Oral-B iO Series 4 vs 5 vs 6 vs 7 vs 8 vs 9 vs 10 Comparison

Detailed comparison: what’s the difference between the Oral-B iO Series 4, Series 5, Series 6, Series 7, Series 8, iO Series 9 and Series 10?

Since the iO Series launched in 2020, the range has increased from 3 different models to 7.

The range starts with the iO Series 4 and is topped off by the most feature rich and expensive model, the Series 10.

As the model numbers imply, the larger the number the more features and the higher the price tag.

The number of differences between each model in the range is fairly limited. Although if you compare iO4 to the iO10 then there are inevitably a few more.

Technically there are more similarities than there are differences.

Here is a list of ways in which all 7 models within the iO Series are the same. All of the models have:

• Built-in timer (2 minutes)
• Built-in pacer (30 seconds/quadrants (20 sextants on iO10))
• Built-In smart pressure sensor – lit red when the pressure is too great, green when it is just right and white when there is insufficient pressure
• Rechargeable lithium-ion battery offering 14+ days of use between charges
• Bluetooth technology to connect to a smartphone
• Frictionless magnetic drive system
• Oscillating-rotating cleaning action with micro-vibrations
• Use iO specific brush heads

So then, let me walk you through the main differences between these brushes.

One of the main differences is the number of brushing modes available on each handle.

You have the choice between 4, 5, 6, or 7.

7 is the maximum number of cleaning modes available on any Oral-B brush.

The modes and which model has what are listed in the following table.

Cleaning Modes	Series 4	Series 5	Series 6	Series 7	Series 8	Series 9	Series 10
Number of Modes	4	5	5	5	6	7	7
Daily Clean	Yes	Yes	Yes	Yes	Yes	Yes	Yes
Sensitive	Yes	Yes	Yes	Yes	Yes	Yes	Yes
Super Sensitive	Yes	Yes	X	X	Yes	Yes	Yes
Intense	X	Yes	Yes	Yes	Yes	Yes	Yes
Whitening	Yes	Yes	Yes	Yes	Yes	Yes	Yes
Gum Care	X	X	Yes	Yes	Yes	Yes	Yes
Tongue Clean	X	X	X	X	X	Yes	Yes

For most users, 1 mode, daily clean, is more than satisfactory. Although a second lower powered and more gentle mode such as sensitive can be appealing.

You don’t need lots of extra brushing modes. As I highlight later, the reality is the different modes don’t really affect the overall cleaning ability of the brush.

Each of the modes are designed to be run for 2 minutes. The only exception is tongue clean which is set for 30 seconds.

With each mode, differing amounts of power are used from the motor at different times. This impacts the angle of oscillation at the bristle tips to create brushing patterns and effects that are different from one another.

Just because the Series 7 does not have a tongue clean mode does not mean you can’t brush the tongue with the Series 7. You would just need to use a different mode.

To learn more about the differences, do read our Oral-B cleaning modes explained article.

All models bar the iO4 allows you to select the mode you want to use prior to turning the brush on.

The iO5 does not default to the last used mode, whereas other models do.

5 of the 7 variants have a display built into the brush handle.

3 of them are colour displays, whilst the other 2 are black and white.

Which models have what is shown in the following table.

	iO4	iO5	iO6	iO7	iO8	iO9	iO10
Interactive Display	X	X	Black & White	Black & White	Colour	Colour	Colour

The black and white displays operate in the same way but are just not quite as nice to look at. But in all honesty, it has minimal impact on your use of the brush each day.

They do too allow additional functionality not possible on those models without the screen.

For example, you can change the handle language, the colour of the smart ring and even reset it right from the display.

With the iO4 and 5, you need to do these things from the smartphone app.

One of the biggest benefits of the display is that it makes it much easier to see which of the brushing modes you have selected.

There are no cleaning mode icons on the handle of the iO4.

The iO5 has 5 icons that get backlit but no actual mode name.

On the displays you get both an icon and the mode name, this makes it much easier to confirm which mode you are selecting and have set.

Another small but notable difference is the noise the motors/brushes make in operation. The iO4, 5 and 6 are quieter than the 7, 8 and 9.

	iO4	iO5	iO6	iO7	iO8	iO9	iO10
Noise (dB)	64	64	64	72	72	72	64

All models come supplied with at least 1 x Ultimate Clean brush head in the box.

A brush head should be used only for 3 months, as after this time it tends to become less effective.

All iO models have a reminder system built into the app and into the brush handle. How this reminder is displayed differs.

The iO4 and iO5 have a yellow light that gets lit in the centre of the cleaning mode button. The handle will vibrate too.

Those models with a display will show a notification on the screen.

The vast majority of iO models come with a travel case provided in the box.

The case will protect the brush handle from damage and accidental activation, whilst also protecting up to 2 brush heads.

The iO 4 is the main exception though. No case comes supplied with the standard model, although there are variants where this is supplied.

There are some more differences between the cases to be aware of too.

	iO4	iO5	iO6	iO7	iO8	iO9	iO10
Travel Case	Yes	Yes	Yes	Yes	Yes	Yes	Yes
Brush Heads Held	2	2	2	2	2	1	1
In Case Charging	X	X	X	X	X	Yes – uses separate power adapter	Yes – uses separate power adapter

As the table above shows, the most premium models, the iO9 and 10 have a travel case that only holds 1 brush head rather than the 2 of all the others.

This is in part due to the in case charging they offer.

What this means is that the rechargeable battery in either handle can be replenished, whilst inside the travel case, providing the proprietary power adapter is connected.

The power adapter is supplied in the box, but is specific to Oral-B.

The charging case doesn’t have a place to store the power adapter and the brushes can’t be charged via a USB cable.

100-240v is supported by the power plug.

It should be noted too that the quality of the case is better with the iO 7, 8, 9, and 10. They are a bit thicker and more durable.

The case colour does also depend on the variant you select. Black handled brushes typically come with a black coloured travel case and white cases with white handles.

Another little item is included with some models.

Known as the brush head refill holder, this is a little stand cum travel case for brush heads.

Up to 2 heads can be placed on the nodules that protrude from the silicone base.

It sits upright on a countertop and gives a home for spare and replacement heads. A removable opaque cap protects them whilst allowing airflow inside to dry wet heads.

Different variants do or do not come with this in the box, but expect to get this included with the iO5, 7, 8, 9 and 10.

Inside the handles of the iO Series is a rechargeable Lithium-Ion battery. All offer around 2 weeks of life on a full charge.

All the handles offer some feedback on the remaining charge, but how they do this is different.

Those with displays show on screen after each brushing session, a battery icon and a percentage reflective of the remaining charge.

The iO4 and 5 give feedback via the LED in the power button.

It will be lit with a white light most of the time. Only when the charge is around 10% or less will it pulse red.

Provided in the box with every brush is a charging stand. But these do differ depending on the model.

	iO4	iO5	iO6	iO7	iO8	iO9	iO10
Charging Stand	Standard charger	Standard charger	Standard charger	Magnetic charger	Magnetic charger	Magnetic charger	Magnetic charger with iO sense technology
Charging Time	Up to 16 hours	Up to 16 hours	Up to 12 hours	Up to 3 hours	Up to 3 hours	Up to 3 hours	Up to 3 hours
Supported Voltage	220-240v	220-240v	220-240v	100-240v	100-240v	100-240v	100-240v

The 4, 5 and 6 all come with a standard Oral-B charger. This is the same as you would get with any rechargeable electric brush from Oral-B.

White in colour, irrespective of your handle colour, the brush fits only 1 way to it.

It takes 12-16 hours to recharge the brush using this stand which is compatible with 220-240v.

The magnetic charger provided with the iO 7, 8 and 9 is certainly more premium.

The magnet holds the brush on the handle and it can be placed in any orientation.

Whilst few of us ever need a toothbrush to recharge in just 3 hours, the stand will allow this. And comes in both black and white colour options, subject to the handle colour.

It also supports a wider voltage range. This means that if you were to travel to the USA from Australia for example, you need just a plug adapter and not a voltage adapter like you would with the standard charging stand.

The iO10’s stand is a little more feature rich still.

The iOSense smart charger as it is called, still offers the same magnetic attachment and 3 hour charging as the 7,8 and 9 Series. But, it also has additional iO Sense technology built in.

You have 6 LEDs and a clock on the front to help encourage even brushing and good coverage of the teeth as you brush.

The idea is you get meaningful feedback on how well you are brushing without having to refer to the smartphone application. You can get more insight into what it offers in our iO10 review.

The final meaningful difference between these models is the colour of the brush handles.

As a general rule, all models are available in black or white, but some are available in more options.

Black models tend to come with black coloured heads and white, white heads. Other colour handles may have either white or black heads, it varies per model and colour.

The models and available colour choices are shown below.

	iO4	iO5	iO6	iO7	iO8	iO9	iO10
Number of Colour Choices	2	2	3	2	1	1	2
Handle Colours	Black Onyx / White Alabaster	Black Onyx / White Alabaster	Black Onyx / White Alabaster / Light Rose	Black Onyx / White Alabaster	White Alabaster	Black Onyx / White Alabaster	Cosmic Black / Stardust White

Does one clean better than the other?

No, simply put they all clean as well as each other.

All 7 models within the iO range use the same brush motor with the same configuration.

Yes, models like the 8 and 9 Series do have extra cleaning modes enabled compared to the 4 and 5. But, these modes don’t necessarily change the actual cleaning results.

Using the intense mode won’t necessarily remove more plaque from the teeth and gumline.

Instead, the modes alter the user’s experience and comfort with the toothbrush.

There are arguments to suggest a toothbrush that suits a user’s needs or wants better, can result in improved cleaning of the teeth. But, the evidence for this, particularly clinical data is basically non-existent.

For many years Oral-B and other brands have offered multiple cleaning modes on electric toothbrushes and I have yet to see any meaningful data to suggest these extra modes pay dividends for the majority of users.

If you want whiter teeth, it is fair to assume you need a whitening mode. But, you don’t need a whitening mode to make the teeth whiter. The standard daily clean can achieve this.

Factors like your brushing time, technique and toothpaste all have an impact on the results.

If your brushing technique is bad, there is an argument that the real-time tracking and Artificial Intelligence (AI) built into many of the iO models can help you achieve better results.

This is because it actually monitors how you are brushing and the areas you cover and for what time. Personalised feedback is then gained which you can use to take corrective action.

Real-time zone tracking varies from one brush to another

Not all the brushes have the same level of tracking.

The models and their abilities are shown in the following table.

At the bottom of this section I have also included a video to help explain the differences.

	iO4	iO5	iO6	iO7	iO8	iO9	iO10
Real-Time Zone Tracking with AI	X	Yes – 6 zones	Yes – 6 zones	Yes – 6 zones	Yes – 6 zones	Yes – 3D teeth tracking – 16 zones	Yes – 3D teeth tracking – 16 zones

There is a strong argument to suggest that the iO9 and 10’s tracking of 16 zones can encourage you to brush all your teeth better than when you track just 6 zones.

The 16 tracked zones are as follows:

• Upper rear right
  • Front surface
  • Biting surface
  • Inside surface
• Upper font
  • Front surface
  • Inside surface
• Upper rear left
  • Front surface
  • Biting surface
  • Inside surface
• Lower rear right
  • Front surface
  • Biting surface
  • Inside surface
• Lower front
  • Front surface
  • Inside surface
• Lower rear right
  • Front surface
  • Biting surface
  • Inside surface

Whereas the 6 zones tracked with the other models are:

• Upper rear right
• Upper front
• Upper rear left
• Lower rear right
• Lower front
• Lower rear right

The Series 9 and 10 app screen is configured in such a way that you can clearly see which of the 16 zones you have and have not brushed.

16 dotted zones sit in the centre of the on-screen display in a circular formation. As each zone is brushed correctly, that dotted zone disappears until no dotted zones remain and all the teeth on the large visualisation turn white.

When only 6 zones are tracked, you can essentially spend all the time cleaning only 1 of the surfaces within that zone and the brush will still consider the zone brushed. That isn’t the case with the premium iO9.

The extra detail in the tracking can pick up on more specific, but important improvements needed in your brushing routine.

Of course, with any toothbrush, iO series or not, you want to be giving fair attention to all of the 16 zones so you have an even clean to the teeth and gums.

Thus, to master your technique the Series 9 and 10 do have that bit extra to push you to make sure you are making the correct contact with all surfaces.

But, how much difference this really makes in everyday use, is a bit subjective.

This is the same for the iO10’s iOSense smart charger. It is helping bring useful information and feedback to you quicker and with more ease. But how well it works will depend to a larger extent on you as a user.

There is no long term data available that analyses if apps and real-time tracking do have a beneficial impact compared to someone learning the correct brushing techniques via other means and implementing them.

To better understand and see how the 6 and 16 zone3D teeth tracking works, watch the following video.

Oral-B 3D Teeth Tracking (6 vs 16 zones)

Is one better priced than the other?

Yes, inevitably, the ‘cheapest’ and most cost effective model in the range is the least feature rich model, the iO4.

It has the lowest retail price of $299.

However, these retail prices are not what the brushes actually sell for.

I strongly recommend nobody pay the full retail price.

More often than not Oral-B electric toothbrushes are subject to sizeable discounts in the region of 50%.

Sometimes the discount will be greater at over 60% or a little less at just 30% off. But, as a rough rule expect to pay half the retail price.

Thus the iO4 now drops from $299 to a more acceptable $150

Compare this to the iO Series 9 which has a $749 retail price or a more realistic everyday ticket price of $375.

And then we have the ridiculously priced iO Series 10, with an $TBC retail price. Discounted, this drops to $TBC.

The following table shows the retail prices and average purchase price of each model.

It does also show the approximate ownership cost over 3 years for 1 person, when you factor in the purchase of replacement brush heads.

	iO4	iO5	iO6	iO7	iO8	iO9	iO10
Recommended Retail Price (RRP)	$299	$399	$499	$549	$649	$749	$TBC
Typical Purchase Price (approx 50% off RRP)	$150	$200	$250	$275	$325	$375	$TBC
3 Year Ownership Cost (approx)	$348	$398	$448	$473	$505	$555	$TBC

Of course, the table and quoted prices are just a guide. The actual selling prices vary from one retailer to another. Some models may work out even better value than those listed above.

As you might expect, models with extra features or increased box contents do command a premium.

Although the iO4 is the cheapest, it is the iO6 that is for most users the ‘best value’.

It has many of the most desirable features of the iO range, including the in handle display. But, it still remains relatively affordable.

You, therefore, get the best of both worlds as some would say.

The iO10 is the most technically advanced and serves those that want it all better. But, the iO9 is a better choice as the extras of the 10 are not worth the price premium.

Ultimately, pick the one you feel is best suited to you and pay a price you are happy to.

Please note that all prices quoted are approximates and will vary based on location, supplier and time of purchase.  These figures were correct at the time of writing and should not be relied upon as hard fact, but used as a guide during your decision process.