Oral-B Pro 650 CrossAction
A practical electric toothbrush (oscillating-rotating) that helps you brush more effectively than a manual brush.
Electric Toothbrush Buying Guide: How to Choose (UK 2026)
Electric toothbrushes look similar but differ in the things that matter: the cleaning action, the modes and pressure sensor, battery life and the ongoing cost of brush heads. This guide walks through each so you can match one to your needs.
Cleaning action: sonic vs oscillating
There are two main types. Oscillating-rotating brushes (Oral-B's signature) use a small round head that rotates back and forth, cupping each tooth - some people find this very thorough. Sonic brushes (Philips Sonicare and most others) use a larger head that vibrates side to side at high speed, which many find gentler on the gums while still cleaning well. Neither is simply 'better'; it comes down to feel and preference. If in doubt, both leading brands are excellent.
Pressure sensor, timer and modes
A pressure sensor is one of the most useful features - it warns you when you press too hard, which protects your gums and enamel from over-brushing (a common cause of sensitivity and gum recession). A two-minute timer, often with 30-second pacing for each quarter of your mouth, makes sure you brush long enough. Extra modes (sensitive, whitening, gum care) are nice to have but not essential; most people use one mode day to day.
Battery, brush heads and running costs
Battery life ranges from a couple of weeks to over a month per charge - longer is handy for travel. The real ongoing cost is brush heads: replace them roughly every three months, and genuine heads cost more than compatible third-party ones. Before you buy, check the price and availability of heads for your chosen model, as this adds up far more than the brush itself over a few years.
Honest expectations
An electric toothbrush helps most people clean more effectively than a manual brush, and a timer plus pressure sensor encourages better habits. It's an oral-care tool, not a cure - it won't replace flossing, a good diet or regular check-ups, and for any dental problem you should see a dentist. Used well, though, a good electric brush is a genuinely worthwhile upgrade.
Our top picks
#1
#2 
Oral-B Pro 1
A practical electric toothbrush (oscillating-rotating) that helps you brush more effectively than a manual brush.
#3 
Philips ProtectiveClean 5300
A practical electric toothbrush that helps you brush more effectively than a manual brush.
#4 
Oral-B Smart 6
A practical electric toothbrush (oscillating-rotating, 5 cleaning modes) that helps you brush more effectively than a manual brush.
#5 
Oral-B Vitality CrossAction
A practical electric toothbrush (oscillating-rotating, 1 cleaning modes) that helps you brush more effectively than a manual brush.
#6 
Oral-B Complete Deep Clean
A practical electric toothbrush (oscillating-rotating) that helps you brush more effectively than a manual brush.
Frequently asked questions
What's the most important feature?
A pressure sensor and a two-minute timer matter most for everyday results - they stop you over-brushing and make sure you brush long enough. The cleaning action (sonic or oscillating) is down to preference.
Are expensive electric toothbrushes worth it?
The core clean is good across the range; premium models add extra modes, app feedback, quieter motors and longer battery. They're worth it if you value those, but a mid-range brush serves most people very well.
Bottom line
Our top pick is the Oral-B Pro 650 CrossAction (our score 9.6/10) - A practical electric toothbrush (oscillating-rotating) that helps you brush more effectively than a manual brush..