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Published: February 10, 2024

GLEEM battery toothbrush review

Author: Jon Love (5 Comments)
GLEEM battery toothbrush review 1

Incredibly slim & travel friendly but weak cleaning power

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For those wanting something a bit more than a manual brush, the Gleem battery brush gives just this in a compact and lightweight form factor.

Compared to the majority of brushes, the cleaning action is weak with better results are available from GLEEM's rechargeable electric toothbrush.

GLEEM Electric Toothbrush – Battery
GLEEM Electric Toothbrush – Battery
GLEEM battery toothbrush review 2 GLEEM battery toothbrush review 2 GLEEM battery toothbrush review 2

Pros

Cons

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Slim and lightweight in hand

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The cleaning action is weak

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1 cleaning mode makes it easy to use

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Fiddly battery cover

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Removable AAA battery

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No feedback on the remaining battery power

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Slimline travel case included

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No pressure sensor to alert you if brushing with too much force

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Made by Procter & Gamble

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No warranty

Some other choices worth considering

If you desire a compact toothbrush with a removable battery, it is well worth considering the Philips One by Sonicare or Quip. They are very similar in design and performance.

Alternatively, the Smart 1500 from Oral-B is a good choice.

Using a built-in rechargeable battery, it delivers supber cleaning results with less effort than Gleem and has the key features our dentists recommend.

Made by Procter & Gamble, just like Gleem, it is our best overall recommendation for a brush today, hence it tops our best electric toothbrush list.

Design, usability, clean & general use

Simplicity appears to be the goal of GLEEM.

On the box it says 'As simple as turn it on'.

And truth be told it pretty much is that simple.

GLEEM battery toothbrush review 10

It is one of the slimmest and most lightweight electric toothbrushes I have ever used.

Naturally a little taller, it is really is not much wider that the single AAA battery that fits inside or a typical writing pen.

The body is perfectly round.

GLEEM battery toothbrush review 11

In the lower third of the brush handle, running vertically is the name/logo GLEEM in black color, contrasting with the gloss white plastic body.

The black variant has white text, to contrast comparably.

In the upper third of the brush handle is a small power button. This has a power symbol embossed on it.

Surrounding the circular button is a small ring, which lights up white when the brush is turned on.

On the back of the handle, in the lower third are 2 raised plastic dots. These stop the brush rolling on a flat countertop.

GLEEM battery toothbrush review 12

Around these dots also is the P&G logo, made in China text, a battery icon, and voltages as well as a small indicator to highlight which way to unscrew the battery compartment lid.

That battery compartment is inside the handle but is accessed via a removable cap that forms the base of the toothbrush.

Embossed on this is a lock/unlock symbol as well as an icon showing not to trash the battery.

A depression in the base, allows for a coin or screwdriver to be placed in it to twist unlock and access the removable battery inside.

GLEEM battery toothbrush review 13

When fitted back on, the cap is flush with the base, and allows the toothbrush to stand upright.

This arrangement keeps the handle slim, but needing a coin or screwdriver to remove this is a bit of a fiddle if I am honest. Many other brushes allow the battery to be accessed with no tools at all. It feels a touch clunky.

That said, you need not access the battery compartment all that often as it lasts quite a while. But, do be aware there is no status/feedback on the remaining battery power like there is with most other electric toothbrushes. You will only know the battery is low or depleted of power when the brush slows or stops altogether.

At the top of the handle is the removable brush head.

1 head is provided in the box and it simply pushes onto the brush handle and pulls off.

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When removed you will see the metal shaft that extends from within the brush handle and is attached to the sonic motor inside.

Although ultimately made by the same company who manufacture Oral-B toothbrushes, famous for their small round brush heads, GLEEM's brush head is not round.

It is more ovalish shaped much like most other sonic toothbrush heads. It is, however, smaller in length by about 25% than the brush heads offered by Sonicare.

The bristles on the brush head are tightly clustered together and give the impression of being firmer than they actually are when it comes to brushing.

GLEEM battery toothbrush review 15

Like other toothbrushes, the brush head should be replaced every 3 months on average, sooner if there are obvious signs of wear etc.

There are no fading indicator bristles on this brush head to remind you.

Also, to keep things simple, there is only 1 style of brush head.

Power the toothbrush on to clean the teeth and this kicks into gear the sonic motor inside.

The motor inside the brush handles created vibrations that cause the bristles to move. The motor creates 200 vibrations per second.

The movement of the bristles is designed to help break up and sweep away more plaque and debris as you brush, and there is no doubt that it can do this.

However, here is the big caveat/kicker if you like.

The GLEEM toothbrush feels like a crossover between a manual and an electric toothbrush, despite technically being an electric toothbrush.

200 vibrations per second equals 12,000 per minute.

Compare this to most Sonicare brushes at 31,000 brush strokes (62,000 movements) per minute and the GLEEM toothbrush feels woefully underpowered.

GLEEM battery toothbrush review 16

Now, much will depend on your expereince and point of view.

GLEEM feels underpowered to me because I have used powerful electric toothbrushes for years. If you have used a Sonicare or Oral-B before, I suspect you might think the same.

GLEEM's own rechargeable electric brush is much more powerful.

However, to you, it might feel quite intense if you have only ever used a manual toothbrush.

With GLEEM you are getting the best of both worlds in some respect, but I think that even if you have only ever used a manual toothbrush before, you might be expecting a bit more punch from the clean.

My expereince with GLEEM is much the same with Quip, a popular toothbrush primairly offered on subscription. This too is powered by a single AAA battery and feels weak to me as it offers 15,000 vibrations per minute.

Don't get me wrong, I truly believe this is more beneficial than a manual brush alone and for the price, I can't be all that negative, but I think it is something to really be aware of.

Although my teeth felt relatively clean, I didn't get the same satisfying feeling I do normally having used my electric toothbrush.

It is also worth noting at this point that normally, the technique you use for brushing with a manual and electric toothbrush is different. However, despite being electric, the recommendation is to use it in the same way you would a manual toothbrush.

A negative this might appear to be, but there are certainly some redeeming features.

There is just 1 cleaning mode available on the brush. This keeps things nice and simple compared to those brushes that offer multiple modes, leaving you unsure just which one to use.

GLEEM battery toothbrush review 17

Built-in is a 2 minute timer and 30 second pacer. These are activated from the moment the brush is powered on.

This timer functionality is to help you brush for the recommended 2 minutes and do so evenly. Break the mouth up into 4 sections, upper right, upper left, lower right, lower left and spend 30 seconds brushing each.

At 30 second intervals the brush motor will pause briefly changing the sound and brushing sensation. This is your cue to move from one section to the next.

At the end of the 2 minutes, the toothbrush will automatically turn off and by this point, you should have successfully cleaned all the teeth.

In use the brush is relatively quiet, producing an audible humming sound with a constant vibration that is felt in the handle.

Some electric toothbrushes have a pressure sensor built-in to alert you when brushing too hard. This does not. Just remember, you do not need to scrub the teeth with a toothbrush, the bristles need to essentially skim the surface of the teeth.

Included in the box is a very slim travel case.

GLEEM battery toothbrush review 18

It holds the handle with 1 brush head fitted. There is no space for a spare. It is a simple case, not much larger than the brush itself. It hinges on the left side, with the GLEEM name on the top. There are a series of holes in the case which allow air to flow through and dry out any moisture.

Whilst I do have some gripes and I personally would prefer to use a different toothbrush on a daily basis, GLEEM certainly serves a purpose and is particularly desirable for those traveling or needing to limited on space and weight.

I would also just like to note that GLEEM are trying to be fairly socially and environmentally responsible with this toothbrush, even if it is an electrical product with a removable battery in it.

The original packaging is not excessive with any unnecessary extras, which is good to see and they offer a recycle scheme that you can use to recycle the brush handle, brush heads and packaging.

GLEEM battery toothbrush review 19

You fill out your details and you get sent a free shipping label by email. Attach this to a box, drop it off at any UPS store and it will be sent off to be dealt with at no cost to you. GLEEM will then send you rewards (I suspect money off vouchers) for using this service.

I am surprised that GLEEM do not offer a subscription service to be more like Quip, it seems logical and would be more convenient to some, but at this time they do not.

Summary of design, usability, clean & general use

Slim lightweight handle - not much larger than a typical writing pen
Simple and easy to use
White light around the power button when powered on
Brush stands upright
Brush cannot roll around on a countertop due to desig
Removable AAA battery
Battery cover is a bit fiddly
No battery status/feedback
Sonic motor that delivers 200 vibrations per minute
Feels weak in comparison to traditional electric toothbrushes
Use a manual brushing technique when using GLEEM
2 minute timer and 30 second pacer built-in
Automatic power off
Slim and simple travel case provided

Battery life

Powered by a single AAA battery, the GLEEM toothbrush performs pretty well here.

Typically, AAA battery powered brushes last longer than those with built-in rechargeable batteries, but then again their cleaning action tends to be less powerful.

GLEEM provide a single AAA battery (pre-fitted) when you buy the brush.

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They don't specifically state how long the battery will last as in truth there are many variables.

As a general rule, you will get approximately 3 months from the battery, based on 2 brushing sessions a day each lasting 2 minutes.

In my hands-on testing, the supplied battery lasted well over 200 brushing sessions and was still going!

I mentioned in the design and usability section how there is no feedback from the battery. You only know it may need replacing when you feel the motor slowing or when the brush stops functioning at all.

A good approach, that I think most will take when using this brush is to replace the battery as a matter or course every 3 months, when you replace the brush head.

Yes, the battery may last a bit longer, but by doing this, you can be more assured the battery isn't going to die at the most inconvenient of times.

GLEEM battery toothbrush review 21

If you were to subscribe to Quip, an alternative to GLEEM, they provide a brush head and battery every 3 months for you to do just this.

That said, AAA batteries are pretty easy to source, when you need them.

As I mentioned previously also, removing the cap to the battery compartment is a bit of a fiddle. You definitely need a coin or a screwdriver to do this which is a bit frustrating in my opinion.

A pull off/push on solution is more convenient, but it would effect the handle design and size.

Whilst the brush comes with a single use AAA battery, you can use a rechargeable AAA battery inside if you would prefer.

Summary of battery life

Powered by a single AAA battery
AAA battery pre-fitted upon purchase
No feedback/status of battery charge on the brush handle
Discover power is low when brush slows/stops
Typically going to last around 3 months
Coin/screwdriver required to remove the cap to access the battery
A rechargeable AAA battery can be used

Price & where to buy

I have included links to buying options here at the start of the review.

In the section below, I discuss the price more generally and in relation to similar products.

Typically those brushes powered by a removable battery tend to be cheaper than those with a battery built-in.

The recommended retail price for GLEEM is $19.99.

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Stockists generally sell at this price. There isn't really any room for a discount, but maybe at times, a few dollars can be saved during particular promotional periods.

This is pretty cheap when you compare it to most other electric toothbrushes that tend to be at least $50+. But, then again it is not as powerful nor does it offer quite as many features.

BUT, it does offer the essential features, more bristle movements per minute and a timer and pacer.

I do genuinely believe for $20 this is a pretty good all round purchase for what you get.

It is about 2-3 times the price of a manual toothbrush, but I believe you can get better cleaning results, so for the majority it is worth it.

At 3 monthly intervals you will need to replace the brush heads.

You can only buy these in packs of 2 at $9.99 each.

At $5 per head, this is a fraction more expensive than I would have expected and is comparable to the cost of Oral-B heads.

I think this is where GLEEM (P&G) make their profits.

You will also need to factor in the cost of replacement batteries every 3 months.

Typically, we like to offer a benchmark cost, based on ownership over 3 years.

Factor in the handle, the replacement heads and batteries and the GLEEM toothbrush will cost $80 or $0.7 per day

This is pretty good value all things considered.

Quip is the most similar toothbrush to GLEEM in my opinion. It is a touch more expensive to buy as a one-off, but Quip is centered around model of being subscribed for 3 monthly brush head deliveries.

Working out at 9 cents per day compared to the 7 of GLEEM, Quip is more expensive, but you have the convenience of knowing a new brush head and a battery will be delivered when you need it and the product comes in a better range of materials and colors.

If you are tempted by a more traditional, powerful electric toothbrush then the Smart 1500 from Oral-B is my recommendation. The cost of ownership is nearly twice that of GLEEM though coming in at around 11 cents per day.

Please note that all prices quoted are approximates and will vary based on location, supplier and time of purchase.  These figures were correct at the time of writing and should not be relied upon as hard fact, but used as a guide during your decision process.

Summary of price & where to buy

Retail price of $19.99
Typically won't see it on sale for less
Replacement brush heads $9.99 for a pack of 2
Pretty good value all things considered
Works out at around 7 cents per day based on 3 years ownership
Similarly price to the competition

Reliability & long term use

Over the few weeks I have been testing GLEEM, I have not had any issues with this toothbrush, it has performed relatively well and shown no signs of giving up.

The brush despite being very lightweight feels solid and well built overall. The seal around the battery is good and I have no immediate concerns.

Typically toothbrushes have a 1 or 2 year guarantee provided as standard.

The returns section of the GLEEM website nor product packaging make no reference to the warranty.

The website does speak of a '60 Day Satisfaction Guarantee' where you can return the product if not satisfied for a refund.

I would have thought you would get a 1 year warranty, but the lack of detail is somewhat surprising. I contacted them for clarification, but just got referred to the 60 day policy. So, I guess that means no 1 year warranty, which is a shame.

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It is not the answer, but the value of the brush sadly does make you think that it is not worth the hassle should it fail, easier to buy a new one.

I do suspect though, based on the standards P&G have, this should last a good amount of time.

You can direct any questions you have to them by calling 1-855-210-8802.

Conclusion

The GLEEM battery electric toothbrush is so good on one level, but also so disappointing on another.

Your viewpoint will be lead primairly by your previous toothbrush use.

If you have previously used an electric toothbrush, I believe you would be disappointed by the cleaning performance.

If on the other hand, you are a manual toothbrush user currently and want to benefit from some of the capabilities of an electric toothbrush, then you might be quite happy.

It does what it needs to for sure. It certainly delivers value for money and for those who want a removable battery toothbrush, it is a solid option.

But just be aware, this feels like a crossover. If you can sacrifice the removable battery, better options such as the Oral-B Smart 1500 exist.

Size guide

  • Toothbrush height with head - 20cm / 7.9 inches
  • Toothbrush height without head - 15cm / 5.9 inches
  • Width - 1.5cm / 0.6 inches
  • Depth/thickness - 1.5cm / 0.6 inches
  • Weight with head - 36g / 1.3 ounces
  • Weight without head - 32g / 1.1 ounces
  • Travel case size - 21.7cm / 1.5 inches (L) x 2.5cm / 1 inches (W) x 2.5cm / 1 inches (D)
  • Travel case weight - 35g / 1.2oz (without brush) or 71g / 2.5oz (with brush)
  • Package weight - 111g / 3.9oz

Noise

  • 54dB

Country of manufacture

  • China

Gleem vs Quip

Many people wish to know the differences between Gleem and Quip and which to pick.

The following is a list of the key differences between these 2 models.

  • Cleaning/brushing action
    • Gleem offers 12,000 vibrations per minute compared to the 15,000 of Quip.
  • Handle design/colors
    • Quip offers plastic and metal options whereas Gleem is all plastic.
    • Gleem is available in 2 colors (black & white) compared to the 6 options of Quip (silver, slate, copper or gold metal & blue or green plastic).
    • Quip looks the more premium.
    • Both have proprietary brush head attachments.
  • Brush heads
    • The Quip brush head is slightly larger with a different bristle configuration.
    • The Quip brush head has a tongue cleaner on it.
  • Battery
    • Access to the battery compartments is different. Both powered by a single AAA cell.
  • Travel case
    • Gleem travel case is larger and protects the entire handle and head.
    • Quip travel case is a multi-function acting as a wall mount too.
  • Other
    • The Gleem toothbrush will stand upright on a flat surface.
    • Quip is centered around a subscription model which Gleem is not.
  • Warranty
    • Quip offers 1 year warranty with a one time purchase or this is extended to a lifetime warranty, providing you remain subscribed to brush head deliveries.
    • Gleem comes with a 60 day satisfaction guarantee only.
  • Price
    • Gleem costs $19.99 whereas Quip costs $30 for the plastic and $45 for the metal.
    • More opportunity for savings with Quip due to bundles and accessories.

Please note, the differences above do not make consideration for the rechargeable Gleem toothbrush or Quips smart toothbrush.  I have compared the standard AAA powered toothbrushes.

Gleem certainly is the better value, but Quip and their offering, particularly the option of the subscription feels like a much more complete offering.

Although Quip has the more powerful motor, it is not that significant that I could say Quip cleans better, both are crossovers between a manual and typical, higher-powered, electric toothbrush.

Although Quip has the more powerful motor, it is not that significant that I could say Quip cleans better, both are crossovers between a manual and typical, higher-powered, electric toothbrush.

Overall Quip is the brush we would pick.

Ultimately it will be your decision, based on what is most important to you.

If you want to know more about Quip, then do read our Quip toothbrush review.

Our Choice
GLEEM Electric Toothbrush - Battery
GLEEM Electric Toothbrush - Battery
Our Choice
Quip Adult Electric Toothbrush - Battery
Quip Adult Electric Toothbrush - Battery
Electric Teeth Rating
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Amazon $14.7 $19.97
Walmart $17.58 -
Quip - View price

Gleem vs Sonicare

GLEEM battery toothbrush review 24

Many people ask, ‘which is better Gleem or Sonicare?’

This is not a question that I can give a very simple answer to.

The first reason is the fact that Gleem and Sonicare are brands of toothbrushes, and each brand offers a number of different models.

And then there are factors which might be personal to you.

For example, the needs of someone going backpacking for the next 6 months are going to be different from those who want a toothbrush for their family, that spend most of the time at home.

Gleem is best known for their compact toothbrush with removable AAA battery, whilst Sonicare is best known for their brushes with built-in rechargeable batteries.  But, both brands offer brushes with removable and built-in batteries.

Whilst the Gleem toothbrushes are very good for the price, as a general rule, for most users, I would recommend Sonicare over Gleem.  I believe that they are of better quality and stronger performing products, which are clinically tried and tested.  They also come with far better warranties and support.

The 4100 Series is my recommendation for a brush with a built-in battery, whilst the Philips One by Sonicare is my choice for a brush with a removable battery.

Reverting back to the original question of which is better Gleem or Sonicare, most who ask this question actually want to know if Gleem’s removable battery toothbrush, reviewed here, is better than Sonicare’s option, the Philips One.  The short answer is no.

The following is a list of the key differences between these 2 models.

  • Cleaning/brushing action
    • Gleem offers 12,000 vibrations per minute compared to 13,000 strokes per minute of the Philips One. 
  • Handle design/colors
    • Philips One offers the more grippy handle with a raised ridge design.
    • Gleem is available in 2 colors (black & white) compared to the 4 options of the Sonicare One (miami, mango, mint & midnight).
    • Both have proprietary brush head attachments.
  • Travel case
    • Different travel case designs/styles.
    • Gleem travel case protects the entire handle and head whereas Philips leaves some of the handle exposed.
  • Other
    • The Gleem toothbrush will stand upright on a flat surface.
    • Philips One is centered more around a subscription model which Gleem is not.
  • Warranty
    • Philips offers a 2 warranty whereas Gleem comes with a 60 day satisfaction guarantee only.
  • Price
    • Gleem costs $19.99 whereas Philips One costs $24.99.

The brushes are very similar with very little difference.  Even over the life of ownership they work out at about the same price.

Our Choice
GLEEM Electric Toothbrush - Battery
GLEEM Electric Toothbrush - Battery
Our Choice
Philips Sonicare One - Battery
Philips Sonicare One - Battery
Electric Teeth Rating
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Amazon $14.7 $24.96
Walmart $17.58 -
Philips - View price
Author: Jon Love

Leave a comment

FA
Frankie Andrew
July 14, 2022

Gleem electric toothbrush very frustrating. The on/off control barely works & is always a chore. Otherwise it works fine. Second, do not send promotional emails. Do send answer to my concern.

HG
Harry Gebhard
December 21, 2020

I use a battery toothbrush so I can use it in the shower. When I needed to replace the battery I determined that water has entered the battery housing. After installing a new battery the Gleem toothbrush now shorts out making it useless. Not recommended for use in a shower.

RY
Rafael Yances
November 29, 2020

the duration of the toothbrush does not exceed six months. they are very bad and there is not warranty.

Sv
Shawna vunovich
July 12, 2020

I bought your toothbrush and I hate it. No toothbrush should make a sound when you brush your teeth.

JL
Jon Love - Chief tester
July 12, 2020

Hi Shawna. Thank you for the comment. I am sorry to read that you are disappointed with the sound the GLEEM toothbrush makes. To clarify, here at Electric Teeth we are not GLEEM. We did not make or manufacture the toothbrush or have any affiliation with the company. We simply reviewed the product. There are no electric toothbrushes we have come across that make no noise at all. Only a manual toothbrush will be silent as they don't have a motor. If you are not happy, I suggest you take up GLEEMS money back guarantee detailed here: https://gleem.com/shipping-returns/

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