Personal care

Electric toothbrush

A rechargeable toothbrush whose head moves by itself. You just guide it from tooth to tooth, and on many models a timer tells you when two minutes are up.

You don't have to scrub yourself any more: the brush does the movement, and you just hold it against your teeth. Good models even notice when you press too hard. And according to a large review of 51 studies, after more than three months you have on average about a fifth less plaque than with a manual toothbrush.

saves effort
My recommendation Laifen Wave Pro Price range: Mid-range
See price on Amazon* All 3 price ranges

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How to brush properly

With an electric toothbrush you brush differently than by hand:

  1. Put the brush in your mouth first, then switch it on, or it splashes
  2. Hold the head lightly against your teeth and move it slowly from tooth to tooth, don't scrub
  3. Little pressure, the brush does the work for you
  4. Done after two minutes, rinse the head briefly

What it takes off your hands

How much effort you save
Before
With an electric toothbrush
Manual toothbrush
  • You scrub back and forth yourself
  • You hardly notice if you press too hard
  • You don't know when two minutes are up
With an electric toothbrush
  • The head moves by itself, you just guide it
  • Many models warn you when you press too hard
  • On many models a timer tells you when you're done
Right for you if …
  • You want cleaner teeth: with an electric brush, on average about a fifth less plaque remains than with a manual toothbrush
  • You tend to press too hard when brushing
  • You want to know when two minutes are up
To be honest
  • Replacement brush heads cost extra. You change them about every three months
  • It needs to go on its charger now and then, every few weeks depending on the model

Which model is right for you?

One recommendation for each price range, plus good alternatives from other brands. You can see the current price on Amazon.

Budget

Philips Sonicare 3100

  • The previous version was rated good by Stiftung Warentest (grade 2.2, issue 12/2024)
  • Pressure sensor: it warns you when you press too hard
  • Timer with a signal every 30 seconds

For you if you want to switch on a budget and one brushing mode is enough for you.

To be honest

It has only one brushing mode, and according to the manufacturer the battery lasts up to 14 days.

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Also good
  • Silk'n SonicSmile Plus*Best buy at Stiftung Warentest (good, grade 2.3, issue 12/2024) and even cheaper. It has no pressure sensor.

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My recommendation
Mid-range

Laifen Wave Pro

  • The head swings back and forth and vibrates at the same time, according to the manufacturer up to 60° and up to 66,000 times a minute
  • Pressure sensor: if you press too hard, it gives you a signal
  • Two brushing modes with three levels each. You can fine-tune them in the app, but you don't need it
  • According to the manufacturer the battery lasts up to 70 days

For most people. My tip, because I use it myself.

To be honest

Stiftung Warentest hasn't tested it yet; its predecessor, the Laifen Wave, was rated good there (grade 2.2, issue 12/2024). It has no USB-C port on the handle and only charges wirelessly on its charging stand.

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Also good
  • Philips Sonicare 5500*Current test winner at Stiftung Warentest (good, grade 1.7, issue 12/2025). It warns you when you press too hard and has two brushing modes.
  • Oral-B iO Series 3N*Was test winner at Stiftung Warentest (good, grade 1.9, issue 12/2024). A light ring shows you when you press too hard. Three brushing modes, no app.
  • Laifen Wave*The cheaper predecessor, rated good by Stiftung Warentest (grade 2.2, issue 12/2024). But it has no pressure sensor.

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Premium

Philips Sonicare Prestige 9900

  • Was test winner at Stiftung Warentest (good, grade 1.8, issue 12/2021)
  • Adjusts its strength to your pressure as you brush (SenseIQ)
  • With an app

For you if you want the best.

To be honest

The test dates from 2021. For most people the mid-range is more than enough.

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Also good
  • Philips Sonicare 7100*Rated good by Stiftung Warentest (grade 1.8, issue 12/2025) and cheaper than the Prestige.

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Questions and answers

Does an electric toothbrush really clean better?

Yes. A large review of 51 studies (Cochrane, 2014) shows: people who brush electrically for more than three months have on average 21% less plaque and 11% less gum inflammation than with a manual toothbrush.

Sonic toothbrush or rotating head: which is better?

Both clean well. According to Stiftung Warentest, neither system has a clear advantage when brushing. In the latest test (issue 12/2025) a sonic toothbrush is ahead, the Philips Sonicare 5500 (grade 1.7). In the test before, an Oral-B with a round head won (grade 1.9). Take the one you like using.

How often do I change the brush head?

About every three months, or sooner if the bristles splay. Some models remind you.

How do I brush properly?

Twice a day for two minutes. You hold the head lightly against your teeth and move it slowly from tooth to tooth. You don't need to scrub, the brush does that.

Do I need the app?

No. On the Laifen Wave Pro the app lets you set how it brushes and shows you a report of your brushing times. You can brush without a phone at all.

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