Electric Toothbrush Review 2024: SURI Sustainable Electric Toothbrush 

Verdict: A sustainable choice for your electric toothbrush 78%

Buy the SURI toothbrush here 

SURI Sustainable Electric Toothbrush

As a dentist, I always recommend using an electric toothbrush. It is much more efficient, and is less technique sensitive compared to manual brushing with studies showing a marked improvement in plaque removal. They often have inbuilt aids to help improve brushing technique, such as timers and pacers, and even integrated apps to help develop healthy brushing aids. 

Having been loyal to Oral B and a fan of the oscillating/rotating technology of their brushes, I slightly hesitantly decided to put the SURI toothbrush to the test. I used it twice daily for 3 months, and evaluated its cleaning performance, durability and battery life. I was pleasantly surprised with how well it performed, and 3 months on I’ve stuck to using my SURI brush. 

With their thoughtful design, SURI have managed to make the everyday ritual of teeth brushing feel more luxurious. The slim aluminium handle is lightweight and comfortable and the sonic technology delivers a smooth and gentle clean. I especially appreciated the stylish magnetic wall mount to place your brush on at the end, which finishes off the ritual in an elevated (literally and figuratively) way. It’s available in 4 aesthetic colour choices, and comes with a compact charger.

What sets SURI apart from other toothbrush brands is their commitment to sustainability. By aiming to create ‘the last toothbrush you’ll ever need’ it has been designed to allow for repair. Unlike other brushes, it has a screw at the base, so that the lithium battery can be removed and repaired or replaced if needed. 

Sustainability

• A reusable, repairable and recyclable design 
• Environmentally conscious materials 
• B corp certified, and SURI offset 100% carbon output 

With their ‘reusable, repairable and recyclable’ electric toothbrush, SURI redefines our daily oral hygiene rituals with a major focus on sustainability.

From thoughtful recyclable packaging, through to the repairable design of their brush and compostable replacement heads, SURI consciously considers the environmental impact when we use an electric toothbrush to clean our teeth.

Plant-based toothbrush heads are made from cornstarch and castor bean oil bristles, making them both renewable and industrially compostable. With a lifespan of 2-3 months, the heads can be recycled for free in the UK and US, with a compostable return mailer.

The durable aluminium body is both recyclable and repairable. Unlike other electric toothbrushes which are fully sealed shut, SURI brushes are modular meaning their components, including the Lithium battery, can be repaired or replaced. 

SURI brushes are produced in China, which does raise concerns about the carbon footprint due to transportation. It is a fact that SURI have acknowledged, noting that the majority of electric toothbrushes are manufactured in China. In an effort to address their carbon footprint, SURI explains that as they expand, they are looking at creating their own more local facilities. Currently they  offset 100% of their carbon emissions through a partnership with Climate Partner. 

They are certified B Corporation, which further shows they have been assessed and verified as having high environmental and social standards.

Category Score: 75%

Cleaning Performance

• Sonic technology delivering 33000 vibrations/minute 
• Gentle yet thorough cleaning 
• 2 cleaning modes 

I used the SURI toothbrush every day for 3 months and, I’ve got to say, I enjoyed it. Having been loyal to Oral B and a fan of their oscillating/rotating brush head technology for many years, I was pleasantly surprised at how well the SURI worked. The sonic vibrations deliver a gentle yet thorough clean, and my mouth felt clean and fresh afterwards. 

Using an electric toothbrush is much less technique sensitive compared to manual brushes. A clinical study showed that SURI toothbrush was 5x more effective at plaque removal compared to manual brushing (1). 

The small head with unique wave-shaped medium/soft bristles ensures gentle and easy access around the mouth. SURI uses sonic technology, similar to Philips Sonicare. Using fluid dynamics, SURI drives toothpaste and saliva all around your teeth and gums, and efficiently lifts away plaque and debris. The brush head doesn’t physically rotate/oscillate as in Oral B brushes, but it is equally dentist recommended, and the choice of technology is really down to personal preference. 

It has 2 cleaning modes, an everyday clean and a more intense ‘polish’ mode.  At a speed of 33000 vibrations a minute, the SURI is noticeably less intense compared to some Philips Sonicare models (which can reach up to 62,000 vibrations). Despite this difference, I still found  SURI to perform remarkably well at plaque removal. Using plaque disclosing tablets, I checked the amount of plaque left on my teeth after a 2-minute clean. I was impressed with the result, with plaque remaining only in some interdental spaces (to be removed with flossing aids).

Disappointingly, The SURI toothbrush doesn’t have a pressure sensor, and so no guide to ensure you’re applying appropriate pressure when brushing. The soft bristles and gentle vibration does  reduce the risk of potential damage from brushing too hard, but I honestly feel the addition of a sensor would be a really valuable addition. 

The back of the brush heads has a corrugated back for tongue cleaning; a nice feature though I didn’t find it to be very effective. I would stick to a separate tongue cleaner.

Category Score: 75%

Battery Life 

• 3-5 week battery life
• 4 hour recharge time 
• Repairable/reusable battery if it stops working 

The SURI toothbrush runs on a durable lithium battery. It only takes 4 hours to fully charge, and once charged, it can last for more than 40 days. This makes it perfect for people who are always on the go or for travel, as you don’t have to worry about charging it often.

Charging is easy with a USB, but you’ll need to buy a separate adaptor if you want to charge it in the bathroom.

A huge design plus is the ability to repair or replace the battery. SURI says their sonic brush is the last one you’ll ever need. If the battery stops working, you can send it back to SURI, and they’ll fix it or give you a new one for free if it’s still under warranty. After the warranty, the cost of a replacement battery, priced around £20, is available if needed, with repairs exclusively handled by SURI. No other electric toothbrushes can currently  be repaired in this way, making SURI stand out for their environmentally conscious and long lasting design.

Category Score: 85%

Design and Ergonomics 

• Attractive and well thought out design 
• Comfortable aluminium handle 
• Waterproof 
• Sleek accessories 

The SURI toothbrush has a high end and minimalist design, setting itself apart from the clinical feel of other electric toothbrushes. The slim aluminium handle is seamless and has a luxurious feel, and the lightweight build  feels noticeably less bulky than typical electric toothbrushes. 

It appears well built and durable, with no scuffs or scratches visible even after 3 months of twice daily use. I did find the toothbrush heads can be a little stiff to place, but they feel stable once they’re on. 

The SURI brush is IPX7 rated waterproof, meaning it’s safe for use up to 1m depth of water for up to 30 minutes: no problems using it in the shower or bath. 

SURI sonic brush is available in four stylish  block colours to suit your style: 

– Sea mist (off white), 

– Morning waves (blue), 

– Midnight black

– Winter Fern (pastel green).

SURI have carefully thought about the entire product experience. From the packaging, to product instructions: each detail is meticulously crafted, and importantly recyclable. 

The magnetic stand for charging is compact and the brush is secure when charging. It isn’t easily knocked off when on- handy when you have a busy household/little ones around. 

The travel case with UV cleaning is a stylish accessory keeping  your toothbrush protected when travelling. It can also be used to charge your brush, and when plugged in, uses UV-C led lights for germicidal cleaning too. SURI claims the UV cleaning light can kill 99.9% of harmful microorganisms in just 1 minute. 

I especially liked the wall mount for the SURI brush. Not only does it look great in the bathroom,  but it  also keeps the toothbrush in a safe, dry place, away from bathroom surfaces and splash zones.

Category Score: 90%

Smart features 

• No pressure sensor: not suitable for those that brush vigorously 
• Simple design with inbuilt timer and pacer
• UV cleaning travel case

SURI say they have chosen to ‘pair back’ their toothbrushes to only include features they feel people will actually use. Focusing on simplicity and practically, they don’t have battery draining LED screens or bluetooth connectivity. The benefit of this is that it makes their brushes more straightforward to repair, and reduces material usage.

The SURI brush has an inbuilt pacer and timer, to ensure brushing for the dentist recommended 2 minutes. Every 30 seconds, the toothbrush signals for a change in mouth area, and after 2 minutes, there is an automatic shut off. 

Whilst I think there is benefit in simplicity, I feel the absence of a pressure sensor is a significant drawback to the SURI brush. Considering that sonic technology can feel gentle, there’s a risk of users pressing too hard on their teeth when brushing, potentially encouraging over-brushing and causing damage to enamel and gums. If you tend to brush vigorously or have receding gums, then SURI may not be the best choice brush for you.

Available as an optional extra, I would recommend the SURI UV light clean and charge carry case. Not only does it protect your brush when travelling, it can also be used to charge AND clean your toothbrush. Powered by USB-C (and comes with a USB cable), it charges your toothbrush in only 4 hours. 

Press the small grey button on the front of the box to activate the UV-C led light – this works to kill 99.9% of harmful bacteria in just 1 minute. 

Category Score: 60%

Noise Level 

• Operates quietly for a peaceful brushing experience. 

Operating at 54 decibels, the SURI toothbrush is pleasantly quiet. You can hear a gentle buzz: think the ambient noise level of a quiet office. 

Conveniently quiet, particularly in shared living spaces, the SURI brush is certainly not disruptive or annoying.

Comparing it to other well known brands like Philips Sonicare and Oral B that are significantly louder (ranging from 60-79dB depending on model), SURI stands out for its lower noise level. 

Category Score: 80%

Cost

• Cheaper alternatives available but good value for a high performing and sustainable toothbrush 
• Lifetime guarantee if you subscribe for replacement toothbrush heads 

Let’s break down the cost of the SURI electric toothbrush (correct at time of writing Feb ‘24):

SURI Electric Toothbrush: £75

UVC-Cleaning and Charging Travel Case: £25 (An additional but useful accessory adding convenience and hygiene)

3x Replacement Heads: £14.40 (It’s recommended to replace your toothbrush head at least every 3 months)

Subscription for Replacement Toothbrush Heads: £9.60 every 6 months (+ £1.99 shipping) (Cost saving option, two replacement heads delivered every six months, Grants a lifetime warranty)

The SURI toothbrush comes with a 100-day money-back promise and a 1 year standard guarantee. But, if you subscribe to their  service for replacement brush heads,  your brush is upgraded to a lifetime guarantee for free toothbrush repairs: covering product defaults, defects, and irregularities (UK only). This is a great deal and well worth it. As SURI suggests, with their lifetime warranty, it may be the last toothbrush you’ll ever need. Currently other brand brush heads aren’t compatible with SURI and the replacement heads are only available online. 

It’s difficult to compare the cost of the SURI toothbrush to other well known brands as they only offer 1 toothbrush model. Oral B and Philips Sonicare have much larger ranges which can cost anywhere between £25-£550. 

With its inbuilt timer and pacer, but limited extra features, the Oral B Pro 3 is most similar and priced at a competitive £35. And it has a pressure sensor, a feature I highly recommend. Most similar Philips is Sonicare 4100 priced around £60, and that includes a case, where SURI’s is an extra. 

SURI comes with an initial price tag of around £75. Considering the environmentally conscious design, potential lifetime warranty, and the option for repair, the SURI electric toothbrush is great value for money. 

It feels durable, and importantly, cleans well. While there may be cheaper products available, the long-term benefits and reduced contribution to plastic waste make SURI a top choice for those prioritising sustainability in their daily habits.

Category Score: 80%

Who Is This Product For?

If you’re someone who cares about the environment and wants to cut down on plastic use, SURI’s electric toothbrush is a great choice. They’re taking on  plastic usage in the dental industry with their sustainable toothbrush. SURI is committed to being carbon neutral, using eco-friendly packaging, and they’ve introduced a repairable and recyclable electric brush – uncommon with other electric toothbrush brands.

Their sonic technology is gentle but effective, giving you a thorough clean in just 2 minutes. SURI’s sonic brush is perfect if you like things simple and don’t need fancy apps. However, it doesn’t have a pressure sensor, so it might not be the best fit if you brush really hard or have receding gums.

And, I’m sure you’ll like how SURI has put effort into making the toothbrush and its accessories look fantastic. With a sleek design and various colour options, it’ll add a touch of style to your bathroom.

How we reviewed this Product

As dentists, we have helped thousands of patients over the last 10 years, and we know what works.

Brushing with an electric toothbrush is a key part of daily dental hygiene, and its important to use one with superior cleaning performance. 

I used the SURI sonic electric brush at home every day for three months. There are no science trials or research, just using it at home for an honest review for our patients. We only recommend products that we would use ourselves.

Electric Toothbrush Alternatives

I enjoyed using the SURI electric toothbrush, and 3 months on i’m still using it every day. I like their core sustainable values, and was pleased with its cleaning performance. 

The main drawback for me, was its lack of pressure sensor. So here are some alternative electric toothbrushes you could also consider.  

Oral B Pro 3 Electric Toothbrush 

Why our dentists like this electric toothbrush:

The Oral B Pro 3 electric brush is a solid choice, offering excellent cleaning and great value for money. One standout feature is the visible pressure sensor, which flashes a red light to alert you when brushing too hard. This helps you adjust the force applied, promoting gentle, damage-free, brushing. 

The oscillating/rotating brush head technology is very effective at plaque control: simply focus your toothbrush along the gum margin as the brush efficiently takes care of the rest.

There are 3 cleaning modes and 6 available styles of brush heads. The heads range from sensitive to whitening, and include small interspace heads, which are great for those with braces. 

Philips Sonicare ProtectiveClean 4300

Why our dentists like this electric toothbrush:

An exceptional brushing experience with its sonic technology, ensuring a safe, gentle, yet thorough clean. It has a pressure sensor inbuilt to help protect your gums:  the toothbrush emits a pulsing sound as a reminder to ease off on pressure during brushing.

The easy-start program for people new to Philips Sonicare, gives the option of a gradual and gentle increase in brushing power over the first 14 uses.

With BrushSync technology, the toothbrush keeps track of brush head usage. When it’s time to replace the brush head, a light on the handle accompanied by a short beep provides a clear signal. 

Summary

I’ve really enjoyed using the SURI sustainable electric toothbrush. The sonic technology is gentle and effective in cleaning my teeth; and the stylish design adds a touch of luxury to the experience. I’m happy to support a product that cares about the environment.

It doesn’t have a pressure sensor, and so it’s not the right toothbrush for everyone- I wouldn’t recommend it for children, or those who tend to brush too hard.(Best Electric Toothbrush for Kids) 

Replacement brush heads aren’t easily available in stores, which is a little annoying. But signing up to SURI’s subscription service takes away the worry of needing to buy more, and plus it comes with a lifetime guarantee on your brush. 

But overall, I think it’s a fantastic toothbrush that’s making a positive impact on the dental industry, and promoting awareness about plastic usage and waste.

If you want a toothbrush that not only cleans well and looks good, but also takes a step towards a more sustainable future in dentistry, give the SURI electric toothbrush a try. Being reusable, repairable and recyclable, it could be the last toothbrush you’ll ever need. 

Buy the SURI sonic electric toothbrush here, and help to make a positive change in your oral care routine. You’ll not be disappointed.

FAQs

How do you recycle SURI brush heads?

With every order in the UK and US, you receive a compostable return mailer to send your used heads for recycling. If you’re in the UK and don’t have a mailer, simply use any envelope with “Freepost SURI” written in capitals. To minimise their carbon footprint, SURI ask you to collect at least 3 heads before sending them back. 

Do other heads fit the SURI brush?

Only SURI heads are compatible with the SURI toothbrush. 

What is the SURI warranty?

SURI offer a 100 day smile (money-back) guarantee, no questions asked on their electric toothbrushes, starting from the date of delivery. 

Beyond that they have a 1 year limited guarantee, which covers free of charge any product faults, defects and irregularities. It does not include damage due to improper use, slight wear and tear or minor defects that don’t impact the operation of the toothbrush. Note, the guarantee is void if repairs have been attempted, or the product opened by unauthorised persons. 

If you sign up to their brush head subscription, your SURI brush will be guaranteed for life.