SURI Electric Toothbrush Review: The Sustainable Sonic Brush Worth Considering
SURI Sustainable Electric Toothbrush
Sustainability Meets Sonic Performance
| Technology | Sonic (up to 33,000 movements/min) |
|---|---|
| Cleaning Modes | 3 (Clean, Whitening, Sensitive) |
| Handle Material | Anodized aluminum |
| Brush Heads | Plant-based, recyclable via return program |
| Battery Life | ~30 days |
| UV-C Stand | Included (sanitizes + travel case) |
| Charging | USB-C |
| Price | ~$95 (starter set) |
Pros
- Genuinely sustainable brush heads with return recycling program
- Beautiful aluminum handle built to last years
- UV-C sanitizing stand doubles as travel case
- Strong sonic cleaning comparable to mid-range Sonicare
- 30-day battery life with USB-C charging
- Compact, minimal footprint on counter
Cons
- Premium pricing at ~$95
- Limited availability outside UK/EU (ships internationally)
- Fewer mode options than premium Oral-B/Sonicare
- Relatively new brand with less long-term reliability data
- Replacement heads must be ordered directly from SURI
The Sustainability Problem SURI Solves
The electric toothbrush industry has an environmental problem that nobody talks about. Every three months, millions of plastic brush heads are thrown away and end up in landfills or oceans. These small plastic items are too small and too mixed-material to be processed by standard recycling facilities. Even eco-conscious consumers who carefully sort their recycling are unknowingly contributing to this waste stream.
SURI was founded to address this specific problem. The London-based company, launched via a successful crowdfunding campaign, designed their brush heads using plant-based materials that can be returned to SURI for proper recycling. The aluminum handle is designed to last for years, eliminating the need to replace the entire unit. Even the packaging uses recycled and recyclable materials.
The UV-C Sanitizing Stand
One of SURI's most innovative features is the included UV-C cleaning stand. This compact device serves triple duty: it holds the brush upright on your counter, sanitizes the brush head using ultraviolet light between uses, and converts into a travel case when you're on the go. The UV-C light activates automatically when you place the brush in the stand, running a short cycle that kills up to 99% of bacteria on the bristles.
UV-C sanitization isn't new in the electric toothbrush world (Philips offers a similar feature on premium Sonicare models), but SURI's implementation is more elegant. The same stand that sanitizes at home becomes your travel case, eliminating the need for separate accessories. The stand itself is rechargeable and lasts about two weeks between charges.
Cleaning Performance
SURI's sonic motor delivers up to 33,000 movements per minute, putting it in the same performance range as mid-tier Sonicare models. In daily use, the cleaning performance is genuinely impressive for a sustainability-focused brand. The vibrations are strong enough to create the fluid dynamics (secondary cleaning action from the toothpaste and water being driven between teeth) that make sonic toothbrushes effective.
The three cleaning modes offer meaningful differentiation. Clean mode provides standard full-power brushing for everyday use. Whitening mode alternates between high and low intensity to focus on surface stain removal. Sensitive mode reduces power for gentler cleaning around tender areas. A 2-minute timer with 30-second quadrant pacer ensures proper brushing duration.
The plant-based brush heads perform well in practice. The bristles are comparable in stiffness and effectiveness to standard nylon brush heads, and the tapered design reaches between teeth adequately. Some users notice the plant-based bristles soften slightly faster than conventional nylon, which may mean replacing heads every 2 months rather than 3 for optimal cleaning.
Build Quality and Design
The anodized aluminum handle is where SURI really differentiates itself visually. Available in several refined colors including midnight black, forest green, and natural white, the handle has a weight and feel that communicates premium quality. The aluminum is durable, resistant to the bathroom environment, and will look good for years without the discoloration that affects plastic handles.
The overall design is minimal and European-feeling, with clean lines and no unnecessary bulk. It's one of the most attractive electric toothbrushes on the market, alongside Quip, but with substantially better cleaning performance.
Who Should Buy SURI
SURI is ideal for environmentally conscious consumers who want to reduce their plastic footprint without sacrificing dental care quality. If you already make sustainable choices in other areas of your life (reusable bags, eco-friendly cleaning products, sustainable clothing), SURI fits naturally into that lifestyle. The premium price is justified by the aluminum handle's longevity, the UV-C sanitizing feature, and the genuine environmental benefits of the recyclable brush head program.
It's also worth considering for anyone who values minimalist design and premium build quality. The aluminum handle and UV-C stand make SURI one of the most aesthetically refined electric toothbrushes available.
Our Verdict
SURI is the real deal for sustainable oral care. Unlike brands that greenwash with minimal effort, SURI has built sustainability into every aspect of their product from materials to end-of-life recycling. The cleaning performance is solid, the design is beautiful, and the UV-C stand is genuinely useful. At ~$95, it's a premium purchase, but one that delivers both environmental value and effective oral care. Rating: 4.2/5.
Frequently Asked Questions
SURI makes genuine efforts toward sustainability with plant-based recyclable brush heads, an aluminum handle designed to last years, and a return program for used heads. It's one of the most eco-conscious electric toothbrushes available.
SURI ships internationally including to the US from their UK base. Shipping times are typically 5-10 business days for US orders, and prices are listed in multiple currencies on their website.
SURI's UV-C cleaning stand uses ultraviolet light to sanitize the brush head between uses, killing up to 99% of bacteria. The stand also serves as a travel case and magnetic holder for the brush.
SURI offers comparable sonic cleaning to mid-range Sonicare models with the added benefits of sustainability and UV-C sanitization. Sonicare has a wider range of models and more clinical research backing, but SURI wins on environmental credentials.