Spotlight Sonic electric toothbrush review: can this affordable model beat expensive competitors?
An in-depth review of Telegraph Recommended’s highest rated electric toothbrush
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Price: £71.50 at Spotlight,
Also available for: £84.99 at Amazon and £110 at Lookfantastic
Our rating: 9 out of 10
We like:
- Three adjustable settings (Sensitive, Clean, and White)
- Two minute self-timer and a 30-second alert to move onto the next section
- 70-day battery life
We don’t like:
- Noisy
- Full charge takes 15 hours
- Doesn’t feature a smart sensor to prevent you brushing too hard
What is the Spotlight Sonic Toothbrush?
Spotlight Oral Care first launched in 2016 with a selection of whitening kits and pens. Three years later, female founders and dental sisters, Lisa and Vanessa Creavan, expanded their collection with the Spotlight Oral Care Sonic Toothbrush – the predecessor to the newer Sonic Pro device.
According to the brand, the Sonic electric toothbrush was designed to be a gentle, non-abrasive, alternative to more aggressive devices which often left users with sore gums and sensitive teeth.
Instead of traditional oscillating heads, Spotlight’s design uses sonic technology, which delivers high frequency vibrations to achieve (as they boast) a post-dentist fresh feeling at home. Another feature is that this long battery life toothbrush promises 70 days of use after just one 15-hour charge.
With an RRP of £110, the Spotlight Sonic toothbrush is a more affordable option compared to premium models and considerably cheaper than the similarly-specced Philips Sonicare 5100 toothbrush. We voted it the best electric toothbrush overall in our round-up last year, but does it still hold up, and is it worth investing in?
How we test electric toothbrushes
After wearing braces for one year in my teens to straighten my incisors, I am rigorous when it comes to my oral care routine and pride myself on having no fillings. I was even told by my dentist I have ‘perfect teeth’, so there’s pressure for me to maintain my pearly whites. I floss most days and brush my teeth twice a day. I traded in my trusted Oral-B Smart 6 White Electric Toothbrush for Spotlight’s Sonic electric toothbrush to assess its ease of use, runtime, and ability to clean my teeth gently and effectively.
To match the toothbrush’s two-minute self-timer, I brushed the front of my top teeth for 30 seconds before I cleaned behind them, and repeated these steps for my lower set. I also trialled brushing my teeth across all three modes, Sensitive, Clean and White, to assess the speed and pressure of the settings on my gums and teeth.
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Ease of use: 10 out of 10
The Spotlight Sonic Toothbrush may be one of the easiest electric toothbrushes I’ve ever used. Unlike other electric toothbrushes I’ve tried with multiple settings and the option to connect to an app for data on my brushing technique, Spotlight keeps things simple and straightforward.
This fuss-free device has a single button for powering on and switching seamlessly between the three settings. The settings are self-explanatory; Clean is a normal setting and the one I relied on most, Sensitive offers a gentle operation, while the White programme is the most intense mode to remove stubborn stains. For those who are used to an array of options, this trio may seem basic. However, I like its simplicity.
The memory mode is a clever touch that saved me time, and confusion, as I didn’t have to flick through numerous programmes to find my preferred setting when I woke up bleary eyed in the morning. The automatic two-minute timer kicks in the moment I switch on the toothbrush. During the two minutes the timer is split into four 30-second intervals, which is a useful reminder for me to move onto the next section, and make sure I clean my teeth evenly. When the two minutes are up the toothbrush automatically switches off.
One small grumble is having to click through all the remaining programmes if I want to switch the toothbrush off ahead of the timer, which can be messy business with toothpaste spraying everywhere.
Cleaning power: 8 out of 10
The electric toothbrush uses sonic technology, which involves high frequency vibrations instead of oscillating or rotating heads. This technology is said to help promote oxygen flow as well as removing plaque. At first, I didn’t notice a difference in the sensation on my teeth between the sonic device and my former oscillating toothbrush. What I did notice was my teeth felt cleaner after around a week, my breath fresher, and my gums were not irritated by a new bristle brush – though the jury is out on whether my teeth look whiter.
I tried all three settings; Sensitive mode is the gentlest setting as it vibrates at 31,000 strokes per minute, Clean delivers 41,000 reps, while White runs at an intense 48,000 reps.
Clean mode was my most used setting for a thorough and gentle clean. When I wanted a deeper clean, after feasting on sweet treats that day, I opted for White mode. However, I found this quite abrasive and noisy, and without a pressure sensor I worried it would damage my enamel if used too often.
Design: 7 out of 10
The design is attractive, lightweight, and minimalist. The original design is available in three colours, white, graphite grey and rose gold, but I opted for the former to complement my all-white bathroom. The handle is slim and comfortable to hold. The electric toothbrush is fitted with a LED display that illuminates when you switch on the device, select a programme and when the battery is low.
The brush heads feature smaller outer bristles that curve in the middle and two sections of longer bristles in the centre to get into every nook and cranny. This subtle design feature can easily go unnoticed, but those with sensitive teeth may notice that the bristles are softer and gentler on the teeth and gums. The set includes three detachable heads – all the same size and function – which last for three months.
Each head includes a separate clear compact cover to protect the brush head. I was also impressed by the lightweight compact travel case, which has features inside to house the separate parts of the toothbrush.
Though the design of the electric toothbrush is aesthetically pleasing, there is room for improvement. The Sonic Toothbrush lacks a pressure sensor, which I think is paramount as I tend to brush too hard, and this feature could prevent that. Crucially, the vibrating technology causes a high-pitched buzzing sound, which amplifies when the settings are increased. This is a big drawback for me as the sound was not only irritating, but disruptive as it woke my boyfriend up who was sleeping next door.
Comfort and ergonomics : 9 out of 10
The feather-light electric toothbrush boasts an ultra-soft matte exterior, and is very slimline, which makes it easy to hold for the two-minute session. The power button is perfectly placed for my thumb to press to change the settings. While comfortable, the brush handle can get slippery if it’s wet, and could benefit from rubber grips or ergonomic grooves for the hand to rest on, similar to other models I have used.
The handle measures approximately five inches in length, while the attachment head adds a further three inches. The two parts combined make the perfect length to reach my molars, as well as behind my teeth, to ensure all areas are cleaned thoroughly. At first glance I thought the brush head would be too small for my teeth, but it is the perfect size to clean each tooth without scratching at my gums. After weeks of use, my teeth feel like they have been polished by a professional dentist. My gums didn’t bleed and my teeth were less sensitive.
Battery: 9 out of 10
Spotlight’s Sonic toothbrush promises a 70-day battery life, which is an impressive runtime. Initially, I was dubious, since my previous toothbrush claimed to last two weeks but actually needed charging every two days. This one takes 15 hours to fully charge, though, so perhaps it’s not surprising it lasts longer. I have used the Sonic toothbrush for a number of weeks now, and it still hasn’t flashed red to warn me the battery is low. This is a huge pull factor for those travelling, or who simply forget to charge their toothbrush regularly.
Its 15-hour full charge isn’t ideal, but it’s a small compromise to make for such a lengthy battery life. Plus, the set includes a compact charging dock that connects to a USB port, which makes this toothbrush easy to recharge, especially when on the go.
Technical specifications
The electric toothbrush market is a hard one in which to make comparisons. They are never sold at their full RRP and the big names, like Philips and Oral-B, have multiple lines at wildly varying price points. Below, we’ve compared the Spotlight Sonic to the Philips Sonicare 5100, a mid-range toothbrush with a similar set of features.
Telegraph verdict: 9 out of 10
After years of using an oscillating Oral-B toothbrush it took me a while to adjust to the sonic technology used in Spotlight’s debut electric toothbrush. However, I was swiftly won over by its simplicity and efficiency in cleaning my teeth thoroughly. Surprisingly, my teeth felt cleaner and smoother after each use.
This toothbrush offers a fuss-free experience and is much easier to use in comparison to other designs, as you don’t have to sift through 10 programmes to reach the desired setting. The one thing which could improve the toothbrush is a pressure sensor. I’m always mindful of brushing my teeth too hard and causing damage to the enamel on my teeth.
There is no denying the battery life is outstanding. I have used twice daily for a number of weeks and I have still not needed to charge the device, which is a huge win, especially as my former device needed charging every few days. My main grievance is the buzzing sound caused by the high frequency vibrations. The noise isn’t offensive, but it is noticeable, especially as my former toothbrush was virtually mute.
In our round-up of the best electric toothbrushes, we crowned it the best overall. It still keeps that title due to its great value, ease of use and impressive results. We recommend this toothbrush for anyone who is delving into the world of electric toothbrushes for the first time, or seeking a gentler gadget for delicate teeth.
FAQs
How long do Spotlight Sonic brush heads last?
Spotlight’s Sonic Toothbrush includes three interchangeable toothbrush heads. They advise changing the brush head every three months.
Is the Spotlight Sonic gentle on sensitive teeth and gums?
Yes, particularly on the Clean and Sensitive settings. The latter is best for those with receding gums, or extremely sensitive teeth, as it vibrates at a lower intensity for a gentle cleaning experience.
What accessories are included?
In the pack you’ll get three brush heads and a clear case for each attachment to protect the bristles when not in use. The set also features a compact travel case and a USB charging dock.