The Laifen Wave is Laifen's first electric toothbrush and the cheapest way into the range. It swings its brush head through 60 degrees at up to 66,000 vibrations per minute, and it puts every one of those settings under your own control through the companion app.
What the Wave does
Laifen's own listing describes the head as combining a 60-degree oscillation with high-frequency vibration, which is what separates it from the rotating heads on most brushes at this price. T3's reviewer of the Wave found it was the best oscillating toothbrush they had tested, and measured the motor at 6.1 watts.
The handle is a single moulding with no gaps, which is why it can carry an IPX7 rating, and this version is finished in aluminium alloy. Three brush heads come in the box: Gum Care, Super-Clean and Ultra-Whitening.
Pros and cons
Short version, based on verified specifications and independent testing.
What works
- The app lets you set each of the three modes separately across vibration strength, oscillation range and oscillation speed, at ten levels of intensity
- Three brush heads are included, covering gum care, everyday cleaning and polishing
- The aluminium alloy handle is sealed with no gaps and carries an IPX7 rating
- Magnetic charging, with a full charge in 2.5 hours
What doesn’t
- There is no pressure sensor, so the brush cannot warn you when you are pressing too hard
- Laifen's listing quotes up to 45 days of battery life, while T3's reviewer put the real figure at up to 30 days for twice-daily two-minute use
- Modes are changed by double-tapping a single pressure-sensitive button, which takes a few days to get used to
- The Amazon UK listing was unavailable when we last checked, so the price we hold is a reference rather than a live price
The app is the real feature
Three modes are set on the handle itself, and each one can be tuned separately in the app across vibration strength, oscillation range and oscillation speed, at ten levels of intensity, with an optional high-frequency mode above that. You can also set the brushing duration between one and five minutes, turn the flight mode on and off, and switch on 30-second quadrant reminders.
T3's reviewer found the app easy to navigate, and their point about the settings mattering is worth repeating: once you have dialled in a combination you like, you rarely need to go back to the app for anything except flight mode.
Where the Wave falls short
There is no pressure sensor. T3's reviewer put it plainly: the brush "might not be able to tell you when you're pressing too hard". They also found the third mode uncomfortably strong and brushed with the first two, which is a sensible thing to do with a 6.1-watt motor.
Battery life is the other place where the two numbers disagree. Laifen's listing quotes up to 45 days, while T3 put it at up to 30 days when used twice a day for two minutes. Treat 45 days as the best case and plan around something closer to a month.
Our verdict
For a confident brusher who wants to control the power rather than be corrected by it, the Wave is the most interesting brush Laifen makes and the best value in the range. It has three modes where the Wave Pro has two, and it costs a good deal less. Buy the Laifen Wave Pro instead if you brush hard or your gums are sensitive, and add a six-pack of Super Clean heads when the originals wear out.
The Laifen brand guide sets out how the Wave compares with the rest of the range.
