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Travel electric toothbrush

I'm looking for a travel-friendly electric or battery operated toothbrush.

If rechargable I prefer one that takes USB-C and not its own proprietary charger. (If something happens to the charger while traveling it may not be easy to replace.) One that takes disposable batteries is okay too.

Keep in mind I'm constantly traveling so telling me your toothbrush charge lasts a few weeks doesn't really help me.

I've tried a few of the cheaper battery operated ones but they didn't do much.

I'm currently using a circular motion, battery operated Oral- B that isn't bad but I'd like to know what my options are in sonic type. (I've searched Amazon and the big box stores."

I should say I looked at the Philips One toothbrush but it is too long for my toiletry kit.

I asked a similar question six years ago, but to Quote U2....."I still haven't found what I'm looking for."

Posted by
835 posts

I don't travel as much as you, but I have a bottom of the range Oral B that has a small recharging base which plugs into a shaver socket or via an adaptor into the mains. Charge lasts two days for two of us.

Posted by
600 posts

Similar to Lin C, I have a Phillips rechargeagle toothbrush. Works very well. The base is just a simple white block with a coil of some sort in it. I just looked, and the block says 100-240 vac. So you'd just need a plug adapter for that one. Maybe you can uplug the brush to make it shorter?

I sure wouldn't want to plan on having a 110 vac outlet in a European bathroom, I don't think I've ever seen one of those. And we often stay in very small hotels with shared bathrooms, so we would need to put a toothbrush by the bed, and there often are not many open outlets.

Posted by
10071 posts

I’d just buy some extra AA batteries and buy an OralB 3DPower action toothbrush. Pack 2 and replace when you choose.

Posted by
16 posts

I've been using the Phillips One for travel for 3 years and still going strong, and charges with USB-C. Is it possible it may fit in our kit if you just pack the toothbrush and not the case? Or you could travel with the brush head separate from the handle and have it fit. I think its a great travel toothbrush.

Posted by
435 posts

Well if you do want to be environmentally conscious both at home and when traveling, I am a huge fan of Suri:
https://www.trysuri.com/en-us/products/suri-2-sonic-toothbrush-uv-c-led-case
I like the case for travel (it's optional), it serves as the charger, too, and you can activate the blue light sanitizing feature, too. It's pricey compared to the OralBs, but it has a super slim profile and has held its charge for the 3+ weeks of my trip.
It's likely too big to fit in your toiletry case but I just pack it vertically in its case in my personal item when using it away from home.

Posted by
25620 posts

Frank, I can see that link for about 2 seconds before I get booted out of the site. Maybe my EU IP address. But it looks identical to mine in size and shape and mine charges on a USB C. I bought it at DM ... or maybe Rossmann(?)

Posted by
18606 posts

Mine runs on 2 AA batteries.

There are pros and cons to batteries.

My hygienist doesn't think they are as powerful as rechargable plus the environmentalists hate the idea of disposable batteries.

On the bright side, batteries are easily found. If the toothbrush's proprietary charge cord malfunctions, they may not be readily available for replacement everywhere.

DM and Rossmann. I like both stores. I describe them to friends as Walgreens without the drugs.

Posted by
25620 posts

Sorry Frank. I just looked and I told you wrong. It has a proprietary charging base. It’s small and easy to carry, but it’s not a USB C.

I was thinking of my portable waterpick. That one is a USB C. Love the thing. Oh and that toothbrush was sort of stupid expensive but any "luxury" or technology thing is expensive here.

Here is what is funny about Rossmann, the name is Rossmann Drogéria but you can’t even buy an aspirin there.

Posted by
25620 posts

Wait, the Oral B IO is a USB C or at least Amazon sells a USB C base for it. The IO also comes with a travel case. But the dang thing is 40.799 forints. So thats not happening. I have people bring me this sort of stuff from the states.

Posted by
459 posts

I have a Quip and it is okay but still nothing like my home Oral B. I did try all kinds of alternatives but none compare to the home units IMHO.

Posted by
32622 posts

I've been using a SoniCare toothbrush for many years and never had any problems travelling with it. It's supplied with a small carrying case, which requires the brush to be removed from the power unit. It does have a proprietary charger but it's very small and easy to fit into my luggage. I typically use a manual toothbrush in my carry-on during travel, and pack the electric in my larger bag.

Posted by
18606 posts

In case anyone is interested, I bought a Sonicare 4100. I like it and it doesn't weigh too much even with the proprietary charger.

It just fits into my toiletry kit.

I also like the fact that the charger plugs into USB-A.

Posted by
910 posts

We've always traveled with one standard Sonicare for the two of us. We just carry 2 different heads and change them as needed. It's a wise space savings!

Posted by
568 posts

Thanks for the post, Frank - I too love my electric toothbrush and would love to have one less charging gadget...but a more compact, USB charger like the Sonicare 4100 might fit the bill as well. I'll have to check it out.

Posted by
232 posts

I used to have an electric toothbrush that I used for travel that used regular batteries. I now have an Oral B with a rechargeable lithium battery. My more expensive Oral B I leave at home. I just have to remember that when I have checked luggage, it has to go in my carry on.