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Welcome to Skimm Tested, a series where we put viral products to the test and give you our honest, unfiltered reviews.
How we tested…
Myself and three editors swapped out their manual toothbrushes with an electric one of their choice. We used them morning and night every day over the course of three months.
What I Tested…
Philips Sonicare 4100 ($39.96)
Why I Tested…
Test Results…
Ease of use. If you’re looking for a basic, uncomplicated electric toothbrush, this is the one for you. It has a built-in two minute timer that vibrates every 30 seconds to tell you to switch quadrants. I also love that it has an automatic sensor that tells you when you’re applying too much pressure. If you have a solid dental routine in place and have good dental hygiene, start here.
Battery life. The battery-life claims to last up to 14 days, but I’ve found that it’s lasted way longer than that. The device will also notify you when it’s time to change your brush head.
Effectiveness. I’ve used a manual toothbrush for almost my entire life, and I’ve always gotten stellar reports at the dentist. I was worried that switching to an electric toothbrush would change that. My teeth are just as clean, but this electric toothbrush is gentler on my gums.
What Ali Tested…
Philips Sonicare ExpertClean 7500 ($199.99)
Why Ali Tested…
Test Results…
Cleaning power. Compared to the 4100 I tested, Ali’s Philips Sonicare ExpertClean 7500 is a step-up for those who have had dental issues. Like the 4100, it has a built-in timer, a sensitivity sensor, and brush head notification, but it differs in that it has multiple settings and intensities to choose from. Ali has dealt with weakening enamel, gum recession, and cavities, so paying the more premium price for a brush like this is worth it. She also previously tested out Quip’s electric toothbrush, and she says that there’s a noticeable difference in cleanliness after using the 7500 versus Quip’s — with the ExpertClean 7500 reigning supreme.
Progress reports. This toothbrush pairs with Philips’ corresponding app to deliver insights into how well you’re brushing and how you can improve your dental hygiene. While this might not be necessary for everyone, it’s a great visual for those looking to see where they can be brushing more.
Battery life. This one also claims to last up to two weeks on a single charge, though customers rave that it lasts longer. It also comes with its own portable case for travel.
What Abby Tested…
Autobrush Sonic Pro ($79)
Why Abby Tested…
Test Results…
Effortless nature. If you hate brushing your teeth, this is the brush for you. Autobrush has bristles in the shape of your smile (it’s shaped similarly to those LED at-home teeth whitening kits on the market). To use, apply three dots of toothpaste on the top and bottom and bite down. You can select from a few timer settings starting at 30 seconds (though we suggest brushing for a full two minutes). Rotate the device in small circles clockwise and counter clockwise. Between that and its vibrations, you’ll get a deep clean across your entire mouth. Once you’re done, remove the brush head to rinse with warm water and let it dry in a clean place. It’ll last up to two weeks on a single charge. Abby has a small mouth and says that the small adult size fits her perfectly. PS: You can buy the brand’s own foam toothpaste in a bundle or use your regular toothpaste.
Light therapy. In addition to being a toothbrush, the Autobrush has light therapy built into the device. There’s red light for gum care and blue light for whitening. Depending on your needs you can select one light therapy setting or a mix of both.
Compact nature. Compared to Ali’s Philips Sonicare ExpertClean 7500, this device is small and easy to travel with. This would be great for electric toothbrush loyalists who are looking for a slim option to travel with.
What Ale tested…
Oral-B Pro 1000 ($49.94)
Why Ale tested…
Test Results…
Ease of use. This toothbrush is so easy to use that you don’t even have to read its instructions. It has an automatic two-minute timer that starts as soon as you press the power button. The brush head is also removable which Ale found to be very hygienic since it made it easier to clean without damaging any of the electrical parts. Since there’s only one button, you can easily switch between the three cleaning modes (a higher intensity, a lower intensity, and a gradual pulse setting.)
Charging station. One of Ale’s favorite things about this toothbrush is that it’s always fully charged thanks to its always-on charging base. Just plug it in and place your toothbrush on it after brushing and it immediately begins to charge. The base keeps the toothbrush upright and takes up minimal counterspace.
Intensity. Fair warning, this brush is intense, regardless of which mode it's on. It works wonders, but Ale found that she was brushing way too hard the first few times she used it. The brush has a red light to signal when there’s too much pressure being applied.
Price. At nearly $50, this toothbrush is mid-tier in price compared to the others we tested. However, it gets the job done. You can purchase Oral-B compatible replacement heads at about $1 a piece, which practically gives you a brand new toothbrush.
Sidenotes…
Philips Sonicare 4100. Be sure to wipe off the bottom to prevent it from getting gunky on your countertop.
Philips Sonicare ExpertClean 7500. Ali flagged that this toothbrush is pretty tall, so it fits awkwardly in medicine cabinets. In order for it to fit, lay it on its side or store upright on your counter. For an electric toothbrush, this one is a splurge. If you aren’t managing persistent dental issues, we’d recommend going with a cheaper option like the 4100.
Autobrush. This is the only ADA-approved, U-shaped toothbrush. You cannot brush your tongue with this model of a toothbrush (which is crucial for keeping your breath fresh). Be sure to buy a separate tongue scraper or manual toothbrush as a way to keep your tongue clean.
Oral-B Pro 1000. When Ale asked her dentist about this brush’s intense pressure, she noted that with electric toothbrushes, it’s important to let them do the work. In other words, very slight manual pressure goes a long way as the micro-vibrations take care of the rest.
The Fine Details…
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