(checked 2026-10-10)
A quiet, simple sonic brush that two major testers rank first or second, but its heads cost about twice as much as Oral-B's. Owners also report units that stop charging or die within a year.
Top complaints
- Heads cost about twice as much as Oral-B's
Wirecutter says Sonicare heads can cost more than double Oral-B's and estimates a three-year cost of about $170 versus about $98 for the Pro 1000. Electric Teeth puts heads at about $10 each.
Source: Wirecutter, Electric Teeth - Stops charging or dies within a year
Amazon's review summary says multiple customers report it stopped working in less than a year, and some say it stops charging or feels weak.
- USB-only charger
Since October 2021 the charger has had only a USB plug with no wall adapter (Wirecutter; Philips will send one free on request). Amazon's summary calls charging problematic because only a USB cord is included. Electric Teeth says a full charge can take up to 24 hours.
- Vibration felt through the whole brush
Wirecutter says the vibrations can be felt throughout the brush even on low, and the hard plastic back of the head can knock against opposing teeth. Electric Teeth notes there is no light to show which intensity is selected.
Source: Wirecutter, Electric Teeth
What owners love
- Quiet
Wirecutter measured about 30 dB on high, quieter than the Pro 1000; Electric Teeth measured 60 dB versus 73 dB for the Pro 1000.
Source: Wirecutter, Electric Teeth - Long battery life
Wirecutter averaged 16 days of twice-daily use. Electric Teeth got 17 days on high intensity and about 41 on low.
Source: Wirecutter, Electric Teeth - Pressure sensor and gentle start
CNN Underscored found the pressure sensor works as expected and liked the EasyStart mode, which ramps up power over the first 14 uses. It found the low setting good for gums.
Source: CNN Underscored
- You want the cheapest heads
- You dislike vibration felt through the handle
- You want a wall plug in the box
- A quiet brush
- Smaller mouths (narrower heads)
- Newcomers who want a pressure sensor and a gentle start-up mode
Scores (tap for why)
What experts say
- CNN Underscored: Best electric toothbrush overall for its combination of usability, performance and value, with a pressure sensor, 14-day battery and two-year warranty.
- Wirecutter (NYT): Runner-up: quieter, with longer battery life and auto shut-off, but its heads cost twice as much, vibrations can feel uncomfortable and the charger is USB-only.
- Electric Teeth: 4.9/5. Its cons are no indicator for the selected intensity and a motor tuned differently from premium Sonicare models.