As I record this, there are 9 different Quip models when you account for handle material
and power source, but exclude color options.
What differences exist between them are actually quite subtle.
In this video I give you our opinion on Quip and recommendation on what to opt for.
Hey, it’s Jon from Electric Teeth here.
So normally, we would review each Quip model and then create a separate comparison video.
But, due to the similarities, we’ve combined them into 1 video, which we hope will make
it easier to understand your options.
Right then, our verdict on Quip.
Irrespective of the variant, they are likeable brushes.
The design is great and the practicality of the mirror mount cum case is brilliant.
The simplicity of 1 cleaning mode, with 2 minute timer and pacer is something more manufacturers
should strive for.
You have a number of options including a rechargeable battery and smart variants that affect your
user experience, but….
The cleaning power remains weaker than a traditional electric toothbrush.
You need to use the same brushing technique as you would with a manual brush.
Therefore there is a bit more user input than you might expect.
Quip is more of a crossover between manual and electric.
As such models like the Oral-B Smart 1500, our top recommended electric toothbrush is
our pick over and above Quip, for most people.
That said, used correctly, you can get more than satisfactory results from Quip, and the
brush is a bit unique, so if you particularly want one, we understand.
If we were to pick, it is the rechargeable (non-smart) version of the range that is our
top choice.
It is actually slightly more expensive and cleans no better than our second choice, the
original Quip electric toothbrush, powered by a single AAA battery.
We prefer the built-in rechargeable option because it probably works out better environmentally,
and for some, it will be more convenient.
The brushes are similar in more ways than they are different.
All the brushes boast:
A slim, stylish, and minimal profile An innovative wall mount that doubles up as
a protective travel case 2 minute timer
30 second pacer Soft nylon bristles
Tongue cleanfer on the back of the head 15,000 sonic vibrations
Up to a 3 month battery life
So what are those differences?
The first major difference is the power source for these brushes.
All are technically ‘electric’ toothbrushes.
But, Quip offers brushes with removable AAA batteries as well as brushes with a built-in
rechargeable option.
Their first, and original brush on which all these models are based is powered by the removable
AAA battery.
The rechargeable variant has been added more recently.
This model has a magnetic attachment on the base of the handle to which a provided magnetic
USB charging cable connects.
It can replenish the battery in 8 hours.
Although all give at least 3 months use from the battery, none have LEDs ont he handle
to give any feedback on the remaining power.
Only the smart version gives some feedback via the smartphone app.
This then leads us to the next difference.
Some models within the Quip range have a Bluetooth enabled ‘smart’ motor supplied.
What this means is that the toothbrush can wirelessly transfer data about your brushing
habits to the Quip smartphone app, available for iOS and Android.
If you have paired your toothbrush, post brushing it will send the data back to your device.
It doesn’t share or show any brushing data in real-time.
It tracks your brushing duration, the number of strokes, intensity and coverage.
While the motor can track coverage approximately with top and bottom teeth, it doesn’t have
the technology to track the exact position of the brush like some more premium alternatives.
The theory is that over time you can take corrective action based on the insights that
data gives about your brushing habits.
I like the setup, it is simple and not too heavy and complicated to use.
There is room for improvement though.
I think there could be greater use of charts and tables for presenting key data.
In most instances, you need to dig down on a day by day basis to get this.
It shows what it needs to, but like all of these things, it ultimately relies on you
and me to really take action ourselves to make the improvement.
No amount of data can physically make someone pick up the brush more regularly and brush
their teeth better.
Logging data earns you points.
Smart brush users get 10 points for brushing in the morning and 20 points for your second
2 minute brushing session.
You can get additional points for flossing and mouth rinsing as well as and additional
50 points when you complete a 7 day brushing streak of 2 cleans per day.
Points equal prizes.
The number of points and the prizes can and will likely change over time, but at the time
of review, 4500 points are equal to a $5 credit towards the brush head subscription or $5
to spend in Target.
Excluding other points bonuses that might come along over 3 years you could earn around
$45 in savings.
As minimalist and simple design goes, it really doesn’t get much better than Quip.
The handle is light, slim and smooth to the touch with a lovely curved profile.
Even the base of the brush is curved, like the bottom of a test tube.
The downside here is that the brush does not stand upright on a flat surface.
Here is where another of the differences exist.
The material used for the handle.
Your choices are plastic or metal.
The plastic is smooth to the touch but doesn’t actually feel slippery in the hand.
The metal variants do feel more premium and have a slight texture to the material.
Whilst the metal feels better they both serve the purpose well and are durable.
The material choice affects the color choices too.
You don’t necessarily get the same color choices with the standard electric toothbrush
as you do the rechargeable smart toothbrush for example.
You will see some of the color options on scree now.
The battery type and material also affects the weight of the brush handle.
The plastic rechargeable model weighs 1.2oz/35g compared to the 1.48oz/42g of the metal AAA
powered version.
Whilst it is likely the adults brush you are interested in Quip does make a kids model.
There is as a result a smaller kids brush head available.
This has 920 soft, end rounded DuPont nylon bristles arranged in 22 tufts compared to
the 1,200 bristles and 34 tufts on the adult brush.
All Quip adult brushes use the same brush head, the same sonic motor and all produce
the same cleaning results.
Those results are satisfactory.
We have no real complaints, you just don’t get that same intense, dentist clean feel
here as you do with more powerful brushes from the likes of Oral-B and Sonicare.
A Sonicare brush for example offers 31,000 brush strokes compared to the 15,000 of Quip,
Quip brush handle is half the thickness though.
Despite the weaker intensity of Quip, it has passed all the necessary independent tests
required to achieve the American Dental Associations’ seal of acceptance.
Give the power button a firm press and it will activate the 1 and only cleaning mode.
It is lovely and simpe to use and all you really need.
It turns itself off automatically once the dentist recommended 2 minutes brushing time
has passed.
Thankfully there is a 30 second quadpacer present too.
This helps encourage you to brush the teeth evenly.
Unfortunately there isn’t a pressure sensor.
You won’t know if you are brushing with too much force.
Just be aware, the bristles really need to skim the surface of the teeth.
Producing around 54 decibels of sound in use, this is really one of the quietest brushes
on the market.
Included with the Quip brush is a multi-purpose travel case.
I say multi-purpose because it acts as a mirror/wall mount as well as a travel case.
Essentially a plastic tube with a reusable sticky pad on the back of it.
It sticks to flat surfaces like tiles, mirrors and shower screens.
Just apply a little bit of pressure to make it stick.
The brush then sits within this.
When you need to transport it, simply pull it off the surface to which it is stuck, and
place the holder over the top of the brush head and now it acts as a travel case for
the brush.
What differentiates Quip from much of the competition is the subscription model it offers.
With a subscription, replacement brush heads are delivered to you on a regular basis.
Thus you have a replacement head, right when you need it.
You are given flexibility on the subscription plan.
If needed you can cancel the subscription, skip deliveries, and so on.
I do like the consistent brush head pricing.
$5 for a replacement head irrespective of model.
If subscribed, your warranty is extended from the standard 1 year to the lifetime of your
subscription.
Do just be aware that the subscription plan, although convenient is a little sneaky.
When you first subscribe you get a $5 discount plus a tube of toothpaste included.
But, by opting for this, you then commit, unless you change it, to a $10 charge every
3 months, to include a replacement brush head and a tube of paste.
Recommended selling prices on subscription range from $30 through to $60.
With the cost of ownership over 3 years for 1 user ranging from approximately $85 to $115.
Rewards earned from using the smart model can bring costs down.
You have to be committed to achieve this though.
There is a lot to like about Quip and we can’t say that any of their models are bad brushes.
It ultimately depends on what is most important to you.
We think that for most, buying a competing brand will deliver more meaningful benefits.
In the description below is a link to buy our recommended Quip variant and alternative
model.
And for those wanting more detail there is a written article, complete with comparison
tables available too.