Brushing your teeth twice a day is a no-brainer, but most of us take that same “no brainer” mentality into the rote process of mechanically reaching for the same ol’ toothbrush before going through the motions. However, if you’re looking for a truly thorough clean, it may be time to reconsider your routine… and more specifically, your toothbrush.
If you’re looking for more cleaning power — or you simply value a mouthful of healthy teeth — it’s time to consider investing in an electric or sonic toothbrush. Not only does research indicate that these high-tech scrubbers “generally outperform” your basic manual brush at removing plaque, gingivitis and stains, but many of them also come with features that help you improve your brushing technique.
However, with numerous options available (and more brands entering the market all the time), it can be challenging to determine which one to select. So we turned to the experts — dentists — to learn how to shop for the best electric toothbrush for your needs. Then we put 21 electric toothbrushes to the test to find the ones that truly did a good job of brushing.
Quick Overview
Best overall toothbrush
Aquasonic Black Series Ultra Whitening Toothbrush
Best dentist-approved
Philips Sonicare DiamondClean Electric Power Toothbrush
Best toothbrush/water flosser combo
Waterpik Sonic-Fusion 2.0 Professional Flossing Toothbrush
Best sonic option
Philips Sonicare 4100 Power Toothbrush
Best for travel
Philips One by Sonicare Rechargeable Toothbrush
The best electric toothbrushes for 2026
Aquasonic
Over 100,000 Amazon shoppers (including me) love this toothbrush for a reason!
This Aquasonic electric toothbrush is so popular, it’s a top seller on Amazon. I have been using it for a few months now and love it because its charge time lasts up to a month, so I don’t have to keep the charging pad out on my bathroom vanity all the time. The toothbrush is equipped with a powerful motor that provides 40,000 vibrations per minute, which leaves my mouth feeling extra clean every time I use it.
I also love that it has a two-minute timer to ensure that I meet the recommended brush time, and it also pauses every 30 seconds so I know when it’s time to move to a different area to give all my teeth the same amount of attention. There are four cleaning modes to choose from: clean, soft, whitening and massage, and it comes with a whopping eight brush heads, so it will be a while before I need to buy replacements. Best of all? The price. At just $40, you’re really only paying about $5 per brush head — not all that different from the price of a manual brush.
Other top electric toothbrushes we recommend for 2026
Philips Sonicare
Not one, but two, of the dentists we talked to specifically mentioned this model as their top pick. That’s sayin’ something.
When we asked Dr. Lior Tamar what his favorite electric toothbrush was, he said, “Hands down my favorite electric brush is the Philips Sonicare DiamondClean. It just leaves your mouth feeling so clean and teeth so smooth.” Chrystle Cu, cofounder of Cocofloss, is also a fan because “it works great, has a long-lasting battery, is easy to charge and easy to keep clean.” And after using it for over a year myself, I would have to agree with both of them.
I love that there are four cleaning modes to choose from, as well as three different smart brush head types. But my favorite thing is the compact travel case that makes it super easy to pack. As a bonus, it also has a free phone app that will give you real-time feedback on your brushing.
Waterpik
An electric toothbrush that doubles as a water flosser? Sign us up!
If you lack space on your bathroom counter for more than one dental tool, our Partnerships and Branded Content Editor Rory Halperin says this Waterpik toothbrush might be just what you’re looking for. “I really like that it’s a 2-in-1 toothbrush and flosser — there’s no need to have two devices on my bathroom counter.” Like many of us, Halperin says she wasn’t always diligent about flossing every day, but this device changed that! “I use the flosser a lot more since it’s connected to my electric toothbrush, versus being stand-alone. My dentist always tells me to floss more, and this device helps me do just that. My teeth definitely feel cleaner after using it,” she says.
You can choose from three cleaning modes: brushing, flossing or both simultaneously. What’s more, the brand claims, “it’s clinically proven up to two times as effective as traditional brushing and flossing for reducing plaque and improving gum health.” While it cleans your teeth well, just be aware it can get messy. “Be careful of the spraying water when using it,” Halperin says. “I definitely got wet, so make sure not to wear clothes you’re planning on wearing out while brushing/flossing!”
Philips Sonicare
This is an Amazon’s Choice product for a reason.
“Pretty much every dentist I’ve ever had swears by the Sonicare, and I get it,” said our Deputy Editor Izabella Zaydenberg. “It doesn’t have all the bells and whistles that the pricier options have, but I don’t think I need them. It’s sleek, takes up minimal counter space (no bulky chargers!) and reminds me to replace my brush head or that it needs charging. I also think it really gets my teeth clean!” According to the brand, the Sonicare 4100 removes up to seven times more plaque than a manual toothbrush, plus it has a trusty two-minute timer with a quad pacer.
One of its standout features is the pressure sensor that blinks red when you’re brushing too hard. Though Zaydenberg acknowledged that you have to pay careful attention while brushing with this function, she also said, “Unless you’re either looking at the brush or watching yourself in the mirror, you can miss it, so I’ve accidentally irritated my gums when the brush mode is set to the highest setting.”
Philips/Target
Even Oprah is a fan of this travel-ready electric option.
Not only did this sleek and compact electric toothbrush make Oprah’s “Favorite Things List,” it is also one of our Shopping Editor Carrie McCabe’s top picks! “I liked the price (was on super sale at the time), my Quip had gone missing after a trip, the color was cute and I loved that it came with a travel case to make that whole ‘losing track of my toothbrush’ thing harder to do,” she said.
The soft-nylon tapered bristles gently polish teeth for a brighter smile, while the two-minute timer with 30-second notifications tells you how long to brush those pearly whites. Perhaps the best part is the battery life that will last up to 30 days and can be recharged with a simple USB cord. The other benefit is the travel case it comes with. “The case covers the full brush (vs. Quip’s, which has the adhesive that stops being sticky and is only for half the brush), so it’s better for travel,” raved McCabe.
quip
This clever toothbrush is lightweight, waterproof and safe to use in the shower.
Each Quip toothbrush comes with a travel cover that converts into a stand or a mirror mount. The motor runs on an AAA battery, so if it ever dies while you’re traveling, it can easily be replaced. Even better, you can sign up for the brand’s auto-delivery subscription service to get brush head refills delivered right to your doorstep every three months, so you don’t have to worry about keeping track of when it’s time to replace your bristles.
Carrie McCabe loves the look of the Quip toothbrush, saying, “I like all the different styles/colors, so me and my husband could pick different looks.” Though she did note that while she loved getting new brush heads delivered without thinking about it, she found it a bit tricky when it came time to swap them, especially if there was “dried toothpaste stuck in the cracks.” We recommend thoroughly rinsing the whole brush after every use.
Philips Sonicare
Getting kids to brush their teeth can be challenging, but the Philips Sonicare for Kids makes it fun and engaging. Our tester’s 10-year-old son loves this toothbrush because it turned brushing into a game rather than a chore. With its advanced AI-powered app, he learned proper brushing technique while guided by a cute, fuzzy avatar named Sparkly.
This kids’ electric toothbrush is safe and gentle on gums yet effective at reaching those hard-to-brush spots. The built-in brushing timer ensures kids brush for the appropriate amount of time and spend the right amount of time on each quadrant of their mouths.
One thing to note is the importance of rinsing the brush thoroughly after each use. Some reviews mentioned mold growth between the brush head and handle if not adequately rinsed and dried. However, we didn’t encounter this issue.
- Budget-friendly
- Brushing timers
- Gentle on gums
- AI-powered app helps guide brushing
- Potential issues pairing toothbrush with app
- If not rinsed properly, the space between the brush head and handle can get moldy
Factors to consider when choosing an electric toothbrush
Electric toothbrushes tend to vary based on their brush head size and bristle type. Many have additional key features that can help to improve oral health and your overall brushing experience.
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Brush head size: Bigger isn’t always better when it comes to toothbrush heads. Sheila Samaddar, DDS, a dentist practicing in Washington, D.C. says that smaller brush heads are often more effective, especially for reaching difficult areas. A compact brush head can maneuver around tight spaces in your mouth with greater precision, ensuring a thorough clean. Look for one that puts maneuverability over size.
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Bristle type: The type of bristles on your electric toothbrush aren’t simply a matter of preference. And while you might think that firmer bristles provide a deeper clean, Joseph Goodman a cosmetic dentist based in Beverly Hills, Calif., recommends opting for soft bristles endorsed by the American Dental Association (ADA). Hard bristles can potentially harm enamel and root surfaces, leading to long-term damage. Soft bristles offer gentle yet effective cleaning without causing undue harm to your teeth and gums.
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Key features: If you struggle with brushing long enough, you can look for a toothbrush with built-in timers or reminders. These features can alert you every 30 seconds, prompting you to switch to a different quadrant of your mouth for a comprehensive clean. Additionally, if you share your toothbrush base with family members, consider a model that allows for easy head swapping. Ergonomic design and multiple setting options are also crucial factors to consider. A toothbrush with an easy-to-grip handle and adjustable settings is ideal. Cu recommends starting with a “sensitive” setting.
Other electric toothbrushes we’ve tested
We’ve actually put hundreds of oral healthcare products to the test, including a range of manual and electric toothbrushes, water flossers, whitening toothpastes and dental hygiene tools like floss and tongue scrapers. In addition to the products listed above, we’ve also tried (and liked) the following:
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Burst Curve Sonic Toothbrush: Our tester really liked the convenience of the subscription and how pretty the toothbrush looked in her bathroom, but she felt it didn’t clean her teeth as well as she had hoped, so she wouldn’t plan on giving it another go unless the brush was redesigned and optimized for a deeper clean.
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Aquasonic Vibe Series Ultra-Whitening Toothbrush: This is very similar to our top overall pick — the AquaSonic Black Series — and has the same four cleaning modes, as well as the 40,000-vibrations-per-minute technology. It also comes with eight brush heads and a travel case. This one easily could have taken the top spot, but our tester (who also tested the Black Series) noted that the Black Series looks a little bit sleeker, which upped its rating. That said, this one ranked highest in our testing of 20 manual and electric toothbrushes, so it’s clearly a solid all-around choice.
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Oral-B Genius 8000 Electric Toothbrush: Our tester was initially drawn to this toothbrush for its app-connected tracking capabilities. While she enjoyed that it showed her “how well I brushed and where I needed to brush more as well as the pressure with which I brushed,” she added that sometimes “you just want to brush your teeth without bringing your phone into the bathroom and risking it falling into the sink or … toilet!” Maybe there was something to her concerns because this toothbrush is no longer available at major retailers or on the Oral-B website.
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SpinBrush Pro+: If you’re looking for a budget pick that does the trick, this low-cost SpinBrush+ comes in handy. It’s battery-powered, so there are no charging ports or wires to contend with. It makes a great pick if you’re a frequent traveler — just toss it in your Dopp kit to have ready wherever you go.
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Suri Electric Toothbrush: This toothbrush may be a good pick if you’re conscientious about the environment as it’s made from plant-based materials. The company also offers a mail-in recylcing program for your used brush heads. That said, it didn’t leave our tester with quite the teeth cleaning she was hoping for, although she did like the brush’s “polishing” mode.
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Willo AutoFlo+: Granted, this kids’ toothbrush is spendy, but in terms of automating the teeth-brushing experience for kids 5-13, our tester loved this pick. She says her son was a fan and she was confident he was getting an especially clean mouth with each brush.
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Ordo Sonic+ Toothbrush: While this is a no-fuss, reasonably priced electric toothbrush, we found that it was prone to shedding bristles during our testing period.
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Quip Ultra Next Generation Smart Sonic Toothbrush: While we found this to be a quality electric toothbrush, and our tester liked the pressure sensor and the ability to customize the brush intensity, she didn’t like it as much as other electric brushes she tested. And, she noted that it’s more affordable than many similar brushes.
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Supermouth Ultim8 Smart-Brush System: Our tester noted that after trying many electric toothbrushes, this one deserves an honorable mention. The full system costs about $200, but she noted that it left her mouth feeling “ultra clean.” She also liked that this is a waterproof toothbrush which makes it a good option for anyone who likes to brush their teeth in the shower.
Electric toothbrush FAQs
What makes an electric toothbrush better than a manual one?
According to cosmetic and reconstructive dentist Lior Tamir, “The purpose of a toothbrush is to physically remove plaque from the teeth. Plaque is the decomposed food and bacteria that cause cavities. Electric toothbrushes have been clinically shown to be significantly more effective at removing plaque from the teeth.”
Besides giving you that fresh-from-the-dentist feeling, using an electric toothbrush can also help improve your brushing habits. Cu tells Yahoo Life, “One of the biggest benefits to using an electric toothbrush is consistency — we have our great days and our lazy ones, but our electric toothbrush will brush our teeth the same way every time.” Hence, that’s the reason why most options feature a two-minute timer that lets you know exactly when you’ve hit your goal.
Is there a difference between sonic and electric toothbrushes?
While sonic toothbrushes are in the electric toothbrush family, there are a few differences. “Regular electric toothbrushes have rotating heads that can spin several thousand times per minute, but sonic toothbrushes spin tens of thousands of times per minute, which can give you a cleaner smile in a shorter period of time,” says Goodman.
Should you brush differently with a sonic/electric compared to a manual?
The short answer is yes. While it’s still recommended to brush for two minutes whether you use electric or manual, electric toothbrushes make it so you do less of the work. According to Dr. Jeffrey Rappaport chief dental adviser at Quip, an oral care company, “For a sonic/electric brush, the vibrations and/or brush movements do a lot of the brushing work for you; therefore, you should be gentler when maneuvering the brush around your mouth. Be sure to move the brush slowly around each tooth to ensure the vibrations and/or brush movements have enough time to clean effectively.”
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No matter what you’re using, Rappaport said, “Remember to be gentle with your teeth and gums, as brushing too hard can hurt your teeth and gums and cause them to recede.”
Are electric toothbrushes FSA eligible?
Electric toothbrushes are not usually eligible for Flexible Spending Account (FSA) reimbursement by default because the IRS typically classifies them as general health or personal care items. An electric toothbrush may become eligible if your dentist determines it is medically necessary to treat or prevent a specific dental condition.
How to clean an electric toothbrush?
To properly clean an electric toothbrush daily, remove the brush head from the handle and thoroughly rinse both components under warm running water to remove all toothpaste residue, paying extra attention to the area where the head and handle connect, as this is where grime and moisture often accumulate.
Once a week, deep clean your electric toothbrush by soaking the detached brush head for 15-30 minutes in an antibacterial mouthwash or a mixture of white vinegar and water, ensuring you do not submerge the main handle. Then rinse the brush head completely and allow both the head and handle to air dry upright in a well-ventilated space before the next use.
Meet our experts
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Dr. Lior Tamir, cosmetic and reconstructive dentist in San Mateo, Calif.
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Updated Oct. 5, 2026: We’ve confirmed current pricing and availability for all products. Our No. 1 pick remains unchanged.
Our health content is for informational purposes only and is not intended as professional medical advice. Consult a medical professional on questions about your health.