We Tested The Entire Line of Oral-B Electric Toothbrushes—These 6 Are the Best (2024)

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We Tested The Entire Line of Oral-B Electric Toothbrushes—These 6 Are the Best (1)

Brushing your teeth: love it or loathe it, it’s an essential part of everyday life. The American Dental Association (ADA) recommends brushing your teeth for 2 minutes twice a day with a soft-bristled toothbrush. This has been proven to achieve clinically significant plaque removal. That’s more than 24 hours spent brushing every year, so it pays to do it right.

Though the ADA stops short of recommending electric over manual toothbrushes, a recent study found that electric toothbrush users benefit from healthier gums and less tooth decay than people who use manual brushes. Going electric can help prevent several oral hygiene issues, including dry mouth and bleeding gums, explains Dr. Jeffrey Sulitzer, DMD, Chief Clinical Officer at SmileDirectClub. The biggest benefit of electric toothbrushes is that they allow you to efficiently clean the hard-to-reach areas in the mouth, says Dr. Brian Harris, DDS, lead medical advisor at SNOW and Frost Oral Care.

Since Oral-B is one of the biggest names in dental hygiene, we personally tested the brand's entire line. Our editors, including those with dental issues such as sensitive teeth and gum recession, used the toothbrushes at home for a month. We took notes and evaluated the toothbrushes on ease of use, effectiveness, design, and functionality. An orthodontist on our Medical Expert Board also reviewed this article for medical and scientific accuracy. Here are our top picks based on our testing.

Our Top Picks

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Best for Sensitive Teeth:

Oral-B iO Series 5 at Amazon ($97)

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Why We Like It

The Oral-B Genius X Limited is our top pick because it packs all the features you need in a highly intuitive, seamlessly functional toothbrush.

The first thing we noticed about this toothbrush was the ergonomics: comfortable with all the buttons in the right places for easy mode switches mid-brush (even with sudsy hands). We loved how the head glided effortlessly over our teeth and helped us reach even the furthest corners of the mouth.

It’s the elegant functionality of this toothbrush that truly sets it apart. We loved the vibrating timer every 30 seconds to tell us to switch areas and a satisfying longer vibration once we hit the two-minute mark. The flashing red light when you push too hard was a real bonus for those of us with receding gums. And though we were skeptical about the Bluetooth connectivity (an app for tooth brushing, really?), the real-time brush-tracking and history functions helped us improve our brushing prowess through time.

It’s Worth Noting

Like many in the Oral-B range, the charging base can be a little bit tippy.

Product Details:

  • Functionality: Vibrating timer, multiple brushing modes, LED pressure sensor
  • Features: AI technology, Bluetooth-enabled, intuitive app with real-time brush tracking
  • What’s included: Travel case, charging base
  • We Tested The Entire Line of Oral-B Electric Toothbrushes—These 6 Are the Best (3)

  • We Tested The Entire Line of Oral-B Electric Toothbrushes—These 6 Are the Best (4)

Best for Receding Gums

Oral-B iO Series 9

We Tested The Entire Line of Oral-B Electric Toothbrushes—These 6 Are the Best (5)

Our Ratings

  • Ease of Use

    4.5/5

  • Design

    4.2/5

  • Functionality

    5/5

  • Quality

    5/5

  • Value

    4.2/5

Why We Like It

The Bluetooth connectivity and customizable features on the Oral-B app make the Oral-B io Series 9 toothbrush a strong choice for people with receding gums or who are prone to over-brushing. The built-in sensor offers real-time reminders so you’re applying the perfect amount of pressure in the right areas at all times.

While the large brush head and long bristles make for slightly awkward maneuvering between areas, the toothbrush’s action takes care of the manual work—no elbow grease required. App features like timer alerts and easy-to-switch-between brush settings let you personalize your daily routine, making it a great option for people with specific dental requirements.

What makes this toothbrush worthy of the price tag is the mouthfeel it produces. After we tried it ourselves, every tooth felt individually polished; every part of the mouth felt equally well treated. So, if glass-like smoothness on your teeth is something you aspire to, this brush more than lives up to expectations.

It’s Worth Noting

The brush settings take a bit of trial and error to figure out.

Product Details:

  • Functionality: 7 smart modes, built-in timer
  • Features: AI technology, Bluetooth-enabled, intuitive app with real-time brush tracking
  • What’s included: Charging travel case, 3 additional brush heads
  • We Tested The Entire Line of Oral-B Electric Toothbrushes—These 6 Are the Best (6)

  • We Tested The Entire Line of Oral-B Electric Toothbrushes—These 6 Are the Best (7)

  • We Tested The Entire Line of Oral-B Electric Toothbrushes—These 6 Are the Best (8)

Best for Sensitive Teeth

Oral-B iO Series 5

We Tested The Entire Line of Oral-B Electric Toothbrushes—These 6 Are the Best (9)

Why We Like It

People with sensitive teeth know all about spending too much time brushing too lightly to avoid tooth and gum pain. The Oral-B iO Series 5’s multiple sensitivity modes and built-in light-up pressure sensor allow you to get the coverage you need in the two-minute timeframe you want.

Though connecting to the Oral-B app didn’t offer a whole lot of insights beyond the timer, battery life indicator, and brushing coverage, the reward medals for a job well done add a little fun to your everyday chore. It’s also worth noting that the handy timer buzzers only work when you’re not using the app.

Where this toothbrush scores well for sensitive teeth and gums is the light-up pressure sensor—green for perfect pressure, “white” (though, strangely, actually blue) for too soft, and red for too hard. It’s real-time gratification that you’re doing it right, or wrong, so there’s no need to second guess it. Although the auto pause mentioned in the instructions is actually just an extra buzz when 2 minutes are up, the vibrating timer is a game changer for people prone to losing track of time.

It’s Worth Noting

Some features listed in the instructions function slightly differently than described.

Product Details:

  • Functionality: 2 sensitivity modes, 5 total smart modes, built-in timer, pressure sensor
  • Features: AI technology, Bluetooth-enabled, intuitive app with real-time brush tracking
  • What’s included: Handle, charger, travel case, brush head
  • We Tested The Entire Line of Oral-B Electric Toothbrushes—These 6 Are the Best (10)

  • We Tested The Entire Line of Oral-B Electric Toothbrushes—These 6 Are the Best (11)

Best Value

Oral-B Pro 1000

We Tested The Entire Line of Oral-B Electric Toothbrushes—These 6 Are the Best (12)

Our Ratings

  • Ease of Use

    4.3/5

  • Design

    4.5/5

  • Functionality

    3.8/5

  • Quality

    5/5

  • Value

    4/5

Why We Like It

If a simple dental-care routine is your thing, or you’re an electric toothbrush newcomer, the Oral-B Pro 1000 is a great option. Its less-is-more functionality, combined with its accessible price point, makes it a super place to enter the world of electric brushing.

The Oral-B Pro 1000’s round brush head gives exceptional tooth coverage, but we did find that the short neck requires a bit of extra reaching to get to the back teeth. Cleaning the brush is as simple as detaching the head and rinsing under water—a noticeable advantage over other screw-neck brands we’ve tried. This one-button wonder makes a great transition toothbrush to take you from manual brushing into the world of electric for those who want a superior clean and prefer to keep things fuss-free.

It’s Worth Noting

The low-battery indicator light is barely visible and the pressure sensor sound alert can be difficult to hear.

Product Details:

  • Functionality: Built-in timer, pressure sensor
  • Features: Single on/off power button
  • What’s included: Handle, charger, brush head
  • We Tested The Entire Line of Oral-B Electric Toothbrushes—These 6 Are the Best (13)

  • We Tested The Entire Line of Oral-B Electric Toothbrushes—These 6 Are the Best (14)

Best for Travel

Oral-B Genius 6000

We Tested The Entire Line of Oral-B Electric Toothbrushes—These 6 Are the Best (15)

Our Ratings

  • Ease of Use

    5/5

  • Design

    3.9/5

  • Functionality

    4.5/5

  • Quality

    4/5

  • Value

    4/5

Why We Like It

The quick and simple setup, straightforward charger (which we were pleased to discover is compatible with some other Oral-B brushes), and sturdy travel case make the Oral-B Genius 6000 an excellent portable choice.

Well-placed buttons and easy-to-read setting icons make selecting your brushing mode a breeze. Its thick neck and forceful action (even on the lower settings) are definitely worth considering if you have sensitive teeth or gums. But for people who appreciate a job thoroughly done, after a brief period of adjustment to this toothbrush’s intensity, the results were consistently smooth.

The Oral-B Genius 6000 has Bluetooth connectivity and many of the in-app features of other models. But, especially for travel, we found the real-time light-up pressure guide a great (and instant) way to maintain uniform coverage daily, without needing to access a daily report card.

It’s Worth Noting

The supplied brush head felt stiff and the motor was very loud.

Product Details:

  • Functionality: Built-in timer, pressure sensor
  • Features: AI technology, Bluetooth-enabled, intuitive app with real-time brush tracking
  • What’s included: Handle, charger, travel case, brush head
  • We Tested The Entire Line of Oral-B Electric Toothbrushes—These 6 Are the Best (16)

  • We Tested The Entire Line of Oral-B Electric Toothbrushes—These 6 Are the Best (17)

Best for Tech Savvy

Oral-B iO Series 10

We Tested The Entire Line of Oral-B Electric Toothbrushes—These 6 Are the Best (18)

Why We Like It

The Oral-B iO Series 10 is a great choice for those seeking an advanced electric toothbrush option featuring seven cleaning modes, real-time coverage, pressure monitoring, and a built-in timer right on the smart charger. The pre-charged device's numerous features and beeps, while comprehensive, required a manual read and app download. The package included three identical brush heads, a smart charger, and a travel case.

The toothbrush’s handle felt just right and the small, round brush head was a refreshing change, allowing for better access to tight spots and crevices. The multiple settings and extra features (like the tongue cleaner) offered a diverse brushing experience. While navigating these settings might require more effort than some would prefer, for tech or oral care enthusiasts, it's a great addition. Post-brushing, teeth felt plaque-free, although the taste was less minty, likely due to the smaller brush head.

The screen and its smiley face after a two-minute brushing added a fun, rewarding element to the routine. While the $400 price tag felt steep, the toothbrush impressed with its advanced features, catering to varied oral care needs.

It's Worth Noting

Surprisingly it lacks a protective cover for the brush head.

Product Details

  • Functionality: Built-in timer, pressure sensor, multiple settings, tongue cleaner
  • Features: AI technology, Bluetooth-enabled, intuitive app with real-time brush tracking
  • What’s included: Handle, charger, travel case, 4 brush heads

Our Testing Process

To determine the best Oral-B toothbrushes, we tested the entire line of Oral-B’s electric toothbrush models. Before our tests, we spoke with several dental experts to get their recommendations on choosing the right electric toothbrushes based on bristle texture—softer is better for your teeth—and adjustable speeds/modes so you can switch settings to fit your teeth and gum types. Then, we subjected each brush to a rigorous step-by-step process. During physical testing, we adhered to the ADA’s recommended two-minute brush.These are the key considerations we looked for:

  • Ease of Use: We assess the setup process and the intuitiveness of the settings right from unboxing. Products with straightforward assembly and immediate usability score higher in our evaluation.
  • Design, Functionality, and Features: Throughout each brushing session, we focus on the ease of handling and maneuvering the brushes within the mouth. We observe the brush head sizes, their adaptability to reach all tooth and gum areas, and their comfort level. We scrutinize settings for their usefulness and impact on the brushing experience. We test built-in timers, battery life indicators, and evaluate any additional components it offers, such as extra brush heads, chargers, travel cases, stands, etc. App connectivity is examined for its user-friendliness.
  • Quality: Our measure of quality relies on the post-brushing sensation of mouth and teeth cleanliness. We conduct rigorous tests, including post-sticky food brushing, to assess a toothbrush's efficiency. If teeth don't feel clean after use, the toothbrush falls short of our standards.
  • Value: Considering the wide price range of electric toothbrushes, we emphasize the importance of value and durability. Cheaper options might lack certain features, while higher-end models offer additional features like app connectivity, stylish cases, and varied chargers. We meticulously weigh the price against the features to determine overall value.

The Experts

What to Know About Oral-B Electric Toothbrushes

Given the vast range of price points and associated features, there’s a lot to consider when weighing up the right electric toothbrush for you.

Brush Heads

According to ADA guidelines, brush heads should be replaced every three months—the same as a manual toothbrush—so it pays to factor in that extra cost. Dr. Sulitzer recommends brushes with subscription head replacement options as a convenient (and often cheaper) way to regularly switch heads, without needing to keep it on the calendar. He also recommends brushes with 30-second quadrant timers as a great system to get the right amount of coverage in every part of your mouth. He adds that tooth sensitivity may be linked to brushing your teeth too hard, so make sure you are using a soft-bristled brush.

Motion Type

Dr. Harris says the most important features to consider are the type of motion, the Brush Strokes Per Minute (B.P.M.), the number of cleaning modes, and pressure sensors. Oral-B brushes use oscillating or rotating brush heads, so he recommends a B.P.M. somewhere between 1,300 and 8,000. Oral-B electric toothbrushes deliver up to 48,800 B.P.M, according to their website.

Mike Bluestone, co-founder and head of business development at Smile Brilliant, notes that adjustable oscillation and vibration speeds are an advantage for people with oral or other sensory sensitivities. He also recommends selecting electric toothbrushes that are protected by at least a two-year warranty.

How Much You Can Expect to Pay for an Oral-B Electric Toothbrush

In short, roughly between $50 and $300. In terms of features and functionality versus price, it really comes down to personal preference. Want to measure the effectiveness of your daily routine with all the latest AI, Bluetooth-enabled app features, and reports? You’re spoiled for choice at the higher end of the market. Prefer the plug-and-brush option with no app required? A basic setup, like the Oral B Pro 1000, is probably the best option for you.

More Oral-B Electric Toothbrushes to Consider

While these toothbrushes didn’t top any of our categories, they may still be of interest to you.

  • Genius 8000 Rechargeable Electric Toothbrush: This toothbrush has some definite upsides (it fits old-school Oral-B brush heads, so you can get inexpensive replacements). But we discovered some functionality issues, like the timer being difficult to feel/hear and battery life of just seven days rather than the advertised 12 during testing. Its travel case doubles as a charger, however, which could be super handy if you’re on the road.
  • Smart Limited Electronic Toothbrush: Featuring some of the functionality of its more expensive stablemates (app connectivity, multiple settings, pressure sensor), this toothbrush delivered in terms of clean teeth and gums in the desired two-minute timeframe. We marked it down due to inaccurate brushing detection (it confused the upper and lower sectors of our mouths) and the absence of a timer on the brush itself.
  • Smart 1500 Electric Rechargeable: Simple to set up, easy to clean, intuitive to use—this toothbrush checked a lot of boxes. But the intensity of the brush action and the sound it generates rendered the timer indiscernible. Its accessible price point and simple two-speed settings make it a solid, fuss-free choice, however, for people who can handle a step up in power.

Your Questions, Answered

Are expensive electric toothbrushes worth it?

Not always, says Dr. Sulitzer. Used properly, even basic electric toothbrushes can deliver an effective clean. But it’s important to change your brush head every three months, to prevent bacteria from building up in the bristles, affecting your oral health and general well-being.

Dr. Harris says that more expensive does not necessarily mean better, but believes that ultimately you get what you pay for. He notes from personal experience that some inexpensive brushes vibrate and make noise but don’t necessarily do a good job of cleaning the teeth. So he suggests sticking with name brands, like Oral-B.

What’s the lifespan of an Oral-B electric toothbrush?

Again, it depends on how you use it, but generally electric toothbrushes last between two and five years. Tips like not leaving your battery charging when full can help expand the life of your brush.

What should I look for in an electric toothbrush?

According to Dr. Sulitzer, when choosing any toothbrush, whether manual or electric, you need to select brushes with soft bristles. He adds that features like vibrating timer guides and two-minute alerts take the guesswork out of your routine. And if you have special dental requirements, like sensitivities or receding gums, look for features like pressure sensors and multiple speed and intensity settings.

What's the difference between Oral-B and Sonicare electric toothbrushes?

Oral-B and Sonicare are two popular brands that make some of the best electric toothbrushes available today. Both dental brands make quality products backed by the American Dental Association (ADA). Their main differences include the shape of the brush heads. Oral-B uses a small, round brush head that rotates, oscillates and pulses over each tooth, while Sonicare uses a longer, more narrow brush head (similar to a standard toothbrush). Sonicare also uses sonic technology to circulate the toothpaste throughout your teeth and gums. Both styles of toothbrush clean teeth thoroughly, and certainly better than a manual toothbrush. We're currently testing Sonicare toothbrushes and will do a full comparison between the two brands once that testing is complete.

Who We Are

Samson McDougall is a journalist, copywriter, editor and science graduate. His work encompasses everything from web copy for science museums to writing sexual health articles for universities, info sheets for first-in-category pharmaceuticals to brand messaging for wearable touch therapy by neuroscientists. Samson specializes in making the complex simple, using the English language to democratize knowledge through highly effective, accessible communication.

We Tested The Entire Line of Oral-B Electric Toothbrushes—These 6 Are the Best (2024)

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