Best Electric Toothbrushes of 2023 – CNET

$50 at Amazon

Oral-B Pro 1000 brush

Best overall electric toothbrush

Oral-B Pro 1000

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$329 at Walmart

Sonicare Brush

Best high-end electric toothbrush

Philips Sonicare 9900 Prestige

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$40 at Walmart

Philips One Rechargeable Brush

Best affordable electric toothbrush

Philips One Rechargeable by Sonicare

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Best electric toothbrush for kids

Oral-B Kid’s Color Changing Electric Toothbrush

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The American Dental Association recommends that everyone brush their teeth twice a day for 2 minutes each time. Though a regular toothbrush can certainly get the job done, an electric toothbrush makes it easier to get a good brushing. According to dentist Dr. Jennifer Silver, “Electric toothbrushes, particularly those with rotating or oscillating blades, can offer some benefits. They can aid in proper scrubbing technique, reach hard-to-reach areas and provide controlled, consistent movements.” 

$1 at Amazon

Best overall electric toothbrush

Oral-B Pro 1000

Oral-B Pro 1000 brush Oral-B Pro 1000 brush

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Oral-B iO Series Brush Oral-B iO Series Brush

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$3 at Walmart

Best high-end electric toothbrush

Philips Sonicare 9900 Prestige

Sonicare Brush Sonicare Brush

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$0 at Amazon

Best battery-powered electric toothbrush

Hum by Colgate

hum smart electric toothbrush hum smart electric toothbrush

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$0 at Walmart

Best affordable electric toothbrush

Philips One Rechargeable by Sonicare

Philips One Rechargeable Brush Philips One Rechargeable Brush

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$0 at Amazon

Best electric toothbrush for kids

Oral-B Kid’s Color Changing Electric Toothbrush

Oral-B Kid's Electric Toothbrush Oral-B Kid's Electric Toothbrush

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For ages 3 and up, the Philips Sonicare for Kids is just as great as Philips’ other Sonicare models. The electric brush has two different modes and a brush timer and comes in two different colors. Plus, each box contains stickers to decorate the handle. It functions very similarly to the Oral-B Kid’s Electric Toothbrush, though the brush head vibrates instead of oscillating.  

I did notice that the handle is heavier and about an inch longer than that of the Oral-B Kid’s Color Changing toothbrush. The brush head is a smaller version of the Philips Sonicare Prestige but is still almost three times longer than the Oral-B Kid’s brush head. However, what makes the Sonicare for Kids brush unique is that it has bluetooth capabilities that connect to a smartphone app. I think the app is one of the best — it has educational videos and a tracking system that parents can use to see their kids’ brushing behavior.

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The Quip brush head is very close to the size of a manual toothbrush head. The Quip is simple in every aspect: it has one speed and a 2-minute timer that buzzes every 30 seconds and turns off once time is up. That’s it. There’s no app, chargers or wires. This electric toothbrush is powered by an AAA battery located in the handle and the charge lasts three months.

I gave the Hum by Colgate the "best battery-powered electric toothbrush" title and not the Quip, because I didn’t like the brush head of the toothbrush. Yes, it’s similar to a manual toothbrush but I found it hard to use to reach around my mouth. I also noticed that Quip’s motor isn’t very powerful compared with models from Sonicare or Oral-B. To me, it felt just like a manual clean. While I didn’t like that, many people may. And if you’re looking for a smart electric toothbrush without Bluetooth or an app, the Quip may be the one.

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Quip toothbrushes are sleek and small, making them great for travel.

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Quip toothbrushes are sleek and small, making them great for travel.

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quip-toothbrush quip-toothbrush

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The CariPro is a good brush, it just didn’t compare to the others on this list. The brush head vibrates and the top and bottom of the brush flare outward. 

My gums and teeth felt sensitive after using the CariPro, but I do tend to experience dental sensitivity. It is hard to say if it was due to the brush bristles or the way the brush head flared out. If you have sensitive gums, note that the brush has five settings and one of which is a sensitive one. There’s some good in this, though: I feel like the CariPro did a good job of cleaning my mouth. 

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The Y-Brush turned heads and piqued interest at CES in 2017 and continued to come back to CES year after year. The strange, Y-shaped brush claims that it can brush all of your teeth in just 10 seconds. After applying toothpaste directly on the brush, the entire Y-Brush goes into your mouth. You then must bite down and press the button to activate the gentle vibrations. After five seconds, you can move to your lower set of teeth.&nbsp;

I not only found that the Y-Brush didn’t clean my teeth but the vibrations hurt my head. It was an uncomfortable experience that left my teeth just coated in toothpaste. However, the concept of this brush is fun and interesting. It might be for you if you are tired of ordinary electric toothbrushes.&nbsp;

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Y-Brush from France Y-Brush from France

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My experience with the Oral-B Pro 500 Precision Clean brush compared with some others in the same price range. It has one cleaning mode and the brush head oscillates and rotates on a 2-minute timer. The brush alerts you when you are finished. This simple Oral-B brush is basic and doesn’t have any special technology or paired apps.

However, out of all the Oral-B brushes I tested with rotating spin heads, I liked this one the least. It wasn’t as powerful as the others and after a few uses, I found myself wondering if I needed a new brush head. I think this brush is perfect for someone testing out an electric toothbrush for the first time. It is simple and very reasonably priced. I, personally, would choose the Oral-B Pro 1000, but this Pro 500 is a good budget option. 

CNET/Caroline Igo

personally tested each electric toothbrush on this list and compared each against one another. During each trial period, I took into account design, functionality, price, brush size, travel ability, speed settings, modes and available technology. Overall, my experience brushing with each toothbrush once in the morning and once at night for as long as a week determined what products made this list.

When looking for the best electric toothbrush, you’ll want to consider a few factors.

Cost

First things first. What’s your toothbrush budget? On the lower end, you can get a cheap electric toothbrush for $20 to $50, but it won’t have certain features such as a lithium-ion battery or a sensor. 

A higher-ticket toothbrush in the $100-to-$200 range may have more features that may be worth it, but Dr. Yazdani suggests, “Pay more attention to the size and the type of bristles.” He adds, “More expensive does not always mean more efficient cleaning, as there are many affordable options that can do the job.”

Capabilities

What do you need the toothbrush to do? Maybe you just need one mode for cleaning a little deeper than you can with a manual toothbrush.

  • Timer: If you need help brushing for the dentist-recommended two minutes, it’s a good idea to select a toothbrush with a built-in smart timer. It may buzz or stop brushing all together after two minutes. 
  • Intensity levels: If you have sensitive teeth or sensitive gums, consider looking at the types of brush heads you can get for your electric toothbrush. Some models, like those from Oral-B or Sonicare, offer many different types of brush heads for different needs, such as brush heads for whitening, gum care and cleaning around braces. Some toothbrush heads have silicone bristles. It’s all about your preference.
  • Smart features: If you want a toothbrush that does more than just clean your mouth on one setting, look for a toothbrush with multiple smart features. The Oral-B iO series, for example, has five brush modes: daily clean, intense clean, whitening, sensitive and super sensitive. That brush also pairs with an interactive app that helps you track how much of your mouth you’re cleaning. If you want to easily track your oral hygiene habits, go for a Bluetooth-enabled toothbrush with an app.
  • Pressure sensors: If you have a habit of brushing your teeth a little too hard, it’s smart to find an electric toothbrush with pressure sensors. Froum says, “One of the more important features for an electric brush is a
    pressure sensor that will shut the brush off if the person is brushing too hard.” It may buzz or turn red if you press too hard, and this can help you learn and keep from harming your teeth and gums. 

ADA seal of acceptance

If a toothbrush is ADA-accepted, this means the dental product is safe, effective and of high quality. The Oral-B Pro 1000 and Oral-B iO Series from this list are both ADA-accepted. 

Convenience 

Are you going to remember to replace your brush heads when it’s time? If not, maybe a subscription-based electric toothbrush is right for you. And don’t forget to look into how long a toothbrush holds its charge — the last thing you want is for your toothbrush to be dead when you’re trying to get ready for bed. Then you’d wish you had a regular toothbrush. Electric toothbrush vs. manual

The ADA also says that both electric and manual toothbrushes effectively remove plaque, however there are key differences. 

Electric toothbrush

Pros:

  • The elderly, children, or people with dexterity impairments or disabilities may find it easier to use.
  • Can be better at hitting hard-to-reach spots. 
  • Built-in pressure sensors alert you when you’re brushing too hard.

Cons:

  • More expensive
  • Require batteries or charging 

Manual toothbrush

Pros:

  • Relatively cost-effective
  • Very easy to find

Cons:

  • You can brush too hard, damaging your teeth’s enamel. 
  • Easy to miss spots in your mouth.
  • You can brush for less than two minutes if not paying attention. 

Both electric and manual toothbrushes help you clean your teeth, avoid gingivitis and improve gum health. Regardless of which brush you choose, don’t forget to floss before brushing your teeth. “If you are unsure about the best option for your at-home oral health routine, consider consulting your dentist for advice,” says Dr. Yazdani.

Caring for an electric toothbrush is different from caring for a manual one. Though both brushes require you to rinse off the head after each use, the head of electric toothbrushes should be detached and cleaned separately. Wipe it down and then wipe off the handle. Put the head back on the body of the brush and let it dry. Also store your electric toothbrush standing up straight — this way it can dry between uses. Periodontist Scott H. Froum says, “storage of the device in a non-wet or humid environment is important.” A bathroom cabinet is a good place. 

Dr. Silver also reminds patients, “Periodically, the toothbrush handle should be cleaned.” However, one should be careful: “Avoid exposing or submerging the [entire] toothbrush [handle] in water, as it can damage the internal components,” she adds. Lastly, and most importantly, replace your electric brush head every three months. However, replace it earlier if the bristles are fading or fraying. 

What is the best electric toothbrush?

The best electric toothbrush on this list is the Oral-B Pro 1000. It’s cost effective, ADA accepted, has a pressure sensor and alerts on brush time. However, the best electric toothbrush is one that works best for you. Consider cost, pressure sensors, smart features, intensity levels and ADA seal of acceptance.

If you have sensitive gums, look for an electric toothbrush that has a gentle setting, like the Quip or CariPro. If you’re looking for a deep clean, a spinning electric toothbrush head, like that found on the Oral-B, may be for you. Consult your dentist if you have questions about which type may be right. 

Is it OK to use an electric toothbrush every day?

Yes. However, make sure you’re using it correctly. If you brush your teeth with too much pressure, you run the risk of damaging your enamel or gums. 

How much should I spend on an electric toothbrush?

Electric toothbrushes can be expensive. A quality, budget electric toothbrush can cost you anywhere from $25 to $40. However, if you are looking for a high-end electric toothbrush with all of the recent technology, you can expect to pay anywhere from $150 to $300. 

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