Quip Electric Toothbrush Review: Is the Subscription Model Worth It?

What Makes Quip Different

Quip launched in 2015 with a radically different approach to the electric toothbrush market. Rather than competing on power and features, founder Simon Enever designed Quip to address what he saw as the real barriers to good oral care: people not brushing long enough, not replacing their brush heads often enough, and finding electric toothbrushes too complicated or ugly to keep on their bathroom counter.

The result is a toothbrush that looks more like a high-end pen than a medical device. The metal versions come in matte finishes like slate, copper, and gold, and the slim profile means it takes up minimal counter space. The included travel cover snaps over the brush head and can mount to any mirror or tile surface with an adhesive strip, solving the perennial problem of where to store your electric toothbrush.

The Quip Subscription Model Explained

Quip's subscription is central to the brand experience. When you subscribe, you receive a new brush head, a fresh AAA battery, and a small tube of Quip anticavity toothpaste every three months. The cost is $5 per refill shipment, which breaks down to roughly $1.67 per month. This is notably less expensive than buying Oral-B or Sonicare replacement heads, which typically cost $6-12 each.

The subscription isn't mandatory. You can buy the brush outright and purchase replacement heads separately. However, the subscription is where Quip really shines as a system: by automating the brush head replacement cycle, it ensures you're always using fresh, effective bristles. The ADA recommends replacing brush heads every three months, but studies show most people wait six months or longer.

Cleaning Performance: Honest Assessment

Here's where we have to be straightforward: Quip's cleaning performance is noticeably less powerful than comparable electric toothbrushes from established dental brands. The sonic vibrations operate at approximately 15,000 vibrations per minute, compared to Sonicare's 31,000 and Oral-B's 48,800 movements per minute.

In practical terms, using a Quip feels like using a manual toothbrush with a gentle assist rather than the deep-cleaning sensation you get from a Sonicare or Oral-B. The vibrations are enough to provide a timer function and slightly enhance your brushing technique, but they won't blast away plaque the way more powerful brushes do.

That said, Quip has earned the ADA Seal of Acceptance, meaning it meets the American Dental Association's criteria for safety and efficacy. For someone who was previously using a manual toothbrush, Quip represents an upgrade in terms of consistent brushing time and regular brush head replacement.

Design and Build Quality

Quip's design is genuinely impressive. The metal versions feel substantial and premium, with clean lines and a satisfying weight in your hand. The single-button operation (press once to start, press again for a gentler second speed, hold to turn off) is intuitive enough that no instruction manual is needed.

The travel cover is perhaps Quip's most underrated feature. It clicks firmly onto the brush head, ventilated so the bristles can air-dry, and includes a suction mount for mirror attachment. For frequent travelers, this eliminates the need for a separate travel case and keeps your brush head clean in a toiletry bag.

Quip Model Lineup

Who Should Buy Quip

Quip is best suited for a specific type of buyer. If you're currently using a manual toothbrush and want a gentle introduction to electric brushing, Quip is an excellent first step. If you travel frequently and want a brush that packs easily and looks good on any bathroom counter, Quip is hard to beat. And if you're the type of person who loves clean, minimalist design and tends to forget to replace their brush head, the subscription model genuinely solves a real problem.

However, Quip is not the right choice if you need deep cleaning power for heavy plaque buildup, if you have gum disease that requires more intensive cleaning, or if you want advanced features like pressure sensors, multiple cleaning modes, or AI-guided brushing. For those needs, you'll be better served by Oral-B or Sonicare.