The 6 Best Whitening Strips We Tested for Brighter Smiles

If You Have an Hour

Crest 3DWhitestrips 1-Hour Express

$45 at Target $55 at CVS

$55

$45 at Walgreens

Our tester for these Crest whitening strips described her teeth as darkened and yellow (dental shade S14) due to drinking coffee. She saw a change to shade S8 in five weeks of consistent use. “My progress was slow and steady. I actually started to notice a gradual change,” she said, adding that her friends noticed, too. “[My teeth] did get whiter and brighter.”

She found that the strips were easy to apply, as their tacky side stayed in place for a full hour, and they fit her teeth and mouth properly without feeling “cumbersome.” They were also “very smooth” and only caused a bit of sensitivity toward the end of her 10 treatments, which she noted made her teeth feel “cold and tingly.” Rather than use them daily, she used them every three to four days, including while traveling.

Number of Treatments: 10 | Cost Per Treatment: $5

If You Have a Week

Rembrandt 1 Week Teeth Whitening Kit

$33

$31 at Amazon

At the start of the trial, our tester for these Rembrandt whitening strips described her teeth as S24 with coffee staining and sensitivity, and throughout the week, they brightened considerably to an S10. “I noticed a change after my first two uses — there was an obvious change in my teeth color,” she raved.

Our tester said the strips were “fairly simple” to use and didn’t get “too close to the gums,” but noted they’re a bit large. She wore them for 30 minutes a day while doing her makeup routine. She was pleased they didn’t cause “any discomfort or sensitivity,” adding that they’re her “favorite whitening strips” and are “way more effective” than others she’s tried.

While these strips work in about a week, the kit comes with two weeks’ worth of treatments, so you can repeat the cycle when you need a refresh.

Number of Treatments: 14 | Cost Per Treatment: $2

If You Have Two Weeks

Persmax Teeth Whitening Strips

$15 at Amazon

As a frequent user of whitening strips, especially for events or vacations, our tester was pleased that this Persmax teeth whitening kit took her teeth from an S4 to an S2. “I noticed a change immediately,” she raved, adding that her teeth “looked whiter” after each use.

The whitening strips were very easy to apply, and both fit and adhered well to our tester’s teeth, covering them completely with “no discomfort, sliding, or moving.” She loved that the pack included 14 treatments and that each one took only 30 minutes, calling them “super effective” and “100,000 percent worth it."

Number of Treatments: 14 | Cost Per Treatment: $1

If You Have Sensitive Teeth

iSmile Teeth Whitening Strips

$45 at Target

Our tester for these iSmile whitening strips said her S24 teeth were noticeably yellow due to genetics, and she’s experienced sensitivity from using teeth whitening strips in the past. After using these daily for two weeks, she said, she experienced minimal sensitivity and her teeth lightened to an S16. “The discomfort was so minor, I didn’t even think of skipping a day or two,” she explained.

While our tester said the application process was simple, she did feel the strips on her teeth, adding that they had “a lot of product” and “felt slimy.” Even though her teeth did brighten, her main reason for loving these strips was how good her teeth felt while using them. “They are touted as being zero sensitivity strips — I am happy to confirm that they really are!” She also liked the mild mint flavor.

Number of Treatments: 22 | Cost Per Treatment: $2

If You Have Sensitive Teeth (Faster)

Lumineux Teeth Whitening Strips

$45

$36 at Amazon $30 at Target $30 at Walmart

Our tester found that this peroxide-free formula prevented their teeth from experiencing that "dreaded tingling" they had with other teeth whitening strips. Instead of peroxide, it uses gentle, naturally-derived ingredients, including lemon peel, sage, and coconut oils, which still made their teeth "noticeably whiter after just one week of use, without any irritation or increased sensitivity."

The strips were easy to apply, and our tester discovered a hack to ensure they stayed in place for a full 30 minutes: lightly dabbing their teeth with a tissue to remove excess saliva. In turn, the strips consistently clung to their teeth instead of sliding around when they talked. While the strips are super gentle, they achieved noticeably brighter teeth within just three days.

Number of Treatments: 21 | Cost Per Treatment: $2

If You Want Super-Fast Results

Zimba Teeth Whitening Strips

$19 at Amazon $19 at Walmart $25 at Vitacost

No joke, you can see visibly whiter teeth after just one 30-minute application of these Zimba Teeth Whitening Strips. Unlike other strips, these are a little thicker but still quite malleable and easy to apply. They stay securely in place and peel off cleanly, though there is a bit of residual gel that comes off with a simple rinse and swish.

The hydrogen peroxide formula is gentler than others, so there are minimal sensitivity issues—great for beginners. Plus, the set comes in a variety of flavors, including strawberry, watermelon, peach, coconut, and peppermint.

Number of Treatments: 14 | Cost Per Treatment: $1.43