Last Updated On November 16th, 2022
We’ve all heard the dentist’s advice to brush our teeth regularly to keep our pearly whites gleaming. However, what they don’t often tell you is how to buy the best electric toothbrush. With so many on the market, where most have super-duper “advanced functions”, it’s nearly impossible to decide which one to buy without doing hours of research.
Our goal is to simplify your life and do this process for you. We’ve already done all the research and checked out the leading models so we can bring you this list of electric toothbrush reviews. So read on to find the right one that will put that sparkle back into your smile!
Our Favourite Electric Toothbrushes Compared
Best Electric Toothbrush Reviews – Top 10 Picks
1. Oral-B Genius 8000 (Editor’s Choice)
This device provides you with versatile functions to ensure a whole mouth cleaning. It is recommended by dentists worldwide and ensures 100% coverage, so you won’t miss any spots.
Features
The Oral-B Genius 8000 Electric Toothbrush features five brushing modes: whitening, gum care, daily clean, pro clean, and sensitive options. It also has a two-minute pro-timer and is equipped with gum pressure control for enhanced protection and a visible alert when used too hard. The three unique round brushes facilitate healthier, cleaner teeth and help remove plaque that naturally develops along the gum line.
This product is available in black, silver, or rose gold colours. Each model comes with a carry case and a smartphone holder and contains a lithium-ion battery that lasts more than two weeks on a single charge. Lastly, a Smart Coaching app facilitated by a Bluetooth connection helps to give you a comprehensive and accommodating experience from start to finish.
- Excellent coverage for a whole mouth clean
- Distinctive round head improves plaque removal
- Gum pressure control
- Five brushing modes
- Three heads and a carry case included
- The app may not be very accurate
- Its larger heads could be inconvenient for smaller mouths
- The battery might not last as long as expected
2. Oral-B iO8 (Luxury Choice)
This product makes an outstanding choice if you are looking for an option that facilitates the best-ever cleaning. It promotes a gentle experience and a professional feeling for healthier gums in one week.
Features
The Oral-B iO8 Electric Toothbrush is built with revolutionary magnetic drive technology and app-connected artificial intelligence that guides you to ensure full coverage based on your brushing style. It is equipped with six smart modes, including Daily Clean, Gum Care, Sensitive, Super Sensitive, Intense Clean, and Whitening, for convenient customisation with each use.
It features gentle micro-vibrations and upgraded functions to enhance its overall performance. An interactive colour display indicates your current brushing mode and reminds you when it’s time to replace the brush. It also has a smart pressure sensor that recognises when you are brushing too hard, soft, or just right. The handle is available in white, violet, or black onyx colours and one round head is included. It also has a magnetic base for stability and a three-hour quick charge.
- Cutting-edge ability
- Multifaceted colour display
- Six cleaning modes
- Smart pressure sensor
- Fast three-hour charging
- The base may not be as stable as anticipated
- It may not have the softest grip
- There might not be a huge variation between functions
3. Oral-B Pro 1 600 (Best Value)
If you’re looking for an electric toothbrush that gets the job done, the Oral-B Pro 1 600 provides an outstanding experience without any unnecessary extras.
Features
Its three-dimensional action brush ensures you get a deep clean in between teeth and is up to 100% great at removing plaque. The round head makes all areas easy to reach and has oscillating, pulsating and rotative movement to ensure a deep and thorough clean. While there is only a single brush mode, which may be a drawback for some users, this option does feature a two-minute timer with quadrant timing to ensure that you spend the recommended amount of time you brush each section of your mouth.
This device comes complete with a charger, one handle, and a single brush head. It is compatible with all Oral-B brushes, so you’ll have plenty of choices when it comes to replacing the head. However, if you don’t already have an adaptor or a two-pin shaver socket at home, you will need to buy one to use with the two-point charger plug.
While this toothbrush holds its charge for around ten days with regular usage, it does take up to 24 hours for a complete charge. However, given its low price and excellent performance, this is the best cheap electric toothbrush we’ve come across.
- Up to 10 days of battery life
- A round head with oscillating, rotating and pulsating movement
- Two-minute timer with quadrant timing
- Compatible with all Oral-B dental brushes
- Includes one handle, a single brush head, and a charger
- A single brush mode
- Two-pin shaver plug
- Long recharge time – up to 24 hours
- No app connectivity
4. Oral-B Smart 4 4000N (Best for Plaque Removal)
The Oral-B Smart 4 4000N is possibly the best toothbrush for plaque removal as well as for ensuring a healthy, white smile. Complete with three brushing modes, this electric toothbrush also has Bluetooth connectivity.
Features
Connect your device to your smartphone and record your usage history in the Smart Coaching Oral-B app to get real-time oral health feedback. Other useful functions include a two-minute timer complete with quadrant timing, so you spend an appropriate amount of time on each part of your mouth, as well as a visible pressure sensor. Like many electric toothbrushes, this also only comes with a two-point shaver plug, so if you want to use your regular home three-point sockets you will need to buy an adaptor.
Aside from the long charging period and the somewhat temperamental nature of the Bluetooth connection, this toothbrush provides excellent results and its range of functions go a long way to encouraging you to brush more regularly and for a longer duration. A convenient charging stand, charger and two brushes are included.
- Three modes for your teeth
- Usage results with real-time feedback – Smart Coaching Oral-B App
- Two-minute timer with quadrant timing
- Visible pressure sensor
- Comes with a charging stand, charger and two brushes
- Two-pin charging plug
- Long charging period
- Temperamental Bluetooth connection
5. Oral-B Pro 2 2000N (Best for Deep Cleaning)
The Oral-B Pro 2 2000N CrossAction offers deep cleaning that is suitable for even the most sensitive teeth thanks to its two ways to brush – daily clean and sensitive brushing.
Features
The visible pressure sensor helps to protect your gums by letting you know when you’re applying too much tension. Moreover, the two-minute and quadrant timing ensures that you spend the recommended amount of time brushing each and every section of your mouth. The main advantage of the Oral-B Pro 2 2000 is its long battery life that can last for up to two weeks’ worth of brushing, so you won’t have to worry about frequently charging it up.
If this is your first rechargeable brush, you may find that you need to buy an adaptor as only a two-pin shaver-style plug is provided. While this device is extremely easy to use, its one-button design means that you may inadvertently find yourself switching to another mode while using it. Although this model is fairly noisy, it is nonetheless an excellent choice if you are looking for an electric toothbrush that will take care of your sensitive teeth and gums while providing excellent results for whiter, shinier teeth.
- Two modes: daily clean and sensitive
- The battery has a long-lasting life that lasts for up to two weeks
- Visible pressure sensor
- Two-minute and quadrant timing
- Comes with a charging stand, charger and a single brush head
- Two-pin shaver-style charger plug
- Fairly noisy
- No separate button for each mode
- No app connectivity
6. Philips Sonicare ProtectiveClean 4300 (Best with Two Intensities)
The Philips Sonicare ProtectiveClean 4300 is a great electric toothbrush which has plenty of useful functions. If you are looking for a simple-to-use, effective model, with excellent battery life, then this could be the one for you.
Features
Complete with two intensity settings, the ProtectiveClean 4300 also has a Smartimer function to make sure that you brush your teeth for the recommended two minutes. In addition to that, it also has a QuadPacer, ensuring that all areas of your mouth receive the correct amount of brushing time for a thorough, all-over clean. With its two-week long-lasting battery and included carry case, the 4300 is ideal for travelling as well as at home.
On the downside, the ProtectiveClean 4300 tends to be a fair bit louder than other electric toothbrushes. In line with many others, it comes with a two-pin charger which is ideal for hotels, but if you wish to use it with your standard three-point plug sockets, you will need an adaptor. For the price, you would expect it to have a replacement head to come as standard, but none are included. On the other hand, this model does come complete with a carry case.
- Two intensity settings
- QuadPacer and Smartimer functions
- BrushSync technology replacement head reminder
- Two-week long-lasting battery
- Comes with a carry case, charger and a single brush head
- The two-pin plug may need an adaptor
- No replacement heads included
- Very noisy
- No app connectivity
7. Philips Sonicare ProtectiveClean 6100 (Best Alert Features)
Our luxury option, the Philips Sonicare ProtectiveClean 6100, is arguably the best electric toothbrush for whitening, complete with two Optimal White Standard brush heads, specially designed for better results.
Features
This electric toothbrush has three ways to brush and three intensities for a truly personalised experience. Its 14-day long-lasting battery ensures that you won’t have to worry about forgetting to regularly charge it, while its handy BrushSync replacement indicator lets you know when you need a replacement head based on your individual usage. Other highlights include a pressure sensor and smart timing. It also has a QuadPacer which allows you to spend an adequate amount of time on each part of your mouth.
This set includes two Optimal White Standard brushes, a carry case and a charger. If you don’t have a two-point shaver charger at home, you will need to buy an adaptor to be able to charge it up. Unfortunately, the carry case is not of the greatest quality and does not close correctly, something which does not undermine this toothbrush’s excellent performance. However, if you do travel a lot, you may want to look at another model.
Also, it’s worth pointing out that when you use this device at its highest intensity, it can be very loud. However, all in all, it provides excellent, highly individualised usage and it is by far the best battery toothbrush.
- Three ways to brush and three intensities
- 14-day long-lasting battery
- BrushSync replacement head reminder
- Pressure sensor, QuadPacer and smart timing
- Comes with two brushes, a carry case and a charger
- Carry case does not close correctly
- Comes with a two-pin shaver plug charger
- Very noisy
- No app connectivity
8. Oral-B Pro 2 2500N (Best Bristle Design)
The Oral-B Pro 2 2500N is another worthy contender, thanks to its bristle design. Featuring pressure control technology and a cross-action round head, this rechargeable electric toothbrush will help you to achieve a sparkling smile.
Features
If you are looking for effective dental care without any fancy gimmicks, then this is the device to go for. However, it only comes with two brushing modes – daily clean and gum care. If this is not too restrictive for you, you’ll find that the other tried and tested Oral-B functions such as the two-minute timer, round head brush with 16-degree cross-cleaning bristles and pressure control alert all make this electric toothbrush an excellent choice.
On the downside, it does take a very long time to fully charge – up to 22 hours. Also, if you don’t have a two-pin shaver socket, then you will need an adapter to use it with your normal plug sockets. Complete with a carry case, charger and a single brush head, this electric brush is a great value, no-nonsense choice that will keep your teeth bright and white without weighing heavily on your wallet.
- Pressure control alert if you brush too hard
- Two-minute timer function
- Has a round head that oscillates, rotates and pulsates
- Cross-action cleaning – 16-degree angled bristles
- Comes with a carry case, charger and a single brush head
- Takes between 14-22 hours to fully charge
- May need an adapter for the charger – a two-pin shaver plug
- Only two modes
- No app connectivity
9. Philips Sonicare ProtectiveClean 5100 (Best Battery Life)
For those who prefer an electric toothbrush with long battery life, the Philips Sonicare ProtectiveClean 5100 won’t disappoint. Plus, its gentle but effective sonic power also makes it the best electric toothbrush for sensitive teeth and gums.
Features
Having three ways to brush, the 5100 works gently yet thoroughly at removing plaque situated along the gum line for a pain-free, sparkling-clean experience. Complete with Quadpacer and Smartimer, you’ll not only fulfil the recommended duration, but you’ll also know exactly how long to spend on each part of your mouth, ensuring an all-around brushing for impeccable results. The pressure sensor lets you know if you’re using it too much tension but be careful not to cover it with your hand while in use as it is easily obscured.
The ProtectiveClean 5100 also uses BrushSync technology so you know exactly when it’s time to replace your brush head based on your individual use. Thanks to its battery with long two-week life and included carry case, this electric toothbrush is great for travellers as well as home use.
However, the case itself is not that durable and the charger comes with a two-point shaver plug so you may need to buy an adaptor if you don’t already have one.
- Three ways to brush your teeth
- Quadpacer and Smartimer
- BrushSync – brush head replacement reminder
- Long two-week battery life
- Comes with a carry case, two brush heads and a charger
- Two-point shaver plug requires an adaptor
- Carry case little flimsy
- Can be difficult to see the pressure light when using
- No app connectivity
10. Oral-B Genius 9000 (Best Set)
The Oral-B Genius 9000 is a state-of-the-art, modern toothbrush. If you want a device that can show you where you’re not brushing enough, as well as where you need to apply less pressure then this is what you should get.
Features
Connect it to your smartphone via Bluetooth and you can see exactly where you need to make changes for an optimised personal dental program. Sensitive gums? No need to worry, with the combination of Gum Guard Technology, 360 SmartRing and a Pressure Control alert, you can improve your brushing style and help protect your gums.
The Genius 9000 has the longest-lasting batteries as it lasts for over two weeks off a full charge. It also comes with a USB charge carry case that can also be used to charge up your smartphone. Use the smartphone holder for a perfect view of your brushing coverage via the app. While all of this technology can be fantastic for some, if you don’t really think that you need all of the extras, you may be better off selecting a more basic model, especially if you already feel that your teeth are getting decent, all-around coverage.
Although the included carry case is extremely solid and useful, note that in order to charge via mains rather than a shaver plug, you will need an appropriate adaptor. Note that the carry case can be a bit bulky and it won’t fit in small or medium-sized toilet bags. All in all, a fantastic brush, but possibly a little over-complicated for some users.
- Six modes for your teeth
- Gum Guard Assistant shows you where you need to apply less pressure
- 100% brushing coverage with position detection
- Long-life battery lasts over two weeks long
- Comes with four brush heads, a USB carry case and a smartphone holder
- With app connectivity
- Large carry case may not fit in your toilet bag
- Will still need an adaptor to plug the carry case charger into a mains electric plug
- It may be a bit too gimmicky if you’re looking for something simple to use
Are Electric Toothbrushes Better Than Regular Ones?
A study published in the British research publication “The Cochrane Library” looked at 56 different studies of the effectiveness of electric vs. manual toothbrushes, and found that research subjects using the electric models averaged 21% less plaque and 11% less gum disease after a three-month period. So when the dentist nags you, he or she is absolutely right! Electric toothbrushes really do work better.
How To Choose The Best Electric Toothbrush
Below, we take a look at some of the most important things to look for when you compare electric toothbrushes.
1. Consider Brushing Timers
The Dentist’s Advice
The NHS and the British Dental Health Foundation, like every other major health and detail organisation in the Western world, strongly recommend that you brush your teeth for two minutes, twice a day.
How Electric Toothbrushes Help
That’s where an electric brush can make all the difference because any model worth considering has a two-minute timer. You can, of course, turn it off manually. But once you’re using it, it will run for the full two minutes before turning off automatically, making it a virtual certainty that you’ll use it for the amount of time that dentists say will do the most good.
2. Choose the Kind of Brush Action You Need
While all of the models we’ve looked at have timers, there are several areas where you’ll find major differences. The most important is the action of the brush.
The Difference Between Oscillating Action vs Sonic Action
There is research showing that oscillating brushes are a bit more effective than sonic ones, but the difference isn’t that huge. The more important factor is how it is used and which feel you prefer. You move sonic brushes back and forth through your mouth just like a manual, while you just have to place the oscillating brushes against each tooth while it does its work.
If you find the actual work of brushing tedious or annoying, you may appreciate the oscillating model makes life easier with every brush. It’s also a little easier to fit into tight spaces because the brush is smaller. On the other hand, if you are sensitive to noise, choose sonic ones as they tend to be quieter.
a. Oscillating or Rotating Action
The majority of models have rotating or oscillating brushes which do exactly what their name says – they rotate at very high speeds as they contact the teeth.
b. Sonic Action
The other option is a sonic brush which vibrates back and forth at a much higher speed than an oscillating one, emitting sonic waves which supposedly extend beyond the bristles to reach areas you can’t hit with a normal brush.
We say “supposedly” because sonic models were originally sold with the boast that the high-frequency waves actually “knock” plaque right off of teeth. That doesn’t happen, although there are a few studies that claim the waves may kill some bacteria that you can’t fight by having a brush.
3. Requiring Specific Advanced Functions
Similar to other handy electronic devices like electric shavers, hair straighteners, laser hair removal kits and water flossers, electric toothbrushes also have several advanced functions. You’ll find that the more expensive the model, the more “advanced functions” it will have. Some of them are of questionable value, although you may find a few useful.
a. A Variety of Cleaning Modes
Higher-priced ones often offer different ways to brush, meaning they can be set to move at different speeds or in different patterns. These allegedly allow you to vary your regimen to improve your oral health and get at all the build-up out, but there’s not much evidence that it will make much of a difference.
This feature comes in handiest for those with sensitive teeth because they can select a slower speed and those with major issues will find that a deep clean mode helps them with removing plaque with ease.
b. Availability of Quadrant Timers and Pressure Sensors
Two other common options are “quadrant timers” that beep every 30 seconds so you can move the brush to a different part of your mouth and pressure sensors which beep when you’re using it too hard.
Quadrant timers are unlikely to help you unless you’ve been told by your dentist that you’re brushing unevenly. On the other hand, pressure sensors require so much pressure to trigger the alarm that it’s not particularly useful.
c. Inclusion of UV Sanitizers
Some models include UV sanitisers which are said to “de-germ” the brush. There’s some evidence that they work but they aren’t necessary for oral health.
Get Ready to Flash the World with Your Killer Smile
Each of the electric toothbrush reviews we have seen would be a great choice to keep your mouth healthy, but our overall winner is the Oral-B Genius 8000 Electric Toothbrush. It is approved by dentists worldwide and provides excellent coverage for a whole mouth clean.
It features five versatile cleaning modes, gum pressure control, and a two-minute pro timer. Moreover, it utilises a Smart Coaching app to help ensure you get the best results each time. In addition to the handle, it comes with a carry case, a smartphone holder, and three unique round heads for effective plaque removal. Conveniently, the lithium-ion battery also provides you with long-lasting performance and can last for more than two weeks on a single charge.