mybest
Oral care products

Helping You Find the Best

Close
  1. TOP
  2. Health
  3. Oral care products
  4. 9 Best Eco-Friendly Electric Toothbrushes in 2022 (Dental Hygienist-Reviewed)
  • 9 Best Eco-Friendly Electric Toothbrushes in 2022 (Dental Hygienist-Reviewed) 1
  • 9 Best Eco-Friendly Electric Toothbrushes in 2022 (Dental Hygienist-Reviewed) 2
  • 9 Best Eco-Friendly Electric Toothbrushes in 2022 (Dental Hygienist-Reviewed) 3
  • 9 Best Eco-Friendly Electric Toothbrushes in 2022 (Dental Hygienist-Reviewed) 4
  • 9 Best Eco-Friendly Electric Toothbrushes in 2022 (Dental Hygienist-Reviewed) 5

9 Best Eco-Friendly Electric Toothbrushes in 2022 (Dental Hygienist-Reviewed)

For many of us, using an electric toothbrush has become almost a necessity for feeling clean. But as we become more environmentally conscious, it’s hard to ignore the fact that they’re not very eco-friendly. Luckily, there are increasingly more energy-efficient, less plastic-intensive options.

Electric toothbrushes are still far from being inherently eco-friendly, so it’s important to know what to look for when trying to distinguish what’s better. In this guide, we’ll go over a few things to keep an eye out for when choosing a more eco-friendly electric toothbrush. We’ve also got a list of our 10 favorites to help you get started on your search, including our favorite, Quip's Metal Electric Toothbrush.
Last updated 09/26/2023
Jaeyoung Yoo
Expert
Dental Hygienist
Jaeyoung Yoo

Jaeyoung is an oral health educator and dental disease preventer passionate about paving the way for patients to embark on their journey to proper oral hygiene. She graduated from UNC School of Dentistry in 2018 and served on the UNC SOD SPURGEON Student Government. She's always trying to keep up with new dental research articles and products to help her patients choose compatible products that work with their lifestyles. She's also a coffee lover and mom to two Bengal cats and multiple plants!

Jaeyoung Yoo's Profile
…Continue reading
mybest US Editors
Guide
Editing Dept.
mybest US Editors

mybest US' editing team consists of experienced members who have backgrounds in writing, editing, translation, and more. We are dedicated to researching what makes a product or service the best to users in the US in order to create top-quality articles. From skincare, to kitchen appliances, and to DIY supplies, our mission is to find the best ones for you.

mybest US Editors's Profile
…Continue reading
The expert oversees the Buying Guide only, and does not determine the products and services featured.

Table of Contents

How to Choose an Eco-Friendly Electric Toothbrush – Buying Guide

Here, we'll be introducing the following three important points to check when you choose an eco-friendly toothbrush.


Points to Consider:

  1. Look for Long-Lasting or Rechargeable Batteries
  2. Find a Toothbrush With a Timer
  3. Choose One That Doesn't Need to be Replaced Often
1

Look for Long-Lasting or Rechargeable Batteries

One of the main things that prevents an electric toothbrush from being eco-friendly is its battery. Luckily there are a few things we can look for that lessen the impact.

Pick a Brush With a Longer Battery Life for Less Electricity Use

Pick a Brush With a Longer Battery Life for Less Electricity Use
Most traditional electric toothbrushes require you to basically have them plugged in 24/7. If you do take them off the stand, they can only store a few days of charge and lose power pretty quickly. There are some toothbrushes, however, that only require you to charge them once a month or less, which means you’re not constantly plugged into power.


Many of these also charge via USB cable rather than on a stand, which saves a ton of space on your counter and makes them super easy to travel with (if you’d need to charge them at all because, again, each charge lasts for more than a month).


However, do note that rechargeable batteries are full of toxic chemicals and shouldn’t be thrown away when you’re ready to get rid of your toothbrush. Instead, research places in your area that can recycle the materials.

Jaeyoung Yoo
Dental Hygienist
Jaeyoung Yoo

Always read product reviews for all electric toothbrushes (ETB). These reviews can also give you an insight into which ones have the longest battery life so that less electricity can be used to recharge the ETB. 


Some consumers will report that certain ones break and stop working within a year. Don't forget to check the warranty for each product.

Use Rechargeable Replaceable Batteries for a Lower Environmental Impact

Use Rechargeable Replaceable Batteries for a Lower Environmental Impact

While most toothbrushes come with a built-in rechargeable battery, some are powered by replaceable batteries. Of course, if you’re constantly using disposable batteries, that probably isn’t the best for the environment. 


But if you can use rechargeable and replaceable batteries, you can cut down on both battery waste as well as toxic chemicals (from normal rechargeable batteries). However, toothbrushes with replaceable batteries can be less powerful than their rechargeable counterparts, so if you’re looking for a stronger toothbrush this might not be your best option.

Jaeyoung Yoo
Dental Hygienist
Jaeyoung Yoo

If you prefer to use an ETB that uses replaceable batteries, then rechargeable batteries can be a good option to cut down on battery waste


There may be less power since rechargeable replaceable batteries do not last forever and lose their power holding capacity over a period of time, but it's better than using regular disposable batteries.

2

Find a Toothbrush With a Timer

Find a Toothbrush With a Timer

Most electric toothbrushes have a feature that notifies you every 30 seconds of brushing as well as at the 2-minute mark. Having a toothbrush with a timer means that you don’t accidentally continue to brush for longer than necessary, therefore conserving energy and allowing your battery or charge to last longer. Additionally, it means that you’ll also know when you haven’t brushed long enough!

Jaeyoung Yoo
Dental Hygienist
Jaeyoung Yoo

Most newer ETBs come with a timer to help reduce excessive brushing, therefore using less electricity and battery power in the long run. 


A timer will ensure that you will brush for a certain period of time and long enough to remove bacteria and food debris from your teeth. Some modes on certain ETBs such as a deep clean or whitening mode may go on for around three minutes.

3

Choose One That Doesn't Need to be Replaced Often

Choose One That Doesn't Need to be Replaced Often
While there’s no getting around throwing out your plastic brush head–waiting too long can cause it to become ineffective or damaging to your gums–it should be comforting to know that electric toothbrush heads use four times less plastic than a traditional all-plastic toothbrush.


Additionally, while most toothbrush heads are meant to be changed every three months (four times a year), there are also some that allow you to change every six months (twice a year), which produces half the waste.

Was the Buying Guide helpful?

9 Best Eco-Friendly Electric Toothbrushes

Here's our list of the 9 best eco-friendly electric toothbrushes we could find, suited for all ages and lifestyles.
Popularity
Products
Image
Click to purchase
Price
Key features
1

Quip

Metal Electric Toothbrush

Quip Metal Electric Toothbrush 1

$28.99

High Mid

Our Best Pick! The Eco-Friendliest Electric Brush Out There

2

Fairywill

Round Power Electric ToothbrushFW2205

Fairywill Round Power Electric Toothbrush 1

$21.99

Mid

Spinning Motion Polishes Your Teeth Like a Dentist

3

Procter & Gamble

Oral-BClinical Battery Powered Toothbrush

Procter & Gamble Clinical Battery Powered Toothbrush 1

$14.37

Mid

Uses an Easy-to-Find Twisting Brush Head

4

Fairywill

Electric Toothbrush

Fairywill Electric Toothbrush 1

$27.95

Mid

A Highly-Rated, Highly Effective Toothbrush

5

Oral-B 3D White

Battery Power Electric Toothbrush

Oral-B 3D White Battery Power Electric Toothbrush 1

$6.23

Low

A Powerful Toothbrush With a Large Head

6

Phillips Sonicare

ProtectiveClean 5100 Rechargeable Electric ToothbrushHX6850/60

Phillips Sonicare ProtectiveClean 5100 Rechargeable Electric Toothbrush 1

$79.95

High

Pressure Sensing Brush to Protect Your Gums

7

Sharemore

Travel Electric Toothbrush

Sharemore Travel Electric Toothbrush 1

$9.99

Low Mid

A Gentle Travel Toothbrush That's Not Bulky

8

Gevilan

Electric Travel Toothbrush

Gevilan Electric Travel Toothbrush 1

$15.99

Mid

Comes With a Built-in Case Great for Travel

9

Kivos

Rechargeable Electric ToothbrushS42

Kivos Rechargeable Electric Toothbrush 1

$28.99

High Mid

A USB-Chargeable Toothbrush With a Smart Timer

If you don't see the product you're looking for, you can request that it be listed.
No.1

QuipMetal Electric Toothbrush

Metal Electric Toothbrush 1
Source:amazon.com
Reference price
$28.99
High Mid
Reference price
$28.99
High Mid

Our Best Pick! The Eco-Friendliest Electric Brush Out There

Features:
  • comes in 5 colors: gold, copper, silver, slate, and aqua
  • metal handle built to last a lifetime
  • head creates 80% less waste
  • gentle and effective
  • approved by the American Dental Association
  • subscribe on their website to schedule replacement brush head deliveries and a lifetime warranty

Recommended for:

  • people looking for a long-lasting, good-looking, and eco-friendly toothbrush

Some reviewers note that the vibrations seem like they’re too weak to make much of a difference and use the electric feature while brushing as if it was a manual toothbrush. Others also experience the heads falling off the brush.


However, many more say that this brush is great for traveling and love the sleek design. The timer that lets you know when you need to change which section of your teeth to brush and when the optimal time has been reached was also a hit with reviewers.

Was this Ranking helpful?
No.2

FairywillRound Power Electric ToothbrushFW2205

Round Power Electric Toothbrush 1
Source:amazon.com
Reference price
$21.99
Mid
Reference price
$21.99
Mid

Spinning Motion Polishes Your Teeth Like a Dentist

Features:
  • spins similar to the way a dentist's polishing brush moves
  • 3 modes, highest setting is very quick
  • USB rechargeable battery
  • waterproof and 2 brush head replacements included

Recommended for:

  • ensuring a great clean with the brush's circular, fast movement

As it is a more intense movement, reviewers note that the battery life is notably shorter and requires a longer plug-in time than others from this same brand. They also say that the head movement is too strong and harsh on their gums.


However, most reviewers like this brush for its price and effectiveness. They also say that the customer service is fast at responding and very helpful. As with most electric toothbrushes, you'll probably need some replacement heads—you can get them here.

No.3

Procter & GambleOral-BClinical Battery Powered Toothbrush

Lowest price
$14.37
Mid

Uses an Easy-to-Find Twisting Brush Head

Features:
  • twisting movement to clean, allowing you to brush tooth by tooth without relying on manual movement
  • affordable brush heads that are easy to replace and find
  • kids version available
Recommended for:
  • trusted brand that offers the convenience of not needing to apply any manual movement, while still cleaning thoroughly

Quality control seems to be an issue, as many reviewers mention that their brushes broke within a month or that they couldn't open the battery compartment. Some reviewers also note that the battery does run out quickly.


Despite these issues, reviewers still love the effectiveness of Oral-B's brush. They also mention that it is great value for what you spend on it and it keeps their teeth feeling clean. And if you want this awesome brush for your child, you can get the kids version here.

No.4

FairywillElectric Toothbrush

Electric Toothbrush 1
Source:amazon.com
Reference price
$27.95
Mid
Reference price
$27.95
Mid

A Highly-Rated, Highly Effective Toothbrush

Features:
  • 5 vibration settings
  • 3 replacements head included
  • turns off automatically after 2 minutes to save battery
  • 4 hours to charge; each charge lasts over 30 days
Recommended for:
  • short charging time and long-lasting power

Reviewers warn that this brush does not move in a circular motion and only the center row of bristles vibrates. Some people also thought the head of the brush was too tiny and couldn't tell the difference between the various modes.


On the other hand, most reviewers actually like the brush head for being small—meaning that they can clean out all the little nooks and crannies inside their mouths. They also say that the vibrations the brush makes are gentle, yet powerful at getting rid of plaque.

No.5

Oral-B 3D WhiteBattery Power Electric Toothbrush

Battery Power Electric Toothbrush 1
Source:amazon.com
Reference price
$6.23
Low
Reference price
$6.23
Low

A Powerful Toothbrush With a Large Head

Features:
  • thorough cleaning at 14,000 strokes per minute
  • large brush head that is as big as a manual brush
  • brush holds toothpaste effectively and bristles are designed to reach between teeth and get rid of plaque
Recommended for:
  • incredible value for your money—it also comes with a large brush head that could work well with people transitioning into electric brushes

Some reviewers note that this toothbrush is too strong for them and feels too big. Reviewers also note that the brush that you get in the mail may actually be in varying colors—you do not get to pick and sometimes they send the same color if you order multiples.


On the other hand, reviewers like how it's portable because it takes battery and works better than a manual brush. The long battery life and the sturdiness of the toothbrush was also a hit. Get your replacement heads here, if you're looking to purchase this one!

No.6

Phillips SonicareProtectiveClean 5100 Rechargeable Electric ToothbrushHX6850/60

ProtectiveClean 5100 Rechargeable Electric Toothbrush 1
Source:amazon.com
Reference price
$79.95
High
Reference price
$79.95
High

Pressure Sensing Brush to Protect Your Gums

Features:
  • comes in 2 colors: black and white
  • 3 brushing modes
  • pressure sensing to let you know if you brush too hard
  • reminds you automatically when to change the head
Recommended for:
  • extremely convenient, as it helps you brush your teeth in the best way possible, letting you know if you put too much pressure and telling you when to charge or change the head

Critical reviewers find the toothbrush to be too harsh on their teeth, having a very aggressive, loud vibration. Many also complain that the product breaks within a year.

However, lots of reviewers say their teeth look whiter and cleaner than ever before. There seem to be a lot of repeat customers of Sonicare who also like the beautiful new look of the toothbrush and say it works as efficiently as ever. You can also check out the replacement heads here to factor it into your decision.

No.7

SharemoreTravel Electric Toothbrush

Travel Electric Toothbrush 1
Source:amazon.com
Reference price
$9.99
Low Mid
Reference price
$9.99
Low Mid

A Gentle Travel Toothbrush That's Not Bulky

Features:
  • comes in 2 colors: white and pink
  • non-bulky handle
  • one battery lasts for up to 2 months
  • 3 operation modes and smart timer that tells you when to change the brushing area
Recommended for:
  • lightweight and compact size makes it great for travel—you can even fit it into the pen pocket of a backpack

Reviewers say it’s less powerful than other comparable options, and the bristles are on the softer side. So if you’re looking for a more aggressive brush, this might not work well for you.


On the other hand, reviewers love the size and how easy it is to pack for vacation or just to put in your purse when going out to eat! They also say that it works great and is much better than a manual brush.

No.8

GevilanElectric Travel Toothbrush

Electric Travel Toothbrush 1
Source:amazon.com
Reference price
$15.99
Mid
Reference price
$15.99
Mid

Comes With a Built-in Case Great for Travel

Features:
  • comes in 3 colors: black, white, and pink
  • built-in travel case and small and easy-to-pack
  • 2 brushing modes
  • 18,000 vibrations per minute
Recommended for:
  • the built-in travel case and 30-day charge means less preparation work for you when packing for vacation

At just six inches, reviewers note that it might feel too small for everyday use. They also find that it isn't very powerful and the bristles, too soft. 

However, other reviewers like that it's easy to use and travels well. A couple of reviewers also actually praise the product for having softer bristles that are gentler on the gums.

No.9

KivosRechargeable Electric ToothbrushS42

Rechargeable Electric Toothbrush 1
Source:amazon.com
Reference price
$28.99
High Mid
Reference price
$28.99
High Mid

A USB-Chargeable Toothbrush With a Smart Timer

Features:
  • comes in 2 colors: black and pink
  • long USB charge lasting for a month
  • comes with a traveling case and 2 brush heads
  • 3 brushing modes and smart timer

Recommended for:

  • rechargeable and compact enough for travel but powerful enough for everyday use

Some reviewers received toothbrushes with electronic defects, so it might be better to contact customer service or the manufacturer if you end up being one of those people. Fans of the brush say it's durable and great for travel. And if you need some travel-sized natural toothpaste to go with your travel-sized brush, you can check here.

Pros and Cons of Owning an Electric Toothbrush

Pros and Cons of Owning an Electric Toothbrush
It’s true that manual toothbrushes can be made 100% biodegradable and eco-friendly. They don’t require any power to use, and they’re a lot more portable than electric toothbrushes. However, you’re more likely to press too hard while brushing with a manual toothbrush, and there’s more room for mistakes in brushing technique.


It’s worth noting that when it comes to gum and tooth health, most dentists agree that electric toothbrushes are 10-20% more effective, especially if you already have gingivitis or have a genetic predisposition towards less healthy gums. Additionally, electric toothbrushes are better for those with arthritis or other dexterity problems that make normal brushing more difficult.

Jaeyoung Yoo
Dental Hygienist
Jaeyoung Yoo

A major pro of owning an ETB would be removing more plaque in a shorter amount of time. Kids and people with dexterity issues like arthritis can benefit from ETBs since it does the work for them. 


For people with arthritis, I would recommend that they try to find a lightweight ETB with a thick handle so for easier grip and less strain on the hands. 


A con of owning an ETB would be if consumers still use the scrubbing motion as a manual toothbrush. With an ETB, this can be too abrasive on the gums and could cause irreversible gum recession and enamel abrasion.

More Expert Tips for Using an Electric Toothbrush

More Expert Tips for Using an Electric Toothbrush

Jaeyoung says, "It may be hard to change your brushing habits when switching from a manual to a ETB, but it's important to be aware that different mechanisms are set in place for both brushes


You should make a real effort to guide the ETB along your gumline instead of scrubbing with it to maintain your gum and enamel health."

More Dental Hygiene Essentials for You

You didn't think you were off the hook with just a toothbrush, did you? There's more to your dental hygiene routine than just a good brushing. Get the best!

Top 5 Eco-Friendly Electric Toothbrushes

No. 1: QuipMetal Electric Toothbrush

No. 2: FairywillRound Power Electric ToothbrushFW2205

No. 3: Procter & GambleOral-BClinical Battery Powered Toothbrush

No. 4: FairywillElectric Toothbrush

No. 5: Oral-B 3D WhiteBattery Power Electric Toothbrush

View Full Ranking
The descriptions of each product are referenced from content available on manufacturer, brand, and e-commerce sites.
  1. TOP
  2. Health
  3. Oral care products
  4. 9 Best Eco-Friendly Electric Toothbrushes in 2022 (Dental Hygienist-Reviewed)

Search by category

mybest

We connect users with the best tried and true products,
tested by our in-house guides and backed by expert insight.

Copyright mybest All Rights Reserved.