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The 9 Best Teeth Whitening Strips of 2025, Tested and Dentist-Approved

If you wish you had a brighter smile, you’ve got several options that can help. Of the many over-the-counter and professional whitening treatments (from pens and gels to LED whitening kits and trays), whitening strips offer one of the easiest ways to get there. “Whitening strips are made of flexible plastic coated with an active ingredient for whitening—most commonly hydrogen peroxide or carbamide peroxide,” explains Dr. Mariam Zade, DDS, a board-certified orthodontist. They adhere to your teeth, and “the active ingredient works to break down the stain molecules into smaller, less pigmented components, lightening the overall color of your teeth over time.”
We put more than 20 at-home whitening strip kits to the test to determine which ones whiten as effectively as they claim to. Testers 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 teeth, and whether they caused any sensitivity. After weighing these results against dentists’ recommendations and thorough research, we curated this list of whitening strips that will give you the pearly (or, at least, pearlier) whites you’ve been after.
Do teeth whitening strips really work?
“Whitening strips are a safe and effective option for a brighter smile at home, and can be easily incorporated into your routine,” says Dr. Zade. “They provide a budget-friendly alternative to an in-office treatment while still delivering noticeable results. Using them in between professional treatments can help extend the effects by continuously targeting and breaking down new stains.”
What We Like
Lightens stains by three shades
Noticeably brighter after only a few treatments
Painless and easy to apply
Number of Pieces: 22 strips | Cruelty-Free: No
These strips lightened our tester’s teeth by nearly three shades. 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. This kit comes with 22 strips to be used for 30 minutes a day for 11 days. The strips were easy to apply, relatively comfortable, and didn’t cause sensitivity, making the entire process simple and painless. Note that they do have a bit of an unpleasant taste, but that’s pretty common among whitening strips.
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Amy, tester: “These were easy to apply overall; a little easier to apply to the top teeth than to the bottom teeth. Just because of how my teeth are shaped, I did have a tiny bit of overlap on the gums on my top teeth, but it wasn’t bothersome.”
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What to Consider
After five treatments, whitening effects aren’t as significant
Minimal tooth sensitivity
Number of Pieces: 38 strips | Cruelty-Free: No
These strips were particularly easy to use and stayed stuck to the teeth pretty well, even when wearing them for over an hour. While our tester was quite active around the house while wearing them, they weren’t annoying or uncomfortable. She got noticeably whiter teeth after just five treatments, so much so that friends actually commented on them. She felt the whitening plateaued after that point, but the change was significant enough that she was quite satisfied with the experience overall. There was a slight bit of tooth sensitivity at the end, but nothing to write home about.
Byrdie
Elizabeth, tester: “The strips were very easy to use and to place properly on your teeth without touching your gums. They had a firm and tacky side that, when placed on the teeth, remained pretty much in place.”
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What We Like
Visibly whitens teeth at a more affordable price range
Comes with a chart to track progress
Can drink water while in use
Number of Pieces: 28 strips | Cruelty-Free: Not known
Even though these white strips are more affordable, we found they whitened nearly as effectively as the higher-priced options we tested. Our tester was especially impressed by how well they applied to dry teeth and adhered to them without moving around. They were comfortable to wear for the recommended 30 minutes at a time—she didn’t experience any pain or sensitivity. However, she 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.
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Michelle, tester: “Applying these strips is super easy! All you have to do is peel the strip off the clear sheet and apply it to your teeth. I love how well the strips hold to my teeth, and they fit well too, covering my entire tooth and folding the excess over the back.”
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Number of Pieces: 1 light, 20 strips | Cruelty-Free: No
This kit pairs the same efficacy of the brand’s beloved strips with an LED light that kicks the whitening potential up a notch. You wear the strips for an hour every day for 10 days. After wearing 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 is designed to help the whitening agent penetrate the tooth enamel better, ultimately upping the efficacy, particularly when it comes to removing super stubborn stains. While not super dramatic, our tester still loved the results.
Byrdie
Jenna, tester: “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 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.”
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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—like when you’re on your way to a big event, and are less sensitizing. Our tester didn’t love how they felt as they dissolved (they sort of made her teeth stick to the inside of her lips), but she was incredibly impressed by the results—she noticed a brightening effect after each session and appreciated the convenience factor.
Also nice: They leave behind a fresh, peppermint flavor to freshen breath, although you must wait 30 minutes after use before eating or drinking.
Byrdie
Kimberly, tester: “I think these strips are more effective than my usual teeth whitening pen, for sure. There’s more of an immediately noticeable shade difference.”
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Number of Pieces: 44 strips | Cruelty-Free: Not known
These strips claim to cause “zero sensitivity,” and according to Byrdie tester Rachel (who has extremely sensitive teeth), the claim is accurate. These were the first whitening strips she could ever 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. We also appreciate that the kit comes with extra strips for touch-ups down the line. Just be sure to apply the strips to completely dry teeth (you can wipe them with a tissue) to ensure they stick on.
Byrdie
Rachel, tester: “These strips were easy to put on—just peel off of the plastic strip and fold onto teeth. I had no issue placing them away from my gums and they fit my teeth just fine.”
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Number of Pieces: 28 strips, 14 treatments | Cruelty-Free: No
We love these strips for how quickly they work to deliver a dramatically brighter smile. Our tester saw a fairly significant improvement in teeth whiteness after just the first two uses. At the end of the test, her teeth were several shades whiter. She appreciated that they’re simple and easy to apply (no gel, tools, or light required), and they feel comfortable wearing them for 30 minutes at a time. Another bonus is that the kit has enough strips for two full rounds of treatment. They’re affordable, effective, and comfortable, so what’s not to love?
Byrdie
Alara, tester: “These strips felt barely there compared to others I’ve used in the past. As time passed, they felt more comfortable and didn’t cause any discomfort or sensitivity.“
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Number of Pieces: 20 strips | Cruelty-Free: Yes
Our tester was pleasantly surprised by how comfortable these strips were to wear. They were quick and easy to apply, and once they adhered to the teeth, they felt like wearing almost nothing (on the teeth) for the allotted time. We love that you only need to wear them for 15 minutes a day for seven days—the extra 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.
Byrdie
Richard, tester: “These strips were super easy to apply. They stripped from the application sheet with ease, and putting them on my teeth was simple. They stuck well and did not go over onto my gums. I could do other things while I had them on without any issues.”
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What We Like
Come in eight delicious flavors
Strips stay put throughout use
Fit comfortably on the teeth
Number of Pieces: 28 strips | Cruelty-Free: Yes
An unpleasant flavor is one of the most common drawbacks of any tooth whitening strip. They can also just taste intensely minty to the point where they become unwearable. Enter these strips, which alleviate that issue and come in tons of yummy flavors like gentle mint, peach, coconut, and more. The strips are super grippy, so they won’t slip and slide around on your teeth. They worked to gradually whiten throughout the two-week treatment period. However, if sensitivity is an issue for you, you might find this option a little uncomfortable.
Byrdie
Cam, tester: “Using these strips was way less of a hassle than the big mouthpiece device I used in the past. The results were roughly the exact same as with that device. I could actually talk while using the strips, which was nice as well.”
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, DDS. “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. It’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.”
How We Tested Teeth Whitening Strips
We believe in using the products we recommend, which is why we prioritize testing products in real-life settings and our NY-based Lab.
- Number of Teeth Whitening Strips Tested: 24
- Testing Period: Four weeks
- Factors Considered: Whitening power, feel, comfort, sensitivity, overall results
Meet Our Experts
We spoke to a variety of experts to gather insights about what to keep in mind when shopping for teeth whitening strips. Those experts include:
- Dr. Mariam Zade, DDS, is a board-certified orthodontist at JBL New York City.
- Dr. Lawrence Fung, DDS, is 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, is 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, DDS, is 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, is 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.
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.