Philips Sonicare 9900 Prestige
Best high-end electric toothbrush
Hum by Colgate
Best battery-powered electric toothbrush
Philips One Rechargeable by Sonicare
Best affordable electric toothbrush
The American Dental Association recommends that everyone brush their teeth twice a day for two 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.”
Dr. Shahrooz Yazdani, CEO of Costello Family Dentistry, agrees. He says, “Electric toothbrushes are often deemed more effective because the motorized component can help bristles reach deeper gum pockets in the mouth more effectively.” While manual brushes can still be effective, “people will often not use the proper techniques when brushing, or they do not brush for long enough, making their oral health routine less efficient,” he adds. An electric toothbrush can help.
To support you in finding the right one, I rounded up and tested some of the best electric toothbrush options on the market right now.
The Oral-B Pro 100 tops our list because of its competitive price and special features. Keep reading to find out my other picks for best toothbrushes.
How we chose the best electric toothbrush
I 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.
Best electric toothbrush of 2023
Battery Life 2 weeks; rechargeableModes 1Sensors PressureAlerts Brush timerCost of Replacement Heads $16.50 for a pack of 3
The Oral-B Pro 1000 electric toothbrush is a powerful and functional product with a lower price tag that really stands out. It has just one daily cleaning mode and a 2-minute timer that signals you to move mouth quadrants every 30 seconds.
I tested the Oral-B Pro 1000 for a week, and it was my favorite product due to its simplicity and impressive cleaning abilities. I hardly had to scrub or brush my teeth on my own, the fast spinning bristles did most of the work for me. It easily gilded it across my teeth. The smaller brush head also helped me to get those hard-to-reach places.
While it is not as high-tech as the Philips Sonicare or iO Series, it gets the job done. Its brush head was the only one I tested that actually spun, mimicking a powerful dentist’s tool. On top of that, the Oral-B Pro 1000 is ADA accepted.
The Oral-B Pro has the most affordable brush head replacements on this list.
Battery Life 2 weeks; rechargeableModes 5Sensors PressureAlerts Brush timer, low battery, head replacementCost of Replacement Heads $37.50 for a pack of 2
The Oral-B iO electric toothbrush wooed us at CES 2020 with its smart pressure sensor and LED indicator lights, magnetic drive, 3D teeth tracking and mouth quadrant sensors. All that combined with the Oral-B app experience truly levels up the definition of a smart brush.
This Oral-B electric toothbrush is similar to other Oral-B brushes, except the bristles on this brush felt softer than the Oral-B Pro 1000. That’s a big bonus for anyone with sensitive gums, as is the real-time coaching that tells you if you’re brushing too hard. The Oral-B iO also has a quieter motor compared with the Pro 1000.
The display offers an impressive amount of information. Based on the lit up icon, you can easily tell what mode you’re brushing in. The iO has five brush modes, where most electric toothbrushes seem to have three or four. You can choose from daily clean, intense clean, whitening, sensitive and super sensitive.
At about $120 (and more if you opt for a more recent series such as the iO Series 9 or Series 8), this high-end offering from Oral-B probably isn’t in the budget for most people. However, those who value technology will love the Oral-B iO Series.
The Oral-B iO Series is also ADA accepted.
Battery Life 2+ weeks; rechargeableModes 3Sensors Pressure, scrubbing, positionAlerts Brush timer, pressure, brush head replacement, battery lifeCost of Replacement Heads $32.96 for a pack of 2
The Philips Sonicare 9900 Prestige is a lifesaver if you have sensitive gums like me. I sometimes brush too hard, and the Philips Sonicare buzzed and lit up when I pressed down too hard with the toothbrush — a gentle nudge to let me know to lighten the pressure. The brush also automatically adjusts intensity if you’re pushing too hard.
The Philips Sonicare 9900 Prestige has three different intensity modes and an app that shows your coverage. Similar to the app with the Oral-B iO Series, the display on your phone shows a 3D scan of your mouth and highlights the areas you are missing. The Sonicare app also guides you while brushing, keeps track of your data, how much you are scrubbing (a big no-no with electric toothbrushes) and the pressure you are applying.
Another great feature of this brush is the reminders. If you have trouble remembering when to replace your brush heads, Philips’ BrushSync technology will tell you how long you’ve been using your brush head and how hard you’ve been brushing, two key factors in brush replacement and cleaning performance. A light on the handle will blink and the Sonic toothbrush will beep, letting you know it’s time to order a new one.
In the great Sonicare vs. Oral-B debate, it is hard to say which brand is better. The main difference between the two is the brush heads. Sonicare brushes, as with the Philips Sonicare 9900 Prestige, are larger and mimic manual brush heads. Oral-B brushes have smaller, round brush heads that often spin. Sonicare brushes are known for the way they vibrate instead of rotating.
The Philips Sonicare 9900 Prestige is the most advantaged electric toothbrush out there. However, if this brush isn’t in your budget but you still want Bluetooth capabilities, the Oral-B iO Series might work best for you.
Battery Life 10 days; rechargable, AAA batteriesModes 3Sensors DirectionAlerts Brush timer, brush head replacement (in app)Cost of Replacement Heads $9.50 for a pack of 2
The Hum by Colgate won me over because it’s smart but not too smart. This brush has three modes — normal, sensitive and deep clean — and it buzzes every 30 seconds to let you know when to move on to another quadrant of your mouth. The charger is small and easy to travel with, as is the carrying case, which fits two brush heads. Also, you can opt for a rechargeable brush if you get tired of replacing batteries.
One of the best features this brush has to offer is the guided brushing feature within the app, which tells you how good (or bad) a job you’re doing. It can be discouraging when your app tells you that you missed 20% of your mouth, but it offers encouragement and reminds you that you can earn rewards for brushing better. It might sound silly, but the experience really did make me want to brush better.
You can also choose to brush offline if you just want to brush and move on. You can also save your data in the Apple Health app, which is a bonus for iOS users.
Battery Life 30 days; rechargeableModes 1Sensors PressureAlerts Brush timerCost of Replacement Heads $9.96 for pack of 2
I found the Philips One Rechargeable to be the gentlest of all the brushes on this list, yet I still felt like my teeth were thoroughly cleaned with each use. I liked how small and lightweight it was.
The brush head is slimmer than the Philips Sonicare brush but still similar to a manual toothbrush. The bristles are soft and flexible and the handle is small and light — the perfect fit for the palm of your hand. It only has one cleaning mode and a 2-minute timer that turns off the brush once you reach that mark.
The case it comes with is also one of the best parts of this brush. To store it, just flip the brush with its head down and pop into the case. The top flap closes and it is ready to go. I traveled with this brush on more than one occasion, and I specifically chose this brush to go with me due to its sleek design, quiet motor and the ease of slipping it into my bag.
I thought the Philips One electric toothbrush gave a deep, thorough cleaning without making my teeth or gums feel sensitive (which is a big deal for me) and all at a great price.
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.
Care and maintenance of electric toothbrushes
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.
How to choose an electric toothbrush
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.
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 FAQs
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.
Which electric toothbrush brand is the best?
The best electric toothbrush brand on this list is Oral-B. We found the Oral-B Pro 1000 to be the best overall electric toothbrush and we named the Oral-B iO best smart electric toothbrush. However, we also included the Philips Sonicare 9900 Prestige and Philips One on the list. Both brands are very reputable. The best electric toothbrush brand is going to be the one that makes a brush that works best for you.
Which type of electric toothbrush is best?
The best type of electric toothbrush is the one that works best for you. If you have sensitive gums, look for an electric toothbrush that has a gentle setting, like the Quip or CariPro. You can also look for an electric toothbrush with multiple power settings and choose a level comfortable for you. If you are looking for a deep clean, a spinning electric toothbrush head, like Oral-B, may be for you. Consult your dentist if you have questions about which type may be right for you.
Is it OK to use an electric toothbrush everyday?
Yes, it is OK to use an electric toothbrush everyday. However, make sure you are 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.
Source: CNET
