Best Electric Toothbrushes

best electric toothbrush

Electric Toothbrush Buying Guide

Electric toothbrushes come in all shapes and sizes, with different cleaning modes and powers. As most feature a variety of styles and offer a wide range of options, choosing the right one for you usually boils down to three factors: price, performance, and features. Since prices will vary widely, getting the right balance of these factors is key to ensuring you make a wise, informed buying choice. Let’s take a look at some of the important things to consider before making an electric toothbrush purchase.

Performance:

The electric toothbrush you buy should operate in a smooth and stable fashion. As most toothbrushes will change their speed to warn you to switch brushing regions at a preset interval, this transition should again be smooth and without power spikes. They should be easy to operate and be comfortable on the teeth and gums with an adequate power level for proper brushing. Finally, look for a unit that isn’t too bulky or ungainly as this can interfere with the brushing experience.

Special Features:

Electric toothbrushes are not created equally, and some offer special features that will separate them from their peers. Specifically, some of the features available include:

– Cordless vs corded. Electric toothbrushes are available in either cordless or corded models, with cordless generally being more expensive. Cordless models may be rechargeable or operate on batteries, and again, this will usually factor into the price. Battery-powered units tend to be bulkier, so cordless rechargeable units tend to be priced at a premium, although they tend to be far more comfortable and easier to use. If choosing a rechargeable unit, take into consideration the amount of time the unit will hold the charge.

– Varying modes. In reality, only one brushing mode is absolutely necessary. However, many units offer a variety of modes for deeper cleaning and tooth and gum massage. Whether you choose a single mode or multi-mode unit will depend on your personal preference.

– Timer. A good electric toothbrush will house a timer to signal when to change brushing regions. This ensures that you do an even brushing job throughout your mouth, and should be considered a must-have feature. Similarly, an electric toothbrush should alert you when two minutes have elapsed, the dentist-recommended brushing time.

– Pressure sensor. If you’re brushing too hard, some electric toothbrushes will let you know with a built-in pressure sensor. This will help train you to ensure you are using it properly and safely.

– Carrying case. If you travel with your toothbrush, look for one that comes with a carrying case. Not only are uncovered toothbrushes a haven for germs, a proper case will ensure that the toothbrush isn’t inadvertently activated during transit.

Price:

The price of the electric toothbrush will vary, from relatively inexpensive to pricey units. The key is to take into account the features and performance of the toothbrush and to balance it out with the price. Units typically range anywhere from $70 to over $200.

Electric Toothbrush Reviews

Oral-B Pro 3000 Electric Toothbrush Review

Oral-B Pro 3000 Electric Toothbrush

Type of Product

Electric Tooth Brush

Manufacturer:

Oral-B

Experts Rating:

Specifications

  • Weight: 1.2 pounds
  • Type: Cordless rechargeable
  • Charging Time: 6-8 hours
  • Battery Life: 7 days based on usage
  • Cleaning Modes: 3

The Good

  • Bluetooth allows you to "visualize" your brushing.
  • Varying speeds
  • Pressure sensor
  • Timer
  • Waterproof handle

The Bad

  • No carrying case
  • Our Report

The Oral-B Pro 3000 electric toothbrush marries the dentist-recommended traditions of Oral-B with the engineering expertise of Braun in a compact, easy to use device. With three cleaning modes, a rechargeable power supply, and built-in pressure sensor, the Pro 3000 is an excellent mid-range brushing tool at a reasonable price.

Performance:

The CrossAction brush offers a smooth operation, augmented by a “3D” cleaning action that surrounds and cleans each individual tooth, removing 100% more plaque than with a conventional toothbrush. Its small size belies its power, working at 40,000 pulses and 9000 oscillations per minute. Optional brush heads are also available, making it convenient to switch out differing styles of brushes. Slim and lightweight, this electric toothbrush consists of a waterproof handle – a definite plus – and features a stylish design. All in all, it’s a very simple yet elegant tool, easy to use and effective at providing a dentist-like level of cleaning.

Special Features:

The Oral-B Pro 3000 comes equipped with a host of special features, including:

– Cordless rechargeable technology
– Timer
– BlueTooth integration
– Three cleaning modes
– Pressure sensor

Don’t let the slim size of the unit fool you – this toothbrush contains a high-capacity battery that holds a charge for up to 7 days with regular use. It can take a relatively long time to charge it up – between 6 to 8 hours – however, it’s short enough that an overnight charging session should do the trick. It boasts a built-in timer to indicate when brushing regions should be changed. Additionally, it offers BlueTooth connectivity to a smartphone app to help you visualize your cleaning routine. The Oral-B Pro 3000 offers three cleaning modes: regular, massage, and sensitive. A pressure sensor lights up to indicate if overbrushing is occurring, ensuring proper brushing technique is being used. Sadly, this unit does not come equipped with a carrying case.

Price:

The Oral-B Pro 3000 is not the cheapest electric toothbrush on the market but does offer quite a bit of value for the cost. Still, some consumers consider it a little high for what it offers, noting some bands with less name recognition offer similar units for less.

Philips Sonicare DiamondClean Electric Toothbrush Review

Philips Sonicare DiamondClean Electric Toothbrush

Type of Product

Electric Tooth Brush

Manufacturer:

Philips Sonicare

Experts Rating:

Specifications

  • Weight: 14.4 ounces
  • Type: Cordless rechargeable incuction technology
  • Charging Time: 6-8 hours
  • Battery Life: 21 days based on usage
  • Cleaning Modes: 5

The Good

  • Sleek design and easy interface
  • Five modes
  • Unique induction charging
  • Carry case with USB charger

The Bad

  • Features don't justify price tag
  • No pressure sensor
  • Our Report

The Philips Sonicare DiamondClean electric toothbrush is as stylish and feature-packed as it is expensive. One of the higher-end models of toothbrushes on the market, this unit features sonic technology which drives water through the diamond-shaped brushes to achieve superior cleaning prowess. A popular choice among electric toothbrush buyers, the DiamondClean offers a host of features.

Performance:

Slim and lightweight, this unit is considered by many to be one of the most comfortable and easiest electric toothbrushes available. It features a “beginner” mode, helping those transitioning to electric toothbrushes for the first time by gently increasing the cleaning strength over a weeklong period. A single button controls all aspects of the device, making it extremely user-friendly. It’s powerful, too, offering the equivalent of 31,000 brush strokes per minute.

Special Features:

– Cordless rechargeable induction technology in unique glass charger
– Five custom cleaning modes
– Dual timer for overall cleaning time plus individual brushing area
– Two brush heads
– Carrying case with USB charger

The DiamondClean offers a unique charging system, consisting of a glass base which charges the unit by induction, meaning no plug-in is necessary; simply place the toothbrush in the powered drinking glass and it’ll begin charging. The glass, when unplugged, can also be used as a rinse cup and is dishwasher safe. When traveling, an additional carry case with USB charger allows you to plug it into a laptop for easy replenishing. Five cleaning modes are available for a custom cleaning experience: basic clean, whitening, polishing, GumCare, and sensitive mode. The “Smartimer” operates in two simultaneous modes: a two-minute timer to measure the cleaning session, as well as an interval timer which beeps every 30 seconds to signal changing brushing areas. Finally, the unit comes with two brush heads, one standard, and one compact, to ensure your brushing preferences are met. One thing missing from the DiamondClean, however, is a pressure sensor.

Price:

The DiamondClean is an expensive electric toothbrush. While the special features such as the unique charger are a nice touch, it doesn’t offer much in the way of value considering it’s twice as expensive as the Oral-B Pro 3000.

Oral-B Pro 1000 Electric Toothbrush Review

Oral-B Pro 1000 Electric Toothbrush

Oral B Pro 1000

Type of Product

Electric Tooth Brush

Manufacturer:

Oral-B

Experts Rating:

Specifications

  • Weight: 12 ounces
  • Type: Cordless rechargeable
  • Charging Time: 6-8 hours
  • Battery Life: 7 days based on usage
  • Cleaning Modes: 1

The Good

  • Slim and lightweight
  • Rechargeable
  • Timer
  • Good brushing action

The Bad

  • Only one cleaning mode
  • Doesn't seem to get "money's worth"
  • Our Report

Oral-B Pro 1000

The Pro 1000 is a lightweight, compact electric toothbrush at the lower end of the features scale. This basic model incorporates the necessary things you’d look for in an electric toothbrush, and does a decent job for the price. For those looking for a more jam-packed features list, however, you’d likely look elsewhere.

Performance:

Incorporating the standard Oral-B “3D” cleaning system, this slim and lightweight unit is more than capable in the performance department. The brush oscillates and rotates and claims to remove 300% more plaque than traditional toothbrushes. As with the Pro 3000, the bristles surround and clean each tooth individually.

Special Features:

– Cordless rechargeable technology
– Timer to signal shifting of cleaning areas as well as overall cleaning time
– Pressure sensor

The Oral-B Pro 1000 features a cordless rechargeable battery, lasting about 7 days with regular use, which is handy for traveling. However, the lack of a carrying case can be an inconvenience as the unit would have to be covered some other way while in transit. The Pro 1000 does incorporate a decent timer, alerting you when two minutes have passed as well as beeping every 30 seconds to change brushing areas. And the built-in pressure sensor alerts you to damaging overbrushing. Notably absent are multiple cleaning modes, as this unit features only one brush mode.

Price:

It’s one of the lower end models available on the market. The Pro 3000 offers a wider array of features, putting into question the value for the money.

The Final Verdict:

electric toothbrush reviews

The Oral-B Pro 3000, Philips Sonicare DiamondClean and Oral-B Pro 1000 are all capable electric toothbrushes. When the sheer number of features are taken into account, the Philips DiamondClean seems to have the most; yet, when looking at overall value, it’s clear that the Oral-B Pro 3000 is the best bet when making an electric toothbrush purchase. This toothbrush offers multiple cleaning modes, rechargeable battery, pressure sensor and more. It’s a good, solid, value-packed electric toothbrush that will be an excellent addition to your oral care routine.