Best Electric Toothbrushes of 2024

The electric toothbrushes in this section weren’t my favorites, but they do have some great qualities worth mentioning. One of these might be the right choice for you so it felt worthwhile to include them here.

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.

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 altogether 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 in 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. The Oral-B Pro 1000 and Oral-B iO Series from this list are both ADA-accepted. 

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. 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 vs. manual

The ADA also says that both electric and manual toothbrushes effectively remove plaque, but 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.

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 so 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.” That said, 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. Replace it earlier if the bristles are fading or fraying.