Best Overall

Crest 3DWhitestrips Glamorous White

$45

$30 at Amazon$40 at TargetView on Oralb.com

Number of Pieces: 28 strips (14 treatments) | Cruelty-Free: No

Crest’s Whitestrips are a classic for a reason—they really work. (Four of the brand’s at-home whitening treatments have also been accepted by the American Dental Association as safe and effective.) It’s no surprise, then, that this kit tops our list: Our tester couldn’t say enough about how seamless and effective they were to use. She reported that each strip stayed securely in place without slipping, fit well without any trimming, and left only minimal residue that wiped away quickly. After just one application, she noticed a dramatic difference in brightness that only increased as she continued to use them.

In terms of drawbacks, our tester did experience mild tooth sensitivity, describing it as a brief “zing” sensation during and after use. While the feeling was noticeable, it wasn’t severe enough to outweigh the benefits. The strips were otherwise comfortable to wear, with no issues related to taste, dryness, or excess saliva. Overall, we’d strongly recommend these whitening strips to anyone looking for a fast, accessible alternative to professional, in-office treatments.

Shauna Beni-Haynes, senior editor: “My teeth 100% looked different after the first use—it was easy to spot how much whiter and brighter they looked. The peel-off was easy and clean, too.”

Best Budget-Friendly

Persmax Teeth Whitening Strips

$15

$10 at Amazon

Number of Pieces: 28 strips (14 treatments) | Cruelty-Free: No

Want whiter teeth on a budget? Reach for Persmax’s Whitening Strips, which offer noticeable results at a fraction of the price of leading competitors. According to our tester, the strips were easy to apply, fit comfortably without trimming, and stayed securely in place for their 30-minute wear time. After just one use, our tester saw a slight improvement in brightness, with even more visible whitening after a month of consistent application. Most importantly, they caused no tooth or gum sensitivity, making them a gentler alternative to other popular options.

One thing to note: The strips tended to produce excess saliva during wear, which our tester described as somewhat awkward. They also left behind a sticky residue, requiring either brushing or extra cleanup after removal. Still, in the end, our tester felt these whitening strips offered strong results for the price and would recommend them to anyone seeking an affordable, low-sensitivity option.

Rachel, tester: “My teeth looked a touch whiter after the first use, and definitely whiter after a month of consistent use. I also had absolutely no tooth or gum sensitivity during and after use.”

Best Dramatic Results

Crest 3DWhitestrips Professional Effects Strips

$45 at Amazon

$45

$30 at Target

Number of Pieces: 44 strips (22 treatments) | Cruelty-Free: No

Our tester found that Crest’s 3D Professional Effects Whitestrips delivered the best dramatic results, with her teeth looking noticeably whiter after consistent use. Despite starting the test with coffee-related staining, she reported that the tint faded significantly and left her smile visibly brighter. Also, the strips were generally easy to apply, fit well without adjustments, and peeled off cleanly after each session.

However, she noted a few drawbacks. The strips occasionally slipped when saliva or wet fingers interfered during application, and they also left behind a sticky residue with an unpleasant taste, requiring immediate brushing after each use. Still, our tester felt the whitening payoff outweighed these minor inconveniences, and that these strips are ideal for anyone looking for a significantly whiter smile over time.

Tameka, tester: “My teeth certainly look different—the tint that I noticed before starting the test faded, and my smile looks noticeably whiter. The strips were very easy to remove and peel off after usage.”

Best Rapid Results

Zimba Teeth Whitening Strips

$25

$20 at Amazon

$25

$20 at Walmart$20 at Vitacost

Number of Pieces: 28 strips (14 treatments) | Cruelty-Free: Yes

Looking for a whiter smile fast? Zimba’s Teeth Whitening Strips got the job done for our tester, who raved that her teeth looked visibly whiter immediately after her first 30-minute application. Over the course of two weeks, applying them consistently brightened her smile even further—especially near the gum line, where discoloration was most noticeable. The strips were also easy to apply, stayed securely in place, and peeled off cleanly without slipping during use.

However, the strips left behind a sticky residue that required rinsing and brushing to remove. Our tester also added that there was some excess material behind the teeth that could be trimmed for comfort, and at one point, she developed a sore spot on her gums (though it resolved after she paused use briefly). All in all, for those seeking a fast-acting at-home whitening solution, this is an excellent option.

Esme, tester: “I noticed a clear whitening effect immediately after each use, and the results got better and better with each application—particularly at the top of each tooth, where I was experiencing a bit of yellowing before the testing period.”

Best Nonslip

GuruNanda Nanda Premium Whitening Strips

$10

$10 at Amazon

$13

$11 at Walmart$14 at IHerb

Number of Pieces: 32 strips (16 treatments) | Cruelty-Free: Yes

Teeth whitening strips can sometimes slip around during use—but not GuruNanda’s Teeth Whitening Strips, which our tester said stood out for how securely they stayed in place throughout their 60-minute wear time. They were also easy to apply, fit well without requiring trimming, and delivered a noticeably brighter, polished-looking smile after just a few uses.

On the downside, the strips were thicker than others our tester had tried, which took some getting used to and made it slightly more difficult to speak while wearing them. They also left behind a sticky residue that required wiping after removal. Still, she maintained that these strips yielded impressive results—she even deemed them a confidence-booster—and that their no-slip grip made them extra easy to use.

Amanda, tester: “It was extremely easy to apply these strips—they stuck to my teeth and didn’t slip or slide around the whole time. My teeth also appear brighter and whiter; these strips are a simple confidence boost!”

Best Dissolvable

Burst Teeth Whitening Strips

$20

$18 at Burstoralcare.com

Number of Pieces: 12 strips (6 treatments) | Cruelty-Free: Yes

I’ve used many a teeth-whitening strip over the years, but I’d never tried an option that dissolves directly on the teeth. Enter: Burst’s Teeth Whitening Strips, which impressed me with their convenient, gentle, and effective formula. Once applied, I loved that they dissolved completely in about 10 minutes—no peeling or cleanup required. My teeth looked a few shades whiter after finishing the 12-pack, and the strips left my mouth feeling minty fresh, almost like I’d just used a breath strip. Best of all, I experienced no gum or tooth sensitivity, even when using them multiple days in a row.

The main drawback for me was that the strips were a little tricky to apply at first. They didn’t grip as strongly as traditional whitening strips, so if I adjusted one strip, the other sometimes slipped out of place, and they felt a bit sticky until fully dissolved. Still, the results were impressive for the price, and the lack of sensitivity made them stand out from other whitening treatments I’ve tried. Anyone looking for a fast, affordable way to freshen and brighten their smile should snap these up.