Andrew Peloquin
8 min
9.7K
After 26 hours of research evaluating 73 products, we picked Oral-B Pro 1000 Rechargeable Electric Toothbrush as our top choice.
Why trade in your manual toothbrush for a high-tech electric or ultrasonic one? Well a study that compared the effectiveness of electric and manual toothbrushes revealed a 21% reduction of dental plaque and gingivitis after only three months of electric toothbrush use.
That's not all:
Several other advantages that come with opting for an electric toothbrush over manual include: increased effectiveness, safe for children, multiple brushing modes, and gentle on braces.
The best part is:
Selecting an electric toothbrush may seem overwhelming with so many models available, but fortunately we have done the dirty work for you! To assist you in your search for the perfect product we have spent hours researching brands, testing products, and reading reviews in order to compile a list of the best electric toothbrushes on the market today.
Even further, we ranked the top products in particular categories in order to help you find exactly what you're looking for! And don't worry, we also understand that price plays a role in the decision process as well, but no matter your budget, we've got you covered!
Regardless of what you're looking for, we promise our list of the best electronic toothbrushes has something for you.
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Have trusted our product reviews
The Sonicare for Kids is safe for children over three years old, and will allow children to develop healthy oral hygiene habits at a young age. This product gets children excited about brushing, with interchangeable stickers and a variety of designs.
The only negative of this brush is that the brush head is rather large for children's mouths and may not work well for 3 and 4 year-olds.
Details: The Sonicare electric toothbrush for Kids is our top recommendation for those looking for something safe for children. Kids love it, and lucky for parents it comes at an affordable cost.
Features: A unique feature of this brush for kids is that it has two brushing modes - a gentler setting for children ages 3-7 and a higher setting made especially for children 7 and up. The brush also has built in timer technology to ensure your child is brushing for the appropriate amount of time daily. The Sonicare for Kids even comes equipped with a new user function that gradually increases brushing time and intensity over the first three months of use. The Sonicare for Kids is also includes an app that can be installed on any Smartphone, allowing parents to track their child’s brushing routine.
Price: At $39.95, the Sonicare for Kids is the second least expensive brush on our list, and is perfect for parents who are sick of hovering over their children every time they brush their teeth.
Philips Sonicare Essence Rechargeable Sonic Toothbrush is an effective option at a moderate price point. Using this toothbrush for two minutes, twice daily, will eliminate plaque and bacteria, while also effectively fighting bad breath. The Phillips Sonicare comes highly recommended by dentists, and customers express complete satisfaction.
One thing potential buyers should bear in mind, is that toothpaste can get down inside the sonic product and must be cleaned on a regular basis.
Details: The Phillips Sonicare is perfect for those who do a lot of traveling, or are looking for an electric sonic toothbrush with an extended battery life.
Features: The battery life is a huge selling point of this sonic product, as the toothbrush only needs to be charged about once per week on average. This makes the brush a great product for those who travel regularly.
The Philips Sonicare is also perfect for those with sensitive teeth, as it operates smoothly. Another unique feature of the Philips Sonicare is the Smartimer. This timer helps users achieve the appropriate sonic brushing time by automatically shutting off after two minutes.
Price: Due to the extended battery life and self-timer technology, owners feel that this is an effective, moderately-priced product.
As advertised, this product is more than an electric toothbrush it's a complete oral care solution. Not only does it clean teeth effectively, but it's gentle on all levels of sensitive. Plus, users cannot get enough of the vibrant colors and sleek design!
The price. $150 for a toothbrush is a little crazy.
Details: ISSA combines Sonic Pulse Technology and a revolutionary silicone design for a brushing experience unlike any other. Get a whiter, brighter smile while massaging your gums with silicone bristles that are incredibly soft and ultra-hygienic.
Also, available in vivacious lavender, bright yellow, cobalt blue, dark blue and black colors, this toothbrush will beautify any bathroom cabinet.
Features: What we love most about ISSA is the long lasting battery. Plus, the unique design of the soft silicone brush head makes ISSA gentle enough for even the most sensitive teeth and gums. It's also the most hygienic electric toothbrush available as it resists bacteria buildup while comfortably massaging the gums. Plus, it inhibits over brushing, preventing gum recession and damage to tooth enamel.
However, we must warn you. When it comes to functionality and features, this is nowhere near the best electric toothbrush. With 11,000 high-intensity pulsations per minute it falls short compared to both Philips and Oral-B. But, it certainly wins
Price: At just under $150 this is by far the most expensive toothbrush on our list. However, we think its well worth the investment for a whiter, bacteria-free smile.
Philips Sonicare DiamondClean ultrasonic electric toothbrush is another fan favorite. This brush is safe on braces, effective at whitening, and comes highly recommended by many dentists in the United States.
The only downside to this product is the price. However, this highly recommended product has proven to be worth every penny.
Details: DiamondClean is the top ultrasonic electric toothbrush for braces as it is able to reach areas that manual brushing simply cannot, and also includes a sensor that prevents aggressive brushing and is completely safe on braces
Features: DiamondClean ultrasonic is equipped with ultrasonic technology that provides users with five distinct cleaning modes including sensitive, massage, whitening, cleaning, and polishing mode. The brush is also very user friendly and easy to maneuver. A unique feature of DiamondClean is that it’s equipped with a whitening option, noticeably whitening teeth in less than one week. Even further, DiamondClean ultrasonic is proven to improve and maintain the health of your gums.
Price: Although at $159.99, this ultrasonic product is the most expensive on the list, owners agree that the whitening technology and variety of cleaning modes make this product well worth the cost.
Goby is a no-frills electric toothbrush that features a rotationally oscillating brush head, timer, and rechargeable battery. The thing we love most about Goby though is that you can purchase a subscription and automatically receive a replacement brush head every one to three months.
Replacement brush heads can only be purchased through Goby and there is only one style of brush head available.
Details: While we really debated between Goby and Quip as our pick for the best electric toothbrush subscription, we went with Goby for a few reasons. While the Quip is very similar to the Goby in terms of price and features, we really loved Goby's USB charging capabilities--as well as the 60 day trial offer. Plus, the pricing structure for Goby was a bit more straight forward and easy to understand, which is something everyone can appreciate.
Features: The built-in timer ensures you brush for two minutes, with 30-second prompts to tell you when it's time to switch quadrants. Additionally, the rotationally oscillating brush head is proven to clean better than other types of brushes, and the sleek, hygienic stand discreetly collects residue and has a removable tray for convenient cleaning.
This high-tech brush allows you to easily switch between sensitive and standard modes with the touch of a button, and the power button lights up when it's time to replace the brush head. Sign up for the subscription service and automatically receive a new brush head every one to three months! Could it get any easier?
Finally, what we love most about this brush is the portable USB charging shell and converter, which offers a convenient way to recharge your Goby's battery. Seriously, this brush has it all!
Price: Goby is only slightly more expensive than our top two picks and includes many of the same features. However, being able to subscribe to a service that automatically sends you new brush heads every few months is a serious value added. And, we think that lifetime warranty is pretty great as well.
The Philips Sonicare 2 is one of the least expensive electric toothbrushes Philips offers. With over 5,000 positive reviews on Amazon and a 4.3 rating, this older model will not be going anywhere anytime soon. It features a two-minute timer, rechargeable battery, and less noise than any other pick on our list, all for right around $50. Need we say more?
Does not include a travel case and some users report the toothbrush being a bit nosier than advertised. Additionally, replacement brush heads for the Philips Sonicare 2 Series are slightly more expensive at $27 for three ($9 each), almost double the cost of Oral-B Pro 1000 replacement heads.
Details: Philips is a popular and trusted brand that consistently offers quality and value, and the Philips Sonicare 2 Series is no exception. In fact, given the superior sonic technology, you cannot buy a better sonic brush for this price. Oh, and did we mention it comes in 5 different colors?
Features: Like all of the brushes on our list, the Philips Sonicare 2 Series features a 2-minute timer and 30-second quad pacer that alerts you when it's time to move from one quadrant to the next. While this Philips model is slower than the DimondClean, with up to 31,000 brush strokes per minute, the ultrasonic design more than makes up for what this brush lacks in power and will remove plaque and eliminate destructive bacteria, leaving your mouth feeling cleaner than you ever thought possible.
The Philips Sonicare 2 Series is much quieter than our top pick and also has about twice the battery life. However, the ultrasonic vibrations are a bit too vigorous for some, so if you've got very sensitive teeth or a small mouth maybe consider looking elsewhere.
Price: At just under $40 for a long-lasting, ultrasonic toothbrush (including a 2-year warranty) we guarantee you will get your money's worth from this product.
A top pick by Health.com, The Wire Cutter, and Dental Dorks, the Oral-B Pro 1000 is currently leading the market when it comes to electric toothbrushes. Now don't get us wrong, by no means is this the most high tech electric toothbrush on our list, but definitely a great option if you're looking for a reasonably priced electric toothbrush effective at removing plaque.
One of the only complaints about this brush is that it does not feature multiple brush speeds. Also, the large size of the brush head. At first this might make brushing uncomfortable, especially for those with smaller mouths.
Details: In a nutshell, the Oral-B Pro 1000 electric toothbrush is the best of the best. Oral-B owners express that it offers amazing results, similar to other products on the market that are significantly more expensive. The Oral-B Pro 1000 has earned the top spot on our list as the perfect for those looking for a brush to fight plaque and remove stains at a low price point.
Features: While not extremely rich in features, the Oral-B Pro 1000 series does have the patented 3D cleaning action (oscillating, pulsating, and vibrating), a functioning pressure sensor, and a timer. Although it only features one cleaning mode, we found that the battery life on this bad boy far exceeds that of more expensive models. Not only did it take less time to charge than the Oral-B 7000, it outlasted it by nearly 10 days.
Overall, the Oral-B Pro 1000 series is simple yet effective, but if you're looking for something with all the bells and whistles maybe check out the Oral-B 7000, 8000, or 9000 series.
Price: Priced right around $60, you'll often find this electric toothbrush as low as $35 to $40 on Amazon--which is nearly 4 times cheaper than Oral-B’s high tech 7000, 8000 and 9000 series. For an effective toothbrush with a 2-year warranty we think that's a pretty great deal.
The average person spends around $1,000 per year on dental care - and that figure increases significantly if you need multiple crowns, root canals, or dentures. That’s why it’s super important to invest in a top-notch toothbrush.
An electric toothbrush can’t correct a crooked smile, but it can help brighten dingy teeth, freshen foul breath, and prevent dental decay from forming. Sounds good, right? Yeah, but we realize it can be difficult to find a toothbrush that gets the job done.
We’ve scoured the Web and gathered questions from people just like you to make sure we cover everything you need to know about electric toothbrushes (and brushing in general). Here we go!
General Questions
An electric toothbrush is a device that relies on a moving bristle head to clean teeth. After you power on an electric toothbrush, the bristles on its head quickly rotate back and forth. They may also move in a clockwise or counterclockwise motion. We’ll talk more about this below.
Simply put, an electric toothbrush works by loosening plaque and other unwanted debris from your teeth with help from an oscillating brush head. A rechargeable battery pack typically powers the electric toothbrush, but some corded models exist.
Want to get more technical? Let’s start by listing common parts in an electric toothbrush:
When you press the on/off button on an electric toothbrush, the button sends a signal to a switch in the circuit board. The switch carries power from the battery to the motor, which spins the cam and gears.
The movement of the cam and gears reaches the brush head, which reacts by quickly spinning. The rapid spins emulate the method we use to brush our teeth with a manual toothbrush.
As the bristles on the head spin against your teeth, they gently yet effectively remove debris from your mouth.
An electric toothbrush moves across your teeth with help from a power supply, but you have to move a manual toothbrush back and forth yourself. A manual toothbrush does not have a battery or electrical cord.
When the bristles are bad on a manual toothbrush, you probably throw out your brush. When the same thing happens to the bristles on an electric toothbrush, you replace the brush head but keep the rest of the brush.
Electric toothbrushes have numerous benefits, including:
Yes, if you use it correctly. As we mentioned above, an electric toothbrush gets rid of 21% more plaque than a manual toothbrush. Consumer Reports also mentions that an electric toothbrush can reduce gingivitis by 11% after 3 months of regular use.
Depends on who you ask. We talked to several dental experts, and they all admitted that they prefer their patients use electric toothbrushes.
However, the articles we reviewed online say that many dentists don’t have a preference. They just want their patients to brush twice a day for at least 2 minutes each time, whether it’s with a manual brush or an electric brush. The American Dental Association shares these beliefs.
Occupational therapists use electric toothbrushes to help kids and adults with sensory issues. This includes patients with autism and sensory processing disorder, but there are also people with other conditions who benefit from electric toothbrushes.
People with sensory issues often find it difficult to brush their teeth. Brushing can cause significant discomfort for someone with sensory issues, even when done gently with a soft-bristled brush. Occupational therapists help patients overcome this issue by incorporating electric toothbrushes into multiple therapy sessions until the aversion becomes less severe.
This is also true for patients who have an aversion to noise rather than the brush itself. Over time, a patient may become desensitized to noisy devices and find it easier to brush his teeth.
And it’s not just occupational therapists who use electric toothbrushes during therapy sessions. Some speech therapists use electric toothbrushes to help patients strengthen or develop oral-motor skills.
Selecting an Electric Toothbrush
Start by asking your dentist if he has any recommendations, such as soft bristles or side-to-side movement, for your unique dental needs. If not, look for the following things when you choose an electric toothbrush:
And let’s be honest: Appearance matters to many of us. If you don’t want to brush with an ugly toothbrush, don’t buy one.
A sonic toothbrush is a type of electric toothbrush. When you brush with a sonic brush, the head moves side to side 10 times faster than a manual toothbrush. It produces as many as 62,000 brush strokes if you brush for 2 minutes!
Other types of electric toothbrushes include ionic, supersonic, and rotary. Supersonic and rotary brushes both have moving heads. An ionic brush head doesn't move; instead, it attracts plaque with an electric current.
Our experts can’t stop raving about the Oral-B Pro SmartSeries 5000 Electric Toolbrush. It tackles tough stains with innovative Bluetooth technology and allows you to customize your personal hygiene routine with 5 different brush modes.
Here are a few of the other best electric toothbrushes we’ve discovered:
Now, keep in mind that our favorites might not be your favorites. When you shop for an electric toothbrush, look for one that has a comfortable grip and bristles that aren’t too hard or soft.
We think the Philips Sonicare Electric Toothbrush for Kids is the best electric toothbrush for kids. Adults and kids have different dental needs, so that’s why we recommend a brush specifically designed for children. It has a built-in timer that encourages your little one to brush for 2 minutes, plus a small brush head that won’t make toddlers gag.
Kids love the interchangeable stickers included with the brush. These colorful stickers let little ones create unique designs that make brushing fun.
With a budget-friendly price of around $20, the Philips Sonicare Essence Rechargeable Sonic Toothbrush is easily the best cheap electric toothbrush on our list of favorites.
This dentist-recommended toothbrush has a built-in timer that lets you know when you’ve brushed for a full 2 minutes. The extended battery life means you can brush regularly without worrying about recharging or replacing your power supply.
Using Your Electric Toothbrush
Yes, an electric toothbrush can’t work its magic without toothpaste, tooth powder, or tooth cream. In other words, put whatever you use on a manual toothbrush on your electric toothbrush.
If you’re worried your toothpaste will splatter everywhere, don’t turn on your electric toothbrush until it’s inside of your mouth. This helps prevent toothpaste from decorating your bathroom walls and mirror.
Rinse your electric toothbrush, then coat it with a thin layer of toothpaste or dip it in a container of tooth-cleaning powder.
Angle the brush’s bristles at a 45-degree angle (and you thought you’d never use geometry as an adult) toward your gumline. Gently jiggle the brush head in a circular motion, starting with your front teeth and working your way toward the back.
Move the brush gently; you don’t want to scrape away enamel or make your gums bleed. Don’t forget to carefully brush your tongue in a circular motion when you’re done with your teeth.
The American Dental Association says you should brush your teeth for 2 minutes. Do this twice a day.
Brushing your teeth for less time can make it difficult for you to get all the plaque off of your teeth. If you brush for too long, you may damage your teeth. This can make them more sensitive to cold and heat.
According to the American Dental Association, you should brush your teeth at least twice a day. If you chug soda all day or eat a bunch of sticky candy, you may need to brush more often.
Talk to your dentist if you’re unsure how often you should brush.
Plaque is a sticky film that forms on unbrushed teeth. It’s made of decay-inducing bacteria, which is why it’s important to get rid of plaque with a toothbrush.
Sometimes a toothbrush isn’t enough, though. Make sure you also floss daily, and talk to your dental provider about other steps you can take for plaque-free teeth.
Caring for Your Electric Toothbrush
Yes, you can rinse an electric toothbrush with water.
Should you directly submerge your entire electric toothbrush in a sink or tub full of water? Probably not.
Clean the bristles of your electric toothbrush by running them under warm water after you brush your teeth. Move your fingers gently around the bristles to help the water reach all of them.
If the body of your electric toothbrush gets dirty, you can rinse it with warm water. Use a bit of nontoxic soap if needed.
Your toothbrush may require additional maintenance, so check your user’s manual to see what needs to be done.
An electric toothbrush can last for years if you buy a high-quality model and use it as directed. However, you need to replace the bristled head of your electric toothbrush every 3 months.
Contact the manufacturer if your toothbrush stops working sooner than you expect. The company may send you a replacement brush or share tips to help you get your brush working properly.
You should replace your electric toothbrush when it no longer meets your dental needs, even if the brush itself is fine. You may find that you only need to replace the bristle-filled head, not the entire brush. For example, if you previously used medium bristles but now have sensitive gums, you might want to switch to soft bristles.
Here are some signs it’s time to replace the actual brush, not just its head:
Many people use the same electric toothbrush for years, so don’t feel like you need to replace yours on a set schedule.
Store your electric toothbrush in an upright position until it dries. After that, use a case or tray, preferably one that shuts or has a shield. If you leave your toothbrush on the bathroom sink, it may pick up harmful bacteria that’s invisible to the naked eye.
Don’t place your toothbrush in a case until it’s completely dry. A wet toothbrush in an enclosed space encourages the growth of bacteria and other organisms.
Avoid leaving your electric toothbrush in extremely hot places, such as the trunk of your vehicle. Excessive heat may damage the power supply to your toothbrush, resulting in a costly repair or replacement.
Potential Concerns
Yes, but so can a manual toothbrush. However, this is often a bigger concern for people who use electric toothbrushes because it’s easier to overbrush.
When your enamel wears away, your teeth can chip, crack, or develop an unsightly color. They may also become more sensitive to the temperatures of food and drinks, such as ice cream and hot coffee.
It depends on why your teeth are sensitive. If they’re sensitive because the enamel has started to disintegrate, brush carefully so you don’t make the situation worse.
Some electric toothbrushes have special settings for sensitive teeth. The bristles rotate and jiggle less frequently than they do on other settings, making you less likely to hurt yourself during your twice-a-day cleanings.
Talk to your dentist about alleviating the issue. You may find that using softer bristles or switching your brand of toothpaste helps. Sensodyne offers several toothpaste options tailored toward sensitive teeth.
Yes, unless your orthodontist advises against it. Oral-B makes a special brush head just for people with braces. It’s called the Ortho Brush Head, and it effectively cleans teeth without damaging delicate dental hardware.
We’ve found conflicting reports on this topic, so it’s best to talk to your dental practitioner. They will know exactly what kind of dentures you have and can offer advice tailored to your situation.
Some dental experts believe that an electric brush is too rough for dentures, while others say it’s fine as long as you use one with soft bristles. If you damage your dentures, they may break or develop harmful bacteria, so be careful if you decide to try an electric toothbrush.
Yes, at least until you talk to your dentist. You may just have sensitive gums, especially if they also bleed when you use a manual toothbrush.
Switching to a head with soft bristles may help, but make sure you give your dentist a heads up anyway. Sometimes bleeding gums are a sign of a serious dental issue.
Yes, mold can grow on an electric toothbrush. Mold loves dark, damp areas, so that’s why we recommend placing your toothbrush upright to dry before you store it in a case.
If mold grows on your electric toothbrush, discard the brush head immediately. Do not attempt to sanitize it, as many mold removal substances are toxic when consumed. Save the bleach for your laundry!
Yes, unless you like sharing bacteria and bodily fluids. You can get very sick if someone else uses your toothbrush; many common illnesses can be transmitted through saliva. You can even contract a sexually transmitted disease from a used toothbrush.
Don’t play Russian Roulette with your health. Replace your brush head right away if someone helps himself to your toothbrush.
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Jenna is an Iowa native and former Chicago resident who is currently living her best life in the Tampa Bay area with her husband and fur baby. She has a BS in Political Science from the University of Iowa, as well a JD from Chicago-Kent College of Law.
Jenna has a passion for running, brunching, home styling and, of course, her beloved Iowa Hawkeyes. When she isn’t writing, Jenna loves to read, organize, and DIY.
Jenna covers everything from health and beauty to home and lifestyle, you name the product, she’s likely tried it. So if you’re looking for ways to enhance your beauty regimen or elevate your home, Jenna is your go to girl.
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