Best Electric Toothbrush for Whitening in 2026
A dedicated whitening mode can visibly brighten your smile by removing coffee, tea, and wine stains. We tested the top whitening electric toothbrushes to find which deliver real results.
Quick Answer
The Oral-B iO Series 9 with its dedicated Whiten mode and optional polishing brush head delivers the best whitening results. It uses a specific oscillation pattern that polishes front teeth while the standard cleaning mode handles plaque removal. For a more affordable option, the Burst Original Sonic with charcoal-infused bristles provides noticeable stain removal under $50.
| Model | Whitening Mode | Special Head | Technology | Results Timeline | Price |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Oral-B iO Series 9 | ✓ | Polishing Cup | Oscillating | 1-2 weeks | $250-300 |
| Sonicare DiamondClean 9000 | ✓ | Diamond Bristles | Sonic | 1-2 weeks | $170-220 |
| Burst Original | ✓ | Charcoal Bristles | Sonic | 2-3 weeks | $40-50 |
| Oral-B iO Series 5 | ✓ | 3D White Head | Oscillating | 2-3 weeks | $90-120 |
| Colgate Hum Smart | ✓ | Standard | Sonic | 3-4 weeks | $20-30 |
Best Whitening Electric Toothbrushes
Oral-B iO Series 9
Best Whitening Electric Toothbrush
The Oral-B iO Series 9 takes whitening seriously with a dedicated Whiten mode that uses a specific oscillation-rotation pattern optimized for stain removal. During the first two minutes, the brush cleans normally. Then it extends for an additional 30 seconds of focused polishing on the front teeth, the area where stains are most visible.
Pair the Whiten mode with Oral-B's 3D White brush head, which features a polishing cup at the center of the bristle array. This cup flexes to the shape of each tooth and uses whitening polishing paste to lift stubborn stains. In clinical testing, this combination removed up to 100% more surface stains than a regular manual toothbrush within just one week.
The AI-powered tracking also ensures you actually spend enough time on visible front teeth during whitening sessions, rather than rushing through them as most people tend to do.
Pros
- Dedicated Whiten mode with extended polish cycle
- 3D White polishing cup brush head
- AI tracking ensures front teeth coverage
- Visible results in 1-2 weeks
- 7 total cleaning modes
Cons
- Premium price point
- Polishing head sold separately
- Results are surface-level only
Philips Sonicare DiamondClean 9000
Best Sonic for Whitening
The DiamondClean 9000's White+ mode extends brushing by 30 seconds with intensified sonic vibrations targeted at the front teeth. The diamond-shaped bristle design on the Premium White brush head creates more surface contact per stroke, breaking up and sweeping away stains more efficiently than standard round bristles.
Sonic technology's fluid dynamic action also drives whitening toothpaste between teeth, reaching stains that traditional brushing misses. The combination of mechanical stain removal and enhanced paste delivery produces noticeable whitening within one to two weeks of regular use.
Pros
- White+ mode with extended front teeth focus
- Diamond-shaped bristles maximize contact
- Fluid dynamics drive paste between teeth
- Premium design and build quality
Cons
- Premium price ($170-220)
- Premium White heads cost more
- Less targeted than Oral-B polishing cup
Burst Original Sonic Toothbrush
Best Budget Whitening Toothbrush
Burst takes a unique approach to whitening with charcoal-infused bristles that naturally absorb and lift surface stains during regular brushing. The dedicated Whitening mode increases vibration intensity to 33,000 strokes per minute, providing more aggressive stain removal without the need for special brush heads.
At under $50, Burst offers the most affordable dedicated whitening electric toothbrush experience. The charcoal bristles are replaced automatically through the subscription program at an affordable $6 per head every three months.
Pros
- Charcoal-infused bristles absorb stains
- Dedicated Whitening mode
- Affordable price under $50
- 30-day battery life
Cons
- Less clinically validated than major brands
- Charcoal whitening is debated by dentists
- No polishing cup option
Oral-B iO Series 5
Best Mid-Range Whitening
The iO Series 5 includes a Whitening mode that provides similar polishing action to the Series 9 at a lower price. Compatible with the same 3D White brush head, it delivers meaningful stain removal without the AI tracking or color display of the flagship. For most whitening needs, it is indistinguishable from the Series 9 in results.
Pros
- Same iO whitening mode as Series 9
- Compatible with 3D White head
- Significantly cheaper than Series 9
- 5 cleaning modes total
Cons
- No AI tracking for coverage
- No extended polish cycle
- B&W display only
Colgate Hum Smart Toothbrush
Most Affordable Whitening Option
The Colgate Hum includes a Whitening mode at a remarkably affordable price point. While it lacks the specialized brush heads of premium competitors, the intensified vibration pattern combined with a whitening toothpaste can produce gradual stain removal over 3-4 weeks of consistent use.
Pros
- Most affordable whitening mode
- Smart app tracks whitening routine
- Lightweight and portable
- Good for maintaining existing whiteness
Cons
- Slower whitening results
- No specialized whitening head
- Less powerful motor
Whitening Electric Toothbrush Buying Guide
Understanding Electric Toothbrush Whitening
Electric toothbrushes whiten teeth by mechanically removing surface stains (extrinsic stains) from coffee, tea, wine, and food. They cannot bleach or change the inherent color of your teeth (intrinsic stains). Think of it as removing grime from a surface rather than repainting it. For deeper whitening, professional treatments are needed.
What Makes a Whitening Mode Different
Whitening modes typically increase brush speed or change the oscillation pattern to be more aggressive against surface stains. Many add 30-60 seconds to the brushing cycle focused on the front teeth where stains are most visible. Some brands pair whitening modes with specialized brush heads featuring polishing elements.
Whitening Brush Heads
Oral-B's 3D White head includes a central polishing cup that conforms to tooth surfaces for targeted stain removal. Philips' Premium White head uses diamond-shaped bristles for increased surface contact. Burst uses charcoal-infused bristles that claim to absorb stain molecules. Of these approaches, Oral-B's polishing cup has the most clinical evidence backing its effectiveness.
Maximizing Whitening Results
For best results, use your whitening mode twice daily with a whitening toothpaste. Rinse with water after consuming staining beverages. Replace brush heads on schedule since worn bristles are less effective at stain removal. Be patient; visible results typically take 1-4 weeks depending on the severity of staining and the brush used.
Our Verdict
The Oral-B iO Series 9 with the 3D White brush head provides the most effective electric toothbrush whitening available. Its polishing cup, dedicated mode, and AI tracking deliver visible results within a week. For budget-conscious shoppers, the Burst Original offers a compelling whitening experience under $50.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do electric toothbrushes actually whiten teeth? +
Electric toothbrushes can remove surface stains more effectively than manual brushing, resulting in visibly whiter teeth. However, they cannot change the natural color of your teeth like professional bleaching treatments. They are most effective against stains from coffee, tea, wine, and tobacco.
Which electric toothbrush is best for whitening? +
The Oral-B iO Series 9 with its dedicated whitening mode and polishing cup brush head is the most effective option. The Philips Sonicare DiamondClean 9000 with its White+ mode and diamond bristles is also excellent for sonic whitening.
How long does it take to see whitening results? +
Most users notice surface stain removal within 2-4 weeks of consistent use with a whitening mode. Premium models with polishing features can show results in as little as 1 week. Results depend on the severity of staining and whether you continue consuming staining foods and beverages.