Byrdie / Jessica Juliao
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.
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.
Are Teeth Whitening Strips Bad for Your Teeth?
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.
Best Overall
Crest 3DWhitestrips Bright Dental Whitening Kit
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Walmart
Easy to apply
Effectively whitens teeth a few shades
Process is relatively quick
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
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Amazon
Don't slip while wearing
Fast results
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
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Amazon
Easy to apply
Adhere to teeth nicely without moving around
Visible whitening can be seen after only one week
Comfortable to wear
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
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Amazon
Effectively whiten the teeth at least a few shades
Results are long-lasting
Starts working within the first few treatments
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.
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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
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Amazon
Stay in place while on teeth
Easy to apply
Whitened teeth after first use
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
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Supersmile
Dissolves in 15 minutes
Good taste
More sustainable
Noticeably brighter teeth after each session
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
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Target
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
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
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Amazon
Starts working after just two uses
Strips cover front and back of teeth
Comfortable to wear
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
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Amazon
Easy to apply
Comfortable to wear while doing other things
Don't slip and slide around
Each session only takes 15 minutes
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
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ZIMBA
Comes in a variety of flavors
Adheres to teeth
Produce noticeable results gradually
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.
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Byrdie / Jhett Thompson
![Zimba Teeth Whitening Strips]()
Byrdie / Jhett Thompson
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What to Look for in Teeth Whitening Strips
- Adheres Well to Teeth: “The strips have to adhere tightly to your teeth to work properly,” says cosmetic dentist Dr. Lawrence Fung. “If there are air bubbles, you may end up with a spot that’s still stained.”
- Potassium Nitrate: To prevent your teeth from feeling overly sensitive during your whitening process, Dr. Fung says to look for products that include potassium nitrate. “Teeth whitening uses peroxide, which can be sensitizing, but potassium nitrate is a great desensitizer and can help with the unexpected sensitivity that comes with whitening,” he says.
- Concentration of Peroxide: Sure, we all want a quick fix when it comes to whitening our teeth, but potent strips that promise results in a shorter period are more likely to lead to sensitivity. t’s best to opt for “gentle” products that are worn for a longer period, like ten days to two weeks, especially when it comes to peroxide-based products. “Because high concentrations of peroxide are sensitizing, opt for a lower strength for more days,” says Dr. Fung. “This way, it’s a lower yet consistent [and therefore, effective] dose.”
Why Trust Byrdie
Byrdie contributor Melanie Rud has over a decade of experience in the beauty industry, writing for some of the biggest magazines and websites out there. She uses a set of whitening strips twice a year, after her professional dental cleanings or as a prep before any type of major event.
Alyssa Kaplan is an experienced writer in the beauty industry and product tester specializing in cosmetics. She uses whitening strips annually when she notices staining appearing on her teeth. She received a bachelor’s degree from the Fashion Institute of Technology, where she studied marketing and product development in the cosmetics industry as well as fashion business marketing. Alyssa has been a commerce writer at Byrdie since 2022, where she covers all things beauty.
Contributors also spoke with a variety of experts to gather insights about what to keep in mind when shopping for teeth whitening strips. Those experts include:
- Dr. Lawrence Fung, a cosmetic dentist and founder of Silicon Beach Dental in Culver City, California. He is also the clinical instructor at the Center for Esthetic Dentistry at UCLA.
- Dr. Nammy Patel, DDS, a holistic dentist in San Francisco and operates a practice called Green Dentistry. She’s also the author of "Age With Style: Your Guide To A Youthful Smile & Healthy Living" and "Total Wellness, Understanding the Link Between Your Teeth and Your Health."
- Dr. Bobbi Peterson, an orthodontist in Brooklyn, New York. She instructs new dental residents at Kings County Hospital and volunteers in community schools to teach students and staff dental health and to provide free screenings to middle school students.
- Dr. Shahira Saad, DDS, a cosmetic dentist at Silicon Beach Dental. She completed an Advanced Education in General Dentistry residency in which she focused on cosmetic smile design as well as conservative restorative dentistry.
According to our Diversity Pledge, 15% of products in our newly-published market roundups will feature Black-owned and/or Black-founded brands. At the time of publishing, we were not able to find any teeth whitening strips from a Black-owned and/or Black-founded business. If you know of one we should consider, please email us at contact@byrdie.com, and we will evaluate the product ASAP.
