An electric toothbrush is no longer an expensive toy: on AliExpress you can buy a decent sonic model for less than a set of good replacement heads for a big-brand brush in the shops. But the descriptions are easy to get lost in: “ultrasonic”, “oscillating”, “five modes”, “smart timer”. Here is which features really affect cleaning and which you can ignore.
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Do you need an electric toothbrush at all
The honest answer: it is not essential, but it helps many people. Several studies show that electric brushes remove plaque better than manual ones, although the NHS considers the difference small. Technique and time matter most: you should brush for about two minutes twice a day. An electric brush helps because it keeps track of time for you and stops you pressing too hard, which are the two most common mistakes with manual brushing.
Sonic or rotating
There are two main types of brush on the market, and they work differently.
Sonic
A sonic brush has an elongated head, similar to an ordinary one, and vibrates very fast from side to side. According to the UK trade publication Dentistry, that is roughly 24,000 to 30,000 movements a minute or more. The vibration drives toothpaste and saliva along the gumline. These brushes feel gentler, are easier to get used to after a manual brush, and usually have longer battery life.
Rotating
A rotating (oscillating) brush has a small round head that turns one way and then the other. You do not sweep it across your teeth but hold it on each tooth in turn. It makes fewer movements a minute, roughly 1,300 to 8,800, but the work is targeted. The best-known example of this type is Oral-B.
Which to choose
Experts have not reached a consensus. Some studies give rotating brushes a slight edge, but the difference is small, and both types clean better than a manual brush. So choose by feel and budget. Almost all the affordable models on AliExpress are sonic. Note that in the names of Chinese brushes the words “sonic” and “ultrasonic” are often used as synonyms, so go by the shape of the head and the type of movement rather than the marketing word.
Features that really matter
- Timer. The brush signals when two minutes are up, and good models also buzz every 20 or 30 seconds so you move on to the next area of your mouth. This is the most useful feature, and nearly every brush has it.
- Pressure sensor. Warns you if you press too hard and helps protect your gums and enamel. Found mainly in more expensive models.
- Soft bristles. Especially important with sensitive teeth and gums.
- Water resistance. IPX7 means you can rinse the brush under the tap and leave it in the bathroom without worry.
- Battery and charging. Charging over USB or USB-C is handy for travel: no need to carry a separate base.
Modes such as “whitening”, “polishing” and “gum care” mostly change the speed and pattern of vibration. Five or six modes are a nice bonus, but they affect the result far less than the timer and regular brushing.
Brush heads: the hidden cost
A brush head needs replacing every two to six months, depending on the model. Oral-B recommends doing so every three months and claims that a head used for six months removes 50% less plaque than a three-month-old one. So before buying, check how much replacement heads cost and how easy they are to find. With popular models such as the Xiaomi Mijia there is no problem: AliExpress sells both original and compatible heads.
5 popular brushes from AliExpress
We chose models with a large number of sales and a rating of at least 96%. Prices are as of 18 October.
Xiaomi Mijia T200
A simpler Xiaomi model, sold by the Xiaomi MiYoupin Global store. Sonic, with IPX7 protection. A good option for anyone who wants a recognisable brand and as few extra features as possible.
Price on 18 October: £15.89
Sold: 961+ pcs, positive reviews: 96.7%
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Fairywill FW-507
Fairywill is one of the best-known budget electric toothbrush brands. The FW-507 is sonic, waterproof and charges over USB. It works well as a first electric brush for an adult.
Price on 18 October: £12.29
Sold: 2633+ pcs, positive reviews: 98.0%
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Fairywill FW-D7
A more advanced model from the same brand: five modes, a smart timer, USB charging, and heads and a travel case included. The case is handy if you travel often and do not want the brush rattling around loose in your bag.
Price on 18 October: £24.89
Sold: 2481+ pcs, positive reviews: 98.0%
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Seago SG-575
A brush from the official Seago store. The manufacturer claims up to 360 days of battery life, IPX7 protection and USB charging. It comes with four replacement heads and a travel case, so you do not need to think about buying heads for the first few months.
Price on 18 October: £19.59
Sold: 2150+ pcs, positive reviews: 97.8%
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Sonic toothbrush with 6 modes
The most popular and cheapest brush in the roundup: more than 16,000 recent sales. Six speed modes, soft bristles, USB charging and water protection. It is also sold as a set for a couple. A good way to try an electric brush without spending much, but the heads are unbranded, so check their availability in advance.
Price on 18 October: £5.50
Sold: 16362+ pcs, positive reviews: 98.0%
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In short
For most people an inexpensive sonic brush with a timer, soft bristles and IPX7 protection is enough. If you want a case and a set of heads straight away, look at the Fairywill FW-D7 or the Seago SG-575. And whichever brush you pick, the essentials stay the same: two minutes, twice a day, and a new head every few months.