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The 6 Best Electric Toothbrushes of 2024, Tested by Editors

Our favorites are easy to use, clean thoroughly, and have great accessories

Assortment of the best electric toothbrushes we recommend on a wooden surface

Health

Electric toothbrushes use rotating movements, oscillating technology, or sonic vibrations to help remove bacteria, plaque, and food debris. While a manual toothbrush can do the job, many of our favorite electric toothbrushes have features—from pressure sensors to facial recognition—that deliver real-time feedback and provide guidance as you brush. Research shows that people who use an electric toothbrush may have healthier gums and experience less tooth decay over time.

To find the best electric toothbrush for maintaining oral health, we spent over two years testing 40 models under the supervision of a dentist, evaluating each one for ease of use, functionality, and overall value. An orthodontist on our Medical Expert Board also reviewed this article for medical and scientific accuracy.

Our Favorite Electric Toothbrushes

How to Shop for Electric Toothbrushes

  • Built-in timers: This is one of the more basic features of an electric toothbrush. Most on this list have two-minute timers, many with 20- or 30-second notifications to guide you as you brush your teeth.
  • Brushing modes: Most toothbrushes have one mode, but some offer multiple modes with different intensities. These modes are labeled "whitening" or "gum health" but are just marketing terms. The speed of vibrations differentiates these modes.
  • Scrubbing and pressure sensors: Electric toothbrushes with pressure or scrubbing sensors monitor and alert you to ease up, protecting your enamel and gums.
  • Bluetooth connectivity and apps: Smart toothbrushes can sync with a companion app to track brushing habits. You can monitor cleaning effectiveness, brushing time, and pressure and receive tips to enhance your routine. You can adjust settings on the app for some models.
  • Brush head replacement indicators: Experts recommend changing your toothbrush head every three months. Some toothbrushes remind you when it's time. Electric toothbrushes come with at least one head, and replacements vary in price from $1-2 to $15 or more.
  • Battery Life: All of the electric toothbrushes on our list are rechargeable and come with charging cords. They typically last two to three weeks on a single charge.
  • Accessories: Some electric toothbrushes come with a charging stand, which can give your toothbrush extra fuel to last several days and even weeks between charges. Others come with travel cases allowing you to take your toothbrush wherever you go.

The Editor's Take


As the Senior Editor for Health, I’ve tested multiple electric toothbrushes over the past two years. I struggle with receding gums and sensitive teeth, so besides trying out toothbrushes to recommend to readers, I also want to make sure I’m using the best electric toothbrush for my needs.


I use the Philips Sonicare ProtectiveClean 6100 Rechargeable Electric Power Toothbrush. Although every dentist I’ve talked to said that choosing an electric toothbrush is a personal preference, I’ve found that Sonicare toothbrushes thoroughly clean my mouth while protecting my sensitive teeth and gums. 


I also like that it has multiple cleaning modes, alerts me if I’m brushing too hard, and has a built-in timer. I prefer my electric toothbrush to manual options, so I even purchased this case to continue using it even when traveling.


Jessica Wozinsky Fleming, Senior Editor

Why We Like It

The Oral-B iO Series 10 is a great choice for those seeking an advanced electric toothbrush option featuring seven cleaning modes, real-time coverage, pressure monitoring, and a built-in timer right on the smart charger. While comprehensive, the numerous features and beeps of the pre-charged device required a manual read and app download. The package included three identical brush heads, a smart charger, and a travel case.

The toothbrush’s handle felt just right, and the small, round brush head was a refreshing change, allowing for better access to tight spots and crevices. The multiple settings and extra features (like the tongue cleaner) offered a diverse brushing experience. While navigating these settings might require more effort than some would prefer, it's a great addition for tech or oral care enthusiasts. Post-brushing, teeth felt plaque-free, although the taste was less minty, likely due to the smaller brush head.

After a two-minute brushing, the screen and its smiley face added a fun, rewarding element to the routine. While the $400 price tag felt steep, the toothbrush impressed with its advanced features, catering to varied oral care needs.

It's Worth Noting

  • Surprisingly it lacks a protective cover for the brush head.

Product Details

  • Features: AI technology, Bluetooth-enabled, intuitive app with real-time brush tracking, built-in timer, pressure sensor, multiple settings, tongue cleaner
  • Includes: Handle, charger, travel case, 4 brush heads

Why We Like It

Starting with an affordable price tag, the Voom Sonic Pro 5 Rechargeable Electronic Toothbrush offers more features and effectiveness than expected. We found the setup of the Voom Sonic Pro 5 Rechargeable Electronic Toothbrush to be remarkably easy and intuitive. While most settings were self-explanatory, we referred to the manual to grasp each function thoroughly. The handle was the perfect width, offering comfortable handling. Although the brush head seemed initially small, it worked well, and switching between settings was simple despite occasional accidental changes.

A notable feature was the timer—a 2-minute timer with 30-second intervals for each teeth quadrant, a significant aid. The toothbrush offers five settings catering to different needs, although it lacks a battery life indicator and a built-in sensor. Despite the absence of some features, the 2-minute timer with quadrant alerts stood out, leaving our teeth exceptionally clean, reminiscent of a post-dental cleaning appointment. We highly recommend this toothbrush for lazy brushers, those with sensitive teeth, and individuals aiming to whiten their teeth and remove stains.

It's Worth Noting

  • The absence of a battery life indicator or built-in sensor makes monitoring the remaining battery life challenging.

Product Details:

  • Features: Built-in timer, 5 speeds
  • Includes: 2 brush heads, USB charge cord

Why We Like It

The Oral-B iO Series 8 Electric Toothbrush, with its compact design and travel-friendly features, is an excellent companion for on-the-go dental care.

The toothbrush is beautiful visually, with a handle that's just the right thickness, making it easy to travel with and display. While the spin speed was fast and caused a bit of a mess, maneuvering it in the mouth was simple. The toothbrush head is relatively small, requiring a pause to switch settings during brushing. Cleaning was easy, though toothpaste residue stuck to the dark purple brush.

The toothbrush's functionality impressed us, especially the AI integration with the app for precise brushing tracking and a helpful red blink when brushing too hard. The app gamified the experience, providing scores and tracking results. Battery life was conveniently displayed, and the Bluetooth and WiFi features were surprisingly effective, although setting up an Oral B account was a minor annoyance. The sensor indicating excessive pressure was an eye-opener.

Our teeth felt wonderfully clean, so we converted to using electric toothbrushes. Despite the relatively high cost, the investment seemed worthwhile considering its daily use and impact on dental health. This toothbrush is excellent for those who brush aggressively, offering useful alerts and callouts.

It's Worth Noting

  • The Oral-B iO Series 8 Electric Toothbrush setup can be a bit frustrating, as it requires downloading an app, which feels like an extra step. However, the setup instructions were clear and easy to follow.

Product Details:

  • Features: Smart pressure sensor, Interactive color display, AI recognition, 6 smart modes
  • Includes: 3 brush heads, charging stand, travel case
Oral-B iO Series 8 in travel case on marble counter near charger and replacement brush heads

Health

Why We Like It

The ProtectiveClean 6100 toothbrush stands as a testament to Sonicare's excellence, surpassing even the fanciest Sonicares with its multiple settings—clean, whiten, and gum—three intensity levels, and superior performance.

Setting it up was a breeze and highly intuitive; no manual consultation was needed. One button was for the setting, another was to power it on, and adjusting intensity mid-brush was easy. The handle design, reminiscent of our older Sonicare, made maneuvering easy. The brush head size was perfect, offering comfort and efficient coverage.

The timer worked well, though switching settings mid-brush could be smoother. Battery life impressed us—charged once, and it's been over a month with a single charge. We appreciate the absence of Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, or an app—it keeps brushing simple and effective.

Post-brushing, our teeth felt exceptionally clean, akin to a dental visit. Given the brand's reputation and the toothbrush's settings and intensities, this toothbrush is a great fit for those looking for a thorough and effective clean.

It's Worth Noting

  • Changing settings mid-brush requires stopping the brush, interrupting the flow of the brushing experience.

Product Details:

  • Features: Built-in timer, Pressure sensor, Brush head reminder
  • Includes: Charging stand, 1 brush head

Why We Like It

The Oral-B iO Series 5 toothbrush is an excellent choice for sensitive teeth, thanks to its specialized sensitivity modes and gentle brushing experience. The toothbrush offers multiple settings (sensitive, extra sensitive, intense, polish) and various intensity levels. Initially, we thought the toothbrush might be too thin, but it was just right for reaching all areas comfortably, and the brush head size suited our needs.

We found the setup of the Oral-B iO Series 5 toothbrush to be straightforward, but understanding the light-up buttons required reading the instructions, especially for first-time electric toothbrush users. The built-in timer with 30-second alerts and a 2-minute indicator worked well, though the toothbrush didn't auto-stop at 2 minutes as expected. The battery life indicator and pressure sensor were valuable features. The toothbrush can connect to a Bluetooth app, providing extra functionalities like a timer, ring color customization, and an AI display to monitor brushing.

Our teeth felt exceptionally clean after using this toothbrush, especially when reaching tricky spots effortlessly. Considering its features and being priced below average, it's a good deal, despite lacking an automatic 2-minute shut-off feature. This toothbrush is ideal for individuals who tend to over or underbrush and those with sensitive teeth or inconsistent brushing pressure.

It's Worth Noting

  • The color "white" on the ring, indicating gentler pressure, is actually blue, potentially causing confusion or misunderstanding for users.

Product Details:

  • Features: Pressure sensor, Timer, Bluetooth
  • Includes: Charger, 1 brush head, Travel case,
Oral-B iO Series 5 in open travel case on marble counter next to charger

Health

Why We Like It

The Waterpik Complete Care 9.0 stands out as a perfect choice for those looking for an efficient and easy-to-use water flosser. It ensures a thorough and refreshing clean for your oral hygiene routine. The water flosser was a pleasant surprise, making flossing easier to remember and effectively removing food particles.

We found the Waterpik Complete Care 9.0 toothbrush and water flosser combo easy to set up, even without instructions. The package included all the necessary pieces and even four extra toothbrush heads, a helpful touch. The toothbrush handle and head size were just right, and the tongue cleaner on the brush head was a welcome feature. Switching between settings during brushing was seamless with conveniently placed buttons.

The 2-minute timer and 3 brush settings (clean, whiten, massage) were straightforward to use, and the 10 water pressure settings for the flosser catered to individual needs. The battery indicator and the toothbrush stand's charging convenience were notable. However, we missed a pressure alert feature for excessive brushing force. Though lacking Wi-Fi or an app, the device provided an efficient and quick routine, leaving our teeth feeling clean and gums refreshed.

Considering the fair price, especially in comparison to similar products without the water flosser, we believed it offered great value. It's particularly beneficial for those with sensitive gums or gaps between their teeth. Despite its loud noise when in use, the Waterpik Complete Care 9.0 is a compelling choice, with minor improvements such as quieter operation and more effective tongue cleaning nubs to enhance the experience.

It's Worth Noting

  • One downside of the Waterpik Complete Care 9.0 is its noisy operation, especially during the use of the water flosser, which might be bothersome for others nearby.

Product Details:

  • Features: Triple Sonic toothbrush, Water flosser with 10 settings 
  • Includes: 5 water flosser tips, 2 brush heads, toothbrush travel case, tip storage case

Our Testing Process

To date, we've tested over 40 electric toothbrushes to find the best ones on the market, doing three distinct tests with Oral-B, Sonicare, and a broader range of brands, including Quip, Waterpik, Colgate, and more. Since we started testing electric toothbrushes, we've spent over 3,472 hours brushing our teeth with electric toothbrushes in the Lab (under the expert guidance of Dr. Marc Schlenoff, Vice President of Clinical Development at Tend) and at home. This is what we look for when we're testing each electric toothbrush.

  • Ease of Use: From the moment we opened the box, we noted how easy the toothbrushes were to set up and whether the settings were intuitive to use. Products with simpler assembly and out-of-the-box operation scored higher than more complicated models.
  • Design & Comfort: We paid close attention to the ease of holding and maneuvering the toothbrush around our mouths. We carefully observed the size of the brush heads and how well they fit into all the crevices of our teeth and gums. We also took note of the level of comfort, and whether the brush heads were too stiff and firm or not.
  • Features: We tested all the settings to evaluate their usefulness and whether they enhanced or detracted from the brushing experience. We used the built-in timers, assessed battery life indicators, and evaluated any additional features the toothbrush came with, such as chargers, travel cases, stands, or extra brush heads. If the toothbrush had an app, we logged in, used it, and rated its ease of use.
  • Effectiveness: We assessed how clean our mouths and teeth felt after each brushing session. In addition to regular twice-a-day brushing, we also brushed with these toothbrushes after eating sticky foods like dried mangoes and caramels to really test how well they could clean. If our teeth weren't cleaned after brushing, the toothbrush wasn't doing its job.
  • Value: To determine the overall value, we compared the price of each toothbrush against its features.

Our Experts

Our team of dental professionals has guided us through researching and testing the best electric toothbrushes. They each bring specialized knowledge and experience to provide reliable recommendations for your oral health routine.

  • Melissa Seibert, DDS, CEO of the Dental Digest Institute
  • Marc Schlenoff, DDS, FAGD, Vice President of Clinical Development at Tend

Electric vs. Manual Toothbrushes

According to Dr. Schlenoff, if used properly, both manual and electric toothbrushes can be effective. He says it's really a matter of personal preference. While they can both do a good job cleaning your teeth, an electric toothbrush comes with smart technology like pressure sensors, facial recognition, and brushing timers. If those features are appealing to you, you may prefer an electric toothbrush.

Electric Toothbrushes and Sensitive Teeth

If you suffer from sensitive teeth or gums, look for toothbrushes that have a sensitivity setting, according to Melissa Seibert, DDS, CEO of the Dental Digest Institute. Some electric toothbrushes have AI technology or pressure sensors that teach you how to brush the right amount and apply the right amount of pressure, says Dr. Seibert. "Brushes with oscillating-rotating technology are a very effective mechanism for delivering a safe, but effective clean," she adds.

To further accommodate sensitive mouths, you can also look for soft or gentle brush heads. Dr. Seibert recommends using toothpaste, fluoride, or one formulated for sensitive teeth.

More Electric Toothbrushes to Consider

We also tested these toothbrushes but ultimately decided not to include them in our list above. They fell short in our test when it came to technology, features, and functionality:

  • Oral-B Pro 1000 CrossAction Electric Toothbrush: While the brush delivers a good clean, it only has one mode and no timer.
  • Philips Sonicare DiamondClean Electric Toothbrush: The brush has four different modes and is easy to use, but it doesn't have a pressure sensor, and the app is finicky when logging.
  • quip Adult Smart Electric Toothbrush: This toothbrush is simple and easy to use, but it doesn't have any unique features like sensors.
  • Foreo Issa 3: While a nice-looking toothbrush, it does not do a good job cleaning teeth, and the charging cord is too short, making the charging and setup process difficult.

Who We Are

Receiving her master's degree in public health in 2020, Kayla Hui is a seasoned public health practitioner and writer for Health.com. She has interviewed dozens of experts, reviewed numerous research studies, and tested a plethora of products to deliver well-researched product reviews and roundups. Her goal is to help readers make more informed decisions about their health and well-being.

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1 Source
Health.com uses only high-quality sources, including peer-reviewed studies, to support the facts within our articles. Read our editorial process to learn more about how we fact-check and keep our content accurate, reliable, and trustworthy.
  1. 41.Pitchika V, Pink C, Völzke H, Welk A, Kocher T, Holtfreter B. Long-term impact of powered toothbrush on oral health: 11-year cohort study. J Clin Periodontol. Published online May 22, 2019:jcpe.13126. doi:10.1111/jcpe.13126

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