To keep your teeth in their best shape, not just any toothbrush will do. Compared to manual toothbrushes, electric toothbrushes make it easier to remove plaque, reduce bacteria and polish teeth while protecting enamel — and if you're considering a switch from manual to electric, there are a few factors you'll want to keep in mind when shopping.
Oral-B and Sonicare are two of the most popular dentist-recommended brands on the market, known for ergonomic designs, powerful cleaning modes and effective results. Our product analysts in the Good Housekeeping Institute have tested nearly a dozen electric toothbrushes in recent years, evaluating everything from cleaning performance to charging speed.
While the Oral-B Pro1000 Rechargeable Electric Toothbrush is currently our top pick when it comes to the best electric toothbrushes, each brand has its pros and cons, so we’ve broken down the key differences between Oral-B and Sonicare to help you choose the best one for your needs.
Our Top Oral-B Picks
Oral-B Pro 1000 Rechargeable Electric Toothbrush
Pros
- Exceptional performance
- Easy to use
- Gentle on teeth and gums
- Top-rated for customer satisfaction
Cons
- Louder than other models we tested
- Charging base tends to build up residue
Oral-B iO Series 9 Electric Toothbrush
Pros
- Seven cleaning modes
- AI coaching to help you brush more effectively
- Interactive color display
Cons
- Design is a bit bulky
Our Top Philips Sonicare Picks
Pros
- Slim, lightweight design
- Two different brushing intensities
Cons
- Charger adaptor and travel case not included
Philips Sonicare 9900 Prestige Rechargeable Electric Power Toothbrush
Pros
- Top overall score in Lab tests
- Easy and intuitive to use
- Rechargeable via travel case
Cons
- Loud, per Quiet Mark ratings
Price
Price is a key factor when choosing an electric toothbrush, and both Oral-B and Sonicare offer models to fit different budgets. We've tested both entry-level and high-end models from each brand to help shoppers find the best value.
If cost is your main concern, we think Oral-B gives you more bang for your buck. The Oral-B Pro 1000 earned top marks from consumer testers and costs $70 at full price (though it’s often discounted on Amazon, where it has over 40,000 five-star ratings). Plus, replacement brush heads start at $16, making them more affordable than Sonicare’s, which begin at $30.
If you're ready to splurge on a high-end model, our experts recommend the Sonicare 9900 Prestige. Though it's the most expensive toothbrush we tested, both experts and users agreed it's worth the investment for its user-friendly features and app-guided tools. It even includes a travel case that charges your toothbrush on the go.
For a slightly lower price, Oral-B’s iO Series 9 is another excellent choice. While it scored slightly lower in performance and satisfaction compared to Sonicare, it’s still a solid high-tech option that offers great value.
Features
Whether you're looking for a top-of-the-line electric toothbrush with all the extras or a budget-friendly starter model, understanding key features can help narrow your search.
Earning top Lab and consumer satisfaction scores, the Sonicare 9900 Prestige offers the most advanced features of all the toothbrushes we tested, like sensing your brushing movements, adjusting vibrations to protect teeth and gums, tracking missed spots and more. Two intensity settings let you customize your experience, and the connected app helps improve brushing habits over time.
For a more affordable option, the Sonicare 4100 Power Toothbrush still provides essential features like a two-minute timer, pressure sensor and two intensity settings. In our tests, it stood out for its ease of use, durability and quietness.
However, our best overall pick is the Oral-B Pro 1000 for a reason: It delivers impressive features like an intuitive interface, three brushing modes and a pressure sensor at a fraction of the cost of other models.
For even more advanced features, Oral-B's top-of-the-line iO Series model offers smart capabilities like real-time AI "coaching" to guide your brushing, seven cleaning modes, and an interactive display to track brushing time for a personalized experience.
Design
Design might seem like a minor detail, but the shape of your toothbrush head and handle can significantly impact how easily you can clean your teeth. If you prefer the look and feel of a traditional toothbrush, you’ll likely gravitate toward Sonicare's elongated brush head. Its rows of side-to-side moving bristles and narrow shape make it easier to reach tricky spots in your mouth.
On the other hand, some may prefer the circular brush head of Oral-B toothbrushes, inspired by those used in dentists’ offices. While the bulkier head may take a bit more effort to clean molars, its oscillating design is effective at loosening plaque. Keep in mind, not all Oral-B brush heads are interchangeable: the iO Series 9 requires specific iO brush heads, while other series can share brush heads.
Charging Stands and Travel
Since electric toothbrushes require charging, they take up more countertop space than manual ones. Both Sonicare and Oral-B offer compact charging stands, but we found Sonicare’s to be better in terms of footprint and ease of maintenance. In our testing, Oral-B’s charging stand tended to accumulate residue, so it required more frequent cleaning than Sonicare’s.
If you travel often, a model with a travel case is essential. Both brands offer cases, some of which double as chargers, but Sonicare’s cases are more compact. This might not be a big deal if you don’t travel much, but frequent travelers should note that Oral-B models may take up a bit more space in your toiletry bag.
Bottom Line: Oral-B or Sonicare?
If you're looking for a budget-friendly option with all the essential features to keep your teeth clean, we think Oral-B electric toothbrushes are the way to go.
Our experts and testing panel loved the intuitive features and effective cleaning of the Oral-B Pro 1000, which is currently priced under $50 at Amazon. Plus, replacement brush heads are affordable. If you're ready to upgrade, the AI-powered iO Series 9 offers advanced features at a more reasonable price than its competitors.
For those seeking top-of-the-line features, design and cutting-edge technology, we recommend the Sonicare 9900 Prestige. It earned the highest overall scores in our Lab tests and the best customer satisfaction ratings, making it worth the splurge. Sonicare toothbrushes are also ideal for anyone who prefers the traditional shape of a manual toothbrush, which can help reach those hard-to-clean areas.
Why You Can Trust Our Reviews
At the Good Housekeeping Institute, we test a wide range of health and wellness products, including electric toothbrushes. When evaluating Oral-B and Sonicare models, our experts assessed performance, features, design and size to determine which brand best fits different needs. We also gathered feedback from our consumer testing panel to guide our top picks.
Samantha Jones, a commerce editor at Good Housekeeping, reviews products like running shoes, luggage, vacuums and more. To determine the best brand between Oral-B and Sonicare, she drew on testing results from GH Institute's Health, Beauty & Sustainability Lab and insights from GH consumer testers.
Samantha is a lifestyle commerce editor at Hearst magazines, where she covers fashion, fitness gear, tech, and viral products. She has over six years of editorial experience, including writing, editing, and hands-on product testing for commerce stories—whether it be an in-depth running shoe review or a curation of the latest Prime Day deals. As an avid runner and former Division I athlete, Samantha has particular expertise in fitness gear, apparel, shoes, and tech. (In fact, when she’s not at her desk, she’s probably out for a run.)
You can find Samantha’s work in Cosmopolitan, Good Housekeeping, House Beautiful, Country Living, Real Simple, Better Homes & Gardens, PEOPLE, and more.
