Best trash cans for 2026
A good trash can stays closed, doesn't smell, and fits your space. We compare automatic sensor bins, step cans, and dual-compartment options across every kitchen and bathroom size.
Updated June 2026Independently researchedNo paid placement. Picks come from reputation, long-term owner feedback, and published expert reviews.
For most people, the simplehuman 45 Liter Rectangular Sensor Can is the best automatic trash can: it’s reliable, easy to clean, and has a sensor that actually works without constant false triggers.
If you want a hands-free, self-sealing bag experience and don’t mind a smaller capacity, the Townew T1S is a premium splurge; for a budget-friendly runner-up that still handles odors, the iTouchless 13 Gallon Sensor Can is a solid pick.
Automatic trash cans sound like a gimmick until you’ve cooked a messy meal with raw chicken wrappers or changed a diaper one-handed. The reality is that sensor bins vary wildly in sensor sensitivity, battery life, and build quality, some open when you walk by, others refuse to open when your hands are full, and a few just stop working after a few months. This site cuts through the marketing to help you find a bin that actually makes your life easier, not more frustrating.
simplehuman 45 Liter Rectangular Sensor Can
Best overall
4.8out of 5The simplehuman 45 Liter Rectangular Sensor Can is the gold standard for a reason: its sensor is responsive and adjustable, the lid is sturdy, and the rectangular shape fits neatly against a wall or counter. It’s a bit pricey, but owners consistently report years of trouble-free use.
Price range: $$$
Check price on Amazon →Townew T1S Self-Sealing & Self-Changing Trash Can 15.5L
Best premium
4.6out of 5The Townew T1S is the futuristic pick, it automatically seals and replaces the bag, so you never touch a dirty bin liner. It’s compact and sleek, but the proprietary bag refills add ongoing cost, and the smaller capacity means more frequent changes for big households.
Price range: $$$$
Check price on Amazon →iTouchless 13 Gallon Sensor Trash Can with Odor Control
Runner-up
4.4out of 5The iTouchless 13 Gallon Sensor Can with Odor Control is a dependable, budget-friendly option that pairs a responsive lid with a built-in deodorizer to keep smells at bay. It’s not as refined as the simplehuman, but it’s a great value for a standard kitchen bin.
Price range: $$
Check price on Amazon →How we choose our picks
We don’t run our own lab tests or time sensor response with a stopwatch. Instead, we research the reputation of each model by combing through long-term owner reviews on major retail sites, forum discussions, and published expert evaluations from reputable outlets. We look for patterns: which sensors fail after a few months, which lids warp or crack, which batteries drain quickly, and which bins are easy to clean when something spills. We also weigh the practical trade-offs that matter in daily use, capacity, footprint, bag compatibility, and whether the “smart” features actually justify the price. A bin that works flawlessly for a year but then breaks is worse than a simpler model that lasts a decade. Our picks prioritize reliability and owner satisfaction over flashy specs.
Start here: pick by what you need
Best trash cans
The best trash cans and sensor bins for 2026. automatic, step, and dual-compartment options ranked.
Read the guide →Best budget
Best budget trash cans under $55. Functional, odor-resistant options without the premium price.
Read the guide →Buying guide
What to look for when buying a trash can in 2026. sensor vs. step, capacity, and odor control.
Read the guide →How we pick
Trash Can Picks is independent. We don’t take payment for placement and a commission never moves a product up our list. Our rankings come from research, not sponsorships.