I love all things "hands-free." Whether it's answering phone calls with just the sound of my voice, walking into a room to activate a motion-sensor light or asking Alexa to turn up the tunes — there's something special about not having to lift a finger. The same sentiment should apply when having to clean said finger, no?
When it comes to cleaning our bodies, going hands-free is a great way to prevent contact with any sort of bacteria. Since the hands are arguably one the most washed parts of our bodies, I decided to go on the hunt for the best automatic soap dispensers on the market. I tested a total of 10 devices for our Shop TODAY Ranked series and narrowed it down to my favorite picks based on several factors:
- Responsiveness: Does the sensor/radar recognize my hands right away?
- Soap amount (dispensed): How much soap is dispensed and are there different volume levels available?
- Sound: Does the device make noise when in use?
- Aesthetic: Will this device look good in my bathroom or kitchen spaces?
- Durability: Does it look like it will last in the home for a long time? How does the battery life look?
Best overall motion-sensor soap dispenser
Responsiveness: 4.75/5 | Soap amount (dispensed): 4.75/5 | Sound: 5/5 | Aesthetic: 4/5 | Durability: 5/5 | Overall rating: 4.7/5
Responsiveness: This dispenser has a fantastic response time. Since there are two foam controls, you need to aim your hand near the top or bottom lines (indicated on the device) to get your preferred amount of soap. I quickly learned to direct my hand slightly above each line for optimal detection. It's very speedy!
Soap amount (dispensed): You get two options: 0.4 g and 0.8 g. As previously mentioned, the amount you get depends on the spacing of your hand from the dispenser's radar. There are lines clearly shown on the soap bottle, so you know exactly where to place your hand for smaller and larger amounts of soap. I think the provided portions are perfect for cleaning skin both lightly dirty and completely soiled.
Sound: Honestly, this is one of the better options in terms of volume, by far. It only emits a short buzz that isn't loud or annoying at all. My personal test is that if you can hear someone using it outside the bathroom, it's too loud. This one passes!
Aesthetic: Is it the chicest? No. Is it unattractive? Absolutely not. I think it gives off a very clean style that you can get away with in most bathrooms. I enjoy the sleek LED screen in the front that displays its battery life and the current indoor temperature. Plus, the translucent, but slightly frosted, container clearly shows when you're running low on soap. It's convenient and nice to look at.
Durability: The dispenser is quite sturdy, and by feel alone, I feel like it can last a few accidental spills into the sink (which are bound to happen). It also looks like it is designed with working longevity in mind, as it has an easy-to-use automatic cleaning feature that keeps it in tip-top shape. Just fill the container with warm water and press the power button at the top three times for its 30-second-long cleaning session to activate. Quick and simple.
While this pick is currently unavailable, we found another option from the brand that has similar features:
More motion-sensor soap dispensers, as tested by the author
Best liquid flow:
Responsiveness: 4.25/5 | Soap amount (dispensed): 5/5 | Sound: 4/5 | Aesthetic: 4.25/5 | Durability: 5/5 | Overall rating: 4.5/5
Responsiveness: This device works pretty well in this category. It senses my hand even at a decent distance from the sensor. Every once in a while, if it's been a while since I've used it, I'll sometimes need to get my hand very close to the sensor for it to work — almost like I'm waking it back up.
Soap amount (dispensed): This dispenser has one of the more, if not most, efficient way to get the perfect soap amount for you. Unlike other devices, which use hand distance to determine different amounts, this one works with the press of the power button. There are three settings: small, medium and large. The button lights up a different color to show which setting it's on: blue for the smallest amount, purple for medium and red for the largest amount.
Sound: It emits a quick but slightly noisy buzz when in use. It's not too bad, but what I don't like is the "gurgling" sound it makes as it finishes dispensing the product.
Aesthetic: This is definitely one of the more aesthetic ones of the bunch. I opted for the white design, but it also comes in all-black. I like the stylish ridges that circle the entire device. I'd argue that it looks chicer than you'd expect for (what I assume is) a plastic soap dispenser, however, I did notice that the flat top got a little dusty after a few days of not using it.
Durability: The device feels quite durable, with what looks like a sturdy construction and a heavy weight to it. I've noticed that some reviewers have mixed feelings on how long a charge lasts, though the brand says it should last up to 120 days on a single charge.
Best hands-free device:
Responsiveness: 4.25/5 | Soap amount (dispensed): 5/5 | Sound: 3.25/5 | Aesthetic: 4/5 | Durability: 5/5 | Overall rating: 4.3/5
Responsiveness: This device has great radar detection. I don't have to bring my hand too close to the dispenser area, and the product comes out in a strong, fluid motion. However, I experienced a tiny bit of lagging when it came to adjusting the soap levels, which requires a touch-sensor button. You have to keep your finger on the power button for a few seconds for the device to register your finger and change the soap level, which you can see on the LED screen on top of the dispenser.
Soap amount (dispensed): With four soap levels to choose from, I have no doubt that the Gotofine dispenser will offer what you need to cleanse your hands. While I find the largest setting to be extreme, I understand that people prefer a lot of soap — and this one definitely delivers on that front.
Sound: This one is just unnecessarily loud. The buzz is pretty intense, especially when it's on the largest soap setting and has a longer dispensing period. Consider this fair warning: You can hear this one from a mile away.
Aesthetic: This gets extra points because I can mount it right to my wall! (And it's incredibly easy to set up, with the included sticker attachment.) This looks pretty sleek when hung up in my kitchen. As far as the overall look, I think that comes down more to personal preference. It's translucent, so you can see when it needs more soap. However, I don't like how I can see the tube — aka the inner mechanics of the device — and would just prefer it to be covered with a design or a color that matches the device as a whole.
Durability: Again, this is another product that I consider to be rather sturdy and looks like it will last me a long time. I'm also taking the fact that I can mount it into consideration, which takes the chances of me knocking it over down to practically zero. I also love how it has a self-cleaning mode. I just have to press the power button three times, and the session lasts 10 seconds.
Best for kids and quietest:
Responsiveness: 4/5 | Soap amount (dispensed): 4/5 | Sound: 5/5 | Aesthetic: 3/5 | Durability: 5/5 | Overall rating: 4.2/5
Responsiveness: The radar does a good job recognizing my hand underneath, but the dispensing speed is rather slow. It almost seems like it's on a half-second delay. I don't have a problem with it, but if you're looking for something speedier, this may not be for you.
Soap amount (dispensed): Unfortunately, this device doesn't offer multiple soap levels; in fact, there's just one setting. It offers a good amount, and you can always go in for more without having to restart the hand-washing timer.
Sound: I can barely hear this thing working. If I wasn't fully aware that soap was hitting my hand, I wouldn't know the device was even powered on. So, I'm wildly impressed with this one. Ironically, the device has the option to be quite loud, as it gives users the option to play music. If you want to fully engage your kiddos in the act of handwashing, just turn its fun tune on and make sure they scrub their hands until it ends.
Aesthetic: It's not the most stylish looking piece of tech. It's on the bulkier side and doesn't scream "modern." However, this would fit right into a kid's bathroom. It has a large LED screen that clearly shows a 30-second countdown, which allows for users to first wet their hands, "then wash for the CDC (Centers for Disease Control and Prevention) approved 20 seconds," says the brand.
Durability: This is heavy and has a sturdy base, making me think that it's less prone to accidental spills into the sink. I also think it's built to work with clumsy or reactive hands you can see from kids. As far as battery life, the brand says it can last for over 4,000 washes when in silent mode and about 1,600 washes with music on one charge.
Most aesthetic:
Responsiveness: 4.25/5 | Soap amount (dispensed): 4.5/5 | Sound: 4.75/5 | Aesthetic: 4.75 | Durability: 5/5 | Overall rating: 4.65/5
Responsiveness: I don't have too many complaints when it comes to this dispenser's response time. The device has two soap levels, which you choose by placing your hand at the top or bottom lines shown on the container, which will offer a smaller or large amount of soap, respectively. It does a good job detecting my hand, no matter where I place it. Sometimes my hand goes undetected if I move it too fast, but that doesn't happen often.
Soap amount (dispensed): This device only has two soap settings, which are literally only described as "small" and "more" in the brand description. For me, that's all you need. Each level offers the perfect amount for a quick rinse or a deeper clean.
Sound: This is definitely on the quieter side and distributes the soap quickly to keep the sound from lasting long. I also appreciate that the little noise it does make isn't like an annoying buzzer, but more like a soft gear turning.
Aesthetic: Top. Marks. This might be the sleekest soap dispenser I've ever seen. I opted for a brushed stainless steel design, but it also comes in matte and polished finishes as well as other colors. Its waterproof design keeps it spot- and streak-free at all times, so I know it looks good without having to physically look at it.
Durability: Made from stainless steel, it's clear that this device was made to last. "We meticulously design and engineer out products so they will last in your home for years," says the brand on the product website. It even comes with a two-year warranty, should you experience any issues.
Easiest to handle:
Responsiveness: 4/5 | Soap amount (dispensed): 4.25/5 | Sound: 4.25/5 | Aesthetic: 4.5/5 | Durability: 5/5 | Overall rating: 4.4/5
Responsiveness: This works well, but I don't think this has the best sensor out there. I've had to remove and replace my hand more than enough times to know that there are better ones in my testing bunch. You just have to place your hand really close to the opening to guarantee soap.
Soap amount (dispensed): This dispenser offers three soap levels. Adjusting them is simple: You just press the power button and a blue light will indicate the level by how many times it flashes. However, this offers up a lot of soap, even for the lightest adjustment. Some reviewers complain that it can be wasteful, especially if you put it on the largest setting, and I'd have to agree. Also, I'd be remiss not to mention the super convenient pop top that allows you to open the container for refills. It's super easy and, admittedly, kind of fun.
Sound: It's buzzy, but it's super quick (even on the highest soap setting).
Aesthetic: Sleek, modern, clean: No matter what color or finish you choose, I don't think you'll be disappointed with how this device looks. I like that it looks good at every angle and only has a thin translucent window to show when more soap is needed.
Durability: I like how this is one of the weightier options. It feels sturdy and looks like it was made to last.
Most responsive:
Responsiveness: 5/5 | Soap amount (dispensed): 4.75/5 | Sound: 3.5/5 | Aesthetic: 3/5 | Durability: 4/5 | Overall rating: 4.05/5
Responsiveness: This is device is one of the few I tested that can actually detect my hand from over an inch away. My hand isn't even full stopped underneath it before it starts dispensing soap. It's pretty impressive and works at the speed I prefer.
Soap amount (dispensed): The soap volume can be adjusted from 0.03 ounces to 0.19 ounces by rotating the power dial up or down. This isn't the most technologically advanced way of adjusting soap levels like I've seen with other devices, but it can get you to the exact amount you prefer.
Sound: This one is on the noisier side. What makes it worse is how the sound seems to go up a decibel when the soap dispensing ends. Also, it just sounds like a dated machine, like one you would hear when washing your hands in a rest stop bathroom.
Aesthetic: I wouldn't reach for this one if you're looking for something "pretty." But I can appreciate that this dispenser was likely made for functional purposes only. The plastic looks like it's cheaper quality, you can see the battery slot in the back (unlike the subtle opening for a charging cord) and its size is massive. The pro is that this can hold a ton of soap. I'd recommend grabbing this one for work spaces that involve working with your hands — where you need something that works well, not something fancy.
Durability: Again, I'm seeing quality material here, so I don't have the highest expectations in this category.
How I tested each soap dispenser
Throughout a month-long testing period, I used each soap dispenser to wash my hands. Each was given its correct soap type for fairness and to ensure the machine would not break. As I tested each device, I paid close attention to how responsive their radars were, how much soap I was able to dispense and how easy it was to use each.
Why trust Shop TODAY
Danielle Murphy is the audience development writer for Shop TODAY. She joined the team in 2021 and has covered everything from beauty trends to the hottest sales to shop. Since she previously wrote about bath towels and kitchen sponges for Ranked, she’s no stranger to the testing process when it comes to finding the best home products.
Meet the expert
- Jessica Ek is the Associate Vice President of Strategic Communications at the American Cleaning Institute. She previously gave insight for other Ranked stories like the best instant stain removers, multipurpose cleaners and reusable paper towels.
- Dr. Nava Greenfield is a board-certified dermatologist based in New York City.
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