June 6, 2025, 7:16 pm | Read time: 4 minutes
Electric toothbrushes make daily oral hygiene easier. They are available from countless providers with different features and in various price categories. Some offer a strong battery that lasts a long time before needing a recharge. Others fit particularly well in the hand or even come with an app function. Which toothbrush is worth buying? The decision can be difficult with such a wide selection. Perhaps the following product test can help you decide.
Testers from “BILD” have thoroughly examined 17 electric toothbrushes. The focus was on cleaning performance, handling, battery life, noise level, smart features, and sustainability. The results show: Good dental care doesn’t have to be expensive–but the details matter.
Overview
Test Winner: Laifen Wave–quiet, thorough, strong
The Laifen Wave secures first place with excellent cleaning performance, quiet operation (only 46 dB), and an innovative mix of oscillation and vibration. Despite minimalist features, it impresses with ergonomics, long battery life (94 minutes), and a space-saving magnetic charging cable. Price: about 80 euros.
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Price Tip: Oral-B iO Series 2–affordable and effective
For beginners, the Oral-B iO Series 2 offers solid performance at a low price (about 59 euros). The proven magnetic drive technology cleans reliably, and three brushing modes ensure easy operation. App control and luxury features have been omitted–but the price-performance ratio is right. Among the tested electric toothbrushes, this product ranked fourth.
Electric Toothbrushes in Test: More Highlights
- Philips Sonicare 9900 Prestige: with sonic technology and excellent cleaning effect.
- Playbrush Smart One: best battery life in the test (148 minutes), but slight weaknesses in bristle quality.
- Happybrush Eco Vibe 3: sustainable pioneer with recycled housing and bamboo brush heads.
- Oral-B iO Series 10: very smart but expensive–scores with app, precise cleaning, and long runtime.
You can find the detailed test results from the BILD colleagues here.
The Test Criteria
All models had to pass under identical laboratory conditions.
Cleaning Performance
The effectiveness of cleaning was made visible using plaque-disclosing tablets–especially in hard-to-reach areas like molars and along the gumline.
Practicality
Grip, ergonomics, usability with wet hands, and noise level were tested in practical use.
Battery Performance
In continuous operation, the runtime with a fully charged battery was measured, as well as the charging speed.
Smart Features
If available, app connectivity, Bluetooth stability, brushing analysis, and additional functions were evaluated.
Charging Technology & Accessories
Design, stability of the charging station, and the quality and price of replacement brushes were examined.
Sustainability
Materials, packaging, USB charging capability, and repair options like battery replacement (unfortunately not possible with any model) were evaluated.
“FITBOOK Experts” protagonist Dr. Anne Heinz explains in the following video what you should know about cavities:
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What to Consider When Buying
- Brush Head Shape: round heads (e.g., Oral-B) clean targeted areas, while elongated sonic brushes (e.g., Laifen, Philips) cover larger areas.
- Noise Level: Significant differences in the test–from whisper-quiet (Laifen) to noticeably loud (Oral-B iO 3N).
- App Features: Only some apps (Oral-B, Playbrush) offer real added value. Others disappoint.
- Follow-up Costs: Replacement heads can cost up to 6 euros each–be sure to budget for this.
- Sustainability: Some models use recycled materials–however, battery replacement remains impossible for all.
Conclusion
It’s not the brand name that matters, but the combination of cleaning performance, comfort, and price. The test winner Laifen Wave offers a well-rounded package, while the Oral-B iO Series 2 is a real insider tip for bargain hunters. Those who travel a lot should pay attention to battery life–and those who want to buy environmentally consciously will find what they need with Happybrush.
Tip: Before buying, pay attention to battery life, noise level, brush head prices, and possible app extras–this way, everyone can find the right toothbrush for their daily routine.