Why do electric tooth brush heads cost so much?

[goldar]

I have a philips sonicare toothbrush. I like that it works. I dislike the soft brush heads that last a few days and then cost a kidney to replace. Has anyone found any suitable replacements that A - are stiffer, and B - are cheaper?

[sherman]

Oral B ones seem to last a good while.

[gregs656]

I have a sonicare and have been using generic heads from Amazon for years. The heads seem to last well and I couldn't tell the difference when I initially switched over.

[Roofless Toothless]

I should imagine it is the same reason that computer printer ink costs so much. The toothbrush is sold at or below cost to suck you in and they make their money selling the heads.

[grumbledoak]

It does feel like a rip off. I usually expect branded stuff to be better than generic, but in this case I buy the compatibles. These are fine at £1.25 each -
https://www.amazon.co.uk/gp/product/B07TGGGWXQ/

[Jimmy No Hands]

We just buy the unbranded knock offs. I feel they're a bit softer but they are peanuts to buy. My girlfriend goes through them like there's no tomorrow, mine last an age and I tend to just swap them routinely anyway.

[TimmyMallett]

A few days, what are you, Superman? I reckon I get at least 6 months out of one.

[Swervin_Mervin]

TimmyMallett said:

A few days, what are you, Superman? I reckon I get at least 6 months out of one.

Yeah, this.

I've stopped buying the official ones though and have started buying the bamboo ones instead (booheads) - they work just as well and the bamboo bit is fully compostable (bristles can go in the plastic recycling).

[DiscoSINGH]

As mentioned just buy generic/compatible ones off Amazon.

I too have a Philips Sonicare toothbrush and I buy the non-branded ones - just as good tbh.

[gotoPzero]

Home bargains. About £0.75p each IIRC.

[Trif]

Just wait until your toothbrush stops working a month outside its warranty, you'll be asking why are Philips Sonicare toothbrushes so expensive but yet so poorly built.

[goldar]

I used to have a sonicare diamondclean. It literally did just that. I rated it so I ended up buying a sonicare 4300 with only 2 modes. I'd have only one mode (fast) if it was possible. Who the hell needs more than that?

[QJumper]

goldar said:

I used to have a sonicare diamondclean. It literally did just that. I rated it so I ended up buying a sonicare 4300 with only 2 modes. I'd have only one mode (fast) if it was possible. What the hell does anyone need different more than that for?

I had a girlfriend once who used to "entertain" herself with her electric toothbrush. I imagine she'd have appreciated multiple modes

[CopperBolt]

Trif said:

Just wait until your toothbrush stops working a month outside its warranty, you'll be asking why are Philips Sonicare toothbrushes so expensive but yet so poorly built.

aint that the truth. I started getting the extended cover offered on these for that very reason and have used it. Saves £100 ish every 13 months.

[Aunty Pasty]

My heads usually last a few months between replacement. They're genuine Oral B heads. I did have some knock-off heads once. Never never wore out. Ever.

[Goaty Bill 2]

QJumper said:

I had a girlfriend once who used to "entertain" herself with her electric toothbrush. I imagine she'd have appreciated multiple modes

Ditto. You would almost certainly want to keep spare heads though in that case, depending on your 'tastes'.
The single mode seemed to work just fine.