The Best Electric Toothbrushes
It’s time I came clean: I hate brushing my teeth. I do it because I have to, but it’s a time-consuming, uncomfortable process—two minutes standing in front of the mirror can feel like an eternity. My dentist says I brush too harshly as well. And don't even get me started on flossing.
Electric toothbrushes make the whole experience easier. Their vibrations and oscillations can more effectively get rid of plaque on your teeth and gums, and most brush models have a timer that encourages you to brush for the full two minutes. We've tested several types, from the most basic models to the fancy ones with oscillating brushes and everything in between. We found that a good brush doesn't need to cost you more than a few Hamiltons. Listed below are the best electric toothbrushes you can buy. We also have eco-friendly nonelectric options if you don't want to own yet another device that you have to recharge between uses.
Christopher Null's reporting contributed to this guide.
Updated March 2021: We've added notes on the Autobrush, and updated prices and details throughout.
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Photograph: ColgateBest Smart Toothbrush
Colgate HumThe Colgate Hum (9/10, WIRED recommends) is our top pick. It's slim and light, with a small brush head that can reach all the way to the back of your mouth without causing discomfort. It also connects to a companion mobile app to offer extra insight about your habits. The Hum costs significantly less than most app-connected brushes, and the mobile app's features are superior to other options.
The system accurately tracks your brushing and shows you the spots you've missed. Also, you don't have to open the app every single time you brush your teeth; Your brushing sessions are stored on the brush for 10 days, and they get uploaded to your phone when you open the app. (You can also collect "smile points" every time you brush, which translates to a few dollars off things like replacement brush heads.)
Better yet, if you don't have a free outlet in your bathroom, there's a version that takes two AAA batteries. The biggest downside is that the Hum has only one type of brush head, so you can't swap out different heads made for sensitive teeth. A brush head subscription costs $5, and Colgate sends you a new one every three months. The Hum comes with a charging base and a travel case.
Photograph: PhilipsBest Cheap Electric Toothbrush
Philips One by SonicareThe Philips One is one of my favorite electric toothbrushes. It's thin enough that it comes very close to feeling like a regular toothbrush. It offers a gentle vibration that cuts through plaque, and while it takes more effort to use than a bigger, more powerful brush head, I still prefer it over a manual brush. (Plus, it's good to stay in the habit of brushing thoroughly instead of feeling like an electric toothbrush will do all the work for you.) It takes one AAA battery, or you can pay an extra $15 or so and get the rechargeable version. It comes with a small case for traveling. Philips says it is launching a brush head subscription service soon.
Photograph: AmazonAn Oscillating Option
Oral-B Pro 1000Oral-B's electric toothbrushes all have oscillating brush heads, those circular bristles that get right in between all your teeth. The Pro 1000 has been around for a while and continues to outshine more expensive models with fancier features, like Oral-B's iO smart brush.
The price is right, and it's rechargeable, but the whole thing is chunky and can easily get grimy from toothpaste; you need to rinse it thoroughly after every brush. Its vibrations are intense too. This was the first electric toothbrush I ever tried and my first few brushes left me feeling dizzy, but I can't take points away for power. It has a wide array of compatible brush heads, and you can subscribe to get them mailed to you automatically every few months.
Photograph: QuipA Modern Toothbrush
Quip Electric ToothbrushQuip's toothbrushes are uniquely designed, with a smooth, light body and a paper-thin neck—they're the Instagramable friend of the toothbrush world. I tried the plastic version, which is nice, but there is a sleek metal one that costs a bit more.
Brushing with the Quip is pleasurable, as its vibrations are just powerful enough to get my mouth sparkling clean without feeling too intense, though the thin neck feels precarious when I was really scrubbing away (it is easily maneuverable around your mouth). It comes with a travel cover that doubles as a stand for your sink. This brush isn't rechargeable, but you can buy (or subscribe for) a replacement brush head and battery for $5.
I used the smart version that connects to an app, which gives you feedback on your brushing sessions like duration, intensity, and coverage. It doesn't show real-time tracking, but I didn't miss that feature. If you have the basic brush and want to upgrade to the smart one, you can get a Bluetooth motor for $25—no other brush I've seen has this option.
Photograph: PhilipsA Brush for Kids
Philips Sonicare Kids Electric ToothbrushYou don't necessarily need a kid-specific toothbrush, but this is a well priced rechargeable option with the Sonicare brand's good reputation behind it. The companion app is filled with cartoon lessons and rewards, and your kids can monitor progress even when they aren't viewing the app in real time. (So you don't have to be in the bathroom with them.)
WIRED writer Scott Gilbertson had his 8-year-old give it a try, and the two-minute timer kept her brushing until it was done—no shortcuts. She eventually lost interest in the app, but younger kids may stick with it longer. Even without the app keeping his kid's attention, he said he would still purchase this brush. Plus, the battery also lasted nearly three months of daily use. It comes with stickers to customize the handle, though in Gilbertson's experience those stickers didn't stay stuck for very long.
Photograph: ShynAnother Good Brush
Shyn Sonic ToothbrushWired contributor Christopher Null rated the Shyn a 7/10 in his review of toothbrush subscription services. Most electric toothbrushes have brush head subscriptions now, but this is still a good option. Plus, its handle and brush heads are cross-compatible with Philips Sonicare products.
Null says its pressure sensor (a beep to signal that you're brushing too hard) is not always accurate, but its cleaning power was exceptional. He hates the incredibly bright light that flashes when the brush is charging, but as long as your bathroom sink isn't visible from your bed, it shouldn't be a problem. It comes with a travel case and charger, and a subscription costs $5 for a new brush head every two or three months.
Photograph: BrightlineHonorable Mentions
More Electric ToothbrushesThere are far more electric toothbrushes out there than we can recommend in a single guide. If none of the above options appeal to you, one of these might do the trick.
- Brightline Sonic ($37): WIRED writer Christopher Null rated this brush a 9/10 for its powerful vibrations that offer a noticeable clean without feeling too intense. Stock has been limited, but the company says it should be back to normal in late March.
- Philips Sonicare DiamondClean 9300 ($200): This is a great toothbrush as far as cleaning abilities and comfort, but its smart features leave something to be desired. As with the Oral-B iO, I couldn't get the app to accurately track my brushing sessions. Plus, it's too expensive. I was able to get it for free a few years ago through my dental insurance; if you're able to take advantage of something like that, it's a good option. It looks cute in pink.
- Colgate Smart Electronic Toothbrush E1 ($100): Christopher Null rated this smart brush an 8/10 for its slim design and app features that encourage better brushing habits. You can't adjust the power though, and it's only available from Apple. Like the DiamondClean above, it's hard to justify spending so much on a toothbrush.
Photograph: PreserveIf You Don't Like Electric
Manual Toothbrushes With Less WasteElectric toothbrushes have their perks—they can help you get a deeper clean, they (usually) come equipped with a two-minute timer to ensure you're brushing long enough, and they create less waste, since you're only throwing away a brush head. Plastic disposables, on the other hand, are all still lingering around in landfills somewhere. These traditional toothbrushes, however, treat the planet with a little more kindness.
- Colgate Keep ($10): This new Colgate brush is designed with less plastic than traditional toothbrushes, partly because most of its handle is made of aluminum. The handle feels sturdy and cool in your hand, and only the brush head needs to be replaced. The starter kit comes with a handle and two brush heads. Refills are $5.
- Bite's Bamboo Brush (two for $12): Bamboo is biodegradable, unlike plastic, so it's a preferable material for toothbrushes. There are many bamboo options out there, but Bite's brush is one I've tried. The brush head comes apart for travel.
- Preserve Toothbrush ($4): This toothbrush sits at an extreme angle that feels surprisingly natural as you brush. The handle is made out of 100 percent recycled plastics, and you can mail your used brush back to the company so it can be recycled again. It's dirt cheap too.
- Bogo toothbrush ($10): This one is also made of recycled plastic and comes with a nice little stand you can stick to your bathroom sink or counter. You can subscribe and get a new brush every few months for a $4 discount.
Photograph: QuipConsider These Too
Oral Care AccessoriesIn addition to a good toothbrush, you'll need a few other things to keep your mouth clean.
- Quip Refillable Floss ($15 for Plastic): I prefer floss picks over a string, but disposable ones are a huge waste. Quip's refillable floss pick solves this, and it's easy to floss with. It comes in a small container you can bring in your bag wherever you go.
- Bite Toothpaste Bits ($12/one-month supply or $30/four months): Toothpaste tabs aim to reduce the plastic waste caused by typical toothpaste tubes. You bite down on them and start brushing with a wet toothbrush. They come in nice glass bottles, and refills arrive in compostable pouches (you can subscribe to get them every four months). There are mouthwash bits too.
- Huppy Toothpaste Tabs ($12/one-month supply or $32/four months): Your first Huppy order comes in an aluminum container, and as with Bite, refills arrive in compostable pouches. Bite tabs taste a little better, but Huppy's are still a solid option. Both brands are comparable in price, which is more than a regular toothpaste tube.
- Tongue scraper ($10): You can brush your teeth efficiently twice a day, but you'll never feel fully fresh if you ignore your tongue. You don't need to buy a tongue scraper, but I find it makes the process of cleaning your tongue more bearable than using a brush. Plastic ones don't do as good a job as the metal ones, and there are also ergonomically designed models. Just rinse it thoroughly between uses.
Photograph: AutobrushCan You Get a 30-Second Clean?
AutoBrushIf you can afford the AutoBrush, it's a fine product to use in addition to daily brushing with a regular toothbrush. You've probably seen these devices in sensational videos. The mouthpiece is lined with an array of bristles that move all at once to brush an entire row of teeth at the same time. I could see myself using this on those nights when I just want to hit the sheets, but it is not a replacement for a real toothbrush. The company confirmed that the silicone brush is a complement to regular brushing, although it's hard to find that statement on its website.
I talked to two dentists who echoed this sentiment, Bill Busch of North Kansas City Dental, and Joseph Salim, owner of Sutton Place Dental Associates, both of whom have tried the brush themselves and have patients who have used it. "This device does not sufficiently give a thorough cleaning like traditional toothbrushes and electric brushes guided by human dexterity," Busch says. "I find the best use for it is for children and in nursing home environments, where to get quick and easy compliance to brush is critical."
AutoBrush sent me its soon-to-be-released nylon bristle attachment that it claims can clean each row of teeth in just 15 seconds. It does feel slightly better than the silicone brush that's currently for sale, though I still wouldn't throw out my toothbrush. If you get one, talk to your dentist to be sure you're properly cleaning your teeth.
