Which budget-friendly electric toothbrush is best? Find out here

Price When Reviewed:

$79.99

In the US, the corresponding model is the Smart 1500, which features the same capabilities. A noteworthy mention is that it is relatively more affordable in the UK than in the US. If you’re located in the US, exploring the Oral-B iO3 might offer better value.

Essentially, this brush delivers excellent cleaning performance alongside all essential features. The timer prompts you to shift areas of your mouth every 30 seconds and signals when your brushing duration of two minutes is completed.

A bright red light on the pressure sensor activates if you press too forcefully.

However, its shiny on/off switch can get a bit slippery when wet and, since it operates on a single button, switching it off could require pressing quite hard, risking a switch to another brushing mode.

This model lacks a USB charging option, but its two-week battery life generally suffices for travel convenience. Note that the battery warning light may not give you ample time to recharge.

Price When Reviewed:

$79.99

This model became available after the iO2, yet we find the iO3 to be the better choice as it maintains a reasonable price while still delivering many iO features. The value it offers includes top-tier brushing performance, an easily visible pressure sensor, and a two-minute brushing timer with alerts every thirty seconds. Additionally, there are three modes: daily clean, whitening, and sensitive.

The fun light ring, which changes colors upon completing brushing, is also included.

However, certain compromises exist. With battery life ranging between 10-14 days, depending on brushing duration, a full charge can take an extensive 16 hours—although this won’t be an issue if left in the charger.

While this brush excels in performance, frequent travelers might seek alternatives with enhanced battery life or USB charging options.

Price When Reviewed:

Not yet available in the US

If you’re switching from a manual toothbrush but don’t want to invest heavily, this model stands out.

The Ordo Sonic Edge offers features and performance that impress for its price point, making it the most affordable electric toothbrush we recommend. While it may not match high-end models in cleaning proficiency, it’s a significant step up from a manual brush.

Equipped with a single brushing mode, it adequately cleans your teeth. The brush is quiet and includes a 2-minute timer with quadrant alerts. However, it lacks a pressure sensor, making it suboptimal for heavy-handed brushers.

With a remarkable six-week battery life, charging occurs via a USB port concealed at the base of the handle. This design means it isn’t fully waterproof, but it is splash-proof and easy to maintain.

Available in various vibrant colors, its lightweight nature, extended battery life, and travel cap make it a great traveling companion.

Do note that replacement brush heads are comparably priced to those of premium models.

Price When Reviewed:

$59.99

If you’re based in the UK, this model might not be the best option due to pricing. However, for readers in the US, this visually appealing brush offers a plethora of features at a great price, including five brushing modes and a two-minute timer. This is an uncommon find, and its standout feature is the impressive six-week battery life.

If travel is on your agenda, you could bring along a charger for peace of mind, considering its compact stand and USB plug design.

The Moon Electric Toothbrush isn’t without flaws; it misses a pressure sensor, which may not tune well for those who apply too much pressure.

Additionally, beware that, like many smaller brands, replacement brush heads can carry a high price tag. Still, opting for a subscription can provide savings, with two brush heads available for $11.99; otherwise, a two-pack costs $14.99.

Price When Reviewed:

$99

The Be Lucent Prism may be pricier than several alternatives listed yet it remains one of the top options under $/£100. This lightweight sonic brush from the independent Swedish company Be Lucent delivers an appealing design with a white-to-green ombre finish, complemented by a discreetly integrated LED display showing brushing timer, battery status, and current brushing mode.

Featuring three brushing modes—daily, whitening, and sensitive—a two-minute timer with vibration signals every thirty seconds and a visible pressure sensor, it stands out nicely. While its pressure sensor functionality could be improved, its standout characteristic is the impressive two-month battery lifespan. Charging, however, takes a noteworthy eight hours.

Price When Reviewed:

$28

If your budget is constrained but you’re looking to upgrade from a manual toothbrush, the Oral-B Vitality is possibly the best economical choice available. That said, a few compromises must be made.

On the upside, it comes with quadrant alerts and a two-minute timer along with three modes: Sensitive Plus, Sensitive, and Daily. It effectively cleans teeth, although it may not be as efficient as iO models that oscillate and vibrate for superior plaque removal.

With a sturdy grip and an option to purchase generic replacement heads for a low cost, it’s user-friendly. However, it lacks a pressure sensor. While it operates quietly, the motor can be a bit rattly with a higher pitch on the maximum setting.

Unfortunately, it doesn’t come with battery indicator lights. Thus, it may just stop working without any signal when the battery runs out. Upon placement on the charger, no indicators signify proper charging or a full charge.

The battery life is where the brunt of compromises lies. The maximum is eight days, assuming two-minute brushing sessions twice daily. In instances where two users share, it may only sustain roughly four days, necessitating a recharge. Full charging from empty takes a hefty 22 hours.

If you keep it on its stand continuously charging, this won’t be an issue, and we recommend it as a budget-friendly upgrade to a manual brush.

Price When Reviewed:

$39.99

Quip operates on battery power (non-disposable as the battery can be replaced), with gentle vibrations that position it more as a enhanced manual brush.

This model appeals to those who may find traditional electric brushes too forceful, allowing for better oral care.

Its timer function aids in ensuring thorough brushing time but lacks a pressure sensor feature.

Portable and thoughtful in design, the toothbrush holder can adhere to mirrors or tiles, removable and reusable as needed. Attractive aesthetics alongside complementary dental care products—such as gum, mouthwash, and floss—are available for additional dental care enhancement.

Price When Reviewed:

$79.95

For extensive features at an unbeatable price, the AquaSonic Duo Pro set could be the ideal option for couples. For the price, you receive two sonic electric toothbrushes, ten brush heads, and two travel cases, along with a dual charging station that also cleans brush heads via UV sanitation.

Each brush comes with four modes: clean, soft, whiten, and massage (for gums). There’s a two-minute timer with alerts every thirty seconds reminding you to switch to a new section of your mouth. A notable consideration is the lack of a pressure sensor, indicating the model may not be suited for those who require a reminder to avoid excessive brushing.

AquaSonic advises against leaving brushes in the charging stand when not in use, so remember to charge them biweekly to maintain battery life. The impressive month-long battery life alleviates the need for frequent charging.

Furthermore, the charging station design is notably bulky, perhaps attractive primarily to those favoring modern minimalist aesthetics.

Price When Reviewed:

$59.94

The iO2 is the most affordable model within the iO series—a simpler alternative to its counterparts. However, it is missing some significant features seen in higher models. Notably, it does not include a prominent red/green pressure sensor, relying instead on a less visible pressure indicator that’s hard to notice while brushing. Additionally, its motor output is less powerful, resulting in a more gentle brushing experience.

Despite this, it boasts exceptional battery life, reaching about a month between charges compared to the two-week limits of most other iO models. However, be prepared to wait a full 24 hours for a complete charge once it runs out, suggesting keeping it positioned on the charging stand.

The iO2 features quadrant alerts and a two-minute timer, with three brushing settings: super-sensitive, gentle, and everyday cleaning. While all modes are rather soft, if traditional electric toothbrushes feel overwhelming, this could serve as a suitable option.

Price When Reviewed:

$99.99

Though it may carry a higher price than some other entries, the Oclean X Pro Elite is rich in features and offers great value for those seeking impressive battery longevity, a color display, and smart functions all packaged in a sleek design.

This quiet sonic toothbrush boasts an astonishing 32 brushing settings. An in-app quiz assists in selecting the optimal configurations based on your dietary habits and any special oral health needs, whether you enjoy coffee, wine, or wear braces.

With a battery that lasts over a month, recharging it is quick via wireless USB in just 3.5 hours.

A full color display on the handle shows a timer and provides feedback directly through the screen and app. Although the app feedback might not match the reliability of several Oral-B models, it remains a commendable addition given the price point.

Still, lacking a pressure sensor leaves us some reservations about recommending this model.

Price When Reviewed:

$65

The Ordo Sonic+ offers good value, though the price of replacement brush heads may give you pause. Nevertheless, the subscription service provides additional value, encompassing toothpaste, floss, interdental brushes, and mouthwash.

It brushes effectively with a well-shaped head providing comprehensive coverage and offers four brushing modes. Battery performance is commendable, lasting well beyond three weeks on average with regular use.

Unfortunately, it does lack a pressure sensor and a battery warning light—features that we found lacking during usage.

1.

Do budget electric toothbrushes actually work well?

Our testing of lower-priced models aimed to answer this question, and many are surprisingly efficient. The only notable drawback is that budget options often miss out on certain features, with the absence of a pressure sensor being a common theme. If you’re okay without this feature, many great choices exist. However, if you’re prone to applying too much pressure while brushing, it’s wise to avoid models without one to save you more in potential dental expenses later.

2.

What features should I prioritize in an electric toothbrush?