They say the first thing people notice is your smile, so investing in your pearly whites is definitely worth considering. Fortunately, the best teeth whitening strips offer a relatively affordable solution for teeth that have dulled or yellowed over time due to diet, smoking, or even genetics. “Over-the-counter teeth whitening strips are a great way to get a short-term boost to your teeth color,” says cosmetic dentist Jeet Parekh, BDS, MJDF, RCS.
When at-home whitening treatments exist, expensive veneers and pricey in-office treatments are no longer your only options. But the key is finding ones that actually work. To help you cut through the noise, our team of testers put dozens of top-rated whitening strips to the test to find out which ones deliver noticeable results.
The Shape Scoring Scale
5 – In Perfect Shape!
4 – Now We’re Talking
3 – Good, But Needs Some Work
2 – OK, But Nothing Special
1 – Don’t Recommend
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Why We Like It
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Easy and comfortable to apply
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Noticeably whiter teeth after just one use
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Delivers dramatic results in under two weeks
Active Ingredients: Hydrogen peroxide and sodium hydroxide | Duration: 30 minutes | Usage: Daily for 11 days
Need whiter teeth fast? Whether you’re prepping for a first date or just want a confidence boost, these deliver. Our tester saw visible results after just one use, and a full four-shade improvement by the end of the 11-day treatment — the most shocking results throughout our testing.
Application is simple: press the strips on, fold them over your teeth, and go about your day for 30 minutes. Unlike off-brand versions that slip, slide, or leave behind a sticky mess, these stay put—if you take the time to apply them correctly. Our tester noted that pressing firmly and folding the edges under made all the difference. With a little extra care, these were hands down the most effective whitening strips we tried.
Our Overall Rating: 5 – In Perfect Shape!
What Testers Say
“I do feel that I saw a difference right away when I removed the strips, that my teeth looked whiter and brighter… I was happy to see that my teeth went from an S12 to an S8.” —Amy D., Shape product tester
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Why We Like It
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Easy, sticker-like application
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Great for sensitive teeth
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Extra strips included for touch-ups
It’s Worth Noting
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Gel has a slimy, heavy texture
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Removal process can get messy
Active Ingredients: Hydrogen peroxide, natural oils | Duration: 30 minutes | Usage: Daily for 14 days
If you’ve ever avoided whitening strips because they’ve left your mouth zinging with sensitivity, consider this option. Our tester, who has experienced that same feeling with other strips, reported zero discomfort using these. The sticker-like strips were easy to use and stayed in place. After thirty minutes daily for two weeks, we noticed a significantly brighter smile.
While we didn’t experience discomfort, we didn’t love the slimy and heavy feeling of the strips. And because of that thick texture, it’s a little messy to take these off — sink definitely required. But a quick rinse with water helped clear away the excess, and the overall results — going from shade S24 to S16 — made the experience feel totally worth it.
Our Overall Rating: 5 – In Perfect Shape!
What Testers Say
“The difference between these strips and others that I’ve used in the past is that these didn’t cause any sensitivity. That’s a huge deal for me. I’ve had to stop using previous strips because the sensitivity was so painful.” —Rachel A., Shape product tester
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Active Ingredients: Hydroxyapatite | Duration: 15 minutes | Usage: Twice daily for two weeks
These whitening strips dissolve — yes, actually melt — right on your teeth in just 15 minutes. That means no peeling and tossing gooey strips into the trash. We found them incredibly convenient and time-saving, especially compared to strips that require over 30 minutes or a bulky LED mouthpiece.
The formula is vegan and free from all animal products, making it a standout choice if you have specific dietary preferences. While the results weren’t as dramatic on the shade chart (our tester’s shade remained at S4), we did notice an improvement in overall brightness. Just know that as the strips dissolve, they leave a slightly slimy residue — which could totally give some of us the ick.
Our Overall Rating: 5 – In Perfect Shape!
What Testers Say
“My favorite thing about the strips is that they are so quick and easy — there’s no cleanup of any devices, and you don’t even need to worry about remembering to take them off for fear of leaving them on too long since they dissolve.” —Marissa S., Shape product tester
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Why We Like It
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Budget-friendly price
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Covers teeth front and back
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Comfortable, non-slip fit
Active Ingredients: Hydrogen peroxide | Duration: 30 minutes | Usage: Daily for up to two weeks
Looking for a brighter smile without blowing your budget? These retail for just over a dollar per treatment, but despite the low price, they genuinely work. Our tester noticed her teeth looked white after just one use — and by the end of the test period, she’d jumped from shade S4 to S2.
Application is easy: peel, press, fold, and go. And we found them comfortable in our mouth, without any icky residue, tingling sensations, or uncomfortable sensitivity. They also stayed put, even while our tester chatted during treatments. The strips are a little on the wide side, but that just means more coverage for the back and front of your smile.
Our Overall Rating: 5 – In Perfect Shape!
What Testers Say
“100000 percent worth it! The price is great and they are super effective. I noticed a change immediately! And I felt like after each time I used the strips, my teeth looked immediately whiter.” —Michelle P., certified Pilates teacher, holistic health coach, and Shape editor and product tester
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Persmax Teeth Whitening Strips offers an enamel-safe formula perfect for protecting sensitive teeth.
Credit: Shape
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![Several packets of the PERSMAX Teeth Whitening Strips and box displayed on a green counter]()
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Persmax Teeth Whitening Strips come in two flavors and fit the teeth without touching gums.
Credit: Shape
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Why We Like It
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Whitens teeth dramatically
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Comfortable, non-slip fit
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Don’t cause sensitivity
Active Ingredients: Hydrogen peroxide | Duration: 30 minutes | Usage: Twice daily for seven days
Need a whiter smile yesterday? This kit delivers noticeable results fast — like, one-week fast. After just seven days of use, our tester saw her teeth jump 14 shades on the whitening scale — making this one of the most dramatic transformations in our entire test. Each 30-minute session fit easily into her morning routine, especially since the strips felt practically invisible while they were on.
They’re a great pick for quick brightening before an event, but also score high for comfort. The only downside? The strips are a little oversized. Our tester noticed that they overlapped onto her gums, but despite a history of sensitivity, she felt zero discomfort.
Our Overall Rating: 5 – In Perfect Shape!
What Testers Say
“I noticed a change immediately after my first two uses. They’re way more effective and felt less invasive in my mouth than other strips I’ve tried.” —Alara Y., Shape product tester
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Active Ingredients: Hydrogen peroxide | Duration: 30 to 60 minutes | Usage: Daily for 14 days
Some teeth whitening strips feel so uncomfortable that it’s not even worth it — sharp edges, gum irritation, and slimy, slippery textures. Not these. While the strips did reach our gums, they didn’t cause any irritation. One tester even noticed that, since the edges of the strips are so smooth, he could easily carry on a conversation while wearing them. A huge win, since the treatment is 30 to 60 minutes.
With eight tasty flavors to choose from, like watermelon, peach, and coconut, these are a great option if you’re mint-averse. That said, the results weren’t as dramatic as others we tried. We only noticed about a one-shade improvement after two weeks. Still, for the comfort, convenience, and cost, these are a great gentle option.
Our Overall Rating: 4 – Now We’re Talking
What Testers Say
“I could actually talk while using the strips, which is nice… Way less of a hassle than the big mouthpiece UV device I used in the past.” —Cam S., Shape product tester
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Active Ingredients: Hydrogen peroxide | Duration: 10 minutes | Usage: Daily for 10 days
This teeth whitening kit brings the dentist’s office to your bathroom without the visit anxiety, awkward chair, or bright lights. The process is simple: paint a hydrogen peroxide serum on your teeth, snap the LED dental tray into your smartphone, and place the tray in your mouth for just 10 minutes.
During testing, we were seriously surprised by the results — our teeth were two shades whiter in just 10 days. We also loved the adjustable tray, which made it super easy to get a comfortable, snug fit while continuing with our skincare routine. Who doesn’t love a habit stack?
Plus, the fact that it’s mess-free meant we never dreaded using it. The one downside? You’ll need a smartphone to use it, so it’s not for those who want a totally tech-free experience.
Our Overall Rating: 4 – Now We’re Talking
What Testers Say
“I would use this while doing my nighttime skin care routine and would forget I even had it in. It’s very comfortable and fitting to the mouth, so it didn’t irritate at all. I literally felt no sensations at all!” —Lauren S., Shape product tester
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Why We Like It
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Noticeable results in one week
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Short, 15-minute treatment
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Dissolvable strips
Active Ingredients: Calcium peroxide | Duration: 15 minutes | Usage: Daily for seven days
At $60 for a one-week supply, these are undeniably a splurge. But if you’re looking for noticeable results fast, they may be worth it. After just seven days of use, our tester saw her smile lighten a full two shades. The boost is visible, especially considering the short treatment time (most are longer than 15 minutes). And there’s zero messy removal required, since these strips dissolve on your teeth.
While comfortable enough, we did notice that the strips come in an odd, slightly oversized shape. To get the right fit, we had to cut them down to size, which resulted in them only covering our four front teeth — a massive downside. And although the strips fully dissolve, we did have to rinse to remove the lingering, pasty texture.
Our Overall Rating: 4 – Now We’re Talking
What Testers Say
“I think these strips are more effective than my teeth whitening pen for sure. There’s more of an immediately noticeable shade difference, though the product is a bit more cumbersome to use.” —Kimberly S., Shape product tester
How We Tested the Teeth Whitening Strips
To find the best teeth whitening strips on the market, we tested dozens of top-selling options to find the ones that actually deliver noticeable results. Using dental shade guides, we measured the initial color of each tester’s teeth and tracked any changes throughout the treatments. We made sure to follow each product’s specific treatment instructions precisely.
During testing, we recorded notes on comfort, ease of use, and any sensitivity or lingering discomfort. We also, of course, took before-and-after pictures (under consistent lighting) to really get a sense of the effectiveness.
With expert tips from Lena Varone, DMD, FIADFE, and a strict testing routine, we kept everything as real and reliable as possible. Testers avoided consuming staining foods and drinks for at least 24 hours after treatments to maintain clean results. Thanks to this careful process, we pinpointed the whitening strips that truly brighten your smile.
What to Know About Teeth Whitening Strips
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Ingredients: “The most effective teeth whitening strips will likely contain hydrogen peroxide or carbamide peroxide,” says general and cosmetic dentist Lauren Becker, DDS. These ingredients help break down stubborn stains but can also cause discomfort or even damage your enamel if you have soft, porous teeth. Parekh recommends looking for a 6 percent to 10 percent concentration of hydrogen peroxide.
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Duration: Each whitening kit has its own instructions, so follow them carefully. Some work can be done in as little as 15 minutes, while others may require up to an hour on your teeth. Keep in mind, longer doesn’t always mean better results — it’s all about the right balance. Overusing or leaving strips on too long can cause sensitivity or irritation.
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Frequency: How often you use whitening strips depends on the product, but an every-other-day routine usually works well. Becker recommends using strips every other day for about 10 days — five applications total. This approach helps your teeth gradually brighten without ramping up sensitivity, which can happen with daily use. Plus, it gives your enamel a little breathing room between treatments.
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Results: While whitening strips may not match the long-lasting brilliance of professional dental treatments, they’re a solid, budget-friendly fix for a quick boost. “When used correctly and consistently, whitening strips can be effective,” says Becker. Your success largely depends on sticking to the recommended routine and choosing strips that are actually effective, like the ones on this list.
Frequently Asked Questions
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Do whitening strips actually work?
Whitening strips can be an affordable, effective way to brighten your smile, says Parekh. “They are far superior to other over-the-counter strategies like whitening toothpaste,” he explains. “That’s because they contain hydrogen peroxide or carbamide peroxide, which are fantastic ingredients that really change the color of your teeth.”
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Should you brush your teeth before using whitening strips?
Parekh recommends brushing about 30 minutes before applying the strips. “You want the active ingredients to reach a clean tooth surface for maximum effectiveness,” he says.
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Should I use whitening strips in the morning or at night?
While there are no strict rules around when to use your whitening strips, many people find it most convenient to apply them before bed. That way, you don’t have to wait before eating or drinking, and it fits naturally into your nighttime routine.
Why Trust Shape
Sarah Garone, NDTR, CNC, is a nutritionist and health and wellness writer for Shape with over eight years of experience. Throughout her career, she has researched and reviewed hundreds of wellness products, ranging from running shoes to dietary supplements. As someone with naturally yellow teeth, she’s motivated to find the best teeth whitening strips the market has to offer. To help with this article, she interviewed the following experts:
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Lauren Becker, DDS, general and cosmetic dentist, and owner of Lauren Becker DDS, P.C.
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Jeet Parekh, BDS, MJDF, RCS, cosmetic dentist and clinical director at Kai Dental
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Lena Varone, DMD, FIADFE, general and cosmetic dentist at NY Center for Cosmetic Dentistry
