Oral-B’s $50 model is a great entry into the world of electric toothbrushes if you’re wanting to make the upgrade from a manual without spending a fortune. Inspired by the round brush head dentists use, Oral-B’s Pro 1000 model has limited features but effective ones, making it a solid pick for a thorough clean. 

“This toothbrush is a great switch from manual if cost is an issue,” says Fatima Khan, a Houston-based dentist and co-founder at Riven Oral Care. “It has oscillating, pulsating and rotating actions to break down plaque. This is a great option for a cleaner feel compared to a manual toothbrush.” 

Plus, “the round brush head cleans better [than a manual] and has smart pressure sensors,” Khan says.

The only downside, she adds, is that it only offers one brushing mode.

“Sonicare is still my tried-and-true for maximum value,” says dentist Dr. Jennifer Chiang, who has her own practice in Sunnyvale, California. “Sonicare’s ProtectiveCare 4100 is the best basic model.” 

She’s not the only dentist who vouches for this effective entry-level electric toothbrush from Phillip Sonicare’s highly regarded line. 

“My favorite electric toothbrush for adults is the Philips Sonicare 4100,” says Dr. Sandip Sachar, a New York City dentist with more than 20 years of clinical experience. “It’s compact, affordable and easy to use.” 

This toothbrush provides a gentle but effective clean thanks to its Advanced Sonic Technology, which helps pulse toothpaste between teeth and along the gumline for a deeper clean than manual brushes can provide.

“I love the brush head size; it’s not too big and not too small," says Dr. Sachar. “And I like that it has a two-minute timer and also a sensor for too much pressure. So if you’re brushing too hard, it will let you know to ease up the pressure through a vibration or pulse change.”

“I love this brush for many reasons,” says the “Queen of Smiles,” dentist Dr. Louisa Correa about the Oral-B iO Series 9 Electric Toothbrush. “All Oral-B electric brushes have a round head (the number one reason this is the best brush). The round head mimics the prophy angle that is used in dental offices to clean your teeth and gently glides just under the gum tissue.”

“The iO series has magnetic technology in the handle versus old-school gear, making the brush lighter and quieter,” Dr. Correa says. This design makes it easier to handle and work around your mouth. 

“It has several modes to choose from: daily care, gum massage, and whitening modes,” Dr. Correa says. “The iO series also provides personalized brushing tips and coaching, showing where you need to spend more time or areas that you are missing. There are also features like a travel case with charger and a super-long battery life that make this my favorite brush.” 

“Go for the [Sonicare DiamondClean] 9900 Prestige if you want design,” says Chiang. “The 9900 is for those that are excited by the most elevated design and AI adaptation to your brushing style. It’s definitely a premium brush, but if it gets you excited to brush and you aren't concerned with costs, it's the top-of-the-line brush.” 

"I personally use the [Sonicare] 9900 series because it is [Sonicare’s] top-of-the-line brush that they offer, and I like to put my oral care first,” says dentist Dr. Thomas Dobie. “It’s a very sleek-looking brush with a great charging dock for at-home use and an even better charging case for travel.” (Even better for travel? He says it has excellent battery life.)

Plus, if you know you tend to brush too hard, Sonicare’s 9900 is “very good at preventing you from brushing too hard with built-in sensor technology,” says Dobie. “Brushing too hard is one of the leading causes of gum recession and this helps fight against that.” 

“It has a smaller head that’s especially good for smaller mouths and gaggers, and those are usually the folks that don’t brush well as a result,” says dentist Dr. Jonathan Neman of Neman Family Practice in Great Neck, New York. “I also like that it has a pressure sensor to prevent brushing too hard, which can cause gum recession that is bone loss underneath.” 

Just as detrimental as under-brushing is over-brushing, whether it’s because it’s done too frequently or, as many people do, you push down too hard when you clean. This brush can help you snap into better brushing habits for a healthier smile. 

“This toothbrush is designed with the user in mind,” says Dr. Hiren Bhatt, a dentist at Alton Dental. “Clinically, I notice patients have issues with over-brushing, so the pressure sensor is a great feature to help mitigate that. The brush head is strong, but won't harm your teeth, and the instructional feedback is a great feature to help brush better.”

It’s a great all-round pick, no matter where you are on your brushing journey. 

“From a dental point of view, I recommend it to those who prefer the convenience of an automatic brush head, but want the peace of mind that their teeth are being cleaned to a professional standard,” he says.