If you often struggle to thoroughly clean your teeth with a manual toothbrush, you may be looking into getting an electric one. They’re so easily accessible nowadays that you could probably get one at your local supermarket — but should you? Considering the amount of noise some of these devices make, I recommend that you focus your search on the quietest electric toothbrushes on the market.
Most people brush their teeth immediately upon waking up or right before going to bed. So, you wouldn’t want to use a device that would chase away any thought of slumber or annoy you when you’re at your groggiest.
Of course, many think that the benefits of electric toothbrushes outweigh any disadvantages. After all, they remove more plaque than manual toothbrushes and reduce the risk of gum disease (which harsh manual toothbrushes often encourage).
Still, if you can enjoy these benefits with any electric toothbrush, you might as well get one that won’t vibrate too much. Fortunately, I have several recommendations for quiet electric toothbrushes that will clean your teeth without annoying you!
Best Quiet Electric Toothbrushes
Electric toothbrushes are devices I wanted to be especially careful about when vetting them. Because of that, I mostly focused on reliable, tried-and-tested brands when I was looking for viable candidates. Going forward, I will highlight what I consider to be the best product from a company’s lineup and present some of the alternatives.
So here are some of the best quiet toothbrushes you can get today.
1. Oral-B Pro 7000 SmartSeries Powered by Braun Black Electric Toothbrush
Oral-B is one of the better-known electric toothbrush brands, so I want to start us off with one of its products. Even though the company has produced many notable devices, I want to focus on the Oral-B Pro 7000.
Like most Oral-B devices, this toothbrush is compatible with all of the company’s brush heads. However, the kit includes five of them — two CrossAction heads, in addition to ProWhite, FlossAction, and Sensitive Clean ones. The product also comes with a travel case that can fit the body of the device and two of those brush heads.
You can access the six brushing modes by pressing the power button. Most of the time, you’ll want to keep the device on the daily clean setting. The other options include tongue cleaning, whitening, gum care, sensitive, and pro-clean modes.
As is usually the case, the toothbrush will run for two minutes before shutting off, ensuring optimal use. It will also connect to the company’s smartphone app, where you can keep track of your brushing habits. If you spend too much time in one place or press too hard, the Triple Pressure Sensor on the device will remind you to ease up.
The lithium-ion battery can last for up to two weeks on a single charge, and it should take about a day to recharge fully. As for the noise, according to the company, its devices may be a bit noisy during the first few uses. However, the sound will probably dissipate as you continue to use the toothbrush.
Features:
- Six brushing modes and a pressure sensor
- Bluetooth-enabled connectivity to the Oral-B app
- Comes with five round Oral-B brush heads
- 60-day money-back guarantee
» See Oral-B Pro 7000 on Amazon «
More Oral-B Electric Toothbrushes
Now, the unit I’ve just reviewed isn’t even the most recent one in the lineup. The 7500 model offers more customization, such as changing the color of the LED SmartRing around the top of the device. That toothbrush even has the Amazon Dash Replenishment feature, which allows you to automatically order replacement brush heads when you need them.
Even more recently, the company released its Oral-B Genius 9600 electric toothbrush. The most notable difference between the previous products I’ve listed and this one is in its unique travel case, which can charge both the brush and your smartphone. The device comes in three colors, aside from the usual black and white options, including orchid purple, rose gold, and sakura pink.
If these units are anything like the one I reviewed above, they may be noisy when you start using them. However, the vibrations should subside over time. And either way, you can always return the product if it doesn’t work out — as long as you do it within 60 days of the purchase.
2. Philips Sonicare 6100 Protectiveclean Electric Toothbrush
Philips is another electronics company that has made great strides on the electric toothbrush market. Actually, the company produces sonic, rather than electric, toothbrushes for its Sonicare line. I’ll explain the main differences between the two later on. For now, it’s enough to say that sonic toothbrushes oscillate at higher frequencies and are therefore quieter than electric ones.
The Philips Sonicare ProtectiveClean 6100 comes with a single DiamondClean brush head, a travel case, and a charging stand. The white and pink versions of the device come with a white case, while the purple and navy blue ones get a black case. Like most other devices in this series, this one utilizes BrushSync technology, which allows it to keep track of when you need to switch out the brush head.
The device has two buttons on it. The power button allows you to choose from three cleaning modes, while the one underneath lets you select the intensity of the oscillation. If noise is your primary concern, stick to using the device on the slowest setting.
Naturally, the toothbrush has a built-in timer that will shut it off after two minutes. Additionally, the device will emit a sound every 30 seconds, reminding you to move the brush to another quadrant of your mouth.
According to the company, the toothbrush should hold a charge for about two weeks. However, many users note that it usually lasts for over a month.
Features:
- Three cleaning modes and three intensity options
- Built-in timer and pressure sensor
- Includes a single brush head
- BrushSync technology tells you when you need a replacement
» See Philips Sonicare 6100 on Amazon «
More Philips Electric Toothbrushes
If you’d like to try a more basic unit first, I recommend that you get the Sonicare ProtectiveClean 4100. It is a sonic toothbrush that utilizes BrushSync technology as well, like the one I’ve just reviewed, but it only has one cleaning mode. Still, the average user won’t need more than the built-in QuadPacer timer and pressure sensor this unit offers.
And if you’d like to see an even more high-end product from Philips, you can’t go wrong with the DiamondClean Smart 9750 sonic toothbrush. At the highest speed setting (of three), this toothbrush can achieve a whopping 62,000 brush strokes per minute. It also has five, rather than three, cleaning modes and built-in app connectivity to help you track your oral care habits.
3. Oclean Air 2 Sonic Electric Toothbrush
Using a unique sonic technology, Oclean created an electric toothbrush that effectively dissolves every type of debris that accumulates between the teeth. This technology also helps reduce teeth staining, making it an excellent choice if you struggle with this condition.
Thanks to the DuPont & Pedex heads, the toothbrush effortlessly cleans hard-to-reach areas. Plus, you can choose between 2 different brushing and intensity modes, all depending on your needs.
For example, if you suffer from gingivitis or you have overly sensitive gums, you’ll benefit from the gentle clean mode. On the other hand, the standard mode offers you 40,000 strokes per minute, which is a good option if you have no underlying tooth conditions.
Like most models covered, this one has a 2-minute timer, after which it turns off. In addition, it gives you a warning every 30 seconds, so you can brush efficiently every time.
With a built-in 800 mAh capacity battery, this device can last up to a month on a single charge. After that, you should put it on its charging base and leave it for about 2.5 hours.
If you’re worried about your safety, there’s good news. This toothbrush was made according to the IPX7 waterproof rate. As such, you can use it while showering or taking a bath, as well as safely rinse it immediately after use without any fear of hazards.
As for soundlessness, this model never exceeds 37 decibels of noise. Therefore, you will be able to brush your teeth without waking up your household.
Features:
- 2 cleaning and intensity modes
- Comes with two heads
- Built-in timer with 30-second alarms
- One charge lasts about a month
More Oclean Electric Toothbrushes
Oclean has a fantastic lineup of electric toothbrushes, so you should check out their other offerings as well if the one above piques your interest.
For instance, the Oclean X Pro Elite Toothbrush produces around 45 decibels and comes with 4 different brushing modes, as well as a sensor that lets you know if you’re applying too much pressure.
Another smart model has a battery life that exceeds 5 months on a single charge. Plus, the fastest cleaning mode gives you 76,000 strokes per minute, which is infinitely more powerful than most other devices on the market.
4. AquaSonic Black Series Ultra Whitening Toothbrush
Despite having several noteworthy products, the AquaSonic brand is something of an enigma. As far as I can tell, the brand itself doesn’t manufacture electric toothbrushes. Instead, it’s an American company that puts its name on products it gets from foreign manufacturers — which isn’t necessarily a bad thing. In fact, judging by the success of the company’s Black Series Ultrasonic Whitening toothbrush, I’d say that it’s doing a great job of marketing its products.
Like the previous unit I reviewed, this device has a motor that does about 40,000 rotations per minute. According to the company, the waterproof device hides a lithium-ion battery that is charged wirelessly rather than through a USB port.
The toothbrush has four cleaning modes and a vibrating timer that will remind you to move every thirty seconds and power down after two minutes. It also comes with eight identical brush heads, which should last you at least two and a half years. However, only two of them will fit in the hard travel case that comes with the device.
Even though this device is reasonably quiet, there are disadvantages to buying your electric toothbrush from brands that are not quite established. Namely, I’d be concerned about the long-term availability of replacement brush heads, product warranties, and customer support. Still, if you just want to sample the features we’ve been discussing at a lower price point, this toothbrush may be exactly what you’re looking for.
Features:
- Four cleaning modes and three intensity options
- Built-in timer with interval pausing
- Comes with eight identical brush heads
- Wireless charging
» AquaSonic Black Series on Amazon «
More AquaSonic Electric Toothbrushes
If black isn’t your color, AquaSonic has other product lines you might want to check out. The Vibe Series toothbrushes have pretty much the same features as the product I reviewed above. They’re waterproof devices with four cleaning modes, eight replacement heads, and a hard travel case. However, the Vibe Series devices are available in optic white, charcoal metallic, and satin rose gold.
Alternatively, you could get a matching set for two in black and white. Both devices are identical to the ones I’ve described, except that they each come with five replacement brush heads. They also have a modern-looking half-black, half-white wireless charging base that can hold both brushes at the same time.
How to Find the Right Quiet Electric Toothbrush (Features)
Even though electric toothbrushes have been around for decades, the number of trustworthy brands on the market is decidedly underwhelming. Perhaps that’s why many of the devices I’ve showcased have similar features — there is no competition to drive innovation.
Still, finding the quietest electric toothbrushes is relatively easy. So let’s see how you might spot them in the modest multitude of available products.
Sonic vs. Electric Toothbrushes
As I have mentioned, there is a crucial difference between electric and sonic toothbrushes. Electric units are generally cheaper and have slower motors, which should give them the advantage as far as noise levels are concerned. After all, hair clippers with slow, rotary motors tend to be quieter than the ones with faster, magnetic motors. But apparently, the opposite is true in the world of electric toothbrushes.
Sonic units operate at a brisk pace of about 260 oscillations per second, resulting in at least 30,000 brush strokes per minute. As we have established, some of them can manage much greater speeds. However, because they’re so fast, they vibrate at higher frequencies, which makes them appear quieter.
Ultimately, all these devices vibrate in one way or another. You’d be hard-pressed to find a completely silent one. Still, there are other features that may indicate the noise level of a certain product.
Cleaning Modes and Speed Settings
Most of the toothbrushes on my list have a single power button that controls a handful of cleaning modes. You get to choose from different vibration patterns when brushing your teeth.
For regular daily cleaning or polishing, most toothbrushes will vibrate at a constant buzz. However, a massage setting would produce a pulsating sensation. Obviously, that would also affect the kind of noise your toothbrush makes, so it can be useful to have more options.
The speed (or intensity) settings are another area where you might benefit from having more options. Usually, using electrical devices on the slow settings is all it takes to reduce the sound they make. So if you’re in the market for a new electric toothbrush, that might be something to consider.
Battery and Charging
A few years ago, one of the main differences between electric and sonic toothbrushes was that the former had removable batteries while the latter had built-in ones. Nowadays, the two are pretty much equal on that front. Most toothbrushes have rechargeable lithium-ion batteries that last between two weeks and a month.
When you think about it, the reason these devices last so long is pretty clear. Thanks to the built-in timers that only let electric toothbrushes run for two minutes at a time, these devices are only used for four minutes per day. It’s no wonder that you’ll get to use them for several weeks between charging them!
And there are several ways you might go about charging your toothbrush. Most of them come with micro-USB cords that should charge the battery within twenty-four hours. But we’ve also seen devices that claim to be able to do that within four hours.
Alternatively, you could look for toothbrushes that come with wireless charging stations. Those devices are usually fully waterproof, which can’t be said about the ones that use USB charging cords.
Brush Heads and Other Accessories
The majority of the products I’ve listed come with at least one brush head, but some include different types of replacement brush heads as well.
Some manufacturers’ brush heads are rougher than others, depending on the way they were cut. While most low-range toothbrushes have sharp bristles, higher-end products have gentler bristles with rounded ends.
You may also want to consider the shape of the brush head. Most companies use the basic oval shape and make the brush heads vibrate up and down on the base — or rather, side-to-side on your teeth. However, Oral-B devices have circular brush heads that rotate, cleaning around each tooth.
In addition to the brush heads, travel cases are the only other accessory we’ve seen across the board. Most manufacturers make them out of hard plastic. There are usually three slots in the case — one for the device itself and the other two for your brush heads.
If you anticipate that you will travel with your electric toothbrush, you may want to focus your search on devices that come with a travel case. Alternatively, you could repurpose any other box of a similar size and just pad the inside with cloth before putting your toothbrush in.
Tips for Making Your Electric Toothbrush Quieter
As I have previously mentioned, hearing some of the vibrations coming from your toothbrush is pretty much unavoidable. Some devices will certainly be less noisy than others, but that still doesn’t guarantee absolute silence. Even worse, muffling sounds that are coming from a toothbrush is easier said than done. Still, we’re going to try to make it happen.
Understand Where the Noise Is Coming From
First things first, you’ll have to find exactly where the noise is coming from. Turn on your toothbrush and listen to the sound. Usually, it’s the loudest where the base of the device connects to the brush head. After all, that’s the main exposed moving part of the toothbrush.
However, if the build quality of the body itself isn’t all that it should be, you may even be hearing the motor itself. That’s why you’ll need to make sure that the toothbrush you choose is durable and maybe even waterproof. If water can’t get into the device, noise may not be able to come out.
If your toothbrush isn’t rechargeable but uses AA or AAA batteries instead, you may hear them rattling inside the device as well. Fortunately, there are ways to muffle that sound with items you already have in your bathroom.
Wrap a Towel Around the Toothbrush
The easiest way to dampen the sound and vibrations coming from your toothbrush is to wrap a towel around it. You don’t have to make it fancy — just make sure that you’re completely covering the base. Additionally, you can cover the part where the brush head connects to the device. That should significantly reduce the volume of sound the toothbrush produces.
If you’re crafty, you could sew a thick sleeve for the device, as long as you don’t keep it on permanently. That may cause the motor and battery to overheat, which would lead to bacteria growth, especially when you take into account the water coming down from the brush head. So, take the sleeve off when you’re not using the toothbrush and wash it every other week.
Charge the Battery When It’s Empty
If you use your toothbrush for long enough, it may get louder over the course of a few weeks. That may have something to do with the battery running out of juice, which can affect the performance of the motor. So before you start throwing a fit, check if your device is fully charged.
Of course, lithium-ion batteries aren’t made to last forever — they deteriorate over time. But recharging them every other day to keep them at full charge may be detrimental. Don’t keep them on their charging base if you don’t have to.
Replace Your Brush Head
Even though the base of your toothbrush is made to last, that’s not necessarily the case for brush heads. The parts inside them will start to wear down after some time, which may lead to an increase in noise. To prevent that, replace your brush head every three or four months.
Soundproof Your Bathroom
If you’re more worried about waking your roommate or partner with the buzzing of your toothbrush, you could make sure the noise can’t escape the bathroom. Check out my guide to soundproofing a bathroom. Just focus on the doors and any other cracks in the walls that might let the sound seep out.
Keep Your Pearly Whites Fresh and Clean
At this point, you should know what you can expect from your electric toothbrush. Though some are quieter than others, most of them produce some noise, even if it’s only low-level buzzing.
So, while you should get one of the quietest electric toothbrushes I’ve reviewed, don’t expect it to be entirely noiseless. If you implement the tips I’ve explained above in addition to getting a quiet device, though, your morning and evening routines are sure to be more relaxing than ever!
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