If you’re doing it right, you should spend at least 28 minutes brushing your teeth weekly. Does that sound like a drag? Then, it might be time for a toothbrush upgrade. Experts say an electric toothbrush can help you achieve a deeper clean than a manual toothbrush — it’s better at breaking up biofilm that can later turn to plaque. Since it does the scrubbing for you, it makes achieving the American Dental Association’s recommended two minutes of brushing even more straightforward.
We consulted three dentists about the benefits of electric toothbrushes, how they differ from manual toothbrushes and how to pick the best one for you. We highlighted dentist-recommended models and options that NBC Select staffers tried themselves.
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When it comes to choosing an electric toothbrush, pick one you will use, says Dr. Sheri Doniger, an Illinois-based dentist. 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. But since there are so many models on the market, experts recommend thinking about the following factors to narrow down your options.
- Timers: The ADA recommends brushing for 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, while others have a two-minute timer to tell you when you can stop brushing.
- Pressure sensors: Pressure sensors act as a safety measure, says Dr. Dmitry Dolgov, a dentist at The Dentist Lounge in Santa Monica, California. They alert you when you’re brushing too hard and eliminate the chance that you’ll hurt your gums or tooth enamel. If an electric toothbrush senses that you’re exerting too much pressure while brushing, it may slow down its oscillations or display a red light on its base, which tells you to be gentler.
- Brush head replacement indicators: These indicators 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 brush head — it’s like the change oil light on your car, says Doniger.
- Movement pattern: Electric toothbrushes either use oscillating (rotating) and pulsating movements, or vibrating movements (also referred to as sonic vibrations). They’re equally effective at cleaning teeth, Dolgov says, so choosing between the two ultimately comes down to personal preference.
- Wi-Fi or Bluetooth connectivity: Some electric toothbrushes are Wi-Fi- or Bluetooth-enabled and pair with a companion app, allowing you to view your brushing habits in real-time. Doniger says they can monitor brushing quality and quantity.
- Soft bristles: Medium or hard bristles can potentially damage your teeth and gums, Dolgov says. Opting for soft bristles is a safer choice, and they effectively clean your teeth while being gentle on your oral tissues.
- Battery: Some electric toothbrushes run on disposable batteries (AA or AAA, for example), so when they die, you can quickly swap them out and get back to brushing. Other models are rechargeable — when they die, you have to plug them in and wait a couple hours while they repower.
- American Dental Association Seal of Acceptance: Oral hygiene products like electric toothbrushes and kids electric toothbrushes can earn the ADA’s Seal of Acceptance. In order to do so, the ADA evaluates scientific evidence brands submit showing that their models meet specific safety and efficacy criteria. This doesn’t mean electric toothbrushes without the ADA’s Seal of Acceptance are ineffective — it just means brands have not voluntarily submitted their products for the ADA to review.
To round up the best electric brushes, we sourced expert-recommended options, those that earned the ADA Seal of Acceptance and NBC Select staff favorites. Electric toothbrushes cost anywhere from under $10 to over $300, so we included options across price points to help you find one within your budget.
Best overall electric toothbrush: Philips Sonicare 4100 Electric Toothbrush
What we like
- Affordable
- Compact size
- Easy to use
Something to note
Nothing to note at this time
Philips Sonicare and Oral-B are like the Apple and Android of toothbrushes, Dolgov says. Each brand’s models are made with their own distinct technologies and cleaning methods, but he finds them comparable and recommends both.
One charge of this Philips Sonicare model gives you up to two weeks of battery life, according to the brand, and it has a slim, ergonomic handle, providing a comfortable place to grip. It comes with one of the brand’s Optimal Plaque Control brush heads, replacements of which you can buy in a three pack for about $27.
ADA Seal of Acceptance: Yes | Battery: Rechargeable | Cleaning modes: 1 | Intensity levels: 2 | Movement pattern: Vibrations | Pressure sensor: Yes | Timer: Yes | Brush head replacement indicator: Yes | Smart features: No
Best ergonomic toothbrush: Moon Electric Toothbrush
Moon’s electric toothbrush is an NBC Select Wellness Award winner. It’s designed with an ergonomic, non-slip handle that’s comfortable to grip, and its battery lasts up to six weeks on a single charge, according to the brand. A travel case and extra soft bristled brush heads are included and hen you need to replace the latter, you can purchase a two pack for about $15.
ADA Seal of Acceptance: No | Battery: Rechargeable | Cleaning modes: 5 | Intensity levels: 1 | Movement pattern: Vibrations | Pressure sensor: No | Timer: Yes | Brush head replacement indicator: No | Smart features: None
Best subscription electric toothbrush: Quip Standard Electric Toothbrush
What we like
- Affordable
- Subscription service
Something to note
- Not rechargeable
Doniger recommends 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 helps remind you when it’s time to replace them. The toothbrush is also available for purchase without the subscription — instead, you can buy replacement brush heads for $6 each when you need them.
Quip’s Standard Electric Toothbrush is the brand’s most basic powered toothbrush. It has a three-month battery life, according to the brand, and offers timed sonic vibrations and pulses to guide your brushing. It also 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 | Movement pattern: Vibrations | Pressure sensor: No | Timer: Yes | Brush head replacement indicator: No | Smart features: None
Runner-up subscription service: Quip Smart Rechargeable Electric Toothbrush
What we like
- Bluetooth-enabled
- Includes tongue scraper
- Travel-friendly
Something to note
Nothing to note at this time
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 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 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 | Movement pattern: Vibrations | Pressure sensor: No | Timer: Yes | Brush head replacement indicator: No | Smart features: Companion app
Best for sensitive teeth: Oral-B Pro 1000
What we like
- Easy to use
- Round brush head
Something to note
Nothing to note at this time
Dr. Lawrence Fung, a dentist at Silicon Beach Dental in Southern California, says this rechargeable Oral-B electric toothbrush is an affordable option that still offers a handful of helpful features, like a pressure sensor and timer. NBC Select updates editor Mili Godio uses this toothbrush and says it doesn’t irritate her sensitive teeth or gums thanks to its gentle brushing speed. You can pair the toothbrush with 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: 3 | Intensity levels: 1 | Movement pattern: Oscillating and pulsating | Pressure sensor: Yes | Timer: Yes | Brush head replacement indicator: No | Smart features: None
Most affordable electric toothbrush: Arm & Hammer Spinbrush Pro Clean
What we like
- Great price point
- Good for travel
Something to note
- Battery-powered
Before investing in a higher-priced electric toothbrush, Doniger recommends her patients try this budget-friendly option first to experience what powered models feel like. Its dual-action technology combines side-to-side bristle movement with spinning movement, and the brush head’s bristles fade in color over time to remind you to replace it. 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 | Movement pattern: Side-to-sie and oscillating | Pressure sensor: No | Timer: No | Brush head replacement indicator: Built into brush head | Smart features: None
Best smart electric toothbrush: Oral-B Smart 1500 Electric Toothbrush
What we like
- Rechargeable
- Round brush heads
Something to note
- A little noisy
“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,” says 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 | Movement pattern: Oscillating and pulsating | Pressure sensor: Yes | Timer: Yes | Brush head replacement indicator: No | Smart features: None
Best Bluetooth-enabled electric toothbrush: Bitvae Smart S2 Sonic Electric Toothbrush
What we like
- UV cleaning case
- Helpful app
Something to note
- Small brush head
You can connect this ADA-approved electric toothbrush to a companion app via Bluetooth, which shows you what areas of your mouth you cleaned so you never miss a spot. The app also lets you change the brushing intensity and set reminders to floss, use mouthwash or clean your tongue. The electric toothbrush comes with a travel case and eight replacement brush heads, plus its battery lasts for up to 100 days, according to the brand. Replacement brush heads come in a pack of four for about $10.
ADA Seal of Acceptance: Yes | Battery: Rechargeable | Cleaning modes: 5 | Intensity levels: 9 | Movement pattern: Vibrations | Pressure sensor: Yes | Timer: Yes | Brush head replacement indicator: No | Smart features: Yes
Best for travel: Aquasonic Icon Electric Toothbrush
What we like
- Cute colors
- Has smart timers
Something to note
- Softer vibration
Aquasonic’s electric toothbrush comes with a travel case and a magnetic holder you can stick to your mirror and attach the brush to when you’re not using it. One charge gives you up to 30 days of battery life and the toothbrush pulses every 30 seconds to tell you to clean the next quadrant of your mouth. One head is included with this electric toothbrush — you can purchase replacement brush heads in a pack of two for about $10.
ADA Seal of Acceptance: Yes | Battery: Rechargeable | Cleaning modes: 2 | Intensity levels: 1 | Movement pattern: Vibrations | Pressure sensor: No | Timer: Yes | Brush head replacement indicator: No | Smart features: No
Best for beginners: Philips Sonicare ProtectiveClean 5100 Rechargeable Electric Power Toothbrush
What we like
- Rechargeable
- Easy to travel with
- Sleek and lightweight
Something to note
Nothing to note at this time
When you turn this electric toothbrush on, it slowly increases its power to ease you in, making it a great option for those new to powered cleaners. NBC Select editor Lindsay Schneider says she’s used this eclectic toothbrush for so long that she doesn’t remember a time without it. Her teeth always feel clean after using it and she appreciates its long battery life — a full charge delivers up to two weeks of power, according to the brand. The toothbrush comes with a travel case and one Optimal Gum care brush head. You can purchase a two pack of replacement brush heads for about $28.
ADA Seal of Acceptance: No | Battery: Rechargeable | Cleaning modes: 3 | Intensity levels: 1 | Movement pattern: Vibrations | Pressure sensor: Yes | Timer: Yes | Brush head replacement indicator: Yes | Smart features: No
Best silicone bristles: Foreo Issa 3 Rechargeable Electric Toothbrush
What we like
- Soft bristles
- Sleek design
Something to note
- More expensive
NBC Select social media editor Sadhana Daruvuri is a fan of Foreo’s electric toothbrush, whose head is made out of medical-grade silicone and feels gentle on her teeth. 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 says. One full charge gives you a year’s worth of battery power, according to the brand, and since you don’t have to keep the toothbrush in the charger between uses, it takes up very little space in Daruvuri’s bathroom. You can purchase replacement brush heads for about $27 as needed.
ADA Seal of Acceptance: No | Battery: Rechargeable | Cleaning modes: 1 | Intensity levels: 16 | Movement pattern: Vibrations | Pressure sensor: Yes | Timer: Yes | Brush head replacement indicator: No | Smart features: None
Best splurge: Philips Sonicare DiamondClean Smart 9700 Electric Toothbrush
What we like
- Helpful app
- Incredible cleaning
Something to note
- Pricier than other options
Doniger recommends Philip Sonicare’s 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 says. 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 | Movement pattern: Vibrations | Pressure sensor: Yes | Timer: Yes | Brush head replacement indicator: Yes | Smart features: Companion app
Frequently asked questions
Generally speaking, yes, electric toothbrushes are better than manual toothbrushes due to their efficiency and user-friendliness, Dolgov says. Using a manual toothbrush requires precise technique and you have to pay close attention while using it to ensure you don’t miss areas of your month. Electric toothbrushes, however, do all the work for you and many are designed with technology to guide your brushing. “Think of it as washing your car with a bucket, sponge and towel versus using a power washer,” Dolgov says. “Both methods will get the job done, but the power washer is undeniably quicker and more efficient.”
Thanks to its spinning head or sonic vibrations, an electric toothbrush is better at removing bacteria from teeth compared to a manual toothbrush, Fung says. These movements create microbubbles that gently remove bacteria biofilm, which can cause bad breath, staining, gum disease and bleeding gums, experts say. An electric toothbrush can also help tackle gingivitis, an inflammation caused by plaque buildup on the teeth.
Anyone can use an electric toothbrush, experts say, but if you’re unsure about trying one, talk to your dentist. Doniger specifically recommends electric toothbrushes for patients with periodontal disease, bacterial plaque or a history of dental decay. They require significantly less effort than manual toothbrushes and are more efficient at breaking up biofilm. Electric toothbrushes are also particularly useful for those with dexterity limitations, like the elderly, people with specific disabilities and children, according to the ADA.
Those with sensitive gums or gums that frequently bleed may prefer a manual toothbrush, Dolgov says. But sensitive or bleeding gums often means there’s underlying inflammation or an infection that needs to be addressed, so be sure to visit your dentist, he says. Once the issue is resolved, you can try slowly transitioning to an electric toothbrush. If you simply find the vibrating sensation of electric toothbrushes uncomfortable, Dolgov suggests using one on a low, gentle setting before giving up on it entirely.
Yes, electric toothbrushes can damage your teeth, but so can manual toothbrushes and other dental hygiene products you use incorrectly. That’s why it’s so important to practice proper brushing technique, regardless of what toothbrush you use.
Clean teeth gently and take your time, experts say. The tissues surrounding the teeth are fragile, so over-brushing can lead to micro-abrasions or tears, Doniger says. And if you over-brush on the enamel layer of your teeth, you may cause the enamel to abrade, leaving little notches on your teeth at the gum line, she explained.
In the case of electric toothbrushes, remember that they’re designed to do the scrubbing for you, so let them. Some more advanced models are also designed with technology that helps prevent you from over-brushing, like pressure sensors. Overall, however, if you’re concerned about improper brushing, talk to your dental hygienist about proper technique. They can walk you through how to brush at their office so you can avoid confusion at home.
The ADA recommends replacing your toothbrush head every three to four months to prevent bacteria from building up in the bristles. However, depending on your brushing habits, you may need to swap out your toothbrush head sooner. “As a rule of thumb, you can continue using a toothbrush head as long as the bristles are not visibly frayed, flared or damaged,” Dolgov says. “Once you notice such signs of wear, it's time to replace the head, even if it's before the three to four month mark.”
No. According to the FSA Store , electric toothbrushes (and manual toothbrushes) are not eligible for reimbursem*nt with flexible spending accounts (FSA), health savings accounts (HSA), health reimbursem*nt accounts (HRA), dependent care spending accounts and limited-purpose flexible spending accounts (LPFSA) because they’re considered general health products.
At NBC 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.
- Dr. Dmitry Dolgov practices dentistry at The Dentist Lounge in Santa Monica, California.
Zoe Malin is an associate updates editor at Select who has been covering dental hygiene products for years. She’s published guides about toothpaste, kids toothpaste, floss, water flossers, 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.
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