With these benefits to consider, it&#;s no wonder there are dozens of teeth whitening strips on the market. Our PEOPLE Tested team tried 18 different options to find the nine best teeth whitening strips. See which ones made our top picks list, ahead.
Onuge Product Page
&#;The average cost of getting your teeth professionally whitened ranges from $650 to $1,000, and professionally-dispensed kits that you get from the dentist's office average $100 to $400,&#; says Brittany Ang, DMD, MDS, MBS, of Curve Orthodontics. She explains that, although an in-office whitening treatment is more involved, at-home whitening strips can yield effective results.
Similar to sheet masks , these whitening strips are simple and easy to apply to the teeth &#; and most only require a 30-minute treatment time. Additionally, at-home teeth whitening strips are a cost-effective solution for achieving a whiter smile, as a majority of options cost less than $60 for a week&#;s worth of treatment.
Whether we&#;re sipping on a Starbucks latte, eating a bowl of pasta doused in our favorite marinara sauce, or munching on a piece of dark chocolate, our pearly whites are constantly in contact with teeth-staining foods. And, just like we might turn to at-home skin treatments for evening skin tone and erasing dark spots , we can use at-home treatments, such as teeth whitening strips or LED whitening kits , to target yellowing teeth and provide an overall brighter, whiter smile.
If the taste and consistency of teeth-whitening strips are off-putting to you, then these $24 flavored vegan strips from Zimba might be worth a shot. You can choose from six different flavors, including mint, coconut, and watermelon. Although we found the application process easy and the flavors appealing, the strips were slightly uncomfortable and didn&#;t feel like a natural fit on our teeth. Plus, we only noticed our teeth got a shade or two whiter after two weeks of consistent wear, so they&#;re a better maintenance option.
For the easiest application, consider the Burst Oral Care Teeth Whitening Strips, which are a great value for 10 treatments. We love these because they are not only super convenient, but they have an excellent fit and a barely-there feeling that stays put the entire treatment time. In addition to their great value and excellent application, these whitening strips are formulated with only 6 percent hydrogen peroxide, so they&#;re another good option for sensitive gums and teeth (though this also means they aren&#;t strong enough to brighten teeth beyond a few shades). Plus, they have nourishing and soothing aloe vera and coconut oil for added gum and teeth perks.
While they have a comfortable fit, we found that the bottom strips weren&#;t as secure as the top strips, so that&#;s definitely something to keep in mind if you have fit concerns. Additionally, the strips felt a bit slimy halfway through the treatment time, so if you&#;re sensitive to texture, we recommend trying something else, such as the Crest 3DWhitestrips Bright Dental Whitening Kit .
Dentists love the Crest 3DWhitestrips Glamorous White , and after testing them for a couple of weeks, so do we. These Crest Whitestrips are formulated with hydrogen peroxide for a gentle yet effective glow-up and take only 30 minutes to cure on the teeth &#; but we noticed a difference after just one use and without experiencing sensitivity. We love these as both an at-home whitening treatment and for maintenance, as they work effectively at reducing stain build-up. After 14 treatments, our teeth went from S10 to S8.
While the strips get a little slimy when dissolving, that's normal for this type of treatment. Plus, we love how effective they are at brightening teeth and removing stains, and the treatment time is only 15 minutes, so they&#;re well worth a little bit of slime.
If you prefer a dissolving option, we found the best quick-dissolving teeth whitening strips are the Moon Oral Care Dissolving Whitening Strips. Formulated with gentle hydrogen peroxide, these strips are a great option for sensitive teeth and gums. They also effectively lightened teeth after just one treatment session. The super-thin feel is barely noticeable on the teeth, making them one of the more comfortable options on our list.
Just note: If you&#;re new to teeth whitening strips, the application process can take some getting used to. Once we got the hang of things, it took us around 30 seconds to adhere both strips to our teeth.
Teeth whitening isn&#;t always the most gentle process, but with these whitening strips from Boka, you can brighten your pearly whites without irritating sensitive gums and teeth. The strips feature a comfortable fit that doesn&#;t interfere with the gums and a non-toxic formula that gently brightens teeth (though the effects are slight, so they work better for maintenance). Additionally, these strips feature a tasty flavor &#; which is certainly a perk for oral care &#; and leave your mouth feeling minty fresh after use.
Additionally, the strips are formulated with gentle yet effective hydrogen peroxide and although they only brighten teeth by a few shades, we saw a noticeable difference in our teeth color after just one use.
For another less expensive option, consider the Persmax Teeth Whitening Strips. These whitening strips are designed with an excellent grip and a snug and comfortable fit, so you don&#;t have to worry about slippage during the 30-minute treatment period.
Although highly effective, we would not recommend this kit for anyone with sensitive teeth. Our tester noticed issues with sensitivity after the first use and was unfortunately unable to finish the treatment plan. However, if you don&#;t struggle with teeth sensitivity, have an hour to spare each day, and want whiter teeth in two weeks, these strips will get the job done.
The application process was a breeze and only took about 30 seconds to get the strips situated on the top and bottom teeth. With no-slip grips, the strips stay in place for the allotted time and are super thin so they&#;re comfortable and barely noticeable while wearing. (You could even toss these on before your morning commute.)
If you&#;re looking for rapid results, look no further than the Crest 3DWhitestrips Radiant Express At-Home Teeth Whitening Kit. This kit is meant to be used for one hour a day for just two weeks to achieve professional-level whitening at home. After just one use, we noticed our teeth were two shades whiter and significantly brighter and more even in tone than before.
If you want ultra-effective whitening strips and can commit to a one-week treatment plan, we recommend this Rembrandt Teeth Whitening Kit, which you can order on Amazon. It comes with 14 treatments that you use morning and night for seven days. Although the strips touch the gums and aren&#;t the greatest fit, they were by far one of the best options for actually whitening teeth as they lightened our pearly whites from S24 to S10. They also don&#;t have any weird foam or sticky residue that can often happen with whitening strips, and they only take one week to achieve incredible results.
Throughout the testing period, we found that one of the most impressive aspects of these strips &#; especially considering the one-hour treatment time &#; is the tacky surface, which sticks to teeth effectively for long periods of time. We also loved the shape and size of the strips as they never touched our gums and, therefore, didn&#;t increase the risk of sensitivity. The strips are on the more expensive side; however, we think they&#;re worth the price, considering you can use them as a one-time treatment and over time for brighter, whiter teeth.
After testing 23 options, we found that the Crest 3DWhitestrips 1-Hour Express are the best at-home teeth whitening strips. These whitening strips are formulated with hydrogen peroxide and are designed as a quick solution to brighten teeth in just a single one-hour session. Upon our first test, we noticed a change in our teeth color, which was impressive for one-time use. However, we found that these Crest whitening strips were the most impressive after several uses as they effectively removed stains and made teeth whiter by six shades.
Other Teeth Whitening Strips We Tried
People / Jhett Thompson
What to Know About Teeth Whitening Strips
Ingredients
To find the most effective teeth whitening strips, Ang says to consider the formula and look for ingredients such as hydrogen peroxide and carbamide peroxide. &#;These are the two most common whitening agents used in both professional and at-home treatments since they have been proven clinically effective at whitening teeth,&#; she tells PEOPLE.
With this in mind, all our top picks &#; including our best overall pick, the Crest 3DWhitestrips 1-Hour Express &#; are formulated with hydrogen peroxide for an effective at-home teeth whitening solution.
Concentration
In addition to ingredients, Ang says to look at the concentration of active whitening ingredients (such as hydrogen peroxide) as a higher concentration equates to faster results. &#;Most over-the-counter treatments will have a concentration under 16 percent peroxide,&#; she explains. For fast-acting teeth whitening strips, consider the Crest 3DWhitestrips 1-Hour Express, which is formulated with 10 percent hydrogen peroxide to remove stains in a single one-hour session with results lasting up to six months.
With that said, Ang says don&#;t discount lower concentrations entirely, as higher concentrations come with a greater chance of tooth or gum sensitivity. So, if you have a more sensitive mouth or are concerned about sensitivity caused by teeth whitening, look for lower-concentration formulas (just know that these might take a little longer to reach full effect).
Treatment Time
Since teeth whitening strips are supposed to be convenient, it&#;s also worth looking at the treatment commitment and how long it takes to see results. In most cases, whitening strips take anywhere from 15 to 30 minutes, twice daily, over one or two weeks. However, quicker solutions, such as the Crest 3DWhitestrips 1-Hour Express, provide a whitening effect in a single one-hour session. According to Michael Kosdon, DDS, a cosmetic dentist, the time frame doesn&#;t mean a formula is better or worse instead, it&#;s about choosing a product that fits into your preferred time frame for results.
People / Jhett Thompson
Behind The Scenes
To find the best teeth whitening strips, our PEOPLE Tested team researched dozens of options before narrowing it down to 23 top picks. From there, we conducted real-world testing based on the strips&#; individual treatment times and instructions to better understand how each formula works at lifting stains and brightening teeth. Throughout the testing period, we carefully considered the ease of use, effectiveness, convenience, and value while also making note of comfort to find options for sensitive gums and teeth, too.
People / Tamara Staples
What are the best whitening strips for fast results?
Our top pick for the best whitening strips for fast results is the Crest 3DWhitestrips 1-Hour Express. These teeth whitening strips are designed for single-use sessions and can whiten teeth effectively in just one hour, with results lasting for up to six months. For something a little less expensive, we also loved the Persmax Teeth Whitening Kit, which were comfortable to wear and improved our teeth's appearance immediately.
Do white strips work on yellow teeth?
According to Kosdon, teeth whitening strips work best on teeth with yellow staining caused by foods, coffee, and aging, as they can lift away the stains over time and restore your natural tooth color. With that said, if your natural tooth color is slightly yellow and you want to make them brighter, Kosdon says whitening strips aren&#;t effective as they won&#;t whiten teeth beyond the color they grew in.
If you&#;re unsure about whether or not whitening strips can transform your teeth color, Ang recommends consulting with a dentist to find out what kind of staining (if any) you might have and if white strips are the best solution.
What happens if you leave whitening strips on longer than 30 minutes?
Just like with other whitening products, when whitening teeth at home with strips, always follow the recommended treatment time. &#;If whitening strips are left on the teeth longer than the recommended time, this can lead to potential side effects including gum irritation, tooth sensitivity, uneven whitening results, and even potential gastrointestinal upset due to ingesting the active ingredients,&#; says Ang. Additionally, overuse or extended use beyond what is recommended can damage the tooth's outer layer (a.k.a. the enamel).
If you experience any of these side effects or a negative reaction to whitening strips, Ang says it&#;s advised to discontinue use and discuss concerns with your dentist.
Do I rinse after whitening strips?
Rinsing after whitening strips is recommended to remove any excess whitening gel on the teeth. &#;This could help prevent the excess gel from migrating to the gums and causing irritation,&#; Ang notes.
Do I brush my teeth after whitening strips?
You can definitely brush your teeth after whitening strips to remove the residual whitening gel from the teeth. However, Ang says to keep in mind that active gels can cause damage to the tooth if brushing is aggressive or a hard-bristle toothbrush is used. &#;Use a soft or even extra-soft bristle toothbrush and be cognizant to gently brush all surfaces to prevent damage to the teeth and gums,&#; she explains. &#;Brushing gently and with a soft-bristle toothbrush will not interfere or affect whitening unless the manufacturer specifically instructs not to brush after the use of the strips.
Why Trust PEOPLE?
Jessie Quinn is a contributing commerce writer for PEOPLE and has written for publications such as Byrdie, InStyle, The Spruce, NYLON, and more. When covering the best teeth whitening strips, Jessie thoroughly reviewed the PEOPLE Tested team&#;s notes and insights from the testing period to get an idea of how well each formula worked and carefully considered their treatment time, price, value, ease of use, and comfort, too. Additionally, Jessie connected with dental experts to learn more about the benefits of teeth whitening strips and what to consider when shopping for safe and effective at-home whitening treatments. Kayla Kitts, a shopping editor for PEOPLE, updated this article with the most recent insights from our PEOPLE Tested lab, including two new top picks.
What Is PEOPLE Tested?
We created the PEOPLE Tested seal of approval to help you find the very best products for your life. We use our unique methodology to test products in three labs across the country and with our network of home testers to determine their effectiveness, durability, ease of use, and so much more. Based on the results, we rate and recommend products so you can find the right one for your needs.
But we don&#;t stop there: We also regularly re-review the categories in which we&#;ve awarded the PEOPLE Tested seal of approval because the best product of today might not be the best of tomorrow. And by the way, companies can never buy our recommendation: Their products must earn it, fair and square.
In short, PEOPLE Tested provides recommendations you can trust &#; every day, every purchase.
Most teeth whitening strips are safe for occasional use, but there are some that contain ingredients like chlorine dioxide, which can damage tooth enamel if used excessively. If the whitening strip doesn't adhere perfectly to your teeth, it can cause the bleaching agent (like hydrogen peroxide and carbamide peroxide) to touch your gums directly, which can lead to gum irritation, inflammation, or even a temporary burning sensation. If you experience significant discomfort or have serious discoloration on your teeth, consult your dentist to find the best approach for you.
We put more than 20 at-home whitening strips to the test . We used the strips at home once a day for the full treatment time (about a week or two), noting how easy they were to apply, how comfortable they felt, how well they whitened and brightened their smiles, and whether or not they caused any sensitivity. Our team then combined these results with dentists' recommendations and our thorough research to put together this list of truly worthwhile whitening strips.
If you&#;ve been wishing your smile was a little brighter, you&#;re not alone. While there&#;s no shortage of over-the-counter and professional whitening treatments ranging from pens and gels to LED whitening kits and trays, whitening strips offer one of the easiest ways to score pearly (or, at the very least, pearlier) whites.
Best Overall
Crest 3DWhitestrips Bright Dental Whitening Kit
PHOTO: Walmart
What We Like
Easy to apply
Effectively whitens teeth a few shades
Process is relatively quick
What to Consider
Unpleasant taste
Number of Pieces: 22 strips | Cruelty-Free: No
The box comes with 22 strips to be used for 30 minutes a day for 11 days, and we found that they worked to lighten the teeth nearly three shades. The strips were easy to apply, relatively comfortable, and didn&#;t cause sensitivity, making the entire process simple and painless. We also found that the whitening effect was noticeable after just a few treatments, so they're a great choice if you&#;re looking to whiten your teeth quickly ahead of a special occasion. Note that they do have a bit of an unpleasant taste, but that&#;s pretty common among whitening strips.
Best Overall Runner-Up
Crest 3DWhitestrips 1-Hour Express
PHOTO: Amazon
What We Like
Don't slip while wearing
Fast results
What to Consider
Whitening plateaued after five treatments
Number of Pieces: 38 strips | Cruelty-Free: No
We thought these were particularly easy to use, and stayed stuck to the teeth pretty well, even over an hour. While we were quite active around the house while wearing them, they weren't annoying or uncomfortable. We got noticeably whiter teeth after just five treatments, so much so that friends actually commented on them. We felt the whitening plateaued after that point, but the change was significant enough that we were quite satisfied with the experience overall. We noticed the slightest bit of tooth sensitivity at the end, but nothing to write home about.
Best Budget
Persmax Teeth Whitening Strips
PHOTO: Amazon
What We Like
Easy to apply
Adhere to teeth nicely without moving around
Visible whitening can be seen after only one week
Comfortable to wear
What to Consider
Some online reviewers say the results could be a bit more dramatic
Number of Pieces: 28 strips | Cruelty-Free: Not known
If you&#;re on the hunt for a budget-friendly option, these are for you. We were especially impressed by how well they applied and adhered to the teeth without moving around. They were comfortable to wear for the directed 30 minutes at a time&#;we didn&#;t experience any pain or sensitivity with these. We also noticed brighter teeth after just a few sessions, and it&#;s nice that the kit comes with a color chart so you can keep track of your progress. Regardless of price point, these whitening strips are a great option for lifting staining and achieving a whiter smile.
Best Splurge
Crest 3D White Whitestrips with Light
PHOTO: Amazon
For more information, please visit OEM/ODM Teeth Whitening Strips |Onuge.
What We Like
Effectively whiten the teeth at least a few shades
Results are long-lasting
Starts working within the first few treatments
What to Consider
Can cause tooth sensitivity
Number of Pieces: 1 light, 20 strips | Cruelty-Free: No
This kit pairs the same efficacy of the brand&#;s beloved strips but kicks it up a notch with the inclusion of an LED light. You wear the strips for an hour every day for 10 days. After you wear them, you hold the LED-light mouthpiece against the strip for another 10 minutes, five on top and five on the bottom. The blue light works to help the whitening gel better penetrate the tooth enamel, ultimately upping the efficacy, particularly when it comes to removing super stubborn stains. Byrdie contributor Jenna Igneri is a big fan, raving about her whitening results and pointing out that she only experienced mild sensitivity that dissipated over 10 days.
Byrdie / Jenna Igneri
The Crest 3D Whitestrips With Light Tester
Jenna: &#;While I still noticed some slight staining in between some of my teeth (and I&#;m dealing with a bit of sensitivity), I&#;d say that, overall, the 14-day treatment was a success. Do they yield as dramatic results? No, but I&#;m still pretty pleased with my newly whitened smile. They&#;re effective, they&#;re affordable, and trust, they&#;re way stronger than the average whitening toothpaste.&#;
Best Rapid Results
Crest 3D Whitestrips, Radiant Express
PHOTO: Amazon
What We Like
Stay in place while on teeth
Easy to apply
Whitened teeth after first use
What to Consider
Can cause tooth sensitivity
Number of Pieces: 28 strips | Cruelty-Free: No
Teeth whitening kits make a lot of claims. This one from Crest, for example, says it will whiten your teeth a whopping 18 shades. While we didn't experience that much of a change, we did notice these strips whitened after just one hour-long application. That's pretty impressive compared to others we've tried where it's taken at least a few rounds of whitening to clock any noticeable difference.
We felt the strips were relatively easy to apply&#;just peel and stick&#;and they stayed in place the entire hour we had to wear them. At times, we even forgot we were wearing them. Unfortunately, at about halfway through, one tester had to discontinue use because she was dealing with some tooth discomfort. However, she normally has sensitive teeth, so we think these would still work well for someone who's got less tooth sensitivity. And, despite only using half of the kit, she still got her teeth a full two shades whiter.
Best Dissolving
Supersmile Superstrips Teeth Whitening Dissolving Strips
PHOTO: Supersmile
What We Like
Dissolves in 15 minutes
Good taste
More sustainable
Noticeably brighter teeth after each session
What to Consider
Didn't feel great on teeth
Number of Pieces: 56 strips | Cruelty-Free: Yes
These strips tout a unique technology that ensures they gradually dissolve after you apply them. They&#;re meant for quick whitening boosts on the go&#;think on your way to a big even, and are less sensitizing. We didn't love how they felt as they dissolved (they sort of made our teeth stick to the inside of our lips), but we were incredibly impressed by the results&#;we noticed a brightening effect after each session and appreciated the convenience factor they provided. Also nice: They leave behind a fresh, peppermint flavor to freshen breath, although you must wait 30 minutes after use before eating or drinking.
Best for Sensitive Teeth
iSmile Teeth Whitening Strips
PHOTO: Target
What We Like
Simple and easy to use
Effectively whitens teeth a few shades
Doesn&#;t cause sensitivity, even for those with very sensitive teeth
Comes with extra strips for touch-ups down the line
What to Consider
A bit of excess gel makes them slightly messy and tricky to remove
Directions could be a bit more clear
Number of Pieces: 44 strips | Cruelty-Free: Not known
These strips claim to cause &#;zero sensitivity,&#; and, according to one of our testers with extremely sensitive teeth, the claim is accurate&#;these were the first whitening strips ever that she could use for the allotted time frame&#;30 minutes a day for seven consecutive days. They effectively whitened the teeth by about three to four shades, and we also appreciate that the kit comes with extra strips for touch-ups down the line.
Best for Dramatic Results
Rembrandt 1 Week Teeth Whitening Kit
PHOTO: Walmart
What We Like
Starts working after just two uses
Strips cover front and back of teeth
Comfortable to wear
What to Consider
Can cause sensitivity
Number of Pieces: 28 strips, 14 treatments | Cruelty-Free: No
We love these strips for how quickly they work to deliver a dramatic, bright smile. We saw a fairly significant, visible improvement in teeth whiteness after just the first two uses. At the end of the test, the teeth were several shades whiter. We also appreciate that they're simple and easy to apply (there's no gel, tools, or light required), and they feel comfortable while wearing them for the allotted 30 minutes at a time. Another bonus is that the kit comes with enough strips for two full rounds of treatment. They're affordable, effective, and comfortable, what's not to love?
Most Comfortable
Burst Teeth Whitening Strips
PHOTO: Amazon
What We Like
Easy to apply
Comfortable to wear while doing other things
Don't slip and slide around
Each session only takes 15 minutes
What to Consider
Results are quite subtle
Number of Pieces: 20 strips | Cruelty-Free: Yes
We were pleasantly surprised by how comfortable these were to wear. They were quick and easy to apply, and once they adhered to the teeth, they remained totally comfortable to wear for the allotted time. Plus, we love that you only need to wear them for 15 minutes a day for seven days&#;the extra six strips in the box are meant to be used for touch-ups down the line. While the results weren&#;t as dramatic as other options we tested, given how fast, comfortable, and affordable these are, we still highly recommend them.
Best Flavors
Zimba Teeth Whitening Strips
PHOTO: ZIMBA
What We Like
Comes in a variety of flavors
Adheres to teeth
Produce noticeable results gradually
What to Consider
Can cause sensitivity
Number of Pieces: 28 strips | Cruelty-Free: Yes
An unpleasant flavor is one of the most common drawbacks to any tooth whitening strip. Enter these, which alleviate that issue and come in tons of yummy flavors like mint, peach, coconut, and more. The strips are also super grippy so they won't slip and slide around on your teeth. They work gradually throughout the two-week treatment period. However, if sensitivity is an issue for you, you might find this option a little uncomfortable.
PHOTO: Byrdie / Jhett Thompson
PHOTO: Byrdie / Jhett Thompson