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Based on dentists' recommendations and our own extensive testing, these are your best bets. Battery Toothbrush
If you’ve ever been nervous about going to the dentist (no one likes another cavity!), it might be time to switch up your brushing routine by investing in an electric toothbrush. Unlike manual toothbrushes, electric ones typically use a sonic or oscillating motion to help you get a deeper clean and improve dental hygiene. Best of all, they strive to make brushing your teeth less of a nuisance by offering extra features like a built-in two-minute timer so you know when it’s time to stop brushing as well as a pressure sensor that informs you if you’re pressing down too hard.
Our analysts at the Good Housekeeping Institute recently tested nearly a dozen electric toothbrushes to find the best ones on the market. We tested each electric toothbrush for ease of use, performance and durability, and asked our consumer testers for their feedback, too.
With so many dental products out there, from water flossers to teeth whiteners, it can be tricky to know where to start when shopping for a new toothbrush. Do you prefer Oral-B or Sonicare, or are you looking for an electric toothbrush that’s great for travel? What about an electric toothbrush for the kids? App connectivity, the number of cleaning modes and battery life are just some of the many features to consider.
That's why we combined our testing notes and input from professional dentists including Sharon L. Huang, D.D.S., owner of Les Belles Dentistry in New York City, and Jamie Reynolds, M.D., an orthodontist based in Michigan, to help you find the best electric toothbrush. After our reviews, read on to learn more about the benefits of electric toothbrushes, and tips on the key features to consider when shopping. Pair your new toothbrush with one of the best whitening toothpastes and check out or guide to the best baby toothbrushes if you have little ones at home.
Trade in your standard toothbrush for the best affordable electric toothbrush out there. With over 87,000 five-star ratings, it's no surprise this Oral-B is one of the best-rated electric toothbrushes on Amazon and outperformed in our Lab tests. In fact, this brush received some of the highest overall scores, standing out for exceptional performance, ease of use and consumer satisfaction.
With all the coveted benefits of an electric toothbrush — like a rotating head to remove plaque, a pressure sensor to prevent you from brushing too hard and a two-minute timer — it rings in at a fraction of the cost of many others. Though it only offers one clean mode, the toothbrush’s controls are simple to navigate without being overwhelming or confusing, and it does an effective job of cleaning teeth. Consumer testers appreciated its lightweight, easy-to-use design, but our pros point out that it's noisier than other models we tested, and there was some residue on the charging base after extended use.
“The Oral B brush has the perfect little angled brush that gets in between my teeth and gets all the plaque and food out that is hard to get with a traditional toothbrush,” says one tester. Just keep in mind that while this toothbrush has excellent value, it doesn’t feature some of the extra features you’ll find on more expensive Oral-B models like being able to adjust the brush head’s speed or sensitivity. “I think this is a very effective basic electric toothbrush that'll clean your teeth perfectly without any fancy bells and whistles,” one GH Institute product analyst points out.
Curious about Sonicare’s powerful sonic technology that helps remove plaque from teeth but not ready to invest too much in your next toothbrush? We love that the Sonicare 4100 offers all of Sonicare’s favorite features at an excellent price, including a two-minute timer, pressure sensor and two intensity settings to choose from, which is especially helpful for those with sensitive gums or teeth. Though this model doesn’t include a travel case, we like its slim, lightweight design and compact charger that can be plugged into USB-A anywhere you go.
Performance scores were slightly lower than those of more premium Philips Sonicare toothbrushes in our Lab tests, but this model stood out for its ease of use, durability and quietness. Several of our consumer testers felt like their teeth were effectively cleaned after using the toothbrush. “I felt like I got a very good clean each time with minimal effort,” says one tester. Another tester liked the brush head’s shape: “It has a compact head so it seems to fit farther back and reach all around the back teeth better than a manual toothbrush.”
Ever wondered what toothbrush your dentist uses at home? Look no further. The Prestige 9900 might be the most expensive electric toothbrush on this list, but it earned the highest overall score in our Lab tests as well as the best consumer satisfaction score.
Pair it with the Sonicare app to guide you during brushing and alert you to any missed spots. For those with sensitive or receding gums, fret not: It automatically adjusts the intensity for you and gently vibrates whenever you accidentally brush too hard.
Several testers felt that their gums were healthier after using this toothbrush and that they noticeably had less plaque. “I love this toothbrush,” says one tester. “The 9900 is very quiet. The vibrations tickle a little and take a few days to get used to, but they make the toothbrush very effective at cleaning my teeth. My teeth feel like they've been professionally cleaned! The app is very easy to use and makes brushing fun. It also inspires me to brush more regularly. The toothbrush is beautifully designed and takes up very little space in my bathroom.”
Testers also appreciate that you can customize your daily brushing routine with five different modes and that a compact travel case comes included. You can even leave your toothbrush’s charger back at home and charge it inside its travel case via USB.
The iO Series 9 is one of Oral-B’s most advanced electric toothbrushes, and though it costs more than others on this list, it’s loaded with smart features designed to help you get the deepest clean. For instance, there’s a real-time “coaching” feature that leverages AI to help guide you while you brush so you never miss a spot. The brush also includes seven smart modes — including one for cleaning your tongue — as well as a built-in timer, Smart Pressure Sensor (it signals red when you're brushing too hard), charging travel case and three replacement brush heads.
In Lab tests, the Oral-B iO received high scores all around and consumer testers shared that there’s not much to dislike, describing the brush as “bomb,” “a game-changer,” a “joy to use” and “incredibly cool.” Several testers even said their experience was akin to having their teeth professionally cleaned: “What’s not to love? I’m addicted to brushing my teeth and using this toothbrush! I feel like I just left my hygienist chair with a professional cleaning,” says one tester.
Other testers were fond of the accompanying app and the brush’s multiple cleaning modes. “I like the functions. You can see that you are using the proper pressure with the sensor light, and the app shows how thoroughly you brush and gives feedback for any improvements you should make” says one tester. Others like the interactive color display, which shows a smiley face every time you’ve brushed for two minutes.
It's easy to forget that you should replace your toothbrush (or brush head) every three to four months. Yes, really! That's why we love Quip. Not only is the battery-operated brush super-slim and chic, but the brand also offers a refill plan as well as toothbrushes for kids so the whole family can stay on track. For just $7 per order, it's one of the best value electric toothbrush picks as you can get a new brush head and battery delivered every three months.
We especially like this pick for travel since it includes a super slim cover that will fit into your purse or backpack without taking up much space. Unlike other electric toothbrushes, Quip uses AAA batteries so you don’t have to fret with chargers or cables while you’re on the road — though there is a new rechargeable version that will last you three months if preferred.
In Lab tests, the Quip toothbrush got top overall scores and consumers were fond of its soft bristles and gentle sonic vibrations. “It actually makes me brush for the full two minutes. My teeth feel so much cleaner in the two weeks that I have been using this toothbrush!” says one tester. Other testers liked the size of the toothbrush, which makes it easy to hold, use and store when you’re done. Some testers do point out, however, that you still have to brush with the Quip, unlike other electric toothbrushes that do most of the work for you. Also, the instructions in the manual on how to brush as well as replace brush heads and batteries could be more clear.
Our electric toothbrush reviews are based on extensive in-Lab tests at the Good Housekeeping Institute. In our latest evaluations, we tested 11 electric toothbrushes for their performance, ease of use and durability.
We also sent samples to over 100 consumer panelists who reported good dental hygiene habits (brushing twice a day and having a professional cleaning every six months) to provide qualitative feedback on each toothbrush. After two weeks of use, they were asked to evaluate their overall satisfaction with the electric toothbrush. Here’s more information on how we tested:
✔️ Performance: Product analysts evaluate the toothbrush’s overall functionality, its modes and how effectively it cleans teeth. We then measure battery life, charging time, the accuracy of the two-minute timer and the usefulness of any built-in sensors. To evaluate and compare noise levels in each toothbrush, each toothbrush is sent to Quiet Mark, our partner lab and independent global certification program that identifies how quiet or loud products are through scientific testing and assessment.
✔️ Durability: Each toothbrush is put through a drop test and a water-resistance test in our Lab to score its durability. For the drop test, each toothbrush is dropped from a 30-inch height, or the average height of a countertop, and then checked for any dents, scratches or damage. The water-resistance test is then performed in the Lab’s rain tester, exposing the toothbrush to various water pressures for two minutes.
✔️ Ease-of-use: Once the toothbrush has been measured and weighed, we provide feedback alongside consumers on the following questions: How easy is it to set up? How easy is the toothbrush head to put on? Are the controls conveniently located and easy to use? Is the toothbrush easy to charge? Is the app intuitive? Is the design ergonomic and easy to hold? Is it heavy or lightweight? Did the toothbrush create a mess while in use? Does its size take up too much space?
✔️ Power source: In our Lab tests, people greatly preferred rechargeable options to battery-operated ones. Our feedback showed the battery-operated brushes were ideal for travel, but they didn’t work as well as electric toothbrushes with rechargeable bases.
✔️ Timer: Many electric toothbrushes offer a timed brushing setting of two minutes, broken up into 30-second intervals, so you're thoroughly paying attention to your teeth — front to back and top to bottom.
✔️ Pressure sensor: Avoid sensitive gums by finding an electric toothbrush that gently vibrates when you press down too hard.
✔️ Connectivity: Certain electric toothbrushes feature Bluetooth technology so you can sync to an app to keep track of your brushing habits and access extra features like coaching and tips. Some of the more premium toothbrushes even leverage AI technology to give you feedback in real-time as you brush to understand which areas need improvement.
“Not all electric toothbrushes are created equal,” says Sharon L. Huang, DDS, owner of Les Belles Dentistry in NYC. She estimates that two minutes with an electric toothbrush is equivalent to seven minutes of manual brushing.
Why? Because electric toothbrushes are more efficient at cleaning and more effective at reaching a lot of surfaces, especially hard-to-reach areas like molars in the back of your mouth. “When you use a manual brush, it depends on how you’re brushing [and the motion] versus an electric toothbrush does the work for you,” she says.
Simply put: “We will never move as fast as a sonic brush,” which she favors for its power and ability to dislodge bacteria.
"Pretty much everyone can benefit from an electric toothbrush,” says Jamie Reynolds, M.D., an orthodontist based in Michigan. After he switched to an electric toothbrush, his own dental hygienist commented on how clean his teeth looked. “Personally, I won't be switching back to the old-fashioned way and don't recommend you do either!”
But remember, no matter which powered toothbrush you buy, the most important thing is your habits, says Dr. Reynolds. “An electric toothbrush isn't a magic wand. It still requires morning and night use — with around two minutes of brushing time — to be effective.” Use it as a way to up your brushing technique, not make up for it.
The Good Housekeeping Institute Beauty, Health & Sustainability Lab regularly vets and tests products that our readers shop for and use in their everyday lives. Executive Director Birnur Aral, Ph.D., has been leading this Lab for over 15 years, overseeing all testing and contributing to content in areas related to her background in chemical engineering and personal care.
This article was written by Olivia Lipski, who covers and reviews the latest gadgets and gear in tech, travel, fitness, home and more for GH. She led recent categorical Lab and consumer testing of electric toothbrushes in collaboration with Aral. Not only does she bring years of product review experience to GH, but she rotates between Philips and Oral-B electric toothbrushes on a regular basis because she can't decide which one she likes more.
Olivia (she/her) is a media and tech product reviews analyst at the Good Housekeeping Institute, covering tech, home, auto, health and more. She has more than five years of experience writing about tech trends and innovation and, prior to joining GH in 2021, was a writer for Android Central, Lifewire and other media outlets. Olivia is a graduate of George Washington University, with a bachelor's degree in journalism, political science and French, and she holds a master’s degree in communications from Sciences Po Paris.
Birnur (she/her) has led the Beauty, Health and Sustainability Lab at the Good Housekeeping Institute since 2007. In addition to overseeing product testing and GH Seal applications, she conducts the brand's annual Beauty Awards selection process and is an active leader in GH’s green initiatives, including the Sustainable Innovation Awards and Raise the Green Bar Summit. In addition to earning M.Eng. and Ph.D. degrees in chemical engineering, she recently earned a professional certificate in sustainability management from Columbia University.
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Birnur (she/her) has led the Beauty, Health and Sustainability Lab at the Good Housekeeping Institute since 2007. In addition to overseeing product testing and GH Seal applications, she conducts the brand's annual Beauty Awards selection process and is an active leader in GH’s green initiatives, including the Sustainable Innovation Awards and Raise the Green Bar Summit. In addition to earning M.Eng. and Ph.D. degrees in chemical engineering, she recently earned a professional certificate in sustainability management from Columbia University.
Cute Electric Toothbrush Olivia (she/her) is a media and tech product reviews analyst at the Good Housekeeping Institute, covering tech, home, auto, health and more. She has more than five years of experience writing about tech trends and innovation and, prior to joining GH in 2021, was a writer for Android Central, Lifewire and other media outlets. Olivia is a graduate of George Washington University, with a bachelor's degree in journalism, political science and French, and she holds a master’s degree in communications from Sciences Po Paris.