Consumer Advocacy
What you need to know
Electric Toothbrushes
  • Brushing for at least two minutes twice a day has been shown to reduce gum and tooth disease.
  • Most electric toothbrushes come with a built-in timer which encourages good oral health habits.
  • Electric toothbrushes are ideal for people who struggle with gripping thinner brush handles.
  • Don’t be distracted by flashy features: the most expensive model isn’t always the best one.
Our Approach

How we analyzed the best Electric Toothbrushes

Features
The single most important feature for an electric toothbrush is the two-minute timer, which encourages users to maintain healthy and effective brushing habits. Battery life is also key.
Cost
The most expensive brush isn’t necessarily the best brush so we eliminated costly and badly-reviewed inexpensive models from our list. The cost of replacement brush heads was also considered.
Availability
To give consumers an idea of what is available, we looked at brushes available in physical and online stores, as well as brushes sold exclusively online by the maker on a direct-to-consumer basis.
13 People found this helpful.
We receive compensation from these partners, which impacts the order they appear on the page. That said, the analyses and opinions on our site are our own and we believe in editorial integrity.

Our Top Picks: Electric Toothbrushes Reviews

Each brush was tested by a member of our team for a minimum of one month. Testers were told to note how easy it was to operate the brush and change its settings, and how long the battery truly lasted on a full charge.

At the end of the one-month trial, each tester responded to a survey with their impression of the toothbrush. Along with the factors described below, each tester’s feedback informed our researchers’ list of the best electric toothbrushes.

Oral-B Pro 1000 review

Best Oscillating Electric Toothbrush

Screenshot oralb.com, November 2019.

MSRP

$49.94

Cleaning Mode

1

Battery Life

2 weeks

Waterproof

Yes

Availability

Online and in stores

Warranty

2 years

The Oral-B Pro 1000 is frequently cited as the best electric toothbrush in the market. It’s easy to see why: the brush is simple to use, with a single button to operate. The handle is waterproof, which makes it easy to clean after every use. The rechargeable battery lasts for two weeks of normal use (two minutes twice a day), which isn’t impressive but is in line with what you’ll find with other electric toothbrushes in this price range.

The Pro 1000 only has one cleaning mode, which can be an issue for those with sensitivity issues who may want to customize their cleaning cycle. The good thing about Oral-B electric toothbrushes is that they are compatible with Oral-B’s full range of brush heads, so it’s easy to find one that’s just right. Also, since Oral-B products are sold both online and in stores, getting a replacement head is just a matter of going to the nearest pharmacy.

Our tester says: “The vibration is a little strong, it tickles my nose sometimes. But I like how clean my teeth feel after using it for a whole cycle.”

Philips Sonicare 2 review

Best Sonic Electric Toothbrush

Screenshot philips.com, November 2019.

MSRP

$69.99

Cleaning Mode

1

Battery Life

2 weeks

Waterproof

Water-resistant

Availability

Online and in stores

Warranty

2 years

For users that prefer a sonic toothbrush—which have elongated brush heads that vibrate from side to side—the Philips Sonicare 2 Series is our pick for the best sonic electric toothbrush. This one comes with brand-name recognition and a wide range of brush heads available to customize your clean. Philips has specialized brush heads for everything, from whitening to gum care, and they can be purchased at a variety of retailers online and in person.

Like the Oral-B Pro 1000 (see above), only one cleaning mode is available, which can be a downer for those who prefer more customization. But our tester found that the basic clean mode gave him the results he wanted. The battery took almost 48 hours to fully charge, but it gave him just over two full weeks of daily use. 

Our tester says: “I've never used an electric toothbrush before, so the sonic action was a bit uncomfortable at first. But after two weeks, I've grown to really enjoy it... It is super easy to use so I am definitely a believer now!”

Greater Goods Sonic Toothbrush review

Best Value for Electric Toothbrush

Screenshot greatergoods.com, November 2019.

MSRP

$19.95

Cleaning Modes

4

Battery Life

2 weeks

Waterproof

No

Availability

Amazon

Warranty

2 years

The Greater Goods Sonic Toothbrush is an excellent pick for newcomers to the electric toothbrush game, not just because of its price but because of its wealth of features. Despite being made by a company that isn’t known for its oral care products, it can fully hold its own with the veterans in the toothbrush game. 

The battery is meant to last 2 weeks on a full charge, but our tester found she and her husband could both use it twice a day for 2 weeks without having to recharge. The brush comes with two brush heads with differently colored bristles and rings, so a couple (like our testers) can both use the same handle safely. A three-pack of replacement brush heads costs $9.99 on Amazon, and soft, medium and hard bristles are available— though we don’t recommend using anything other than a soft bristle, since harsher brushes can damage the gums.

Our tester says: “I love my toothbrush. It leaves my teeth so clean that I feel like I just left the dentist's office.”

Shyn Sonic review

Best Electric Toothbrush Bundle

Screenshot shyn.com, November 2019.

MSRP

$57.95

Cleaning Modes

4

Battery Life

2 weeks

Waterproof

Water-resistant

Availability

Online only

Warranty

Lifetime

The Shyn Sonic Toothbrush Kit is our pick for an electric toothbrush bundle and includes everything you need to get the best clean possible. The kit comes with a sonic toothbrush and the brush head of your choice (pick between a whitening, anti-plaque, or gum care head), along with a travel case, charger, a tube of Rembrandt whitening toothpaste, and a pack of flosser picks.

The Shyn (pronounced “shine”) has four different cleaning modes (clean, white, sensitive, and massage) with up to five intensity settings for each cleaning mode, offering a high level of customization. Though the Shyn and its branded brush heads are only available online, they are also compatible with all Philips Sonicare products, making it the easiest direct-to-consumer brush for which to find replacement heads.

Our tester says: “Right away you feel your teeth are cleaner. My only suggestion is for a rubber toothbrush head, because when the hard plastic comes in contact with your hard teeth it has a head-rattling effect.”

Goby review

Best Electric Toothbrush for People with Grip Issues

Screenshot goby.com, November 2019.

MSRP

$65

Cleaning Modes

2

Battery Life

2 weeks

Waterproof

Splash-resistant

Availability

Online only

Warranty

Lifetime

The Goby Electric Toothbrush has a very broad handle that makes it our pick for people who have grip issues. One of our testers lives with arthritis which has atrophied the joints in her hands and shoulders. She found it challenging to brush with a manual toothbrush because she couldn’t grip the thin handles properly and sometimes had trouble moving the brush back and forth in her mouth because of limited motion in her shoulder.

The Goby’s large handle made it easier for her to grab and hold, and the oscillating brush head facilitates her brushing because she only needs to place the brush where she wants it to clean. Out of all the brushes we tried, the Goby was also the one with the button that was easiest for her to push.

Our tester says: “I find the vibration a little rough, but I like that it leaves my teeth feeling very clean, like I just went to the dentist, and the timer forces me to brush for longer.”

Philips ProtectiveClean 6100 review

Best Electric Toothbrush for Battery Efficiency

Screenshot phillips.com, November 2019.

MSRP

$129.99

Cleaning Modes

3

Battery Life

2 weeks

Waterproof

Water-resistant

Availability

Online and in stores

Warranty

2 years

We decided to test the Philips ProtectiveClean 6100 to see if there was an upgrade in performance when compared with the more popular Philips Sonicare 2 Series. We found that the 6100 offers much room for customization, with three cleaning modes and three intensities, along with a very extended battery life. Our tester reported that he’s not had to charge it for over two weeks, which is certainly an upgrade when compared to other, less expensive brush models.

Our tester’s only complaint was that the charging base is lighter than the plug, so the base has a tendency to topple over when the toothbrush isn’t connected. From past experience, he notes that a fall can cause the charging nub on the base to bend, which affects functionality.

Our tester says: “It's very powerful. My canines are a little sensitive and the toothbrush hurts a little on my metal fillings (at full power). But I was able to turn down the intensity.”

Oral-B Pro 6000 review

Also Great for Battery Efficiency

Screenshot oralb.com, November 2019.

MSRP

$119.94

Cleaning Modes

5

Battery Life

2 weeks

Waterproof

Yes

Availability

Online and in stores

Warranty

2 years

If you prefer an oscillating toothbrush with a great battery life, the Oral-B Pro 6000 is a great solution. The battery life is very impressive, with our tester reporting that her battery only ran out after 22 days of daily use, surpassing other toothbrushes on our list by more than a week.

The 6000 connects through Bluetooth to the Oral-B mobile app, which tracks the user’s daily habits and checks that the proper brushing technique is used. For our tester, however, this feature was a dud. You need to hold your phone up to your face as you brush so the app can see if you’re brushing properly. Our tester found the angle too awkward and tiring, and she was so annoyed by how the app frequently failed to recognize her face that she stopped using the app after the second time.

Regardless of the app, this brush is great for anyone who’s looking for a longer battery life and customization options when it comes to intensities and cleaning modes.

Our tester says: “You feel fancy because of the pretty brush, clean because of the sonic brush head, and relieved because of the lasting battery.”

Quip review

Didn’t Make the Cut: Quip Electric Toothbrush Review

Screenshot quip.com, November 2019.

MSRP

$30

Cleaning Mode

1

Battery Life

3 months

Waterproof

No

Availability

Online

Warranty

Lifetime (with sub)

The Quip Electric Toothbrush is the first direct-to-consumer electric toothbrush with the ADA seal of approval. It’s almost indistinguishable from a manual toothbrush, with a slim handle and wide rectangular brush head.

Our main quibble with the Quip is how gently it vibrates. Our tester says it’s essentially a manual toothbrush but with a timer, meaning that the user has to do all the work to get a good clean. The brush alone doesn’t appear to be up to the task.

We also don’t love how difficult it is to replace the battery. The Quip operates on a AAA battery with a stated life of three months. To put in a new battery, you have to snap the brush head off (which is, unfortunately, more difficult than it sounds), pull out the motor, and take out the old battery. While this wasn’t a problem for testers without mobility issues, our tester with arthritis, for example, found this impossible to accomplish. 

Finally, we’re disappointed that the lifetime warranty is only valid as long as you have an active subscription plan to receive replacement brush heads and batteries every three months. 

Our tester says: “The only difference between a Quip and a run-of-the-mill manual toothbrush is that the Quip vibrates. Gently. If you have a halfway decent internal clock so that you can time yourself as you brush your teeth, you don't need to spring for this.”

Our Research

More insight into our methodology

In order to find the best electric toothbrushes, we compiled a list of 39 models by looking at other best-of lists, top search results, and Amazon bestsellers, among other sources. We looked at toothbrushes sold in stores as well as direct-to-consumer products only sold online. 

Then, we gathered data on each brush. Brushes that did not offer a two-minute timer were automatically disqualified, since this is a feature that our research showed was critical. Models that were too expensive were also eliminated from our list, since we realized that cost did not always correlate with quality.

Selection of purchased toothbrushes. Mayra París/ConsumersAdvocate.

Once we had narrowed down our choices to eight brushes we absolutely had to try, we began the testing phase.


Features

Electric toothbrushes now come with a wide range of features. Higher-end brushes come with Bluetooth capabilities so the brush can sync with a mobile app and track your brushing habits. We also looked for brushes that had extended battery lives. The average electric toothbrush runs for an average of two weeks on a full charge, but we wanted to give consumers upgrade options in case they wanted longer battery lives.

Many brushes also come with multiple modes that let you control the intensity of the motor, which is great if you have sensitive teeth or gums and find that the standard mode is too harsh. Another element we considered in our evaluation was whether the manufacturer had a variety of brush heads available for that brush handle. If the brush head that comes with the brush is too stiff (or too flexible) for your taste, having a range of brush heads to choose from helps you customize your experience. 

Despite all these features, we realized in our research and after speaking with several experts that the most important feature an electric toothbrush should have, and which dental professionals recommend across the board, is the two-minute timer, especially when it is divided into four 30-second intervals. Dentists recommend that you brush for a minimum of two minutes twice a day. Having a timer on your electric toothbrush that pulses or beeps whenever it’s time to switch to a different part of your mouth encourages you to maintain good brushing habits.


Cost

Electric toothbrushes range in cost from $20 to over $300, but most models fall in the $50–$100 range. We know that the average consumer isn’t looking to spend more than $130 on an electric toothbrush, so we focused on this range in our search. We also know that the most expensive brushes aren’t always the best, since many high-end models are packed with features that most people won’t use (such as the app-compatibility). 

However, because increases in cost do sometimes reflect an improvement in the quality of materials and performance, we looked at brushes on the upper end of this range to give consumers more choice. We also looked at less expensive brushes to find budget picks (though we looked at customer reviews first to make sure these brushes were worth testing).

In addition to the cost of the toothbrush handle, we also considered the cost of the replacement brush heads in our analysis to find models that would give consumers a good return on their investment instead of turning into a permanent money pit.


Availability

Electric toothbrushes are now sold everywhere, from department stores, electronics shops, and pharmacies to Amazon and other online retailers. Many companies are also forgoing the distribution side and selling their toothbrushes on a direct-to-consumer basis—meaning, the consumer (you) buys it directly on the manufacturer’s website, along with any accessories like replacement brush heads or spare charging ports.

We wanted to give consumers a good look at what they can find in the electric toothbrush market, both in stores and online, so we didn’t limit ourselves only to products that can be found in brick-and-mortar locations. However, we did focus on online retailers that ship to the entirety of the United States, including Alaska and Hawaii, as well as some additional locations.

Helpful information about Electric Toothbrushes

Good oral health is good for your health, period. Apart from the obvious—having a better smile, less tooth sensitivity, and fresher breath—studies suggest that the state of our mouths can affect our whole bodies. In fact, oral bacteria has been found in blood clots, suggesting that the microorganisms in our mouths may be related to the incidence of strokes. There may also be a link between gum disease and Alzheimer’s disease.

Proper oral care can be achieved by visiting your dentist at least once a year and at home by establishing proper brushing habits. According to Dr. Matt Messina, spokesperson of the American Dental Association (ADA), it all comes down to the Healthy Four:

“Brush twice a day with a fluoride-containing toothpaste, clean between your teeth once a day with floss or an interdental cleaner, eat a healthy diet, and see your dentist on a regular basis,” he said. “It's not glamorous but it works.”

Dentists recommend that you brush for two whole minutes, and while you may think you’re doing that already, but research suggests that people overestimate their brushing time for as long as 70 seconds. That means that when you think you’re brushing for two whole minutes, you’ve likely only been at it for 40 seconds.

Try it next time you brush: set a timer for two minutes and brush until it goes off. You’ll be surprised by how long the two minutes actually feel. It’s no wonder most people don’t brush for the recommended amount of time.

This is where electric toothbrushes come in. 

Dr. Messina said, “It's important to stress that you can do a wonderful job of oral hygiene manually. You don't need an electric toothbrush to be effective… But there are some reasons why an electric toothbrush can be beneficial for people.”

Most electric toothbrushes come with a built-in timer that vibrates or beeps when the two minutes are up, and this goes a long way towards encouraging people to brush for the proper amount of time.

When compared to manual toothbrushes, electric toothbrushes have also been shown to be especially effective at removing plaque and improving gum health simply because they use more cleaning strokes than a person can achieve with just their hands.

Powered toothbrushes are also ideal for people with conditions that affect their ability to grip objects or their dexterity. According to Dr. Messina, they’re also great for children and people with orthodontic treatments, since the smaller brush heads are better at getting into the nooks and crannies of braces and other devices.

Types of Electric Toothbrushes

There are two basic types of electric toothbrushes, oscillating and vibrating.

Oscillating Oral-B toothbrushes. Mayra París/ConsumersAdvocate.

The rotating or oscillating brushes have a round brush head that spins while the brush handle is turned on. These types of brushes are good because they replicate the circular motion you are supposed to use on the surfaces of your teeth when you use a manual brush. The round brush head means each tooth is covered by the bristles all the way down to the gum line, removing plaque in a more targeted manner.

Vibrating Philips toothbrushes. Mayra París/ConsumersAdvocate.

Vibrating brushes are also called sonic toothbrushes. They are closer in appearance to regular manual toothbrushes, with the brush head vibrating at a high frequency. A sonic toothbrush makes more cleaning strokes per second than you could with a manual toothbrush. Since they’re oval-shaped, sonic toothbrushes are able to cover a larger surface area than an oscillating brush, allowing you to clean more teeth at once.

The type of brush you should use comes down to your personal preference and the size of your mouth. A 2005 study from the Netherlands published in the Journal of Dentistry found that oscillating electric toothbrushes were more effective at removing plaque than high-frequency (or sonic) toothbrushes. However, Dr. Vera Tang, vice-chair of the NYU College of Dentistry's Department of Periodontology and Implant Dentistry, said it depends more on the patient’s personal preference for a certain type of brush and the bells and whistles it may include. 

“As a practicing periodontist, sometimes I'm just happy that they're taking the leap and getting an electric toothbrush because it means they're committed to brushing their teeth and they're committed to their oral health.”

For her part, Danielle Furgeson, director of the University of Michigan School of Dentistry’s Graduate Dental Hygiene Program, said she recommends that her patients focus more on the size of the toothbrush rather than the shape. “If you get a really big toothbrush head and you have a tiny mouth, it might be harder for you to get all the way to your back teeth,” she said. For this reason, she frequently recommends sonic toothbrushes for people with smaller mouths.

Proper Tooth-Brushing Technique

Beyond finding the right-sized toothbrush for your mouth, Dr. Messina highlighted the importance of using the electric toothbrush properly: “No matter what we're doing, the mechanical toothbrush only works when the bristles of the head of the toothbrush are in contact with all the places around the teeth and along the gumline... The toothbrushes are great but the human still has to guide the buzzing end of the toothbrush every place you want to be cleaned up.”

ADA recommendations for electric toothbrushes don’t vary that much from those for manual toothbrushes. First of all, you should brush for a minimum of two minutes, about 30 seconds for each quadrant of your mouth. Place the brush at a 45-degree angle to your gums, then turn on the electric toothbrush. 

If you are using an oscillating brush, move the brush head from tooth to tooth. If, on the other hand, you’re using a sonic toothbrush, you should guide the brush along your gum line gently. Avoid harsh scrubbing motions that could damage your enamel or gum tissue. Do this for the outside, inside, and chewing surfaces of your teeth to remove all plaque.

Those of you who are using manual toothbrushes should follow these guidelines as well: use gentle strokes to clean all surfaces of your teeth, brushing for at least 30 seconds per quadrant or two minutes in total. Avoid using brushes with medium or hard bristles, since the stiffness can damage your teeth’s enamel and your gum lines, which can cause bleeding and receding gums.

The Only Electric Toothbrush Features You Need

There’s a very wide range of electric toothbrushes in the market right now. Besides differences in the type of brush head available, manufacturers now offer more features than ever. We’ll go over the most commonly seen features below:

Timer

Noting the importance of brushing for the minimum amount of time recommended by dentists, most electric toothbrushes now come with a two-minute timer. Depending on your model, the brush pulses, beeps, or simply switches off once the two-minute period has elapsed. Many other brushes have interval timers, which break down the two-minute period into four segments, allotting 30 seconds for each quadrant of the mouth. Also known as the “quad pacer” feature on Philips brushes, the timer pulses every 30 seconds to indicate that you should move on to a different part of the mouth. Using an interval timer ensures you dedicate the same amount of time to each part of your mouth.

Many experts say this is the most important feature consumers should look for when shopping for an electric toothbrush. “Sometimes with these two-minute timers, it makes you almost guilty to turn them off prematurely because two minutes is actually a very long time,” said Dr. Tang. For this reason, she encourages her patients to buy a brush with a timer.

Multiple cleaning modes

Though not as important as the interval timer, having a model with multiple cleaning modes and intensities can go a long way in ensuring your comfort when you first start using an electric toothbrush. If you suffer from gum bleeding or gingival disease, brushing with an electric toothbrush could cause gum bleeding during the first two weeks. Switching to a sensitive mode or a lower intensity cleaning can help reduce the discomfort or pain caused by the bristles in combination with the fast vibration or spinning motions. 

Caring for your Electric Toothbrush

Like all toothbrushes, your electric toothbrush needs to be cleaned. Some devices are waterproof, so it’s easy to dip them under a running faucet and rinse off the toothpaste. Others are not waterproof and require more care. Check the user’s manual before use to see how you should clean your brush. In many cases, it’s enough to remove the brush head, run this piece separately under the water, and wipe the handle clean. Even if your toothbrush is waterproof, you should remove the brush head and clean under the joint periodically to remove any dried toothpaste that may have collected there.

Many electric toothbrushes include a protective cap, which protects your brush against fecal spores that may be flying around your bathroom. If your brush didn’t include one, you may be able to find a very inexpensive one at the store, or you could keep your brush inside the medicine cabinet. 

The brush head should be changed every three months under normal use, because the bristles are less effective as they become worn and frayed. If you get a cold, change it as soon as you’re better to avoid reinfecting yourself. The ADA says that there is some evidence that soaking the brush in antibacterial mouthwash could reduce the bacteria in the bristles, but discarding the brush head and getting a new one is safest.

Given proper care, your toothbrush should last two or three years, or more. Once you notice that the device isn’t holding its charge, even after fully charging it according to the manufacturer’s recommendations, then it may be time to get a new electric toothbrush.

What to Watch Out For With Electric Toothbrushes

Interference with Pacemakers

The most important thing to watch out for when using an electric toothbrush is the possibility of interference with electronic medical devices, such as pacemakers. Before you use an electric toothbrush, speak with your physician and understand the risks. If you get the green light, follow your doctor and the manufacturer’s suggestions. Some suggest that you should keep the electric toothbrush at least six inches away from your pacemaker. User manuals for some electric toothbrush models provide instructions for deactivating the radio transmitter in the brush, which can help with interference, but if you feel like the brush may be interfering with your electronic medical device—a sign may be an irregular heartbeat—, turn off the electric toothbrush immediately and consult with your physician.


FAQs about Electric Toothbrushes


Are soft-bristle brush heads effective?

There is no indication that hard-bristle brushes are better at cleaning your teeth than soft-bristle brushes. On the other hand, there is plenty of evidence that using harsh bristles can harm your gums and the soft root of your teeth. Hard bristles can also wear away the enamel of your teeth, making them vulnerable to staining, chipping, and sensitivity.


Should I subscribe to brush head delivery?

If the maker of your electric toothbrush offers a subscription to automatically send you replacement brush heads every three months, you should absolutely consider signing up. A subscription means you don’t have to remember to order a new brush head, and it may also mean saving money, as many companies offer a discount on the initial cost of the brush when you sign up for a delivery subscription.