The Best Electric Toothbrushes of 2026

Switching to an electric toothbrush is one of the easiest, highest-impact improvements you can make to your dental health. The evidence is clear: oscillating and sonic brushes remove significantly more plaque than manual brushing, and they''re gentler on gums. The question is which one actually delivers on that promise without annoying you into abandoning it after two weeks.

Oral-B iO Series 9 — Best Overall

The iO Series 9 represents the current peak of the Oral-B oscillating platform. The iO technology uses magnetic drive to create micro-vibrations that are noticeably quieter and smoother than older Oral-B models — it''s the first electric toothbrush that doesn''t feel violent. The display ring signals when pressure is too heavy (a major cause of gum recession), and the smart brushing tracker connects to an app that actually teaches better habits without being insufferable about it.

• iO magnetic drive — quiet, smooth oscillation
• Pressure sensor with visual alert ring
• 7 brushing modes including whitening and sensitive
• AI-powered app tracks coverage and technique

Verdict: The iO Series 9 is the best brushing experience available — the pressure sensor alone could save your gum line.

Philips Sonicare DiamondClean Smart — Best Sonic Brush

Sonic technology moves the brush head at up to 62,000 brush strokes per minute — far beyond what a human wrist can achieve. The DiamondClean Smart pairs this with BrushSync technology that tracks brush head wear and tells you when to replace it (a genuinely useful feature most people ignore until damage is already done). The slim handle and premium charging glass make it the most elegant electric toothbrush on the shelf.

• 62,000 brush strokes/minute — the fastest available
• BrushSync head recognition and wear sensor
• 4 brushing modes, 3 intensities
• Charges via inductive glass or travel case

Verdict: For sonic technology believers, the DiamondClean Smart is the premium pick that earns its price.

Quip Smart Electric Toothbrush — Best for Travel

Quip strips electric brushing down to its essentials: a slim metal handle, a sonic motor, a 2-minute timer with 30-second pulses, and a case that doubles as a wall mount. It runs on a AAA battery instead of a charging dock, which means one less thing to plug in when traveling. It won''t out-clean the Oral-B or Philips, but it''s infinitely more convenient for frequent travelers and minimalists.

• Slim, travel-friendly design with built-in case
• Runs on AAA battery — no charging required
• Built-in 2-minute timer with 30-second interval pulses
• Refill subscription keeps replacement heads on schedule

Verdict: If you spend more than 10 nights a year in hotels, the Quip is the no-compromise travel solution.

What to Look For

• Oscillating vs. sonic: Oral-B oscillates (back-and-forth rotation); Philips vibrates (sonic). Both outperform manual brushing — it comes down to feel preference.
• Pressure sensor: Brushing too hard causes gum recession and enamel damage. A pressure sensor that signals overuse is worth prioritizing, especially if your dentist has mentioned gum issues.
• Replacement head cost: Factor in the ongoing cost of replacement heads ($5-15 each, replaced every 3 months). Some premium handles have expensive proprietary heads.
• Battery life: Inductive charging models need a dock; battery-powered ones are easier to travel with. Most rechargeable models last 2+ weeks per charge.

Any electric toothbrush from a reputable brand will improve your dental health compared to manual brushing — the research on this is unambiguous. The premium features like pressure sensors and app tracking just help you get more out of it over the years. Pick the one that you''ll actually use consistently.