What Features Set the Best Electric Toothbrushes Apart From Others?

Set the Best Electric Toothbrushes

The best electric toothbrushes do most of the work for you, with sonic vibrations and pulsing movements removing plaque and food debris. Some of these brushes also offer other features that help you improve your brushing habits, like pressure sensors or a two-minute timer. Those extras can make the difference between brushing well and brushing poorly.

But the best electric toothbrushes go far beyond that basic functionality, and you may find yourself facing an overwhelming choice. The number of available options range from simple, ADA-approved models to more advanced ones that cost upward of $400. There are even smart toothbrushes that connect to your phone or tablet and provide personalized recommendations.

While some of these extras are fun, they can be a bit unnecessary for most people. The most important feature for most consumers is the ability to produce a thorough clean with a brushing mode that meets your specific needs.

What Features Set the Best Electric Toothbrushes Apart From Others?

For example, if you have sensitive teeth and gums, an electric toothbrush with a special sensitivity setting that produces less movement is more appropriate than one that offers multiple cleaning modes. You may also want a travel-friendly electric toothbrush with a rechargeable battery or an indicator that tells you when it’s time to replace your brush head.

In the Verywell Health test lab, our expert panel of dentists and other dental professionals tried 13 different electric toothbrushes—first for several hours in the lab and then for weeks of real-world testing. They used the brushes for a two-minute brushing session that was broken up into 30-second intervals to simulate how long you’re supposed to brush each quadrant of your mouth. They also noted how their teeth and gums felt after each brushing session.

During the testing phase, our panelists took note of how easy it was to operate each model, as well as its durability and longevity. We also looked at the number of brushing modes and whether they were suitable for all types of toothbrushing, from daily clean to whitening and gum care.

We also considered the cost and value of each electric toothbrush. A good quality battery-powered toothbrush can last up to a month on a single charge, and you can buy replacement heads for under $40. In contrast, a rechargeable electric toothbrush typically comes with a charging base and costs more upfront but can save you money in the long run by providing an extended life span.

The Colgate Brightline is a great example of an ADA-approved electric toothbrush with a relatively low price. We tested it alongside our more expensive picks to see which offered the best overall performance and value. The Brightline is smaller and lighter than most other electric toothbrushes, and it uses standard AAA batteries instead of a USB-powered charger. It also has a low battery indicator that flashes to let you know it’s time for a new head and an ADA-accepted two-year warranty.