Best Electric Toothbrush 2021 – Buyer’s Guide

Best Electric Toothbrush 2021 – Buyer’s Guide

Toothbrushes are the most effective way to care for your mouth. They essentially remove oral plaque which can build up and cause bad breath, disease, irritation and gum problems.

Electric toothbrushes are seen as the best option for maximum performance. They not only make your job easier as you don’t have to use a brushing technique, but they also vibrate, oscillate and pulse to remove at least twice as much plaque as their manual counterparts.

There is a wide choice out there, and everyone’s mouth and needs are different. Whether you’re following dentists advice or simply want to make the change of your own accord, here is a list of the top ten best electric toothbrushes available which we have tested to suit all requirements.

The Best Electric Toothbrushes – Our Top Picks

IMAGE PRODUCT DETAILS
  • Power: Rechargeable battery
  • Included: CrossAction brush head, charging station
  • Modes: 1
  • Features: Timer, pressure sensor
Click for Best Price
  • Power: Rechargeable battery
  • Included: 4 heads, travel case, brush head holder, charging glass
  • Modes: 3 intensities
  • Features: Pressure, motion and location sensors
Click for Best Price
  • Power: Rechargeable battery
  • Included: 1 head, charging stand
  • Modes: 1
  • Features: Timer
Click for Best Price

Best Electric Toothbrushes

ORAL B Pro 2000

To find our top-rated electric toothbrush, we wanted something that not only performs well but is budget-friendly, has most of the essential extra features we mention in the buying guide which come in handy and a relatively long-lasting battery.

This Oral B comes with a CrossAction head which is 3D and helps you get every area of the tooth. The angled bristles surround each part, and the oscillating head works to remove plaque. A pressure sensor lights up red to warn you if you’re a bit heavy handed, so you’ll never over-brush. Handy if you have sensitive gums.

There is also a two-minute timer, so you’ll get the correct cleaning duration. It vibrates every 30 seconds so you can concentrate on every quarter of your mouth and keep track of time. The battery lasts for around a week after an eight-hour charge, which is not the best on the market but perfectly fine. It also lets you know when it needs charging as it will flash red.

It isn’t only our top pick, but is also hugely popular and recommended by dentists too. Included is a charger stand, but you’ll have to buy a plug adapter to charge it in an ordinary socket. As a bonus, it is nice and slim yet comfortable to hold.

Specifications

  • Power: Rechargeable battery
  • Included: CrossAction brush head, charging station
  • Modes: 1
  • Features: Timer, pressure sensor

+ Downloads

ORAL B Pro 2000 Electric Toothbrush User Manual

Download

We like

  • Easy to use
  • Extra brush head included
  • Good price

We dislike

  • Would like more heads with it

Final Verdict

Good price for the performance and very easy to use - it does the job without being too much of a show-off

Oral B Genius 9000

Packed with features to truly help you care for your entire mouth, this toothbrush really deserves the ‘genius’ title.

Firstly, there are six modes; daily clean, pro clean, sensitive, whitening, gum care and tongue cleaning. The two-minute timer lets you know when you’ve reached the optimum cleaning time for your teeth, and then you can switch to one of the latter two options for a deeper oral clean. The first four options are perfectly suited to the clean you want or the condition of your mouth.

On top of these, there are four separate features. The standout is position detection, which can tell where you are brushing and adjust the technique to cater to those particular teeth. It guides you around the mouth, so as long as you follow the advice, you won’t miss a single part.

Bluetooth connectivity allows for smart coaching, and the app also reminds you to floss and use mouthwash afterwards. If you tend to brush as quickly as possible and not reach the back teeth, or the back of the teeth, then you’ll soon adapt to doing everything thoroughly.

The travel case includes a dual-charging function, so not only does it allow you to charge your toothbrush without carrying the stand with you, but also your phone. All with just one plug socket took up.

It may seem time-consuming to use and over complicated on paper, but once you start using it, you can really tell the difference in the condition and look of your teeth. Extra heads are available so there is no reason why you can’t keep it until you get your money’s worth and well beyond.

Specifications

  • Power: Rechargeable battery
  • Included: 4 brush heads, carry case, recharge and storage base
  • Modes: 6
  • Features: Position detection, quadpacer, 3D rotate pulse technology

+ Downloads

Oral B Genius 9000 User Manual

Download

We like

  • Battery lasts up to two weeks
  • Cleans noticeably well
  • Lightweight to hold
  • Choice of colours

We dislike

  • Face detection can be tricky to hold as you need to keep your head still

Final Verdict

Long lasting Lithium-Ion battery, packed full of technology to help you out, and the price isn’t half bad for what you get. Everyone should care about their teeth, and this brush is the perfect way to get the job done

Philips HX9954/53 DiamondClean Smart Sonic

Every toothbrush has a standout feature, whether it be a handy charging case, app compatibility or choice of heads. This model happens to have all of that rolled into one. No wonder it is called the Rolls Royce of toothbrushes.

There are four heads included first of all. A Premium Plaque Defence option has flexible soft bristles. These contour to the shape of every tooth for a deeper clean. You get 4x as much contact and remove 10x more plaque than with a manual option.

The Gum Care brush is smaller, but the bristles are designed to target the gumline. You get 7x healthier gums in just two weeks, and it can remove up to 100% of gum disease traces. The Premium White brush head removes surface stains, thanks to densely packed bristles which work towards a noticeably visible change in just three days. A Tongue Care+ brush has 240 microbristles to remove bacteria from every pore, which helps tackle odour-causing build-up.

Thanks to the Smart Location sensor, it knows where you have brushed. 100% coverage has never been easier. The app gives you real-time tracking. It can also work alongside your dentist’s advice and remind you of the areas they have flagged with which you need to take extra care.

You get a USB travel case which doubles as a charger, and a brush head holder which keeps everything in one place. The actual charger is a glass, so it not only performs well but looks great in your bathroom.

We do think Philips should take a leaf out of the Oral B CrossAction PRO 6000’s book and record data when the app isn’t open, though.

Specifications

  • Power: Rechargeable battery
  • Included: 4 heads, travel case, brush head holder, charging glass
  • Modes: 3 intensities
  • Features: Pressure, motion and location sensors

+ Downloads

Philips HX9954/53 DiamondClean Smart Sonic User Manual

Download

We like

  • Great head choices
  • Brush head replacement alerts
  • Stylish look

We dislike

  • Won’t track data unless app is opened

Final Verdict

A toothbrush which is brilliantly stylish and brilliantly effective. The intensity levels come in handy, and the four brushes will tackle your entire mouth

ORAL B CrossAction PRO 6000

Smart appliance technology has been in the oral healthcare world for a while but has vastly improved since the first few models.

This model is one of the top on the market. It has never been easier to achieve expertly cleaned teeth thanks to the Bluetooth connectivity, which allows you to see real-time information on your smartphone. It will reduce the spin speed if you’re brushing too hard, and generally coaches and trains you so your technique can be perfected.

There are also six modes to pick from. They include whitening, gum care and deep clean modes so no matter what condition your teeth are in, you can switch between them to give a full mouth clean. It also reminds you to floss and mouthwash, which is a nice touch.

We love the internal memory, which stores data even when the app is not running so next time it is set up, you still have all of the information there.

Included is a carry case if you ever want to take it on holiday or to a weekend away. Another nice touch, albeit a bit gimmicky, is the ‘badges of honour’ feature. Get a badge if you brush in a foreign country, or if you manage to brush regularly in a certain time slot.

Some may think there is no chance of paying this much for a toothbrush when there are some on offer for less than half the price, but it doesn’t just brush your teeth. It tracks your technique, helps you improve and tells you the general condition of everything. There is so much included, and replacement heads are available so there is no reason why this wouldn’t last for years.

Specifications

  • Power: Rechargeable battery
  • Included: 4 brush heads, carry case, charge and storage stand
  • Modes: 6
  • Features: Bluetooth, digital display, six modes

+ Downloads

ORAL B CrossAction PRO 6000 User Manual

Download

We like

  • Bluetooth
  • Four heads included
  • Training ability

We dislike

  • Price

Final Verdict

Costly, but it is the price to pay if you want a dentist-level clean in the comfort of your home - your teeth are pretty important, after all

FOREO Issa 2 Silicone Sonic Toothbrush

You may wonder why on earth this toothbrush is made from silicone and not the usual plastic. Well, is is a material which is hypoallergenic and medical-grade standard, so this is a truly hygienic device.

Foreo is best known for their silicone facial cleansers which have revolutionised skin care, so bringing this technology and design into oral care is a great move.

The outer bristles of the brush are also silicone, which hugs gums while removing plaque. As they are hygienic, they are non-porous and dry quickly to prevent bacteria build up. Perfect for a device which gets so close to the gum line.

This all means that each head lasts longer than average. While you should usually replace a head or toothbrush every three months, these heads can last for a year with no deterioration. The little storage bag can keep it clean if you’re off on a weekend away.

A choice of 16 speeds gives you a massive level of control, and 11,000 high-intensity pulsations per minute break up plaque effectively.

It also claims to only require one charge per year. During our testing, it certainly didn’t lose power, and other reviewers have said this is indeed true.

There is a high price, but the fact that each head and a full charge should last a year and it stays clean is pretty revolutionary. It isn’t the easiest to use because you can’t feel it working, but you soon adapt to this. It is completely waterproof, easy to hold, travel-friendly and once it is purchased, doesn’t cost the earth to run. We don’t know why many other brands haven’t followed suit.

Specifications

  • Power: Rechargeable battery
  • Included: Charger
  • Modes: 16 speeds
  • Features: Timer

+ Downloads

FOREO Issa 2 Silicone Sonic Toothbrush User Manual

Download

We like

  • Silicone material
  • Huge charge
  • Heads stay at their best for a year

We dislike

  • Speed change doesn’t make it obvious you’ve pressed it - we’d like a click

Final Verdict

This has completely changed the oral hygiene market. Sonic pulses make it gentle, and they’ve switched up the design to help the user out

Philips HX6322/04 Sonicare For Kids Bluetooth Connected

Your kid’s teeth are incredibly important. In order to prevent problems from developing later on in life, oral health care needs to start as soon as possible.

This toothbrush is designed to keep kids engaged when cleaning their teeth. This is vital in order to make it an enjoyable experience. Bluetooth enables you to connect to a fun app which teaches techniques that will stick with them for life.

A fluffy coach named Sparkly encourages longer and better brushing. Every time a successful brush is carried out, Sparkly gets happier. Kids can unlock accessories, food and plenty of other rewards when they brush well. Sparkly likes to eat healthily as well, so hopefully, your kids will follow suit.

Everything is clear and easy to follow no matter the age of your child. This means they can be left to brush alone once they reach a suitable age. Two head sizes are available, so they can still use the body when they get a bit older and their second set of teeth.

A progress monitor gives accurate, timely data, so the parents and guardians can check on proceedings too. The quadpacer will tell your child when they need to switch area in the mouth, and it recognises when a session starts and ends.

Because it needs quite a large display screen, it is best paired with a tablet if you have one. You may have to be patient with the Bluetooth connection sometimes, and the app only tells you the frequency and duration of each brush (we’d like data like coverage and pressure as well really). But in all, it is worth the cost for the educational experience and quality.

Specifications

  • Power: Rechargeable batteries
  • Included: Charging base, extra head, replacement stickers
  • Modes: 2 time modes (cater to age)
  • Features: Quadpacer, timer, app

+ Downloads

Philips HX6322/04 Sonicare For Kids Bluetooth Connected Electric Toothbrush User Manual

Download

We like

  • Makes teeth cleaning fun
  • 2 set time modes for different ages
  • Good sized heads for full mouth coverage

We dislike

  • Comes with the smaller heads so if your child is 7+ you’ll have to buy larger heads separately

Final Verdict

Great for teaching your kids everything about proper teeth cleaning, as they learn technique and the sonic pulse does the rest. It can suit a huge age range too (from 3 to around 10), so the cost is a perfect long-term investment

Oral B Vitality Cross Action

If the power of a rechargeable electric toothbrush very much appeals but you don’t want to spend more than £20, don’t want any fancy features and don’t need any extra modes apart from a daily clean, then this model is perfectly suited.

It comes from the leading Oral-B name, so arguably better than an unbranded model retailing for a similar cost. Easy to use, it is basic and simply does the job.

The two-minute timer guides you on when you’ve brushed enough. The battery should last up to seven days with one full charge (which is about 8 hours long). It uses a two-pin charging plug, so you’ll need to buy an adapter if you want to charge with an ordinary plug. There is also a charging stand.

A little tip, too – all Oral-B heads will fit the body. So, if you decide you’d actually like a whitening head which features a little rubber central section, there is nothing to stop you buying it afterwards.

There is no charging light to let you know when it is fully charged or needs charging. But when using it, if it starts to get slow then it is probably best to give it a boost. We’d have liked this feature as standard, but for the price, we can’t complain.

Specifications

  • Power: Rechargeable battery
  • Included: 1 head, charging stand
  • Modes: 1
  • Features: Timer

+ Downloads

Oral-B Vitality Cross Action Electric Toothbrush User Manual

Download

We like

  • Price
  • Compatibility with other Oral B heads

We dislike

  • Very back-to-basics design

Final Verdict

Basic, yet is compatible with any head so you can still change up your cleaning process if necessary. Perfect for the price and simplicity

Philips Sonicare EasyClean

With sonic technology to get fluid deep between the teeth and specially designed brush heads to remove plaque along the gum line, this is the perfect electric toothbrush for anyone who hasn’t used one before.

The easy-start programme gently increases power during the first 14 uses to ease you into the Philips Sonicare experience. A timer and quadpacer give you perfect guidance on durations. An angled brush neck makes it easier to reach the very back teeth, too.

It aims to remove 2x as much plaque as manual brushes. It can also be used by those who have had orthodontic work, but always check beforehand.

If you want a brush which does the job well without any of the fancy extras which you won’t use, or you simply want to get used to going electric. Other Philips heads fit the body, such as the Diamond Clean if you want to branch out in the future.

A few people have commented on the longevity of their brushes, saying it only lasted just over a year. The incidents seem isolated, but it isn’t something which should affect performance. The price isn’t excessive for this amount of use anyway.

We’d say that there are some models available for half the price which do the same job, but if you want a trusted brand, then it is a great option.

Specifications

  • Power: Rechargeable battery
  • Included: Charging base
  • Modes: 1
  • Features: Timer, quadpacer

+ Downloads

Philips Sonicare EasyClean User Manual

Download

We like

  • 2 week battery life
  • Soft bristles for comfortable brush
  • Early start programme

We dislike

  • Gap between the heads and body gathers dirt easily

Final Verdict

A good back-to-basics model which may seem a tad overpriced for what you get, but it feels quality and cleans well

PHILIPS Sonicare 3 Series Gum Health HX6631/13

Shaped just like a manual head, but with the power of electric for an extra boost, this Philips model is clinically proven to improve gum health.

It will remove up to six times as much plaque along the gum line as an ordinary toothbrush. Without annoying them, it will reduce redness, swelling and bleeding. It can also reduce the risk of gingivitis up to 100% better than a manual model in two weeks.

The rounded power tip on the brush reaches those more difficult areas easier. So, if you often struggle to get right to the back of your mouth, then the elongated shape may help. Sonic technology helps drive the cleaning fluid in between the teeth, so those areas are still taken care of.

If you’re moving on to electric toothbrushes from manual, then this is the brush designed for you. Over the first 14 uses, it will gradually increase the power to help ease you into the changeup in intensity.

The three speed settings give you further control over this intensity. Press the button twice to up the level, so you’re always at your most comfortable. Gentle motion also makes it ideal if you’ve had any dental work, such as veneers or implants.

When it is in use, you can barely tell it is working, but you can see the difference within a few weeks. It is pricey, but if you need a gentle brush or have found other brands to be a bit rough, then it will see you through without affecting performance.

Specifications

  • Power: Rechargeable battery
  • Included: 1 head, charger
  • Modes: 3 speeds
  • Features: Timer, quadpacer

+ Downloads

PHILIPS Sonicare 3 Series Gum Health HX6631/13 User Manual

Download

We like

  • Generous battery hold up to three weeks
  • Fully clean feel with teeth

We dislike

  • Tad noisy in use

Final Verdict

Clean design, gentle brushing action and with the ability to cater the speed, so you’re always comfortable. Perfect for those with sensitive teeth and gums

Philips Sonicare ProtectiveClean 6100

Sonic technology and smart brush heads make this a great option for removing plaque and giving you a fully clean feel.

You can achieve visibly whiter teeth in just a week compared to using a manual toothbrush, thanks to the Optimal White head. Then there are three cleaning modes and three intensities to deliver a personalised experience and help you care for your mouth.

The two-minute timer and quad pacer ensure you no longer settle with a quick brush and neglect half of your teeth, and the smart brush lets you know when it needs replacing so you’ll always get the best out of your brush. Microchip technology helps the head communicate with the body, so all you need to do is press the power button.

You get a travel case and a bonus brush head with the purchase, so you are at least set for your weekends away and the next replacement brush. The safe and gentle pulsing also makes it perfect for use with veneers, fillings, crowns and even braces.

Your entire mouth feels ‘visit to the hygienist’ clean after use, and a two week battery time keeps you going long enough before recharging.

We like how well this cleans the teeth, which is very much worth the price, but at the same time, there are a few other models on the market which are even smarter for the price. They have apps and train you on how to brush your teeth. The head replacement feature is a little gimmicky because, at the end of the day, common sense and keeping an eye on the date prevails with these things.

But we still love how effective and helpful the ProtectiveClean 6100 is. Good if you want the three modes and intensities.

Specifications

  • Power: Rechargeable battery
  • Included: Travel case, replacement head, charging base
  • Modes: 3
  • Features: Pressure sensor, brush head replacement, quad pacer

+ Downloads

Philips Sonicare ProtectiveClean 6100 Rechargeable Sonic Electric Toothbrush User Manual

Download

We like

  • Three cleaning modes
  • Three pressure intensities
  • Extra head included

We dislike

  • Price
  • Carry case doesn’t clip shut very effectively

Final Verdict

A great clean and comfortable to use. Maybe £20 or £30 too expensive though

Electric Toothbrush Buying Guide

Electric vs Manual Toothbrush

If you’re deliberating whether to purchase an electric toothbrush or just settle for an inexpensive manual model, we can comfortably say that an electric one will give you a much better clean.

Their vibration and rotating techniques remove at least twice as much plaque than a manual option, because of the additional micromovements as you glide the brush across teeth. Studies have found the risk of gingivitis decreases up to 11% after three months and plaque is down 21% on average.

They do most of the work for you, allowing you to concentrate more on the movement and really reach all areas of the mouth. A standout feature of all models is the timer feature, so you’ll never fall short of the recommended duration of two minutes.

Manual brushes are inexpensive, more accessible and don’t need to be charged. But no models compare to electric options in terms of effectiveness.

Features To Look Out For

It is correct to say that a toothbrush aims to clean your teeth and remove plaque effectively and this isn’t difficult to achieve, but many have some extras to both help make sure you reach this time and are using the correct technique.

Two Minute Timer

Dental Associations around the world say that two minutes is a perfect duration. It cleans the teeth without removing plaque. Most electric toothbrushes nowadays will tell you when you have reached this time, so you don’t have to watch the clock

Quad Pacer

This splits the two minutes into four sections. The idea is that you clean one quarter of your mouth in each period, so half of one row of teeth. It is designed to help you concentrate on each section and give them equal attention

Pressure Sensor

Sometimes, it is too easy to press too hard thinking it improves the effectiveness of the clean. In actual fact, you may just be irritating the gums. Many toothbrushes now have sensors which alert you when you’re pressing too hard to warn you

Brush Replacement

It is recommended you replace your toothbrush head every three months, but with this feature, it won’t only remind you to do this but will also let you know if it needs to be done before this

Position Detection

Usually synced with an app and digital display, it can help the toothbrush tell where in the mouth it has cleaned, so you don’t forget any sections

Battery

The majority of electric toothbrushes on the market now are rechargeable. While the length the battery lasts may not be overly important to the performance, if you will be taking it on holiday or you often forget to pop things on charge you may want a longer duration.

The shortest time a battery lasts is usually a week based on two two-minute uses per day. The advertised figure isn’t always reliable though, so always have it ready to charge or keep on top of it.

Heads

The first thing to mention is that one reason why Oral B stands out is due to their patented rounded heads. These are designed to surround each tooth individually for a more thorough clean, using an oscillating movement rather than just a pulsing technique.

Philips and other brands usually have ordinary shaped elongated heads, which may be more comfortable for some people to use and can help reach the back teeth better. But they are seen to be less effective overall.

Think about the aim of your toothbrush. Do you want a whitening ability? Do you want a special head which can help with gum or tongue cleaning? Before you buy an electric toothbrush, ensure all of the heads you want are available for your model, if they don’t already come with a mixture to try.

FAQ’s

Which Brands Make The Best Electric Toothbrushes?

Our list is heavily ruled by Oral B for a good reason. The majority of models are by this brand, but there are a few other names you may want to look out for too. Philips is the next largest brand, with other names such as Foreo, Oral Fresh, Sonic Chic and Panasonic also in the mix.

Oral B uses specially designed rounded, oscillating brushes for a more surrounded clean on every tooth. Philips uses sonic technology which is gentler.

How Do I Use An Electric Toothbrush?

They are easier to use than manual brushes as they require less movement from you. This helps you concentrate on your mouth on a tooth-by-tooth basis; usually, all you need to do is hold the brush in place for a few seconds.

Always wash and rinse the head separately to the body of the toothbrush to not get water near the battery.

Can I Use An Electric Toothbrush If I Have Had Orthodontic Work?

Always follow the advice of your dentist and orthodontist to find the best type of toothbrush for your needs and requirements.

However, an oscillating head may be too harsh on your teeth if you have braces or fillings. Pulsing sonic brushes are usually recommended for a gentler clean.

Appliance Reviewer
Logo