The best electric toothbrush 2018

Looking after your teeth is already a chore you invest time into at least twice a day, right? So it makes sense you'd want the best tool for the job. Scientific research has proved that electric toothbrushes remove more plaque than manual options so anyone serious about looking after their teeth would be well advised to invest in one. But which one? After all, there's more teeth tackling tech out there than ever before - so we're here to help you find the best electric toothbrush for your teeth.

From sonic toothbrushes to oscillating handhelds, there are plenty of electric options to pick from with prices that suit any budget. So which type of electric toothbrush should you choose?

There are lots of factors to take into account, aside from your choice between a vibrating sonic toothbrush with up to 62,000 movements per minute, and oscillating round headed brushes for a more manual feel. Timers, rechargeable batteries and even brushing pressure sensitivity notifications are all available these days. Lots have even got smart apps that sit on your phone and connect via Bluetooth. Of course budgets vary massively so that could be the deciding factor.

Whatever your needs, there will be something in this list that's right for you. These are the five best electric toothbrushes you can buy - whether you're looking to buy a Christmas present, a Black Friday deal or something just for you.

The best electric toothbrush 2018:

Philips ProtectiveClean 6001

The Philips Sonicare ProtectiveClean 6100 is the best electric toothbrush because it offers cutting edge sonic technology combined with all the settings you need to enhance your oral hygiene. A pressure sensor helps you create the right amount of force to get the perfect clean for healthy teeth and gums. Philips says this is clinically proven to help whiten your teeth in just one week thanks to its central stain-removal bristles. The 62,000 vibrational movements per minute whip up your toothpaste into bubbles that slide between the teeth and along the gums for the ultimate clean. If you get too carried away the pressure sensor will let out a pulse sound to remind you to ease off and protect your gums.

A built-in timer keeps you brushing for the recommended time while three brushing modes – Clean, White and Gum – let you focus on what you want to improve. A two week battery life, travel case and alerts for when you need a new smart brush head, are just a few of the extras that help make this the best electric toothbrush for most people.

Oral-B Smart 5 5000N

When it comes to oscillating electric toothbrushes Oral-B leads the way and is often referred to as the dentist's choice - the Oral-B Smart 5 5000N is the best electric toothbrush in that class. As a result this toothbrush offers 100 percent more plaque removal in 30 days than a manual toothbrush. You also should start to see gentle whitening benefits from day one thanks to effective stain removal. A smart app gives you feedback to help you brush correctly, five modes offer focus on whitening, sensitivity, gum care and more. A pressure sensor will protect your gums while a Bluetooth connection and that app support take your brushing experience deeper for even more ways to get the perfect cleaning session. A two week battery, professional timer and travel case help to sweeten the deal on this advanced electric toothbrush.

Foreo Issa 2

The future is here in the silicone head toting, thermoplastic made Foreo Issa 2, which is the best electric toothbrush for those that want something super clean and long lasting. Offering sonic pulsations of up to 11,000 per minute, this toothbrush uses medical-grade silicone for a safe and hypoallergenic experience. You'll only charge this toothbrush once a year for effort-free use. Don't worry about drying or cleaning as the quick-drying non-porous heads prevent bacteria build-up while remaining free of phthalates and BPA.

Kolibree Ara

If you want to treat tooth brushing like a sport then the Kolibree Ara is the best electric toothbrush for you. This is, the company says, an AI toothbrush. In reality it uses an app to offer lots of feedback but that's pretty cool in itself – although a lot of the competition does this now too, albeit at a higher price. That means you can be coached on brushing with feedback on how you did - great if you're looking for a first electric toothbrush for a kid this Christmas or Black Friday. A host of sensors combined with offline recording and vibrating brush heads make for the ultimate brushing session. A two week battery life and attractive design are nice bonuses for your bucks too.

Colgate Pro Clinical 250+

If you want to go for one of the best electric toothbrush options without breaking the bank then the Colgate ProClinical 250+ is perfect. This, Colgate says, offers five times more plaque removal than a manual brush and uses soft bristles ideal for those with gum sensitivity. A full charge takes 10 hours but you get a good 40 brushes out of that. The timer alerts you every 30 seconds so you can move to a new mouth area. It's also quiet, making it perfect for use in shared spaces. You also get a two year warranty and a travel case which is impressive at that super low price.