The 12 Best Teeth Whiteners to Tackle Tough Stains

Teeth whiteners are an easy, convenient way to brighten your teeth a few shades, but they can also work under the enamel to remove built-up staining. The best teeth whitening kits work by removing both external stains, like the ones you might get from a coffee habit, and intrinsic stains, which typically need to be treated on a deeper chemical level.

If you’re looking for long-lasting results, Bianca Velayo, DMD of Green Valley Smiles Dentistry, recommends using peroxide-based products, which will help whiten tooth enamel and reverse internal and external teeth stains. While the results from at-home whitening kits won’t be as drastic as professional treatment,  Lena Varone, DMD, of the New York Center for Cosmetic Dentistry, says you should expect to see your teeth lightened by one to two shades depending on the product ingredient concentration, how long it’s used and the cause of your stains.

To find the best teeth whiteners, we tested over 50 products in our lab and are continually testing at home. We’ve narrowed our list of top products by following expert guidance and ranking each option based on convenience, comfort, effectiveness, and overall value. An orthodontist on our Medical Expert Board also reviewed this article for medical and scientific accuracy.

Editor’s Take

I’m a Commerce Editor at Health and I’ve tried every teeth whitening product out there, from strips to gels, but after dental surgery and multiple professional treatments, my sensitive teeth needed something gentler. The Lumineux Bright Pen has been my go-to for a brighter smile between professional sessions, offering effective results without the sensitivity or irritation I’ve experienced with other products. Dentists, like Dr. Velayo, emphasize the importance of choosing a product with the right balance of peroxide concentration and duration—something you won’t find in quick-fix options like toothpaste.

In my experience, finding the right teeth whitening kit is all about striking the perfect balance. You want a product that’s powerful enough to make a difference but gentle enough to keep your teeth healthy and comfortable. The Lumineux Bright Pen checks all those boxes for me, and I couldn’t be happier with the results.

–Lauren Paige Richeson, Commerce Editor

Our Favorite Teeth Whitening Kits

• Best Gel: Auraglow’s Deluxe Teeth Whitening Kit
• Best with LED Light: Crest Whitening Emulsion with LED Light
• Best Pen: Lumineux Bright Pen
• Best Strips: Lumineux Teeth Whitening Strips
• Best Trays: Opalescence Go Prefilled Trays
• Best Toothpaste: Laser Glow Purple Toothpaste

Types of Teeth Whitening Kits

Gel: Almost all whitening kits contain whitening gel, which is the activator in LED kits and whitening pens. Whitening gels are made with either hydrogen or carbamide peroxide.

LED: These devices work by using the peroxide gel as a base and activating the gel. The LED speeds up the gel’s effects, accelerating the process and enhancing results through oxidation. However, LED devices can have negative side effects (such as causing tissue damage), so dentists warn you to use caution if adding one to your dental routine.

Pens: Whitening pens contain a peroxide gel typically applied with a brush head. The peroxide available in pens is often lower than in a gel kit, and their lower duration makes them less effective than at-home treatments.

Strips: Teeth whitening strips are thin, flexible pieces of plastic coated with a layer of whitening gel, typically containing peroxide, which helps to bleach and remove stains from the teeth. They are designed to be applied directly to the teeth and worn for a designated time.

Toothpaste: Whitening toothpastes contain low levels of peroxide and are less effective than other whitening products. Toothpaste results are temporary. To determine a toothpaste’s effectiveness, check its relative dentin abrasion (RDA) on the manufacturer’s website.

Our Top Picks

Best Overall:

Crest Leave-on Teeth Whitening Kit with LED Light at Amazon $49

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Best Purple Whitener:

Laser Glow Purple Toothpaste Color Corrector at Amazon $19

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Best LED:

SALE

 Auraglow Whitening Kit at Amazon $60 $48

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Best Pen:

Lumineux Bright² Pen at Target $20

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Best Trays:

Opalescence Tooth Whitening Prefilled Trays at Amazon $78

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Best for Sensitive Teeth:

SALE

 Crest 3D Sensitive Teeth Whitening Kit at Amazon $50 $25

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Best Strips:

Lumineux teeth whitening strips at Amazon $23

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Best Gel:

iSmile LED Teeth Whitening Kit at Target $50

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Best Budget LED:

Cali White White Teeth Whitening Kit at Amazon $11

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Most Convenient:

Colgate ComfortFit LED Teeth Whitening Kit at Amazon $50

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Best Overall

Crest Leave-on Teeth Whitening Kit with LED Light

PHOTO: Crest

$49 at Amazon$50 at Target$53 at Walmart

Why We Like It

The Crest Whitening Emulsion with LED Light stands out as the best overall teeth whitening product due to its ease of use, effectiveness, and comfort. Its simple, straightforward process, coupled with the ability to carry on with normal activities during treatment, makes it highly convenient and user-friendly. With noticeable results and a gentle formula that minimizes sensitivity, it provides an unparalleled whitening experience.

The whitening process was remarkably straightforward, and it was so simple that we initially doubted if we were doing it correctly! All we had to do was apply the gel, carry on with our daily activities for 30 minutes, then use the LED device in our mouths for 3 minutes, and that was it. The entire process takes about 33 minutes and is completely painless. No charging is required for this product, which is convenient, and it comes in a box with a small plastic stand for the wand and whitening product.

The product’s instructions allow for up to four uses per day, which is surprising considering potential sensitivity issues but we experienced no issues, a surprising plus given our lack of gum sensitivity. The results were noticeable, lightening our teeth by about two shades. This kit was more enjoyable compared to other products we tested. It’s easy to apply, comfortable to wear, and discreet enough for use during activities like Zoom calls, making it worth the investment for quick, effective whitening.

It’s Worth Noting

• This product is recommended to be applied four times a day, which could be inconvenient if you’re looking for a lower-maintenance product.

Product Details:

• Type: LED light
• Recommended frequency of use: Four times a day
• Recommended duration of use: 33 minutes
• Active ingredients: Hydrogen peroxide

Best Purple Whitener

Laser Glow Purple Toothpaste Color Corrector

PHOTO: Amazon

$19 at AmazonView on Laserglowspa.com

Why We Like It

The Laser Glow Purple Toothpaste stands out as the best purple whitening paste due to its unique formula that combines ease of use, gentle whitening effects, and a pleasant taste, making it a standout choice for those seeking a mild and convenient teeth whitening solution.

It applied easily, although initially more liquidy than regular toothpaste. The first few seconds of brushing left a temporary purple hue on our teeth, but this quickly dissipated. The toothpaste, with its gel-like consistency, was easy to use and didn’t foam, allowing for thorough brushing without causing sensitivity. It had a minty, pleasant taste after an initial medicinal flavor. While we didn’t notice dramatic, immediate effects, our teeth appeared slightly whiter over time.

It offered a mild whitening effect and was a simple addition to our morning routine. While not a robust whitening solution, we’d recommend it for those interested in a gentle, convenient product.

It’s Worth Noting

• It may not provide as strong or noticeable whitening results as some users might expect or need, especially when compared to more intensive whitening treatments.

Product Details:

• Type: Toothpaste
• Recommended frequency of use: Daily
• Recommended duration of use: 2 minutes
• Active ingredients: Hydrated silica, xylitol

• Health / Anisa Arsenault
• Health / Anisa Arsenault
• Health / Anisa Arsenault
• Health / Anisa Arsenault

Best LED

Auraglow Whitening Kit

PHOTO: Amazon

$48 at Amazon$40 at WalmartView on Auraglow.com

Why We Like It

Auraglow’s Deluxe Teeth Whitening Kit uses a handheld LED device to whiten teeth in 30-minute sessions over the course of one week. The device claims to whiten up to 10 shades in that amount of time, which we found to be true.

But, while we found our teeth were noticeably whiter after testing, the device itself did leave us wanting more. The tray is quite large, especially for smaller mouths. However, in our opinion, the slight discomfort from the large tray isn’t enough to take away from the satisfaction we got from the results. And given how much we know professional whitening costs, we would absolutely say this is worth the price for a brighter smile.

It’s Worth Noting

• This product needs to be recharged at least once a week with regular use, yet it doesn’t give a low-battery warning. 

Product Details:

• Type: Gel
• Recommended frequency of use: Daily for 1 week
• Recommended duration of use: 30 minutes
• Active ingredients: 35% carbamide peroxide

• Health / Jessica Juliao
• Health / Jessica Juliao
• Health / Jessica Juliao

Best Pen

Lumineux Bright² Pen

PHOTO: Lumineux

$20 at Target$20 at Walmart$24 at Walgreens

Why We Like It

The Lumineux Bright Pen provides a gentle yet effective whitening solution that avoids the common issue of increased sensitivity or irritation, making it an ideal choice for those who want a brighter smile without discomfort.

Peroxide—either hydrogen or carbamide—is the active ingredient in most whitening products, but it can lead to tooth sensitivity. Lumineux, a fan-favorite whitening company, makes all its products without peroxide. Instead, they use a combination of essential oils to provide results—without any chemical taste you get from most whitening products.¹

Using the pen was straightforward: just twist, apply, and go. It was so easy that we could do it without a mirror. The pen’s precise brush allowed for effortless application, reaching every part of our teeth without any mess. We had to wait 30 minutes after application before eating or drinking. Within two weeks, we noticed our teeth becoming a shade lighter, enhancing our confidence in our smile. We didn’t experience any sensitivity or irritation, a welcome change from our past experiences with teeth-whitening products. The pack included two pens, offering excellent value for a single purchase or a $10 discount with a subscription.

It’s Worth Noting

• The results may not be as dramatic as other pens that use peroxide.

Product Details:

• Type: Pen
• Recommended frequency of use: 7 days or whenever needed
• Recommended duration of use: 1 minute
• Active ingredients: Coconut oil

• Health / Jessica Juliao
• Health / Jhett Thompson
• Health / Jessica Juliao

Best Trays

Opalescence Tooth Whitening Prefilled Trays

PHOTO: Amazon

$78 at Amazon

Why We Like It

Opalascence Go Prefilled Trays wins our pick for best teeth whitening trays. A whitening tray can offer a happy medium between white strips and an LED device, typically with a more comfortable and sometimes more effective output. The Opalescence Go Prefilled Trays use a 15% hydrogen peroxide treatment, which is higher than some of the other options on our list, meaning you’ll get faster results.

We noticed almost immediate results after one use, although the higher dose causes some discomfort and sensitivity. We tried the higher formulation, but Opalescence also makes its trays in a 10% hydrogen peroxide formulation.

Opalescence is also a favorite brand of dentists, particularly Dr. Velayo. “More clinical studies, articles, and reviews have been published on Opalescence whitening than any other professional whitening brand. It’s part of the reason why it’s so highly trusted,” she says.

It’s Worth Noting

• These may not work well for people with tooth or gum sensitivity.

Product Details:

• Type: Gel trays
• Recommended frequency of use: 5–10 days
• Recommended duration of use: 15-20 minutes
• Active ingredients: 15% hydrogen peroxide; also available in 10%

Best for Sensitive Teeth

Crest 3D Sensitive Teeth Whitening Kit

PHOTO: Amazon

$25 at Amazon$32 at Target

Why We Like It

Tooth sensitivity is one of the biggest concerns for people looking to get whiter teeth. Some products are designed for sensitive teeth—like the Crest 3D Sensitive Whitestrips. The difference is a lower peroxide level; the sensitive strips contain 5.25% hydrogen peroxide compared to Crest’s standard 6.5%.

We were surprised by how gentle this product was on our very sensitive teeth and gums. We also noticed a difference in the color of our teeth right away while using the strips. The Crest Whitestrips for Sensitive Teeth work like the other strips in Crest’s lineup: just wear them once a day for 30 minutes, and you should see full results in about two weeks—all without tooth pain. Plus, these strips use Crest’s AdvancedSeal tech for a non-slip grip on teeth during whitening. 

It’s Worth Noting

• They may not brighten your teeth as much as other Crest Whitestrips because of their lower peroxide percentage.

Product Details:

• Type: Strips
• Recommended frequency of use: Once daily for 14 days
• Recommended duration of use: 30 minutes
• Active ingredients: 5.25% hydrogen peroxide

Best Strips

Lumineux teeth whitening strips

PHOTO: Amazon

$23 at Amazon

Why We Like It

While using peroxide to bleach your teeth isn’t harmful, it should be limited because it can soften your enamel over time, says Dr. Hovanisyan. If you’re worried about peroxide use, Lumineux Teeth Whitening Strips is peroxide-free, using essential oils instead of more standard chemicals to whiten teeth. Its ingredient list includes lemon peel oil, coconut oil, sage oil, and Dead Sea salt. 

If you’re wondering how well all-natural whitening solutions stand up to chemical whitening, the answer might be surprising. A study of chemical teeth whitening and all-natural teeth whitening products found that while chemical whitening provided more drastic results, all-natural products weren’t far behind—plus they left teeth with fewer surface issues after use.¹

We found these strips comfortable and easy to use, allowing us to carry on with our daily activities, including conversations, during the 30-minute treatment. The strips, which lack an unpleasant taste and instead offer a slightly refreshing flavor, showed effectiveness after two to three applications, gradually whitening our teeth by approximately two shades. We also found that the strips were easy to apply and stayed on our teeth even while talking, though they only cover the front 6-8 teeth on each row. For 21 treatments, we consider them a great option, especially given their effectiveness and suitability for sensitive teeth and gums.

It’s Worth Noting

• We advise caution in storing them in warm conditions, as we encountered a strip becoming gooey and tearing in high temperatures.

Product Details:

• Type: Strips
• Recommended frequency of use: 7 days, then 1–2 times per week for maintenance
• Recommended duration of use: 30 minutes
• Active ingredients: Coconut oil

• Health / Jhett Thompson
• Health / Jhett Thompson
• Health / Jessica Juliao

Best Gel

iSmile LED Teeth Whitening Kit

PHOTO: Amazon

$50 at TargetView on Shopismile.com

Why We Like It

Like some of the other products on our list, the iSmile Teeth Whitening Kit uses gel in combination with an LED device, but this device has a clean and easy application, which is rarely guaranteed with gel products. That’s why it’s our tested pick for the best teeth-whitening gel. It’s convenient how you can apply the solution onto the mechanism before putting it in your mouth. This allows it to be less messy and for the solution to be evenly applied when you bite down.

It’s also fairly quick and effective, requiring only 10-minute treatments over the course of a week, which brought us up five shades in lightness. We think it may have been more effective than previous whitening treatments we’ve done in the past at the dentist’s office.

It’s Worth Noting

• The only drawback is the slight discomfort. No teeth whitening product that has to sit in your mouth for an extended period of time will ever be extremely comfortable.

Product Details:

• Type: LED device
• Recommended frequency of use: Once daily for 7 days
• Recommended duration of use: 10 minutes
• Active ingredients: 35% carbamide peroxide

• Health / Jhett Thompson
• Health / Jessica Juliao

Best Budget LED

Cali White White Teeth Whitening Kit

PHOTO: Amazon

$11 at Amazon$17 at Walmart

Why We Like It

The Cali White Teeth Whitening Kit is a quick and easy teeth whitening kit. The LED process is a 10-minute three-step process, and then you’re done and ready to take on the world with a lighter and brighter smile. The sessions are quicker than LED options (10 minutes versus 30), and this is a more affordable option as well, which gives this product a lot of value. 

The process required us to squeeze out the gel onto the tray, put the tray into our mouths, and turn on the LED light. That’s it! At the end of the lighting session, the LED light automatically turns off, which is good if you lose track of time or forget to use a timer. 

By the end of initially testing this product, our teeth were one to two shades lighter. We didn’t experience any discomfort beyond the mint-tasting paste, causing our gums to tingle throughout use. However, though it comes with a travel case for the guard, we do wish it included a travel case for the LED light too.

It’s Worth Noting

• The tray is a little big, so we had a little bit of trouble trying to breathe through our nose during use, which could be cumbersome for smaller mouths.

Product Details:

• Type: LED device
• Recommended frequency of use: Once daily for 7-10 days
• Recommended duration of use: 10-30 minutes
• Active ingredients: 35% carbon peroxide

• Health / Tamara Staples
• Health / Jhett Thompson
• Health / Tamara Staples
• Health / Tamara Staples
• Health / Tamara Staples
• Health / Jhett Thompson
• Health / Jhett Thompson

Most Convenient

Colgate ComfortFit LED Teeth Whitening Kit

$50 at Amazon$53 at Target$70 at Walgreens

Why We Like It

We found the Colgate ComfortFit LED Teeth Whitening Kit refreshingly uncomplicated to use, with no app required. This kit is conveniently powered by a cell phone outlet, making it easy to use on the go. We simply plugged it into our cell phone, put the tray in our mouth, and continued with our routine. The built-in auto-timer for 10 minutes, with beeps to indicate halfway and completion, made the process hassle-free and effortless.

We often used it during our nighttime skincare routine and would forget it was even there, thanks to its comfortable fit. The tray, being flexible and adjustable, caused no irritation or discomfort, and we felt no sensations while using it. After a couple of uses, we noticed our teeth looked brighter, though not necessarily a full shade lighter. Compared to white strips, which can leave the mouth feeling unpleasant and require constant swallowing of gel, this kit was barely noticeable and met our expectations for ease and comfort.

It’s Worth Nothing

• However, we would have appreciated extra whitening pens, as we quickly used up the first one.

Product Details:

• Type: LED device
• Recommended frequency of use: Once a day for 3 months (but results are noticeable after 3 days)
• Recommended duration of use: 10 minutes
• Active ingredients: Hydrogen peroxide

• Health / Jhett Thompson
• Health / Tamara Staples
• Health / Tamara Staples

Best for Stains

PurelyWhite Deluxe Teeth Whitening Kit

PHOTO: Target

$40 at Target$96 at Macy’sView on Purelywhitedeluxe.com

Why We Like It

The PurelyWHITE DELUXE Teeth Whitening kit is our pick for best teeth whitening kit for stains. It’s an LED-powered device that’s great at targeting ten years’ worth of stains and spots on the teeth with minimal sensitivity.

There’s no app with this teeth whitening kit, and the process is simple and reminiscent of many other whitening kits on the market. The process itself was simple and quick, taking about 12 minutes per session. We immediately saw a difference in certain spots of our teeth after using the kit. However, the whiteness did seem to fade over time.

While this device doesn’t need to charge, we did experience some issues with the batteries. Turning it on and off can be a struggle, and in order for it to operate properly at times we had to completely remove the batteries. Despite these challenges, we still think the product is worth its price tag, as it does work.

It’s Worth Noting

• The timer stopped working after our fifth use, so if you need a teeth whitening kit with a timer this may not be the best option for you.

Product Details:

• Type: LED whitening device
• Recommended frequency of use: Once per day
• Recommended duration of use: Up to 15 applications
• Active ingredients: Peroxide

Best Non-Toxic

Boka Sensitive Smile Whitening Strips

PHOTO: Amazon

$24 at Amazon

Why We Like It

The Boka Teeth Whitening Strips is our top choice for teeth whitening without peroxide, offering a safer, non-toxic alternative for achieving a brighter smile. Their innovative formula uses Phthalimido-Peroxy-Caproic Acid & N-HA (Nano Hydroxyapatite) for effective results with minimal sensitivity. We noticed a visible improvement in our teeth’s whiteness after just four applications. We found these strips were comfortable to wear, but it took a moment to figure out the correct placement. The entire process fit seamlessly into our routine, taking only 33 minutes, including application and cleaning. By the fifth use, we experienced minor teeth sensitivity but it was manageable. With a pleasant flavor and peroxide-free formula, these strips offered great effectiveness for the price. 

It’s Worth Noting

•  These stips had a noticeable slimy texture that required rinsing after removal.

Product Details

• Type: Strips
• Recommended frequency of use: Once per day
• Recommended duration of use: Up to 16 applications
• Active ingredients: Phthalimido-Peroxy-Caproic Acid & N-HA (Nano Hydroxyapatite)

Our Testing Process

To find the best teeth whiteners, we tested over 50 whitening devices in our lab and at home. We tested a variety of whitening products, including LED devices, white strips, toothpaste, and pens, for effectiveness, comfort, convenience, and value.

Before testing, we determined our tooth shade and compared our shades two and four weeks later. In our lab test, we used products once according to manufacturer instructions and then took the products home and continued to follow the instructions on the package.

The Experts

We also spoke to experts to discuss what to look for in teeth whiteners, how to deal with sensitivity, and how to manage expectations. The experts we interviewed included:

• Lena Varone, DMD, of the New York Center for Cosmetic Dentistry
• Bianca Velayo, DMD, of Green Valley Smiles Dentistry in Henderson, Nevada
• Lucy Hovanisyan, DDS, of ProHealth Dental in Hoboken, New Jersey
• Professor at UCLA School of Dentistry, Edmond R. Hewlett, DDS in Los Angeles, California
• Cosmetic dentist Daniel Rubinshtein, DDS in New York City
• Cindy Roark, DMD, MS, Senior Vice President & Chief Clinical Officer at Sage Dental based in Boca Raton, Florida

Teeth Whiteners That Didn’t Make Our List

We also tested the following teeth whiteners. While our testers had a lot of great things to say about them, they ultimately fell short of the recommendations that made our list based on overall results and negative side effects.

• Crest 3D White Whitestrips at Amazon: While we saw results of up to 6 shades whiter during use, we found that the strips made our teeth very sensitive with consistent use.
• Opalescence Whitening Toothpaste with Fluoride at Amazon: We saw some results during normal use with this toothpaste, but we found that consistent use made our teeth sensitive, and inconsistent use takes teeth back to their previous shade.
• Crest 3D Whitestrips, Professional Effects, Teeth Whitening Strip Kit: We had results of more than ten shades whiter but found that application—particularly slippery strips and drool buildup—to be quite aggravating.
• Colgate SuperNova Rechargeable At-Home Teeth Whitening Kit: While easy to use, the device requires long recharge periods, and the whitening gel can leave a sticky film on teeth after use.

Ingredients to Look for in Teeth Whitening Kits

• Hydrogen peroxide or carbamide peroxide are the most common and effective ingredients in teeth whitening kits. Dr. Velayo explains that peroxides penetrate the enamel by breaking down into water, oxygen, and reactive oxygen molecules. These molecules treat both the enamel and the dentin by oxidizing the bonds of discolored stain molecules, thus making the tooth lighter.
• Potassium nitrate, fluoride, and xylitol are additional ingredients Dr. Velayo recommends looking for because they can help whiten while minimizing sensitivity.

Ingredients to Avoid in Teeth Whitening Kits

• PAP (phthalimido-peroxy-caproic acid) is a bleaching agent found in some teeth whitening kits that may lead to lingering sensitivity after prolonged use, according to Edmond R. Hewlett, DDS, Professor at UCLA School of Dentistry.
• Activated charcoal is a popular whitening ingredient that works by abrasion, which can wear away the outer enamel of your teeth, warns Cindy Roark, DMD, MS, Senior Vice President and Chief Clinical Officer at Sage Dental. Since enamel is clear and the dentin under-layer is yellow, wearing away enamel can make your teeth appear yellow.

Teeth Whitening Kits Safety

All the dentists we spoke with agreed that teeth whitening kits are safe. However, speaking with a dentist before whitening can be helpful to avoid any issues. Dr. Rubinshtein advises that dental issues such as gum disease and cavities should be resolved before using whitening products. In addition, those with thin enamel are more likely to experience pain while whitening their teeth. Dr. Hovanisyan adds that teeth whitening products will only lighten natural teeth and will not work on restorations such as fillings, crowns, bridges, and implants.

Who We Are

Jaylyn Pruitt has a Master of Library and Information Science with a focus on health information. Her goal is to provide easy-to-understand information with a patient perspective in mind.