A quick look at the best electric toothbrushes list
Electric toothbrushes range from low to high tech. Some have an abundance of features, while others just focus on getting the job done. Various types have value for different people.
For this article, we zeroed in on the best electric toothbrushes out there based on input from Healthline’s Medical Review Team, the American Dental Association (ADA), and consumer reviews. We looked at features such as:
- type of brush head
- brushstrokes per minute
- overall brushing effectiveness
- ease of use
- special features
- affordability
All of these toothbrushes have the ADA’s Seal of Acceptance. This ensures that the product meets specific standards based on scientific evidence for efficacy and safety.
Best for beginners
Oral-B Pro 1000 Electric Toothbrush
Price: $$
The Oral-B Pro 1000 Electric Toothbrush is designed to oscillate and pulsate. This means that it moves back and forth while emitting little bursts of vibrating power. These dual movements are designed to break up and clean plaque from along the gumline.
The size and shape of the brush head may make it easier and more comfortable for you to reach all of your teeth.
If you’re just making the switch from a manual toothbrush, the Oral-B Pro 1000 may be a good choice for you. It includes a pressure sensor, which will stop the brush from pulsating if you brush too hard. It also includes a handle timer, set for 2 minutes. This is the amount of time that dentists recommend you brush.
Users of this toothbrush like that it has a long battery life that can be recharged easily, and that the replacement brush heads are inexpensive and easy to put on. The product comes with a charger and one brush head.
The ADA states that this electric toothbrush can break up and remove plaque, and prevents and reduces gingivitis from occurring.
Most brush heads
Philips Sonicare ProtectiveClean 4100
Price: $$
The Philips Sonicare brush head is diamond-shaped with contoured nylon bristles, designed to get into hard-to-reach areas.
The vibration feature is very strong, but the EasyStart mode lets you slowly increase the brush’s vibration over time. It’ll increase to full power by your 14th session with the toothbrush, so you can comfortably transition from a manual toothbrush.
To start, you can purchase the handle and charger with either one brush head or three. It has a replacement reminder function meant to tell you when it’s time to change brush heads. It also has a timer function set for 2 minutes.
The ADA states that this electric toothbrush can break up and remove plaque, and can help reduce and prevent gingivitis.
Best budget
Arm & Hammer Spinbrush Pro Clean
Price: $
This battery-operated toothbrush is a budget-priced alternative to more expensive electric models, at less than $10. Despite the lower price, it still carries the ADA Seal.
The brush head contains two sets of bristles to clean in and around teeth. The ones on top move in a circular motion, while the ones below move up and down. This toothbrush is excellent for plaque removal in hard-to-reach areas of the mouth.
You can purchase extra brush heads separately, or buy a value pack. Users love that the bristles fade or change color every 3 months or so, reminding you that it’s time to change brush heads.
The handle’s ergonomic design makes it easier to hold than many bulkier models.
It’s also battery powered, making it easier to store than a corded option since a charging stand isn’t needed. Two replaceable AA batteries are included.
Best for sensitive teeth
Brightline Sonic Rechargeable Toothbrush
Price: $$
If you have sensitive teeth but still want the cleaning power of an electric toothbrush, the Brightline Sonic is a great option. The intensity is adjustable so you can choose the level most comfortable for you. A built-in memory feature means you won’t have to reset the intensity level each time you brush.
It also has a timer, so you won’t be tempted to skimp on brushing time.
The rechargeable battery lets you go about 25 days between charges, but some users say it lasts a month or more before needing to be recharged.
Though it’s gentle, this product still carries the ADA Seal, so you can rest assured that it’s effective in removing plaque and helping to prevent and reduce gingivitis.
Best for sensitive gums
PRO-SYS VarioSonic Electric Toothbrush
Price: $$$
The PRO-SYS VarioSonic kit includes five gentle brush heads and five power modes, for a total of 25 intensity variations. If you have sensitive gums or dentures but still want an electric toothbrush with the ADA Seal, this one is a great option.
It comes with a charging dock and USB wall adapter. A full charge will last for over a month.
Users love that the brush heads are durable even though they’re soft and inexpensive to replace. There’s also a built-in timer.
Best for frequent travelers
Fairywill Electric Toothbrush P11 with Travel Case
Price: $$
The USB-chargeable Fairywill is a great go-to for travelers. The toothbrush and kit are lightweight and compact, making them easy to pack.
A powerful plaque remover with the ADA Seal, this brush features five modes and a 2-minute smart timer. The timer pauses every 30 seconds so you know how long to spend on each part of your mouth. The toothbrush also claims to be less noisy than other electric toothbrushes.
One lithium-ion battery is included, and a 4-hour charge lasts up to 30 days. The kit comes with a USB cable but not a wall charger.
The toothbrush itself is completely waterproof, and the included case is machine washable.
The brush heads come with different colored rings, so several people can share one brush handle. The brush heads also have blue indicator bristles that fade in color to let you know when it’s time to replace the brush head.
Best subscription-based
Quip Electric Toothbrush
Price: $$
Quip toothbrushes have generated a lot of celebrity buzz, which in this case, is well founded. The toothbrushes have the ADA Seal, and have been proven scientifically to reduce gingivitis and plaque.
Quip toothbrushes are sleekly designed and operated by replaceable batteries. They include a travel cover that can be used as a stand or mirror mount.
Quip is a good choice for users who prefer a gentler vibration, such as those with dentures. They’re quiet and waterproof, setting them apart from most other electric toothbrushes. The motor pulses every 30 seconds for 2 minutes, keeping you on track with your brushing habits.
Replacement brush heads and AAA batteries are available from Quip as a subscription service or individually for one-time purchases. For the subscription, they come automatically to you every 3 months.
Goby Electric Toothbrush
Price: $$$
The Goby toothbrush has a rotating brush head with soft, round-tipped bristles.
If you loathe bells and whistles, you’ll appreciate the one-button feature that lets you turn your brush on and off as well as choose between sensitive and standard settings.
The power button lights up to let you know when it’s time to replace the brush head, and the toothbrush stand has a removable cleaning tray.
This model is available as a one-time purchase or as a subscription with replacement brush heads shipped every 2 months.
Users love the ease of switching out brush heads, the level of customer service provided, and the lifetime warranty that comes with each toothbrush.
Goby is a small brand whose product has earned the ADA Seal of Acceptance for its effectiveness at removing plaque, much like the rest of the toothbrushes on this list.
The company has an ongoing partnership with the NYU College of Dentistry’s Global Student Outreach Program. They contribute a percentage of sales toward providing dental services to people in need both domestically and worldwide.
Best for kids
Quip Kids Electric Toothbrush
Price: $$
Electric toothbrushes for adults aren’t designed for children. They can be too powerful, too big, or have cords that can tangle or cause injury if misused. The Quip Kids Electric Toothbrush has a smaller brush head, designed to clean smaller teeth.
It comes in four kid-friendly colors, a big plus for parents who know that every bit helps when it comes to getting kids to brush. The rubber handle is also designed for easy gripping by little hands.
It has the same built-in timer function that the adult brush has, so kids will be prompted to continue brushing for a full 2 minutes.
There are several criteria to consider when you’re buying an electric toothbrush. Here are some things to keep in mind when looking at electric toothbrushes to make sure you get what’s right for you.
Brushstroke speed
One thing to look at is brushstrokes per minute. Manual brushing delivers around 300 brushstrokes per minute. Sonic toothbrushes can go up to 60,000 brushstrokes per minute, or even more.
The number of brushstrokes in part will determine how powerful the toothbrush feels and how strong its vibrations are. Look for an electric toothbrush with a stroke-per-minute rate that feels comfortable to you.
Vibrations
Keep in mind that the vibrations can usually be felt in your hand while you’re brushing, and inside your mouth if the body of the brush comes in contact with teeth or your mouth.
Size of the brush
If the head of a powered toothbrush is too big for your mouth, it might make it uncomfortable to reach molars in the back. One thing to consider is the height of the brush head from the tips of the bristles to the back of the brush.
Bristle shape and design
Brush head shape may also make a difference for your comfort level. Electric toothbrushes are available in round, diamond, and rectangle shapes.
When you’re checking for bristle details, keep in mind that the ADA recommends a soft-bristled toothbrush.
Reminders
Some have timers that keep you on track to brush for 2 minutes, the recommended amount of time.
Some also have Bluetooth connectivity and can keep track of your brushing habits over time and send the data to your phone.
What you know about the manufacturer
Always choose an electric toothbrush that comes from a trusted manufacturer. The place it was manufactured should be clearly indicated, as should the customer satisfaction guarantee.
Keep in mind that the ADA’s Seal of Acceptance is considered the gold standard for dental products. Products on the ADA Seal of Acceptance list have been determined to be both safe and effective.
Cost
The best electric toothbrush for you is the one you’re most comfortable using. This isn’t always determined by price, but it may be a consideration.
When evaluating price, consider the cost of new brush heads in addition to the cost of the starter kit.
Questions to keep in mind:
- How much does the base or starter kit cost?
- How much are refills and how many do you get per pack?
- What are the options for charging the toothbrush?
- How long does it keep a charge?
- Are there any coupons, promo codes, or discounts from the manufacturer, a local store, or through my dentist?
The ADA recommends replacing your toothbrush (or toothbrush head) every 3 or 4 months.
Electric toothbrushes may not feel like a fit for you. In fact, one
Electric toothbrushes have been proven in multiple studies to remove more plaque than manual toothbrushes do. They’re also more efficient at reducing gingivitis.
At the end of the day, whether an electric toothbrush or a manual one is better for you comes down to which one you’re more likely to use every day and how you use it.
Both manual and electric toothbrushes are effective at removing plaque. Research has found that electric toothbrushes may remove more plaque than manual toothbrushes do. They’re also better at reducing gingivitis.
Electric toothbrushes come with a wide range of features, such as timers and Bluetooth connectivity. The best electric toothbrush for you is the one you enjoy using the most.
No matter what type of toothbrush you like best, use it regularly twice a day and replace the brush regularly to maintain good oral health.
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