Taking care of your teeth and following a good dental hygiene routine are essential for preventing decay and gum disease, and our roundup of the best electric toothbrushes will help you supercharge your cleaning.
Though pricier than manual toothbrushes, think of them as an investment; the better you look after your teeth and gums now, the less likely you are to face costly and invasive dental treatment in the future.
What brand of electric toothbrush is best?
If you’re yet to take the plunge into the world of electric, we’ve found the best sonic and oscillating toothbrushes starting from as little as £40, all tried and tested by GHI experts, to help you buy with confidence.
Runner-up electric toothbrush
Spotlight Oral Care Sonic Toothbrush
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Best smart electric toothbrush for beginners
Oral-B Genius X Black Electric Toothbrush
Read more
Best electric toothbrush for ease of use
Philips Sonicare ProtectiveClean 6100
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Most hi-tech electric toothbrush
Oral-B iO9 Ultimate Clean Electric Toothbrush
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Best electric toothbrush for sensitive gums
Oclean X Pro Elite Smart Electric Toothbrush
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Most stylish electric toothbrush
Phiips Sonicare 9000 DiamondClean Electric Toothbrush
Read more
Best electric toothbrush for a personalised clean
MOON The Electric Toothbrush
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Best electric toothbrush for travel
Oral-B iO10 Electric Toothbrush
Read more
Take a look at the results of our best water flossers test as well if you're looking to boost your regime even further.
How do electric toothbrushes work?
Electric toothbrushes are battery-powered brushes that use oscillating or sonic vibrating movements to remove plaque build-up, debris and bacteria.
Most models now feature two-minute timers, multiple cleaning modes and pressure sensors to ensure you aren't brushing too hard.
How do I choose an electric toothbrush?
With so much choice on the market, selecting an electric toothbrush can feel overwhelming. Other than trusting our expert-tested top picks, we advise keeping an eye out for the following key features.
Timer: The best electric toothbrushes will have a buzzing timer to help you brush for the dentist-recommended two minutes. Look for brushes with quad pacers that buzz every 30 seconds to guide you through each quarter of your mouth (upper left, upper right, lower left and lower right).
Cleaning modes: Some toothbrushes offer different cleaning modes, such as deep clean and sensitive, which is useful if you have a specific concern, such as sensitivity or yellowing.
Pressure sensor: Good electric toothbrushes include a pressure sensor that lights up when you’re pushing too hard on your teeth to keep you from damaging them.
Electric toothbrush apps: Some toothbrushes released over the last few years are ‘smart’, with an app that connects to your phone. They can also provide you with tips on how to brush your teeth better, such as telling you if you missed a spot or if you didn't scrub well enough.
Are electric toothbrushes better than manual toothbrushes?
If you’re vigilant about looking after your teeth, both manual and electric toothbrushes can keep them healthy. However, dentists recommend going electric.
“They do the work for you and their bristles move in more directions than you could move the brush yourself,” says Dr Reena Wadia, periodontist and founder of gum clinic RW Perio.
“They are effective at removing plaque because they’re designed to gently massage teeth and gums correctly, with many now featuring a pressure sensor that warns you if you’re pressing too hard.”
What's the most effective way of cleaning?
“Place the toothbrush at a 45-degree angle against the spot where the gums and teeth meet,” says Dr Wadia. “Angle upwards for the upper teeth and downwards for the lower teeth.
“Clean between your teeth — flossing or using interdental brushes is the best way to get into these nooks and crannies,” she adds. ‘Use a toothpaste containing fluoride, and if you have specific issues such as sensitivity, find a toothpaste that helps tackle this.
“Remember to spit and don’t rinse out your mouth after using the toothpaste, else it will wash away all the good stuff.”
How to clean an electric toothbrush
Keeping your toothbrush clean is the easiest way to guarantee its longevity. After every use, rinse the stem and brush to ensure you prevent toothpaste build-up around the area where the head attaches to the base.
You should also aim to change your toothbrush head every three months. Check out our full guide on how to keep your electric toothbrush clean.
Can you take an electric toothbrush in hand luggage?
Yes, you can. You can either carry it in your hand luggage or pack it in your check-in case. Plus, many of the brushes on this list come with handy charging cases – for instance this Philips Sonicare – which makes them ideal for travel.
How long do electric toothbrushes last?
It varies, but many of those below come with a warranty, so can be replaced if they don't last longer than a year or two. Typically, if you replace the heads regularly, your brush should last at least three to five years.
Which is the best Oral-B toothbrush?
According to our rigorous tests, the best Oral-B option is the Oral-B Genius X, which left our panellists' teeth sparkling without any discomfort and comes with lots of smart features. You can read our full review below.
Is an oscillating or sonic toothbrush better?
Sonic refers to the side to side vibrating motion of the brush filaments, while oscillating refers to the rotating and pulsating movements of the brush head. There is little evidence to show which is more effective, so it's more about personal preference.
Oscillating toothbrushes have round heads that can reach the back of teeth and effectively dislodge plaque. They have a brushing action of 2,500 to 8,000 rotations per minute and have more directional changes than a sonic brush.
Sonic toothbrushes have diamond or oval-shaped heads and can reach up to 24,000 to 40,000 vibrations per minute, making their motions faster than oscillating models. They help to clean a bigger surface area, as any fluid in the mouth is forced between the teeth and gum line by the powerful vibrations.
Will an electric toothbrush damage my teeth?
Brushing correctly will clean effectively without causing any harm to your teeth. In fact, with many models coming with pressure sensors, they will stop you brushing too hard, helping to protect your teeth from damage. If you’re concerned about teeth sensitivity, look for toothbrushes that offer a gentle or sensitive setting or a softer brush head. For something great value and battery-powered, the Philips One is a great option.
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How we test electric toothbrushes
The GHI recruited a panel of 335 testers to trial 30 electric toothbrushes for a fortnight. They were asked to judge each model on its ease of use, design, features, battery life and overall performance. We asked them to use a disclosing tablet before and after brushing their teeth to determine how effective their toothbrush was at removing plaque.
We also measured how loud each device was using a noise meter in our lab, so you know if it's going to make a racket before buying.
Here are our top picks for the ultimate clean.
Pros
- Helpful pressure sensor
- Delivered a great clean teeth feel
- Travel case included
Cons
- Some complained the battery didn't last long
Score: 97/100
This is one of the highest-scoring devices we’ve ever tested at the GHI, on top of being our top-rated electric toothbrush. It’s also more affordable than many others on the market, so you can achieve sparkling results at home, for less.
Every single tester told us it was straightforward to use, delivered powerful vibrations and visibly removed plaque. They all praised the design and said they would continue to use the toothbrush after the trial, too.
“I liked that the brush vibrated every 30 seconds to show how much of the two-minute time slot you had left,” said one tester, while another loved the “green and red light that indicates whether you’re brushing too hard,” and we had lots of positive comments about the handy travel case for taking it away with you on your trips. Gentle but effective was the overall takeaway, with squeaky clean smiles across the board.
Key specifications
Brush action | Oscillating |
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Number of cleaning modes | 3 |
Features | Pressure sensor, travel case, timer |
Included accessories | Charge case, spare head, bathroom charger with base |
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Pros
- As gentle as a manual
- Provides a sonic-action deep clean
- Long battery life
Cons
- High-pitched noise
Score: 93/100
Our runner-up is as gentle as a manual brush, providing a satisfying deep clean. Its rapid sonic vibrations push toothpaste and air into hard-to-reach areas, successfully removing plaque, reducing staining and freshening breath.
It has three cleaning modes, including sensitive and whitening, and comes with three different-sized brush heads for effective and comfortable use. Our testers liked its cleaning power, overall design and long battery life, with everybody planning to continue using it after the trial period. The only (small) downsides were its high-pitched noise and overly sensitive on/off button.
Key specifications
Brush action | Sonic |
---|---|
Number of cleaning modes | 3 |
Features | Charge light, 2-minute timer |
Included accessories | 3 brush heads, travel case |
Pros
- Removed plaque effectively
- No discomfort
- Handy pressure sensor
Cons
- Noisy
Score: 91/100
So you’ve made the decision to switch from manual to electric — congrats! If you’re a newbie and sceptical about the power of an electric toothbrush on sensitive teeth and gums, this model may well convince you.
Testers agreed it left their teeth feeling squeaky-clean, removing plaque without causing any discomfort, while most found the vibrations weren’t too overpowering. The pressure sensor also came in useful, and it was easy to manoeuvre.
Our lab test did flag it was on the noisier side, but the majority of testers didn’t find this to be an issue.
Key specifications
Brush action | Oscillating |
---|---|
Number of cleaning modes | 6 |
Features | Bristle usage indicator, charge light, pressure sensor |
Included accessories | Charger stand, travel case (some models only) |
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Pros
- Automatically detects the brush head type
- Reduced plaque
Cons
- Relatively expensive
Score: 90/100
This toothbrush claims to help prevent cavities and improve gum health. It offers three cleaning modes, with a separate purpose-built brush head for each one. It even automatically detects which brush head you're using and selects the right setting.
Overall, our testers were impressed by this solid all-rounder. It enhanced their brushing experience and left their teeth feeling cleaner. Our lab tests found it reduced plaque, too. It also has a good pressure sensor and lasts for two weeks on one charge.
Key specifications
Brush action | Sonic |
---|---|
Number of cleaning modes | 3 |
Features | Charge light, 2-minute timer with quad pacer, pressure sensor |
Included accessories | 2 standard brush heads, travel case |
Pros
- Seven cleaning modes
- Has a pressure sensor
- Gives brush head replacement reminders
Cons
- No replacement head provided
- Expensive
Score: 90/100
One of Oral-B’s most advanced toothbrushes yet, this top-of-the-range model boasts seven cleaning modes, including super sensitive, tongue cleaning and whitening. Its pressure sensor has coloured lights to let you know if you’re brushing too hard, too softly or just right, and its interactive display shows a two-minute timer and brush head replacement reminders.
It even makes use of AI to monitor your brushing with 3D teeth tracking. Suffice to say, our testers were impressed with all this tech, with nearly everybody finding it powerful and effective at cleaning thoroughly. Our only niggle is the lack of a replacement head in the box, which seems mean given its high price.
Key specifications
Brush action | Oscillating |
---|---|
Number of cleaning modes | 7 |
Features | Charge light, 2-minute timer, timer display, pressure sensor |
Included accessories | Magnetic charger, chargeable travel case |
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Pros
- Really quiet
- Comfortable to hold
Cons
- Doesn't come with a replacement head
Score: 89/100
One of the quietest electric toothbrushes we’ve ever tested (along with the Oclean below), this was not only silent, but it was also gentle on sensitive gums for most of our panel. All found it comfortable to hold and easy to clean with, too.
The sleek and premium look made it stand out from the crowd, with one tester describing the magnetic charger and pad accessory as a “revelation’’. Many found the battery was so good they didn’t need to charge it during the entire trial period.
Key specifications
Brush action | Sonic |
---|---|
Number of cleaning modes | 4 |
Features | Charge light, touch screen design |
Included accessories | Wireless charger, wall mount |
Pros
- Good for sensitive gums
- USB charger travel case included
Cons
- Quite complicated for beginners
- Expensive
Score: 89/100
This elegant sonic toothbrush delivers a punchy 62,000 vibrations per minute, removing up to 10 times more plaque over a fortnight than a manual could muster. Its bristles are soft and flexible — great if you suffer from sensitivity — and its two-minute timer is broken into 30-second intervals to make sure all areas of your mouth get adequately brushed.
Its five cleaning modes cover all the most common brushing needs, leaving almost all testers with considerably cleaner teeth, and it comes in a choice of pink, white, black or rose gold.
Our panel rated its two-week battery life and USB travel case that doubles up as a charger. It’s just a shame that there isn’t a pressure sensor to keep us from brushing too rigorously.
Key specifications
Brush action | Sonic |
---|---|
Number of cleaning modes | 5 |
Features | Charge light, 2-minute timer with quad pacer |
Included accessories | USB travel case |
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Pros
- Five cleaning modes
- Visibly removed plaque
- Gentle on sensitive gums
Cons
- Too soft for some
Score: 88/100
Thanks to its five cleaning modes and a guided timer, testers felt this brush provided a customised clean, which everyone agreed visibly removed plaque.
The bristles felt soft for all, while many said it was easy to reach all areas of the mouth. Our panel praised its high-quality design, with one tester saying it was gentler than their previous electric toothbrush.
Key specifications
Brush action | Sonic |
---|---|
Number of cleaning modes | 5 |
Features | Charge light, 2-minute timer |
Included accessories | Replacement brush head, travel case |
Pros
- 7 cleaning modes
Cons
- No pressure sensor
- Easy to turn off accidentally
Score: 88/100
If you’re fed up with braces, implants or bridges getting in the way of your brushing, look to this cleverly designed sonic toothbrush. It comes with three differently sized brush heads to help you clean both teeth and gums thoroughly, while a choice of seven cleaning modes allows for customised brushing.
Our testers found it easy to control, with many praising its good looks and compact size. Their teeth felt much cleaner after use and the majority were satisfied with its battery life. It lacks a pressure sensor, which is disappointing at this price point, and it turned off easily while testers were adjusting the settings. But overall, our panel loved it.
Key specifications
Brush action | Sonic |
---|---|
Number of cleaning modes | 7 |
Features | Charge light, 2-minute timer |
Included accessories | 3 different brush heads, charger, travel case |
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Pros
- Sleek and stylish
- Includes a pressure sensor
Cons
- Could be confusing for first timers
- Very expensive when full price
Score: 87/100
When you travel a lot, there’s nothing more annoying than forgetting your toothbrush because you left it charging in a hotel somewhere. But good news – instead of needing cables, this smart gadget charges inside its travel case.
Using gentle micro-vibrations and AI technology to guide you through your brushing routine, our testers said it delivered a really clean feeling. It boasts a range of settings and will even remember the last one you used, so you don’t have to fiddle around to find your favourite.
Our panel found it sleek and stylish, and, while expensive, it does come with a lot of clever tech. It lights up to tell you if you’re using too much or too little pressure and vibrates when it's time to move onto the next section (although some found the vibration too subtle). There’s also a countdown timer that rewards you with a smiley face when you’ve brushed for the recommended two minutes.
Those who aren’t fans of reading the instructions will also be pleased to know that our panel found it intuitive and easy to set up and use.
Key specifications
Brush action | Micro-vibrations |
---|---|
Number of cleaning modes | 7 |
Features | Brushing timer, pressure sensor, built in tongue scraper, Bluetooth connectivity |
Included accessories | 1 head, smart charger, chargeable travel case, refill holder |
Pros
- Removed discolouration
- Gentle on gums
Cons
- No pressure sensor
Score: 87/100
This sleek matte black brush comes with carbon-coated bristles, designed to gently remove discolouration, which our testers found delivered on its promise. It didn’t cause any gum discomfort, with almost everyone finding the brush head was gentle on teeth.
Some missed a pressure sensor and thought the visual cues for the cleaning modes could have been clearer; however, everyone who tested it said they’d stick to this model in future.
Key specifications
Brush action | Sonic |
---|---|
Number of cleaning modes | 3 |
Features | Charge light |
Included accessories | 2 brush heads, charger, travel case |
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Pros
- Whisper quiet
- Charged quickly
Cons
- Some found the emojis on its display annoying
Score: 85/100
For those who have sensitive teeth and gums but still love that squeaky clean feeling, this brush could be the one. Our testers liked how fine the bristles were and how soft they felt on gums, but said it still gave a great clean. One panellist even noticed immediate results, saying their teeth looked whiter after just one day.
As well as being whisper quiet, it charged quickly, and testers praised the handy magnetic wall mount included. For some, though, the buttons were too close together, making it easy to select the wrong one.
An interactive display screen was its most impressive feature, providing a visual guide to any areas missed and a countdown to ensure you brush for the recommended two minutes. However, some of our testers thought the emojis used on the interface were better suited to younger users.
Key specifications
Brush action | Maglev Motor & Sonic Brushing time available |
---|---|
Number of cleaning modes | 5 |
Features | 2-minute smart timer and 30s zone switch reminder, pressure sensor |
Included accessories | 1 head, magnetic wall holder, USB cable |
Pros
- Visible reduction in plaque
- Stylish design
Cons
- Expensive
- Noisy
Score: 85/100
The latest offering from Philips' legendary Sonicare range, this lived up to its predecessors, leaving all our testers with a thorough, fresh clean. What’s more, the majority also saw a visible reduction in plaque, which should earn some brownie points with the dentist.
Testers also raved about the “glamorous” design, with one saying their teeth were visibly whiter after use. The lab test found it to be “loud” on our noise scale — but this didn’t deter our testers, with almost all wanting to keep using it after the trial.
Key specifications
Brush action | Sonic |
---|---|
Number of cleaning modes | 5 |
Features | Bristle usage indicator, pressure sensor, charge light |
Included accessories | Travel charging case, charging stand, charging cable |
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Pros
- Available on subscription
Cons
- Too gentle for some
Score: 85/100
This Ordo toothbrush is available either as part of a subscription or on its own. Our testers liked its four different brushing modes that offer a customisable clean and appreciated its impressive three weeks of battery life. They found it easy to control and gentle, yet effective.
If you do opt for the subscription package, you can get a refill delivery of oral care products and a replacement head every one, two or three months.
Key specifications
Brush action | Sonic |
---|---|
Number of cleaning modes | 4 |
Features | Charge light, 2-minute timer with quad pacer |
Included accessories | Travel cap, USB charger |
Pros
- Good 30-day battery life
Cons
- Rounded bottom meant it fell over
Score: 84/100
This brush comes with handy pre-paid compostable pouches that can be used to return your used brush heads for recycling. It also won our testers over with its slim, stylish design, which didn’t cause any discomfort during use.
Everyone was happy with the 30-day battery life too, while it received a noise rating of “very quiet” in our lab test. Overall, it left most with that squeaky-clean feeling.
Key specifications
Brush action | Sonic |
---|---|
Number of cleaning modes | 3 |
Features | Charge light, 2-minute timer |
Included accessories | Replacement recyclable brush head, wireless charger |
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Pros
- 300-day battery life
Cons
- Another one that's hard to stand up due to its rounded design
Score: 83/100
This model can last an impressive 300 days without the need for recharging, meaning you can pack it in your suitcase without fear of it running out.
As for its cleaning capabilities, it didn't cause any teeth sensitivity and its design made it easy to reach trickier areas. It did a good job of getting rid of that fuzzy feeling you wake up with and left behind fresher-feeling teeth. One tester even commented: “It has increased my confidence, as my teeth look so much better.”
Key specifications
Brush action | Sonic |
---|---|
Number of cleaning modes | 3 |
Features | Charge light, 2-minute timer |
Included accessories | Replacement brush head, USB cable |
Pros
- Made from plant-based products
- Self-sanitising case
Cons
- Bristles too soft for some
- Moderately loud
Score: 82/100
Made from plant-based castor oil and corn starch, this brush's soft bristles can be sent back to the brand to be recycled, making it another more eco-conscious pick.
It managed to leave the majority of our testers with sparkling teeth and the self-sanitising case was also an impressive feature for many. It did a good job in our lab test at leaving teeth plaque-free, while its chic appearance also appealed.
Key specifications
Brush action | Sonic |
---|---|
Number of cleaning modes | 2 |
Features | 2-minute timer, charger light |
Included accessories | UV light clean and charge case, charging stand and mount, USB cable, brush head return pouch |
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Pros
- Slim and travel-friendly
Cons
- Another rounded base, making it unstable
- Battery power not for everyone
Score: 82/100
We often dismiss battery-operated toothbrushes for not being as effective as their chargeable counterparts, but Philips proved us wrong. This model reached into all testers’ nooks and crannies, leaving everyone feeling minty-fresh after brushing.
The slim design and carry case make it ideal for travel too, while no one reported any sensitivity after brushing. Yes, the battery will only last you up to 90 days, but considering the portability and price point, it's a great value buy.
Key specifications
Brush action | Sonic |
---|---|
Number of cleaning modes | 1 |
Features | 2-minute timer |
Included accessories | Clip-close carry case |
Best lightweight electric toothbrush
Ordo Sonic Lite Sonic Toothbrush with 35,000 Pulses/Min
Now 29% Off
Pros
- Affordable
- Good battery life
Cons
- Head doesn’t rotate, which some testers said felt unusual
- No travel case
- Hard to distinguish between high and low power vibrations
Score: 81/100
Ordo is a brand on a mission to make good-looking, hard-working electric toothbrushes at an affordable price point. This is the ‘lite’ version of its original sonic toothbrush (which scored 85/100 – see above), offering something simpler and more accessible for those either new to electric brushing, or people who don’t want the fuss of lots of settings.
Our panellists praised the two-minute timer, USB-C charging cable (meaning some can charge it with the same lead they use to charge their phone) and the gentle brushing modes, which are suitable even for those who’ve had dental work done. The brand claims the brush has a five-week battery life, and this was corroborated with our testers, with many commenting that it “lasted a long time” – ideal if you don’t want the admin of constantly charging yet another device.
It doesn’t feel cheap despite the lower price point, either. “The design is lightweight, attractive and super easy to store,” said one pleased panellist. We’re sold.
Key specifications
Brush action | Sonic |
---|---|
Number of cleaning modes | 2 |
Features | Timer |
Included accessories | USB-C charger, brush head, travel cap |
Florence Reeves-White
Senior Beauty Writer
Florence is our Senior Beauty Writer, specialising in expert-tested beauty and grooming reviews — from toothbrushes to the latest skincare launches. She’s committed to sharing recommendations for products that truly work and make people feel confident and healthy. Prior to this she was at Tropic Skincare, where she worked closely with biochemists in the lab, delving into the functions of each fresh, natural ingredient and conveying its efficacy to her audience in easy-to-digest terms.
With over five years’ experience in beauty and health journalism, Florence has written for ELLE, Women’s Fitness, Sister Magazine, National Geographic Traveller and many more, with a strong sustainability angle thread through much of her work.
When she isn’t packing for a trip away, working out, eating out or reading up on retinol serums, you’ll probably find her experimenting with her film camera and building her portfolio of portraits. Florence’s photography can be found at florencereeves-white.com, her Instagram is @florencereeveswhite and her twitter is @floreadsnwrites
Tested byOrla Badger
Senior Beauty and Grooming Tester
Orla is our Senior Beauty and Grooming Tester and has extensive knowledge of skin and hair composition thanks to her first class bachelor's degree in cosmetic science from the Universy of the Arts London. She also spent time as a Formulation Chemist intern at Amelia Knight Cosmetics.