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Tired of your dentist giving you flack for how you brush your teeth? After researching over 35 of the top products, we bought 17 of the best electric toothbrushes on the market today to help you find the perfect product to keep your pearly whites sparkling. We looked at each model's comfort, cleaning ability, ease of use, and battery life. Throughout our testing, we consulted with dentists and dental hygienists to ensure we were on the right track when it comes to tooth and gum health. We hope our comprehensive review will help you find the right toothbrush for your specific needs and budget.
In your search for an electric toothbrush, you might also consider stocking up on some of the best toothbrush head replacements in advance. We know everyone's personal care routine looks a little different. Our extensive reviews cover everything from the top-rated mouthwashes to beard trimmers], thermometers and the top razors. Whatever your needs, we've done the testing to find which products are worth your money and which to leave on the shelves.
Editor's Note: We updated our electric toothbrush review on April 1, 2024, to provide in-depth testing details and provide buying advice.
The capable Philips Sonicare ProtectiveClean 5100 captured our attention with its superior cleaning prowess, affordability, and ease of use. The smaller brush head navigated notoriously hard-to-reach spots without fail while remaining comfortable, thanks in part to the more sensitive modes like "Gum Care". This model hosts three different modes, and fortunately, it remained simple to find the right setting for our testers, some of whom have sensitive gums. Battery efficiency wasn't a problem either as this device can go 46 days without any need for charging. This will be a huge benefit to any frequent travelers who don't want to bother packing their charger.
We couldn't find much to fault the Philips except one little thing. It has very small potential for toothpaste/saliva to build up between the brush head and the handle. Overall, this particular model is the best for just about anyone, from experienced electric toothbrush users to novices alike. If you want the lowest maintenance option that's simple to clean, the Aquasonic Black Series is definitely worth your consideration. Its predecessor, the Philips Sonicare 4100, is almost equally matched in cleaning performance and comfort and is slightly more affordable.
Brushing Modes: 7 | Number of Included Brush Heads 3
REASONS TO BUY
Incredible cleaning
High-powered yet comfortable
Nice travel case
REASONS TO AVOID
Pricey
Brush head can leak
SPECIFICATIONS
Pressure Sensor
Yes
Measured Battery Life
38.5 days
Number of Brushing Modes
7 modes:
Daily Clean, Sensitive, Whiten, Gum Care, Intense, Super Sensitive, Tongue Clean
Estimated Annual Brush Head Cost
$49.99 for (1) four pack
Charger or Battery Info
100 - 240VA
50-60Hz
3.0W
Powerful, capable, and high-tech, the Oral-B iO Series 9 offers a luxurious experience with all the features you need. Don't let the advanced technology intimidate you; this model is user-friendly, thanks to its intuitive app that provides essential information about your oral hygiene habits. Despite offering an extensive amount of modes (seven, to be exact), switching between them is remarkably simple and are indicated by an icon displayed on the unit's small digital screen. The standout feature of this device is its exceptional cleaning ability, effortlessly removing plaque and debris and leaving a cleaner feeling compared to almost any other brush we tested.
We consider this electric toothbrush one of the best money can buy, but there are a couple of drawbacks to consider. The primary concern is the price, which may be a significant hurdle for some consumers. Additionally, we encountered an issue with the brush head leaking. The openings in the brush head can collect a mixture of toothpaste and saliva, leading to it seeping down into the handle and requiring some maintenance. If you're looking for the latest-greatest premium option in the iO Series, the Oral-B iO Series 10 comes with a smart charging dock that can be used as a visual timer or as a quadrant tracker while you're brushing. However, this small difference will come with a significant price increase.
Brushing Modes: 1 | Number of Included Brush Heads 1
REASONS TO BUY
Inexpensive
Superior cleaning
Straightforward to use
REASONS TO AVOID
Doesn't include travel case
USB charging
SPECIFICATIONS
Pressure Sensor
Yes
Measured Battery Life
49.5 days
Number of Brushing Modes
1 mode:
Clean
2 sensivity levels
Estimated Annual Brush Head Cost
$44.96 for (1) four pack
Charger or Battery Info
USB
(block not included)
The Philips Sonicare 4100 isn't a far cry from the super-capable 5100 model, retaining many of the same high-end features without many compromises. If you're seeking simplicity in both function and design, you won't be disappointed. It boasts one mode with two settings — normal and high intensity. Both settings offer ample cleaning without being overly aggressive, and you'll only need to interact with one button to switch between them seamlessly.
We were disappointed to find the absence of an included travel case, and the USB charging cord will need a power brick for use with a traditional outlet. While we understand the exclusion of these items, considering the price, having these extras would have been a nice touch to enhance the overall package. If you require these extra features, you'll need to spend a few more bucks on the Philips Sonicare ProtectiveClean 5100.
Brushing Modes: 4 | Number of Included Brush Heads: 8
REASONS TO BUY
Comes with eight brush heads
Easy operation
Not expensive
REASONS TO AVOID
Not the best battery life
Absent pressure sensor
SPECIFICATIONS
Pressure Sensor
No
Measured Battery Life
31 days
Number of Brushing Modes
4 modes:
Clean, Soft, Whiten, Massage
Estimated Annual Brush Head Cost
$19.90 for (2) two packs
Charger or Battery Info
100 - 240VA
50-60Hz
0.8 - 1.6W
When it comes to the balance between price and value, the Aquasonic Black Series stands out. Each brush head is expected to last a couple of months, and it comes with a total of eight brush heads — which are oftentimes pretty pricey. The overall cleaning performance of these brush heads is commendable, providing a satisfying clean feeling for our testers. If you're seeking an all-in-one solution, especially considering the cost, this device offers a compelling option.
The absence of a pressure sensor on this model does detract from the overall package, and the battery life falls on the lower end of the spectrum when compared to the best of the best. If extended battery life is a priority for you, we found in our testing that the 7AM2M Sonic can last up to 52.5 days.
7 modes:
Daily Clean, Sensitive, Whiten, Gum Care, Intense, Super Sensitive, Tongue Clean
Estimated Annual Brush Head Cost
$49.99 for (1) four pack
Charger or Battery Info
100 - 240VA
50-60Hz
3.0 W
The Oral-B iO Series 10 is a top-of-the-line smart device that comes with all the tools you need to get the most out of your toothbrush. This unit comes with a useful smart app that indicates which quadrants of your mouth to cover and for how long. It also comes with a timer that tells you when it's time to stop brushing. The Series 10 even has a pressure sensor and seven different modes that customize your brushing experience. What sets this unit apart is its smart charging stand, which can also be used as a timer.
The main drawbacks of this brush are three things: price, a leaky brush head, and its 22.5 days of battery life. Although that is technically a long battery life, it may not be as suitable if you're traveling for more than a few weeks. This unit also comes with some serious sticker shock. If you want a model that is nearly the same, minus the smart charging dock, we recommend its predecessor, the Oral-B iO Series 9. That said, if you want the most high-tech option out there and money is no object, the Oral-B iO Series 10 may be the right option for you.
Brushing Modes: 1 | Number of Included Brush Heads: 2
REASONS TO BUY
Budget-friendly
Compact
Simple design
REASONS TO AVOID
Falls short on cleaning
Handle gets dirty
SPECIFICATIONS
Pressure Sensor
No
Measured Battery Life
168 days
Number of Brushing Modes
1 mode:
Clean
Estimated Annual Brush Head Cost
$28 for (4) 1 packs
Charger or Battery Info
1 AAA battery
If you're new to the electric toothbrush world and tend to shy away from more advanced models, the Quip might be the right choice for you. This model is super quiet — almost silent — with a pretty cool design. While it may not match other top performers in terms of cleaning, it's still better than most manual toothbrushes. Powered by AAA batteries, you won't find yourself switching them out very often; in fact, we practically couldn't get it to die. With a single comfortable brushing mode, there's no need to fiddle around with settings or an app. All things considered, the Quip should meet the needs of most people, especially if you're on a budget.
However, with such simplicity and ease, there is a pretty big drawback. As mentioned, the cleaning performance isn't the absolute best, and it simply can't compete with higher-priced devices. If that's your main concern, you might be better served with something like the Waterpik Complete Care 9.0, which also comes with a water flosser, providing much more cleaning power — assuming you don't have sensitive gums.
The AAA batteries are easy to change on the Quip, but you won't have to worry about that often.
Credit: Natalie Kafader
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How We Test Electric Toothbrushes
Since 2016, we have brushed our teeth with nearly every device under the sun to discover what will work for anyone and everyone looking for the perfect electric toothbrush so you don't have to. We assessed and rated how each brush performed using a variety of tests and rest assured, we have found the best of the best. Check out our in-depth testing here.
Cleaning (40% of overall score weighting)
Comfort (30% weighting)
Ease of Use (20% weighting)
Battery Life (10% weighting)
Why You Should Trust Us
GearLab's electric toothbrush tested is headed up by Genaveve Bradshaw, Austin Palmer, David Wise, and Ryan White. Together, this team has extensively researched over 100 different models and comprehensively tested the best of the best. Our in-depth testing ensures that you receive the most unbiased and trustworthy review around. We purchase all of the toothbrushes we review and never accept any sample or evaluation items. During the process, we consulted dentists and dental hygienists about the design of our testing plans and our interpretations of the results. We also had a large sample of people test each toothbrush, aggregating their opinions regarding how comfortable each brush is and using this wide sample of diverse sets of teeth to see how well each toothbrush cleaned. However, the most important thing to remember is that you brush for the American Dental Association's prescribed two minutes, twice a day, regardless of what toothbrush you end up using.
We tested each unit on their water proofing abilities. The Philips Sonicare ProtectiveClean 5100 excelled here.
Credit: Natalie Kafader
How to Choose the Best Electric Toothbrush
Here are five important buying considerations, including size, comfort, battery, features, and budget, to narrow down your next electric toothbrush purchase.
What Size Brush Should You Get?
Finding a toothbrush with the correct size brush head will improve cleaning and comfortability. Having too large of a brush can hinder the ability to reach back areas of the mouth and make cleaning difficult. Too small and it will take longer to cover all areas of the mouth. Consider your mouth size and the amount of heads included in a toothbrush to help find the right size.
Toothbrush heads come in a variety of different sizes and shapes to accommodate all mouths.
Credit: Genaveve Bradshaw
How Many Brushing Modes Do You Need?
Many toothbrushes offer the ability to change the brushing mode, which often includes the speed, time, and motion of your brush. For those looking to tackle specific needs such as sensitive cleaning or tongue cleaning a toothbrush with different settings may be worth it. For those who don't necessarily need different cleaning options, a simpler toothbrush will often be less expensive.
Is Battery Size Important?
Depending on your lifestyle and travel routines having a toothbrush with powerful charging capabilities can be especially useful. Being away from a charger and finding your toothbrush out of battery is not only frustrating but can disrupt your ability to keep your teeth and mouth clean. For folks who frequently find themselves away from a charger or want to avoid traveling with one, it's worth considering shopping for a toothbrush with a longer battery life.
A nonintrusive charging station that can live next to your other bathroom essentials.
Credit: Natalie Kafader
What Features Do You Need?
Electric toothbrushes often come with a plethora of different settings and features to make cleaning that much easier. One especially handy feature is a thirty-second timer feature. This notifies you every thirty seconds when it's time to move to the next section of your mouth. Another useful feature is a pressure sensor that notifies you when applying too much pressure on your brush. Features such as the thirty-second reminder and pressure sensor can be nice to have or downright necessary depending on your brushing goals and routines. Consider your toothbrushing priorities and how applicable certain features will be for your teeth-cleaning goals.
Simple and clean looks, and streamlined features to match.
Credit: Natalie Kafader
Is Comfort Important?
The ease of use and comfortableness of your toothbrush can be especially important for those with health conditions, children, and the elderly. Comfort both within the mouth and the ergonomics of the handle can vastly improve your brushing experience. Soft bristles and oscillating motions can provide a more comfortable brushing experience and help avoid irritating gums and enamel. Consider how sensitive your mouth is and if you have any concerns with holding certain toothbrush handles to help guide your decision.
Toothbrushing should be a pain-free, comfortable experience.
Credit: Natalie Kafader
Analysis and Test Results
We have a comprehensive understanding of what makes a solid electric toothbrush. Year in and year out, new models emerge, and we continue to subject them to multiple tests in order to find out what devices make the cut and what should be avoided.
We do not provide medical guidance. Despite consulting with dentists and dental hygienists for this evaluation, it is crucial to seek advice from a healthcare professional. Given the individual differences in everyone's teeth, consulting your dentist is paramount when making decisions about your oral health. While our guide serves as an informative starting point, it is advisable to consult your dentist before reaching a final decision, especially if you have experienced any dental, periodontal, or orthodontic concerns.
Value
Encountering sticker shock is nearly inevitable when exploring the top-tier electric toothbrushes, and we acknowledge that not everyone can invest in the latest and greatest options. That's precisely why we present multiple awards, aiming to cater to the diverse budgetary needs of our audience. The Philips Sonicare 4100 really sets itself apart in terms of value and it's the best option when it comes to performance versus cost. Something else to consider is how often you'll need to replace the brush heads, and how much those replacements will cost. For those who punctually replace their brush heads, you may prefer the Aquasonic Black Series, which comes with a whopping eight replacement heads — over a year's supply.
The Philips Sonicare 4100 is an inexpensive model that still performs as well as the best of them.
Credit: Natalie Kafader
Cleaning
This is where our most crucial metric takes center stage, accounting for a substantial 40% of the overall score. To ensure thoroughness, we implemented a diverse set of tests designed to evaluate each model. Initially, our testers chewed a plaque tablet, vividly revealing it with a reddish-pink tone for clear visibility. Afterward, they brushed for 2 minutes, following a dentist's recommended method. We meticulously documented the process with before-and-after photos and sought the testers' input on how refreshed their mouths felt before revealing the results to obtain an unbiased perspective. A recent addition to our electric toothbrush testing regimen involves the use of a dental model. We concocted a mixture of pesto and coffee grounds, applied it to the model's teeth, and set a timer for one minute to gauge overall efficiency while attempting to brush away the debris.
Demonstrating exceptional cleaning ability, the Oral-B iO Series 9, Oral-B iO Series 10, and the Philips Sonicare 5100 all excelled in clearing away plaque and efficiently removing the mixture of pesto and coffee grounds from the dental model within the allotted timeframe. With all three devices, our testers reported an exceptionally clean feeling, emphasizing the smoothness experienced after brushing away the plaque. These brushes stood out as the best and quickest for cleaning.
After waiting all day to brush our teeth and then chewing a pink tablet for 30 seconds, we brushed with each unit for exactly two minutes. Here are the results from our test with the Philips Sonicare 4100.
Credit: Natalie Kafader
While some outperformed others, none of the electric toothbrushes we tested fell too short in terms of cleaning. The Waterpik Complete Care 9.0 offered additional cleaning options like a water flosser. Despite being somewhat harsh on the testers' gums, this toothbrush excelled at cleaning. Not to be overlooked in this lineup, the Oral-B Genius Pro 8000 and Oral-B Genius X also cruised through the cleaning tests with ease, leaving very little noticeable plaque and effectively removing the mixture from the dental model.
This messy mixture of wet and dry coffee ground was no match for top performers like the Oral-B iO Series 9.
Credit: Natalie Kafader
Comfort
If your electric toothbrush lacks gentleness, it can lead to discomfort and reluctance to use it again, reducing the importance of its cleaning ability. This is precisely why comfort constitutes 30% of the final score. Individuals with sensitive teeth or gums should carefully consider the results here, as it can be the deciding factor for specific electric toothbrushes. Comfort in the context of an electric toothbrush extends beyond just the brushing action and softness of the bristles. Various factors, such as the noise level, the size of the brush head, and the presence of a pressure sensor to alert you if you're brushing too hard, can collectively influence overall comfort. Considering these aspects provides a more comprehensive understanding of the comfort level offered by an electric toothbrush. We tested all of this in a variety of ways, including utilizing all brushing modes on offer, as well as employing a decibel reader from 6 feet away and 3 inches away, respectively.
The Oral-B iO Series 9 and Oral-B iO Series 10 excelled in providing optimal brushing comfort, primarily due to the inclusion of modes such as 'sensitive' and 'super sensitive', although none of the seven modes were uncomfortable. Additionally, both models feature a helpful pressure sensor that alerts you when brushing too aggressively. This is indicated by the color of the ring near the brush head, turning red if you're pressing down too hard. While they weren't the quietest in the group, they didn't produce an annoying or grating tone. The Series 9 was slightly louder (according to the decibel reader) than the Series 10 at 73 decibels 3 inches away versus the 62 decibels registered on the Series 10. In practice, we didn't find either of them excessively loud. Both models do tend to leak a mixture of saliva and toothpaste due to the holes in the brush head, and we think that takes away from their overall comfort level, but they still remain top performers.
Testing the overall noise of the Oral-B iO Series 9 using a decibel reader 3 inches away. This brush emits a pleasant humming sound, though the decibel level reached up to 73 which was fairly high for our test lineup.
Credit: Natalie Kafader
Also providing a comfortable experience, we have the Philips Sonicare 5100 and Philips Sonicare 4100, both excelling in these tests by offering gentle modes and an overall pleasant brushing experience. These two models sounded better than just about any of the Oral-B devices, measuring at 67 and 58 decibels, respectively. The frequency produced a noticeable hum, but it wasn't annoying.
The measured decibels of select models in our lineup.
Credit: Genaveve Bradshaw
The Quip also delivered top-notch brushing comfort. It stands out for its exceptional quietness and didn't even register on our decibel reader, giving it a slight edge compared to other models. We could barely detect that it was on. However, it does lack a pressure sensor, which we would have liked to see.
If you want the absolute quietest option, the Quip can't be topped.
Credit: Natalie Kafader
Ease of Use
Next, we evaluated and assigned scores based on the convenience and user-friendliness of each electric toothbrush — another crucial aspect. A product that proves cumbersome to use significantly diminishes the likelihood of correct usage, potentially discouraging you from forming a regular teeth-brushing routine. Accounting for 20% of the total score, we determined the number of modes each brush had, as well as how simple it was to switch between them. Additionally, we checked for the inclusion of extra brush head storage on the charging base or in the travel case. Finally, we verified if they had a two-minute timer.
The Oral-B iO Series 9 and Oral-B iO Series 10 provide simplicity in operation and seamless mode-switching, facilitated by a dedicated button despite offering seven modes. Both models feature a digital screen that clearly indicates the active mode, and they conveniently remember the last used setting, eliminating the need to navigate to it each time you power them on. The real-time display of the two-minute timer on the handle adds a user-friendly touch, concluding with an enjoyable smiley face with star eyes once the countdown reaches zero. Both models also include a travel case that can hold extra brush heads. If desired, each electric toothbrush can be seamlessly paired with an app for more in-depth coverage of your brushing habits. The Achilles heel for these devices lies in their cleaning maintenance. Brushing can generate a bit of a mess, with toothpaste liquid running down the brush head and onto the handle. Despite this, it wasn't a deal-breaker for us due to their excellent performance in other tests.
Some electric toothbrushes have a designated app, which can enhance your routine.
Credit: Natalie Kafader
The humble Quip continues to prove itself here, thanks to the streamlined design and feature set. The responsive power button activates its singular mode. Accompanied by a plastic tube that doubles as a travel case, it conveniently attaches to the mirror when needed. The inclusion of a two-minute timer is the cherry on top, as it vibrates four times consecutively to signal the end of the countdown before shutting off.
The Philips Sonicare 5100 and Philips Sonicare 4100 keep up their stellar performances so far by testing well yet again. The 4100 is slightly easier to use because it only has one mode and one button to operate. The 5100 contains a slight edge here, as it comes with a travel case with storage for two brush heads. Not to be outdone, the Aquasonic Black Series was effortless to use thanks to the intuitive buttons and inclusion of a two-minute timer.
To be fair, none of the toothbrushes we tested felt overly cumbersome, with most being simple and intuitive to operate. However, a select few models go the extra mile in delivering satisfying features, particularly in the realm of more luxurious options.
One button, one mode. The Quip keeps it simple.
Credit: Natalie Kafader
Battery Life
To gauge battery life, we operated each electric toothbrush twice a day for two minutes each time, reflecting typical usage for most individuals. We view long battery life as a nice-to-have feature, so we gave this test a weighting of 10% of each brush's overall score.
The Quip can't be stopped, at least not until 90+ days have elapsed, thanks to the longevity provided by AAA batteries. The Oral-B 3D White Action takes a single A battery to stay operational for 150+ days. The quality of the batteries in each model will likely determine your own result here. Neither model provides a way to see how much power is left, so keep an extra battery or two lying around.
The measured battery life of the models in our lineup.
Credit: Genaveve Bradshaw
No other electric toothbrush came close to these, but models like the Philips Sonicare 5100 can last up to 42 days, and it does display the current battery level through an indicator light. The charger will beep twice to notify you when you've correctly placed it on the base.
Battery life is indicated by the small green light on the Philips Sonicare ProtectiveClean 5100.
Credit: Natalie Kafader
Conclusion
It's been a long journey, but after months of testing, we hope you can further determine what your needs and priorities are regarding an electric toothbrush. Happy brushing!
—
Genaveve Bradshaw, Austin Palmer, David Wise, and Becca Glades
