Lucent Prism Sonic Electronic toothbrush review: This brush has a party trick - but is it worth buying?

Need an electric toothbrush that doesn't add something extra to your to-do list and app downloads but still offers a better clean than a manual brush? Enter, Lucent Prism sonic electronic toothbrush.

A pick of the best electric toothbrushes should make your life easier, not be another thing to think about. So fancy apps and numerous modes have their place - and I won't knock their usefulness - you don't need them for a proper clean.

The Lucent Prism sonic electronic toothbrush keeps it simple. It has just the one button, three modes, and no app in sight. It does have a party trick though that takes a level up from the cheap and cheerful £20 brushes you'll find on Amazon. Here, expert tester Caramel Quin reviews the brush for all you need to know.

Lucent Prism sonic electronic toothbrush review

Specifications

• Modes: 3
• Colours: Mint green, pink bliss
• Timer function: Yes
• Pressure sensor: Yes
• Tongue cleaner: Yes
• Battery life: up to 60 days
• Charging: USB
• Travel case: No

First impressions of the Lucent Prism sonic electronic toothbrush

I tested the mint green version. It’s a mellow colour but I’m not sure about it for a toothbrush, even though it goes well with my décor. I guess if you like a pale colour palette - or want a pop of something for your bathroom - then it’s more interesting than clinical white. The material is slightly rubbery, with a crystal-style detail at the base. If you want sleek, you'd be better off with another option.

However, from the first time I used this brush, I appreciated the easy functionality. Having tried and tested loads of electric toothbrushes over the years, some have all the modes and functions under the sun but no clear way to use them. The Lucent Prism sonic electronic toothbrush has one button and three simple modes. Perfect.

But this brush also has a party trick - pick it up and the word Lucent scrolls across the display. Press it to your teeth and it comes on automatically.

The brush also comes with two brush heads and a USB charger that again sports a crystal-style design. While not essential, it's useful to have a travel case for an electric toothbrush - but this brush doesn't have one.

What's the Lucent Prism sonic electric toothbrush like to use?

First, let’s talk about the automatic start. It works - but it’s weird: the toothbrush starts when you apply pressure but stops the instant you remove it. So, as you move the brush around your mouth, it can be a bit stop-start. The tendency then is to apply too much pressure, for fear of it stopping, and that’s not good practice. Also, it starts automatically with any pressure, so when you try the brush on a towel, it starts whirring away. You can also press the single button to turn the brush on and off, which I liked more than the auto start.

The button has multiple modes though - hold it down for two seconds while brushing and it cycles between the Lucent’s three modes (clean, sensitive and white). The small display shows a different icon for each. Hold it down for three seconds while not brushing and it locks or unlocks. While the reliance on one button isn't ideal, it's not difficult to use.

The brush is waterproof, which is always a good idea. It has a timer that has a haptic response every 30 seconds to keep you on track for two minutes and there's a pressure sensor to alert you when you're brushing too hard. Once you're past the halfway mark, the display reveals how long you've been brushing - not that you can see it when you're brushing. And of course, if you take the brush away from your teeth to check, the brushing stops.

If a timer is your priority, woman&home's Digital Health Editor Grace Walsh recommends the Oral-B iO10 electric toothbrush, one of the best electric toothbrushes. It has a wireless platform that charges the toothbrush and displays the timer, so you can use the brush and look at the timer simultaneously.

How does the Lucent Prism sonic electric toothbrush compare?

The Lucent Prism isn’t a bad toothbrush by any means. The simplicity is charming and the automatic start takes one action out of the equation. It comes in two colours not often seen on toothbrushes, offering a little something different to your bathroom side - but there are others at a similar price that I would recommend over this one.

One of these is the AENO DB2S Smart Sonic toothbrush. It has all the same functions and more - and it’s easier to use. Equally, the Waken Sustainable electric toothbrush is also very similar in function - and it's under £20.

I don’t think the automatic start is reason enough to buy the Lucent, which means the only reason you’d buy it over the Aeno is if you love the light green finish.

If the price isn't a big factor for you, I'd recommend the Philips Sonicare DiamondClean Smart electric toothbrush over any other sonic electric toothbrush any day. It boasts sensors and an app that makes you brush diligently.

Is the Lucent Prism sonic electric toothbrush worth buying?

The Lucent Prism electric toothbrush is good value, comes in two unique colours, has a unique design, and promises easy functionality. But as noted, I think there are other brushes at a similar price point that offer more. For example, the AENO DB2S Smart Sonic toothbrush is better featured, easier to use and includes the option of tracking your cleaning via app.