Today’s modern electric toothbrush have interchangeable heads, meaning the whole family can use a single electric toothbrush handle – with mum, dad, and kids, each having their own individual brush head. A family of 4 or more can improve their oral hygiene with just one electric toothbrush.
Good oral hygiene matters! Why?
Because neglecting your teeth and gums is to put your families ability to chew food comfortably, and smile confidently, on the line. And poor oral hygiene has been linked to a number of other health conditions, making it all the more important to brush with the best electric toothbrush you can afford, every day, twice a day!
In this guide, we’ll be teaching you the what, why and how of family electric toothbrushes. But first, here’s our list of the UK’s most powerful and best-performing family electric toothbrushes for plaque removal.
1. Oral-B iO 10: Best Family Oral B Electric Toothbrush (Overall Winner)
Based on our extensive research and hands-on testing, our recommendation for the best household electric toothbrush for power and performance in 2024 is the new Oral-B iO10. A brilliant – some might say “Genius” – product from the great minds at Braun Oral-B, the iO Series 10 Electric Toothbrush goes above and beyond.
The latest Oral B iO electric toothbrush has it all – good looks, smart connectivity, built-in screen, optimal pressure sensor and brush timer, and serious power.
Oral-B iO10 Electric Toothbrush Key Features
- One-of-a-kind AI Position Detection technology guides as you brush.
- Superious plaque removal technology
- Professionally-inspired round head provides superior cleaning action and whiter teeth from the very first brushing, by removing surface stains.
- New interactive full colour display built into the handle
- Easy on gums—automatic speed reduction prevents irritation.
- Ultra high-quality battery and advanced Smart Travel Case that charges your toothbrush.
- Now with 7 cleaning modes – Daily Clean, Intense+, Sensitive, Super Sensitive, Gum Care, Whitening, Tongue Cleaning.
- Cleans teeth better than any manual toothbrush ever could, no matter how hard you might try.
- Frictionless Magnetic iO Drive System provides quiet operation and delivers enhanced micro-vibrations.
- Magnetic wireless charging stand.
- Ideal for large families of 4 with interchangable heads
- Built-in pressure sensor ensures optimal brushing pressure.
- Available in a verity of stunning colours, including – Black Onyx, Rose Quartz, and White Alabaster
- Awarded Best Electric Toothbrush Overall 2022
The Oral-B iO Keeps Your Brushing on Target
The Oral-B iO Series 10 supersede the Genius X with its advanced Position Detection system that shows you exactly where you’re brushing, ensuring that the highly effective ultimate clean brush head bristles stay in the zone, cleaning each tooth evenly.
And the integrated, dentist-recommended, two-minute timer helps you brush for the perfect length of time: 30 seconds per quadrant, for a total of 120 seconds of cleaning.
Pressure Sensor protects sensitive gum tissue if you’ve ever “overbrushed” – the term used to describe an overzealous application of pressure when brushing family teeth – and something I know I’m guilty of! – you know how quickly doing so can wear down your brush bristles, and irritate your gums.
Well, this Oral-B iO electric toothbrush will not only tell you when you’re brushing too hard but also when you’re brushing too soft. That’s right, this brush will tell you when you’re brushing pressure is “just right” for the most optimal brushing experience for the whole family.
Fortunately, the Oral-B iO utilizes triple pressure-sensing technology. If you brush too hard, Oral-B’s SmartRing feature illuminates, and the brush’s pulsations reduce in speed. If your gums are particularly irritation-prone, the Sensitive cleaning mode can be conveniently activated on the handle.
Instant Feedback While You Brush
As the ubiquity of Bluetooth technology grows, the short-range wireless communication standard is being integrated into increasingly many products, including Oral-B’s iO 10.
It’s easy to pair the Oral-B iO with a smartphone—simply install the Oral-B app, and connect the brush to your phone. Real-time feedback is provided, as well as a log of your brushing progress.
The Oral B iO does away with the “SmartRings” that the Genius used and replaces it with a clear, interactive onboard colour display – indicating brushing mode, timer, battery power, brushing feedback, greetings, and more – putting a new twist on the old ways of displaying information
Round Brush Head Provides Superior Clean Action. You’ve probably noticed that many professional dental tools feature round-shaped heads. Oral-B has taken its cue from those who know oral health best—every Oral-B replacement brush head is round, with carefully arranged bristle clusters that rotate, oscillate and pulsate around each tooth, removing up to one hundred per cent more plaque than a regular manual brush.
Advanced Battery Technology and Travel Case For Power on the Go Portable technology is great—it largely does away with tangly wires, at least when a device is in operation.
However, there’s no escaping the fact that those otherwise portable devices still need to be charged. Luckily, the Oral-B iO10 high-capacity lithium-ion battery provides plenty of full-power runtime, and the unique Smart Travel Case lets you charge your toothbrush.
New Brush, New Day—New Smile!
The only minor drawback I could find – if you could even call it that – is that the iO is not compatible with a wide variety of Oral B brush heads, you will need to buy iO-specific brush heads.
There are currently four brush heads available for the iO – “Ultimate Clean”, “Gentle Care”, “Radiant White”, and “Specialised Clean”. This electric toothbrush comes with one “Ultimate Care” replacement head which has a special ‘Tuft-in-Tuft’ bristle arrangement, designed to maximize plaque removal and clean deeper between teeth.
For those family members with sensitive teeth and gums, you can purchase a “Gentle Care” replacement head which features 4000 filaments and cushioning outer ring for a gentler brushing experience.
Braun Oral-b, a Trusted Brand, Recommended by Dentists
Braun Oral-B is a leading, international oral health care brand, reputed for its high standards of quality and performance. Not only do Oral-B electric toothbrushes outperform regular, manual toothbrushes—they’re the number-one household brand used and recommended by dentists… And Recommended by Us!
Proudly made in Germany, the Oral-B iO Series 9 is feature-rich, high quality, and built to last. It’s our most-recommended, top electric toothbrush pick overall.
Electric toothbrushes are renowned for their loud “buzzing” noise. Not a problem with the iO as it features a new state of the art linear Magnetic driven motor that delivers frictionless motion and transfers micro-vibrations directly to the bristle tips, making this not just the most powerful electric toothbrush, but the quietest.
It outperforms the competition, is highly-regarded, and provides serious power, giving you clean teeth, day after day. Consider it an investment in the future of your family oral health.
2. Philips Sonicare 9900 Prestige: Best Philips Electric Toothbrush for Plaque Removal
Although we’ve awarded Oral-B iO as the top pick, we’re also blown away with what Philips have to offer, and their impressive Sonic Electric Brushes shouldn’t be overlooked.
Philips sonic toothbrushes are recommended by dental professionals worldwide, and you may prefer their styling.
The Philips Sonicare Prestige and ProtectiveClean are highly effective and visually stunning electric toothbrushes that blend unique sonic technology with an elegant, understated appearance for unparalleled performance and style.
Clinically proven to remove up to 100% more plaque biofilm and to whiten teeth up to two times better than a manual toothbrush, the DiamondClean is one of the finest electric toothbrushes currently available.
Philips Sonicare 9900 Prestige HX9992/12 Features:
- Sleek toothbrush finished in matte black ceramic
- Diamond shaped brush head for optimum cleaning and whitening
- 100% more plaque removal in hard-to-reach areas than a manual toothbrush
- Optimal cleaning between teeth and along the gum line – improved gum health in just two weeks.
- Five brushing modes: clean, sensitive, gum care, white and polish.
The Philips Sonicare Prestige 9900 is a sight to behold – it’s finished in gorgeous, elegant matte black ceramic – and a range of other colours – with slick hidden LED controls.
Lights glow from inside the toothbrush handle and fade when not in use. The simple, uncluttered appearance allows it to blend into any modern bathroom, unnoticed and inoffensive to the eye when charging or idle; wonderful to behold while brushing.
The ceramic surface is also less porous than plastic, and the matte finish resists smearing and staining.
Clinically Proven Philips Sonicare Performance
The Sonic Prestige HX9992/12 is more than just a pretty package. Like all Philips Sonicare electric toothbrushes, it is designed to improve your oral health with clinically proven technology that removes plaque biofilm and whitens teeth far better than manual toothbrushes ever could.
The patented sonic technology powers fluid far in between the teeth and along the gum-line, preventing periodontal (gum) disease, resulting in noticeably healthier gums in as little as two weeks.
These results are backed by over 140 publications and abstracts from clinical and laboratory studies conducted at more than 40 international universities and research institutes. It’s no wonder that dentists recommend the Philips brand, and that there are over 22 million users of Sonicare toothbrushes worldwide.
Five Brushing Modes to Meet your Needs
Philips knows that everyone’s needs are unique. That’s why this brush has not one, not three, but five customized cleaning modes for maximum versatility, no matter your requirements. You can brush your teeth as you see fit, or alter your routine on your dental professional’s advice.
- Clean gives a “whole mouth” cleaning.
- White helps remove surface stains and whiten teeth.
- Polish brightens and polishes teeth for a naturally glowing smile.
- Gum Care gently stimulates and massages gums to improve overall oral health.
- Sensitive is an extra-gentle mode that’s easy on sensitive teeth.
Superior DiamondClean Brush Heads
Philips Sonicare brush heads use special diamond-shaped bristles, which create a larger surface area for cleaner, whiter teeth in as little as one week. Diamond bristle heads have 44 per cent more bristles than even Philips standard Pro Results brush heads, giving you the ultimate in cleanliness.
You can choose from two sizes of brush heads – the standard brush head is great for focused cleaning in any part of your mouth; the mini brush head is suitable for patients with orthodontics, or for those with smaller mouths, for whom larger brush heads may be uncomfortable.
The brush heads feature reminder bristles which gradually fade, providing a visual cue when it’s time for them to be replaced.
Unique, Versatile Dual Charging Options
Not only does the battery hold a charge for a remarkable length of time – up to three weeks – but the Philips Sonicare DiamondClean uses a dual charging system that’s perfect whether you’re at home or on the go.
Older models came with a charging glass that did double-duty: Use it to rinse your mouth, and use the advanced conduction technology to charge your brush – simply by placing it in the glass! But this has been replaced for a USB charging case and elegant bathroom stand.
The lack of a conventional charging base is in line with the elegant, uncluttered appearance of the toothbrush, and makes it look great in any bathroom.
Quadpacer interval timer signals you to move on to another quadrant (area) of your mouth after 30 seconds. The result is even, consistent cleaning, spread out over the dentist-recommended time of two minutes of brushing.
The built-in pressure sensor provides tactile feedback via gentle vibration to alert you if you’re brushing with too much pressure. Excessive brushing can, over time, cause gum damage.
Being alerted to this bad habit (often carried over from using manual toothbrushes) can help you adopt the correct brushing technique.
Hundreds of happy customer reviews attest to the performance of this brilliant electric toothbrush – We heartily recommend the Philips Sonicare DiamondClean electric toothbrush.
Read More: Most Powerful Water Flosser for Teeth and Gums
Oral-B Pro 3 CrossAction: Value Electric Toothbrush
If you don’t want to splash out a lot on a top-of-the-line electric toothbrush like the Oral-B iO Series 9 or SmartSeries, Philips Sonicare, then here’s our best budget electric toothbrush priced under £100.
Unquestionably, some electric toothbrushes are costly. However, families on a budget needn’t spend a princely sum to acquire a quality product.
In fact, the Oral-B Pro 3 falls very nicely into the great-value-for-your-money category and makes the grade as our best budget electric toothbrush.
Oral B Pro 3 Black Edition, Inspired by Professionals
As with all Oral-B products, the Pro 3 was clearly modelled after professional-grade dental tools.
Not only does the small, easy-to-move, but round brush head also fit perfectly over each tooth—it rotates, oscillates and pulsates, providing a triple-threat cleaning action that obliterates significantly more plaque than a manual toothbrush.
An Affordable Electric Toothbrush – and Advanced!
Though Oral-B’s Pro 3 is a “budget” electric toothbrush that packs a powerful punch, it doesn’t skimp on important features – like powerful Daily Clean and Gum Care cleaning modes, as well as a visible pressure sensor, which illuminates to alert you if you’re brushing too hard, that is, applying too much pressure, which can not only wear out bristles prematurely but damage or irritate gum tissue.
Daily Clean utilizes a 3D brushing action, perfectly suited to regular use, while Gum Care mode gently massages and stimulates your gums.
A Budget Electric Toothbrush with Timer
Most high-end electric toothbrushes feature a 2-minute timer – and that’s great news. After all, dental professionals recommend brushing for a full two minutes.
But it’s a pleasant surprise to discover that a low-priced, great value electric toothbrush like the Pro 3 has a timer that gives off a vibrating pulse every thirty seconds, reminding you to move to the next quadrant of your mouth, ensuring a perfectly even brushing, every time.
Sixteen Degrees of Clean!
Taking another cue from professional dental tools, the Pro 3 CrissCross bristles are arranged at a 16-degree angle – perfect for reaching far between teeth and to the gum line, removing plaque than an ordinary toothbrush would miss.
Enough Power to Brush For a Full Week
The built-in rechargeable battery, when charged to maximum capacity, stores enough power to provide a family up to seven days of cleanings.
Though it’s easy to place the toothbrush on its included charging stand when not in use, it’s reassuring to know that even if you occasionally forget to do so, the Oral-B Pro 3 will be ready when you need it.
Accommodates a Wide Range of Braun Toothbrush Head
In order to ensure that your needs are met, Oral-B electric toothbrushes are compatible with a wide variety of replaceable brush heads, suitable for deep cleaning, whitening, sensitive teeth, gum health, and more.
An Oral-B toothbrush head lasts for three to four months of average use—but always replace a brush head when its bristles look worn or faded, to ensure maximum cleaning performance. And the best thing about these head sis that they have unique coloured rings so each family member chooses a colour, so that you’re all able to distinguish brush head – just like you would with a toothbrush holder of manual brushes.
Looks Good, Travels Well! Though not a top-of-the-line product, the Oral-B Pro 3 shares the good looks of higher-end toothbrushes. Its white handle, black, rubberized coating, and subtle, red and blue accents make it look great on any bathroom counter.
And the free limited edition travel case makes it easy to take the Pro 3 with you and keep your teeth healthy and clean wherever you go.
A Perfect Budget-Friendly Brush The Oral-B Pro 3 is excellent as both a first-time buyer’s electric toothbrush and for anyone on a budget.
It’s affordable, but doesn’t forego important features, nor suffer from the poor build quality that plagues many lower-cost products. We highly recommend it!
A Guide to Buying The Best Electric Toothbrushes
At its core, an electric toothbrush is nothing more than a brush head attached to a handle, which houses a motor. However, the number of factors determine whether or not an electric toothbrush is actually good. Continue reading to learn more about the features to look for!
Does the Toothbrush Have a Built-in Timer?
A timer ensures that you’ll brush your teeth for a full, dentist-recommended two minutes, to remove plaque optimally. For further benefit, look for a toothbrush that features a quadrant timer, breaking up those two minutes into 30-second segments, for a perfectly even cleaning throughout all four quadrants of your mouth.
Electric Toothbrush Motor Power
Adequate power means your electric toothbrush is capable of powering all its extra features, as well as moving with the speed and intensity necessary to break apart plaque.
Electric Toothbrush with Best Battery Life
Good battery life will allow an electric toothbrush to run for multiple brushings without any drop in performance—even if you forget to place the brush back on its charger for a few consecutive days.
Think About Toothbrush Heads
Interchangeable brush heads are an important feature. Look for an electric toothbrush that’s compatible with a wide range of brush heads, from general-purpose, to floss-action, to sensitive and more – making it possible to select the right head, or heads, for your needs.
Do You Want an Electric toothbrush with Bluetooth Connectivity?
Bluetooth and smartphone connectivity will become ever more commonplace, as the ubiquity of smartphones and other connected devices increases. Some leading electric toothbrushes already feature wireless Bluetooth connectivity, allowing them to interface directly with phones and tablets. As such, you can use apps to monitor and record your brushing time and progress, and as a motivator to stay on track.
Built in Pressure Sensors
Pressure sensors help prevent over-brushing – a name given to some people’s tendency to apply excessive pressure when brushing (to do so is particularly common when one is accustomed to using a manual toothbrush). Over-brushing not only causes premature bristle wear but can damage gums. A pressure sensor provides an audible and/or visual warning when too much pressure is applied.
Travel Care and Storage
A travel case is an often overlooked, but an important accessory, allowing you to take your electric toothbrush with you while protecting it from damage, and keeping it and any extra parts, such as brush heads, organized.
Brushing Modes and Setting
Multiple brushing modes are as important as a wide range of brush head compatibility. For example, one person may need a mode for whitening their teeth, while another may require a setting for sensitive teeth.
Dental Professional Rating
A Professional Dental Association recommendation means that an electric toothbrush has undergone rigorous testing to ensure performance, effective cleaning, and safety. Oral-B electric toothbrushes carry the recommendation of the British Dental Health Foundation.
Picking the Best Oral-B and Philips Electric Toothbrush from the Bunch
There are myriad electric toothbrushes from which to choose. How did we narrow down the list to find the best toothbrush choices? By poring over customer reviews, and extensively researching and analysing a number of metrics, including how well and easily each toothbrush removes plaque, the manufacturer’s reputation, build quality and reliability… and more.
Customer reviews – found on the websites of reputable online merchants, such as Amazon, Boots, Argos and Tesco – play an important role in our selection and recommendation of products. When the majority of reviews for a particular toothbrush align with a manufacturer’s claims, we know we’re onto something good.
How effectively an electric toothbrush removes plaque is another key determinant in our recommendation process. Plaque, if left unchecked, leads to tooth decay and gum disease – the latter of which is linked to a number of additional health problems.
Ease of use cannot be understated. A good electric toothbrush should not complicate, whether by unnecessary features or design flaws, an inherently simple activity.
A manufacturer’s reputation isn’t quite the same as the general consensus formed by hundreds of customer reviews but is no less important. The widely-held high regard of an established manufacturer – such as Braun Oral-B or Philips – is indicative that a company can be trusted to produce a good product.
Build quality and reliability mean that an electric toothbrush is well-made, using good materials, constructed to tight tolerances and a high aesthetic standard, and is built to last, providing years of service.
Value for money is another way of saying that any electric toothbrush we recommend provides excellent quality and performance for the price you pay.
The recommendation of professional dentists – as well as the Oral Health Foundation (an independent dental charity that works toward improving oral health and hygiene standards in the UK and beyond), provides further assurance that an electric toothbrush has met rigorous safety and performance standards.
And, that’s a wrap! By this point, you now know the best Oral-b and Philips electric toothbrush to buy, and if you’re looking to keep costs down, our value option gives the best bang for your buck.
