is nice because it helps prevent wear and tear.
- Power-saving Eco modes. This function helps reduce power consumption by turning the most energy-gobbling bidet components to their lowest setting in periods of infrequent bidet use.
- Both bidets have a 1-year warranty. All but the luxury option (the JX) come with a 1-year warranty which is pretty standard in the industry.
The Alpha GX Wave Bidet Seat
One great option for those on a budget is the Alpha GX wave bidet seat (also available here). It’s available for round and elongated toilets.
It has most of the features offered by premium (mid-tier) bidets but at a much lower cost.
The GX is the only Alpha bidet with a side control panel. The control panel has all of the functionality of the GXR wireless remote but is fixed to the right side of the bidet seat. So, if you go with the GX, you’ll have to look down and to the side in order to operate the bidet.
If you think you can do without the wireless remote, I’d definitely recommend this one.
The Alpha GXR Wave Bidet Seat
Next, is the GXR Wave bidet seat (also available here). It too is available for round and elongated toilets.
The sleek wireless remote is the only difference. Aside from being handheld and not fixed to the bidet, it’s about identical to the GX panel, but with horizontal controls.
Is it worth paying extra? For most, probably not. It’s about a $100 difference, and you’re only getting the wireless remote. If the extra cost isn’t a big deal, then you may as well pay a bit extra for the JX, which does have several luxury features lacking in the GX.
But if the price perfectly fits your budget and you do want a remote control, the GXR would be the way to go.
The Main Differences
There’s not much to say here.
The GX is the least expensive Alpha option while the GXR is mid-range. It varies, but the GX is usually about 2/3 the price of the GXR. If you’re looking for the best value out of the two, go with the GX all day. Aside from the remote control, it has all the same features.
The GXR might be better in these circumstances:
- Heavier folks who feel like a side panel might dig into their sides.
- Those with physical limitations, like the elderly and anyone who would really rather not have to look down and to the side to operate the bidet.
- Folks with limited vision who need to see the controls and buttons up close.
- Those who want a bidet that looks less like a bidet. Bidets with wireless remotes are typically seen as more aesthetic.
The Alpha JX vs GX and GXR
Here, we’ll compare the highest and lowest tier Alpha bidets.
The JX is Alpha’s highest-end option, while the GX is their entry-level option, costing about 40% less. The JX offers luxury features like a tankless heater for endless warm water and an antimicrobial wand. The GXR is the same as the GX, but with a wireless remote at ~80% the price of the JX.
For the JX, see this description.
For the GX, see this section.
For the GXR, see this section.
All three bidets have:
- Warm air dryer w/adjustable temp. Ditch the TP for good.
- Adjustable water temperature and pressure. As you’d imagine, you can adjust the water and temperatue from the remote or side panel.
- Heated seat w/adjustable temp for max comfort.
- A single, 2-in-1 nozzle for front and rear spray. Clean the entire perennial area with a single nozzle.
- A nozzle made of durable material—aluminum (JX) and stainless steel (GX/GXR). No plastic as with TOTO bidets.
- Adjustable nozzle position. Adjust the spray nozzle across multiple positions for accurate aiming.
- Self-cleaning nozzles. Keep the bidet sanitary with the nozzle self-clean function.
- White LED in-bowl nightlight. As you’ll see below, the JX light is significantly brighter.
- Nozzle oscillation, though the JX oscillating function is much more effective. This feature allows the cleansing stream to hit a wider area and clean more effectively by having the nozzle move for you.
- High-pressure turbo mode for more effective cleaning and constipation relief.
The Main Differences
- The JX has a tankless heater for endless warm water. The GX and GXR have a hybrid heater that provides extended, but not endless warm water. Running out of warm water is mostly an issue for folks who share bidets and use them back to back. It can also be an issue if you prefer prolonged gentle cleansing (sitz bath style) or like to use the bidet for prolonged cleansing of the frontal and rear regions in the same session.
- The JX and GXR have a wirless remote and the GX has a side panel. The GX is the only Alpha bidet to have a handy side panel instead of a remote. Wireless remotes are easier to use since you don’t have to look down and to the side to operate them. A remote control is considered a luxury item and is more aesthetic overall, but a side panel gets the job done. The JX has a fancier side panel than the GXR, in that it has an LCD screen.
- The JX has an antimicrobial wand and is thus more sanitary. The wand on the JX is treated with antimicrobial nanotechnology. This is a great feature for reducing the risk of infection.
- The JX has an easy one-push operation mode. This is a cool feature because it makes operating the bidet easier for less skillful users like children and older users who don’t feel like learning to use anything fancy. With a press of a button, you get a preset generic wash cycle (EASY WASH) or generic wash and dry cycle (WASH + DRY).
- The GX and GXR have a pulse massage mode. Interestingly, the JX which is Alphas luxury bidet, is the only one of their units to not offer a pulse or massage mode. This function rotates strong and soft pressure for a massage-like effect.
Another key difference is that GX/GR white LED nightlight is way underpowered:
Alpha Bidet Comparison: Conclusion
So, there you have it.
In comparing Alpha bidets, the JX luxury bidet is the best overall and best value. The entry-level GX is the best budget option. The two mid-tier options (the iX and GXR) offer little more than the GX at a price closer to that of the JX. In the end, all four bidets have 90% of the same features.
That’s it for now. Thanks for reading.