5 Best Eco-Friendly Electric Toothbrush Brands (2024) (2024)

Any dentist will tell you that an electric toothbrush is better for your oral health. The problem is that, until now, they have been absolutely terrible for the planet.

Did you know that one billion toothbrushes are thrown away in the U.S. annually? That equates to a staggering 50 million pounds of plastic waste sent to landfills every year.

My family and I don't want any part of that!

So I set out to find the best ethically made, eco-friendly electric toothbrushes that would leave me with a bright, white, healthy smile but that - literally - don’t cost the earth.

Most electric toothbrushes don't make the grade. But there are a few which genuinely tick all the boxes...

Best Sustainable Electric Toothbrushes

If you’re just here for the recommendations, I'll cut to the chase. This is the best plastic-free environmentally friendly electric toothbrush to go for in 2024...

SURI Sustainable Electric Toothbrush

• What’s Included: 1x SURI Toothbrush & Sustainable Plant-Based Head, 1x USB Charging Stand, 1x Magnetic Mirror Mount, 1x UV Case (optional extra)
• Warranty: One year (or lifetime if you subscribe)
• Power Source: Rechargeable Lithium-Ion battery.

This is quite simply the best toothbrush I've ever used.

It's like taking a step back in time but with a futuristic twist. Imagine a world where advanced technology meets minimal environmental impact…that's the world SURI is creating.

The first thing that struck me about the SURI was its plant-based heads.

The heads and bristles are made from cornstarch and castor oil. So while scrubbing away at my pearly whites, I can rest easy knowing I'm not contributing to the plastic waste epidemic.

But that's not all. The brush's body is made from slim, recyclable aluminum, and the whole unit is repairable. When did you last hear of an electric toothbrush with a replaceable battery or motor?

In terms of performance, SURI's mighty sonic motor delivers 33,000 vibrations per minute. That's like having a miniature jackhammer polishing my teeth (in the most gentle way possible, of course).

Another thing I appreciated is that it's whisper-quiet, so no more sounding like I'm drilling for oil in the bathroom at 5 am and waking up Mrs. M.

The battery life has also blown me away. One charge lasts me around 35 days. That is slightly less than the advertised 40 days…but still very impressive!

I opted for the optional UV charging case for two main reasons:

1. It protects my toothbrush when traveling
2. The one-minute UV cycle sanitizes the bristles, so I know my brush is always free from bacteria

You can buy confidently, knowing that a 100-day money-back guarantee covers your purchase. If you're not as impressed as I am in the first 100 days, simply return your toothbrush for a full refund.

And, as if all that wasn't enough, SURI offers free recycling for UK and US customers. Just pop your used heads into their prepaid mailer, and voila! You've just saved another toothbrush from ending up in a landfill.

I'm so glad I switched to SURI. It's been a total game-changer for my oral health.

Shop Suri ToothBrush

Verified Customer Reviews

• What’s Included:Hybrid brush head, base, USB charger, travel pouch.
• Warranty: Two years, and a 10-year quality guarantee.
• Power Source: Lithium ION rechargeable battery.

They Say:Dare to do more with the improved ISSA 2. By blending durable PBT polymer and ultra-soft silicone into one remarkable sonic toothbrush that now lasts for 365 days on a single charge, ISSA 2 can keep you smiling without a second’s pause.

We Say: I've had one of these toothbrushes in my travel kit for the past year or so. I get the feeling this is going to last a long time.

What sold it for me was the claim it can last a full year on a single charge. A claim that I’m pleased to say is standing up so far six months into ownership.

The sonic pulse technology is incredible and leaves my teeth spotlessly clean. This feature might be a bit too powerful for those with sensitive teeth, but I’ve no doubt most users will really benefit!

I also like the fact that the replacement toothbrush heads are made from medical-grade silicone and last for an entire year.

It really is a ‘set and forget’ eco-friendly toothbrush. Simply pick one day every year to charge it and replace the head.

The tongue cleaner attachment is also great for removing the furry buildup from your tongue.

• What’s Included:1 x DiamondClean Smart handle, 3 x C3 Premium Plaque Control brush heads, 2 x G3 Premium Gum Care brush heads, 2 x W3 Premium White standard brush heads, 1 x TongueCare+ tongue brush, 1 x glass charger, 1 x USB charging travel case.
• Warranty: Two years.
• Power Source: Rechargeable Lithium-Ion battery.

They Say:Sensors and app help you perfect your technique, and get a complete clean. Sonicare's Premium brush heads automatically select optimal mode and intensity. 5 modes and 3 intensities let you focus on each aspect of your oral health. Brush head reordering service automatically orders brush heads for you. Stylish charging glass and deluxe travel case for charging on the go.

We Say: This is the priciest option we’ve reviewed, but you sure do get a lot of bang for your buck. The overall build quality, the stylish charging glass, the number of different electric toothbrush heads included, and the choice of brushing modes all point to a premium product.

We were also impressed with the convenience of the USB charging travel case, making it easy to charge when in the car or on the train.

One gripe was the time between charges. It’s officially advertised as 14 days but our experience was more like 12 days.

This toothbrush even comes with its ownEco Passportso you can judge for yourself whether or not it’s an eco-friendly toothbrush.

Philips branded replacement heads are readily available and cost around $40 for a pack of four.

There are also plenty of non-Philips branded options when you need replacement heads. This is good if you’re looking to cut costs or switch to a more planet-friendly option.

This is an incredible toothbrush and one you should definitely consider if your budget can stretch that far.

• What’s Included:1 x handle, 2 x activated charcoal brush heads, 1 x magnetic docking station, 1 x removable micro USB cord.
• Warranty: Two years.
• Power Source: Rechargeable Lithium-Ion battery.

They Say:The Boka Brush features designer driven form, stainless-steel accents and a magnetic charging base. The brush uses sonic technology to deliver a gentle yet effective clean, vibrating at 30,000 per minute.

We Say: The Boka Brush claims to be the first electric toothbrush to feature activated charcoal fiber bristles in place of the standard nylon bristles. This feature helps reduce bacteria and gives a more gentle brushing experience.

The battery life is advertised as being 25 days between charges, something that held true during our tests.

When it comes to replacement heads for the Boka Brush your options are limited. Only official Boka Brush replacement heads will fit the handle. They will set you back $12 for a pack of two (or $9.60 if you signup for the ‘Subscribe & Save’ service.

This is a solid eco-friendly toothbrush, with some nice design features, at a very competitive price.

• What’s Included:Slim handle, soft-bristles brush head, timed sonic vibrations, 3-month battery life.
• Warranty: Guaranteed for life (if you have an active refill plan).
• Power Source: Removable AAA battery.

They Say:The first subscription Electric Toothbrush, Refillable Floss, Toothpaste & Gum accepted by the American Dental Association.

We Say: Available in recycled plastic or metal, Quip brushes have a sleek design but can really pack a punch (15,000 brush movements per minute to be precise) when it comes to keeping your teeth in A1 condition.

Personally, I’m not that keen on removable batteries, but I know many people prefer them. I agree it can definitely prolong the life of the unit in some cases (the internal battery is usually the first thing to stop working) and you can always swap to a rechargeable AAA battery to make it more sustainable.

One thing to watch with this is the price of the replaceable toothbrush heads. If you subscribe to the refill plan they will send you a new head every three months for $5. However, if you don’t take the plan the same replaceable heads will cost you an eye-watering $15 a pop.

Why Eco-Friendly Electric Toothbrushes are the Sustainable Choice

My choices above are based on my own personal experience and desire for an eco-friendly electric toothbrush with the longest battery life, made as sustainably as possible, and that will not contribute towards the increasing burden of electronic waste.

There are, however, other characteristics that you might want to consider when deciding which eco-friendly electric toothbrush is right for you.

Oral Health

According toMayo Clinic, there are eight conditions that can be linked to oral health:

1. Endocarditis
2. Cardiovascular disease
3. Pregnancy and birth complications
4. Pneumonia
5. Diabetes
6. HIV/AIDS
7. Osteoporosis
8. Alzheimer's disease

In my experience, powered toothbrushes give a much more thorough clean than their manual counterparts.

I believe finding a sustainable electric toothbrush is key to looking after your oral health and the health of the planet.

Durability

Look for a well-made product that’s built to last.

An electric toothbrush can have all the eco-friendly credentials in the world, but they mean nothing if it keeps breaking down and has to be replaced often.

Replacing the toothbrush heads is an unavoidable part of keeping your teeth clean and maintaining good oral hygiene. Choose the eco-friendly option and go for a brush head that needs replacing as little as possible.

Sustainable Materials

Try to pick a toothbrush containing as many recyclable plastic elements as possible. Non-toxic and BPA free materials are also important.

The type of packaging used should also be taken into consideration. Plastic-free packaging, such as a sustainable cardboard box, would be favorable over plastic wrap, for example.

Long-Life Rechargeable Batteries

One of the issues preventing some electric toothbrushes from being considered truly eco-friendly is the battery.

Choose an eco-friendly electric toothbrush that has a long battery life and does not need charging too much.

Some eco-friendly electric toothbrushes now come with a low-energy USB cable which is much more energy-efficient than the standard toothbrush base chargers.

It’s worth noting though that all rechargeable batteries contain some level of toxic chemicals. Always follow manufacturer guidelines when dealing with disposable batteries and replaceable batteries that have come to the end of their usable life.

Two Minute Smart Timer

This is a simple but effective way to ensure that you maintain a good dental hygiene routine and brush your teeth for the recommended amount of time. It also prevents you from brushing for too long and wasting electricity.

Sustainable Brand

For electric toothbrushes to be considered eco-friendly they need to have been produced using processes and materials that cause as little harm to the planet as possible.

Steer away from brands and corporations with a reputation forgreenwashing.

There is no getting away from the fact that nylon bristles and electric toothbrush heads eventually come to the end of their life. A sustainable brand will offer you ways to easily recycle these items.

Oral-BandColgateare two big brands attempting to help consumers change their brushing habits and recycle the entire brush, leading to zero waste.

Smaller companies are playing their part too. In the UK, Georganics offers a ‘Zero To Landfill’ recycling scheme to enable customers to recycle items that cannot be recycled by local centers.

The Five Best Alternatives to a New Eco-Friendly Electric Toothbrush

What if your old electric toothbrush handle is still working fine, or you simply prefer the idea of a manual toothbrush?

Our guide to the best non-electric toothbrush brands goes into a lot more detail on the various bamboo manual brushes on the market. But there are also the following options for you to consider:

ecoELEMENT Recyclable Electric Toothbrush Heads

RRP:$9.99 for a pack of eight

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We Say: If you’re in the market for recyclable electric toothbrush heads then these are definitely worth a look.

Fully compatible with all Oral-B electric toothbrushes with circular brush heads, except Oral-B Pulsonic and iO.

These charcoal-infused heads offer natural tooth whitening and stain removal.

Bamboo Electric Toothbrush Heads

RRP:$24.99 for a pack of 3

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We Say: I struggled to find many eco-friendly replacement heads for an old Philips Sonicare handle, but these fully biodegradable ones do a pretty good job and are fully compatible with Sonicare brushes.

They're not a cheap alternative. However, being biodegradable, dentist designed and made from sustainable bamboo, they’re a great option for those of you looking to bring more eco-friendly products into your daily routine.

Isshah Biodegradable Compostable Eco-Friendly Natural Bamboo Charcoal Toothbrushes

RRP:$5.99 for a pack of four

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We Say: With over 11,000 reviews on Amazon, and an average score of 4.6 out of 5, this plastic-free toothbrush is a clear winner for those of you who like the sound of eco-friendly toothbrushes, just not with the batteries and chargers.

Each recyclable toothbrush is numbered (1-4) and the pack is designed to last one person a full year.

The packaging is also pretty much as green as it gets, made from recycled and biodegradable craft paper.

Preserve Recycled Plastic Toothbrushes

RRP:$18.90 for a pack of six

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We Say: Preserve is a sustainable consumer goods company, with excellent eco-friendly credentials, who offer a wide range of recycled plastic toothbrushes in different colors and firmness.

They’re a certified B Corporation and all products are made from 100% recycled plastic, in the U.S., BPA free, and with no animal testing.

Preserve toothbrushes are a firm favorite with those looking to support sustainable U.S. brush makes.

SimpliGOOD BPA-Free Plant-Based Plastic Toothbrushes

RRP:$9.95 for a pack of five

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We Say: The handle of this plant-based and biodegradable toothbrush is made from Polylactic Acid (PLA), derived from renewable resources such as corn starch or sugar cane.

These eco-friendly toothbrushes come in a range of colors and are shipping in 100% recyclable paper packaging.

Do dentists recommend bamboo toothbrushes?

Yes, your dentist will confirm that a bamboo toothbrush is just as good for your teeth as a plastic one, but doesn’t produce toxins when it decomposes. Choose a bamboo toothbrush with the appropriate brush head size and firmness for your specific needs.

Do electric toothbrushes damage your teeth?

No, an electric toothbrush will not damage your teeth. When used properly an electric toothbrush will improve your overall oral health.

Is Sonicare eco-friendly?

According to the manufacturer, yes it is. Philips produces an ‘eco passport’ for each of its products. Just Google the model followed by ‘eco passport’ to discover more. Electric brushes can be made more eco-friendly by opting for greener replacement toothbrush heads.

Some would argue that eco-friendly electric toothbrushes don’t actually exist due to the materials used (plastic, toxic chemicals, nylon bristles, etc) and the pollution caused by lithium battery disposal.

Choosing an eco-friendly toothpaste and a zero waste mouthwash can help improve your bathroom's eco-credentials. But balance is needed between doing the right thing for the planet and your oral health.

That is why I believe electric toothbrushes, made to last from eco-friendly materials, are the most sustainable green option when it comes to an effective oral health routine.

A good quality rechargeable electric toothbrush will last you many years.