Topic
Choosing an electric toothbrush
Premium electric toothbrushes differ in their drive technology, modes, pressure sensing, timers and apps. These are the specifications worth comparing.

First decide on the technology: a sonic brush moves an oval head side to side at high speed; an oscillating brush turns a small round head back and forth. Both are explained on their own topic pages.
Then compare what the maker states: the number of modes, whether there is a pressure sensor and how it signals, a 2 minute timer with 30 second pacing, the battery days, the charger type and whether an app is included.
Many ranges sell the same handle in several bundles. Check how many brush heads, which charger and which travel case come in the box before paying more for a higher model number.
Common mistakes
- Paying for app features you will not use.
- Comparing battery days quoted on different routines.
Guides on this topic
- Toothbrush pressure sensors explainedHow electric toothbrush pressure sensors detect force, what happens when they trigger on Oral-B and Sonicare, and which models show it with lights or a display.Guide
- Electric toothbrush modes explainedDaily clean, sensitive, intense, whitening, gum care and tongue modes on Oral-B and Sonicare brushes: what changes in speed, pattern and time in each one.Guide
- Sonic vs oscillating electric toothbrushesSonic vs oscillating electric toothbrushes explained: how each head moves, round vs oval heads, noise, feel and which brands use each technology.Comparison
- Oral-B iO vs Philips SonicareOral-B iO vs Philips Sonicare compared: round oscillating head against oval sonic head, modes, pressure feedback, apps, charging and brush heads.Comparison
- How to use an electric toothbrush properlyHow to use an electric toothbrush correctly: angle, light pressure, 30-second quarters and two minutes, with tips for oscillating and sonic brushes.How-to
- Electric vs manual toothbrush: the practical differencesElectric vs manual toothbrush: timers, pressure sensors, heads and running costs compared, with what the NHS says about choosing a toothbrush.Comparison
- When can a child use an electric toothbrush?What age a child can use an electric toothbrush, maker age ratings, NHS brushing guidance for children, and features like timers, soft heads and gentle modes.Guide
Buying guides on this topic
- Best electric toothbrushes with gentle modes and pressure sensorsBrushes with sensitive modes, adjustable intensity and visible pressure warnings compared feature by feature, using only what each listing states.Buying guide
- Best electric toothbrushes under £300Upper mid-range Oral-B iO and Sonicare brushes compared on pressure feedback, app support, travel case, modes and heads in the box.Buying guide
- Best electric toothbrushes in the UK: premium models comparedPremium Oral-B iO and Philips Sonicare brushes compared on modes, intensity levels, pressure feedback, app support, charging and heads in the box.Buying guide
- Best smart toothbrushes with an appApp-connected Oral-B iO and Philips Sonicare brushes compared on what the app records, position or coverage tracking, display and pressure feedback.Buying guide