Best Electric Toothbrush

If you’re a stickler for those biannual dental cleanings, chances are pretty high that you have a collection of free plastic toothbrushes. You can probably use these while traveling or at a family member’s sleepover. But in an eco-friendly world trying to get away from the 300 million tons of wasted plastic each year, finding the best electric toothbrush may be the way to go. According to River Run Dental (located in the state of Virginia), one manual brush’s plastic is about as much as 25 replacement heads on an electric toothbrush.

While plastic toothbrushes can arguably be recycled for cleaning purposes (car rims, bathrooms, etc.), both plastic and electric toothbrush heads can be recycled through Colgate’s Oral Care Recycling Program. So if both can be recycled, why bother with an electric toothbrush? One reason is the two-minute brushing reminder. A second reason to find a top electric toothbrush is eliminating concerns about too much or not enough pressure on your teeth.

Just hold a sonic toothbrush (or any other electric toothbrush) to your teeth at a 45-degree angle, and let the bristles do all the work for you. Some electric toothbrushes are designed for sensitive teeth, tender gums and massaging. Even if your teeth are in great health on Day 1, this option comes in handy for a surprise toothache.

These 12 options below can help you to more environmentally friendly shopping and a brighter, whiter smile.

Best Electric Toothbrush

1. Philips Sonicare

Philips Sonicare is the number one recommended brand by dental professionals, so this may be the best sonic toothbrush brand for your needs.

Key Features

• Replacement heads fit all Philips Sonicare click-on handles
• Two-minute brushing timer
• Battery charger indicator for recharging

A top electric toothbrush should remove seven times more plaque than a manual toothbrush. The speed for this electric toothbrush is 62,000 brushing movements per minute. And this may be the best toothbrush for a new user because it will help identify the correct amount of pressure and excessive brushing for electric toothbrushes.

The easy-start program guides you through gentle, gradual brushing the first 14 times of use. The QuadPacer identifies the right amount of time for cleaning. And the Smartimer lets you know when it’s time to stop.

Pros

• BrushSync replacement reminder notifies you when to replace brush head
• Pressure sensor alert notifies you when you’re brushing too hard

Cons

• Toothbrush heads are not covered under warranty
• Several electric toothbrush reviews reported

In addition to preventing cavities and plaque, this may be the best sonicare toothbrush to clean teeth that have braces, crowns, fillings and veneers. But if this product does not work for you, there is a two-year warranty that also covers free replacements and repairs of faulty workmanship.

2. Oral-B White Pro

Electric toothbrushes can remove 300 percent more plaque along the gum line, according to health reports. And this one in particular is the first electric toothbrush brand that the American Dental Association accepted.

Key Features

• Clinically proven superior 3D cleaning
• Full charge lasts up to 22 hours
• Enables seven days of brushing, two times per day

This package comes with an Oral-B professional handle, one CrossAction brush head and a charger. Should you choose a different toothbrush replacement head, these brands are also compatible: 3D White, CrossAction, Deep Sweep, Dual Clean, FlossAction, Ortho, Precision Clean and Sensitive Clean. While many electric toothbrushes will notify you if you brush too hard or too long, Oral-B is such a popular brand that you can decide which one suits you best. Also, this notable option may come in handy if you want to test out different bristle types.

Pros

• In-handle timer to remember two-minute stop
• Pressure sensor alert notifies you when you’re brushing too hard

Cons

• Not to be used by children under the age of 3
• Blinking during charging may be distracting for some users

This electric toothbrush has a two-year limited warranty.

3. AquaSonic

Not only could this be considered the best rechargeable toothbrush, but it removes ten times more plaque than a traditional toothbrush and whitens your teeth in two weeks.

Key Features

• 40,000 vibrations per minute
• Four cleaning modes: Clean, Soft, Whiten, Massage
• Eight DuPont engineered brush heads

This lightweight toothbrush has a smart vibration timer, a custom travel case that fits two brush heads and an IPX7-rated waterproof design. The inverted frequencies in the brush help to remove surface stains safely. This brush also improves circulation and gum health by massaging sensitive tissue around the teeth. One full charge can last four full weeks with two two-minute brushes per day, and each brush lasts approximately four months.

Pros

• Removes surface stains
• Polishes teeth

Cons

• Several reviewers reported the toothbrush died in less than two months
• A few reviewers stated the bristles are too stiff

If this toothbrush is not for you, there’s a complimentary one-year extended warranty. And while this may be the best rated electric toothbrush from the bunch, confirm the refund policy beforehand. A few one-star reviews reported the toothbrush stopped working correctly and the warranty was not honored. All inquiries reportedly are responded to within a 24-hour timeframe.

4. Sonic

Suitable for sensitive teeth, this electric toothbrush removes up to 100 percent of plaque and stains compared to a manual toothbrush.

Key Features

• Three cleaning modes: Clean, Sensitive, Massage
• Full charge (four hours) lasts 30 days
• Sonic vibration up to 40,000 strokes per minute

With the goal of improving gum health, this IPX7 waterproof toothbrush can do so in a couple of weeks with the help of three modes to improve gum and teeth health. The two-minute smart timer has a 30-second pause to correct brushing habits. When the toothbrush battery is low, there is a low-battery reminder so you know when to unplug the toothbrush.

Pros

• 30-day use for a four-hour full charge
• Automatic shutoff after full charge

Cons

• A toothbrush reportedly broke into two pieces after two months, according to one user
• Several users didn’t enjoy the vibrating sensation

This is one of the best electric toothbrush that comes with three replacement heads with different colors, convenient for the family. If this set is not for you, there is a one-year opportunity.

5. Waterpik

This water flosser combo is an all-in-one brushing and flossing system.

Key Features

• Provides 30,000 strokes per minute
• Deluxe toothbrush case (holds toothbrush and two flossing brush heads)
• Easy fill reservoir has 60-second water capacity

This toothbrush gives you the option of brushing your teeth or flossing your teeth or both simultaneously. And it’s clinically proven to work two times as well as a manual toothbrush and dental floss. There’s also a two-minute timer with a 30-second pacer, 10 pressure settings and a recharge indicator.

Pros

• 10 water flossing pressure options for custom clean
• Handle detaches for on-the-go brushing

Cons

• No oscillation movement
• Several users reported the flossing option stopped working

This two-in-one toothbrush set offers a three-year warranty.

6. FlexForce

For sensitive teeth, this Soft Cleaning mode cleans enamel while reducing gum bleeding. Daily Cleaning mode with this electric toothbrush gets rid of stubborn plaque, tartar and stains. Strong Cleaning mode is best for deep cleaning.

Key Features

• 360-degree independent rotation of each bristle
• Auto-pause for excessive brushing
• Three cleaning modes: Soft Cleaning, Daily Cleaning, Strong Cleaning

Whether you’re a beginner or an expert brusher, the 30-second pauses come in handy to make sure you brush your teeth efficiently. The 360-degree bristle rotation removes food waste in between your teeth. This waterproof brush lasts 30 days after a full USB charge, including with two brushes per day for two minutes at a time. The Impressive Memory Function can also be programmed to remember your preferred cleaning mode. And to keep the brush clean when not in use, there is a protective plastic cover.

Pros

• Deep cleaning that fits the shape of your teeth
• Polished rounded corners to protect your gums

Cons

• Unique bristle rotation heads means you’ll only be able to order this brand
• Battery not replaceable, built into brush handle

Confirm the warranty and return policy before purchasing this toothbrush. It’s unclear on the site. (As of publication date though, this product has the best electric toothbrush reviews. The bristles are the only complaint out of 176 reviews.

7. Brauna Oral B Advance

While manual brushing can effectively clean teeth, it’s no competitor for electric toothbrushes like this one. This version has an oscillating cup-shaped brush head that can reach the rear teeth where plaque loves to hide.

Key Features

• Interdental tip bristles: Elongated bristles on outer edge for deeper cleaning
• Water resistant
• Compact brush head covers each tooth, including hard-to-reach spots

While it may seem obvious that most electric toothbrushes can handle water getting on them (and are often water resistant), changing the battery on one without a built-in battery can be a bit of a hassle. The battery compartment door can get stuck. This one is easy to open and only requires two AA batteries, so there’s no major runaround looking for unique batteries.

Pros

• Non-slip grip for comfort
• Easy-to-open battery compartment

Cons

• Bristles fade halfway when replacement is necessary
• Requires keeping batteries on hand for sudden outages

Inquire about the return and warranty timeframe. It is not immediately available on the site.

8. Shaojier

Remove up to 100 percent of tooth plaque and stains, with the help of dentist-recommended brushing habits.

Key Features

• Ergonomic designed handle
• Three cleaning modes: Soft, White, Clean
• Contactless, wireless charging station

With six hours of charging, this 8. Shaojier can be used for 30 days. And the high-frequency acoustic vibration provides 31,000 vibrations per minute without sound. After every 30 seconds, there will be a pause from the smart timer to alert you to move to a different spot with the waterproof toothbrush. Four hours of charging leads to 25 to 30 days of continuous use twice a day. There will be an auto shut off to extend battery life and avoid overcharging.

Pros

• Guaranteed lifetime nonfading quality
• Waterproof potting technology

Cons

• Keep on level surface to avoid wobbling in station

Confirm if there is a warranty or refund policy. The website does not confirm whether there is or not with this electric toothbrush.

9. Seago Sonic

Available in black and white, the W-shaped brush head gets teeth brighter, whiter and cleaner. It’s also suitable for sensitive gums.

Key Features

• USB interface
• 40,000 vibrations per minute
• Four cleaning modes: White, Clean, Polish, Massage

This electric toothbrush comes with three replacement brush heads. Each brush is on a two-minute timer, in which you can brush your teeth twice per day, for two minutes, and without additional charging for up to three weeks.

Pros

• Waterproof
• Abrasion-resistant cleaning

Cons

• Replacement brush heads aren’t available on Amazon (currently)

Confirm whether there is a refund or warranty policy before your purchase. It’s not immediately clear on the site whether or not this excellent toothbrush comes with one or not.

10. Gloridea

When it comes to removing plaque, a manual toothbrush versus an electric toothbrush is no comparison. One has 200 oscillations per minute; the other has 8,800 oscillations per minute.

Key Features

• Three cleaning modes: Clean, Sensitive, Massage
• Rounded, top, Nylon bristles
• Charger options: Personal computer, power bank, phone charger, car charger

Intelligent Memory in the rechargeable toothbrush remembers the last mode that was used so you don’t have to keep resetting it. Valuable for beginners and gum-sensitive people, it provides effective cleaning and massages your gums, too. There is a 30-second pause to let you know when to switch to each set of teeth while brushing, and an automatic shut-off after two minutes. This toothbrush is designed to work two times per day, for two minutes, for two weeks after a six-hour charge.

Pros

• Flexible for cleaning hard-to-reach areas
• Waterproof

Cons

• Adapter charger is best for a full, longer charge than the other three forms
• Reviewers reported brush burnouts and bristles coming off

You are allowed to have a full refund during the first 180 days after purchase. Additionally, there is a one-year quality warranty and 24/7 customer service.

11. Hieie

This top-notch electric toothbrush comes with two replaceable, electric toothbrush heads; one USB cable with an adapter; an instruction manual and a portable box. But with the month-long charging option, you may not need to use the portable box for all of the above—just the toothbrush.

Key Features

• Five cleaning modes: Clean, Bright White, Cool White, Sensitive, Massage
• 3D sound technology
• Two-minute intelligent timer, pause after 30 seconds during use

Similar to other intelligent timers on electric toothbrushes, this one runs a total of two minutes, pauses after 30 seconds of use and has an automatic shutoff. After 10 hours of USB charging, this toothbrush can last for 30 days of dentist-recommended use. This makes it especially handy for long travel times. It has three strength indicators and 15 optional modes.

Pros

• Soft, comfortable Nylon texture
• Waterproof

Cons

• One-year, after-sale purchase but warranty unsure

Confirm the refund and warranty policy beforehand. It is unclear whether there is one from the site.

12. Kliara

This rechargeable toothbrush is promoted as the “fastest motor in the market” at 48,000 brushes per minute with one of the longest lasting batteries. It’s also ideal for tender teeth and sensitive gums.

Key Features

• Four replacement heads
• Five cleaning modes: Gentle, Standard, Extremely deep and fast cleaning, Massage, Sensitive
• Made with DuPont bristles for durability

This electric toothbrush has common perks such as two-minute brushing, auto-pause after 30 seconds on each side and an auto-shutoff once two minutes has been reached. Fully submersive in water, this toothbrush can be used while you’re in the shower waiting for conditioner to settle in or just enjoying your bathing time otherwise.

Pros

• 40-day battery after full charge (12 hours)
• Bristles adapt to shape of teeth

Cons

• Reviewer reports vibrate mode cannot be selected before putting on teeth

Although it’s unclear when this promotion ends, there is a current promo code to get 30 percent off of four more replacement heads after purchasing the first brush. (The first replacement heads last one full year, with the suggestion that they are changed every three months.) This brand makes a point of promoting cheaper electric toothbrush replacement heads than other brands; they cost approximately $1 per month. While their pricing is clear, the refund and warranty policy are not.

Bottom Line

With all of the hygenic and eco-friendly perks of the electric toothbrushes above, what could possibly be a downside? For consumers who worry about power consumption, there is a small cost of keeping an electric toothbrush charged all of the time. According to The Telegraph, a year’s worth of charging is 39 British Pounds per year (or approximately $49 a year). That’s about $4 per month for continuous charging, after the initial 16-hour charge before first use. Popular brands like Oral-B suggest unplugging the charger and then just recharging once there is no charge left.

The problem with this is if your electric toothbrush doesn’t have a charger notification on it, you may not know when you’re getting close. And if/when that happens, you may be stuck using a manual toothbrush while you wait for the electric toothbrush to recharge again. But with that said, a full charge can last anywhere from five days to more than a month, depending on the brand. Read the instructions for each brand beforehand to get a general estimate of how long the charge will last.

Even if you do have a notification option, it’s a good idea to do this anyway (before the warranty expires) to make sure the alert matches the actual time when the electric toothbrush dies. A simple calendar reminder may save you electricity expenses, prevent overcharging and confirm whether your electric toothbrush is worth it.

There’s also the matter of charging electric toothbrushes overseas, for travelers. The charge holding this long may be just fine for the length of your vacation stay. But for lengthier stays, you may need to invest in an electric power conversion device. But even with these two factors, overall purchasing an electric toothbrush is a win-win for your teeth and household.