If you grew up using a conventional toothbrush – essentially a stick with bristles on the end – you may be surprised to learn just how long the electric toothbrush has been around. The first was designed in the late 1930s, but that model was a long way from the sleek, feature-packed and Bluetooth-enabled beasts you can buy today. There are now dozens of ultra-advanced versions on the market, but which ones are worth your cash? To help answer that question, my teeth have become figurative guinea pigs. Over the past 20 months, I’ve put 31 electric toothbrushes from the likes of Oral-B, Philips, Suri, Ordo, Silk’n and Foreo through their paces to separate the best from the rest.
Why Trust Our Electric Toothbrush Testing
As well as having the physical qualities required to test electric toothbrushes (my own teeth and a reliable toothpaste budget), I’ve been testing electronics – phones, drones and almost everything in between – for more than a decade. Also – and I’ll put this delicately to prevent you from closing the page in justified disgust – as someone who has to wear a retainer every night after Invisalign treatment, the toothbrushes weren’t short of nasties to clean during testing. They’ve seen things, man.
How We Tested
I doubt many people include the four minutes spent brushing their teeth as a highlight of even the most tedious day, so spare a thought for the months when it has become my life’s obsessive focus. Fortunately, and purely by chance, my first test coincided with a dentist’s visit in which I appeared to have undergone a Damascene conversion to good oral hygiene, so it did have its upside. Anyway, the process was actually pretty simple: brush, brush and brush again, taking note of mouthfeel, grip, cleanliness, the features that appealed and those little things that made me irrationally grumpy. I used plaque-disclosing tablets, which turn your teeth a charming shade of pink and blue to reveal areas where plaque resides.
Best Electric Toothbrushes for Every Budget
After months of rigorous testing, I’ve narrowed down the field to the standout performers. Here’s a comparison of the top models across different price points:
| Model | Price Range | Battery Life | Key Features | Verdict |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Oral-B iO Series 9 | £300+ | 14 days | Magnetic drive, AI brushing recognition, pressure sensor | Best premium pick |
| Philips Sonicare DiamondClean 9000 | £200-£300 | 14 days | Sonic technology, multiple modes, smart sensor | Excellent all-rounder |
| Suri Sustainable Electric Toothbrush | £80-£120 | 40 days | Recyclable head, sonic vibration, travel case | Best eco-friendly option |
| Ordo Sonic+ | £50-£70 | 30 days | 5 brushing modes, slim design, USB charging | Best value for money |
Key Features to Look For
When choosing an electric toothbrush, consider these essential features to ensure you get the most out of your brushing routine:

- Brushing modes: Look for multiple modes like clean, sensitive, and whitening to suit your needs.
- Pressure sensor: Prevents you from brushing too hard, which can damage gums.
- Battery life: Longer battery life means less frequent charging – ideal for travel.
- Smart connectivity: Bluetooth and app integration can track your brushing habits and offer real-time feedback.
- Replacement head cost: Check the ongoing cost of brush heads, as this can add up over time.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the best electric toothbrush for sensitive teeth?
How often should I replace my electric toothbrush head?
Are electric toothbrushes worth the investment?
After testing 31 models, it’s clear that the best electric toothbrush for you depends on your budget and specific needs. Whether you opt for the premium Oral-B iO, the eco-friendly Suri, or the budget-friendly Ordo, upgrading to an electric toothbrush is a step towards better oral health. Choose wisely, and your teeth will thank you.
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