The 5 Best Toothbrushes of 2024 (2024)

Best Premium Electric Toothbrush

Oral-B iO Series 10

Brushing Modes: 4 | # of Brush Heads: 4

The Oral-B iO Series 10 showcases some of the most powerful cleaning abilities in our testing and is sure to enhance your daily routine. Even if you're not super tech-savvy, don't be intimidated by this model. It's remarkably user-friendly, thanks to its rock-solid companion app designed to maximize the effectiveness of your brushing sessions. Plus, the app, when paired with the brush, tracks your dental health in real-time with each session. This device's charging dock also boasts intelligent features. With the iO Sense™ Smart Charger, users can access a two-minute timer. You have the option to use the smart stand as a timer for a duration of two minutes, or you can opt for it to monitor your cleaning progress. During monitoring, a quadrant will illuminate, transitioning colors upon completion and moving on to the next quadrant until all quadrants are fully displayed. Thanks to these robust offerings, it would be challenging to find a more capable device.

However, every product has its Achilles' heel. During testing, we discovered that this model has a tendency to leak a mixture of saliva and toothpaste gunk through the brush head's three openings, allowing liquids to flow into the interior of the handle. This means you'll need clean out the nooks and crannies of this device from time to time. You'll also be dropping a lot of cash on this device. Given these downsides, this remains a great option for those seeking the best of the best in terms of features and cleaning ability. If you're looking to save some money, this units predecessor, the Oral-B iO Series 9, offers many of the same features at a lower cost. Alternatively, if you prefer a less high-tech device with plenty of useful features like a travel case, the Philips Sonicare ProtectiveClean 5100 is a more than suitable option thanks to its cleaning ability.

Read more: Oral-B iO Series 10 review

Best for Most

Philips Sonicare ProtectiveClean 4100

Brushing Modes: 1 | # of Brush Heads: 11

The Philips Sonicare ProtectiveClean 4100 left a lasting impression on us due to its simplicity and ease of use, characterized by its single cleaning mode, one-button operation, and overall affordability. Its long battery life is a significant advantage, particularly for frequent travelers. Given the variety of mouth and teeth sizes, finding the right brush head is essential. Fortunately, this model offers a wide range of brush heads, allowing for maximum customization to suit individual needs. If you're new to the world of ever-evolving electric toothbrushes, this is a really good place to start.

Some users might perceive it as overly simplistic, especially those who prefer utilizing a companion app to monitor their hygiene progress. While we value the affordability of the Philips model, we wished it included a wall brick for charging instead of solely providing a USB charging cord. In contrast, the Oral-B iO Series 9 includes all the necessary charging accessories and boasts a longer-lasting battery.

Read more: Philips Sonicare ProtectiveClean 4100 review

Best Manual Toothbrush

Nimbus Microfine Xtra Soft

Brushing Modes: 1 | # of Brush Heads: 11

Electric toothbrushes aren't the sole effective cleaners available; many manual toothbrush models also rise to the occasion, such as the Nimbus Microfine Xtra Soft. This particular model stood out to us as a personal favorite among manual options. Although the brush head tends to be slightly larger, testers discovered it to be manageable, even for individuals with smaller mouths. The ultra-soft bristles provide sufficient comfort without sacrificing effectiveness. The handle boasts a respectable thickness, making it easy to grip. Its hourglass-like shape and strategically positioned textured dots ensure a secure hold, minimizing the risk of slipping during brushing. The Nimbus excelled in nearly every test we conducted, which should please those who prefer non-electric models. This is easily one of the best manual toothbrushes you can buy.

Unfortunately, there is no tongue scraper or gum cleaner on the back of the handle, which could be a drawback for some users. If you're undecided between electric and manual options, you might want to consider the Philips One. It's a hybrid model that combines elements of both types of toothbrushes and is exceptionally user-friendly. On the other hand, if you prefer a toothbrush with firmer bristles, you might want to consider the Oral-B Charcoal. This model exhibited more than sufficient cleaning power and boasts an appealing design as well.

Read more: Nimbus Microfine Xtra Soft

Best Electric Toothbrush on a Budget

Philips Sonicare 4100

Brushing Modes: 1 | # of Brush Heads: 1

Distinct from the ProtectiveClean model, the Philips Sonicare 4100 is a slightly more streamlined version. We believe this device is one of the top choices for those who are new to electric toothbrushes. Its single-button operation, one cleaning mode with a gentle option, and a range of brush heads to choose from all contribute to its compelling and affordable offering. This model features a built-in two-minute timer, alerting you every 30 seconds to switch to another quadrant of your mouth while brushing. It will also automatically stop when the two minutes are up. Moreover, it boasts a powerful ability to keep your teeth clean. If you're seeking the most value for your money, this remains a solid choice.

If you don't have a compatible charger available, you'll need to purchase one separately for this device, as it only comes with a USB cord and a small dock. This is also the case with the Philips Sonicare ProtectiveClean 4100 model. For those seeking a more feature-rich option, the Waterpik Complete Care 9.0 offers a comprehensive package with its water flosser, convenient travel case, and extra brush heads.

Read more: Philips Sonicare 4100

Best on a Tight Budget

Colgate 360 Sensitive Extra Soft

Brushing Modes: 1 | # of Brush Heads: 1

If you're concerned about your budget, worry not, because the Colgate 360 Sensitive Extra Soft is here to save the day with its approachable price tag and gentle bristle design, ensuring a pleasant brushing experience. Moreover, its ability to clean your teeth is not compromised by the ultra-soft bristles and medium-sized brush head, which proved comfortable and super effective in testing. To top it off, this model also carries a gum cleaner on the back of the brush head — a welcomed feature that many of its peers don't have. All in all, this is one of the better manual options you can buy and earns a spot among manual offerings.

The main downside of the Colgate toothbrush is its handle. When placed flat on the counter, it has a tendency to tip over easily unless handled with care. While the handle itself is comfortable to grip, it's best stored upright to prevent tipping. For those seeking a more travel-friendly option, the Colgate Max Fresh Wisp is ultra-portable, includes a built-in floss pick, and doesn't require water for brushing. However, its cleaning effectiveness may not match that of a traditional toothbrush.

Read more: Colgate 360 Sensitive Extra Soft

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In addition to our rigorous cleaning tests on both real and fake teeth, we measured each toothbrush's length, weight, and noise levels.

How We Test Toothbrushes

Since 2017, we've dedicated ourselves to testing dental hygiene products, aiming to provide you with the most comprehensive and accurate information available. Over this time, we've gained valuable insights into what makes a great toothbrush. First, we consulted a dental hygienist to figure out what makes a toothbrush most effective. We then put each unit through multiple rounds of cleaning tests that include built-up plaque and coffee grounds to simulate little pieces of food that get stuck in hard-to-reach areas. We also evaluated which brushes were most comfortable with sensitive gums, easy to hold, and we even measured how loud each electric toothbrush was on its highest setting. Lastly, we took into account convenience and the extra features each model brought to the table.

• Cleaning (40% of overall score weighting)

• Comfort (30% weighting)

• Ease of Use (20% weighting)

• Customization (10% weighting)

Why You Should Trust Us

At Gearlab, we've entrusted our thorough testing process to Genaveve Bradshaw and Ryan White, along with consultations like Dental Hygienist Andrea Fernandez to ensure that all of our testing practices align with her professional perspective. Together, this squad has conducted exhaustive research and testing on a multitude of toothbrushes to determine the best one for you. We don't take dental hygiene lightly, and we strive to provide you with the most up-to-date information to ensure you make the best purchase possible. Whatever you choose, be sure you're using the American Dental Association's prescribed two minutes, twice a day proven method.

How to Choose the Best Toothbrush

Below are three key considerations when selecting the right toothbrush for your particular needs and budget.

Electric vs Manual

These days, electric toothbrushes come with all kinds of intuitive and helpful features. Some, like the Oral-B Series 10 come with a smart app, change colors for different levels of pressure, offer many cleaning modes, and even time your brushing session. While all of these features are great and help hold you accountable for a proper brushing session, not everyone wants all of those extras. If you prefer a simple, comfortable toothbrush without all of the fuss, you'll likely want a manual model.

Budget

Toothbrushes can range from 10 to hundreds of dollars, depending on what you're looking for. Disposable travel toothbrushes like the Colgate Max Fresh Wisp tend to be the cheapest, while premium electric toothbrushes like the Oral-B iO Series 10 are a big investment. If you're on an extra-tight budget, we recommend sticking to manual toothbrushes, which can be just as capable of cleaning as electric models. But, if you still want an electric toothbrush but don't want to spend an arm and a leg, we recommend looking into the Philips electric models.

Sensitivity

If you have sensitive gums, toothbrushing can be a painful experience if you purchase the wrong one. Although rigid bristles tend to be better at cleaning, they can often leave your mouth feeling sore or even cause gum bleeding. If this is a problem for you, we recommend choosing a brush with soft bristles, like the Nimbus Microfine Xtra Soft. Keep reading below to find which units scored the best in our comfort tests.

Analysis and Test Results

New toothbrush models are released year after year, and we remain committed to staying on top of the research and testing of each new brush to provide the best information possible. This way we know exactly what makes a solid electric toothbrush.

Value

We understand that value versus cost is likely your main concern, and we get it. No one wants to waste their hard-earned money on something lackluster. That's why we aim to give out diverse awards to products that stood out among the pack at multiple price points, ensuring there's a spot for every budget level. The Colgate 360 Sensitive Extra Soft likely provides everything you would need in a toothbrush, while coming in at such a low price. The same goes for the other high performing manual toothbrush, the Nimbus Microfine Xtra Soft. The Philips Sonicare 4100 and Philips Sonicare ProtectiveClean 4100 can't be overlooked either. Yes, they are very simple devices, but effective and affordable nevertheless.

Cleaning

For our most critical metric, it was imperative that we thoroughly put each brush through its paces to determine just how well they could clean within a normal brushing session. Firstly, we chewed a plaque-dispensing tablet, which highlights build-up in a bright pink tone. We then took a before photo and brushed our teeth for 2 minutes using a tried and true 2-minute brushing method, followed by an after photo to assess the results. Furthermore, we ate two Oreos to simulate the stickiness of plaque and brushed again using the same method. These two tests combined allowed us to gauge the efficiency of each brush. Finally, we made use of an artificial dental model and spread wet coffee grounds over the teeth and gums. After brushing, we determined how much (if any) of the coffee debris was left over.

The Oral-B iO Series 10 is in a class all its own and demonstrated superior cleaning ability, even among the toughest competitors. This powerful model showcases what a high-end device can achieve. Not to be completely overshadowed, the Philips Sonicare ProtectiveClean 4100 and regular Philips Sonicare 4100 also put on a powerful showing, removing all plaque, Oreo residue, and even the coffee grounds from the artificial teeth. This is especially impressive given the single mode operation of these models.

The Oral-B iO Series 10 hands down had the best cleaning abilities of any other product in our test suit. Here is before and after cleaning for two minutes.

Before and after cleaning with the Nimbus.

Holding it down for the manual toothbrushes, the Colgate 360 Sensitive Extra Soft managed to also clean with relative ease, even compared to the top performers. You can't talk about the best performers without also mentioning the Waterpik Complete Care 9.0 as it comes with additional powerful cleaning tools like a water flosser. That said, it can be messy and tough on sensitive gums.

Comfort

Simply because a toothbrush is effective at cleaning, it doesn't necessarily mean it's comfortable. Individuals with sensitive teeth or gums should pay close attention to these results. Adhering to your dental hygiene routine is the most important factor, and you don't want to shy away from your morning and evening brushing sessions. This is precisely why comfort is weighted so heavily in our assessment, making up 30% of the final score. We determine the comfort levels of each brush by assessing how each brush head feels. Size and softness (or stiffness) of bristles are crucial qualities to evaluate, as well as how effortless the handle is to grip. For the electric models, we determine how loud they are using a decibel reader.

The Oral-B iO Series 10 once again proves its worth by demonstrating high levels of comfort, largely thanks to the sensitive mode and the friendly brush head. It also offers more aggressive modes, allowing you to select your preferred comfort level. The smooth, plastic, medium-sized handle is a pleasure to hold and doesn't easily slip. While the overall sound emitted from this device is definitely loud and obvious, it's not grating or annoying.

The Nimbus Microfine Xtra Soft features gentle bristles of two different lengths, contributing to a pleasant brushing experience. Despite the brush head being medium to large in size, it did not cause any discomfort. The hefty hourglass-like handle is also easy to hold, with strategically placed textured dots ensuring a good grip. The ever-capable Philips Sonicare 4100 has a smaller brush head, which should prove comfy for people with smaller mouths, and the slender matte plastic handle is pretty grippy too. To top it off, this model also has a sensitive mode.

The Colgate 360 Sensitive Extra Soft boasts one of the most comfortable brush heads, featuring soft bristles and three distinct "cups" that gently hug each tooth without being too aggressive. The Philips One also deserves a mention here, mostly due to its very quiet operation and soft bristles. You can't go wrong with any of these models if you have sensitive teeth or gums.

Ease of Use

To gauge the ease of use of these products, we assessed key factors such as the feel of the brush head and its ability to effortlessly reach every tooth. Additionally, we tested how simple each brush was to clean by covering the handle with toothpaste and subsequently cleaning it off to discover if there were any areas where gunk might tend to stick. For those who desire an electric toothbrush, we measured the battery life of each model. Lastly, we determined whether the toothbrushes could be set down without tipping over.

Despite the high-tech nature of the Oral-B iO Series 10, it remained straightforward in real world use. The circular brush head excels at targeting individual teeth, providing a precise and simple cleaning experience without causing discomfort. On the smart base, you can track the zones you've brushed with a circle that fills in with each section you brush to completion. Additionally, the matte handle proved effortless to clean, and the toothbrush can be stored vertically or flat on its back without rolling over.

The Philips Sonicare 4100 impressed us with how effectively the small brush head navigated each tooth, offering a comfortable brushing session. The handle is easy to clean, although gunk may accumulate between the brush head and the handle, requiring periodic cleaning every few uses. The well-balanced handle allows for upright or flat storage without tipping over as well. It also boasts an incredibly long battery life at 49.5 days - -the longest of any electric model in our lineup. The Protective Clean version does slightly better in our stability tests simply because the handle is a little more secure when lying on its back. Both Philips models prove worthy in this metric.

Customization

For our customization metric, we evaluated each toothbrush's unique features and determined whether it came in different colors, had an app (for electric models), or had any additional components like a tongue scraper or gum cleaner that made the device stand out.

The 7am2m Sonic includes a total of six brush heads, and for those who prioritize aesthetics, it's available in a whopping 10 colors. In terms of additional tech features, the Oral-B iO Series 10 stands on its own with app connectivity. The charging stand, named iO Sense, features WiFi connectivity and a digital clock on the front screen. During brushing, it can display either the time or track progress by quadrant. A color change from blue to white indicates thorough brushing of a quadrant. In timer mode, it displays the session time, and the quadrant color changes when it's time to move on. Overall, it's intuitive and beneficial.

The Waterpik Complete Care 9.0 is feature-rich, offering multiple water flosser heads and a small clear case for easy storage. It's available in both white and black options. On the other hand, the Philips One includes a sleek travel case that matches the handle color. It comes in four color options: green, black, pink, and white.

Conclusion

From electric to manual, and big to small, we've covered every top toothbrush we could get our hands on and subjected them to rigorous testing. Our ultimate goal is to help you make a more informed decision and eliminate the headache that can come with upgrading your dental hygiene routine. We sincerely hope you end up with a product that works perfectly for you.