11 Best Electric Toothbrushes for a Deeper, Brighter Clean
Plaque doesn’t stand a chance against these top-tested electric toothbrushes.
Expert consulted: Sabina WizemannBeauty Lab Director
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Electric toothbrushes can help make brushing more effective and even enjoyable thanks to features like built-in timers, pressure sensors, and multiple cleaning modes. While some use rotating brush heads for a targeted clean, others rely on sonic vibrations to help remove plaque and debris along the gumline. With so many options available at different price points, finding the right one comes down to your brushing habits, sensitivity level, and personal preferences.
Our top picks
- Best Overall: Oral-B Pro1000 Rechargeable Electric Toothbrush
- Best Value: Philips Sonicare 4100
- Best for Kids: SuperMouth Smile Sidekick Sonic Mouthbrush
- Most Popular on Amazon: Aquasonic Black Series
- Best Battery Powered: Colgate Total Battery Powered Toothbrush
To find the best electric toothbrushes, the Good Housekeeping Institute Beauty & Personal Care Lab tested more than 20 models for cleaning performance, battery life, ease of use, noise level, and special features, while also gathering feedback from dentists and consumer testers. Whether you’re looking for a high-tech smart toothbrush or a more affordable option that still delivers a thorough clean, these top-tested picks can help upgrade your daily routine.
Best Deal
Pros
- Top-tested performance
- Easy to use the three different cleaning modes
- Gentle on teeth and gums
- Lightweight
- Budget-friendly, but still high quality
Cons
- Residue can build up on charging base
Beauty Lab notes: This brush is best for anyone looking for a basic but effective electric toothbrush that will deliver a solid clean without any fancy bells and whistles. Our Beauty Lab pros gave it a perfect score for effectively cleaning teeth and a nearly perfect score when compared to a professional teeth cleaning. Our experts were also impressed by the ease of use, its rotating head for plaque removal, a pressure sensor to prevent over-brushing, and a two-minute timer. Plus, the cost is lower than comparable options.
Tester feedback: "This Oral-B brush has the perfect little angled brush that gets in between my teeth and gets all the plaque and food out that is hard to get with a traditional toothbrush," said one tester. Consumer testers also liked its lightweight, user-friendly design (although there is only one cleaning mode and no adjustable speed), though we noticed it was noisier than other models and had some residue on the charging base after extended use.
App integration: This toothbrush offers great value, but it lacks some of the advanced features found in pricier models, like app connectivity.
Cleaning performance: 4.9/5
RELATED: Oral-B vs. Sonicare Review: Who Makes the Better Electric Toothbrush?
Pros
- Inexpensive
- Slim, lightweight design
- Two brush intensities
Cons
- Lower performance scores than other Sonicare toothbrushes
Beauty Lab notes: We love that the Sonicare 4100 offers all of the brand's must-have features at a great price, including a two-minute timer, pressure sensor, and two intensity settings, which are especially helpful for sensitive gums or teeth. In our tests, it received nearly perfect scores for its ease of use, durability, and quietness. It has a lightweight design and a compact USB-A charger for easy storage. Its performance scores were slightly lower than premium Sonicare models, but you can get it for an eighth of the cost. Plus, you can get compatible replacement heads starting at $10 for packs of four, so you can swap the bristles more frequently for less money than other options, which is ideal for someone who brushes with tons of pressure or gets sick often (ahem, kids and teens).
Tester feedback: Many of our consumer testers felt it thoroughly cleaned their teeth. “I felt like I got a great clean each time with minimal effort,” said one tester. Another appreciated the brush head’s design: “The compact head fits farther back and reaches all around the back teeth better than a manual toothbrush.”
App integration: There is no app or connectivity for this toothbrush.
Cleaning performance: 4.5/5
Pros
- Fun designs
- Three brushing modes
- GH Parenting Awards winner
- Plays music to engage kids in teeth brushing
Cons
- Not available via many major retailers
Beauty Lab notes: SuperMouth, a Good Housekeeping Parenting Awards winner, makes oral care fun for kids with superhero—and supervillain—themed toothbrushes that are exciting for children. Our pros in the Parenting Lab were impressed by the three speeds and intensities (light clean, super clean, and massage) and the gentle bristles that are soft on young gums, which means brushing will be a more comfortable experience for kids. Plus, the music will keep kids brushing for longer. Overall, this toothbrush has too strong settings for very young children, but is an ideal electric toothbrush for kids ages 6 and up.
Tester feedback: Our parent testers loved that these brushes made teeth-brushing exciting for their kids, with one mom sharing, "My son now runs to the bathroom to brush his teeth." Other parent testers raved about the toothbrush's interactivity with their children: "It plays songs for her to brush her teeth to, it looks like a dragon that holds a flosser and tongue scraper, and has a cap to keep the toothbrush covered," one said.
App integration: While the toothbrush itself will not connect to the SuperMouth app, it does bring the SuperHeroes and SuperVillains of the SuperMouth world to life with Augmented Reality. We think this app is a suitable way to engage with the character on their toothbrush and make brushing feel like an exciting adventure.
Cleaning performance: 4.7/5
Pros
- Much more affordable than many premium electric toothbrushes
- Includes eight replacement brush heads and a travel case for added value
- Four brushing modes make it possible to customize your routine
- Slim, lightweight design is easy to maneuver and travel with
Cons
- Lacks advanced smart features like app connectivity
- No visible pressure sensor to alert overly hard brushing
Beauty Lab Notes: This ADA-accepted sleek sonic toothbrush delivers several premium features you’d expect from pricier models, but without the price tag. GH Institute analysts were impressed by its powerful 40,000 vibrations per minute motor to help remove plaque, polish away surface stains, and leave teeth feeling clean.
The brush includes four cleaning modes (Clean, Soft, Whiten, and Massage), a built-in two-minute timer with 30-second pacing alerts, and eight replacement brush heads, which can last up to two years. Testers praise its strong value, lightweight design, and travel-friendly extras like the included hard-shell case and wireless charging base. While it skips some premium features like a pressure sensor, experts say it performs impressively well for the price, making it a great pick for anyone upgrading from a manual brush or shopping on a budget.
Feedback: Online reviewers liked the brush for leaving teeth feeling noticeably smooth and clean after brushing. They also enjoyed using the slim, lightweight handle and appreciated the customizable settings, though some noted the intense sonic vibrations can take time to get used to.
App Integration: There is no app or connectivity for this toothbrush.
Cleaning Performance: N/A
Pros
- Easy to set up, control, and use generally
- Cleans teeth well
- Quiet
Cons
- Hard to reach the back molars
Beauty Lab notes: The Lab loved that this brush provides a good balance of price, performance, and convenience for everyday users. It received consistently high scores across setup, cleaning, design, battery life, and user-friendliness.
Tester feedback: Our testers valued its space-saving design, ease of operation, and the cleaning experience, although a few noted that the brush head may be slightly bulky for back molars. "It's so easy to set up and use," one said, while another shared that "the head had soft, dense bristles that I felt got into all the crevices."
App integration: There is no app or connectivity for this toothbrush.
Cleaning performance: 4.74/5
Pros
- Perfect performance scores in Lab tests
- Multiple brushing modes and intensity levels allow for a customized experience
- Companion app offers real-time feedback and brushing insights
- Sleek, lightweight handle is comfortable to hold and maneuver
Cons
- More expensive than many basic electric toothbrushes
- App features may feel unnecessary for users who prefer a simpler routine
Beauty Lab Notes: A Beauty Award winner, this toothbrush is designed with sensitive teeth and gums in mind. It delivers a gentle yet thorough clean using the brand’s next-generation sonic technology. The toothbrush offers three brushing modes (Clean, White, and Sensitive) plus three intensity levels, allowing users to personalize their routine. A built-in pressure sensor flashes a visible alert if you’re brushing too hard, helping protect gums while still delivering up to 62,000 bristle movements per minute for a deep clean.
In testing, the Philips Sonicare 6400 earned perfect scores for ease of use, its lightweight and unobtrusive design, and its ability to thoroughly clean teeth without discomfort. Our pros appreciate that it includes smart features like BrushPacer quadrant alerts, a two-minute SmartTimer, and app connectivity for guided brushing insights and progress tracking.
Tester Feedback: Testers praised its comfortable, slim handle, gentle cleaning performance, and travel-friendly case. They reported that the brush made their routines feel easier and more effective overall. One of our testers noted it delivered “a fresh-from-the-dentist feel,” adding that their teeth felt smoother and noticeably whiter after use. Another tester said, “My teeth felt so much cleaner than with other electric toothbrushes,” acknowledging how well it cleaned hard-to-reach areas.
App Integration: The Sonicare 6400 pairs with the Philips Sonicare app to provide personalized brushing guidance, progress tracking, and real-time feedback. The app can help users improve brushing habits over time while monitoring pressure and coverage for a more thorough clean.
Cleaning Performance: N/A
Pros
- Top scores in Lab tests
- Sleek, compact design is travel- and small space-friendly
- Quiet operation compared to many sonic toothbrushes
- Optional UV-cleaning travel case helps sanitize the brush head on the go
- Extra long battery life
Cons
- Only two brushing modes compared to more customizable competitors
Beauty Lab Notes: The SURI 2.0 puts a stylish spin on everyday oral care without skimping on performance. Also a Beauty Awards winner, it’s designed with a slim aluminum handle and includes premium features like a built-in pressure sensor, wireless charging, and an optional UV-cleaning travel case that sanitizes the brush head in just one minute. Its sonic motor is designed to deliver a deep yet gentle clean while helping reduce plaque and gum inflammation.
In testing, the SURI 2.0 earned top scores for its streamlined design, quiet operation, and ability to deliver a professional-level clean. Our pros also found it noteworthy that the rechargeable battery lasts more than a month on a single charge, and the compact UV travel case doubles as a charger for added convenience on the go. Just note that there are only two brushing modes to choose from.
Tester Feedback: Our consumer testers appreciated the SURI 2.0’s slim profile and lightweight feel, with one noting that it “didn’t take up much space” on the bathroom counter or while traveling. Another called it “one of the most well-designed electronic toothbrushes I have tried,” raving about both its sleek appearance and comfortable handling during brushing. Many noted that their teeth felt noticeably cleaner after brushing and that the long battery life was a bonus.
App integration: There is no app or connectivity for this toothbrush.
Cleaning Performance: N/A
Pros
- Feature-rich
- 7 cleaning settings
- Assesses 16 zones in mouth with AI
- Interactive color display
Cons
- Design is a bit bulky
Beauty Lab notes: The iO Series 9 is one of Oral-B’s most advanced electric toothbrushes, and while it’s on the pricier side, it’s packed with smart features for a deep clean and comes with three replacement heads. In Lab tests, the Oral-B iO scored highly for effective cleaning, useful sensors, and sufficient battery life. We were especially impressed by seven smart modes, including one for sensitive teeth and another for tongue cleaning. Plus, we also loved the features that help you brush better and properly: the built-in timer to alert you when to change the quadrant of your mouth and stop brushing, and the Smart Pressure Sensor (which turns red if you're brushing too hard).
Tester feedback: Consumer testers were impressed, calling it “a game-changer,” “a joy to use,” and “incredibly cool.” Many even said it felt like a professional cleaning and appreciated the sensor that is lit green when the pressure applied is appropriate and red when there is too much pressure, giving your teeth a proper cleaning. "I get a great clean, and the features are beneficial without a ton of buttons," said one tester.
App integration: The Oral-B app includes real-time AI "coaching" to guide you as you brush, ensuring you never miss a spot. Testers praised the app and the multiple cleaning modes. “I like the functions. The sensor light shows if you’re using the right pressure, and the app tracks how thoroughly you brush, offering feedback for improvement,” said one tester. Others loved the interactive color display, which shows a smiley face when you’ve brushed for two minutes.
Cleaning performance: 4.4/5
Pros
- Sleek design
- Soft bristles
- Good option for braces
Cons
- Manual was hard to understand
Beauty Lab notes: The features on this brush system check every box, including its smart sanitizing hub—which includes UV sanitizing, drying, and wireless charging—strong battery life, a quadrant timer, and a pressure sensor. It also has a travel case, making it easy to bring your electric brush with you and keep it clean and charged. In our Lab testing, it had the highest score for being easier to use than a manual toothbrush and for not causing any irritation to gums or teeth. In addition to its specially designed bristles, it also has an "Ortho" option that is specially tailored to deep clean teeth with braces.
Feedback: Online reviewers loved the sleek design, the all-in-one sanitizing and charging hub, and the soft but deep-cleaning bristles. "These were the softest bristles I've ever found. They were so gentle on my teeth, and I liked how they nicely hugged them for a more precise clean." One tester's gripe: "The instruction manual was unclear” and confusing to follow.
App integration: There is no app for this toothbrush.
Cleaning performance: 4.30/5
Pros
- Compact design
- Effectively cleans teeth, according to Lab experts and testers
- Powerful
Cons
- No charging dock or stand
- Heavy
Lab notes: Our Lab found this to be a great fit for those who want high customization and strong cleaning. It received the highest score for teeth feeling like they have been professionally cleaned. A small and compact option, the brush comes with three different types of brush heads (which a few testers loved) and is easy to travel with. Just note that it doesn't include a traditional charging dock or stand, and instead comes with a USB-C Magnetic Charging Cable that attaches to your toothbrush.
Tester Feedback: Overall, testers found that the brush did a great job when it comes to deep cleaning: "My mouth feels like I’ve just been to the dentist," shared one. A bunch of testers noted that it is very aggressive and powerful compared to other electric toothbrushes, which some liked, while others didn't. Despite its small size, a few users found it to be heavy when holding and using it.
App Integration: The Laifen App has 10 levels of customizable intensity across three settings: vibration strength, oscillation range, and oscillation speed. Testers were mixed about using the app; some felt it was very straightforward and easy to use, while others said there was a learning curve. "I liked that the app gives you the ability to fine-tune the oscillation and vibration of the toothbrush," shared one user.
Cleaning Performance: 4.09/5
Pros
- Easy to hold and use
- Lightweight
- Long battery life
- Includes two brush heads (for infants and toddlers)
Cons
- Pricey for a toddler
Beauty Lab notes: A Good Housekeeping Parenting Award winner, this cute and effective brush from PureBaby lets toddlers jump on the good hygiene bandwagon at a young age. It's built perfectly for toddlers' tiny hands (and mouths): it is lightweight, has an easy-to-grip handle, and soft bristles. It comes with two brush heads: one for infants up to a year old and one for toddlers from one to three years old. Plus, there is a two-minute timer to instill good practices at a young age and a super-long battery life.
Tester Feedback: Parents were thrilled with the instant effect it had on their kids. “My son wanted to brush his teeth!” one mom shared. “The vibration helps when he’s not completely brushing himself; I feel like it is still somewhat cleaning his tiny teeth. It is the perfect size for a toddler.”
App Integration: There is no app or connectivity for this brush.
Cleaning Performance: N/A
How we test electric toothbrushes
Our electric toothbrush reviews are based on extensive in-Lab tests at the Good Housekeeping Institute. In our most recent evaluations, we tested over 20 electric toothbrushes in our Labs for performance, ease of use, and durability.We also sent samples to over 100 consumer panelists who reported good dental hygiene habits (brushing twice a day and having a professional cleaning every six months) to provide qualitative feedback on each toothbrush. After two weeks of use, they were asked to evaluate their overall satisfaction. Here's how we scored:
✔️ Performance: Product analysts evaluate the toothbrush’s overall functionality, its modes, and how effectively it cleans teeth. We then measure battery life, charging time, the accuracy of the two-minute timer, and the usefulness of any built-in sensors. To evaluate and compare noise levels in each toothbrush, each toothbrush is sent to Quiet Mark, our partner lab and independent global certification program that identifies how quiet or loud products are through scientific testing and assessment.
✔️ Durability: Each toothbrush is put through a drop test and a water-resistance test in our Lab to score its durability. For the drop test, each toothbrush is dropped from a 30-inch height, or the average height of a countertop, and then checked for any dents, scratches, or damage. The water-resistance test is then performed in the Lab’s rain tester, exposing the toothbrush to various water pressures for two minutes.
✔️ Ease-of-use: Once the toothbrush has been measured and weighed, we provide feedback alongside consumers on the following questions: How easy is it to set up? How easy is the toothbrush head to put on? Are the controls conveniently located and easy to use? Is the toothbrush easy to charge? Is the app intuitive? Is the design ergonomic and easy to hold? Is it heavy or lightweight? Did the toothbrush create a mess while in use? Does its size take up too much space?
Product Analyst Chiara Butler tests an electric toothbrush at the Good Housekeeping Institute.
What to look for when shopping for an electric toothbrush
✔️ Power source: In our Lab tests, people greatly preferred rechargeable options to battery-operated ones. Our feedback showed the battery-operated brushes were ideal for travel, but they didn’t work as well as electric toothbrushes with rechargeable bases.
✔️ Timer: Many electric toothbrushes offer a timed brushing setting of two minutes, broken up into 30-second intervals, so you're thoroughly paying attention to your teeth—front to back and top to bottom.
✔️ Pressure sensor: Avoid sensitive gums by finding an electric toothbrush that gently vibrates when you press down too hard.
✔️ Connectivity: Certain electric toothbrushes feature Bluetooth technology so you can sync to an app to keep track of your brushing habits and access extra features like coaching and tips. Some of the more premium toothbrushes even leverage AI technology to give you feedback in real-time as you brush to understand which areas need improvement.
Electric vs. manual toothbrushes
“Not all electric toothbrushes are created equal,” says Sharon L. Huang, D.D.S., owner of Les Belles Dentistry in NYC. She estimates that two minutes with an electric toothbrush is equivalent to seven minutes of manual brushing.
Why? Because electric toothbrushes are more efficient at cleaning and more effective at reaching a lot of surfaces, especially hard-to-reach areas like molars in the back of your mouth. “When you use a manual brush, it depends on how you’re brushing [and the motion] versus an electric toothbrush, which does the work for you,” she says.
Simply put: “We will never move as fast as a sonic brush,” which she favors for its power and ability to dislodge bacteria.
Do dentists recommend electric toothbrushes?
"Pretty much everyone can benefit from an electric toothbrush,” says Jamie Reynolds, D.D.S., an orthodontist based in Michigan. After he switched to an electric toothbrush, his own dental hygienist commented on how clean his teeth looked. “Personally, I won't be switching back to the old-fashioned way and don't recommend you do either!”
But remember, no matter which powered toothbrush you buy, the most important thing is your habits, says Dr. Reynolds. “An electric toothbrush isn't a magic wand. It still requires morning and night use—with around two minutes of brushing time—to be effective.” Use it as a way to up your brushing technique, not make up for it.
Which kind of electric toothbrush is better: Rotating or sonic?
Both rotating and sonic electric toothbrushes can clean your teeth effectively, but they work in different ways. Rotating (or oscillating) brushes use a small, round head that spins back and forth to clean each tooth individually, while sonic brushes look more like a traditional toothbrush and use high-speed vibrations to help remove plaque, even slightly beyond where the bristles touch. According to dental experts interviewed by Good Housekeeping, clinical studies suggest rotating brushes may have a slight edge when it comes to plaque removal and reducing gingivitis.
That said, dentists agree the “better” toothbrush really comes down to personal preference and consistency. Sonic brushes are often recommended for people with sensitive gums because they tend to feel gentler, while rotating brushes may appeal to users who want a more powerful, targeted clean. The most important factor is choosing a brush you’ll use properly twice a day for the full recommended two minutes.
Why trust Good Housekeeping?
The Good Housekeeping Institute’s Beauty Lab regularly tests oral care items like whitening toothpastes and baby toothbrushes.
This article was originally written and recently updated by Olivia Lipski, a GH Institute senior reviews writer and analyst who covers tech, travel, parenting, and more. She led the Lab and consumer testing of electric toothbrushes alongside our product testing experts. With years of product review experience, Olivia personally rotates between Philips and Oral-B toothbrushes because she loves both. For this story, she also consulted dentist Sharon L. Huang, D.D.S., and orthodontist Jamie Reynolds, D.D.S.
Contributing Beauty Editor Dori Price most recently added new product picks to the article, with help from GH Beauty Lab Director Sabina Wizemann. Dori has over 20 years of experience researching and writing beauty and health stories.
Sabina (she/her) is the director of the Beauty, Health & Sustainability Lab at the Good Housekeeping Institute, where she has overseen skincare, haircare and makeup testing since 2012. She also reviews applications, substantiates claims and evaluates products for the GH Seal and the Beauty Awards and Sustainability Awards programs. She has a B.S. in chemistry from Ithaca College and more than 16 years of experience working in the pharmaceutical and personal care industries.
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