Are electric toothbrushes better than manual?

Many people find electric brushes help them clean more effectively and consistently, but good technique matters most. Your dentist can advise what suits you.

Do I need all the fancy modes?

Not really. A built-in two-minute timer is the genuinely useful feature. Multiple modes and app connectivity are nice extras, but the basics do most of the work.

How much do replacement heads cost?

This is the running cost to check. Heads are usually replaced around every three months, so compare head prices and buy in multipacks to save over time.

How to Choose an Electric Toothbrush: What Actually Matters

Electric toothbrushes come loaded with modes, sensors and apps, which makes choosing one feel more complicated than it needs to be. In reality, a few things matter and the rest is marketing. Here’s how to pick one that cleans well without paying for features you’ll never touch.

The short version

A good brush with a two-minute timer covers the essentials. Check the ongoing cost of replacement heads, which adds up more than the brush itself. Skip the modes and apps unless you'll genuinely use them.

The feature that actually helps

If there’s one feature worth having, it’s a built-in two-minute timer, often with 30-second nudges to move around your mouth. It’s simple, but it’s the thing that most improves how well people brush. Beyond that, most of the extra modes make little day-to-day difference.

A solid electric brush with a timer covers the essentials. Check price on Amazon →

Watch the running cost of heads

Here’s the one people forget. The brush is a one-off, but the replacement heads are forever, usually swapped around every three months. Head prices vary a lot between brands, so it’s worth checking before you commit and buying in multipacks to bring the cost down. A cheap brush with pricey heads can cost more over time.

Battery and charging

A good battery life means fewer charges and makes the brush easy to travel with. Most brushes charge on a small stand, and some offer USB or travel cases. If you travel often, a longer battery and a case are worth having.

Don’t overpay for apps

Pressure sensors are a genuinely nice touch, since brushing too hard can harm your gums. App connectivity and endless modes, less so. They rarely change how clean your teeth get, so don’t let them push the price up unless you’ll really use them.

Ready to choose?

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