Laifen Wave Electric Toothbrush Review: The Oscillating Disruptor

What Makes the Laifen Wave Special

Laifen made its name in the personal care market with high-performance hair dryers that offered Dyson-level technology at a fraction of the cost. The Wave electric toothbrush follows the same playbook: bring advanced motor technology to a product category dominated by overpriced incumbents.

The Wave's key innovation is its brushless motor combined with an oscillating brush head. Most affordable oscillating toothbrushes use traditional motors that generate noise, heat, and wear over time. Laifen's brushless motor is quieter, more efficient, and theoretically more durable. It generates up to 66,000 movements per minute, which places it in the same performance category as Oral-B's premium iO magnetic drive system.

What makes this remarkable is the price. The Oral-B iO Series 9, which uses a similar magnetic/brushless drive approach, costs $299. The Laifen Wave achieves comparable motor performance for $69. While there are legitimate differences in build quality, smart features, and ecosystem between the two, the core brushing experience is surprisingly close.

Cleaning Performance

In daily use, the Laifen Wave delivers an impressive cleaning experience. The oscillating action feels powerful and precise, with the brush head moving in a defined arc that physically scrubs each tooth surface. The sensation is distinctly different from sonic toothbrushes: rather than the buzzing vibration of a Sonicare, you feel the mechanical scrubbing action that oscillating fans prefer.

The three cleaning modes provide meaningful variety. Clean mode runs at full power for standard daily brushing. Whitening mode alternates intensity to focus on surface stain removal. Sensitive mode reduces the oscillation amplitude for gentler cleaning around inflamed gums or sensitive areas. Within each mode, you can further adjust intensity, providing more customization than most competing brushes offer.

After extended testing, the Laifen Wave consistently delivers that post-dental-cleaning smoothness that indicates thorough plaque removal. The oscillating head reaches around teeth effectively, and the adjustable intensity means you can find the right balance between thorough cleaning and gum comfort.

Laifen Wave vs Oral-B: The Key Comparison

The comparison reveals interesting trade-offs. The Laifen Wave beats both Oral-B models on battery life and charging convenience while costing significantly less. The Oral-B models counter with pressure sensors, smart features, and the ADA Seal. For pure cleaning performance, the gap is much smaller than the price difference suggests.

Design and Build Quality

The Laifen Wave has a modern, tech-forward design that reflects the company's heritage in consumer electronics rather than dental products. The handle is sleek and comfortable, with a quality feel that belies the $69 price. The matte finish resists fingerprints, and the button placement is intuitive.

USB-C charging is a genuine practical advantage. Most people already carry USB-C cables for their phones, laptops, and other devices. Eliminating the need for a proprietary charging base makes the Wave more travel-friendly and reduces counter clutter. The 30-day battery life means you rarely need to charge at all.

Who Should Buy the Laifen Wave

The Laifen Wave is ideal for anyone who prefers the physical scrubbing sensation of an oscillating toothbrush but doesn't want to pay Oral-B iO prices. It's particularly compelling for tech enthusiasts who appreciate the engineering story, travelers who value USB-C charging and long battery life, and budget-conscious buyers who want premium-tier cleaning without the premium-tier price.

If you need smart features, pressure sensors, or the reassurance of the ADA Seal, the Oral-B iO Series 5 at $119 is the better choice. But if you're primarily interested in effective cleaning performance at a fair price, the Laifen Wave is hard to beat.