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Best Travel Toothbrush For Your Next Trip

Keeping your teeth clean is essential no matter what you expect from your travel toothbrush. Whether you like folding or electric, this list has you covered.

Whether heading to Toronto or Turin, you’ll want to bring a toothbrush along for the ride. There are many options, from tiny models that fit in your pocket to behemoth Bluetooth-enabled models that will help you brush better. From end to end, this list will cover the whole spectrum.

Before diving in, you should ask yourself what you want from a travel toothbrush. Do you want the exact coverage you get at home or something that fills the gaps until you return? Or, are you after a toothbrush that can be used at home and abroad? Many sizes, features, and combos will work for all of these situations, but it’s best to know which you fall into before diving into the list.

Now that you know what you’re looking for, let’s dive in, dental hygiene style!

• GUM Travel Toothbrush
• Philips One Battery Toothbrush by Sonicare
• Aurelle TOOB Brush
• quip Electric Toothbrush
• Alpine Provisions Plastic-Free Bamboo Toothbrush
• Lingito Travel Toothbrush
• SURI Sustainable Sonic Toothbrush
• Crest Scope Minibrush
• RADIUS Tour Travel Brush
• Oral-B Clic Manual Toothbrush
• Colgate hum Smart Electric Toothbrush

Why We Like It: Super small when folded.

What You Should Know: It feels cheap.

If you’re looking for the best travel toothbrush to save space and cash, look no further than the GUM Travel Toothbrush. You can pick up two brushes for less than $15, so you’ll have another ready if one gets lost. If you buy online, you might not be able to choose the color. However, for the price, it’s hard to beat!

The brush folds into itself, roughly half the size of a regular toothbrush. When folded, the brush is contained, so it won’t get the rest of your toiletry pouch wet. Apart from the hinge apparatus, this brush operates like the model you have at home because the container section acts as an extender. It feels a little cheap; however, it works as you’d expect it to. It even has a tongue scraper opposite the brush. What else could you want?

Why We Like It: One of the best electric brushes out there.

What You Should Know: Somewhat large for smaller pouches.

Sometimes the best travel electric toothbrush is the model you use at home. In that case, you can’t go wrong with the Philips One Battery Toothbrush by Sonicare. It doesn’t have all the features of a more expensive model; however, as far as travel toothbrushes go, it’s better than most.

The brush is powered by a single AAA battery, readily available globally. However, with 90 minutes of battery life, you’ll be set for most trips. While brushing, it has a two-minute timer with a pause every 30 seconds so you know when to transition between tooth areas.

At the time of writing, there are a handful of colorways to choose from, so you can snag one that matches your toiletry kit! For the price, this might be the best travel electric toothbrush for you.

Why We Like It: Container combines brush and paste.

What You Should Know: Length will be too much for some dopp kits.

The Aurelle TOOB Brush combines sustainability and packability into a toothbrush capable of handling any trip. One side of the container holds the brush, and the other has a reusable toothpaste tube. The brush is roughly the same length as your toothbrush at home, making it easier to use. The refillable tube makes loading your toothpaste from home easy, so you don’t have to waste money or materials with a tiny consumable.

Although this isn’t a folding toothbrush, it still feels relatively cheap while holding it. However, it’s easy to use and contains everything you need (except floss) to maintain your dental hygiene while crossing the globe. Plus, the container design ensures that no toothpaste or water from the brush escapes into your toiletry pouch. Sustainable, packable, and waterproof—what’s not to dig?

Why We Like It: The smallest and lightest electric toothbrush we’ve seen to date.

What You Should Know: Doesn’t vibrate as much as other models.

If you’ve browsed the internet for the best travel toothbrush, you’ve probably stumbled upon the quip Electric Toothbrush. It’s one of the most petite and lightweight electric models we’ve come across, making it a shoo-in for one-baggers and ultralight travelers alike. However, every pro list is inevitably followed by a few cons.

If you’re used to a standard electric toothbrush at home, you may find that the quip doesn’t clean as well because it isn’t as powerful and vibrates as compared to most electric toothbrushes, which rotate bristles. Don’t get it twisted—this thing cleans your teeth; it’ll just take a bit longer to get the same clean feeling you can achieve in a shorter period. However, the size and weight are the big selling point when using it for travel.

There are multiple colorways, and the back end doubles as a case. We dig the black-on-black model because it’s sleek and doesn’t show signs of aging as quickly as a white toothbrush. If you want to save weight and space, this might be the travel electric toothbrush for you.

Why We Like It: Sustainably sourced.

What You Should Know: Somewhat large for a manual brush.

The Alpine Provisions Plastic-Free Bamboo Toothbrush debuted on our Sustainable Packing List V2 for a reason—it’s an environmentally-friendly option that functions well no matter where you’re brushing your teeth.

The bristles are crafted from castor oil beans, the brush’s body is bamboo, and the entire toothbrush is plastic-free. However, the sustainability angle doesn’t mean it can’t play with the big buys when cleaning your teeth. It’s not the tiniest toothbrush out there; however, it feels more sturdy than most travel toothbrush options on the smaller end of the spectrum.

Plus, Alpine Provisions donates a percentage of their sales to the Colorado Outward Bound School Scholarship Fund, which we think is rad.

Why We Like It: One of the cheapest options out there.

What You Should Know: Breaks fairly easily on rugged adventures. While doom-scrolling the depths of Amazon, you may have encountered the Lingito Travel Toothbrush. It’s a popular folding model that takes up little space but feels like a standard offering you might have in the cabinet at home. Coming in at a hair over $5 for two, it’s hard to go wrong for your next trip.

This portable toothbrush feels more durable than other folding models we’ve tested, but it feels fairly cheap overall. However, it is cheap, so we can’t knock it for that. When collapsed, it’s four and a half inches (11.43 cm) and extends to nearly eight inches (19.69 cm), saving space but feeling like a regular toothbrush in use.

There aren’t color options at the time of writing, which is a bummer. For $3 a pop, it’s hard to go wrong with this travel size toothbrush.

Why We Like It: Sustainably sourced and durable.

What You Should Know: It’s heavy and large.

There’s a lot to love about the SURI Sustainable Electric Toothbrush. Before we dive into the good, let’s tackle the not-perfect aspects of this travel toothbrush. One of the primary materials is aluminum, which isn’t as light as most plastic models. It’s pretty large, too, which won’t work for every toiletry kit, primarily if you use a toothbrush travel case.

However, this is one of the most sustainable options on the market, which is worth commending. The brush uses recycled plant-based materials, the aluminum body is more durable than plastic, so it’ll last longer, and the entire device is meant to be repairable, so you can fix it rather than throw it away. Plus, you can ship the heads back to SURI for recycling for free.

Oh, and did we mention that it’s an electric toothbrush? For those looking for a sustainable travel toothbrush, look no further!

Why We Like It: Fits in tight places and comes with toothpaste.

What You Should Know: Not sustainable.

If you already have a travel toothbrush, you might still want something portable to bring to a meal or on long journeys as a just-in-case stinky breath extinguisher. The Crest Scope Mini Brushes are perfect for that and come in a handy two-pack to leave in your sling , purse, or daypack .

The brushes are super small, which can be cumbersome, but the bristles feel like a standard brush and have toothpaste on them. The back end has a pick to get stringy foods or popcorn kernels out of your teeth, which is handy. These aren’t the most sustainable option on this list; however, this mini travel toothbrush is ideal for those who suffer from bad breath or love foods that are a little stinky.

Why We Like It: Budget-friendly and small.

What You Should Know: Can be awkward to use.

Regarding budget travel models that include a travel toothbrush holder, the Radius Tour Travel Brush has you covered. Its folding design is easy to use and ensures that your toothbrush stays clean and everything around it stays toothpaste free.

At the time of writing, you get one brush for less the $5—what a deal! When it’s time to clean your teeth, it expands from its case to be roughly the size of a standard model. However, when you’re down, it stows away approximately the length of an eyeliner tube. It feels a little cheap, but the bristles work well. It works well for adults, but it might be the best travel toothbrush for kids because of the price and size.

Why We Like It: Standard brush with replaceable head.

What You Should Know: A bit large for what it offers.

If you don’t think electric toothbrushes live up to the buzz, the Oral-B Clic Toothbrush is the manual option you’ve been looking for. Upon first inspection, it looks like an electric model—even the tips are replaceable. However, it’s smaller and doesn’t have electronics. The replaceable heads are better for the environment than standard brushes because when it’s time to replace the bristles, it’s much less plastic.

The box comes with a magnetic brush holder, which comes in handy more at home, but might strike your fancy for a longer trip where you’ll stay in one place for an extended period. Although the Clic is roughly double the price of a standard travel toothbrush, it feels more premium and durable.

It isn’t the smallest option, but it’s cheaper than the electric options and does the job manually, no matter where you end up.

Why We Like It: Has a Bluetooth app to track your brushing.

What You Should Know: It only lasts roughly ten days.

If you’re all in on dental hygiene, the Hum by Colgate Smart Electric Toothbrush Kit is the best travel toothbrush for you. Although it’s one of the priciest items on this list, it’s also one of the most comprehensive. The kit includes a toothbrush, two heads, a charger, and a carrying case.

The battery will last around ten days, which isn’t ideal for longer trips unless you bring the charger. The toothbrush travel case is handy and makes carrying the system on the go easier. The toothbrush connects to an app that tracks brushing and informs you on how you can brush better, no matter where you’re spitting in the sink.

This is the perfect brush you can use at home and on the road without worrying about compromising your dental health.

So there you have it; some of the smallest, most powerful, and packable travel toothbrushes on the market! Whether you’re going camping, on a weekend trip, or across the globe for a few months, hopefully, you’ve found your pick!

May 23, 2023

Author: Eric Hergenreder

Eric has been across the globe, but his favorite place to explore is his home state of Michigan. His love for photography has taken him all around the Great Lake State, often writing about his travels so that others can enjoy them, too. Eric loves messing around with analog photography, watching soccer, and searching for the world’s best burger in his spare time.

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The Best Travel Toothbrushes to Pack for Your Next Trip, According to a Dental Hygienist

Here are our top picks for maintaining your oral hygiene on the go.

In This Article

• Our Top Picks
• Tips for Buying
• Why Trust T+L

Travel + Leisure / Alli Waataja

Whether you’re packing for a quick city break or an action-packed adventure cruise, there’s one essential you can’t leave home without: a good travel toothbrush. While there’s nothing to stop you from taking your regular toothbrush with you on vacation, the best options are lightweight and compact, with a durable travel case or brush cap to keep things hygienic in transit. We’ve selected the most travel-friendly picks from our ongoing electric toothbrush tests to round up this list of the very best. Each toothbrush was rated for ease of use, functionality, overall quality, value, and portability.

We also researched the best manual travel toothbrush options, including folding and disposable picks for those who prioritize portable convenience. There’s even an all-in-one kit since floss, mouthwash, and toothpaste are just as important as your travel toothbrush, because as dental hygienist Caroline Amerson, RDH, BSDH, MS says, “the bacteria in your mouth work 24/7, 365 days a year even when you’re on vacation.” Read on to find our top picks for all your travel needs.

Best Electric Travel Toothbrushes

Best overall, oral-b genius x limited.

This toothbrush uses artificial intelligence to deliver a futuristic brushing experience enhanced by an integrated timer and pressure sensor.

 The brush is slightly top-heavy and tips easily if knocked.

For tech-savvy perfectionists, it’s difficult to imagine a better toothbrush than the Oral-B Genius X Limited, an AI-enabled masterpiece that managed to seriously impress us, despite having previously only used manual toothbrushes and balking at this one’s considerable price tag. Even with its many bells and whistles, we found it intuitive to use right out of the box. The toothbrush uses Bluetooth to connect to an app on your smartphone, where you can view a diagram of your teeth that shows which areas have been correctly cleaned in real time.

We found the ability to see when we had achieved complete coverage very satisfying. The app also provides tips for effective brushing, saves your brushing history, and gives you the option to choose which modes are activated by toggling through the toothbrush’s easy-to-operate button. These range from the default (daily clean) to intense, sensitive, whitening, gum care, and tongue clean settings. Our favorite feature was the ring of LED lights that flashes red when you brush too hard (handy for those with receding gums).

We also appreciated the built-in timer, which not only alerts you when you’ve brushed for the recommended two minutes but also lets you know how long to spend on each quadrant of your mouth. The toothbrush itself is comfortable to hold, with a small, round head that reaches the furthest areas of the mouth and glides over teeth easily. We felt as though our teeth had been professionally cleaned each time. Finally, your investment is protected while traveling by a sturdy, slimline travel case.

The Details: Electric | Travel case

AquaSonic Electric Toothbrush

This toothbrush offers many of the same key features as the more expensive ones on our list, for a fraction of the price.

The brush head is a bit small.

Approved by the American Dental Association (ADA), the AquaSonic Vibe Series Ultra Whitening Toothbrush is made for travel with a slim, lightweight body and a custom, hard plastic travel case with space for two extra brush heads. We love that the battery lasts for four full weeks, so unless you’re going on an extended trip, you don’t even need to pack the charger. When it does run out of battery, ultra-fast wireless charging eliminates the hassle of having cables all over your bathroom counter.

The toothbrush produces 40,000 vibrations per minute and includes four modes: clean, whiten, massage, and soft for sensitive gums. We found it easy to switch between the settings with a push of a button. Smart vibration timers indicate the 30-second and two-minute marks. We brushed immediately after eating gummy sweets and dried mango and felt that the toothbrush did an admirable job of cleaning our teeth. It comes with eight replacement heads in cute colors ranging from satin rose gold to mint green metallic.

Travel + Leisure / Vicky Wasik

Best Splurge

Philips sonicare prestige 9900 toothbrush.

This toothbrush offers AI-powered sensitive brushing, app connectivity, and a beautiful charging case that’s perfect for travel.

The expense is only worth it if you plan on using all of the extra features.

The Philips Sonicare Prestige 9900 is the most advanced electric toothbrush in the Philips range, coming in at almost twice the price of our already spendy overall winner. However, if you’re particularly invested in your oral care, it may well be worth the splurge. It’s easy to set up, ready to use right out of the box, and comfortable to hold (not too heavy, not too light, with a smooth, matte surface). There are five modes and three intensity settings to choose from, and we appreciated that we could switch between them while brushing. 

The toothbrush uses intelligent SenseIQ technology to sense pressure, motion, and coverage up to 100 times per second. It uses this information to adapt intensity automatically. An LED indicator warns you if you scrub too hard or apply too much pressure; while vibration alerts tell you when to switch brushing areas and when your two minutes are up. We liked being able to view a 3D map of our brushing efforts on the AI-powered Sonicare app, while the All-in-One brush head with its extra-long, angled bristles gave us that fresh-from-the-dentist smoothness after every brush. 

We particularly appreciated that the elegant, vegan leather travel case doubles as a charger for travel-ready convenience. The battery lasts approximately two weeks (enough for most trips) and has an icon to indicate how much charge remains. 

The Details: Electric | Charging travel case

Best for Sensitive Gums

Philips sonicare protectiveclean electric toothbrush.

This toothbrush offers three intensities and three brushing modes, including one especially designed for gum care.

While we liked the simplicity of not having an app or Bluetooth connectivity, some may miss these features.

The Philips Sonicare ProtectiveClean 6100 is especially designed for sensitive teeth and gums. It’s also ideal for orthodontics and dental work including braces, crowns, and veneers. A built-in pressure sensor emits a gentle pulsing sound whenever you brush too hard, while other vibrating alerts let you know when to switch brushing areas and when your two minutes are up. You can choose between three intensities and three brushing modes: clean, white, and gum care. The latter adds an extra minute of reduced-power brushing for a gentle gum massage.

We used all of the settings each time we brushed. Toggling through them was easy, although we had to stop brushing to do so which limited the usefulness of the two-minute timer. The brush was comfortable to hold and easy to maneuver, leaving our teeth perfectly clean and smooth. This model also features intelligent BrushSync, which adjusts the intensity according to the type of brush head used and notifies you via a light on the handle when it’s time to change heads. The toothbrush comes with a compact charging base and a sturdy, hygienic travel case.

Best Manual Travel Toothbrushes

Boka classic manual toothbrush.

This toothbrush features activated charcoal-infused bristles for maximum whitening and bacteria reduction.

There’s just one bristle strength available (extra soft).

The Boka Classic Manual Toothbrush is our top pick for those who like to brush manually in their everyday lives or are hesitant to travel with an expensive electric toothbrush. It’s lightweight, with a sleek, simple build that feels comfortable in the hand and a compact head that reaches easily into tight spaces. We love that the bristles are extra soft, making them gentle on sensitive gums and teeth; yet long and tapered for an effective clean around the gumline.

Given their softness, the bristles are surprisingly durable. They’re also infused with activated charcoal for maximum cleanliness and odor reduction without resorting to abrasive charcoal pastes and powders. The bioplastic handle scores sustainability points while the included protective cap keeps things hygienic when traveling. Choose yours in white, pink, mint, or blue.

The Details: Manual | Brush cap | Extra soft bristles

Best Folding

Gum folding travel toothbrush.

With a handle that doubles as a protective case, this toothbrush is ideal for slipping into a carry-on or backpack pocket.

The case features ventilation holes and is therefore not completely sealed.

For maximum on-the-go convenience, we love the Gum Folding Travel Toothbrush. Its tri-fold design reduces its size considerably for easy packing, while the handle doubles as a sturdy travel case to protect bristles from germs in transit. Tiny holes allow air to pass through so that the brush can continue to dry even if packed damp; similarly, a special coating prevents bacteria from accumulating.

Unlike some other folding toothbrushes, this one is just as sturdy as a regular toothbrush when unfolded, with a full-sized head. Meanwhile, the bristles are soft enough for sensitive gums with a multi-level design that enables them to clean effectively in between teeth. When you’re finished brushing, use the tongue cleaner on the reverse side of the head to complete your oral hygiene routine.

The Details: Manual | Handle doubles as a travel case | Soft bristles

Best Disposable

Freshee 5-in-1 disposable mini toothbrush.

You don’t need water to use these mini toothbrushes.

The disposable concept isn’t very environmentally friendly.

The Freshee 5-in-1 Disposable Mini Toothbrush is the ideal solution for those long travel days when access to a bathroom isn’t always convenient. That’s because it’s pre-pasted with a gel bubble filled with a liquid toothpaste designed for use without water. And, since it also minimizes foam production you won’t need to spit. Each toothbrush is individually wrapped to keep it sterile until you’re ready to use it.

The tiny packet fits in a jacket pocket, wallet, or carry-on pouch and since you throw the toothbrush away after use, you don’t have to worry about packing the damp brush away again. Despite its diminutive size, the toothbrush takes care of all your oral hygiene needs. Pull the handle apart to reveal a toothpick, then use the flossing stick on the end to clean in between each tooth. There’s even a tongue scraper on the back of the toothbrush head for optimal oral cleaning.

The Details: Manual | Individually wrapped | Soft bristles

Spark Dental Co. Dental Travel Kit

This kit provides everything you need to keep your teeth clean in a TSA-approved, travel-ready bag.

The zippered pouch could be more durable.

Don’t have time to shop around for all of the dental care items you need ahead of your next trip? The Spark Dental Co. Travel Kit includes them all in a single purchase. First up, there’s a travel toothbrush with soft bristles and a tapered head for navigating the furthest reaches of your mouth. This toothbrush folds into its own handle, halving its size when packed and protecting it from germs — although some may find the locking mechanism is a little flimsy.

Other contents include a travel-sized tube of minty Crest toothpaste and a miniature bottle of Scope mouthwash. Both have been specifically chosen to comply with TSA rules for liquids and gels on airplanes. Finally, the kit includes a box of Oral-B dental floss for a true deep clean. All of these items come in a leakproof, zippered plastic pouch that can be used over and over again. There’s even a little space for any extra items you may wish to add.

Tips for Buying a Travel Toothbrush

Decide whether you want something manual or electric.

If your budget allows for it, dental hygienist Caroline Amerson, RDH, BSDH, MS says an electric toothbrush is always preferable to a manual one in terms of providing superior dental care. That’s because an electric toothbrush performs over 30,000 strokes per minute whereas a manual one can only perform around 300. Even if you’re going on a wilderness expedition with no access to electricity (or if you’re just worried about finding the correct adapter), a fully charged electric toothbrush will likely last for several weeks.

Amerson also points out that it’s possible to extend battery life by using the toothbrush manually in the morning and switching the electric motor on at night when it’s imperative to remove plaque and food before sleep. And, she says, just as a broken escalator turns into a functional set of stairs, so an uncharged electric toothbrush can be used as a manual one in a pinch. You could also look for an electric toothbrush with a travel-specific charging case. There is one caveat — disposable, pre-pasted toothbrushes are ideal for travel days when access to running water is difficult and you want to avoid packing a separate tube of toothpaste.

Choose the right bristle type for your teeth

Amerson says that you should only ever consider using a toothbrush with soft or extra-soft bristles. In fact, she says that “medium or hard bristles should be reserved for cleaning the grout between your bathroom tiles!” She also points out that the two major electric toothbrush brands in the United States (Oral-B and Sonicare) offer different brush head styles. Oral-B brushes use a round oscillating head which requires hopping from tooth to tooth using a slight rocking motion.

Meanwhile, Sonicare brushes have a more traditional head that should be held against the teeth with the last row of bristles sweeping the gumline. There’s no need to exert any pressure or implement any special kind of motion — just let the toothbrush glide around your mouth. Amerson points out that both styles work equally well, although she finds that Sonicare brushes offer an easier and more natural transition from manual toothbrushes.

Frequently Asked Questions

Keeping your toothbrush clean in transit requires some kind of traveling case or brush cap to prevent the bristles from coming into contact with germs. Amerson recommends choosing a case that has air vents in it to allow the bristles to dry properly. And when it comes to storing your toothbrush at your destination, try not to keep it in the same space as the toilet but rather on a nightstand or in the sink area if the latter is separate to the toilet. Finally, if you become unwell on your travels, consider purchasing a replacement toothbrush or switching out the head to prevent lingering bacteria from prolonging the sickness.

Unless space is a major concern — in which case, a folding manual toothbrush like the one listed above is your best bet — you should be able to use your everyday toothbrush on your travels. The amount you can expect to spend depends on whether you choose a manual toothbrush (usually in the $1 to $5 range) or an electric one (anywhere from $20 for a budget brand like Quip to $300+ for a top of the range choice from Sonicare). Amerson says that if high-end electric toothbrushes are out of your budget, any toothbrush with a motor is better than one without, so spend what you can while bearing in mind that a better quality product will last longer and offer more value in terms of cost per use.

According to TSA guidelines , electric toothbrushes may be packed in both your checked and carry-on luggage. The exception is those that use lithium ion batteries, which MUST be packed in your carry-on. Airports and airlines outside the U.S. may have different rules, but the general consensus seems to be that keeping your electric toothbrush with you in the cabin is the best and most acceptable practice.

Why Trust Travel + Leisure

Jessica Macdonald has been writing about travel gear and accessories for more than 10 years. Some of the products featured in this article were chosen according to the results of real-life tests carried out by the T+L team, while others were chosen after hours of online research. We also consulted the expert opinion of dental hygienist Caroline Amerson, RDH, BSDH, MS.

Love a great deal? Sign up for our T+L Recommends newsletter and we’ll send you our favorite travel products each week.

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20 best electric toothbrushes for a cleaner, whiter smile, tried and tested

From Oral-B to Philips, our panel of over 300 testers rated these top for a fresher smile

Though pricier than manual toothbrushes, think of them as an investment; the better you look after your teeth and gums now, the less likely you are to face costly and invasive dental treatment in the future.

And to make sure you're getting value for money, the Good Housekeeping Institute has tested a range of the market-leading brands for every budget.

What brand of electric toothbrush is best?

If you’re yet to take the plunge into the world of electric, we’ve found the best sonic and oscillating toothbrushes starting from as little as £40, all tried and tested by GHI experts, to help you buy with confidence.

Best electric toothbrush

Spotlight oral care sonic toothbrush.

Best smart electric toothbrush for beginners

Oral-b genius x black electric toothbrush.

Best electric toothbrush for ease of use

Philips sonicare protectiveclean 6100.

Most hi-tech electric toothbrush

Oral-b io9 ultimate clean electric toothbrush.

Best electric toothbrush for sensitive gums

Oclean x pro elite smart electric toothbrush.

Most stylish electric toothbrush

Philips sonicare 9000 diamondclean electric toothbrush.

Best electric toothbrush for a personalised clean

The moon electric toothbrush.

Best electric toothbrush for braces

Curaprox hydrosonic pro.

Best electric toothbrush for travel

Oral-b io10 electric toothbrush.

Best electric toothbrush for gentle whitening

Curaprox hydrosonic black is white.

Take a look at the results of our best water flossers test if you're looking to boost your regime even further.

How do electric toothbrushes work?

Electric toothbrushes are battery-powered brushes that use oscillating or sonic vibrating movements to remove plaque build-up, debris and bacteria.

Most models now feature two-minute timers, multiple cleaning modes and pressure sensors to ensure you aren't brushing too hard.

How do I choose an electric toothbrush?

With so much choice on the market, choosing an electric toothbrush can feel overwhelming. Other than trusting our expert-tested top picks, we advise keeping an eye out for the following key features.

Timer: The best electric toothbrushes will have a buzzing timer to help you brush for the dentist-recommended two minutes. Look for brushes with quad pacers that buzz every 30 seconds to guide you through each quarter of your mouth (upper left, upper right, lower left and lower right).

Cleaning modes: Some toothbrushes offer different cleaning modes, such as deep clean and sensitive, which is useful if you have a specific concern, such as sensitivity or yellowing.

Pressure sensor: Good electric toothbrushes include a pressure sensor that lights up when you’re pushing too hard on your teeth to keep you from damaging them.

Electric toothbrush apps: Some toothbrushes released over the last few years are ‘smart’, with an app that connects to your phone. They can also provide you with tips on how to brush your teeth better, such as telling you if you missed a spot or if you didn't scrub well enough.

Are electric toothbrushes better than manual toothbrushes?

If you’re vigilant about looking after your teeth, both manual and electric toothbrushes can keep them healthy. However, dentists recommend going electric.

“They do the work for you and their bristles move in more directions than you could move the brush yourself,” says Dr Reena Wadia , periodontist and founder of gum clinic RW Perio .

“They are effective at removing plaque because they’re designed to gently massage teeth and gums correctly, with many now featuring a pressure sensor that warns you if you’re pressing too hard.”

What's the most effective way of cleaning?

“Place the toothbrush at a 45-degree angle against the spot where the gums and teeth meet,” says Dr Wadia. “Angle upwards for the upper teeth and downwards for the lower teeth.

“Clean between your teeth — flossing or using interdental brushes is the best way to get into these nooks and crannies,” she adds. ‘Use a toothpaste containing fluoride, and if you have specific issues such as sensitivity, find a toothpaste that helps tackle this.

“Remember to spit and don’t rinse out your mouth after using the toothpaste, else it will wash away all the good stuff.”

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How we test electric toothbrushes

The GHI recruited a panel of 317 testers to trial 30 electric toothbrushes for a fortnight. They were asked to judge each model on its ease of use, design, features, battery life and overall performance. We asked them to use a disclosing tablet before and after brushing their teeth to determine how effective their toothbrush was at removing plaque.

We also measured how loud each device was using a noise meter in our lab, so you know if it's going to make a racket before buying.

Here are our top picks for the ultimate clean.

Score: 93/100

Our best electric toothbrush is as gentle as a manual one, providing a satisfying deep clean. Its rapid sonic vibrations push toothpaste and air into hard-to-reach areas, successfully removing plaque, reducing staining and freshening breath.

It has three cleaning modes, including sensitive and whitening, and comes with three different-sized brush heads for effective and comfortable use. Our testers liked its cleaning power, overall design and long battery life, with everybody planning to continue using it after the trial period. The only (small) downsides were its high-pitched noise and overly sensitive on/off button.

Key specifications

Score: 91/100

So you’ve made the decision to switch from manual to electric — congrats! If you’re a newbie and sceptical about the power of an electric toothbrush on sensitive teeth and gums, this model may well convince you.

Testers agreed it left their teeth feeling squeaky-clean, removing plaque without causing any discomfort, while most found the vibrations weren’t too overpowering. The pressure sensor also came in useful, and it was easy to manoeuvre.

Our lab test did flag it was on the noisier side, but the majority of testers didn’t find this to be an issue.

S core: 90/100

This toothbrush claims to help prevent cavities and improve gum health. It offers three cleaning modes, with a separate purpose-built brush head for each one. It even automatically detects which brush head you're using and selects the right setting.

Overall, our testers were impressed by this solid all-rounder. It enhanced their brushing experience and left their teeth feeling cleaner. Our lab tests found it reduced plaque, too. It also has a good pressure sensor and lasts for two weeks on one charge.

Score: 90/100

One of Oral-B’s most advanced toothbrushes yet, this top-of-the-range model boasts seven cleaning modes, including super sensitive, tongue cleaning and whitening. Its pressure sensor has coloured lights to let you know if you’re brushing too hard, too softly or just right, and its interactive display shows a two-minute timer and brush head replacement reminders.

It even makes use of AI to monitor your brushing with 3D teeth tracking. Suffice to say, our testers were impressed with all this tech, with nearly everybody finding it powerful and effective at cleaning thoroughly. Our only niggle is the lack of a replacement head in the box, which seems mean given its high price.

Score: 89/100

One of the quietest electric toothbrushes we’ve ever tested, this was not only silent, but it was also gentle on sensitive gums for most of our panel. All found it comfortable to hold and easy to clean with, too.

The sleek and premium look made it stand out from the crowd, with one tester describing the magnetic charger and pad accessory as a “revelation’’. Many found the battery was so good they didn’t need to charge it during the entire trial period.

This elegant sonic toothbrush delivers a punchy 62,000 vibrations per minute, removing up to 10 times more plaque over a fortnight than a manual could muster. Its bristles are soft and flexible — great if you suffer from sensitivity — and its two-minute timer is broken into 30-second intervals to make sure all areas of your mouth get adequately brushed.

Its five cleaning modes cover all the most common brushing needs, leaving almost all testers with considerably cleaner teeth, and it comes in a choice of pink, white, black or rose gold.

Our panel rated its two-week battery life and USB travel case that doubles up as a charger. It’s just a shame that there isn’t a pressure sensor to keep us from brushing too rigorously.

Score: 88/100

Thanks to its five cleaning modes and a guided brushing timer, testers felt this brush provided a customised clean, which everyone agreed visibly removed plaque.

The bristles felt soft for all, while many said it was easy to reach all areas of the mouth. Our panel praised its high-quality design, with one tester saying it was gentler than their previous electric toothbrush.

If you’re fed up with braces, implants or bridges getting in the way of your brushing, look to this cleverly designed sonic toothbrush. It comes with three differently sized brush heads to help you clean both teeth and gums thoroughly, while a choice of seven cleaning modes allows for customised brushing.

Our testers found it easy to control, with many praising its good looks and compact size. Their teeth felt much cleaner after use and the majority were satisfied with its battery life. It lacks a pressure sensor, which is disappointing at this price point, and it turned off easily while testers were adjusting the settings. But overall, our panel loved it.

Score: 87/100

When you travel a lot, there’s nothing more annoying than forgetting your toothbrush because you left it charging in a hotel somewhere. But good news – instead of needing cables, this smart gadget charges inside its travel case.

Using gentle micro-vibrations and AI technology to guide you through your brushing routine, our testers said it delivered a really clean feeling. It boasts a range of settings and will even remember the last one you used, so you don’t have to fiddle around to find your favourite.

Our panel found it sleek and stylish, and, while expensive, it does come with a lot of clever tech. It lights up to tell you if you’re using too much or too little pressure and vibrates when it's time to move onto the next section (although some found the vibration too subtle). There’s also a countdown timer that rewards you with a smiley face when you’ve brushed for the recommended two minutes.

Those who aren’t fans of reading the instructions will also be pleased to know that our panel found it intuitive and easy to set up and use.

This sleek matte black brush comes with carbon-coated bristles, designed to gently remove discolouration, which our testers found delivered on its promise. It didn’t cause any gum discomfort, with almost everyone finding the brush head was gentle on teeth.

Some missed a pressure sensor and thought the visual cues for the cleaning modes could have been clearer; however, everyone who tested it said they’d stick to this model in future.

ION-Sei Sonic Electric Toothbrush

Another hi-tech entry, this sonic toothbrush has a UV LED light that reacts with a titanium dioxide bar in its handle, creating ions that suppress the plaque-causing bacteria. It’s all very scientific, but essentially, it works with your body’s natural electrical charge to inhibit bacterial growth and pull bacteria off your teeth and onto the brush.

It has three cleaning modes and is surprisingly gentle on gums, but our testers were nonplussed by its big oval brush head, which they found too large to reach all teeth comfortably. Still, they liked its chic design and were happy with its battery life.

Oclean X10 Smart Sonic Electric Toothbrush

Score: 85/ 100

For those who have sensitive teeth and gums but still love that squeaky clean feeling, this brush could be the one. Our testers liked how fine the bristles were and how soft they felt on gums, but said it still gave a great clean. One panellist even noticed immediate results, saying their teeth looked whiter after just one day.

As well as being whisper quiet, it charged quickly, and testers praised the handy magnetic wall mount included. For some, though, the buttons were too close together, making it easy to select the wrong one.

An interactive display screen was its most impressive feature, providing a visual guide to any areas missed and a countdown to ensure you brush for the recommended two minutes. However, some of our testers thought the emojis used on the interface were better suited to younger users.

Philips Sonicare 9900 Prestige Power Electric Toothbrush

Score: 85/100

The newest offering from Philips' legendary Sonicare range, this lived up to its predecessors, leaving all of our testers with a thorough, fresh clean. What’s more, the majority also saw a visible reduction in plaque, which should earn some brownie points with the dentist.

Testers also raved about the “glamorous” design, with one saying their teeth were visibly whiter after use. The lab test found it to be “loud” on our noise scale — but this didn’t deter our testers, with almost all wanting to keep using it after the trial.

Ordo Sonic+ Electric Toothbrush

This Ordo toothbrush is available either as part of a subscription or on its own. Our testers liked its four different brushing modes that offer a customisable clean and appreciated its impressive three weeks of battery life. They found it easy to control and gentle, yet effective.

If you do opt for the subscription package, you can get a refill delivery of oral care products and a replacement head every one, two or three months.

Stylsmile Sonic Blue Light Toothbrush

Coffee addicts keen to make discoloured teeth sparkle again should give this whitening set a go. The sonic toothbrush vibrates quickly to tackle surface stains, while the included toothpaste and whitening gels target and neutralise yellowing.

The brush head proved a tad too big for some testers, with others finding that it didn't clean between their teeth as well as they had hoped, but it’s a top buy for anyone wanting to whiten teeth gradually without using harsh chemicals. It helpfully turns itself off after two minutes of brushing and its charge lasted well on test, with most of our panel planning to use it again.

Brushd Electric Toothbrush

Score: 84/100

This brush comes with handy pre-paid compostable pouches that can be used to return your used brush heads for recycling. It also won our testers over with its slim, stylish design, which didn’t cause any discomfort during use.

Everyone was happy with the 30-day battery life too, while it received a noise rating of “very quiet” in our lab test. Overall, it left most with that squeaky-clean feeling.

Silk'n SonicYou Electric Toothbrush

Score: 83/100

This model can last an impressive 300 days without the need for recharging, meaning you can pack it in your suitcase without fear of it running out.

As for its cleaning capabilities, it didn't cause any teeth sensitivity and its design made it easy to reach trickier areas. It did a good job of getting rid of that fuzzy feeling you wake up with and left behind fresher-feeling teeth. One tester even commented: “It has increased my confidence, as my teeth look so much better.”

SURI Sustainable Sonic Toothbrush

Score: 82/100

Made from plant-based castor oil and corn starch, this brush's soft bristles can be sent back to the brand to be recycled, making it another more eco-conscious pick.

It managed to leave the majority of our testers with sparkling teeth and the self-sanitising case was also an impressive feature for many. It did a good job in our lab test at leaving teeth plaque-free, while its chic appearance also appealed.

Philips One By Sonicare Battery Toothbrush

We often dismiss battery-operated toothbrushes for not being as effective as their chargeable counterparts, but Philips proved us wrong. This model reached into all testers’ nooks and crannies, leaving everyone feeling minty-fresh after brushing.

The slim design and carry case make it ideal for travel too, while no one reported any sensitivity after brushing. Yes, the battery will only last you up to 90 days, but considering the portability and price point, it's a great value buy.

Florence is our Senior Beauty Writer, specialising in expert-tested beauty and grooming reviews — from toothbrushes to the latest skincare launches. She’s committed to sharing recommendations for products that truly work and make people feel confident and healthy. Prior to this she was at Tropic Skincare, where she worked closely with biochemists in the lab, delving into the functions of each fresh, natural ingredient and conveying its efficacy to her audience in easy-to-digest terms. 

With over five years’ experience in beauty and health journalism, Florence has written for ELLE , Women’s Fitness , Sister Magazine, National Geographic Traveller and many more, with a strong sustainability angle thread through much of her work.

When she isn’t packing for a trip away, working out, eating out or reading up on retinol serums, you’ll probably find her experimenting with her film camera and building her portfolio of portraits. Florence’s photography can be found at florencereeves-white.com , her Instagram is @florencereeveswhite and her twitter is @floreadsnwrites

Orla is our Senior Beauty and Grooming Tester and has extensive knowledge of skin and hair composition thanks to her first class bachelor's degree in cosmetic science from the Universy of the Arts London. She also spent time as a Formulation Chemist intern at Amelia Knight Cosmetics . 

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