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Best electric toothbrushes for plaque removal

Our top pick is the Oral-B iO Series 5. Plaque removal comes down to brush motion, head design and two full minutes. We favor models experts measured as removing the most plaque and owners say leave teeth feeling cleanest.

If you only read one thing

Our top pick for plaque is the Oral-B iO Series 5: it suits you if you have sensitive gums and want a softer, gentler feel. If you want the least hassle over the years, look at the Oral-B Pro 1000. The Philips Sonicare ProtectiveClean 4100 is the one people are happiest living with.

Questions people actually ask

What is the best electric toothbrush for plaque?

The Oral-B iO Series 5. It suits you if you have sensitive gums and want a softer, gentler feel.

Based on: Highest score of the 8 electric toothbrushes we rank for plaque.

What is the most reliable electric toothbrush for plaque?

The Oral-B Pro 1000. It's the least likely to give you trouble.

Based on: Reliability 84; problems mentioned by 6% of owners.

Which electric toothbrush for plaque are people happiest with?

The Philips Sonicare ProtectiveClean 4100. People who live with it are the most satisfied.

Based on: Owners score 84, from ratings and comments.

How much should I spend on a electric toothbrush for plaque?

The top-rated ones start around $40 and go up to about $200. The Philips Sonicare ProtectiveClean 4100 is the lowest-priced of the leaders.

Based on: US prices quoted in expert reviews and at Amazon.com for the six highest-scoring models.

What should I look for in a electric toothbrush for plaque?

Plaque removal comes down to brush motion, head design and two full minutes. We favor models experts measured as removing the most plaque and owners say leave teeth feeling cleanest.

Based on: What expert reviews and owners stress for this need.

The leaderboard

60% overall score · 40% fit for this need
  1. 01Oral-B iO Series 5

    Oral-B iO Series 5

    Gentle, quiet, excellent cleaner, held back by pricey heads and slow charging

    EXPOWNREL81
    85 for this need2 of 3 expert reviews recommend it for this99% of owner mentions are positive
  2. 02Philips Sonicare ProtectiveClean 4100

    Philips Sonicare ProtectiveClean 4100

    A simple, affordable sonic brush that cleans impressively well

    EXPOWNREL81
    77 for this need1 of 4 expert reviews recommend it for this93% of owner mentions are positive
  3. 03Oral-B Pro 1000

    Oral-B Pro 1000

    A simple, affordable brush that cleans like pricier models

    EXPOWNREL78
    76 for this need1 of 4 expert reviews recommend it for this97% of owner mentions are positive
  4. 04Philips Sonicare DiamondClean 9000

    Philips Sonicare DiamondClean 9000

    Superb cleaner with a premium feel, but durability is a real worry

    EXPOWNREL61
    76 for this need4 of 4 expert reviews recommend it for this96% of owner mentions are positive
  5. 05Oral-B Genius X

    Oral-B Genius X

    A thorough-cleaning smart brush that's loud and firm on gums

    EXPOWNREL74
    74 for this need2 of 6 expert reviews recommend it for this100% of owner mentions are positive
  6. 06Oral-B iO Series 9

    Oral-B iO Series 9

    Superb, gentle cleaner with smart coaching, but pricey and battery-hungry

    EXPOWNREL70
    74 for this need4 of 8 expert reviews recommend it for this98% of owner mentions are positive
  7. 07Philips Sonicare 4100

    Philips Sonicare 4100

    A simple, gentle sonic brush that cleans superbly for little money

    EXPOWNREL72
    66 for this need2 of 4 expert reviews mention it as a strength90% of owner mentions are positive
  8. 08Quip Sonic

    Quip Sonic

    Sleek, simple travel brush, but durability is a real worry

    EXPOWNREL54
    46 for this need70% of owner mentions are positive

Fit = share of expert reviews that recommend it for this, plus what owners report on the related topics. How we score.