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Tired of your dentist giving you flack for how you brush your teeth? After researching over 35 top products, we bought 19 of the best electric toothbrushes today to help you find the perfect product to keep your pearly whites sparkling. We looked at each model's comfort, cleaning ability, ease of use, and battery life. We consulted with dentists and dental hygienists throughout our testing to ensure we were on the right track regarding tooth and gum health. We hope our comprehensive review will help you find the right toothbrush for your needs and budget. See our best toothbrush review to compare electric models to non-electric models.
In your search for an electric toothbrush, consider stocking up on some of the best toothbrush head replacements in advance. We know everyone's personal care routine looks a little different. Our extensive reviews cover everything from the top-rated mouthwashes to beard trimmers, thermometers, and the top razors. Whatever your needs, we've done the testing to find which products are worth your money and which to leave on the shelves.
Editor's Note: On September 13th, 2024, we added three new products and many more charts and specific test data.
Travel case included, inexpensive, extensive battery life
Multiple brush heads, simple to operate, inexpensive
Good cleaning performance, easy to use
Long battery life, small, affordable, easy to use
Accessible price, great battery life, multiple colors available
Interactive app with options for kids and adults, unique reward program encourages brushing, sensitive setting, budget-friendly
Inexpensive, long battery life
Quiet, comes in a 2-pack, long battery life, super affordable
Compact, travel case
Cons
Not budget-friendly, leaky brush head
Pricey, requires extra maintenance, not the best battery life
Potential for residue buildup near brush head
Not good for sensitive gums, somewhat messy
Expensive, lackluster battery life, noisy
Loud, pricey, not gentle
No travel case, no charging dock
Exorbitantly expensive
Lackluster vibrations, interior of the handle gets dirty over time
Somewhat confusing interface, expensive
Only one brush head, only one mode, similar to manual toothbrush
Short battery life, no pressure sensor
Not the most comfortable, subpar battery life, noisy
Mediocre at cleaning, handle interior gets dirty over time
Subpar cleaning, not gentle, no pressure sensor
Bristles can be too rough for sensitive mouths, less robust vibrations, concerns for product longevity
Bulky, poor cleaning abilities, difficult to keep clean
No brush head replacements, subpar cleaning abilities
Below average cleaning, shorter battery life
Bottom Line
For those searching for one of the most premium electric toothbrushes, you've met your match
While undeniably high-tech and fully capable, this option comes at a premium price and still faces leakage issues that plagued previous generations
From cleaning performance to ease of use, this model ticks all the boxes for those seeking one of the best electric toothbrushes on the market
The electric toothbrush excels in cleaning but has a harsh water flosser and subpar battery life
A solid toothbrush, but we would expect a bit more with its premium price tag
Offering strong cleaning ability and a convenient app, this device mostly hits the mark as long as you don't have sensitive gums
This toothbrush is an excellent option for those who prioritize great cleaning, simplicity, and are on a budget
This top-notch toothbrush is packed with smart features but comes at a hefty price
This quiet, sleek model elevates the minimalist aesthetic of any bathroom, but we were disappointed that this smart option doesn't offer guided brushing
Its performance fades into the background, somewhat overshadowed by the top brushes
A simple budget toothbrush that cleans well and is comfortable for sensitive gums
With reliable cleaning performance, multiple brush heads, and an affordable price tag, this user-friendly electric toothbrush delivers exceptional value
This great budget brush cleans well but can be a bit aggressive on sensitive gums
This budget-friendly electric toothbrush is sleek and stylish and great for travel, but not the best at cleaning
Despite the low cost and long-lasting battery, this electric toothbrush falls short on cleaning and comfort
Though the bristles aren't the softest, we love the reward system on the highly interactive app
An inexpensive option that adds a little vibration to an otherwise normal toothbrush
An absolute bargain but its subtle vibrations don't offer much improvement from a manual brush
A compact, lightweight, Bluetooth-enabled model that gives users information to brush better
The capable Philips Sonicare ProtectiveClean 5100 captured our attention with its superior cleaning prowess, affordability, and ease of use. Both the Oral-B iO Series 10 and Oral-B iO Series 9 scored slightly higher, but they cost $200-300 more and have more expensive replacement brush heads. Therefore, we think the 5100 is the best for most people. If price is no object, and you want slightly better comfort, cleaning, and ease of use, consider the iO Series models. The smaller brush head of the 5100 navigated notoriously hard-to-reach spots without fail while remaining comfortable, thanks in part to the more sensitive modes like “Gum Care.” This model hosts three different modes, and fortunately, it remained simple to find the right setting for our testers, some of whom have sensitive gums. Battery efficiency wasn't a problem, as this device can go 46 days without charging. This will greatly benefit frequent travelers who don't want to pack their chargers. Testers also liked that it “isn't very splashy” when in use, so you don't have to worry as much about toothpaste splatters on your mirror.
We couldn't find much to fault the Philips except one little thing. It has a very small potential for toothpaste/saliva to build up between the brush head and the handle. Overall, this model is what most people should buy, from experienced electric toothbrush users to novices alike. Its predecessor, the Philips Sonicare 4100, is almost equally matched in cleaning performance, comfort, and about half the cost. Most budget shoppers should go with that. However, if you are on a tight budget and want the lowest maintenance option that's simple to clean, the Aquasonic Black Series is even less expensive than the 4100 and may meet your needs.
7 modes:
Daily Clean, Sensitive, Whiten, Gum Care, Intense, Super Sensitive, Tongue Clean
Estimated Annual Brush Head Cost
$49.99 for (1) four pack
Charger or Battery Info
100 - 240VA
50-60Hz
3.0W
Powerful, capable, and high-tech, the Oral-B iO Series 9 offers a luxurious experience with all the features you need. Don't let the advanced technology intimidate you; this model is user-friendly, thanks to its intuitive app that provides essential information about oral hygiene habits. Despite offering an extensive amount of modes (seven, to be exact), switching between them is remarkably simple and indicated by an icon on the unit's small digital screen. The standout feature of this device is its exceptional cleaning ability, effortlessly removing plaque and debris and leaving a cleaner feeling compared to almost any other brush we tested, using words like “fresh and clean” to describe their experience.
This electric toothbrush is one of the best money can buy, but there are a couple of drawbacks. The primary concern is the price; it's hundreds of dollars more expensive than models like the Philips Sonicare 5100 and 4100 that performed only slightly lower in our cleaning, comfort, and ease of use tests. Additionally, we encountered an issue with the brush head leaking. The openings in the brush head can collect a mixture of toothpaste and saliva, leading to it seeping down into the handle and requiring some maintenance. If you're looking for the latest-greatest premium option in the iO Series, the Oral-B iO Series 10 comes with a smart charging dock that can be used as a visual timer or quadrant tracker while brushing. However, this small difference comes with a significant price increase, so we recommend the Series 9 to most people.
The Philips Sonicare 4100 isn't far from the super-capable 5100 model, retaining many of the same high-end features without many compromises. And it's about half the cost. As our testers noted “It has the best value of any toothbrush we have laid hands and teeth on”. You won't be disappointed if you seek simplicity in function and design. It boasts one mode with two settings — normal and high intensity. Both settings offer ample cleaning without being overly aggressive, and you'll only need to interact with one button to switch between them seamlessly. This unit cleans quite well, with testers saying that their teeth felt “nice and smooth” within two minutes of brushing.
We were disappointed to find the absence of an included travel case, and the USB charging cord will need a power brick for use with a traditional outlet. While we understand the exclusion of these items, considering the price, having these extras would have been a nice touch to enhance the overall package. If you require these extra features, you'll need to spend a few more bucks on the Philips Sonicare ProtectiveClean 5100. If you are willing to compromise a bit on cleaning performance and comfort, the Aquasonic Black Series is often available at a much lower price and our testers found it a little easier to use.
Our detailed subjective and objective testing of iO Series 9. We did plaque tests, side-by-side coffee grounds testing, and decibel meter testing, to name a few.
The Aquasonic Black Series stands out regarding the balance between price and value. Each brush head lasts a couple of months, and it comes with eight brush heads- often pretty pricey. The overall cleaning performance of these brush heads is commendable, providing a satisfying clean feeling for our testers. It offers a compelling option for an all-in-one solution, especially considering the cost.
The absence of a pressure sensor in this model detracts from the overall package. Testers also commented, “This brush causes a lot of splashing and messiness.” Battery life falls on the lower end of the spectrum when compared to the best of the best. If extended battery life is a priority for you, we found in our testing that the 7AM2M Sonic can last up to 52.5 days. If you want more performance for a little more money but still seek a great value, look at the Philips Sonicare 4100, which scored much higher and is still a great value.
Anyone looking for an extremely gentle electric toothbrush should consider the Philips One because this brush is seriously soft. After using it, our tester stated, “Even brushing my gums did not cause discomfort or bleeding, which is remarkable for my severely sensitive gums.” The bristles are soft, and the brush head is also comfortably small. It cleaned our teeth well, though, for the absolute best clean, our testers needed extra time over the programmed two minutes. The unit is very quiet, and we like the myriad of fun colors the Philips One comes in. This brush is also very easy to use, with a single button and mode. The small travel case is appealing and sleek but offers no space to store extra brush heads. It leads our testing field with the lowest annual brush head costs, which means your savings relative to the other best-value options only get better the longer you own the brush.
The Philips One is delightfully simple and gentle, but it does lack some features. The brush only vibrates very mildly and does not offer the option to use different modes. Some users may find this to be too basic and gentle for their use. If you want something in a similar price point that has four modes and multiple brush heads included, check out the Aquasonic Black Series. Similarly, if you are focused on a great value with better cleaning performance, check out the Philips Sonicare 4100. Or if budget isn't a concern and you're looking for the absolute best clean, the Oral-B iO Series 9 performed extremely well in our test lab and has four brush head options to customize how gently you want to brush.
7 modes:
Daily Clean, Sensitive, Whiten, Gum Care, Intense, Super Sensitive, Tongue Clean
Estimated Annual Brush Head Cost
$49.99 for (1) four pack
Charger or Battery Info
100 - 240VA
50-60Hz
3.0 W
The Oral-B iO Series 10 is a top-of-the-line smart device with all the tools you need to get the most out of your toothbrush. This unit comes with a useful smart app that indicates which quadrants of your mouth to cover and for how long. It also comes with a timer that tells you when it's time to stop brushing. The Series 10 even has a pressure sensor and seven different modes that customize your brushing experience. What sets this unit apart is its smart charging stand, which can also be used as a timer.
This brush's main drawbacks are price, a leaky brush head, and its 22.5 days of battery life. Although that is technically a long battery life, it may not be as suitable if you're traveling for more than a few weeks. This unit also comes with some serious sticker shock. If you want a nearly identical model, minus the smart charging dock, we recommend its predecessor, the Oral-B iO Series 9. That said, if you want the most high-tech option out there and money is no object, the Oral-B iO Series 10 is the right option for you.
The Hum by Colgate Battery Powered toothbrush is simple and capable. But what really caught our attention is the reward-packed app. Not only does the app have settings for kids and adults, but it also offers brush guidance and the opportunity to earn “Smile” points that can be redeemed for Colgate products. We think kids will especially appreciate this extra gamification. And any extra motivation to brush is a win in our books. Pair that with a very affordable price tag and solid performance across the board, and the Hum was a winner.
Our sensitive-toothed-tester's biggest drawback was the gentleness or lack thereof. We found the brush was a bit too rough on our gums in the regular setting. Luckily, there is a sensitive mode, which we prefer. When using the sensitive mode, we found that the guided app had us brush for about three minutes to reach a full clean. This extra time didn't bother us since the standard is two minutes. But if you are already struggling to brush for the recommended two minutes, we recommend looking at a model with a higher cleaning score.
If you're looking for a great cleaning brush on a budget, the Philips Sonicare 4100 can't be beaten. And while there is a rechargeable version of the Hum by Colgate, it had a very short battery life and scored low in our testing, so we recommend the battery-powered option.
All of the tools used in our electric toothbrush testing.
Credit: Natalie Kafader
How We Test Electric Toothbrushes
Since 2016, we have brushed our teeth with nearly every device under the sun to discover what will work for anyone and everyone looking for the perfect electric toothbrush so you don't have to. We assessed and rated how each brush performed using a variety of tests, and rest assured, we found the best of the best. Check out our in-depth testing here.
Cleaning (40% of overall score weighting)
Comfort (30% weighting)
Ease of Use (20% weighting)
Battery Life (10% weighting)
We test toothbrushes across four rigorous test metrics.
Some of the tools we use in our objective electric toothbrush tests. In addition, we use several subjective side-by-side assessments from our expert testers.
Credit: Natalie Kafader
Why Trust GearLab
GearLab's electric toothbrush tested is headed up by Genaveve Bradshaw, Austin Palmer, David Wise, Mallory Paige and Ryan White. Together, this team has extensively researched over 100 different models and comprehensively tested the best of the best. Our in-depth testing ensures that you receive the most unbiased and trustworthy review around. We purchase all of the toothbrushes we review and never accept any sample or evaluation items. During the process, we consulted dentists and dental hygienists about the design of our testing plans and our interpretations of the results. We also had a large sample of people test each toothbrush, aggregating their opinions regarding how comfortable each brush is and using this wide sample of diverse sets of teeth to see how well each toothbrush cleaned. However, the most important thing to remember is that you brush for the American Dental Association's prescribed two minutes, twice a day, regardless of what toothbrush you end up using.
The Quip Smart is a sleek-looking toothbrush and it performed okay during testing.
Credit: Natalie Kafader
Analysis and Test Results
We comprehensively understand what makes a solid electric toothbrush. Year in and year out, new models emerge, and we continue to subject them to multiple tests in order to find out what devices make the cut and what should be avoided.
We spend months putting each toothbrush through a battery of tests to find the best options for you.
Credit: Natalie Kafader
We do not provide medical guidance. Despite consulting with dentists and dental hygienists for this evaluation, seeking advice from a healthcare professional is crucial. Given the individual differences in everyone's teeth, consulting your dentist is paramount when making decisions about your oral health. While our guide serves as an informative starting point, it is advisable to consult your dentist before reaching a final decision, especially if you have experienced any dental, periodontal, or orthodontic concerns.
What's the Best Value?
Encountering sticker shock is nearly inevitable when exploring top-tier electric toothbrushes, and we acknowledge that not everyone can invest in the latest and greatest options. That's precisely why we present multiple awards, aiming to cater to the diverse budgetary needs of our audience. The Philips Sonicare 4100 really sets itself apart in terms of value, and it's the best option when it comes to performance versus cost. Something else to consider is how often you'll need to replace the brush heads, and how much those replacements will cost. For those who punctually replace their brush heads, you may prefer the Aquasonic Black Series, which comes with a whopping eight replacement heads — over a year's supply. Finally, the Phillips One distinguishes itself with very low annual brush head replacement costs. It doesn't perform as well in the cleaning metric as the models above, but it is very light and quiet, has a travel case, and has an impressive battery life.
Cleaning
This is where our most crucial metric takes center stage, accounting for a substantial 40% of the overall score. To ensure thoroughness, we implemented a diverse set of tests designed to evaluate each model. Initially, our testers chewed a plaque tablet, vividly revealing it with a reddish-pink tone for clear visibility. Afterward, they brushed for 2 minutes, following a dentist's recommended method. We meticulously documented the process with before-and-after photos and sought the testers' input on how refreshed their mouths felt before revealing the results to obtain an unbiased perspective. A recent addition to our electric toothbrush testing regimen involves the use of a dental model. We concocted a mixture of pesto and coffee grounds, applied it to the model's teeth, and set a timer for one minute to gauge overall efficiency while attempting to brush away the debris. As you can see below, our subjective assessment often lined up with our plaque tests, but there was a little variation.
Cleaning
Product
Plaque Test
Subjective Assessment
Oral-B iO Series 9
9.5
9.5
Oral-B iO Series 10
9.5
9.5
Philips Sonicare ProtectiveClean 5100
9.0
9.0
Waterpik Complete Care 9.0
8.5
8.0
Oral-B Genius Pro 8000
8.0
8.0
Oral-B Genius X
8.0
8.0
Philips Sonicare 4100
8.0
7.5
Philips Sonicare DiamondClean Smart 9500
8.0
7.0
Quip Smart
7.0
7.0
Philips Sonicare ProtectiveClean 6100
7.0
7.0
Philips One
7.0
6.5
Aquasonic Black Series
7.0
6.0
Oral-B Pro 1000
7.0
6.0
Quip
6.0
6.5
Hum by Colgate Battery Powered
5.5
5.5
7AM2M Sonic
6.0
5.0
Oral-B 3D White Action
5.0
5.0
Colgate 360 Total Advanced Floss-Tip
4.5
4.0
Hum by Colgate
3.0
3.0
We test cleanliness on model teeth and real people, too.
Credit: Natalie Kafader
Demonstrating exceptional cleaning ability, the Oral-B iO Series 9, Oral-B iO Series 10, and the Philips Sonicare 5100 all excelled in clearing away plaque and efficiently removing the mixture of pesto and coffee grounds from the dental model within the allotted timeframe. With all three devices, our testers reported an exceptionally clean feeling, emphasizing the smoothness experienced after brushing away the plaque. These brushes stood out as the best and quickest for cleaning. The Philips Sonicare 4100 has the best value for cleaning ability.
The Philips Sonicare 4100 cleaned exceptionally well at a fraction of the price of the models that scored higher.
Credit: Natalie Kafader
While some outperformed others, none of the electric toothbrushes we tested fell too short in terms of cleaning. The Waterpik Complete Care 9.0 offered additional cleaning options like a water flosser. Despite being somewhat harsh on the testers' gums, this toothbrush excelled at cleaning. Not to be overlooked in this lineup, the Oral-B Genius Pro 8000 and Oral-B Genius X also cruised through the cleaning tests with ease, leaving very little noticeable plaque and effectively removing the mixture from the dental model.
This messy mixture of wet and dry coffee ground was no match for top performers like the Oral-B iO Series 9.
Credit: Natalie Kafader
Comfort
If your electric toothbrush lacks gentleness, it can lead to discomfort and reluctance to use it again, reducing the importance of its cleaning ability. This is precisely why comfort constitutes 30% of the final score. Individuals with sensitive teeth or gums should carefully consider the results here, as it can be the deciding factor for specific electric toothbrushes. Comfort in the context of an electric toothbrush extends beyond just the brushing action and softness of the bristles. Various factors, such as the noise level, the size of the brush head, and the presence of a pressure sensor to alert you if you're brushing too hard, can collectively influence overall comfort. Considering these aspects provides a more comprehensive understanding of the comfort level offered by an electric toothbrush. We tested all of this in a variety of ways, including utilizing all brushing modes on offer, as well as employing a decibel reader from 6 feet away and 3 inches away, respectively. As you can see in the chart below, many brushes excelled or performed poorly in just one or two tests. Click on the titles to isolate the tests that are most interesting to you.
Comfort
Product
Brushing
Noise
Sensitive Setting
Pressure Sensor
Oral-B iO Series 10
8.5
7
9
10
Oral-B iO Series 9
8.5
5
9
10
Philips Sonicare 4100
9.0
8
6
8
Philips Sonicare ProtectiveClean 5100
9.0
7
5
7
Philips Sonicare ProtectiveClean 6100
6.0
6
8
7
Philips One
10.0
10
3
2
Quip Smart
9.0
10
3
2
Quip
8.0
10
3
2
Aquasonic Black Series
8.0
5.5
7
2
Colgate 360 Total Advanced Floss-Tip
8.0
9
3
2
Hum by Colgate
6.5
7
6
2
Oral-B Genius Pro 8000
4.0
2
6
9
Philips Sonicare DiamondClean Smart 9500
7.0
4
3
7
Hum by Colgate Battery Powered
3.5
9
5
2
Oral-B Genius X
4.0
2
6
7
7AM2M Sonic
5.0
6
6
2
Waterpik Complete Care 9.0
6.0
7
1
2
Oral-B Pro 1000
4.0
4
1
5
Oral-B 3D White Action
5.0
5
1
2
The Oral-B iO Series 9 and Oral-B iO Series 10 excelled in providing optimal brushing comfort, primarily due to the inclusion of modes such as 'sensitive' and 'super sensitive', although none of the seven modes were uncomfortable. Additionally, both models feature a helpful pressure sensor that alerts you when brushing too aggressively. This is indicated by the color of the ring near the brush head, turning red if you're pressing down too hard. While they weren't the quietest in the group, they didn't produce an annoying or grating tone. The Series 9 was slightly louder (according to the decibel reader) than the Series 10 at 73 decibels 3 inches away versus the 62 decibels registered on the Series 10. In practice, we didn't find either of them excessively loud. Both models do tend to leak a mixture of saliva and toothpaste due to the holes in the brush head, and we think that takes away from their overall comfort level, but they still remain top performers.
The Colgate 360 Total Advanced Floss-Tip Battery Powered scored well on comfort, but lacked a lot of the features.
Credit: Natalie Kafader
The Philips One earned high marks for comfort during our testing. It particularly stood out for its gentle bristles and vibrations. Even on our extremely sensitive gums, these did not cause any aggravation or bleeding. The only things that kept this unit from being a top-scorer in this metric were its notable lack of a pressure sensor and modes for different vibration levels.
The Philips One is relatively quiet.
Credit: Natalie Kafader
Also providing a comfortable experience, we have the Philips Sonicare 5100 and Philips Sonicare 4100, both excelling in these tests by offering gentle modes and an overall pleasant brushing experience. These two models sounded better than just about any of the Oral-B devices, measuring at 67 and 58 decibels, respectively. The frequency produced a noticeable hum, but it wasn't annoying.
We measured decibels at both three inches and six feet. We feel the six-foot measurement is the most interesting as it is likely your partner who cares about the loudness of the toothbrush. Because ambient room noise is around 30-40 decibels, our lowest reading is “less than 40 decibels, ” which we give an asterisk below.
The Quip and Quip Smart also delivered top-notch brushing comfort. They stood out for exceptional quietness and didn't even register on our decibel reader, giving it a slight edge compared to other models. The Colgate 360 scored well in the comfort test, but it lacks a pressure sensor.
If you want the absolute quietest option, the Quip can't be topped.
Credit: Natalie Kafader
Ease of Use
Next, we evaluated and assigned scores based on the convenience and user-friendliness of each electric toothbrush — another crucial aspect. A product that proves cumbersome to use significantly diminishes the likelihood of correct usage, potentially discouraging you from forming a regular teeth-brushing routine. Accounting for 20% of the total score, we determined the number of modes each brush had, as well as how simple it was to switch between them. Additionally, we checked for the inclusion of extra brush head storage on the charging base or in the travel case. Finally, we verified if they had a two-minute timer.
Ease of Use
Product
Modes
Cleaning the Brush
Storage
Timer
Oral-B iO Series 10
10
6
9.5
10
Oral-B iO Series 9
10
6
7
9
Quip Smart
9
9
4
8
Oral-B Genius Pro 8000
8
5
10
7
Quip
9
9
4
8
Aquasonic Black Series
8.5
8
5
8
Philips Sonicare ProtectiveClean 5100
9
7
5
8
Hum by Colgate Battery Powered
9
8
5
7
Hum by Colgate
8
7
5
8
Waterpik Complete Care 9.0
8
6
5
8
Philips One
10
6
3
8
Oral-B Genius X
8
5
7
7
Philips Sonicare DiamondClean Smart 9500
8
5
5
8
Philips Sonicare 4100
9
8
1
8
Oral-B Pro 1000
9
7
1
7
Philips Sonicare ProtectiveClean 6100
5
5
5
8
7AM2M Sonic
7
7
1
8
Oral-B 3D White Action
10
4
1
1
Colgate 360 Total Advanced Floss-Tip
8
5
1
1
The Oral-B iO Series 9 and Oral-B iO Series 10 provide simplicity in operation and seamless mode-switching, facilitated by a dedicated button despite offering seven modes. Both models feature a digital screen that clearly indicates the active mode, and they conveniently remember the last used setting, eliminating the need to navigate to it each time you power them on. The real-time display of the two-minute timer on the handle adds a user-friendly touch, concluding with an enjoyable smiley face with star eyes once the countdown reaches zero. Both models also include a travel case that can hold extra brush heads. If desired, each electric toothbrush can be seamlessly paired with an app for more in-depth coverage of your brushing habits. The Achilles heel for these devices lies in their cleaning maintenance. Brushing can generate a bit of a mess, with toothpaste liquid running down the brush head and onto the handle. Despite this, it wasn't a deal-breaker for us due to their excellent performance in other tests.
Some electric toothbrushes have a designated app, which can enhance your routine.
Credit: Natalie Kafader
The humble Quip continues to prove itself here, thanks to the streamlined design and feature set. The responsive power button activates its singular mode. Accompanied by a plastic tube that doubles as a travel case, it conveniently attaches to the mirror when needed. The inclusion of a two-minute timer is the cherry on top, as it vibrates four times consecutively to signal the end of the countdown before shutting off. The Quip Smart also did well in the ease of use test. It's very water resistant, making cleaning the brush very manageable, and we didn't find ourselves accidentally pressing the on/off button while brushing (this can happen more easily than you would think). That said, we were disappointed that the “smart” app did not offer guided brushing.
The Philips Sonicare 5100 and Philips Sonicare 4100 keep up their stellar performances so far by testing well yet again. The 4100 is slightly easier to use because it only has one mode and one button to operate. The 5100 contains a slight edge here, as it comes with a travel case with storage for two brush heads. Not to be outdone, the Aquasonic Black Series was effortless to use thanks to the intuitive buttons and inclusion of a two-minute timer.
The Hum by Colgate was also very easy to use and our tester particularly appreciated the fun app which provided brushing guidance. It comes with three modes: Sensitive, Normal, and Deep Clean (which are essentially low, medium, and high and are all you really need).
The Hum by Colgate has a useful guided brushing app.
Credit: Natalie Kafader
To be fair, none of the toothbrushes we tested felt overly cumbersome, with most being simple and intuitive to operate. However, a select few models go the extra mile in delivering satisfying features, particularly in the realm of more luxurious options.
One button, one mode. The Quip keeps it simple.
Credit: Natalie Kafader
Finally, we measured handle weight. All the models we tested weigh less than a large smartphone, but if you are counting ounces when traveling or just appreciate a superlight toothbrush, we took these measurements for you.
Battery Life
To gauge battery life, we operated each electric toothbrush twice a day for two minutes each time, reflecting typical usage for most individuals. We view long battery life as a nice-to-have feature, so we gave this test a weighting of 10% of each brush's overall score.
The Quip can't be stopped, at least not until 170+ days have elapsed, thanks to the longevity provided by AAA batteries. The Quip Smart also lasted 170+ days, which is incredible for a rechargeable toothbrush. The Colgate 360 is a very simple toothbrush, but it had a great battery life and was still strong 170 days into testing.
The Philips One had a noticeably long battery life and lasted 87 days on a single charge. The battery indicator light flashes red when it's dead and blinks white while charging.
Battery life is indicated by the small green light on the Philips Sonicare ProtectiveClean 5100.
Credit: Natalie Kafader
How to Pick the Best Electric Toothbrush
Here are five important buying considerations to narrow down your next electric toothbrush purchase, including size, comfort, battery, features, and budget.
What Size Brush Should You Get?
Finding a toothbrush with the correct size brush head will improve cleaning and comfortability. Having too large of a brush can hinder the ability to reach back areas of the mouth and make cleaning difficult. It is too small, and it will take longer to cover all areas of the mouth. Consider your mouth size and the amount of heads included in a toothbrush to help find the right size.
Toothbrush heads come in a variety of different sizes and shapes to accommodate all mouths.
Credit: Genaveve Bradshaw
How Many Brushing Modes Do You Need?
Many toothbrushes offer the ability to change the brushing mode, which often includes your brush's speed, time, and motion. For those looking to tackle specific needs such as sensitive cleaning or tongue cleaning, a toothbrush with different settings may be worth it. For those who don't necessarily need different cleaning options, a simpler toothbrush will often be less expensive.
Is Battery Size Important?
Depending on your lifestyle and travel routines, having a toothbrush with powerful charging capabilities can be especially useful. Being away from a charger and finding your toothbrush out of battery is frustrating and can disrupt your ability to keep your teeth and mouth clean. For folks who frequently find themselves away from a charger or want to avoid traveling with one, it's worth considering shopping for a toothbrush with a longer battery life.
A nonintrusive charging station that can live next to your other bathroom essentials.
Credit: Natalie Kafader
What Features Do You Need?
Electric toothbrushes often come with a plethora of different settings and features to make cleaning that much easier. One especially handy feature is a thirty-second timer feature. This notifies you every thirty seconds when it's time to move to the next section of your mouth. Another useful feature is a pressure sensor that notifies you when applying too much pressure on your brush. Features such as the thirty-second reminder and pressure sensor can be nice to have or downright necessary depending on your brushing goals and routines. Consider your toothbrushing priorities and how applicable certain features will be for your teeth-cleaning goals.
Simple and clean looks, and streamlined features to match.
Credit: Natalie Kafader
Is Comfort Important?
Your toothbrush's ease of use and comfortableness can be especially important for those with health conditions, children, and the elderly. Comfort both within the mouth, and the ergonomics of the handle can vastly improve your brushing experience. Soft bristles and oscillating motions can provide a more comfortable brushing experience and help avoid irritating gums and enamel. Consider how sensitive your mouth is and if you have any concerns with holding certain toothbrush handles to help guide your decision.
Toothbrushing should be a pain-free, comfortable experience.
Credit: Natalie Kafader
Conclusion
It's been a long journey, but after months of testing, we hope you can further determine what your needs and priorities are regarding an electric toothbrush. Happy brushing!
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Genaveve Bradshaw, Mallory Paige, and Becca Glades
