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The best electric toothbrush 2026: 6 models from rotating to sonic, from premium to budget
Updated 25 October 2026
Short answer
The best electric toothbrush for most people is the Oral-B iO Series 9N: first place at testit.de (avg. 1.6) and 'very good' (1.3) at CHIP. If you prefer sonic brushing, choose the Philips Sonicare 5500, which according to testit.de won the Stiftung Warentest test with 1.7 and also led at KONSUMENT. The budget pick is the Oral-B iO 3N, the Sonicare 7100 adds a travel case and more modes, and the Sonicare 5300 and Oral-B Pro 3 3000 are affordable options.
How we chose
For this list we analysed independent tests: the freely available information from Stiftung Warentest (test 11/2025, database of 48 toothbrushes), the ranking and individual reviews on testit.de with results from CHIP, Computer Bild, netzwelt and others, the Guter Rat test (issue 07/2026) and the test by Austrian magazine KONSUMENT (May 2026), alongside manufacturer specs. We only included models sold in Germany in 2026. We did not test the toothbrushes ourselves. We only quote Stiftung Warentest grades where they are freely listed on testit.de.
What to look for: rotating or sonic
According to Stiftung Warentest, no brushing system shows clear cleaning advantages. Rotating brushes have a round head and clean one tooth at a time. Sonic brushes have a longer head that covers several teeth at once. Choose based on your brushing habits, and if in doubt, ask your dentist.
What to look for: pressure control
Stiftung Warentest recommends models that warn you with a light or vibration when you press too hard. This matters most if your gums have already receded, according to Warentest. Too little pressure can reduce cleaning, according to KONSUMENT. All six models on this list have pressure control.
What to look for: battery and charging time
Measured runtimes vary widely, from around 10 days to about 50 days. Full charging, however, often takes 11 to 24 hours, and many models do not charge via USB. If you travel a lot, a charging case helps.
What to look for: battery replacement and durability
Stiftung Warentest checks whether you can replace the battery yourself and asks manufacturers whether customer service can do it. For many models, only customer service can, for example the Sonicare 7100.
What to look for: running costs of brush heads
Stiftung Warentest recommends replacing the brush head about every three months. Original heads are expensive, especially for premium models, which several tests list as a drawback. For some Philips models, cheaper universal heads fit according to testit.de.
What to look for: modes, app and extras
A display, an app and many modes are convenient but not essential for clean teeth. On the Oral-B iO Series 10, mouth zone detection was often wrong according to testit.de, and a whitening mode showed no visible effect in one test. U-shaped heads meant to clean all teeth at once were rated unsatisfactory by KONSUMENT.
Frequently asked questions
Which electric toothbrush won the Stiftung Warentest?
Stiftung Warentest lists 48 electric toothbrushes in its database, with 13 new models added in November 2025. According to testit.de, the Philips Sonicare 5500 came out on top with a grade of 1.7 and 'very good' (1.3) cleaning. The full results are only in the paid section of test.de.
Is a sonic toothbrush better than a rotating one?
Not as a rule. According to Stiftung Warentest, no system shows clear cleaning advantages, and this list includes good models of both types. Your brushing technique and pressure control matter more. If you have sensitive or receding gums, it is best to talk to your dentist.
Does a good electric toothbrush have to be expensive?
No. According to Stiftung Warentest, good models start at about 12 euros, and KONSUMENT found good quality from around 20 euros, such as the Sensident Perfect Clean Professional from Müller. Expensive models mainly add comfort such as a display, app and travel case. According to Guter Rat, differences lie mainly in features, battery and running costs.
How often should I replace the brush head?
Stiftung Warentest recommends replacing it about every three months. Rinse the head after each use and let it air-dry. Brush for at least two minutes, split across four sections of your mouth; many brushes help with a 30-second timer.
Is an electric toothbrush with an app worth it?
You do not need an app for better cleaning. Guter Rat praises the app analysis and real-time feedback of the Oral-B iO Series 10, but according to testit.de its mouth zone detection was often wrong, and app tracking on the iO Series 9N was not always accurate. The Philips Sonicare 5500 cleans as thoroughly as premium models without an app.