Best Sonic Toothbrushes

What separates the best sonic toothbrush picks?

Cleaning performance carries the most weight in our scoring (35 points), and it's where these brushes split. The Sonicare DiamondClean 9000 scored 8.8 with 85% plaque removal, the gentlest feel of the high scorers, and an app coverage map that caught spots our testers missed. The Sonicare ProtectiveClean 6100 scored 8.4 at $110 with 83% plaque removal, a pressure sensor, BrushSync head reminders and a two-week battery. The Sonicare 4100 scored 8.3 at $50 with 82% plaque removal and the gentlest action in the test.

Below those, the hum Smart Rechargeable scored 7.6 at $45 with 76% plaque removal and app coaching that shows missed zones. The quip Electric Toothbrush scored 7.2 at $40 with 72% plaque removal — the vibration is weak, but it runs three months on one AAA and the cover sticks to a mirror.

What should I check before buying a sonic toothbrush?

Comfort and pressure control is worth 20 points, so look at whether a pressure sensor is included. The DiamondClean 9000, ProtectiveClean 6100 and 4100 have one; the hum and quip do not. Battery and build is 15 points: the ProtectiveClean 6100 and 4100 each run two weeks per charge, while the quip goes three months on one AAA.

Replacement head cost is another 15 points. Heads for the hum and quip run about $5 each; DiamondClean 9000 heads are about $10 each. Modes and app is the last 15 points — the DiamondClean 9000's modes are more than most people use, and the ProtectiveClean 6100 has no app, which some testers preferred.

Which sonic toothbrush for whom?

• Sonicare DiamondClean 9000 ($230): for anyone who wants the app coverage map and head recognition, and will use the modes.
• Sonicare ProtectiveClean 6100 ($110): for a middle-ground Sonicare with a pressure sensor, travel case and no app.
• Sonicare 4100 ($50): for sensitive gums — the gentlest brush in the test, with a pressure sensor and QuadPacer.
• hum Smart Rechargeable ($45): for a budget brush with app coaching, if you'll actually use the map.
• quip Electric Toothbrush ($40): for travel convenience — no charger to pack and $5 subscription heads.

For sensitive gums, the Sonicare 4100 is the gentlest brush in the test at $50. If you want the app coverage map and head recognition, the Sonicare DiamondClean 9000 is the pick; the Sonicare ProtectiveClean 6100 sits in the middle at $110. On a tight budget, the hum Smart Rechargeable gives you app coaching for $45, while the quip Electric Toothbrush suits travel with no charger to pack.