Best Electric Toothbrush (Oct 2025): Dentist Reviewed

Choosing a new electric toothbrush can feel overwhelming. With hundreds of models and endless features, how do you find the one that’s actually worth your money?

In this guide, we’ve done the hard work for you. As practicing dentists, we’ve tested the top models to find the best electric toothbrush of 2025.

As a dentist, I’ve seen first hand how switching to an electric toothbrush can make a significant improvement to your oral health. But not all toothbrushes are made equal.

With so many different options available, it’s important to know what features to look for in the best electric toothbrush. I often advise my patients to opt for an electric toothbrush, and in this article, I will outline the most important factors to consider such as battery life, brushing modes, and pressure sensors, to help find a brush most suited to you.

I’m often asked which type of electric toothbrush is best. Sonic technology, as used in Philips Sonicare brushes, gently vibrate and pulsate, whereas Oral B toothbrushes clean with a physical rotating/oscillating action. They both offer superior cleaning (compared to manual toothbrushing), and are equally dentist recommended: the choice of technology is really down to personal preference. 

From budget-friendly choices to high-end models, with varying performance, comfort, and added features, there’s something out there for everyone. Some toothbrushes even come with convenient features such as pre-charged batteries right out of the box.

By weighing the pros and cons of different designs and functionalities, you can easily decide which electric toothbrush is the right fit for you.

5 Top Picks – at a glance

Best Electric Toothbrush Overall – Oral B IO Series 8 (The one I personally use every day)

Best Value Electric Toothbrush –Oral B IO Series 3

Best Electric Toothbrush for Sustainability – SURI Electric Brush

Best Sonic Electric Toothbrush – Philips Diamond Clean 9000

Best Electric Toothbrush for Kids – Oral-B Pro Junior Kids Electric Toothbrush

Our Dentist-Led Testing Process

As a dentist, it’s important to be up to date with the latest dental technology to provide the best care for my patients. An electric toothbrush is an essential contributor of good oral health, and I wanted to find the best option to recommend to my patients.

To do this, I looked at different brands and models of electric toothbrushes available to test their effectiveness in removing plaque, their battery life, and their overall usability.

My family and I used plaque disclosing tablets to visualise and measure the amount of plaque removed by each toothbrush. We tested the battery life, and the usability of each toothbrush, considering factors such as ease of use, comfort, and overall performance.

To quantify the sensitivity of the pressure sensors, we used a digital kitchen scale. We applied steady pressure with each active toothbrush onto the scale and recorded the exact force in grams at which the pressure warning light was triggered. This provided an objective measure of which brushes are best for heavy-handed users.

To measure noise levels, we used a decibel meter app in a controlled, quiet environment. Each brush was placed 6 inches from the microphone on its standard cleaning mode, and the peak dB level was recorded.

After thorough testing and evaluation, we identify the top performers based on their superior ability to effectively remove plaque, their long-lasting battery life, and their overall user-friendly design. Only the brushes that excel in our real-world tests make it into this guide.

Best Electric Toothbrush Overall

Why I Recommend this Electric Toothbrush?

Having used the Oral B Genius range toothbrush for several years, I would routinely recommend these brushes to my patients. The oscillating/rotating heads are extremely effective at plaque removal, and my mouth felt clean after use.

But when I tried the Oral B IO Series for the first time, I was seriously impressed by the jump in technology and performance.

The IO8 cleans just as effectively, but feels a noticeable upgrade to previous generations of Oral B brushes. I particularly appreciated how it performs much more quietly and feels more gentle compared to older versions. The added micro pulsation offers the feel of sonic technology, whilst retaining its oscillating-rotating cleaning power. This really makes it the stand out brush for me, and I’ve used it ever since.

Its interactive colour display provides helpful information including a visual timer, battery level indicator, and brush head replacement reminder. With AI brush tracking, the IO8 recognises and adapts to your brushing style, guiding you towards full mouth cleaning.

I really liked the bluetooth connected Oral B phone app as an additional educational tool. Using the app whilst brushing tracks progress, and guides cleaning across your mouth to encourage thorough brushing.

The Oral B IO8 offers six smart modes allowing you to customise your brushing experience. Important for those who tend to brush vigorously, a brilliant feature is the enhanced smart pressure sensor which signals if you’re using too excessive, or if you’re not applying enough pressure while brushing, helping you find that sweet spot.

The magnetic charger is also an appreciated upgrade from older iterations, offering stable and fast charging in only three hours.

Our Test Results:

Noise Level: 8.9 dB (Moderate)

Pressure Activation: 180g (High Sensitivity)

Cleaning Score: ⭐️ 5/5

Value for Money: ⭐️ 4/5

Key Specs:

How many heads does it come with? One

Replacement Head Cost: ~ £6 / head

Warranty: 2-Year Manufacturer’s Warranty

Returns Policy: Covered by Amazon’s 30-Day Policy

Best Value Electric Toothbrush

Why I Recommend this Electric Toothbrush?

For 2025, the Oral-B iO3 has officially taken the top spot as our best value recommendation. It brings the premium magnetic iO technology—previously only found in brushes over £150—down to a much more accessible price point. The cleaning performance is a significant step up from older models.

While the Oral-B Pro 3 (our previous value pick) remains an excellent budget-friendly brush, the superior cleaning action and features of the iO3 make it the clear winner for value this year.

It’s only a little more expensive than the Pro 3 but offers the extra pulsating technology that is usually found in the more expensive IO models.

If the Pro 3 is priced around £40 and the IO8 around £180, this new IO3 model sits at approximately £70. Given this price range, the IO3 is likely worth the upgrade.

The IO3 does have some drawbacks. It only has 3 cleaning modes and lacks the color display screen of the IO8. However, this simpler design has the advantage of prolonged battery life.

If you want the latest cleaning technology at the lowest price, the IO3 is the one for you.

Note: In the US you’ll find the Oral B IO Deep Clean at the same price point. This package comes with IO3 brush handle, a travel case, as well as an extra ultimate brush head and brush head protector stand.

Our Test Results:

Noise Level: 9.7 dB (Moderate)

Pressure Activation: 200g (High Sensitivity)

Cleaning Score: ⭐️ 4/5

Value for Money: ⭐️ 5/5

Key Specs:

How many heads does it come with? One

Replacement Head Cost: ~ £6 / head

Warranty: 2-Year Manufacturer’s Warranty

Returns Policy: Covered by Amazon’s 30-Day Policy

Best Electric Toothbrush for Sustainability

Why I Recommend this Electric Toothbrush?

While the SURI 2.0 maintains the stunning, minimalist design that made the original a joy to use, its most significant upgrades are focused on refining the user experience and, crucially, safety.

The game-changing addition is, without question, the new pressure sensor. This was the critical feature missing from the original model. Its inclusion is a direct response to a major drawback, finally allowing us to recommend the SURI to users with sensitive or receding gums, or those who simply have a tendency to brush too hard. This single addition provides the crucial protection and feedback that elevates the brushing experience from simply pleasant to genuinely protective.

The premium experience is further enhanced by a welcome move to convenient wireless charging, replacing the previous pin-based system. SURI has also bundled in their impressive UV-C cleaning travel case as standard with the 2.0, a feature that provides significant hygienic value and peace of mind, especially for frequent travellers.

Aesthetically, the brush is as beautiful as ever.

The lightweight feel, quiet operation, and core cleaning technology, powered by the same effective bristle heads, remain unchanged. If you loved the feel of the original, you will be right at home here, as the battery life and general use are directly comparable.

While the SURI 2.0 might feel like an iterative update on the surface, the addition of the pressure sensor is a transformative refinement. It addresses the single biggest weakness of the original, broadening its appeal and making it a top-tier recommendation in our 2025 guide for anyone seeking a stylish, effective, and now much safer, brushing experience.

NB Prone to cosmetic chipping: After a year of daily use with our original SURI 1.0, we observed some chipping of the aluminum finish around the base, as shown in the photo. This is normal wear and tear from resting on a hard bathroom surface. It’s important to note that this is purely cosmetic and has not impacted the brush’s excellent function or battery life in any way, but it is a consideration for long-term aesthetics.

Our Test Results:

Noise Level: 5.2 dB (Lowest on test)

Pressure Activation: 370g (Moderate Sensitivity)

Cleaning Score: ⭐️ 4/5

Value for Money: ⭐️ 4/5

Key Specs:

How many heads does it come with? One

Replacement Head Cost: ~ £4 / Head

Warranty: The SURI toothbrush in the UK has a standard 1-year limited warranty that covers product faults and defects from the date of delivery.

Returns Policy: SURI 100-day money-back guarantee

A Note on Other Eco-Friendly Options:
While SURI is our top pick for its sleek design and all-around performance, the Georganics Sonic Toothbrush is another fantastic choice for those focused on sustainability. We like its powerful cleaning and excellent recycling program. However, it lacks the sleek design and battery life which makes the SURI a better choice for eco sonic toothbrush users.

Best Sonic Electric Toothbrush

Why I Recommend this Electric Toothbrush?

When it comes to electric toothbrush brands, Philips Sonicare is a major rival to Oral B.

Sonic technology brushes feel quite different to rotating brush heads. The Phlips Diamond Clean brush head moves with 62,000 gentle movements/pulsations per minute. Having used a Philips Sonicare for many years, I appreciate the massaging feeling of the sonic vibrations along the gum line.

This sonic technology removes plaque by gently pulsing fluid between the teeth and gum line, and helps to encourage toothpaste to froth up for effective coverage. Brushing technique is simple; gently glide the brush along the gum margin, holding it along each tooth surface for 3-5 seconds across the mouth.

The high-frequency vibrations of the brush head provide a gentle, yet thorough clean, removing plaque and surface stains for a brighter, healthier smile. I personally switched to Oral B because I preferred the oscillating/rotating motion of their brush heads.

With multiple cleaning modes and intensity settings, it’s suitable for all dental needs, from sensitive gums to deep cleaning. And the long battery life and sleek design make it a convenient and stylish addition to any oral care routine.

I’d be sceptical of the claim that it whitens your teeth, as it will not intrinsically whiten your teeth. Regular and efffective toothbrush can help to remove some surface level staining. If you’re interested in teeth whitening, a professional tooth whitening kit is much more effective.

Our Test Results:

Noise Level: 13.4 dB (Moderate)

Pressure Activation: 415g (Moderate Sensitivity)

Cleaning Score: ⭐️ 4/5

Value for Money: ⭐️ 4/5

Key Specs:

How many heads does it come with? 3 x premium plaque control brush heads

Replacement Head Cost: ~ £7 / Head

Warranty: 2-Year Manufacturer’s Warranty

Returns Policy: Covered by Amazon’s 30-Day Policy

Best Electric Toothbrush for Kids

Why I Recommend this Electric Toothbrush?

I recommend electric toothbrushes for children aged 3 and over. The Oral B Pro Junior is designed for children aged 6+, around the time their first adult teeth start to emerge. I love it’s clean and simple design for kids, and the small rotating head with soft bristles for gentle, yet effective plaque removal.

The availability of three modes – clean, sensitive, and polish – provides versatility for kids, who can control the intensity they prefer. The handle is ergonomically designed for easy handling for children, and the soft bristles ensure a comfortable cleaning experience.

The inclusion of a pressure sensor that lights up red when excessive pressure not only promotes healthier brushing habits but also ensures the safety of their gums.

In addition to the pressure sensor, the toothbrush offers a pacer, which signals every 30 seconds to guide children to clean each quadrant of their mouth equally. A 2-minute timer encourages brushing for the recommended time. A convenient travel case keeps the toothbrush clean and damage free for holidays and sleepovers.

If you’re interested in the range of brushes for children, we’ve tested a bunch in our article on Best Electric Toothbrush for Kids.

Our Test Results:

Noise Level: 24.7 dB (Loud)

Pressure Activation: Inconclusive

Cleaning Score: ⭐️ 4/5

Value for Money: ⭐️ 4/5

Key Specs:

How many heads does it come with? One

Replacement Head Cost: £2.50 / Head

Warranty: 2-Year Manufacturer’s Warranty

Returns Policy: Covered by Amazon’s 30-Day Policy

How to Choose the Best Electric Toothbrush?

As dentists, we recommend brushing twice daily with an electric toothbrush and a fluoride toothpaste. But knowing which brush to choose can be difficult. Look for a toothbrush with the following key features to help with your oral health.

Understanding Electric Toothbrush Technology

When selecting an electric toothbrush, the first thing to decide on is the brush technology. Both sonic and oscillating brushes work well, but they feel and handle quite differently as you clean your teeth.

Rotating/oscillating brushes, like Oral-B Pro 3, are known for their robust cleaning ability, making them ideal for removing plaque and maintaining a healthy gum line. Sonic toothbrushes, such as those from Philips Sonicare, also provide powerful cleaning and are designed to reach deep between teeth with their high-frequency vibrations.

The Science Behind Sonic and Oscillating Toothbrushes

Sonic toothbrushes operate with high-frequency vibrations, typically about 31,000 strokes per minute. This technology helps create gentle vibrations that drive fluid in toothpaste and saliva all around your teeth and gums, to efficiently lift away plaque and debris. Popular models like the Philips Sonicare Diamond Clean 9000 and SURI toothbrush use this technology for a thorough clean. The vibrations can feel ticklish when first using, but is pleasant and teeth feel noticeably cleaner after use.

Oscillating toothbrushes such as the Oral B range, have rotating brush heads that spin back and forth. These movements physically break up plaque on the surface of your teeth. This rotation motion can feel more intense, compared to sonic brushes, but again not unpleasant.

Both technologies aim to improve your oral health but offer different cleaning experiences. It’s important to choose the type that fits your dental needs and personal preferences.

Advancements in AI and Smart Features

Modern electric toothbrushes may have integrated smart technology to enhance your brushing skills. Some, as in the Oral B iO10 include real-time feedback as you brush, to highlight areas you may have missed when cleaning your teeth. App connectivity, like the Oral-B app, are a brilliant educational and motivational tool: they provide insights into your brushing techniques, give gentle reminders to floss/replace brush heads, and allows you to set oral health targets.

AI-driven models track your brushing patterns and suggest improvements. These brushes can even adjust their intensity based on the pressure you apply. Smart features like these add a personalised touch, making your daily dental care routine more efficient and effective. Choose a brush with advanced features if you value real-time guidance and personalisation in your oral hygiene.

Evaluating Design and Functionality

When choosing the best electric toothbrush for you, consider the design of the brush. You can select the size and style of brush head, battery life, and brushing modes to suit you

Choosing the Correct Brush Head

Selecting the appropriate brush head for you is key. Brush heads vary in size, bristle type, and shape. Round brush heads, as used in Oral-B models, offers a focused clean, and designed specifically for hard to reach areas in your mouth. Oval shaped heads, however, are for broader coverage.

Look for brush heads with soft – medium bristles. This will allow you to tackle plaque effectively, whilst being gentle on your teeth and gums. Some electric toothbrushes are compatible with multiple brush head styles, designed for specific needs, such as interspace cleaning or whitening. For more information on different Oral B toothbrush heads, read my article on the top 10 brush heads to use.

Assessing Battery Life and Recharging

All of the toothbrushes recommended have an excellent battery life. Battery life and recharging options make a significant difference in the usability of an electric toothbrush. Many modern brushes are rechargeable, often lasting between one to three weeks on a single charge, depending on usage. Impressively, the SURI toothbrush battery can last over 6 weeks on a single charge, making it a great option when travelling.

Consider whether the toothbrush includes a convenient charging stand or uses USB, which can be handy for travel. Also, look for indicators that warn you when the battery is low to avoid unexpected shutdowns.

The Importance of Brushing Modes for Different Needs

Brushing modes allow you to customise your brushing intensity and speed. Basic models may offer a single mode suitable for daily cleaning, while more advanced (and expensive) models often provide multiple modes for specific needs such as gum care, sensitive teeth, or whitening.

For personal use, I don’t think it’s necessary to have so many modes, as you’re likely to stick to the one you find most comfortable. However, varying modes does allow for multiple people to use the same toothbrush (using their own brush head of course) with the individual setting they prefer.

The Oral B IO8 offers six modes, including one specifically designed for sensitive teeth. The modes typically alter the intensity and speed of the vibrations, and can be adjusted for those who experience pain with standard settings. A sensitive setting uses less power and is gentler on sensitive gums, whilst a whitening mode may have a pulsating action to tackle surface stains.

Test: Pressure Sensor Sensitivity

Why Brushing Pressure is a Critical Health Metric

From a clinical perspective as a dentist, the single biggest mistake I see patients make is brushing too hard. Aggressive brushing does not clean your teeth better; instead, it can lead to serious and irreversible damage, including gum recession and enamel abrasion.

This is not just a theoretical concern. Clinical research has established that brushing forces above 300 grams can be sufficient to cause gingival abrasion (damage to the gums) and contribute to long-term gum recession. A study published in the Journal of Clinical Periodontology identified this force as a key threshold for safe and effective brushing. (1)

A pressure sensor is a vital feature designed to prevent this damage by providing a real-time warning. However, not all sensors are created equal. We designed a quantitative test to find out which toothbrush offers the most responsive protection.

How We Measured Activation Force

To get an objective measurement, we tested each applicable toothbrush using a set of digital kitchen scales. We applied slow, consistent force until the pressure warning light was triggered, recording the precise weight in grams at the moment of activation.

This unique test allowed us to move beyond a simple “yes/it has a sensor” and quantify exactly how sensitive each one is.

Results: Which Brush Protects Your Gums the Best?

Our hands-on test revealed a significant difference in sensitivity among the models.

The Oral-B iO Series (iO8 and iO3) models were the most sensitive, activating with less than 200g of force. This makes them an outstanding choice for anyone who has been specifically told by their dentist that they brush too aggressively. The early warning system is highly effective at re-training brushing habits.

The SURI 2.0 and Sonicare 9000 required considerably more force to trigger their sensors. This is not necessarily a flaw, but a different calibration. These models are well-suited for users who feel that other sensors are over-reactive or for those who want a warning for only very excessive pressure, rather than gentle guidance.

Test: Noise Levels & User Comfort

Our Hands-On Noise Test Results

A toothbrush’s noise level is a critical factor for daily user comfort. To move beyond vague manufacturer claims, we conducted a standardised test to measure the actual operational noise of each model.

Using a decibel meter, we measured the peak noise level of each brush from a fixed distance of 6 inches on its “Daily Clean” mode. The results were revealing.

Our test found a dramatic difference between the quietest and loudest models. The SURI 2.0 was exceptionally quiet, registering just 5.2 dB in our test. At the other end of the spectrum, the Oral-B Pro Junior was the loudest by a significant margin.

Expert Analysis: What Our Noise Test Means For You

The data clearly shows that if you are sensitive to noise or simply prefer a calmer brushing experience, the SURI 2.0 and Georganics models are outstanding choices.

While the Oral-B iO series models (iO8 and iO3) are not the quietest, their noise level is moderate and unlikely to be a nuisance for most users. However, if you have used older Oral-B models, you will notice the newer iO brushes are a significant improvement in sound comfort, a detail we confirmed in our testing.

Exploring Additional Features and Accessories

Selecting an electric toothbrush isn’t just about choosing between brands. Additional features and accessories can enhance your brushing experience, making it more effective and convenient.

Timer Functions: Ensuring Proper Brushing Duration

Most dentists recommend brushing for at least two minutes. Electric toothbrushes often include timer functions to help you achieve this. Many models feature a two-minute timer that signals when you’ve brushed for the recommended duration. Some also have a quad-pacer, which beeps every 30 seconds to remind you to move to another quadrant of your mouth. These timers help ensure you’re not cutting your brushing sessions short.

Travel-Friendly Solutions and Storage

For those always on the move, a travel case is a must-have accessory. Some electric toothbrushes come with compact travel cases that not only protect your toothbrush but also organise brush heads and even have space for chargers. This helps keep everything together and hygienic, preventing damage during travel. Look for models that also offer USB charging for added convenience.

Making Your Purchase: Price, Quality and Brands

Choosing the best electric toothbrush involves looking at the cost-to-quality ratio, identifying reliable brands, and considering warranty and customer support. These factors ensure you get value for money and a dependable device for your dental care.

Balancing Cost and Quality for Your Budget

Finding the right balance between cost and quality is key. Your budget plays a significant role, but that doesn’t mean you have to compromise on features. There are excellent options available for every price range. Affordable options, such as the Oral-B Pro 3, offer advanced features and better durability at approximately £40. For those looking for premium features, the Philips Sonicare 9000 stands out with exceptional technology and performance, justifying its higher price point.

Warranties and Customer Support

When investing in an electric toothbrush, consider the warranty and customer support offered by the brand. Many high-end models come with a two-year warranty as standard. Oral-B and Philips are known for their reliable customer support and comprehensive warranties. SURI, offer a lifetime guarantee if you subscribe to their toothrbush head replacement service, and have worked to design a toothbrush for life, with replaceable parts. Having strong customer support offers peace of mind that you can get assistance quickly, should you need it.

Frequently Asked Questions

Our Verdict

The best electric toothbrush is one that cleans your teeth the effectively and efficiently, feels comfortable and is built to last. Offering all of this, and with its smart features working to educate and improve your oral health, Oral B IO Series 8 is the top choice. It is a high end product, and a higher price point but is a great brush for all the family.

If you’re looking for a more budget-friendly option, that still ticks all the boxes, then the Oral B Series Pro 3 offers great cleaning performance. It doesn’t have smart technology, but it has all the essential components of an excellent electric toothbrush.

If you are looking for the Best Electric Toothbrush for Kids, I’ve written a guide specifically on this.

Remember, its important for everyone to see a dentist at least once a year for a check-up to ensure there are no issues with your teeth. If you don’t have a dentist yet, find a dentist from our comprehensive directory.