We independently evaluate all of our recommendations. If you click on links we provide, we may receive compensation. Shopping Health Products The 7 Best Electric Toothbrushes of 2024, Tested by Real People Our winner was the Oral-B Genius X Limited, which gave us a fresh-from-the-dentist feeling By Barbara Bellesi Zito Barbara Bellesi Zito Barbara Bellesi Zito is a freelance contributing commerce writer at PEOPLE who specializes in lifestyle, wellness, and home improvement topics. People Editorial Guidelines Updated on July 19, 2024 10:39AM EDT In This Article View All In This Article Our Top Picks Reviews Others We Tried What to Know Behind the Scenes FAQ Why Trust PEOPLE? What Is PEOPLE Tested? Photo: People / Tamara Staples How strong is your tooth-brushing game? If you’re using an old-fashioned manual toothbrush, chances are you’re not cleaning well enough. You’re likely speeding through your routine, or worse, brushing so hard that you’re damaging your gums. Along with a good toothpaste and whitening strips or an LED whitening kit, an electric toothbrush can maintain those pearly whites safely and easily — especially those spots you simply can’t reach with your manual toothbrush. Dentists Recommend “I recommend using an electric toothbrush over a manual toothbrush because of its superior ability to clean hard-to-reach spots. Electric toothbrushes are much like the professional instruments that dentists use, both in shape and the way the bristles vibrate or rotate.”—Dr. Bill Busch of NKC Dental, team dentist for the Kansas City Chiefs and Kansas City Current We tested 45 electric toothbrushes from some of the best dentist-recommended brands recommended by dentists in the lab and at home. We brushed, polished, and, in some cases, flossed as we sought out devices that performed the best without damaging sensitive teeth and gums. Our Top Picks Best Overall: Oral-B Genius X Limited at Amazon $200 Jump to Review Best Overall (Cheaper): SALE Voom Sonic Pro 5 Electronic Toothbrush at Amazon $40 $30 Jump to Review Best Value: SALE Philips Sonicare 4100 Electric Toothbrush at Amazon $50 $40 Jump to Review Best Investment: SALE Philips Sonicare 9900 Prestige at Amazon $380 $300 Jump to Review Best Programmable: SALE Oral-B iO Series 9 at Amazon $300 $240 Jump to Review Best Deep Clean: Philips Electric Toothbrush at Amazon $155 Jump to Review Best with Water Flosser: Waterpik 9.0 Sonic Electric Toothbrush with Water Flosser at Amazon $130 Jump to Review Best Overall Oral-B Genius X Limited PHOTO: Amazon $200 at Amazon Star Qualities Pressure sensor alerts you when you’re brushing too harshly Six cleaning modes, including one for sensitive teeth Red Flags Charging base is prone to tipping We loved how effective this rotating electric toothbrush was right from the start — after one use, it felt like we had gone to the dentist for a teeth cleaning. It has a two-minute timer (the duration most dentists recommend for brushing) that vibrates every half minute to remind you to switch to a new quadrant in your mouth. Press too hard with those bristles, and a red light flashes that reminds you to ease up, which is perfect for those with receding or sensitive gums. There are also six different cleaning modes, including one for sensitive teeth, which was very easy to toggle between. The compact round head made it easy to get into hard-to-reach spots in our mouths, too. The compact, round head made it easy to get into hard-to-reach spots in our mouths, too. This smart toothbrush even connects via Bluetooth to an app, so you can improve your brushing habits. Our only quip: The charging base was slightly prone to tipping over, though resting the brush up against something else (like the wall or the mirror) helps to prevent this from happening. Special Features: Bluetooth, LED light | Power Source: Rechargeable battery | What’s Included: Handle, brush head, charger, travel case | Toothbrush Type: Rotating PHOTO: People / Jessica Juliao PHOTO: People / Jessica Juliao PHOTO: People / Jessica Juliao Best Overall (Cheaper) Voom Sonic Pro 5 Electronic Toothbrush PHOTO: Amazon $40 $30 at Amazon $48 at Walmart View on Voomsonic.com Star Qualities Battery lasted over weeks of testing Small brush head cleans hard-to-reach places Two-minute timer guides your cleaning, buzzing every 30 seconds Red Flags Super easy to switch settings, which means we sometimes did so accidentally This sonic toothbrush’s handle fits perfectly in your hand and is easy to maneuver, and the brush head, while small, provided ample coverage and got into hard-to-reach places just fine. Even using light pressure, our teeth felt incredibly clean. We loved the two-minute timer that's divided into four 30-second segments, so you get an alert when it's time to move on to the next quadrant of your mouth. We loved the two-minute timer that's divided into four 30-second segments, so you get an alert when it's time to move on to the next quadrant of your mouth. We also appreciated the five different settings that can be easily toggled between depending on your brushing needs. Perhaps it was a little too easy to switch settings due to the placement of the buttons, which we would sometimes inadvertently press. It would have been nice to have a battery life indicator, but the battery lasted a long time (it even extended past the testing period — the brand claims that it lasts a whopping three months). Special Features: 5 speeds, charger | Power Source: Rechargeable battery | What’s Included: Handle, 2 brush heads, charging base, USB cable | Toothbrush Type: Sonic Best Value Philips Sonicare 4100 Electric Toothbrush PHOTO: Amazon $50 $40 at Amazon $50 $40 at Target $47 at Walmart Star Qualities Easily cleans typically hard-to-reach spots Battery lasted for three weeks on a single charge Handle was lightweight and comfortable to hold Red Flags No sensitivity sensor to avoid over-brushing We thought that the handle on this 4100 series electric toothbrush was the ideal size. In fact, it felt like holding a pencil, which should give you a good idea of the lightness and size of this brush. The vibrating brush head is on point, reaching far in the back for those hard-to-reach spots. We liked that it's also designed to brush the tongue. The brush itself is easy to clean off with just some running water, though we noticed the stand requires more frequent cleaning. We easily toggled between two presets, though we missed having a timer or sensitivity sensor to avoid over-brushing. The battery lasts and lasts — we clocked it at about three weeks, even when used on the stronger setting. There is a battery life indicator, though there is no Bluetooth connectivity. After brushing, we were left with super clean and fresh mouths. And while we continued to floss (as you should!), we found that there was far less food that needed to be removed than usual. While this brush might not have any special features, we think that it’s priced fairly for its performance. Special Features: Timer, pressure sensor | Power Source: Corded electric | What’s Included: Handle, brush head | Toothbrush Type: Sonic PHOTO: People / Vicky Wasik PHOTO: People / Vicky Wasik PHOTO: People / Vicky Wasik PHOTO: People / Vicky Wasik Best Investment Philips Sonicare 9900 Prestige PHOTO: Amazon $380 $300 at Amazon $375 at Walmart $400 at Kohls.com Star Qualities Provides fresh-from-the-dentist results Several different ways to recharge the battery Three intensity settings Red Flags Only includes one brush head If you're looking for the Cadillac of electric toothbrushes, you’ve found it in the Prestige 9900. It looks and feels luxurious, and though the price reflects it, we were impressed by how clean and fresh our mouths felt after a single use. It's really easy to set up this vibrating electric toothbrush — just press the start button, choose from low, medium, or high intensity, and you’re off to the races. It’s even got a healthy charge out of the box. We found that it was effective yet gentle on sensitive teeth, though there’s a sensor that will alert you to over-brushing. We also liked that you can easily change intensities while brushing, plus it comes with a timer that shuts off after two minutes. There's also an app that keeps you on task with your brushing habits. The brush itself is ergonomically designed to feel great in your hand — not too heavy, not too light. However, considering the price, it only comes with a single brush head, and replacements are quite pricey, so we're definitely considering this one an investment. Special Features: SenseIQ technology | Power Source: Corded electric | What’s Included: Handle, brush head, charging base, travel charging case | Toothbrush Type: Sonic PHOTO: People / Tamara Staples PHOTO: People / Vicky Wasik PHOTO: People / Vicky Wasik Best Programmable Oral-B iO Series 9 PHOTO: Best Buy $300 $240 at Amazon $300 $240 at Target $330 at Ulta Star Qualities Easy to adjust settings, even mid-brush Pressure sensor prevents over-brushing Includes four brush heads and seven smart modes Red Flags Bristles feel a bit wide, so this may be better for larger teeth and mouths If you've got gum sensitivity, don't shy away from electric toothbrushes — especially this one. This Series 9 from Oral-B offers a deep clean without hurting your gums. You can easily program seven smart modes for a customized brushing experience: daily clean, intense, whitening, gum care, sensitive, super sensitive, and tongue clean. We liked that you can change modes mid-brush, and it’s got a built-in timer that you can adjust through the app (though you can also use the brush without the app). After using this brush, our mouth felt as clean as it does after a dental cleaning. We especially liked the pressure sensor — we set it off frequently in the beginning, a clear indication of how much we’d been over-brushing. The wide brush head has longer bristles, which may be best for those with larger teeth and mouths. It’s also quite pricey, but for its programming capabilities, we think it’s worth it. Plus, it comes with a charging travel case and four brush heads for added value. Special Features: 7 smart brushing modes, timer | Power Source: Rechargeable battery | What’s Included: Handle, 4 brush heads, charging travel case, magnetic charger | Toothbrush Type: Rotating PHOTO: People / Jessica Juliao PHOTO: People / Jessica Juliao PHOTO: People / Jessica Juliao PHOTO: People / Jessica Juliao PHOTO: People / Vicky Wasik PHOTO: People / Vicky Wasik Best Deep Clean Philips Electric Toothbrush PHOTO: Philips $155 at Amazon $170 $140 at Target $168 at Walmart Star Qualities Compact vibrating head makes it easy to get behind back teeth Quieter than others we tried Features a battery change indicator Red Flags Settings weren’t intuitive, so we had to consult the manual If you've been using a manual toothbrush, this vibrating electric iteration will introduce you to a whole new way of brushing. We loved the compact brush size that made it easy to move around our mouth, especially in the back, to get a deep clean. The battery lasts a long time (we didn’t have to charge it at all during the testing period), and it alerts you when it needs to be charged. The modes and settings might seem a bit vague at first — we frequently needed to consult the manual — but once you get the hang of it, you’re golden. It connects well via Bluetooth to the app, though we were enchanted more by the deep cleaning action of the brush head than any additional app features. We like that it has a two-minute timer to ensure you're brushing long enough, but even better is the sensor that alerts you when you're brushing too hard — if you have gum sensitivity, this will help you improve your brushing technique. It’s also got a nice, quiet operation, which is a bonus. Special Features: Bluetooth wireless technology, BrushPacer and SmarTimer, pressure sensor, 3 modes, and 3 intensities | Power Source: Rechargeable battery | What’s Included: 1 ExpertClean handle, 2 brush heads | Toothbrush Type: Sonic Best with Water Flosser Waterpik 9.0 Sonic Electric Toothbrush with Water Flosser PHOTO: Amazon $130 $118 at Amazon $185 at Walmart $140 at Walgreens Star Qualities Effectively removed pieces of food from teeth Super easy to switch between three brush modes Red Flags Noisier than others we tested If you're looking for an electric water flosser along with your toothbrush, this electric brush/flosser combo offers three brushing modes and 10 flossing modes that are easy to toggle between. The vibrating brush is lightweight and easy to maneuver for a deep clean. The handle size felt just right, as did the toothbrush head — and bonus points for the tongue cleaner on the back of the head. The various flosser settings ensured our teeth felt clean (goodbye, food particles and plaque) and our gums didn’t hurt, so if you have sensitive gums, this could be the device for you. We liked that it has a two-minute timer that vibrates every 30 seconds to tell you to switch up the brush placement in your mouth. If you are working with limited counter space, beware: this toothbrush, while super effective, is quite bulky in its charging station. Special Features: 10 pressure settings, 3 cleaning modes | Power Source: Corded electric | What’s Included: Handle, 2 brush heads, 5 flossing tips, reservoir, travel case | Toothbrush Type: Sonic Other Electric Toothbrushes We Tried PRO-SYS VarioSonic Rechargeable Power Electric Toothbrush: There’s not much to set up with this toothbrush — just attach the brush head and plug it into the wall with the USB cord. We liked that there were several speeds that you could easily click through while brushing. This might not have all the “fancy” features as some others on this list — we would have liked an over-brushing sensor — but it comes with a travel case, and the extra toothbrush heads are a good value. Overall, it’s a great price and does the job of keeping your teeth clean and polished. Philips Sonicare ProtectiveClean 6100 Rechargeable Electric Toothbrush: It's very easy to set up this electric toothbrush — just hit two buttons: one to turn it on and the other to choose from clean, whiten, and gum (for focused gum health). It’s also got three intensity settings that you can adjust mid-brush. though if you want to switch cleaning modes while brushing, you have to shut it off and turn it back on, resetting the timer as you go. The handle feels comfortable, and we found it easy to maneuver around our mouths, thanks to its compact size. What to Know About Electric Toothbrushes Ease of Use When selecting an electric toothbrush, it’s important to find one that is comfortable and easy to use. Look for an electric toothbrush with a comfortable handle and brush head as well as adjustable pressure, especially if you have sensitive teeth and gums. Replacement Brush Heads Electric toothbrushes come with a hidden cost: replacement brush heads. Ideally, you’ll want a brush that already comes with several replacement heads to ensure continuity of use when it wears out. That’s why we were blown away by the added value of the four brush heads that came with the Oral-B iO Series 9. Special Features If you’ve been using a manual toothbrush, know that any of the electric toothbrushes on our list will dramatically level up your brushing game. But if you have sensitive teeth and gums or just want more bells and whistles on your toothbrush, you’ll want to look for special features like timers and pressure sensors that alert you when you’re brushing too hard, like those on our best overall pick, the Oral-B Genius X Limited. Even if you just want a battery indicator to let you know when your toothbrush is running out of juice, be sure to take your needs into consideration when purchasing an electric toothbrush. Price Range Dr. Sean Kutlay, owner and principal practitioner of a top-rated cosmetic and general dentistry practice in Santa Clarita, Calif., says electric toothbrush technology has improved greatly. Consumers now have a wide array of options at various price points for a “good” electric toothbrush, provided you use it at least twice a day or after meals, in addition to flossing. Our list has a wide range of prices, from the budget-friendly Voom Sonic Pro 5 to the splurge-worthy Philips Sonicare Prestige 9900, which exceeds Dr. Kutlay's typical "range" but offers a more luxe experience with the accompanying app and chic design and travel case. Experts Say “In my experience, after the $50 to $200 price range, it’s hard to see an improvement in quality in terms of dental care. Within that price range, you generally will get what you pay for.” —Dr. Sean Kutlay People / Vicky Wasik Behind the Scenes Our PEOPLE Tested team tried out 45 electric toothbrushes, first after a lunch featuring spinach, a vegetable notorious for getting stuck between teeth, and then for an extended testing period at home. Ease of Setup: First, we unboxed each electric toothbrush, noting the ease of setup, including which ones already carried a partial charge and could be used right away. We examined the design of each, particularly control button placement, whether the handle was ergonomically designed, and how heavy or light it felt in our hands. Performance: After connecting the electric toothbrush head to the handle, we added a squirt of toothpaste and brushed our teeth for two minutes (using the built-in timer where applicable). We cleaned all surfaces of our teeth, keeping the brush at the proper 45-degree angle to the gums. We did not scrub or apply pressure; we let the vibrating or rotating bristles do all the work. When the two minutes were up, we noted how clean our teeth felt or if any gunky residue was left behind. Overall Value: To make final selections for our best electric toothbrushes list, we rated each one on ease of use, functionality, overall quality, portability (especially those touted as travel-friendly), and value.Battery Life: During extended testing, we noted how long they could use the toothbrushes on a single battery charge and whether the strength was consistent as the battery drained. Frequently Asked Questions Is an electric toothbrush better than a manual toothbrush? Yes, because human error gets in the way of proper brushing with a manual model, explains Dr. Kutlay. “Lots of times people aren’t fully educated on how to properly brush,” he says. “Using an electric toothbrush not only adds more power to the surface of your teeth to remove plaque, but it can also properly clean your gums and time how much you spend on each area of your mouth.”He likens it to using a manual lawn mower versus an electric one. “Unless you want to spend much more time doing a good job — which you can [with a manual toothbrush] — an electric one is just going to get the job done better in a shorter amount of time,” he says. Which is better: a rotating or vibrating electric toothbrush? Rotating electric toothbrushes have an edge over vibrating electric toothbrushes in terms of proper brushing technique. “Rotating toothbrushes are better because the bristles are able to get underneath the gums more effectively,” says Dr. Busch.With a vibrating toothbrush, he says you must still operate it with enough skill to brush your teeth effectively. “With a rotating brush, the toothbrush does most of the work with little assistance from the operator,” he says. Our best overall pick, the Oral B Genius X Limited, is a rotating electric toothbrush. Can you use an electric toothbrush every time you brush? There’s no need to have an array of toothbrushes to support good dental hygiene. “It is fine to use an electric toothbrush every time you brush, as long as you use a quality toothbrush,” says Dr. Busch. If you’re a hard brusher, choose a toothbrush with a sensor that will stop the brush whenever you press too hard on your teeth. Do you still need to floss if you use an electric toothbrush? Sorry, but using an electric toothbrush will not get you out of a flossing routine. “Nothing — I repeat — nothing replaces flossing,” says Dr. Busch. “Only floss can get in the deep crevices of gums and in between your teeth.” If you feel tied down by dental floss, we suggest the Waterpik Complete Care 9.0 for getting rid of food stuck in your teeth. Why Trust PEOPLE? Barbara Bellesi Zito is a contributing commerce writer for PEOPLE, where she writes about everything from home improvement to health and hygiene products. She has more than 18 years of experience as a writer, editor, and social media consultant for publications including Forbes Advisor, Health.com, Martha Stewart Living, Insider, Apartment Therapy, and more. For this article, she pored over extensive testing insights from both our PEOPLE Tested lab and from the homes of our testers. She also interviewed two dental experts for their thoughts on how to properly use an electric toothbrush and how to purchase the right model. Our Expert Panel Dr. Bill Busch, DMD, MAGD, is a provider at NKC Dental and is also the team dentist for the Kansas City Chiefs and Kansas City Current. Dr. Sean Kutlay is the owner and principal practitioner of a top-rated cosmetic and general dentistry practice in Santa Clarita, Calif. What Is PEOPLE Tested? We created the PEOPLE Tested seal of approval to help you find the very best products for your life. We use our unique methodology to test products in three labs across the country and with our network of home testers to determine their effectiveness, durability, ease of use, and so much more. Based on the results, we rate and recommend products so you can find the right one for your needs. But we don’t stop there: We also regularly re-review the categories in which we’ve awarded the PEOPLE Tested seal of approval — because the best product of today might not be the best of tomorrow. And by the way, companies can never buy our recommendation: Their products must earn it, fair and square. In short, PEOPLE Tested provides recommendations you can trust — every day, every purchase.