Toothbrushes

What's behind our toothbrush Ratings?

Experts at our National Testing and Research Center tested 8 models in toothbrushes to see which ones perform best.
We look for:
  • Overall score
    This is based mainly on cutting performance, handling, and ease of use. The displayed score is out of a total of 100 points.
  • New head ($)
    Approximate retail price of an individual toothbrush head.
  • Plaque
    How well each model removed plaque.
  • Ease of use
    Represents the judgment of the panel of testers of how easy the toothbrush is to use.
  • Comfort
    How comfortable the toothbrush is to hold and manipulate and how comfortable it is in the mouth.

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Toothbrush user reviews

Share your reviews and provide valuable feedback to other members and our testers.

Recommended toothbrushes

Recommended toothbrushes are standout choices with high scores. They include CR Best Buys, which offer exceptional value. When narrowing your choices, weigh features, price, and attributes that matter to you.
We tested 10 electric toothbrushes that cost from $15 to $140. Nine have rechargeable bases; one uses AA batteries. Most have built-in 2-minute timers that either signal or shut the toothbrush off after 2 minutes, plus "quadpacers" that signal every 30 seconds so that you spend an equal time on each quadrant of your mouth. If you're looking for information about toothbrushes, Consumer Reports is your best resource. Consumer Reports’ toothbrush reviews will give you honest buying advice that you can trust. Use our toothbrush buying guide to discover which features are most important to consider. We also provide unbiased Ratings and toothbrush reviews to help you choose the best toothbrush for your needs.

Toothbrush buying guide


Toothbrush buying guide


Toothbrushes come in all sizes and colors--some spin and others pulsate. But a toothbrush is worthless if you're brushing incorrectly. Our ShopSmart editors consulted with Kimberly Harms, DDS, a dentist in Farmington, Minn., and a consumer adviser for the American Dental Association, on keeping your teeth healthy and when an electric toothbrush comes in handy.

Who should buy a power toothbrush? All you really need is a good soft-bristled manual toothbrush if you take the time and effort to really clean your teeth. ... Read more

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