The best electric toothbrush
A panel of ten testers brushed for eight weeks with 15 electric toothbrushes, checked by a dental hygienist. The Gleam Sonic 5 removed the most plaque.
Lauren Brooks
Ryan Mitchell, editor-in-chief
September 11, 2026
8 weeks · 15 models
We choose products independently. We may earn a commission through links on this page; your price stays the same. Affiliate policy
In this guide+
Our picks at a glance
Gleam Sonic 5
Removed the most plaque and warns you when you press too hard.
Read the full review
Brushly One
A simple brush with a timer that already cleans much better than a manual toothbrush.
Read the full reviewGleam Sonic 9
With an app that shows which teeth you skip and a travel case that charges the brush.
Read the full reviewPrices checked September 30, 2026. Prices may change.
Why you can trust us
Lauren Brooks is an ergonomist and sleep coach who previously worked at a physical therapy practice. For this guide we tested 15 models over 8 weeks in our test house. We bought most models ourselves; loaned units were returned after testing. Manufacturers don’t see our conclusions before publication.
Who is this for?
In studies, an electric toothbrush removes more plaque than a manual one. This guide helps you choose between sonic and oscillating models.
How we tested
A dental hygienist measured the amount of plaque with a disclosing agent before and after each test period. We also rated battery life, the timer, pressure control and the price of replacement heads.
Test setup in our test house in Columbus. Photo: HouseholdMe
Our full test methodTest results compared
| Model | Rank | Test score | Price from |
|---|---|---|---|
| Gleam Sonic 5 | Our pick | 8.9 | $89 |
| Brushly One | Budget pick | 7.9 | $34 |
| Gleam Sonic 9 | Upgrade | 9.1 | $179 |
Test score based on our fixed weighting scheme. Price from: lowest price on September 30, 2026.
Frequently asked questions
How often should I replace the brush head?+
Every three months, or sooner if the bristles start to splay.
Sonic or oscillating?+
In our test the difference was small. Choose mainly on brush head price and whether you want pressure control.
Lauren is an ergonomist and certified sleep coach. She worked at a physical therapy practice before joining HouseholdMe in 2022. She tests mattresses, garden tools and products for young children, with help from her own family of four.