If you’re doing it right, you should spend at least 28 minutes a week brushing your teeth. Does that sound like a drag? Then it might be time for a toothbrush upgrade. An electric toothbrush can help you achieve a deep clean more so than a manual toothbrush, experts told us. It scrubs away biofilm that can later turn to plaque, and it makes achieving the American Dental Association’s recommended two minutes of brushing with toothpaste even more simple, and perhaps, delightful.
SKIP AHEAD Best electric toothbrushes | How to shop for electric toothbrushes
In a world full of electric toothbrushes, how can you know which electric toothbrush is best for you? To help guide your shopping, we consulted dentists about the benefits and limitations of electric toothbrushes, how they’re different from manual toothbrushes and how to pick the best one for you. We also highlighted some electric toothbrushes dentists recommended across retailers like Amazon, Best Buy, Target, Walmart and more.
Our top picks
- Best overall electric toothbrush: Oral-B Genius 7000 Toothbrush
- Best budget electric toothbrush: Arm & Hammer Spinbrush Pro Clean
- Best luxe electric toothbrush: Philips Sonicare Diamondclean Smart 9700 Electric Toothbrush
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How we picked the best electric toothbrushes
While shopping, for electric toothbrushes, experts said to consider factors like:
- Timers to help ensure you’re brushing for the recommended two minutes
- Pressure sensors to help prevent you from brushing too hard, which could hurt your gums
- Brush head replacement indicators to remind you when it’s time to swap out the brush head
- Wi-Fi or Bluetooth connectivity if you’re looking for smart options that connect to companion apps
Similar to other oral hygiene like mouthwashes, whitening products, floss and water flossers, electric toothbrushes — and kids electric toothbrushes — can earn the ADA’s Seal of Acceptance. In order to do so, brands must submit scientific evidence that models meet specific safety and efficacy criteria so the ADA can evaluate them. However, this does not mean electric toothbrushes without the ADA Seal of Acceptance are ineffective — it just means brands have not voluntarily submitted their products for the ADA to review.
The best electric toothbrushes of 2023
To round up the best electric brushes, we sourced expert-recommended options on the market at various price points. We also added a few Select staff favorites.
Best all-around electric toothbrushes
Moon Electric Toothbrush
Moon’s electric toothbrush is a Select Wellness Award winner. Beyond leaving her teeth feeling clean, writer Barbara Booth says the toothbrush’s handle fits comfortably in her hand and she finds the included carrying case convenient to travel with. The toothbrush’s battery lasts up to six weeks on a single charge, according to the brand, and it comes with extra brush heads.
ADA Seal of Acceptance: No | Battery: Rechargeable | Cleaning modes: 5 | Intensity levels: 1 | Pressure sensor: No | Timer: Yes | Brush head replacement indicator: No | Smart features: None
Oral-B Genius 7000 Toothbrush
Dr. Lawrence Fung, a dentist at Silicon Beach Dental in Southern California, recommended this electric toothbrush brush, which pairs with an app that can track your habits over time and provide you with helpful oral care tips. You can purchase multiple different brush heads, which will typically cost you about $31 for a pack of two.
ADA Seal of Acceptance: Yes | Battery: Rechargeable | Cleaning modes: 6 | Intensity levels: 1 | Pressure sensor: Yes | Timer: Yes | Brush head replacement indicator: No | Smart features: Companion app
Oral-B Smart 1500 Electric Toothbrush
“I like that this electric toothbrush has a circular spinning brush head so I can just hold it over my teeth instead of moving it side to side,” said Select reporter Harry Rabinowitz. He also recommends the toothbrush for its suite of features, including what he called “a very noticeable pulse after two minutes, notifying you to stop brushing.” You can purchase multiple different types of replacement brush heads, which will typically cost you about $31 for a pack of two.
ADA Seal of Acceptance: Yes | Battery: Rechargeable | Cleaning modes: 1 | Intensity levels: 1 | Pressure sensor: Yes | Timer: Yes | Brush head replacement indicator: No | Smart features: None
Foreo Issa 3 Rechargeable Electric Toothbrush
Sadhana Daruvuri, Select social media editor, said she’s a fan of Foreo’s electric toothbrush. “The brush head is made out of medical-grade silicone, so it feels gentle on my teeth,” she explained. The brush head also has silicone ridges on its back, which acts as a tongue and cheek cleaner. “My whole mouth feels extra clean after brushing,” Daruvuri said. According to Foreo, one full charge gives a whole year’s worth of battery power. Daruvuri noted that this toothbrush takes up less space than previous models she’s used since she doesn't have to constantly keep it in a charger on her sink. You can purchase replacement brush heads for about $27 as needed.
ADA Seal of Acceptance: No | Battery: Rechargeable | Cleaning modes: 1 | Intensity levels: 16 | Pressure sensor: Yes | Timer: Yes | Brush head replacement indicator: No | Smart features: None
Philips Sonicare DiamondClean Smart 9700 Electric Toothbrush
Dr. Sheri Doniger, an Illinois-based dentist, recommends the Philips’ Sonicare DiamondClean Electric Toothbrush, which pairs with a companion app. "This smart brush gives you personalized coaching to show you not only how to brush properly but what surfaces of the teeth you are missing,” she said. “It also has sensors in the brush head to let you know if you are brushing too hard and potentially causing damage to your teeth." The toothbrush comes with three types of brush heads (plaque control, white and gum health, as well as a tongue care head), each designed to tackle hard-to-reach areas; a brush body; and a traveling case for convenient packing. You can purchase multiple different toothbrush heads for this electric toothbrush, which will typically cost you about $30 for a pack of two.
ADA Seal of Acceptance: No | Battery: Rechargeable | Cleaning modes: 5 | Intensity levels: 3 | Pressure sensor: Yes | Timer: Yes | Brush head replacement indicator: Yes | Smart features: Companion app
Best basic electric toothbrushes
RotaDent ProCare Toothbrush
Experts told us that the RotaDent electric toothbrush has a 360-degree rotating head for efficient cleaning that gets under the gumline. It’s a very basic toothbrush in its design — there are no smart features, brushing modes, pressure sensors or timers, for example. But you can customize your brushing experience with various brush heads, like the hollow tip for veneers and crowns (so brushing won’t cause gum recession), short tip for general everyday use and long-tip bristles for wider spaces between teeth. You can purchase multiple different types of replacement brush heads for this electric toothbrush, which will typically cost you about $21 per brush head.
ADA Seal of Acceptance: No | Battery: Rechargeable | Cleaning modes: 1 | Intensity levels: 1 | Pressure sensor: No | Timer: No | Brush head replacement indicator: No | Smart features: None
Best affordable electric toothbrushes
Oral-B Pro 1000
According to Fung, the rechargeable Oral-B Pro 1000 is the best affordable electric toothbrush. It has an oscillating brush head that breaks up plaque and you can purchase multiple different types of replacement brush heads, which will typically cost you about $31 for a pack of two. Updates editor Mili Godio also mentioned that this Oral-B model does not irritate her sensitive teeth or sensitive gums thanks to its gentle brush speed.
ADA Seal of Acceptance: Yes | Battery: Rechargeable | Cleaning modes: 3 | Intensity levels: 1 | Pressure sensor: Yes | Timer: Yes | Brush head replacement indicator: No | Smart features: None
Arm & Hammer Spinbrush Pro Clean
"I recommend [the Arm & Hammer Spinbrush to my patients who want to try power before they commit to a higher-priced brush," Doniger said. This brush features dual-action technology that the brand says combines a side-to-side bristle movement with a spinning movement. The brush head’s bristles fade in color over time to remind you to replace it, the brand says. You can purchase multiple different types of replacement brush heads for this electric toothbrush, which will typically cost you about $9 for a pack of two.
ADA Seal of Acceptance: Yes | Battery: AA batteries | Cleaning modes: 1 | Intensity levels: 1 | Pressure sensor: No | Timer: No | Brush head replacement indicator: Built into brush head | Smart features: None
Best electric toothbrush subscription
Quip Standard Electric Toothbrush
Doniger recommended using Quip if you're looking for the convenience of an electric toothbrush subscription service. You can get brush head refills automatically delivered to your door every three months, which she said "is definitely a good idea to keep us all on track to replace that head.” You can also purchase the toothbrush without the subscription and buy replacement brush heads for $6 each when you need them. Quip’s Standard Electric Toothbrush is the brand’s most basic powered toothbrush. The water-resistant eclectic toothbrush has a three-month battery life, according to the brand, and offers timed sonic vibrations and pulses to guide your brushing. It comes with a travel cover that doubles as a holder you can attach to your mirror.
ADA Seal of Acceptance: Yes | Battery: AAA batteries | Cleaning modes: 1 | Intensity levels: 1 | Pressure sensor: No | Timer: Yes | Brush head replacement indicator: No | Smart features: None
Quip Smart Rechargeable Electric Toothbrush
If you like Quip but want a more high tech electric toothbrush, the brand offers a Bluetooth-enabled option that connects to a companion app so you can track your brushing habits. The brand says the toothbrush has a slim handle and soft-bristle brush head. One full charge gives you up to three months of battery life, according to Quip, and the smart electric toothbrush comes with a travel cover that doubles as a holder you can attach to your mirror. You can opt to get replacement brush heads delivered to your door automatically when you opt-in to Quip’s subscription service or purchase them as needed for $6.
ADA Seal of Acceptance: Yes | Battery: Rechargeable | Cleaning modes: 1 | Intensity levels: 1 | Pressure sensor: No | Timer: Yes | Brush head replacement indicator: No | Smart features: Companion app
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How to shop for electric toothbrushes
When it comes to choosing an electric toothbrush, “pick one you will use,” said Doniger. As long as it gets the job done, is comfortable for you to use twice a day and is paired with fluoride toothpaste, any electric toothbrush is a suitable option to help you maintain your oral health. However, experts said there are some factors you can consider to help you narrow down the plethora of options available.
- Timers: The ADA’s recommended brushing time is two minutes twice a day. Some brushes buzz every 30 seconds to let you know how much time to spend on all four quadrants of your mouth, a helpful tool to ensure you’re cleaning all your teeth equally and for long enough. Others, however, have a two-minute timer to tell you when you can stop brushing. “You will be surprised how long two minutes feel when you have only been brushing for less than a minute total without a timer,” Doniger said.
- Pressure sensors: Pressure sensors alert you when you’re brushing too hard, eliminating the chance that you hurt your gums.
- Brush head replacement indicators: “We tend to forget to change our brushes every three to four months, or after we are sick,” Doniger said. Brush head replacement indicators are built into the toothbrush handle and remind you when to change your brush head. The indicator is usually a small light that flashes on when it’s time to swap out the bush head — Doniger compared it to the change oil light on your car.
- Connectivity: Some electric toothbrushes can connect to Wi-Fi or Bluetooth and pair with a companion app, allowing you to view your brushing habits in real-time. Doniger said they can monitor brushing quality and quantity — “If you are missing one particular area, they will let you know,” she said.
- ADA Seal of Acceptance: Electric toothbrushes that earn the ADA Seal of Acceptance are evaluated based on data brands submit showing that they meet certain safety and efficacy criteria, like being safe to use on the mouth’s hard and soft tissue, for example. Remember that electric toothbrushes without the ADA Seal of Acceptance are not ineffective — it just means brands have not voluntarily submitted their products for the ADA to review. You can view a list of ADA-accepted electric toothbrushes here.
Electric vs. manual toothbrushes
There are several ways an electric toothbrush beats out a manual toothbrush in improving your cleaning regimen, experts said. First, electric toothbrushes are great at removing bacteria and are “much better than manual brushing, since they either have a spinning head or utilize sonic vibrations,” Fung told us. Their movement creates microbubbles that gently remove bacteria biofilm — a cause of bad breath, staining, gum disease and bleeding gums.
For the same reason, an electric toothbrush can also be helpful for tackling gingivitis, an inflammation caused by plaque on the tooth. “Plaque buildup may cause bad breath and [encourage] larger buildup in hard-to-reach places,” Doniger explained, adding that an electric toothbrush can help as long as it’s used according to its instructions.
Doniger also recommended electric toothbrushes for patients with periodontal disease, bacterial plaque or a history of dental decay since they require significantly less effort than manual toothbrushes. "Angling the brush into the gumline and slowly moving from one tooth to the other — while the power brush is actually doing the movement to break up the biofilm — is so simple,” she said. Electric toothbrushes’ ability to scrub teeth for you is also beneficial for “those who have dexterity problems like the elderly, people with specific disabilities or children,” according to the ADA.
Cons of electronic toothbrushes
Using an electric toothbrush the same way that you use a manual toothbrush — brushing as fast or as hard — can potentially lead to issues like gum recession, which can impact underlying tooth structure, experts said. Most electric toothbrushes are designed to do the scrubbing for you, so let them.
Related
Are electric toothbrushes FSA or HSA eligible?
No. According to the FSA Store, electric toothbrushes (and manual toothbrushes) are not eligible for reimbursement with flexible spending accounts (FSA), health savings accounts (HSA), health reimbursement accounts (HRA), dependent care spending accounts and limited-purpose flexible spending accounts (LPFSA) because they’re considered general health products.
Can electric toothbrushes damage your teeth?
The short answer is yes, electric toothbrushes can damage your teeth, but so can manual toothbrushes and other dental hygiene products you use improperly. Improper brushing may lead to an increase in gum recession, gingival abrasion and potentially tooth wear, Doniger said. And over-brushing can be problematic, too. If you over-brush on the enamel layer of your teeth, she said you may cause the enamel to be abraded away, leaving little notches on your teeth at the gum line. The tissues surrounding teeth are also fragile, so over-brushing can lead to micro-abrasions or tears, Doniger said.
With all that being said, “teeth should be cleaned with gentle brush motion, regardless of the type of brush you use,” Doniger said. If you’re concerned about improper or over-brushing — especially as it pertains to overall gum care and tooth health — talk to your dental hygienist about proper brushing technique. They can walk you through how to brush at their office so you can avoid confusion at home.
Meet our experts
At Select, we work with experts who have specialized knowledge and authority based on relevant training and/or experience. We also take steps to ensure that all expert advice and recommendations are made independently and with no undisclosed financial conflicts of interest.
- Dr. Sheri Doniger is an Illinois-based dentist who has authored numerous articles on topics like periodontal disease and new dental technology.
- Dr. Lawrence Fung practices dentistry at Silicon Beach Dental in Southern California. He is also a clinical instructor at the University of California, Los Angeles Center for Esthetic Dentistry and is the current team dentist for University of Southern California Athletics.
Why trust Select?
Zoe Malin has been covering dental hygiene products for over a year at Select and has published guides about toothpaste, floss, teeth whitening products and more. For this piece, Zoe interviewed three dentists, researched dozens of electric toothbrushes and familiarized herself with the ADA’s guidelines. We included electric toothbrushes recommended by dentists and Select staffers.
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