Reviews You Can Rely On

Colgate 360 Total Advanced Floss-Tip Review

An absolute bargain but its subtle vibrations don't offer much improvement from a manual brush
gearlab tested logo
Colgate 360 Total Advanced Floss-Tip Review (Testing the Colgate 360 Total Advanced Floss-Tip.)
Testing the Colgate 360 Total Advanced Floss-Tip.
Credit: Natalie Kafader
Price:  $12 List
  • 1
  • 2
  • 3
  • 4
  • 5
Manufacturer:   Colgate
By Genaveve Bradshaw and Mallory Paige  ⋅  Sep 13, 2024
59
OVERALL
SCORE


RANKED
#15 of 19
  • Cleaning - 40% 4.4
  • Comfort - 30% 6.9
  • Ease of Use - 20% 5.5
  • Battery Life - 10% 10.0

Our Verdict

The Colgate 360 Total Advanced Floss-Tip is no doubt one of the most affordable electric toothbrush options out there. For less than $20, you get two electric toothbrushes. That said, we did not find them to be particularly great at cleaning and were hard-pressed to find an advantage over a manual brush. This toothbrush is simple to use and did okay in testing, but did not stand out in any particular way. Want to see how this model compares to others? See our best electric toothbrush review.
REASONS TO BUY
Quiet
Comes in a 2-pack
Long battery life
Super affordable
REASONS TO AVOID
No brush head replacements
Subpar cleaning abilities

Compare to Similar Products

 
Awards  Best Buy Award Best Buy Award Best Buy Award  
Price $12.00 List
$9.30 at Amazon
$40 List
$39.95 at Amazon
$50 List
$48.96 at Amazon
$60 List
$39.95 at Amazon
$9.00 List
Check Price at Amazon
Overall Score Sort Icon
59
77
77
66
55
Star Rating
  • 1
  • 2
  • 3
  • 4
  • 5
  • 1
  • 2
  • 3
  • 4
  • 5
  • 1
  • 2
  • 3
  • 4
  • 5
  • 1
  • 2
  • 3
  • 4
  • 5
  • 1
  • 2
  • 3
  • 4
  • 5
Bottom Line Only marginally better than a manual toothbrush, though incredibly affordable for an electric modelAn gentle, minimalist toothbrush with a long-lasting battery that cleans wellInexpensive yet fully capable, this electric toothbrush is a solid choice for just about everyoneAffordable, effective, and user-friendly — this device offers value with good cleaning and extra brush headsA budget option that works marginally better than a manual toothbrush
Rating Categories Colgate 360 Total A... Philips One Philips Sonicare 4100 Aquasonic Black Series Oral-B 3D White Action
Cleaning (40%)
4.4
6.9
7.9
6.8
5.0
Comfort (30%)
6.9
8.1
8.3
6.4
4.2
Ease of Use (20%)
5.5
8.0
7.8
8.0
6.3
Battery Life (10%)
10.0
9.0
5.0
4.0
10.0
Specs Colgate 360 Total A... Philips One Philips Sonicare 4100 Aquasonic Black Series Oral-B 3D White Action
Measured Battery Life 170 days 30 days 49.5 days 31 days 103 days
Pressure Sensor No No Yes No No
Number of Brushing Modes 1 mode:
Clean
1 mode:
Clean
1 mode:
Clean
2 sensivity levels
4 modes:
Clean, Soft, Whiten, Massage
1
Clean
Estimated Annual Brush Head Cost NA $15.92 for (2) two packs $44.96 for (1) four pack $19.90 for (2) two packs $53.98 for (2) three packs
Charger or Battery Info 1 AAA battery USB USB
(block not included)
100 - 240VA
50-60Hz
0.8 - 1.6W
N/A
American Dental Association accepted? Not Listed Not Listed Not Listed Yes No
Waterproof / Resistant Not Listed No, cannot be used in the shower Yes, can use in shower Yes, can use in shower Yes, can use in shower
Number of Brush Head Styles Available NA 1 style available in multiple colors 8 styles, most available in 2 colors 3 3
Number of Included Brush Heads 1 1 1 8 1
Thirty Second Reminder No Yes Yes Yes No
Two Minute Alert No Yes Yes Yes No
Travel Case Included No Yes No Yes No
Measured Handle Weight 1.2 oz 1.4 oz 3.2 oz 3.6 oz 2.5 oz
App No No No No No
Available Colors 4 4 3 1 1
Decibels from 6ft Away 41.1 dB 40 dB* 42 dB 53 dB N/A
Decibels from 3" Away 42.0 dB 40 dB* 58 dB 68 dB N/A

Our Analysis and Test Results

The Colgate 360 Total Advanced Floss-Tip is very easy to use with just a single mode and button. We appreciated how quiet and budget-friendly it is, but it lacks a lot of the performance and features we liked in other electric toothbrushes we tested.

Performance Comparison


colgate 360 total advanced floss-tip - the brush head on the colgate 360 total advanced floss-tip is quite...
The brush head on the Colgate 360 Total Advanced Floss-Tip is quite large.
Credit: Natalie Kafader

Cleaning


To begin our cleaning performance test, we chewed a tablet that revealed the plaque buildup on our teeth after eating junk food and not brushing for a day. This allows us to have a clear and measurable sign of how well the toothbrush cleans.

We used the timer on our phone since the Colgate 360 to brush for two minutes since it does not have any sort of built-in timer function. After brushing, we were unimpressed with the results. Upon examination, we saw that a lot of residue still remained on the backside of our teeth.

Testing the cleaning ability of the Colgate 360 Advanced Total Floss-Tip electric toothbrush.
Credit: Natalie Kafader

Between the large brush head and the minimal vibration, this brush simply did not give a high-quality clean. The bristles have good variation in size and structure, but at the end of testing, the Colgate 360 simply did not match up to our cleanliness standards. We should also note that the back of the head includes a rubbery tongue scrubber. Some users may appreciate this, but we did not find any evidence that it actually produces a cleaner, healthier mouth.

colgate 360 total advanced floss-tip - the back of the colgate 360 is designed to be a tongue scrubber.
The back of the Colgate 360 is designed to be a tongue scrubber.
Credit: Natalie Kafader

Comfort


We immediately noticed that the brush head on this model is quite large. It didn't hurt our mouth, but anyone with a small mouth may find this brush less than ideal, as it can be challenging to get into tighter spots for a deep clean.

The Colgate 360 was quiet, but we found the tone to be a bit annoying. We appreciate that the decibel level measured low, but the whiny buzzing sound had us feeling like we needed to swat a fly away.

colgate 360 total advanced floss-tip - brushing with the colgate 360 electric toothbrush during testing.
Brushing with the Colgate 360 electric toothbrush during testing.
Credit: Natalie Kafader

This brush is light at just 1.2 ounces, but it's also light on features. It felt comfortable in our hands and almost identical to Colgate's manual brush. We appreciated this familiarity and comfort, but we wish it came with more features.

colgate 360 total advanced floss-tip - the colgate 360 electric toothbrush is a bit bulky and heavier than...
The Colgate 360 electric toothbrush is a bit bulky and heavier than other brushes we tested.
Credit: Natalie Kafader

Ease of Use


For this test, we evaluated the ease of switching modes, the simplicity of cleaning the toothbrush, and whether a timer was available to track the recommended cleaning duration for each side. Additionally, we checked if the toothbrush came with a travel case or extra brush heads.

The Colgate has just one mode, so it's very simple to use. Simply press the on or off button as needed. We found the off button to be a bit small, and both buttons felt cheap and prone to potential breakage. Though with the price and lack of changeable brush heads, we suppose it doesn't need to last forever. It does not include any sort of timer, which is expected for an electric toothbrush in this price range.

colgate 360 total advanced floss-tip - testing how loud the colgate 360 total advanced floss-tip toothbrush...
Testing how loud the Colgate 360 Total Advanced Floss-Tip toothbrush is while in use.
Credit: Natalie Kafader

We did note that the rubbery pieces are prone to collecting gunky, dried toothpaste, but it was pretty simple to clean with a quick rinse. This bargain brush does not come with a travel case or any extras.

colgate 360 total advanced floss-tip - the buttons on the colgate 360 total advanced floss-tip are easy to...
The buttons on the Colgate 360 Total Advanced Floss-Tip are easy to use since there is only one setting.
Credit: Natalie Kafader

Battery Life


In general, battery-powered toothbrushes have a longer life, and rechargeable models will run out faster. The Colgate 360 Total Advanced Floss-Tip has an incredible battery life. After 170 days, this unit still goes strong. This model is not rechargeable, but with such a long battery life, that won't be a problem.


Should You Buy the Colgate 360 Total Advanced Floss-Tip?


The Colgate 360 Total Advanced Floss-Tip is a simple and supremely affordable electric toothbrush. If you want a toothbrush that is one tiny step improved from a manual brush and has a great price tag, the Colgate is a good option.

The Colgate 360 Total Advanced Floss-Tip scored below average in the most important tests. If you want an ultra-affordable electric toothbrush, there are better options.
Credit: Natalie Kafader

What Other Electric Toothbrush Should You Consider?


For a bit more money, you could get the Hum by Colgate Battery Powered, which scored better overall in our tests, has a guided brushing app, and includes a case. Another great budget option, with a much larger suite of options, is the Philips Sonicare 4100.

Genaveve Bradshaw and Mallory Paige