Electric toothbrushes are a game-changer for oral hygiene, offering superior plaque removal and features like timers and pressure sensors that ensure you’re brushing effectively. But you don’t need to spend a fortune to get a quality brush. In this guide, we’ve compiled the best cheap electric toothbrushes of 2025, all under $100, based on expert testing and user reviews.
Our Top Picks for Cheap Electric Toothbrushes
1. Oral-B Pro 1000 – Best Overall Budget Electric Toothbrush
We’ve tested 66 electric toothbrushes in hundreds of trials at the bathroom sink. The minimalist yet effective Oral-B Pro 1000 is our top pick. This oscillating brush has an onboard two-minute timer, an audible pressure sensor, and a long-lasting battery. Its replacement brush heads are widely available and cost less than the competition. Our top pick for nearly a decade, the Oral-B Pro 1000 represents a superior value in a sea of electric toothbrushes stuffed with flashy features no one truly needs.
Shop Oral-B Pro 1000 on Amazon
Pros:
- Powerful oscillating motor for effective plaque removal
- Two-minute timer with 30-second quadrant pacing
- Audible pressure sensor to prevent over-brushing
- Affordable replacement heads ($5 each)
- Long-lasting battery (about two weeks)
Cons:
- Only one brushing mode
- Louder than some sonic models
- No travel case included
2. Philips Sonicare 4100 – Best Sonic Toothbrush for the Price
For tighter budgets, the Philips Sonicare 4100 is a straightforward toothbrush that cleans well and is simple to use. Its predecessor, the Philips Sonicare 4100, is almost equally matched in cleaning performance, comfort, and is about half the cost. Most budget shoppers should go with that. “I liked the smaller brush head of the 5100, which easily navigated notoriously hard-to-reach spots while remaining comfortable, thanks in part to the more sensitive modes,” wrote our tester.
Shop Philips Sonicare 4100 on Amazon
Pros:
- Effective sonic vibrations (31,000 strokes per minute)
- Two-minute timer with quadrant pacing
- Slim, lightweight design for easy handling
- Two intensity settings for sensitive teeth
- Compatible with affordable third-party brush heads
Cons:
- Pressure sensor is subtle (vibration change only)
- Slight toothpaste buildup between head and handle
- Battery life (two weeks) shorter than some competitors
3. Voom Sonic Pro 5 – Best Budget Brush with Multiple Modes
Best Budget: Voom Sonic Pro 5 Electronic Toothbrush at Amazon $60 Jump to Review. We tested over 40 electric toothbrushes to find the best in performance, ease of use, and value—these six stood out above the rest. Electric toothbrushes utilize rotating movements, oscillating technology, or sonic vibrations to effectively remove bacteria, plaque, and food particles.
Shop Voom Sonic Pro 5 on Amazon
Pros:
- Five brushing modes (Clean, White, Polish, Gum Care, Sensitive)
- Up to 40,000 vibrations per minute
- Includes eight brush heads for long-term value
- Two-minute timer with 30-second alerts
- Travel-friendly with a case included
Cons:
- Some users report inconsistent battery life
- Brush heads feel stiffer than premium brands
- No visible pressure sensor
4. AquaSonic Black Series – Best Value with ADA Seal
There are quite a few lesser-known electric toothbrush brands on Amazon, although this has the be the best. The best part is that it has the ADA seal of acceptance — something even a Phillips brush lacks. If you like the look and feel of a Sonicare brush and want better value out of your purchase, including spending less on replacement heads, the AquaSonic Black Series is for you.
Shop AquaSonic Black Series on Amazon
Pros:
- ADA Seal of Acceptance for proven efficacy
- 40,000 vibrations per minute for deep cleaning
- Four modes (Clean, Soft, Whiten, Massage)
- Includes eight brush heads and a travel case
- 30-day battery life
Cons:
- Some users report durability issues after a year
- Louder than premium sonic brushes
- No pressure sensor
Comparison Table: Best Cheap Electric Toothbrushes
| Model | Price | Type | Modes | Timer | Pressure Sensor | Battery Life | Replacement Heads |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Oral-B Pro 1000 | $50 | Oscillating | 1 | Yes (2-min, 30-sec) | Yes (Audible) | 2 weeks | $5 each |
| Philips Sonicare 4100 | $50 | Sonic | 2 | Yes (2-min, 30-sec) | Yes (Vibration) | 2 weeks | $5-$10 each |
| Voom Sonic Pro 5 | $60 | Sonic | 5 | Yes (2-min, 30-sec) | No | 3-4 weeks | $3-$5 each |
| AquaSonic Black Series | $40 | Sonic | 4 | Yes (2-min, 30-sec) | No | 4 weeks | $3 each |
Buying Guide: How to Choose a Cheap Electric Toothbrush
Shopping for an electric toothbrush? Read about types, features, and other must-know topics in our toothbrush buying guide to make an informed choice. Electric toothbrushes come in two main configurations, based on the shape of the brush head and the movement it makes. Which one is better? There’s no clear winner between the two in the scientific literature, and both types are well represented among the highest performers in CR’s tests. What works best for you will be whichever type you like best and are most likely to use consistently.
Key Features to Look For
- Two-Minute Timer: All the electric toothbrushes in our ratings have this feature. It’s a crucial one, because plenty of people tend to brush for less than the 2 minutes per brushing session that the American Dental Association recommends. In many cases, electric toothbrush timers work by vibrating every 30 seconds. If you think of your mouth as divided into four quadrants, these vibrations signal when it’s time to move on to the next quadrant.
- Pressure Sensor: This feature is another favorite of many dentists because you can cause a lot of problems for yourself when you press too hard with your toothbrush. Excessive pressure can wear down your enamel, the hard outermost layer of your teeth, which can cause your teeth to become more sensitive. Hard brushing can also damage your gums and cause them to recede.
- Battery Life: Look for a rechargeable toothbrush with at least two weeks of battery life to avoid frequent charging. Battery-operated models are less powerful but travel-friendly.
- Replacement Heads: Check the cost and availability of replacement heads. Budget brushes often come with multiple heads to reduce long-term costs.
- ADA Seal of Acceptance: When it comes to choosing an electric toothbrush, pick one you will use, dentists told us. As long as it gets the job done, is comfortable for you to use twice a day and is paired with fluoride toothpaste, any electric toothbrush is a suitable option. Still with so many options on the market, experts recommend thinking about the below to narrow down your options. American Dental Association Seal of Acceptance: Oral hygiene products like electric toothbrushes and kids electric toothbrushes can earn the ADA’s Seal of Acceptance. NBC Select
Oscillating vs. Sonic: Which Is Better?
In short, an oscillating toothbrush moves the bristles back and forth in a circular motion, while sonic brushes use vibrations to move the bristles in two directions to loosen plaque. The latter is measured in brush strokes per minute (BPM) and my selection was rated between 11,000 and 62,000 BPM. Miller says that some of her clients find the sonic brushes a bit “ticklish” at first, but this is something you can get used to over time. Which is better? A systematic review and meta-analysis of 38 comparison studies published in the International Journal of Dental Hygiene found a “small but clinically relevant advantage” for oscillating brushes. But it added that it’s “unlikely that dental care professionals in routine examination would be able to detect [the] small differences” between the two, meaning that personal preference should ultimately rule supreme.
In-Depth Analysis and User Experiences
We bought and tested the top 19 electric toothbrushes on the market to find the best option for every user. We looked at each model’s comfort, cleaning ability, ease of use, and battery life. We consulted with dentists and dental hygienists throughout our testing to ensure we were on the right track regarding tooth and gum health. Our team agreed that the Oral-B iO Series 9’s cleaning power and feature-rich capabilities make it one of the best electric toothbrush options on the market. For tighter budgets, the Philips Sonicare 4100 is a straightforward toothbrush that cleans well and is simple to use.
User Experience with Oral-B Pro 1000: “I bought this toothbrush myself back in 2020 when I first upgraded from a manual one. I have since upgraded again — more on that below — but revisited the Pro 1000 for testing. While the Oral-B Pro 1000 is a pretty basic and affordable entry-level electric toothbrush (high-end models could run you upwards of $300), it has all the main features dentists recommend.”
User Experience with Philips Sonicare 4100: The Sonicare 4100 is a great way to improve your oral hygiene routine, as it’s affordable, full-featured, effective and compatible with various replacement brush heads from Philips and third parties. This toothbrush comes with a single cross-action brush head but is compatible with many other Oral-B brush heads — such as ones geared toward flossing, sensitivity and precision.
Insight: There is such a thing as going too cheap with an electric toothbrush. In the years we have been testing brushes, we have yet to test an electric toothbrush that is less than $15 that really captures our attention in any serious way. Yes, inevitably there are some that are impressive options for the price, but there is always a compromise. What that compromise is depends on the brand and the particular model in question. The big question that needs to be asked is how can something be produced this cheap; are cheap labour sources being exploited? What quality of materials are being used?
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. Are cheap electric toothbrushes effective?
Do cheap electric toothbrushes work? Yes – if you get the right one. The most important parts of an electric toothbrush are a decent motor and a well designed cleaning head. Electric toothbrushes are pricey but if you’re willing to do without a few frills, you can get a high-quality brush, often with a surprising number of features.
2. How often should I replace the brush head?
Toothbrush bristles become worn and frayed over time, making them less effective at cleaning your teeth. It’s recommended that they’re replaced every three months. Here, I’ve linked to replacement toothbrush heads made by the brand and broken down the cost per head.
3. Can I use an electric toothbrush with braces?
Yes, you absolutely can use an electric toothbrush if you have braces. Electric toothbrushes can even be the most effective way for folks with braces to clean their teeth (and the braces). If you have braces and are shopping for an electric toothbrush, opt for a brush head with soft bristles.
4. Are sonic or oscillating toothbrushes better?
Different electric toothbrush brands opt for different cleaning techniques. Sonic brushes work by producing vibrations to remove plaque, while oscillating brushes rotate to produce the same effect. While it’s an easy matter to find studies indicating that electric toothbrushes are superior to manual brushes in plaque removal, it’s hard to find conclusive evidence that one type of electric brush technique is better than the rest.
5. Do I need a toothbrush with smart features?
Do smart features really help you get your teeth cleaner? Our cleaning and ease of use scores focus on the toothbrush itself and don’t factor in the use of any apps. But Misha Kollontai, who leads CR’s electric toothbrush testing, says to keep in mind that brushing fundamentals—2 minutes twice a day—are likely going to have much more impact on your oral health than any brush’s smart features. “Don’t base your buying decision on the presence of an app unless you think a specific feature of that app will ensure you brush more often,” he says.
Conclusion
Upgrading to an electric toothbrush doesn’t have to break the bank. The Oral-B Pro 1000 and Philips Sonicare 4100 offer dentist-recommended features like timers and pressure sensors at an affordable price, while the Voom Sonic Pro 5 and AquaSonic Black Series provide excellent value with multiple modes and long battery life. By focusing on essential features and avoiding unnecessary frills, you can achieve a healthier smile without spending a fortune. Choose a model that fits your needs and budget, and enjoy the benefits of a cleaner, brighter smile.