Best Travel Toothbrush – Manual, Electric, and Sonic Options

When preparing to travel, a toothbrush is one of the first items on everyone’s packing list. But finding the best travel toothbrush can be tricky. You want something that’s compact and slips easily into your carry-on bag, but is also effective at getting your teeth clean.

What is the best travel toothbrush you can buy?

After weighing the pros and cons of many portable toothbrushes, our travel experts selected the AquaSonic Black Series PRO as the best option available.

There is so much to love about the AquaSonic Black Series PRO electric toothbrush. First, the sonic technology is top-of-its-class, vibrating 40,000 times per minute. This means your teeth and gums will get a deep clean every time you brush.

Second, the battery life is incredible. A single charge will last up to 30 days — perfect for long-term backpackers or digital nomads.

Finally, the UV sanitizing charging case is a game-changer. This feature kills 99% of germs, so you can have confidence that your toothbrush is germ-free and ready to use, no matter where your journey takes you.

The Best Travel Toothbrushes Reviewed for 2022

Even though the AquaSonic Black Series PRO is our favorite, there are many great travel toothbrushes available.

This article will walk you through the best electric toothbrushes, manual toothbrushes, and disposable toothbrushes for travel buffs in 2022.

Whether your priority is style, convenience, or budget, you’ll find a premium toothbrush on this list that’s well-suited for your next adventure.

1. AquaSonic Black Series PRO with UV – Best Travel Electric Toothbrush

We’ve already expressed how much we like the AquaSonic Black Series PRO, but it bears repeating: this toothbrush is our top pick for the best travel toothbrush of 2022. From industry-leading sonic technology to great value in price, the AquaSonic Black Series PRO earns a place in every vacationer’s suitcase.

AquaSonic Black Series PRO electric toothbrush with UV – Pros and Cons

Our Review

The AquaSonic Black Ultra Whitening Toothbrush is one of the most highly-rated ultra sonic toothbrushes on the market. Over 85,000 reviewers on Amazon gave this fantastic product a cumulative 4.6/5 stars.

No average toothbrush, the AquaSonic Black Ultra Whitening brush has a lithium-ion battery that holds a charge for up to 30 days. Its four brushing modes and soft bristles effectively remove plaque and massage the gum line to keep your dental hygiene game strong.

While this electric toothbrush doesn’t have Bluetooth connectivity or a smartphone app, it does have a two-minute timer to help you develop good brushing habits.

Benefits of the AquaSonic Black Ultra Whitening Brush vs. Black Series PRO

The Black Series PRO version has all the features of the Aquasonic Black Ultra Whitening Toothbrush, plus additional components like the UV sanitizing travel case. Since maintaining a healthy oral microbiome is a top dental health priority, we think it’s worth the upgrade.

2. Philips Sonicare Prestige 9900 – Best for Sensitive Teeth and Gums

The Philips Sonicare brand is the Rolls Royce of the toothbrush world, recommended by dentists across the nation. And the Philips Sonicare Prestige 9900 model with SenseIQ is the best of the best.

Using AI to adapt to your brushing style, this “wonder brush” gets your teeth up to 20x cleaner than a manual toothbrush.

The only reason it didn’t come first on our list is the higher price tag than many travel toothbrushes.

Phillips Sonicare Prestige 9900 rechargeable toothbrush Pros and Cons

Our Review

The Phillips Sonicare Prestige 9900 electric toothbrush is a must-have for travelers who want to maintain maximum dental health away from home.

If you struggle with sensitive teeth and want access to a professional-level cleaning after every meal, this is the brush to keep handy. The leatherette charging case is so chic that you could carry it as a wristlet and no one would guess there’s a toothbrush inside.

This model comes with a premium all-in-one brush head with multiple types of soft nylon bristles, but it is also compatible with different styles of Phillips Sonicare brush heads. State-of-the-art “Sense IQ” technology uses artificial intelligence to adjust brushing power based on your cleaning habits, and it interfaces with a smartphone app to tell you which spots you tend to miss.

Reviewers give the Philips Sonicare Prestige 9900 overwhelmingly positive ratings of 4.4/5 stars.

Some users question the higher price of this model, but if you’ve ever had to pay for filling a cavity out-of-pocket, you know how much this investment in your dental health can save in the long run.

3. hum by Colgate Smart Battery Toothbrush Kit – Best Budget

The “hum” by Colgate Smart Battery Operated Travel Toothbrush is an excellent toothbrush for those who are looking for an affordable option that still has a lot of bells and whistles.

This battery-powered toothbrush uses electric pulse technology to massage your teeth and gums and has both normal and sensitive modes. It uses Bluetooth to communicate with an app that reminds you to target the areas you tend to miss.

hum by Colgate Smart Battery powered Toothbrush Pros and Cons

Our Review

There’s so much to like about Colgate’s “hum” battery-operated toothbrush that it’s hard to believe it comes at such an affordable price. The ergonomic handle is comfortable to hold, even for those with small hands, and the slim case means it will fit easily into any carry-on bag.

Users give it 4.6/5 stars, commenting that their teeth feel cleaner than ever since using the Bluetooth app’s guidance.

Although the hum by Colgate isn’t rechargeable, this may actually be a travel-friendly feature. You might not have hours to charge electric toothbrushes when you’re on vacation, but every convenience store you pass will carry AAA batteries. You can even pack extra batteries in your backpack.

4. NICEBLE Electric Toothbrush with Drying Function – Most Sanitary

We’re pretty sure a true globetrotter designed this electric toothbrush. It has a handful of unique features that are perfect for travel, like an integrated mouthwash cup and a drying function that zaps bacteria right inside the case.

NICEBLE Electric Toothbrush Pros and Cons

Our Review

When traveling from place to place on vacation, you often don’t have time to dry your toothbrush thoroughly before heading out on your next adventure. But putting wet bristles in a plastic case is a recipe for growing the very microbes that you worked hard to get off your teeth.

The NICEBLE Travel Electric Toothbrush with Drying Function goes above and beyond to ensure this compact toothbrush stays as clean as can be. The case includes a tiny fan to remove bacteria-breeding moisture from the bristles and uses UV light to sanitize the brush head.

The travel case is the size and shape of a deck of cards and includes a mouthwash cup, making it an all-in-one travel toothbrush solution. The only downside is that the case doesn’t have a built-in stand, so you’ll need to find a clean surface to set it on.

5. Colgate Max Fresh Wisp Disposable Mini Travel Toothbrushes – Best Backup Option

No matter which travel toothbrush you choose, you should also throw a few of these disposable toothbrushes into your purse, backpack, or toiletry bag as a backup option.

If you forget your regular toothbrush or its battery dies, a Colgate Travel Toothbrush will get you through.

Colgate Max Fresh Wisp Disposable Toothbrushes Pros and Cons

Our Review

Whether you’re backpacking in the Rockies or adventuring in the rainforest, there will be times when you find yourself without access to running water. This is where the Colgate Max Fresh Wisp Disposable Mini Manual Toothbrushes come in handy. Each of these compact toothbrushes is individually wrapped in BPA-free plastic and includes a water packet, so you can maintain great oral hygiene no matter where you wander.

The entire toothbrush is compact enough to tuck into the smallest nook in your bag. So even if you’re on a business trip and want to remove coffee stains before your next meeting, the Colgate Max Fresh Wisp is great to have around.

6. RADIUS Tour Travel Toothbrush & Case – Best Manual Toothbrush

Say hello to eco-friendly dental care with the Radius Tour Travel folding toothbrushes. These ADA-accepted travel toothbrushes are made of 100% plant-based plastic, and the integrated case cuts down on packaging waste.

The replaceable head on this folding travel toothbrush sits on a long thin neck designed to clean those hard-to-reach places in your mouth.

Radius Tour Travel Toothbrush & Case Pros and Cons

Our Review

Safe, innovative, and sustainable, the Radius Tour Travel Brush & Case is a top choice for those looking for a compact travel toothbrush. The case is made of 100% wood-based material with 100% vegetable-based bristles. This zero-petroleum folding toothbrush is made in the USA and, when closed, is small enough to slip into your vest pocket.

With user ratings of 4.5/5 stars, reviewers love Radius Tour Travel manual toothbrushes for their affordability, durability, and ease of cleaning.

7. Bonus: Waterpik Cordless Express Water Flosser

While it’s not a toothbrush, no discussion of dental hygiene while traveling would be complete without mentioning the Waterpik Cordless Express Water Flosser. A Waterpik truly takes your oral hygiene to the next level, and this compact cordless model is both affordable and easy to stow in your duffel bag.

Waterpik Cordless Express Water Flosser Pros and Cons

Our Review

The Waterpik Cordless Express is incredibly effective at removing plaque between the teeth and around the gumline. If you have orthodontics or irregular spaces in your teeth that trap food and cause discomfort, you won’t want to leave home without it.

This handy little flosser is great for travel because it’s cordless and powered by AA batteries.

Travel Toothbrush Buyer’s Guide

As you probably gathered from our reviews, there’s more to the travel toothbrush decision than you might expect! Our buyer’s guide will help you narrow your options and choose the right one for your needs.

What is a Travel Toothbrush?

Many criteria for the best travel toothbrush are the same things you’d look for in a brush for your bathroom counter. But since convenience and cleanliness are top concerns when you’re on the road, here are some key features that set a travel toothbrush apart:

• Sanitation – It must be easy to clean or self-cleaning.
• Security – The travel case shouldn’t open even when jostled in a purse.
• Attractiveness – You may have to use it in a public setting or with a roommate around.
• Stands up on its own – No one wants to lay their toothbrush down on a sketchy hotel countertop.
• Holds its charge – Has a long-lasting battery, or batteries are easy to replace.
• Effective – Gets your teeth as clean as if you were at home

Battery-operated Toothbrushes vs. Manual Toothbrushes

One primary question when shopping for a travel toothbrush is whether you want a manual or battery-powered brush. If you’re used to the deep cleaning of an electric toothbrush at home, you may feel like you can’t live without one on the road.

But electric toothbrushes have some downsides. They’re usually larger and bulkier to carry. They require either extra batteries or a power source to last through multi-night expeditions.

Manual toothbrushes are lighter, and some will fold to be so slim they’d fit in the smallest toiletry bag. However, compared to the power of an electric brush, you may find them less effective.

Electric vs. Sonic Toothbrushes

Within the realm of electric travel toothbrushes, you’ll find a few different levels of power.

What is an Electric Travel Toothbrush?

Models labeled “electric toothbrushes” usually have round brush heads that spin at a rate of 2,000 to 7,000 rotations per minute. These are more effective than brushing manually, which averages around 300 strokes per minute.

On our list of best travel toothbrushes, the hum by Colgate Toothbrush is an Electric Toothbrush.

What is a Sonic Travel Toothbrush?

Sonic toothbrushes are significantly more powerful than electric toothbrushes. They emit sound waves that create vibrations at a rate of 20,000 to 40,000 times per minute. These brush heads don’t spin but rather “sweep” the plaque off your teeth.

In fact, sonic toothbrushes move so quickly that they create turbulence in the air and fluid around your teeth. This helps to break up plaque and bacteria even before the bristles touch your teeth! This “fluid dynamics” effect can also remove plaque between teeth or below the gum line — though it’s not a substitute for flossing!

On our list of best travel toothbrushes, both the AquaSonic and the Phillips are sonic toothbrush options.

Sonic vs. Ultrasonic

The newest category of toothbrushes on the market is ultrasonic. These models use ultrasound technology — sound waves at frequencies beyond what the human ear can hear — to create even more intense vibrations. There are only a few actual ultrasonic toothbrushes on the market, and since they need a power source, they aren’t very portable or practical for travel.

What do our experts recommend?

A sonic toothbrush paired with string floss and the Cordless Express Waterpik makes an unstoppable oral hygiene routine that can take you anywhere!

How to Carry a Travel Toothbrush

Most of the toothbrushes we reviewed today come with their own travel cases, but those cases come in several shapes and sizes. Make sure to choose one that fits into your bag with enough space to carry toothpaste also.

A good travel case will keep your toothbrush clean and protected, but it should also have ventilation holes so the bristles can dry. Avoid carrying your brush in a plastic bag, as this won’t allow any moisture to escape and will encourage bacteria growth on your toothbrush.

Wherever you roam, clean your teeth like at home

Travel can be tough on teeth. If you don’t plan ahead, the irregular sleep and eating patterns that come with vacation may leave you going longer than you meant to without brushing.

Keeping the right travel toothbrush in your bag could be the key to a confident winning smile on your next business trip. Or maybe it will be your passport to relaxing at a beach without the nagging feeling that your teeth haven’t really been clean since you left home.

Whatever adventure awaits, we hope these travel toothbrushes will help you keep your mouth clean and healthy on the go.