7AM2M Sonic Review
Our Verdict
Compare to Similar Products
This Product 7AM2M Sonic | |||||
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Awards | Most Gentle, Great Battery Life and Value | Best Value Electric Toothbrush | Best Value for Included Brush Heads | ||
Price | $40 List $25.99 at Amazon | $40 List $25.96 at Amazon | $50 List $39.96 at Amazon | $30 List $19.97 at Amazon | $60 List $39.95 at Amazon |
Overall Score | |||||
Star Rating | |||||
Bottom Line | This device carries a low price tag and long battery life, but it left us wanting more | An gentle, minimalist toothbrush with a long-lasting battery that cleans well | Inexpensive yet fully capable, this electric toothbrush is a solid choice for just about everyone | A great entry level option, but falls a little short in terms of overall cleaning ability | Affordable, effective, and user-friendly — this device offers value with good cleaning and extra brush heads |
Rating Categories | 7AM2M Sonic | Philips One | Philips Sonicare 4100 | Quip | Aquasonic Black Series |
Cleaning (40%) | |||||
Comfort (30%) | |||||
Ease of Use (20%) | |||||
Battery Life (10%) | |||||
Specs | 7AM2M Sonic | Philips One | Philips Sonicare 4100 | Quip | Aquasonic Black Series |
Measured Battery Life | 52.5 days | 30 days | 49.5 days | 170 days | 31 days |
Pressure Sensor | No | No | Yes | No | No |
Number of Brushing Modes | 5 modes: Clean, White, Polish, Milder, Sensitive |
1 mode: Clean |
1 mode: Clean 2 sensivity levels |
1 mode: Clean |
4 modes: Clean, Soft, Whiten, Massage |
Estimated Annual Brush Head Cost | $9.99 for 4 pack | $15.92 for (2) two packs | $44.96 for (1) four pack | $28 for (4) 1 packs | $19.90 for (2) two packs |
Charger or Battery Info | USB (block not included) |
USB | USB (block not included) |
1 AAA battery | 100 - 240VA 50-60Hz 0.8 - 1.6W |
American Dental Association accepted? | No | Not Listed | Not Listed | Yes | Yes |
Waterproof / Resistant | Yes, can use in shower | No, cannot be used in the shower | Yes, can use in shower | Yes, can use in shower | Yes, can use in shower |
Number of Brush Head Styles Available | 1 style available in 2 colors | 1 style available in multiple colors | 8 styles, most available in 2 colors | 1 style available in multiple colors | 3 |
Number of Included Brush Heads | 6 | 1 | 1 | 1 | 8 |
Thirty Second Reminder | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes |
Two Minute Alert | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes |
Travel Case Included | No | Yes | No | Yes | Yes |
Measured Handle Weight | 4.1 oz | 1.4 oz | 3.2 oz | 1.2 oz | 3.6 oz |
App | No | No | No | Yes* *must manually enter data unless using a Smart model |
No |
Available Colors | 10 | 4 | 3 | 6 | 1 |
Decibels from 6ft Away | 46 dB | 40 dB* | 42 dB | 40 dB* | 53 dB |
Decibels from 3" Away | 63 dB | 40 dB* | 58 dB | 40 dB* | 68 dB |
Our Analysis and Test Results
Overall, the 7AM2M didn't completely miss the mark during testing, impressing us with its extended battery life and various color options. Plus, it includes handy features like a two-minute timer and clearly labeled modes. However, its subpar cleaning left much to be desired.
Performance Comparison
Cleaning
We put each brush through its paces using a multitude of tests, from plaque removal to spreading a messy mixture of pesto and coffee grounds across a dental model. This allowed us to thoroughly evaluate overall efficiency and effectiveness.
We began by having our testers chew a plaque-dispensing tablet that highlights any and all buildup in a bright pink color. This process allows us to observe how much plaque is removed during a standard two-minute brushing session. The 7AM2M Sonic performed adequately in this test, effectively eliminating most plaque but requiring a bit of extra effort in terms of movement, similar to a manual toothbrush. Testers reported a mostly clean feeling overall. However, with the dental model it faced some challenges. The brush head felt too big and clunky to reach every nook and cranny, leaving behind some residue.
Comfort
We evaluated comfort through various factors, including mode options, harshness, noise level, and the presence of a pressure sensor. The 7AM2M Sonic offers five modes: Clean, Mild, Polish, Milder, and Sensitive. However, we found most of them felt too harsh for daily use, except 'Milder' and 'Sensitive.' In terms of noise level, each mode provides its own vibration pattern and tone, with none of them being too loud, ranging from 46 to 63 decibels, according to our decibel reader. You'll definitely know it's on, but it shouldn't bother most users.
Ease of Use
To effectively evaluate this metric, we assessed the number of modes each brush offers and evaluated the simplicity and intuitiveness of switching between them. Additionally, we considered how easy they were to clean, whether a two-minute timer is present, and any included storage options.
The 7AM2M Sonic is easy enough to operate but does have a quirk or two. To switch between the five available modes, you simply press the power button. However, you are forced to cycle through each mode one by one, which we found a little inconvenient. Fortunately, it's clear which mode you're in, thanks to an indicator light that highlights each mode on the handle. This device has a two-minute timer and shuts off after the cycle is up. It's also simple to clean thanks to the smooth handle and non-obtrusive buttons.
Battery Life
Last but not least is battery life. We thoroughly test this by running each brush for four minutes per day, as you would for your normal brushing routine. We also determined how each device displays battery level and if they indicate when the power is low.
While the manufacturer claims a downright impressive 90 days of battery life, the 7AM2M Sonic fell short. Instead, the brush lasted 52.5 days. That said, that is still a great battery life. We were impressed by the lasting power of this device, and we wouldn't hesitate to take it on longer trips. There is also an indicator light, clearly showing the battery level. The 7AM2M comes with a small dock and USB charging cord but no outlet brick.
Should You Buy the 7AM2M Sonic?
If your priorities are long battery life, unique color choices, and you're sticking to a budget, the 7AM2M is worth considering. It has a few added features, like a two-minute timer and clearly marked modes. Unfortunately, it's delivered lackluster results in our cleaning and comfort tests.
What Other Electric Toothbrushes Should You Consider?
If you're searching for minimalism, the Quip is worth taking a look at. This electric option closely resembles a manual toothbrush yet has some power to back it up. It is budget-friendly and can be set up with a subscription plan to automatically send you new brush heads and replacement batteries. You can also find more simplistic options in our best toothbrush review. However, if the bells and whistles sound nice, you can't go wrong with the Oral-B iO Series 9. This smart option pairs with a mobile app that gives a live look into your brushing performance, showing what percentage of brushing coverage you've actually given your teeth.