The Best Electric Toothbrushes, Tested by Health

Assortment of the best electric toothbrushes we recommend on a wooden surface — Health / Tamara Staples

Electric toothbrushes use rotating movements, oscillating technology, or sonic vibrations to help remove bacteria, plaque, and food debris. While a manual toothbrush can do the job, many of our favorite electric toothbrushes have features—from pressure sensors to facial recognition—that deliver real-time feedback and provide guidance as you brush. Research shows that people who use an electric toothbrush may have healthier gums and experience less tooth decay over time.

To find the best electric toothbrush for maintaining oral health, we tested over 40 models under the supervision of a licensed dentist, evaluating each one for ease of use, functionality, and overall value. An orthodontist on our Medical Expert Board also reviewed this article for medical and scientific accuracy.

Our Top Picks

Best Overall:

Oral-B iO Series 10 at Amazon ($400)

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Best Budget:

Voom Sonic Pro 5 Electronic Toothbrush at Amazon ($30)

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Best for Travel:

Oral-B iO Series 8 at Amazon ($230)

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Best Sonicare :

Philips Sonicare ProtectiveClean Electric Toothbrush at Amazon ($106)

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Best for Sensitive Teeth:

Oral-B iO Series 5 at Amazon ($97)

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Best Water Flosser/Brush Combo:

Waterpik 9.0 Sonic Electric Toothbrush with Water Flosser at Amazon ($118)

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Best for Kids:

Colgate Smart Electric Toothbrush at Amazon ($33)

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Best Overall

Oral-B iO Series 10

Oral-B iO Series 10 Rechargeable Electric Toothbrush.

View On Amazon $400 View On Target $400 View On Oralb.com

Why We Like It

The Oral-B iO Series 10 is a great choice for those seeking an advanced electric toothbrush option featuring seven cleaning modes, real-time coverage, pressure monitoring, and a built-in timer right on the smart charger. While comprehensive, the numerous features and beeps of the pre-charged device required a manual read and app download. The package included three identical brush heads, a smart charger, and a travel case.

The toothbrush’s handle felt just right, and the small, round brush head was a refreshing change, allowing for better access to tight spots and crevices. The multiple settings and extra features (like the tongue cleaner) offered a diverse brushing experience. While navigating these settings might require more effort than some would prefer, it's a great addition for tech or oral care enthusiasts. Post-brushing, teeth felt plaque-free, although the taste was less minty, likely due to the smaller brush head.

After a two-minute brushing, the screen and its smiley face added a fun, rewarding element to the routine. While the $400 price tag felt steep, the toothbrush impressed with its advanced features, catering to varied oral care needs.

It's Worth Noting

Surprisingly it lacks a protective cover for the brush head.

Product Details

Features: AI technology, Bluetooth-enabled, intuitive app with real-time brush tracking, built-in timer, pressure sensor, multiple settings, tongue cleaner
Includes: Handle, charger, travel case, 4 brush heads

Best Budget

Voom Sonic Pro 5 Electronic Toothbrush

Voom Sonic Pro 5 Rechargeable Electronic Toothbrush

Amazon

View On Amazon $30 View On Voomsonic.com

Our Ratings

Ease of Use

5/5
Design

4.6/5
Functionality

5/5
Quality

5/5
Value

5/5

Why We Like It

Starting with an affordable price tag, the Voom Sonic Pro 5 Rechargeable Electronic Toothbrush offers more features and effectiveness than expected. We found the setup of the Voom Sonic Pro 5 Rechargeable Electronic Toothbrush to be remarkably easy and intuitive. While most settings were self-explanatory, we referred to the manual to grasp each function thoroughly. The handle was the perfect width, offering comfortable handling. Although the brush head seemed initially small, it worked well, and switching between settings was simple despite occasional accidental changes.

A notable feature was the timer—a 2-minute timer with 30-second intervals for each teeth quadrant, a significant aid. The toothbrush offers five settings catering to different needs, although it lacks a battery life indicator and a built-in sensor. Despite the absence of some features, the 2-minute timer with quadrant alerts stood out, leaving our teeth exceptionally clean, reminiscent of a post-dental cleaning appointment. We highly recommend this toothbrush for lazy brushers, those with sensitive teeth, and individuals aiming to whiten their teeth and remove stains.

It's Worth Noting

The absence of a battery life indicator or built-in sensor makes monitoring the remaining battery life challenging.

Product Details:

Features: Built-in timer, 5 speeds
Includes: 2 brush heads, USB charge cord

Best for Travel

Oral-B iO Series 8

Oral-B

View On Amazon $230 View On Target $250 View On Walmart $238

Our Ratings

Ease of Use

3.5/5
Design

3.8/5
Functionality

4.5/5
Quality

5/5
Value

4/5

Why We Like It

The Oral-B iO Series 8 Electric Toothbrush, with its compact design and travel-friendly features, is an excellent companion for on-the-go dental care.

The toothbrush is beautiful visually, with a handle that's just the right thickness, making it easy to travel with and display. While the spin speed was fast and caused a bit of a mess, maneuvering it in the mouth was simple. The toothbrush head is relatively small, requiring a pause to switch settings during brushing. Cleaning was easy, though toothpaste residue stuck to the dark purple brush.

The toothbrush's functionality impressed us, especially the AI integration with the app for precise brushing tracking and a helpful red blink when brushing too hard. The app gamified the experience, providing scores and tracking results. Battery life was conveniently displayed, and the Bluetooth and WiFi features were surprisingly effective, although setting up an Oral B account was a minor annoyance. The sensor indicating excessive pressure was an eye-opener.

Our teeth felt wonderfully clean, so we converted to using electric toothbrushes. Despite the relatively high cost, the investment seemed worthwhile considering its daily use and impact on dental health. This toothbrush is excellent for those who brush aggressively, offering useful alerts and callouts.

It's Worth Noting

The Oral-B iO Series 8 Electric Toothbrush setup can be a bit frustrating, as it requires downloading an app, which feels like an extra step. However, the setup instructions were clear and easy to follow.

Product Details:

Features: Smart pressure sensor, Interactive color display, AI recognition, 6 smart modes
Includes: 3 brush heads, charging stand, travel case

Health / Joy Kim

Best Sonicare

Philips Sonicare ProtectiveClean Electric Toothbrush

Philips

View On Amazon $106 View On Target $130 View On Walmart $110

Our Ratings

Ease of Use

5/5
Design

5/5
Functionality

4.3/5
Quality

5/5
Value

5/5

Why We Like It

The ProtectiveClean 6100 toothbrush stands as a testament to Sonicare's excellence, surpassing even the fanciest Sonicares with its multiple settings—clean, whiten, and gum—three intensity levels, and superior performance.

Setting it up was a breeze and highly intuitive; no manual consultation was needed. One button was for the setting, another was to power it on, and adjusting intensity mid-brush was easy. The handle design, reminiscent of our older Sonicare, made maneuvering easy. The brush head size was perfect, offering comfort and efficient coverage.

The timer worked well, though switching settings mid-brush could be smoother. Battery life impressed us—charged once, and it's been over a month with a single charge. We appreciate the absence of Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, or an app—it keeps brushing simple and effective.

Post-brushing, our teeth felt exceptionally clean, akin to a dental visit. Given the brand's reputation and the toothbrush's settings and intensities, this toothbrush is a great fit for those looking for a thorough and effective clean.

It's Worth Noting

Changing settings mid-brush requires stopping the brush, interrupting the flow of the brushing experience.

Product Details:

Features: Built-in timer, Pressure sensor, Brush head reminder
Includes: Charging stand, 1 brush head

Health / Tamara Staples
Health / Tamara Staples
Health / Vicky Wasik

Best for Sensitive Teeth

Oral-B iO Series 5

Target

View On Amazon $97 View On Target $120 View On Walmart $97

Our Ratings

Ease of Use

4.5/5
Design

5/5
Functionality

4.8/5
Quality

5/5
Value

4.8/5

Why We Like It

The Oral-B iO Series 5 toothbrush is an excellent choice for sensitive teeth, thanks to its specialized sensitivity modes and gentle brushing experience. The toothbrush offers multiple settings (sensitive, extra sensitive, intense, polish) and various intensity levels. Initially, we thought the toothbrush might be too thin, but it was just right for reaching all areas comfortably, and the brush head size suited our needs.

We found the setup of the Oral-B iO Series 5 toothbrush to be straightforward, but understanding the light-up buttons required reading the instructions, especially for first-time electric toothbrush users. The built-in timer with 30-second alerts and a 2-minute indicator worked well, though the toothbrush didn't auto-stop at 2 minutes as expected. The battery life indicator and pressure sensor were valuable features. The toothbrush can connect to a Bluetooth app, providing extra functionalities like a timer, ring color customization, and an AI display to monitor brushing.

Our teeth felt exceptionally clean after using this toothbrush, especially when reaching tricky spots effortlessly. Considering its features and being priced below average, it's a good deal, despite lacking an automatic 2-minute shut-off feature. This toothbrush is ideal for individuals who tend to over or underbrush and those with sensitive teeth or inconsistent brushing pressure.

It's Worth Noting

The color "white" on the ring, indicating gentler pressure, is actually blue, potentially causing confusion or misunderstanding for users.

Product Details:

Features: Pressure sensor, Timer, Bluetooth
Includes: Charger, 1 brush head, Travel case,

Health / Joy Kim

Best Water Flosser/Brush Combo

Waterpik 9.0 Sonic Electric Toothbrush with Water Flosser

Waterpik CC-01 Complete Care 9.0 Sonic Electric Toothbrush with Water Flosser

Amazon

View On Amazon $118 View On Walmart $160 View On Walgreens $140

Our Ratings

Ease of Use

5/5
Design

4.5/5
Functionality

5/5
Quality

5/5
Value

3.8/5

Why We Like It

The Waterpik Complete Care 9.0 stands out as a perfect choice for those looking for an efficient and easy-to-use water flosser. It ensures a thorough and refreshing clean for your oral hygiene routine. The water flosser was a pleasant surprise, making flossing easier to remember and effectively removing food particles.

We found the Waterpik Complete Care 9.0 toothbrush and water flosser combo easy to set up, even without instructions. The package included all the necessary pieces and even four extra toothbrush heads, a helpful touch. The toothbrush handle and head size were just right, and the tongue cleaner on the brush head was a welcome feature. Switching between settings during brushing was seamless with conveniently placed buttons.

The 2-minute timer and 3 brush settings (clean, whiten, massage) were straightforward to use, and the 10 water pressure settings for the flosser catered to individual needs. The battery indicator and the toothbrush stand's charging convenience were notable. However, we missed a pressure alert feature for excessive brushing force. Though lacking Wi-Fi or an app, the device provided an efficient and quick routine, leaving our teeth feeling clean and gums refreshed.

Considering the fair price, especially in comparison to similar products without the water flosser, we believed it offered great value. It's particularly beneficial for those with sensitive gums or gaps between their teeth. Despite its loud noise when in use, the Waterpik Complete Care 9.0 is a compelling choice, with minor improvements such as quieter operation and more effective tongue cleaning nubs to enhance the experience.

It's Worth Noting

One downside of the Waterpik Complete Care 9.0 is its noisy operation, especially during the use of the water flosser, which might be bothersome for others nearby.

Product Details:

Features: Triple Sonic toothbrush, Water flosser with 10 settings
Includes: 5 water flosser tips, 2 brush heads, toothbrush travel case, tip storage case

Best for Kids

Colgate Smart Electric Toothbrush

Amazon

View On Amazon $33 View On Target

Why We Like It

The hum by Colgate stands out as the ultimate toothbrush for kids, revolutionizing their brushing experience and turning it into an enjoyable, stress-free routine.

The hum by Colgate toothbrush proved to be very user-friendly. The vibrant color of the toothbrush appealed to us, and the app's gamification, encouraging kids to earn points and unlock fun filters for pictures, was a hit. It added a sense of accomplishment beyond a simple "great job on brushing your teeth."

The accompanying app was also intuitive and easy to navigate independently. We appreciated its design, allowing it to stand on its own. However, the reliance on batteries was a drawback, necessitating replacements. This toothbrush significantly impacted the daily routine; the hum made kids look forward to brushing their teeth.

It's Worth Noting

It relies on replaceable batteries, which may not be as convenient or eco-friendly as rechargeable options.

Product Details:

Features: Brush timer, 2 modes, Bluetooth connectivity
Includes: 1 replacement head, 2 AAA batteries, 1 carrying case

Our Testing Process

To date we've tested over 40 electric toothbrushes to find the best ones on the market, doing three distinct tests with Oral-B, Sonicare, and a broader range of brands including Quip, Waterpik, Colgate, and more. Since we started testing electric toothbrushes, we've spent over 3,472 hours brushing our teeth with electric toothbrushes in the Lab (under the expert guidance of Dr. Marc Schlenoff, Vice President of Clinical Development at Tend) and at home. This is what we look for when we're testing each electric toothbrush.

Ease of Use: From the moment we open the box, we're noting how easy the toothbrushes are to set up and whether the settings are intuitive to use. Products with simpler assembly and out-of-the-box operation score higher than more complicated models.
Design, Functionality, and Features: Through every brushing session, we're paying attention to how easy the brushes are to hold and maneuver around our mouths. We note the size of the brush heads and how well they fit and get into all the crevices of our teeth and gums and whether they're comfortable or too stiff and firm. We go through all the settings, evaluating how helpful they are and whether they add or distract from the brushing experience. We use the built-in timers, note battery life indicators, and assess the "extras" it comes with (such as additional brushheads, chargers, travel cases, stands, and more). If the toothbrush connects to an app, we logged in, used it, and judged how helpful and/or clunky it was to navigate.
Quality: When we think about quality we care about how clean our mouth and teeth feel after each brushing session. In addition to regular twice-a-day brushing, we also brushed with these toothbrushes after eating sticky foods like dried mangoes and caramels to really test how well they could clean. If your teeth aren't clean after brushing, then the toothbrush isn't doing its job.
Value: Electric toothbrushes can go from the relatively inexpensive (under $40) to upwards of $400, and they're known to break down after a few years of use. So value and durability are important factors to consider, especially if you're on a budget. Cheaper options have fewer "extras" like additional settings and accessories, while more expensive models come with all the bells and whistles, including app connectivity, sleek travel cases, and different chargers. We weighed the price of each toothbrush against it's features to determine the overall value.

The Experts

Melissa Seibert, DDS, CEO of the Dental Digest Institute
Marc Schlenoff, DDS, FAGD, Vice President of Clinical Development at Tend

What to Know About Electric Toothbrushes

Technology & Features

The technology & features vary from brush to brush, and often indicative of the price point. While more inexpensive models may have one brushing mode and a two-minute timer, higher-end models can be outfitted with everything from facial recognition to pressure sensors and Bluetooth connectivity.

Built-in timers: This is one of the more basic features on an electric toothbrush. Most on this list have two-minute timers, many with notifications at 20- or 30-second intervals to guide you as you brush your teeth.
Brushing modes: According to Dr. Schlenoff, who joined our testers in the lab, a good electric toothbrush will do all the work for you. The sonic vibrations and pulsating movements of the brush head move quickly to remove plaque and debris to clean teeth—all you need to do is place the brush against your gum line and move it around your mouth. To do this effectively, you really only need one brushing mode, but some of the more advanced models offer multiple brushing modes with different intensities. The biggest differentiators will be faster and slower vibrations. The brush manufacturer may label these different modes with words like "whitening" or "gum health". Dr. Schlenoff says this is marketing. The right mode will all come down to your personal preference.
Scrubbing and pressure sensors: To get an effective clean, you only need to place the brush against your gum line—you shouldn't apply any pressure to the brush and you don't need to scrub your teeth. Electric toothbrushes with pressure sensors will monitor how much pressure you apply and alert you to ease up. The ones with scrubbing sensors will do the same if they notice you're scrubbing your teeth too much. This will help protect your enamel and gums. Don't worry, your teeth and gums will get perfectly clean without any of that pressure.
Bluetooth connectivity and apps: Smart toothbrushes will pair with a companion app to track and store data on your brushing habits. With some of these models you'll be able to see how thoroughly you cleaned all of your teeth, how much time you spent in the different quadrants of your mouth, as well as if and when you applied too much pressure or scrubbed too hard. The apps may even give you helpful tips and recommendations to improve your brushing routine. And for many, you can use the apps to change the various settings (such as brushing modes and timer lengths).
Brush head replacement indicators: You're supposed to change your brush heads every three months. Some of the more advanced toothbrushes will have replacement reminders and indicators—either on the brush handle or on an accompanying app.

Battery Life

All of the electric toothbrushes on our list are rechargeable and come with charging cords. It's common for electric toothbrushes to last for two to three weeks on a single charge.

Lifetime Costs

You're supposed to change your toothbrush every three months. When it comes to electric toothbrushes, that means changing your brush head every three months. Most electric toothbrushes come with at least one brush head. Replacements vary in price by brand and can be as inexpensive as $1-2 per brush head or as pricey as $15 or more per brush head.

Extra Accessories

While accessories are not necessary, having them can save you money and improve your overall experience. For example, some electric toothbrushes come with a charging stand, which can give your toothbrush extra fuel to last several days and even weeks between charges. Others come with travel cases that allow you to take your toothbrush with you wherever you go. Some of the toothbrushes on our list have travel cases that can charge your toothbrush (and even your phone). Whether your toothbrush includes these accessories likely comes down to the brand and how much you're paying.

More Electric Toothbrushes to Consider

We also tested these toothbrushes but ultimately decided not to include them in our list above. They fell short in our test when it came to technology, features, and functionality:

Oral-B Pro 1000 CrossAction Electric Toothbrush at Amazon: While the brush delivers a good clean, it only has one mode and no timer.
Philips Sonicare DiamondClean Electric Toothbrush at Amazon: The brush has four different modes and is easy to use, but it doesn't have a pressure sensor and the app is finicky with logging.
quip Adult Smart Electric Toothbrush: This toothbrush is simple and easy to use, but it doesn't have any unique features like sensors.
Foreo Issa 3 at Amazon: While a nice-looking toothbrush, the toothbrush does not do a good job at cleaning teeth and the charging cord is too short, which makes the charging and setup process difficult.

Your Questions, Answered

How often should brush heads be changed?

Experts recommend changing your brush heads every three to four months. That's because bristles start to wear out and become more abrasive on your gums.

How do you pick an electric toothbrush for sensitive teeth?

If you suffer from sensitive teeth or gums, look for toothbrushes that have a sensitivity setting, according to Melissa Seibert, DDS, CEO of the Dental Digest Institute. Some electric toothbrushes have AI technology or pressure sensors that teach you how to brush the right amount and apply the right amount of pressure, says Dr. Seibert. "Brushes with oscillating-rotating technology are a very effective mechanism for delivering a safe, but effective clean," she adds.

To further accommodate sensitive mouths, you can also look for soft or gentle brush heads. Dr. Seibert also recommends using a toothpaste or fluoride or one that has been formulated for sensitive teeth.

How much should you expect to pay for an electric toothbrush?

The price range for electric toothbrushes varies wildly, so what you decide to spend should be based on the features you're looking for and your budget. You can score a basic, no-frills model like our best budget pick, the Voom Sonic Pro 5, for less than $20. If you're looking for bells and whistles, you can invest hundreds of dollars in a model like the Oral-B Genius 9600, which has app connectivity for real-time feedback and a premium travel case that charges the toothbrush and your phone.

Is an electric toothbrush better than a manual toothbrush?

According to Dr. Schlenoff, if used properly, both manual and electric toothbrushes can be effective. He says it's really a matter of personal preference. While they can both do a good job cleaning your teeth, an electric toothbrush comes with smart technology like pressure sensors, facial recognition, and brushing timers. If those features are appealing to you, you may prefer an electric toothbrush.

Who We Are

Receiving her master's degree in public health in 2020, Kayla Hui is a seasoned public health practitioner and health journalist. She has interviewed dozens of experts, reviewed numerous research studies, and tested a plethora of products to deliver well-researched product reviews and roundups. Her goal is to help readers make more informed decisions about their health and well-being.