5 Best Electric Toothbrushes (2026): Philips, Oral-B, Quip, More

The best electric toothbrush reduces plaque and gingivitis better than a manual one, encourages you to brush long enough, and prevents overzealous scrubbing (it’s a thing—just ask my dentist). I didn’t always love to brush my teeth, but over the years, I’ve come to appreciate the oral-health ritual: two minutes of foamy, mindless maintenance twice a day (or more) that keeps the dental hygienist off my back. Investing in preventative dental care can save you thousands of dollars (and a lot of discomfort) in the long run. If you have a permanent retainer from orthodontics, an electric device can deal with the associated plaque buildup far more effectively than a manual toothbrush. And a worthy electric toothbrush doesn’t have to cost a fortune. We’ve tested dozens, including budget-friendly basic options and high-tech models packed with pressure sensors and multiple cleaning modes. Each brush gets at least two weeks of use—longer if we’re verifying battery claims—so we can assess performance, comfort, and overall value. Listed below are the best electric toothbrushes you can buy. For more wellness recommendations, check out Best Red Light Therapy Masks and LED Devices and the Best Red Light Therapy for Hair Growth. Featured in This Guide Updated August 2026: I’ve added the Quip Ultra Next Generation Smart Sonic, the Quip Ultra Lite Sonic Electric Toothbrush, and the Laifen Wave Pro Electric Toothbrush. I also updated specs, prices, and links. Love WIRED? Add us as a preferred source on Google to see more of us. What Am I Testing Next? Next up, I’m testing the Boka Power Brush 3.0 for $37 and the Philips Sonicare DiamondClean 9900 for $380. I’m also reevaluating Moon’s Electric Toothbrush for $70 and testing several Waterpik models for the upcoming WIRED guide to water flossers. Best Sonic Electric Toothbrush There are two types of electric toothbrush: an oscillating toothbrush has a round head that spins, like what you might find at the dentist, and a sonic one vibrates. (See below for a more detailed explanation.) Oscillating toothbrushes might be a bit intense for a beginner electric tooth-brusher; the versatility of the Philips Sonicare 4100 helped cement it as my top pick for all people. Its sonic vibrations are powerful without being aggressive, and the narrower brush head makes it a more comfortable fit for smaller mouths. At $50, the 4100 is a midrange Sonicare model with a pressure sensor, a two-minute timer, and two vibration intensities (High and Low). Battery life is excellent—lasting about two weeks per charge in our tests—and unlike with Oral-B models, the 4100 shuts off after the two-minute timer. It’s also designed with BrushSync technology, which tracks how long you’ve been using your brush head and how much pressure you’re applying. A light on the handle and a beep remind you when it’s time to replace the brush head—a thoughtful touch. Unlike the Oral-B brush’s standard black and white, the Sonicare 4100 also comes in pink, azure blue, and dark forest green, which might not seem like a huge point to note, but even the smallest pop of color can make a mundane task feel a little less … mundane. | Specs | | |---|---| | Brush Type | Sonic | | Modes | 2 (Low and High) | | Battery Life | 14 days | | Replacement Head Costs | 3 for $32 | | Warranty | 2 years | Best Oscillating The Oral-B Pro 1000 has been around since 2012, outlasting and outperforming flashier models because it’s powerful and priced right. The high-power motor stays focused on your teeth, so you won’t feel any kind of hand-numbing vibration along the handle. If you’re switching from a manual toothbrush, the intensity might be startling initially, but you’ll adjust. With just one button and three brushing modes (Daily Clean, Whiten, and Sensitive), the Pro 1000 is simple to use. A built-in timer pulses every 30 seconds, prompting you to move on to another quadrant of your mouth; its triple pulse at the two-minute mark indicates that you’re done. Unlike some competitors, it won’t shut off automatically, which is handy if you like to keep brushing. Oral-B says the battery lasts about a week, but we squeezed out 10 days in testing. That’s decent, though not as long as some other models. Like all of Oral-B’s electric brushes, the Pro 1000 uses an oscillating brush head, which is a small, circular design that gets between teeth more effectively than larger oval-shaped bristles. Round brush heads tend to be easier to maneuver for those with smaller jaws, and they reach the back of the farthest molars. Though we haven’t tried all of them, most Pro models are a good bet. | Specs | | |---|---| | Brush Type | Oscillating | | Modes | 3 (Daily Clean, Whiten, and Sensitive) | | Battery Life | 10 days | | Replacement Head Costs | 2 for $25 | | Warranty | 2 years | Best for Kids My 2-year-old resisted brushing his teeth pretty heavily until I had him try the Brusheez Electric Toothbrush Set. He’s suddenly thrilled to brush his teeth, though sometimes it just means he holds the vibrating bristles against his tongue and smiles. It’s plenty gentle against his teeth and is powered by two AA batteries (not included). It comes with a little storage base that holds the toothbrush, a two-minute hourglass timer, a rinse cup, and an extra brush head. There’s a fun cover for the toothbrush—we got my son the shark set, but there’s also a bear, giraffe, unicorn, and dinosaur, among other options, to get your kid excited about their new brush. ★ A built-in timer, plus an app: The Philips Sonicare Kids Electric Toothbrush ($35) is more expensive than the Brusheez, but it’s a rechargeable toothbrush and has a built-in two-minute timer, which is great for older kids who will know they have to brush until it stops. It’s also got a companion app (that connects via Bluetooth) with cartoon lessons and rewards for brushing your teeth. —Nena Farrell | Specs | | |---|---| | Brush Type | Oscillating | | Modes | 1 | | Battery Life | Battery-powered | | Replacement Head Costs | 10 for $10 | | Warranty | 5 years | Most Sustainable The aluminum body of Suri's electric toothbrush is built to last. The brand offers a mail-in recycling program for its used brush heads, which are made from cornstarch with castor oil bristles, so they’re biodegradable. If you do decide to part ways with your toothbrush entirely, you can also send it back for recycling. Performance-wise, it’s a solid seven out of 10, with soft bristles and vibrations that are gentle on sensitive teeth and gums. The slim, lightweight design is easy to hold, and the magnetic wall mount keeps your brush off the counter. Like most of our picks, it has a two-minute timer with 30-second pacing and a single-button interface. I will say its motor feels weaker than most of the electric toothbrushes we’ve tested. There’s only one type of toothbrush head, available exclusively through Suri’s site, which can be disappointing if you like options. Its UV-C light cleaning and charging case is a nice feature, too. | Specs | | |---|---| | Brush Type | Sonic | | Modes | 2 | | Battery Life | 40 days | | Replacement Head Costs | 3 for $13 | | Warranty | 1 year | Best Electric Toothbrush for Travel Quip made its name as the Instagrammable toothbrush, and while its first model had its critics, the latest Quip Ultra is ideal for travel. The seamless silicone feels smooth in your hand and eliminates crevices where gunk and toothpaste residue usually build up, making it easy to clean. The new EasyClick Brush Pod also reduces the amount of plastic waste used in brush heads. It’s not as powerful as some of the oscillating brushes on this list, but it’s a fantastic option for frequent travelers who want something lightweight and low-maintenance. The Ultra comes with a magnetic charger cable and mirror mount, a travel case, a countertop stand, and a replaceable brush pod. With a 30-day battery life, there’s generally no need to worry about forgetting your charger at home. The LED touch bar lets you adjust between more than 10 intensity levels—from a gentle polish to a deeper clean—by swiping, as if adjusting the volume on a speaker. But if you do travel without that charger, be aware that using higher intensity levels will deplete the battery life faster. It also connects to the Quip app, so you can track your brushing habits, if that’s your thing. | Specs | | |---|---| | Brush Type | Sonic | | Modes | 10-plus intensities | | Battery Life | Up to 30 days | | Replacement Head Costs | 1 for $8 | | Warranty | 2 years | Compare Top 5 Electric Toothbrushes | Product | Brush Type | Features | Modes | Battery Life | Price | |---|---|---|---|---|---| | Sonicare 4100 | Sonic | 2-minute timer; pressure sensor; brush-head–replacement reminder | 2 (High and Low) | ~14 days | $40 | | Oral-B Pro 1000 | Oscillating | 2-minute timer; pressure sensor; durable build | 3 (Daily Clean, Whiten, and Sensitive) | ~10 days | $50 | | Brusheez Kids’ Electric Toothbrush Set | Oscillating | Hourglass timer; fun designs; includes rinse cup and extra brush head | 1 | AA batteries | $17 | | Suri Pro 2.0 Electric Toothbrush | Sonic | 2-minute timer; repairable; includes UV-C travel case | 2 (Everyday Clean and Polish) | ~40 days | $135 | | Quip Ultra Next Generation Smart Sonic | Sonic | 2-minute timer; pressure sensor; ultra-soft bristles | 10-plus | Up to 30 days | $100 | Honorable Mentions Quip Ultra Lite Sonic Electric Toothbrush for $60: The main difference between the Ultra Lite and the Smart Sonic is the number of intensity settings; the Ultra has three, compared with 10-plus on the Smart Sonic. The Ultra Lite’s three were more than enough for me during testing. The bristles are supersoft, but the wide spacing between them made it easy for food to get stuck, and it was surprisingly difficult to clean out. I also found the battery indicator unhelpful since it didn’t give me much warning before the battery ran out. AquaSonic Black Series for $50: This sonic toothbrush brush comes with eight replacement heads, which is nice for the price. It cleans well, but I find the heads a bit small, and the body vibrates as intensely as the brush head, making it uncomfortable to hold. Laifen Wave Special Electric Toothbrush for $90: Laifen’s original toothbrush was fine, except that its intense vibrations made its whole body buzz. The toothbrush also felt a bit too abrasive, especially on the front teeth, with its 66,000 vibrations per minute. But the Laifen Wave SE is a gentler experience, with up to 26,000 vibrations per minute, which is enough to be effective without overwhelming sensitive teeth. A 60-degree oscillation pattern helps to sweep away plaque, and the thin bristles slip easily between teeth without irritating gum lines. If you prefer a more powerful brush, I’d go with the Laifen Wave Pro Electric Toothbrush for $120. Its magnetic wireless charging is also a nice upgrade. Unfortunately—as is the case with any Laifen toothbrush—you have to use the companion app to change your customization settings. Snow LED Whitening Electric Sonic Toothbrush for $69: This toothbrush has built-in blue-light technology to help whiten your teeth, even on the non-whitening settings. I do think my teeth look a touch brighter after weeks of use; you won’t get the same effect as you would with a true whitening product, but I like that this can help me try to keep the tea stains away. —Nena Farrell Philips One by Sonicare Toothbrush for $25: This is a cute and compact toothbrush that offers very gentle vibrations, so much so that one might complain it’s too gentle. It also comes with a carrying case. What About U-Shaped Toothbrushes? U-shaped toothbrushes use a mouthpiece full of bristles to brush one section of teeth—or sometimes the entire mouth—all at once in around 30 seconds. We’ve tried a few and think they're fine to use in addition to regular brushing. None of them is as effective as standard electric toothbrushes. Doctors of dental medicine Bill Busch, of North Kansas City Dental, and Joseph Salim, owner of Sutton Place Dental Associates, agree that these aren't replacements. “I find the best use for it is for children and in nursing-home environments, where getting quick-and-easy compliance to brush is critical,” Busch says. Willo AutoFlo+ Fully Automatic Kids Toothbrush - Starter Kit for $249: It’s a constant battle to make sure my kids brush for an adequate amount of time and get full coverage on the top and bottom, and this toothbrush solves those problems. My kids love it. They just place the vibrating brush head in their mouths, the light-up countdown timer shows them exactly how much time they have left, and I can be sure they’ve gotten the back right molars. I’m no longer cleaning up a gigantic smeared toothpaste mess every day because the spit/water/toothpaste mix drains directly into the sink. My 10-year-old finds the Super Scrub setting to be a little harsh, but Daily Clean works great. Nevertheless, the amount of maintenance is appalling—approximately a 20-minute cleaning cycle with a whole bottle of hydrogen peroxide, every two weeks. The liquid toothbrush bottles ($28) are expensive, and should you lose the included cleaning plug and bottle, they will be impossible to replace. It’s also hard to fit correctly. According to Willo’s size guide, my 7- and 10-year-olds should have had medium brush heads, but they fit the small brush heads. Also, the bubble gum liquid toothbrush flavor tastes disgusting, or so my kids say. —Adrienne So Willo Brushbot for $149: Given how much my children love the AutoFlo+, I was eager to try Willo’s Brushbot, which is much cheaper and takes up less space. (It also uses a different kind of expensive, proprietary foaming toothpaste.) While initially we liked it, we do have one weird problem—unlike the AutoFlo+, the Brushbot’s mouthpiece does not hang upside down to drain and dry, but instead stands upright on its charger. You have to make sure to drip-dry the toothbrush in the sink, which young kids aren’t always going to remember to do. —Adrienne So SymplBrush for $149: Former WIRED reviewer Brenda Stolyar used SymplBrush, which looks like a mix of Willo (above) and AutoBrush (below), and liked it. “I can tell it hits each tooth and each side of it that a standard toothbrush might,” she says. “It’s a nice, all-around, clean-type feeling.” But she notes that it didn’t always get the buildup around her gumline, so she’d have to go in with a brush anyway. As someone who brushes too hard, she felt this offered a gentler brushing experience for her gums. AutoBrush Sonic Pro for $89: AutoBrush is the original in the category, and former reviewer Medea Giordano has tested both the old silicone-bristle model and the new nylon version. She wasn’t wowed by either, but if you want a U-shaped brush and can get this one on sale, try it. You can read about AutoBrush’s study with Salus Research here. Frequently Asked Questions Which Electric Toothbrush Do Dentists Recommend the Most? There is an endless-seeming array of electric toothbrushes available, but they generally fall into two categories: sonic and oscillating. (For U-shaped brush alternatives, see above.) The best toothbrush is, frankly, the one you’ll actually use twice or three times a day. You can buy the most recommended toothbrush on the market, but if it feels weird in your mouth or hurts your gums, you won’t want to use it. Ada S. Cooper, a dentist and consumer adviser spokesperson for the American Dental Association (ADA), says both sonic and oscillating toothbrushes are effective in plaque removal. - A sonic toothbrush looks similar to a manual brush, with an oval brush head. It vibrates gently and quietly, using high-speed, side-to-side bristle motion to break up plaque. Sonicare was the first oral-care brand to introduce a sonic toothbrush, and it’s probably the most well-known name in the category. - Oscillating toothbrushes rotate and pulsate—oscillate means to move or swing back and forth—around the whole tooth. They tend to be louder than sonic brushes and might make your head vibrate more while you brush. You will get used to this if you’re new to electric brushes. Oral-B is probably the best-known brand for these types of electric toothbrushes. Cooper also notes that you should talk to your dentist about which one will work best for you, and look for models that feature the ADA Seal of Acceptance. Most of our picks have it, but if they don’t, that doesn’t necessarily mean they’re ineffective. What Features Should I Look for in an Electric Toothbrush? Beyond choosing between oscillating and sonic toothbrushes, there are a few other factors that you might want to think about. - Brush and Bristles: A smaller brush head lets you clean along the gum line and around molars without scraping sensitive areas. Softer bristles are usually the safest choice to prevent irritation and discomfort. - Smart Functions: Look for built-in timers and quadrant pacers to ensure you’re brushing long enough and hitting every area of your mouth. Adjustable intensity settings and modes let you dial in the power for sensitive teeth and/or receding gums. Some brushes also include pressure sensors that buzz or flash when you’re scrubbing too hard. - Battery Life: Most electric toothbrushes use either replaceable or rechargeable batteries. I prefer rechargeable models for convenience, and their runtime can vary from about a week on a single charge to more than a month, depending on the toothbrush. - Future Costs: Unfortunately, electric toothbrushes aren’t just a one-time purchase. You’ll need to replace the brush head every three months or so, and prices vary widely by the brand. It’s smart to check replacement costs upfront. Some brands also offer subscription plans, which can save you some money and ensure you never run out of heads. - Brand Reputation: If you buy from a brand like Sonicare or Oral-B, there's a high likelihood that you’ll be able to buy replacement brush heads or get a hold of customer service should you need anything. You can also often get products for these brands in-store instead of having to order them online. We recommend a few newer brands here, many of which only have online storefronts, and there’s no way to predict whether they’ll be around in a few years. (To be fair, there’s no way to predict the staying power of any company, regardless of reputation.) Nevertheless, we’ve tested out all of the options, and some make great brushes, so it may be worth trying them if the initial cost isn’t too high. How to Brush Your Teeth - Floss before brushing at least once a day, ideally twice (morning and evening). Floss picks are supplementary (not interchangeable). - Brush at least twice a day, two minutes at a time, 30 seconds for each quadrant. The ADA recommends placing the brush against the gum line at a 45-degree angle and moving the brush in gentle, vertical strokes to not damage the enamel of your teeth. Make sure to clean the inside surfaces, too. - Be gentle. If your toothbrush bristles look like they’ve been crushed, you’re brushing too hard. You also want to use a soft-bristled brush to prevent gingival injury. - Don’t forget your tongue. Bacteria build up on your tongue, which can cause bad breath despite clean teeth. You can use the tongue cleaner that’s on the backside of some brush heads or purchase a separate tongue scraper. I like this one, available for $10. - Don’t rinse. If you’e using fluoride toothpaste—which helps prevent tooth decay—you shouldn’t rinse your mouth or use mouthwash right away. How Do I Clean My Electric Toothbrush? Per the ADA’s advice: - Rinse your toothbrush well after each use to wash away remaining toothpaste and debris. - Always store your toothbrush upright, and let it air dry between uses. Storing in a closed container (especially when still wet) can promote microbial growth. - For extra sanitation, soak your toothbrush in Listerine mouthwash or 3 percent hydrogen peroxide. Toothbrush sanitizer devices are also available to purchase. Do not put in the dishwasher. - Replace your toothbrush every three months or sooner if the bristles wear out. How Do I Dispose of Old Toothbrush Heads? First, check with your local and state organizations on the disposal methods or restrictions in your area. Some companies offer specialized recycling programs for their products, like Suri and Oral-B’s Recycle On Us program, which only accepts brush heads. You can also repurpose your old toothbrushes for polishing jewelry, scrubbing corners, and other chores. Are Electric Toothbrushes FSA-eligible? No—according to the FSA Store, “electric toothbrushes are not eligible for reimbursement with flexible spending accounts (FSA), health savings accounts (HSA), health reimbursement accounts (HRA), dependent care flexible spending accounts, and limited-purpose flexible spending accounts (LPFSA) because they are general health products.” Power up with unlimited access to WIRED. Get best-in-class reporting and exclusive subscriber content that's too important to ignore. Subscribe Today. [Image text:] sonicare PHILIPSE sonicare