The 6 Best Electric Toothbrushes of 2023, Tested by Health

Our Testing Process

The Health team tested 13 electric toothbrushes in our testing Lab. Before the initial lab test, each tester consumed sticky foods like dried mango, gummy candy, and caramels.

Under the supervision of Marc Schlenoff, DDS, FAGD, our testers used each toothbrush for a two-minute brushing session, after which they evaluated how effective each brush was at removing food and how clean their teeth felt after brushing.

For advice on choosing a toothbrush for sensitive teeth, we spoke to Melissa Seibert, DDS, CEO of the Dental Digest Institute.

We also evaluated the toothbrushes based on the following attributes: ease of setup and use, functionality, technology, and overall quality, and narrowed down our list from there. Our testers looked specifically for timing and brushing cues, as well as app functionality.

After the lab tests were complete, we took the top models home for long-term testing. In the coming weeks and months, we'll provide insights on attributes like battery performance, feature functionality, and ease of use over time.

What to Know About Electric Toothbrushes

Technology & Features

The technology & features vary from brush to brush, and often indicative of the price point. While more inexpensive models may have one brushing mode and a two-minute timer, higher-end models can be outfitted with everything from facial recognition to pressure sensors and Bluetooth connectivity.

• Built-in timers: This is one of the more basic features on an electric toothbrush. Most on this list have two-minute timers, many with notifications at 20- or 30-second intervals to guide you as you brush your teeth.
• Brushing modes: According to Dr. Schlenoff, who joined our testers in the lab, a good electric toothbrush will do all the work for you. The sonic vibrations and pulsating movements of the brush head move quickly to remove plaque and debris to clean teeth—all you need to do is place the brush against your gum line and move it around your mouth. To do this effectively, you really only need one brushing mode, but some of the more advanced models offer multiple brushing modes with different intensities. The biggest differentiators will be faster and slower vibrations. The brush manufacturer may label these different modes with words like "whitening" or "gum health". Dr. Schlenoff says this is marketing. The right mode will all come down to your personal preference.
• Scrubbing and pressure sensors: To get an effective clean, you only need to place the brush against your gum line—you shouldn't apply any pressure to the brush and you don't need to scrub your teeth. Electric toothbrushes with pressure sensors will monitor how much pressure you apply and alert you to ease up. The ones with scrubbing sensors will do the same if they notice you're scrubbing your teeth too much. This will help protect your enamel and gums. Don't worry, your teeth and gums will get perfectly clean without any of that pressure.
• Bluetooth connectivity and apps: Smart toothbrushes will pair with a companion app to track and store data on your brushing habits. With some of these models, like the Oral-B Genius 9600 Electric Toothbrush and Philips Sonicare Prestige 9900, you'll be able to see how thoroughly you cleaned all of your teeth, how much time you spent in the different quadrants of your mouth, as well as if and when you applied too much pressure or scrubbed too hard. The apps may even give you helpful tips and recommendations to improve your brushing routine. And for many, you can use the apps to change the various settings (such as brushing modes and timer lengths).
• Brush head replacement indicators: You're supposed to change your brush heads every three months. Some of the more advanced toothbrushes will have replacement reminders and indicators—either on the brush handle or on an accompanying app.

Battery Life

All of the electric toothbrushes on our list are rechargeable and come with charging cords. It's common for electric toothbrushes to last for two to three weeks on a single charge.

Lifetime Costs

You're supposed to change your toothbrush every three months. When it comes to electric toothbrushes, that means changing your brush head every three months. Most electric toothbrushes come with at least one brush head (but the Phylian Sonic Electric Toothbrush and AquaSonic Vibe Series Ultra Whitening Toothbrush both come with a whopping eight brush heads!). Replacements vary in price by brand and can be as inexpensive as $1-2 per brush head or as pricey as $15 or more per brush head.

Accessories

While accessories are not necessary, having them can save you money and improve your overall experience. For example, 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 that allow you to take your toothbrush with you wherever you go. Some of the toothbrushes on our list have travel cases that can charge your toothbrush (and even your phone). Whether your toothbrush includes these accessories likely comes down to the brand and how much you're paying.

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 at Amazon: While the brush delivers a good clean, it only has one mode and no timer.
• Philips Sonicare DiamondClean Electric Toothbrush at Amazon: The brush has four different modes and is easy to use, but it doesn't have a pressure sensor and the app is finicky with 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 at Amazon: While a nice-looking toothbrush, the toothbrush does not do a good job at cleaning teeth and the charging cord is too short, which makes the charging and setup process difficult.

Your Questions, Answered

How often should brush heads be changed?

Experts recommend changing your brush heads every three to four months. That's because bristles start to wear out and become more abrasive on your gums.

How do you pick an electric toothbrush for 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 also recommends using a toothpaste or fluoride or one that has been formulated for sensitive teeth.

How much should you expect to pay for an electric toothbrush?

The price range for electric toothbrushes varies wildly, so what you decide to spend should be based on the features you're looking for and your budget. You can score a basic, no-frills model like our best budget pick, the Phylian Sonic, for less than $20. If you're looking for bells and whistles, you can invest hundreds of dollars in a model like the Oral-B Genius 9600, which has app connectivity for real-time feedback and a premium travel case that charges the toothbrush and your phone. 

Is an electric toothbrush better than a manual toothbrush?

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.

Who We Are

Receiving her master's degree in public health in 2020, Kayla Hui is a seasoned public health practitioner and health journalist. 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.