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A good toothbrush is essential for oral health. It will help you keep your teeth shining and cavity-free and will help you prevent gum disease and bad breath.
We wanted to know what toothbrush was the best. To find out, we purchased 13 top toothbrushes and put them through the same rigorous testing procedures. From manual to electric, budget-friendly to high-end, we've thoroughly tested all the best models on the market today, from cleaning to comfort to customization. We've consulted with a dental hygienist throughout our testing process to ensure that our information is as accurate and reliable as possible.
Incredible cleaning, travel case can charge device, digital display
Powerful cleaning, simple to operate, long-lasting battery
Super soft bristles, ergonomic, superb cleaning
Low price tag, efficient battery, gentle on the gums
All-in-one hygiene solution, highly effective at cleaning, travel case included
Perfect for sensitive gums, amazing cleaning performance, budget friendly
Awesome travel case, super quiet operation, good color options
Lots of color choices, inexpensive, great battery
Effective at cleaning, awesome colors
Simple to operate, solid cleaning
Ergonomic handle, comes with a tongue cleaner
Affordable, available in packs of three or six
Small and portable, floss pick, doesn't require water
Cons
Very pricey, tends to leak
Limited colors, single-mode operation
Must be purchased in multi-packs, no tongue/gum cleaner
Only comes with charging cord
Can be too much water pressure, messy, takes up counter space
Rolls over when placed on its back
Lackluster cleaning, questionable durability
Absent wall brick, brushing is a tad harsh
Abrasive bristles, big brush head
Loud, too abrasive for sensitive teeth
Not great at cleaning, larger brush head, rubber bristles aren't comfortable
Thin handle, subpar cleaning
Wasteful, can't reseal packs, difficult to hold
Bottom Line
Looking for the highest tech option with every bell and whistle? This model exceeds all expectations despite the sticker shock
Straightforward and intuitive, this can clean with the best of them despite the limitation of only having one mode
Featuring soft and gentle bristles, exceptional cleaning performance, and a range of sizes, this emerges as the best manual toothbrush
For newcomers to the electric toothbrush scene, this model is an excellent option, especially given its effortless teeth-cleaning capability
If you want your oral hygiene routine wrapped up into one product, this one is worth your consideration
Outstanding cleaning performance combined with soft, gentle bristles makes this model an ideal choice for individuals with sensitive mouths
This is an adequate choice if you're new to electric toothbrushes, thanks to its streamlined hybrid design, especially if you're on a budget
Demonstrating a compelling price-to-value ratio and offering a wide array of color choices, this model is worthy of your consideration
As long as you don't have sensitive teeth, this model will do a great job at cleaning and will look good while doing it
Sporting more than adequate cleaning ability, this model may feel aggressive for those who need a softer touch
While the large handle is a nice feature and the larger brush head can cover a lot of ground, it lacks the precision needed to effectively clean your teeth
It won't blow you away with its cleaning performance, but the small footprint might appeal to some
Although this is a useful and somewhat innovative product, it's only good for temporary use
Whitening Care
Gentle Care
Ultimate Clean
Targeted Clean
S Sensitive
C1 SimplyClean
e-Series
A3 Premium All-in-One
W3 Premium White
W DiamondClean
G3 Premium Gum Care
Sonicare For Kids
C3 Premium Plaque Control
G2 Optimal Gum Care
C2 Optimal Plaque Control
Regular
Compact
Nimby
S Sensitive
C1 SimplyClean
e-Series
A3 Premium All-in-One
W3 Premium White
W DiamondClean
G3 Premium Gum Care
Sonicare For Kids
C3 Premium Plaque Control
G2 Optimal Gum Care
C2 Optimal Plaque Control
No Options
No Options
1 style available in multiple colors
1 style available in multiple colors
Soft
Medium
Gentle Clean
CrossAction
FlossAction
3D White
Sensitive
Deep Sweep
Soft
Medium
No Options
No Options
Number of Included Brush Heads For Electric Models
4
1
NA
1
2 brush heads
5 water flosser tips
NA
1
6
NA
1
NA
NA
NA
Included Tongue Scraper
Tongue Clean Mode
No
No
No
Yes
Yes
No
No
Yes
No
Yes
No
No
Measured Battery Life For Electric Toothbrushes
22.5 days
28 days
NA
49.5 days
28.5 days
NA
30 days
52.5 days
NA
12 days
NA
NA
NA
Estimated Annual Brush Head Cost for Electric Toothbrushes
The Philips Sonicare ProtectiveClean 4100 left a lasting impression on our testers due to its simplicity and ease of use, characterized by its single cleaning mode, one-button operation, and overall affordability. Its long battery life is a significant advantage, particularly for frequent travelers. Finding the right brush head is essential, given the variety of mouth and teeth sizes. Fortunately, this model offers a wide range of brush heads, allowing maximum customization to suit individual needs. As one tester noted, “I think this is a perfect place to start if you're new to the world of ever-evolving electric toothbrushes.”
Some users may perceive the Philips toothbrush as overly simplistic, especially those who prefer using a companion app to monitor their hygiene progress. While the price is great, our tester noted, “I wish this model included a wall brick for charging, not just a USB charging cord.” In contrast, the Oral-B iO Series 9 includes all the necessary charging accessories and boasts a longer-lasting battery.
The Philips Sonicare ProtectiveClean 4100 is another excellent option that excels at teeth cleaning and fits most budgets.
Electric toothbrushes, such as the Oral-B iO Series 10, aren't the sole effective cleaners available, as many manual toothbrushes also rise to the occasion. Case in point, the Nimbus Microfine Xtra Soft. This particular model stood out to our testers as a personal favorite among manual options. Although the brush head tends to be slightly larger, one tester wrote, “I found that the brush head is still manageable for those with smaller mouths.” The ultra-soft bristles provide sufficient comfort without sacrificing effectiveness. The handle boasts a respectable thickness, making it easy to grip. Its hourglass-like shape and strategically positioned textured dots ensure a secure hold, minimizing the risk of slipping during brushing. The Nimbus excelled in nearly every test we conducted, and we think this is the best model for those who prefer non-electric toothbrushes. As our reviewer noted, “I think this is easily one of the best manual toothbrushes money can buy.”
Unfortunately, there is no tongue scraper or gum cleaner on the back of the handle, which could be a drawback for some users. If you're undecided between electric and manual options, you might want to consider the Philips One. It's a hybrid model that combines elements of both types of toothbrushes and is exceptionally user-friendly. On the other hand, if you prefer a toothbrush with firmer bristles, you might want to consider the Oral-B Charcoal. This model exhibited more than sufficient cleaning power and boasts an appealing design.
Distinct from the ProtectiveClean model, the Philips Sonicare 4100 is a slightly more streamlined version. We believe this device is one of the top choices for those new to electric toothbrushes. Its single-button operation, one cleaning mode with a gentle option, and a range of brush heads to choose from all contribute to its compelling and affordable offering. Another excellent feature is the timer. One reviewer said, “I found the two-minute timer with 30-second alerts very helpful for ensuring each quadrant of my mouth received even attention.” This brush will also automatically stop when the two minutes are up. Moreover, it boasts a powerful ability to keep your teeth clean. As we say in our review, “This remains a solid choice if you're seeking the most value for your money.”
Remember, this device only has a USB cord and a small dock, so you'll need to purchase a compatible charger separately if you don't already have one. The same goes for the Philips Sonicare ProtectiveClean 4100. If you desire a more feature-rich model, the Waterpik Complete Care 9.0 offers a comprehensive package with its water flosser, convenient travel case, and extra brush heads.
The Oral-B iO Series 10 showcases some of the most powerful cleaning abilities in our testing and is sure to enhance your daily routine. As one tester notes in our review, “Even though I am not super tech-savvy, I wasn't intimidated by this model. I found it remarkably easy to use, thanks to its intuitive app designed to help me brush effectively.” Plus, when paired with the brush, the app tracks your dental health in real time with each session. This device's charging dock also boasts intelligent features. With the iO Sense Smart Charger, users can access a two-minute timer. You can use the smart stand as a timer for two minutes, or you can opt for it to monitor your cleaning progress. During monitoring, a quadrant will illuminate, transitioning colors upon completion and moving on to the next quadrant until all quadrants are fully displayed. As our review notes, “Did I find these features essential? No. Did I find them encouraging longer brushing? Absolutely.”
However, every product has its Achilles' heel. During testing, we found this model tends to leak a mixture of saliva and toothpaste gunk through the brush head's three openings, allowing liquids to flow into the interior of the handle. You'll need to clean out the nooks and crannies of this toothbrush occasionally. The unit is also pricey, so you'll throw down a lot of cash. Still, the Series 10 remains a great option if you seek the best in terms of features and cleaning ability. If you want to save some money, this unit's predecessor, the Oral-B iO Series 9, offers many of the same features at a lower price. Alternatively, if you prefer a less high-tech device with plenty of useful features like a travel case, the Philips Sonicare ProtectiveClean 5100 is a more than suitable option thanks to its cleaning ability.
If you're concerned about your budget, worry not because the Colgate 360 Sensitive Extra Soft is here to save the day with its approachable price tag and gentle bristle design, ensuring a pleasant brushing experience. Moreover, one tester noted, “I didn't find this brush's cleaning ability compromised by the ultra-soft bristles or medium-sized head. It's actually comfortable and super effective.” To top it off, this model also carries a gum cleaner on the back of the brush head — a welcomed feature that many of its peers don't have. All in all, this is one of the better manual options you can buy and earns a spot among manual offerings.
The biggest drawback to the Colgate model is its handle. Our reviewers noted a point of annoyance: “When I put this brush down flat on the counter, it tends to tip over easily.” During testing, we found the handle itself is comfortable to grip, but it's best stored upright to prevent tipping. If you need a more travel-friendly option, the Colgate Max Fresh Wisp is ultra-portable, includes a built-in floss pick, and doesn't require water for brushing. However, its cleaning effectiveness might not match that of a traditional toothbrush.
We measured the sound levels of each toothbrush in its highest mode.
In addition to our rigorous cleaning tests on both real and fake teeth, we measured each toothbrush's length, weight, and noise levels.
How We Tested
Since 2017, we've dedicated ourselves to testing dental hygiene products, aiming to provide you with the most comprehensive and accurate information available. Over this time, we've gained valuable insights into what makes a great toothbrush. First, we consulted a dental hygienist to determine what makes a toothbrush most effective. We then put each unit through multiple cleaning tests that include built-up plaque and coffee grounds to simulate little pieces of food that get stuck in hard-to-reach areas. We also evaluated which brushes were most comfortable with sensitive gums and easy to hold, and we even measured how loud each electric toothbrush was on its highest setting. Lastly, we considered convenience and the extra features each model brought to the table.
Cleaning (40% of overall score weighting)
Comfort (30% weighting)
Ease of Use (20% weighting)
Customization (10% weighting)
Brush twice daily for 2 minutes and you're well on the way to healthy teeth and gums.
Credit: Natalie Kafader
Why Trust GearLab
At Gearlab, we've entrusted our thorough testing process to Genaveve Bradshaw and Ryan White, along with consultations like Dental Hygienist Andrea Fernandez to ensure that all of our testing practices align with her professional perspective. Together, this squad has conducted exhaustive research and testing on a multitude of toothbrushes to determine the best one for you. We don't take dental hygiene lightly and strive to provide you with the most up-to-date information to ensure you make the best purchase possible. Whatever you choose, be sure you're using the American Dental Association's prescribed two minutes, twice a day proven method.
We timed ourselves for the recommended 2 minutes while cleaning our teeth (and the fake teeth shown above) to determine which unit has the best cleaning capabilities.
Credit: Natalie Kafader
Analysis and Test Results
New toothbrush models are released yearly, and we remain committed to staying on top of the research and testing of each new brush to provide the best information possible. This way, we know exactly what makes a solid electric toothbrush.
We do not offer medical advice. Although we have consulted with dentists and dental hygienists for this assessment, seeking guidance from a healthcare professional is essential. Because everyone's dental needs are unique, consulting with your dentist is essential when making decisions about your oral care. While our guide provides valuable information, consulting with your dentist before making any final decisions is recommended, especially if you have specific dental, periodontal, or orthodontic concerns.
What's the Best Value?
We understand that value versus cost is likely your main concern, and we get it. No one wants to waste their hard-earned money on something lackluster. That's why we aim to give out diverse awards to products that stood out among the pack at multiple price points, ensuring there's a spot for every budget level. The Colgate 360 Sensitive Extra Soft likely provides everything you would need in a toothbrush, while coming in at such a low price. The same goes for the other high-performing manual toothbrush, the Nimbus Microfine Xtra Soft. The Philips Sonicare 4100 and Philips Sonicare ProtectiveClean 4100 can't be overlooked either. Yes, they are very simple devices, but effective and affordable nevertheless.
The Colgate 360 Sensitive Extra Soft shows off its cleaning prowess in the plaque removal test. If you're interested in a manual toothbrush, this unit is the best value there is.
Credit: Natalie Kafader
Cleaning
For our most critical metric, it was imperative that we thoroughly put each brush through its paces to determine just how well they could clean within a normal brushing session. Firstly, we chewed a plaque-dispensing tablet, which highlights build-up in a bright pink tone. We then took a before photo and brushed our teeth for 2 minutes using a tried and true 2-minute brushing method, followed by an after photo to assess the results. Furthermore, we ate two Oreos to simulate the stickiness of plaque and brushed again using the same method. These two tests combined allowed us to gauge the efficiency of each brush. Finally, we made use of an artificial dental model and spread wet coffee grounds over the teeth and gums. After brushing, we determined how much (if any) of the coffee debris was left over.
The Oral-B iO Series 10 is in a class of its own and demonstrated superior cleaning ability, even among the toughest contenders we tested. This powerful toothbrush showcases what a high-end device can achieve. Not to be completely overshadowed, the Philips Sonicare ProtectiveClean 4100 and regular Philips Sonicare 4100 also put on a powerful showing, removing all plaque, Oreo residue, and even the coffee grounds from the artificial teeth. Given the single mode operation of these models, this is especially impressive.
Before brushing our teeth with the Series 10.
After brushing with the Series 10.
The Oral-B iO Series 10 hands down had the best cleaning abilities of any other product in our test suit. Here is before and after cleaning for two minutes.
Before and after cleaning with the Nimbus.
Holding it down for the manual toothbrushes, the Colgate 360 Sensitive Extra Soft managed to also clean with relative ease, even compared to the top performers. You can't talk about the best performers without also mentioning the Waterpik Complete Care 9.0 as it comes with additional powerful cleaning tools like a water flosser. That said, it can be messy and tough on sensitive gums.
A glimpse into our testing process for the cleaning metric.
Credit: Natalie Kafader
Comfort
Simply because a toothbrush is effective at cleaning, it doesn't necessarily mean it's comfortable. Individuals with sensitive teeth or gums should pay close attention to these results. Adhering to your dental hygiene routine is the most important factor, and you don't want to shy away from your morning and evening brushing sessions. This is precisely why comfort is weighted so heavily in our assessment, making up 30% of the final score. We determine the comfort levels of each brush by assessing how each brush head feels. Size and softness (or stiffness) of bristles are crucial qualities to evaluate, as well as how effortless the handle is to grip. For the electric models, we determine how loud they are using a decibel reader.
The Oral-B iO Series 10 once again proves its worth by demonstrating high levels of comfort, largely thanks to the sensitive mode and the friendly brush head. It also offers more aggressive modes, allowing you to select your preferred comfort level. The smooth, plastic, medium-sized handle is a pleasure to hold and doesn't easily slip. While the overall sound emitted from this device is definitely loud and obvious, it's not grating or annoying.
The pressure sensor ring on the Oral-B iO Series 10 lets you know when you're brushing too hard.
Credit: Natalie Kafader
The Nimbus Microfine Xtra Soft features gentle bristles of two different lengths, contributing to a pleasant brushing experience. Despite the brush head being medium to large in size, it did not cause any discomfort. The hefty hourglass-like handle is also easy to hold, with strategically placed textured dots ensuring a good grip. The ever-capable Philips Sonicare 4100 has a smaller brush head, which should prove comfy for people with smaller mouths, and the slender matte plastic handle is pretty grippy, too. To top it off, this model also has a sensitive mode.
The Oral-B Pro 1000 being weighed for assessment.
Credit: Natalie Kafader
The Colgate 360 Sensitive Extra Soft boasts one of the most comfortable brush heads we tested, featuring soft bristles and three distinct “cups” that gently hug each tooth without being too aggressive. The Philips One also deserves a mention here, mainly because of its very quiet operation and soft bristles. You can't go wrong with any of these toothbrushes if you have sensitive teeth or gums.
Showcasing different ergonomics on the Oral-B Cross Action vs Colgate 360 Sensitive Extra Soft.
Credit: Genaveve Bradshaw
Ease of Use
To gauge the ease of use of these products, we assessed key factors such as the feel of the brush head and its ability to effortlessly reach every tooth. Additionally, we tested how simple each brush was to clean by covering the handle with toothpaste and subsequently cleaning it off to discover if there were any areas where gunk might tend to stick. For those who desire an electric toothbrush, we measured the battery life of each model. Lastly, we determined whether the toothbrushes could be set down without tipping over.
Despite the high-tech nature of the Oral-B iO Series 10, it remained straightforward in real world use. The circular brush head excels at targeting individual teeth, providing a precise and simple cleaning experience without causing discomfort. On the smart base, you can track the zones you've brushed with a circle that fills in with each section you brush to completion. Additionally, the matte handle proved effortless to clean, and the toothbrush can be stored vertically or flat on its back without rolling over.
The smart base is a useful feature and sets the Oral-B iO Series 10 apart from its competition.
Credit: Genaveve Bradshaw
The Philips Sonicare 4100 impressed us with how effectively the small brush head navigated each tooth, offering a comfortable brushing session. The handle is easy to clean, although gunk may accumulate between the brush head and the handle, requiring periodic cleaning every few uses. The well-balanced handle allows for upright or flat storage without tipping over as well. It also boasts an incredibly long battery life at 49.5 days - the longest of any electric model in our lineup. The Protective Clean version does slightly better in our stability tests simply because the handle is a little more secure when lying on its back. Both Philips models prove worthy in this metric.
Customization
For our customization metric, we evaluated each toothbrush's unique features and determined whether it came in different colors, had an app (for electric models), or had any additional components like a tongue scraper or gum cleaner that made the device stand out.
The 7am2m Sonic includes a total of six brush heads, and for those who prioritize aesthetics, it's available in a whopping 10 colors. In terms of additional tech features, the Oral-B iO Series 10 stands on its own with app connectivity. The charging stand, named iO Sense, features WiFi connectivity and a digital clock on the front screen. During brushing, it can display either the time or track progress by quadrant. A color change from blue to white indicates thorough brushing of a quadrant. In timer mode, it displays the session time, and the quadrant color changes when it's time to move on. Overall, it's intuitive and beneficial.
It doesn't get more high-tech than the Oral-B iO Series 10. You can even watch the 2-minute timer on its smart charger.
Credit: Genaveve Bradshaw
The Waterpik Complete Care 9.0 is feature-rich, offering multiple water flosser heads and a small clear case for easy storage. It's available in both white and black options. On the other hand, the Philips One includes a sleek travel case that matches the handle color. It comes in four color options: green, black, pink, and white.
We've tested the latest and greatest toothbrushes so that you can make an educated purchase decision.
These days, electric toothbrushes come with all kinds of intuitive and helpful features. Some, like the Oral-B Series 10 come with a smart app, change colors for different levels of pressure, offer many cleaning modes, and even time your brushing session. While all of these features are great and help hold you accountable for a proper brushing session, not everyone wants all of those extras. If you prefer a simple, comfortable toothbrush without all of the fuss, you'll likely want a manual model.
Electric toothbrushes need to be charged after most uses. Although they tend to have long battery life, this is something to keep in mind if you're a frequent traveler.
Credit: Natalie Kafader
Budget
Toothbrushes can range from 10 to hundreds of dollars, depending on what you're looking for. Disposable travel toothbrushes like the Colgate Max Fresh Wisp tend to be the cheapest, while premium electric toothbrushes like the Oral-B iO Series 10 are a big investment. If you're on an extra-tight budget, we recommend sticking to manual toothbrushes, which can be just as capable of cleaning as electric models. But, if you still want an electric toothbrush but don't want to spend an arm and a leg, we recommend looking into the Philips electric models.
Philips produces some of the best value electric toothbrushes in our lineup.
Credit: Genaveve Bradshaw
Sensitivity
If you have sensitive gums, toothbrushing can be a painful experience if you purchase the wrong one. Although rigid bristles tend to be better at cleaning, they can often leave your mouth feeling sore or even cause gum bleeding. If this is a problem for you, we recommend choosing a brush with soft bristles, like the Nimbus Microfine Xtra Soft. Keep reading below to find which units scored the best in our comfort tests.
The Oral-B iO Series 10 earned high marks in our comfort tests as it turns red when there is too much pressure. It also comes with sensitive and extra-sensitive modes.
Credit: Natalie Kafader
Conclusion
From electric to manual, and big to small, we've covered every top toothbrush we could get our hands on and subjected them to rigorous testing. Our ultimate goal is to help you make a more informed decision and eliminate the headache that can come with upgrading your dental hygiene routine. We sincerely hope you end up with a product that works perfectly for you.
