What to Buy Oral & Dental Products The 4 Best Sonicare Toothbrushes of 2023, Tested and Reviewed Read this before investing in a Philipsâ Sonicare toothbrush By Jack Byram Jack Byram Jack Byram is a freelance writer who has written numerous articles over the last five years about all things self improvement. He has interviewed medical doctors, chiropractors and other experts to guide his research into recommending the best products. health's editorial guidelines Updated on August 6, 2023 Medically reviewed by Edmund Khoo, DDS Medically reviewed by Edmund Khoo, DDS Edmund Khoo, DDS, is an orthodontist and clinical associate professor at the New York University College of Dentistry. learn more Fact checked by Richard Scherr Fact checked by Richard Scherr Rich Scherr is an updates strategist and fact checker for Dotdash Meredith brands, including Health and Verywell. He is a seasoned financial and technology journalist who served as editor-in-chief of the Potomac Tech Wire for nearly two decades, and is a regular contributor to the sports pages of The Baltimore Sun. He has also been a news editor for America Online and has contributed to the Associated Press and The Washington Post. health's fact checking process In This Article Expand Jump to a Section Our top picks Reviews Our Testing Process What to Know How Much Can You Expect to Pay More to Consider" Your Questions, Answered Who We Are We independently evaluate all recommended products and services. If you click on links we provide, we may receive compensation. Learn more. Health / Tamara Staples If you feel like youâre doing everything to keep your teeth in top shape but arenât getting stellar marks from your dentist, it may be worth investing in a better toothbrush. With proper attention to detail, a standard toothbrush provides adequate cleaning, but an electric brush can provide more oomph to your twice-daily routine. Philips Sonicare is a high-end brand that is known for its well-designed toothbrushes, so it's a solid option to check out. According to Lisa Creaven, a Galway-based dentist and co-founder of Spotlight Oral Care, it's surprisingly hard to properly brush your teeth. A Sonicare toothbrush can be a good way to clean hard-to-reach areas without over-brushing and damaging your gums. Ada S. Cooper, DDS, a spokesperson for the ADA, adds that a good electric toothbrush can also be useful for people who struggle with dexterity issues, such as arthritis. In order to find the best Philips Sonicare toothbrushes, we researched and tested six of the brandâs products. We paid attention to details (like the comfort of the handle in our hands), and followed a uniform brushing process across all products. From there, we noted how clean our teeth felt and how effectively the brush cleaned the spaces between our teeth. We also tracked details such as whether or not the toothbrushes included timers, how loud they were, and how easy the buttons were to access. From there, we chose the ones we think are a worthy investment. An orthodontist from our Medical Expert Board has also reviewed the content in this article for medical and scientific accuracy. Our Top Picks Best Overall: Philips Sonicare ProtectiveClean Electric Toothbrush at Amazon Jump to Review Best Budget: Philips Sonicare 4100 Electric Toothbrush at Amazon Jump to Review Best for a Deep Clean: Philips Electric Toothbrush at Amazon Jump to Review Best with App: Philips Sonicare DiamondClean Smart Toothbrush at Amazon Jump to Review Best Overall Philips Sonicare ProtectiveClean 6100 Rechargeable Electric Toothbrush 4.8 Philips View On Amazon View On Target View On Walmart Why We Like It Multiple modes enable you to personalize your brushing experience at a reasonable price. Itâs Worth Noting This option does not include a replacement head. The combination of features and the reasonable price point help to solidify Philipsâ Sonicare ProtectiveClean 6100 as our best overall pick. It features three modes: clean, whitening, and gum care. The clean mode is ideal for a standard cleaning process, while the whitening mode is focused on removing stains. With gum care mode, the toothbrush provides an extra minute of cleaning at a lower power to enable you to massage your gums. In testing, we found this option to be a great choice for anyone who has sensitive gums. Other features that help to elevate this option include head recognition. When you put a different style of head on the base, it will automatically adjust and select the proper intensity. Additionally, if you apply too much pressure, a gentle pulsing sound will alert you so that you donât damage your teeth and gums. This toothbrush excelled in testing, and we loved that it features multiple intensity choices at a fraction of the price of competitors. Itâs worth noting that it only comes with one head. Price at time of publication: $130 Product Details: Features: Pressure sensor, three intensity modes, multiple head compatibility, alerts when itâs time to change headsWhatâs Included: One head, handle, travel case, chargerBattery Life: Up to two weeksModes: Clean, whitening, gum care Health / Tamara Staples Health / Tamara Staples Health / Tamara Staples Health / Vicky Wasik Health / Vicky Wasik Health / Vicky Wasik Best Budget Philips Sonicare 4100 Electric Toothbrush 4.6 Amazon View On Amazon View On Target View On Target Why We Like It The two-minute timer helps to ensure that you sufficiently clean your teeth. Itâs Worth Noting The price doesnât include a replacement head. We found the Philips Sonicare 4100 Series to offer an excellent clean without breaking the bank. Itâs more compact than other choices, so it wonât take up much space on the sink. Additionally, we found in testing that it cleans well while requiring minimal effort. This option includes fewer bells and whistles than more pricey ones. Youâll get two intensity settings and a two-minute timer with 30-second pulses to alert you to move on to the other sections of your mouth. It also includes Sonicareâs pressure sensor and a replacement reminder. The battery lasts 14 days which, combined with the more compact design, makes the toothbrush a great choice for taking on the go. It also provides 31,000 brush strokes per minute for proper cleaning to remove plaque. While simpler and more affordable than other brushes on our list, we did feel in testing that the toothbrush should include an additional head for the price. It also doesnât come with a wall adapter. Price at time of publication: $50 Product Details: Features: Two intensity settings, pressure sensor, head replacement reminder, smart timerWhatâs Included: One head, handle, USB chargerBattery Life: 14 daysModes: Low and high intensity Health / Vicky Wasik Health / Vicky Wasik Health / Tamara Staples Health / Tamara Staples Best for a Deep Clean Philips Sonicare ExpertClean 7300 Electric Toothbrush 4.8 Philips View On Amazon View On Target View On Walgreens Why We Like It Soft bristles contour around your teeth to provide an unparalleled clean. Itâs Worth Noting Itâs noisier than other choices on our list. In testing, we found the ExpertClean 7300 to provide an incredibly thorough cleaning, but not at the expense of protecting people with sensitive teeth and gums. The C3 Premium Plaque Control Head has soft bristles that are able to contour around your teeth for added surface contact, enabling you to remove plaque from even the toughest-to-reach spots. The head also features targeted gumline bristles to aid in keeping your gums healthy and inflammation free. Soft bristles come recommended by Dr. Cooper, who tells us that harsher ones can damage your gums and enamel. Like other Sonicare products, this toothbrush features smart sensors to tell you if youâre applying too much pressure. It also links with the Sonicare app to provide you with personalized progress reports. It comes with three modes of cleaning: clean, gum health, and deep clean. For the lazy brusher, we found the two-minute timer helped ensure proper cleaning. Keep in mind, one mild drawback we found during our testing was that the toothbrush is a bit noisier than other choices available. Price at time of publication: $170 Product Details: Features: Three intensity settings, Bluetooth, head replacement reminder, timerWhatâs Included: Two heads, handle, travel case, chargerBattery Life: 14 daysModes: Clean, gum health, deep clean Health / Tamara Staples Health / Tamara Staples Best with App Philips Sonicare DiamondClean Smart Toothbrush Amazon View On Amazon View On Target View On Walgreens Why We Like It The app tells you exactly which areas you missed and how you can improve. Itâs Worth Noting The handle is cumbersome and larger than others. With access to Sonicareâs app, which tells you where you missed when brushing and also offers progress reports and coaching, the DiamondClean Smart 9300 is a great choice for anyone looking to use data to improve their oral care routine. In testing, we found it ideal for someone who is serious about caring for their teeth, tongue, and gums. The toothbrush provides excellent features even if you donât use the app. It has four modes with three different intensities. You can choose between clean, white, gum health, and deep clean. It also comes with three different heads: the premium plaque control head, premium white brush head, and premium gum health brush head. These options allow you to tailor the experience to your particular needs. The DiamondClean Smart 9300 also features brush head recognition, so it will sync to the optimal mode when you switch heads. Lastly, we appreciate that this option has a two-year limited warranty. During our testing, we did find this toothbrush to be a bit cumbersome to hold compared to other choices. Additionally, if you are someone that doesnât want to be inundated with data, this wonât be right for you. Price at time of publication: $230 Product Details: Features: Bluetooth app connectivity, smart sensor technology, smart timer, pressure feedback, three intensities, timerWhatâs Included: Handle, three heads, charging glass, travel caseBattery Life: 14 daysModes: Clean, white, gum health, deep clean Our Testing Process To find the best Sonicare toothbrushes, we spoke with experts to understand the benefits of Sonicare toothbrushes and how they can be implemented into a proper dental hygiene routine. Experts we spoke with include: Lisa Creaven, Galway-based dentist, co-founder of Made By Dentists Lilya Horowitz, DDS, FAGD, founder at Domino Dental Ada S. Cooper, DDS, ADA Spokesperson Marc Schlenoff, DDS, FAGD, Dentist and VP of Clinical Development at Tend Based on their recommendations, we selected our products and conducted extensive testing. When we received each toothbrush, we first noted if it came pre-charged or required a charge, while also paying attention to how easy the handle was to hold and where the controls were located. We followed a uniform brushing pattern and used the same technique with each toothbrush, beginning with the back molars and making sure not to scrub, but instead allow the toothbrush to do the work. From there, we noted how the cleaning experience went, paying attention to how clean our teeth felt and whether or not we were alerted after two minutes of brushing. We also noted the noise level of each toothbrush we tested. What to Know About Sonicare Toothbrushes When it comes to features that are important in a toothbrush, Creaven tells us you should consider vibrations per minute, a lengthy battery life to accommodate travel, and a smaller head to be able to reach all of the areas of your mouth. Other features that Sonicare products feature include: Built-in Timers Each of the products on our list includes a timer that is designed to stop the toothbrush after two minutes of consecutive brushing, with a pacer that will alert you every 30 seconds so you can move to another area of your mouth. Two minutes is not an arbitrary number, Dr. Cooper says. Most dentists recommend that same length as a good amount of time to thoroughly clean your teeth. Even the most affordable option on our list, the 4100 series includes a timer feature. Notifications Dr. Cooper notes that a worn-out toothbrush wonât clean your teeth as well, and tells us that replacing it three or four times per year will be ideal. Fortunately, with all of the Sonicare products on our list, you will be alerted with a symbol that lights up to let you know that it is time to replace the head on your toothbrush. Brushing Modes Most of the Sonicare options on our list feature different modes to either accommodate different mouth sensitivities or to specialize the brushing experience for something more specific. For example, the ProtectiveClean 6100 enables you to choose between a cleaning, whitening, or gum care setting, while the DiamondClean 9300 features an additional setting for deeper cleaning. Dr. Horowitz likes Sonicare toothbrushes for this reason, as it allows the user to choose the proper setting for their particular teeth and gum sensitivity. Pressure Sensors Pressure sensors are another feature that comes with Sonicare products. If you apply too much pressure to your teeth, a pulsing sound will let you know, and the toothbrush will automatically lower the vibrations to avoid damaging your gums. Creaven notes this feature is important since overbrushing can result in gum sensitivity and recession. Bluetooth Connectivity While not all of the Sonicare toothbrushes on our list feature Bluetooth connectivity, a handful doâspecifically, the DiamondClean Smart 9300 and the Philips Sonicare ExpertClean 7300. The DiamondClean Smart 9300 app will highlight areas you missed so you can more thoroughly brush. With the ExpertClean 7300, app connectivity provides progress reports showing how much your brushing habits have improved. Battery Life Creaven notes that battery life is an important feature to look for in an electric toothbrush. A long-lasting battery will accommodate flexibility and enable you to take it on the go without having to sacrifice your hygiene habits. All of the Sonicare products on our list have at least a two-week battery life. Accessories Each of the toothbrushes on our list comes with a head, body, and charger. Additional features that some include are a travel case, which you can expect with the ProtectiveClean 6100, the ExpertClean 7300, and the DiamondClean Smart 9300. Some options also come with multiple heads. For example, the ExpertClean 7300 comes with a replacement head, while the DiamondClean Smart 9300 comes with a plaque control brush head, a white brush head, and a gum health brush head. Keep in mind, not all heads are compatible with all models, so be sure to read the specific compatibility for your brush before purchasing replacement heads. How Much Can You Expect to Pay for a Sonicare Toothbrush? Sonicare toothbrushes fall within a wide range of prices, costing as little as $40 and as much as $380. On average, Sonicare toothbrushes fall between the $100 to $200 range. Deciding which is the best for you comes down to your individual needs and preferences. If youâre looking for more features, like Bluetooth connectivity and added modes, then you may want to invest more money. However, the cheaper options still provide an excellent clean, as well as added features like timers. More Sonicare Toothbrushes to Consider In addition to the four products that we recommended, we tested two other Sonicare toothbrushes that didnât end up making our list for a few reasons, but we still think they are worth a mention. Sonicare 9900 Prestige Power Toothbrush: While this option does offer excellent cleaning abilities to get between every crevice of your teeth and also provides access to the Sonicare app, we felt that it was a bit too expensive. We also thought it could be slightly more intuitive and easier to connect to the app. Philips One by Sonicare Power Toothbrush: We found this option to be a good starting point for someone who is new to the world of electric toothbrushes. It doesnât include any of the bells and whistles that other options on our list do, and it is more affordably priced. It does have features like a built-in timer and 13,000 micro-vibrations per minute, but we felt it still could provide more. Your Questions, Answered Are Sonicare toothbrushes really worth it? According to Dr. Horowitz, the answer to this is a resounding yes! She notes the products are worthwhile because of their effectiveness and product integrity. However, she adds that like any other dental product, they will only be successful if paired with good overall oral hygiene and dental visits. Dr. Horowitz tells us that the multiple setting options help to make Sonicare toothbrushes good at removing plaque. In the long term, this is important as plaque buildup can lead to cavities, tartar buildup, and inflammatory periodontal disease. Creaven says she recommends Sonicare toothbrushes to her patients because they provide better cleanings. Although many people worry that the deeper cleaning capabilities will be too harsh on peopleâs gums, she tells us that Sonicare toothbrushes are actually gentle on your gums. She finds them to be particularly useful for people with dental work such as implants and veneers. In terms of data, studies have found sonic toothbrushes to have a lower gingival index, which is a scale that grades gingival health. Can you use a Sonicare charger with other toothbrushes? No. Philips Sonicare chargers are designed to be used with Philips Sonicare products. However, there is some overlap between the brandâs toothbrushes, and some of their products can be interchanged with other product chargers. Note that the DiamondClean Series and Prestige cannot be charged with the standard charger. Do Sonicare toothbrushes remove more plaque than Oral-B? Dr. Horowitz says this depends on the person. Sonicare toothbrushes feature more settings, which enables them to reach harder spots. Creaven tells us both products work well to remove plaque, but she recommends Sonicare toothbrushes if a patient is concerned about sensitivity or weak gums. Who We Are Jack Byram is a freelance writer who covers all things health and wellness related. He has written published works for numerous outlets and has interviewed dozens of experts. As a health fanatic, he is always researching and trying new products to upgrade his teeth care regimen. Was this page helpful? Thanks for your feedback! Tell us why! Other Submit 2 Sources 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. Holt R, Roberts G, Scully C. Dental damage, sequelae, and prevention. West J Med. 2001 Apr;174(4):288-90. doi:10.1136/ewjm.174.4.288 Mensi M, Scotti E, Sordillo A, Brognoli V, Dominici MP, Calza S. Efficacy of sonic versus manual toothbrushing after professional mechanical plaque removal: A 6-month randomized clinical trial. Int J Dent Hyg. 2021 Nov;19(4):366-375. doi:10.1111/idh.12541