Colgate Motion

The Colgate Motion can't compare with high-end rechargeable electric toothbrushes like the now-discontinued Braun Oral-B Triumph ProfessionalCare 9400, but reviewers say it's a good alternative to a manual toothbrush. Experts say most people are more likely to brush for the recommended two minutes with a powered toothbrush than with a manual one, but there are a couple of drawbacks. The Colgate Motion runs on two standard AA batteries that will need to be replaced after about two months. Additionally, inexpensive powered toothbrushes generally feature only a spinning motion, while high-end electric toothbrushes also pulse and oscillate for what clinical studies say is more effective plaque removal.

The British product-review publication Which? magazine includes the Colgate Motion in a test of 12 electric toothbrushes, most of which are several times more expensive. Reviewers say, "Movement over your teeth could be better, and the frequency the brush sweeps over your teeth is not as good as other brushes" in the test. We found a good clinical study of six inexpensive powered toothbrushes in the Journal of Clinical Dentistry that finds little significant performance differences among them. Good Housekeeping says the Colgate Motion offers good effectiveness for its price and is comfortable to grip. A review in SpotShoppingGuide.com picks the Colgate Motion over the Crest Spinbrush Pro, now the Arm & Hammer Spinbrush Pro (*est. $9). Strangely, owner reviews are scarce, with just a handful at Epinions.com.