Colgate Electric Toothbrush: Complete Lineup Review and Guide
Colgate's Electric Toothbrush Lineup
Most people associate Colgate with toothpaste, and for good reason: the company has been a global leader in oral care products for over two centuries. But Colgate has been steadily expanding its electric toothbrush offerings, recognizing that the powered brushing market continues to grow as more consumers move away from manual brushes.
Colgate's current electric toothbrush lineup can be divided into three tiers: the premium Hum smart toothbrush, the mid-range ProClinical series (available in select markets), and the budget-friendly 360 battery-powered models. Each tier serves a different customer need, and understanding the differences helps you pick the right Colgate brush, if any, for your situation.
Colgate Hum: The Smart Toothbrush
Colgate Hum Smart Toothbrush
Colgate's Premium Electric Offering
| Technology | Sonic vibrations |
|---|---|
| Cleaning Modes | 3 (Normal, Sensitive, Deep Clean) |
| Smart Features | Bluetooth, app-guided brushing |
| Battery Life | 10 days (rechargeable version) |
| Price | $70 (rechargeable) / $20 (battery) |
Pros
- App provides real-time brushing guidance with zone mapping
- Three useful cleaning modes
- Competitive price for a smart toothbrush
- Comes from a trusted dental care brand
Cons
- Less powerful than Oral-B or Sonicare at similar prices
- Limited replacement head availability in some stores
- Shorter battery life than competitors
Colgate 360: Budget Battery-Powered Options
Colgate 360 Battery Toothbrush
Ultra-Affordable Power Brushing
| Technology | Oscillating/vibrating |
|---|---|
| Cleaning Modes | 1 |
| Battery | AA or AAA (not rechargeable) |
| Special Features | Cheek/tongue cleaner, polishing bristles |
| Price | $7-$12 |
Pros
- Extremely affordable entry into powered brushing
- Available at virtually every grocery store and pharmacy
- Integrated cheek and tongue cleaner
- No charging base needed
Cons
- Very weak motor compared to rechargeable electric toothbrushes
- Disposable design creates more waste
- No timer function on most models
- Battery replacements add ongoing cost
How Colgate Compares to Other Brands
| Feature | Colgate Hum | Oral-B Pro 1000 | Sonicare 4100 |
|---|---|---|---|
| Price | $70 | $49 | $49 |
| Technology | Sonic | Oscillating-Rotating | Sonic |
| Cleaning Modes | 3 | 1 | 1 |
| Smart Features | Yes | Basic | No |
| Battery Life | 10 days | 7 days | 14 days |
| Pressure Sensor | No | Yes | Yes |
The comparison tells an interesting story. Colgate's Hum costs more than both the Oral-B Pro 1000 and Sonicare 4100 but offers smart features that neither budget competitor includes. However, both the Oral-B and Sonicare deliver more cleaning power at their lower price points. The Hum's value proposition is really about smart tracking at a mid-range price rather than raw cleaning performance.
Should You Choose Colgate or a Dedicated Electric Toothbrush Brand?
Colgate's strength in the electric toothbrush market lies in accessibility and trust. The brand is available everywhere, most people already use Colgate products, and the price points are approachable. If you're shopping at a drugstore and want to grab a powered brush without much research, Colgate is a safe choice.
However, if you're willing to do a bit of comparison shopping, dedicated electric toothbrush brands like Oral-B and Sonicare offer more cleaning power per dollar. Their decades of focus on electric brushing technology translates into more refined motors, better brush head designs, and broader ecosystems of accessories and replacement parts.
The one area where Colgate genuinely competes is with the Hum's smart features. At $70, it offers app-guided brushing at a price point where most Oral-B and Sonicare options lack Bluetooth connectivity entirely. If smart tracking matters to you and you don't want to spend $200 or more on a premium smart brush, the Hum deserves consideration.
Our Verdict
Colgate offers competent electric toothbrushes but doesn't lead in any single category. The Hum provides affordable smart features, and the 360 battery brushes are fine for an inexpensive upgrade from manual brushing. For most shoppers prioritizing cleaning performance, we'd still recommend Oral-B or Sonicare as primary choices, with Colgate as a solid backup option if those brands aren't available or don't fit your budget.
Frequently Asked Questions
Yes, Colgate offers several electric toothbrush options including the Hum smart toothbrush ($70), the 360 battery-powered series ($7-12), and the ProClinical line available in select markets.
The Colgate Hum offers good value at $70 with smart features, 3 cleaning modes, and a companion app. It's a solid mid-range option, though Oral-B and Sonicare offer stronger cleaning performance at similar or lower prices.
Oral-B dominates the electric toothbrush market with more models, stronger motors, and proven oscillating-rotating technology. Colgate is better known for toothpaste but has made strides with the Hum smart brush.
Colgate 360 battery toothbrushes are decent for the price ($7-12) and offer a slight upgrade from manual brushing. However, they lack the power and features of rechargeable electric toothbrushes from brands like Oral-B and Sonicare.