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Brushing at least twice a day is critical to your health and hygiene, but if you really want your smile to sparkle, you may want to grab a pack of teeth-whitening strips.

While there's no shortage of teeth-whitening products available over the counter, I have sensitive gums, so for me, a good teeth-whitening product is one that's effective but doesn't sear my gum tissue. I know not everyone has tooth sensitivity; to help you find the best ones for your teeth, I've rounded up the best whitening strips on the market right now below. 

A note before you get started: Wanting a brighter smile is valid, but maintaining healthy teeth is important. It's a good idea to consult with your dentist before you try any at-home whitening kit. This may be especially important if your dentist has told you in the past that you have some enamel erosion (enamel is the protective layer on your teeth), or if you know you need dental work, like a cavity filled. Also, whitening strips won't work on existing dental work like veneers, filings, crowns or caps.

What are the best teeth-whitening strips?

Crest 3D Whitestrips are our pick as the best overall teeth-whitening strips, because our tests determined that they had the best results with the most effective active ingredients. If you have stains from years and years of tea, coffee and wine, Crest 3D Whitestrips can effectively whiten your teeth by as much as 23 levels.  

Best teeth-whitening strips of 2024

$46 at Amazon $46 at Walmart $46 at Amazon

Best overall whitening strips

Crest 3D Whitestrips Professional Effects

$46 at Amazon $46 at Walmart

Crest 3D Whitestrips are truly a classic. They're easy to find and easy to use, and I've used them many times in the past. Each Crest 3D Whitestrips Professional Effects box contains 48 strips for 24 treatments. Wear one strip a day for 30 minutes, and Crest claims that you can remove up to 14 years of stains by the end of your last treatment.  

One thing to keep in mind is the coverage is a little less than other brands on this list (such as the Rembrandt strips). I found that the cover was OK, I just wished the strips would reach over my canines more. Despite that, Crest 3D is still my No. 1 on this list, because time and time again they're effective.  

• Price: $$
• Number of pieces: 48
• Active ingredient: Hydrogen peroxide
• Cruelty-free: No
• Results in: About 24 days
• Level of whitening: About 23

Pros:

• Up to 23 levels whiter teeth in about 24 days
• Remove up to 14 years of stains
• Active ingredient is hydrogen peroxide

Cons:

• You might find the coverage to be less than you want
• Most expensive on this list

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$40 at Amazon $40 at Amazon

Best dissolving whitening strips

Moon Dissolving Whitening Strips

$40 at Amazon

If you don’t like the feeling of whitening strips sitting on your teeth for up to 30 minutes, you can try dissolving strips, instead. Moon Dissolving Whitening Strips are applied just like any other strips, but after 15 minutes, they completely dissolve. There’s no unnecessary waste nor mess and no need to rinse. The strips are also peppermint flavored.

Moon states that in two weeks or less, you can whiten your teeth up to seven shades lighter. In addition to being vegan and cruelty-free, these dissolving whitening strips are free from SLS/SLES (which can irritate skin), triclosan, parabens and artificial flavors. 

• Price: $$
• Number of pieces: 56
• Active ingredient: Hydrogen peroxide
• Cruelty-free: Yes
• Results in: 14 days or less
• Level of whitening: Up to 7 shades

Pros:

• Dissolves within 15 minutes 
• Vegan and cruelty-free
• A refreshing mint flavor 

Cons:

• On the expensive side
• Must avoid eating and drinking for 30 minutes after application

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$45 at Amazon $45 at Amazon

Best whitening strips for sensitive teeth

Lumineux Oral Essentials Whitening Strips

$45 at Amazon

Anyone who has sensitive teeth should check out Lumineux Oral Essentials. Lumineux products don't include hydrogen peroxide and instead use a combination of dead sea salt, essential oils, coconut oil and aloe vera. The fit and coverage were great, although they did slip around a bit. Lumineux products are also cruelty-free.  

I tested these for three consecutive days, so I can't speak to the long-term efficacy compared with other brands, but Lumineux did conduct a clinical trial that concluded Crest 3D Whitestrips were no more effective than Lumineux natural whitening strips. (The study was funded in part by Lumineux, so keep that in mind.) Still, I think they're worth a shot for people with sensitive teeth and gums.

• Price: $$
• Number of pieces: 42
• Active ingredient: Coconut oil
• Cruelty-free: Yes
• Results in: 3 weeks or less
• Level of whitening: Up to 14 shades

Pros:

• Natural alternative -- coconut oil is the active ingredient 
• Contains 21 treatments in one box
• Up to 14 shades lighter in a maximum of three weeks

Cons:

• On the pricey side
• May slip around

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$20 at Amazon $31 at Walmart $20 at Amazon

Best affordable whitening strips

Zimba Teeth Whitening Strips

$20 at Amazon $31 at Walmart

Zimba whitening strips are both affordable and effective at lightening the shade of your teeth. One pack comes with 28 strips for results in 14 days or less. Wear one strip for 30 minutes a day. 

This cruelty-free brand has found a way to combat one of the negatives of whitening strips -- the strong, bitter taste. Zimba offers 10 different flavors to choose from, like watermelon or spearmint. On top of that, the strips have a nonslip design that grip the teeth during each treatment.   

• Price: $
• Number of pieces: 28
• Active ingredient: Hydrogen peroxide
• Cruelty-free: Yes
• Results in: 14 days or less
• Level of whitening: Not listed

Pros:

• 10 flavors to choose from including mint, coconut, strawberry and wintergreen
• Nonslip design 
• Results in two weeks or less

Cons:

• The brand doesn’t say how many levels of whitening is possible 
• May not be suitable for sensitive teeth

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How we chose teeth-whitening strips

I began this list of whitening strips with products that could potentially make it into this roundup, looking at things like brand reputation, buyer reviews on Amazon and full reviews by other writers. After narrowing the lengthy list of teeth-whitening strips, I started testing.

Because it would be impossible to test the long-term efficacy of all of these whitening strips without annihilating my enamel and gum tissue (or working on this project for literal years, because I wouldn't be able to adequately judge how much whiter each of them made my teeth by using them back to back), I judged each product against a few criteria that I think will help you make a buying decision. 

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Factors to consider when choosing teeth-whitening strips

Before buying your next box of teeth-whitening strips, consider these factors.

Fit

You want your strips to fully cover your teeth and not go up over your gums -- that can cause gum sensitivity. Additionally, their fit should be snug. While you go about your day, waiting for it to be time to take the strips off, they should not slip and slide around your mouth. 

Coverage

While whitening your molars is not necessary (since you hardly see them anyway), your whitening strips should still cover a good percentage of your teeth. After you apply the strip, smile and look in the mirror. Is the strip touching all of the teeth you can see in your normal smile? If not, time to try another brand. 

Ease of use

Whitening strips should be simple. Apply the product, wait a specified amount of time and take them off. If the teeth-whitening strips require other steps or seem difficult to use, try another brand. 

Sensations 

If you have sensitive teeth or gums, look for products that will give you the least amount of sensitivity. Oftentimes, hydrogen peroxide is too strong for sensitive teeth, so try coconut oil, instead. Don’t suffer through a product if it burns your gums or hurts your teeth.  

Length of wear

Most strips require at least 30 minutes of wear in order to get the best results. If you have sensitive teeth or not enough time for whitening strips, look for products that don’t require much wear.   

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Best teeth-whitening strip FAQs

Are teeth-whitening strips OK for your teeth?

If you have healthy teeth and good oral health, using a reputable whitening kit should be fine when used as directed. However, whitening products are only meant to be used occasionally and in moderation, and it's always a better idea to speak with your dentist first about finding the best option for you. Additionally, steer clear of whitening strips that contain chlorine dioxide.

People who need dental work or have tooth pain should consult with their dentist to find out if teeth whitening is right for them.

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Do whitening strips work on really yellow teeth?

Over-the-counter whitening products may not be powerful enough for very stained teeth. If you're looking for exceptional results for yellow teeth, consult your dentist. 

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What are the negatives of teeth-whitening strips?

The negatives of teeth-whitening strips include possible tooth and gum sensitivity. If you use whitening strips too often, it can damage your enamel, and some of the results might not be the exact shade you imagine.

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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

Walmart

View On Target

$30

View On Walmart

$24

What We Like

• Easy to apply

• Effectively whitens teeth a few shades

• Process is relatively quick

What We Don't Like

• 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

Amazon

View On Walmart

$31

View On CVS

$56

View On Walgreens

$50

What We Like

• Don't slip while wearing

• Fast results

What We Don't Like

• 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

Amazon

View On Amazon

$13

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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 We Don't Like

• 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

 Amazon

View On Amazon

$56

View On Target

$65

View On Walmart

$77

What We Like

• Effectively whiten the teeth at least a few shades

• Results are long-lasting

• Starts working within the first few treatments 

What We Don't Like

• 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

Amazon

View On Amazon

$33

View On Walmart

$50

What We Like

• Stay in place while on teeth

• Easy to apply

• Whitened teeth after first use

What We Don't Like

• 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

Supersmile

View On Supersmile.com

What We Like

• Dissolves in 15 minutes

• Good taste

• More sustainable

• Noticeably brighter teeth after each session

What We Don't Like

• 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

Target

View On Target

$45

View On Shopismile.com

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 We Don't Like

• 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

Amazon

View On Amazon

$32

View On Walmart

$22

What We Like

• Starts working after just two uses

• Strips cover front and back of teeth

• Comfortable to wear

What We Don’t Like

• 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

Amazon

View On Burstoralcare.com

$30

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 We Don't Like

• 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

ZIMBA

View On Amazon

$20

View On Walmart

$20

View On Shopzimba.com

$24

What We Like

• Comes in a variety of flavors

• Adheres to teeth

• Produce noticeable results gradually 

What We Don't Like

• 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.

• Byrdie / Jhett Thompson

• Byrdie / Jhett Thompson

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