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Published: 8 March 2023

Sonicare electric toothbrush comparisons

Author: Jon Love (Leave a comment)
Sonicare electric toothbrush comparisons 1

If you think the range of modern electric toothbrushes available is somewhat overwhelming, you are not alone.

We've spent hundreds of hours figuring out the differences, and still there are small details that are difficult to distinguish between.

To keep things simple, on this page we've included some resources that make it easy to tell the differences between the various Sonicare models available.

Our overall Sonicare recommendation

If you want a good Sonicare toothbrush that will get the job done without breaking the bank, we recommend the ProtectiveClean 4300.

This is actually the cheapest brush in the ProtectiveClean range and the one we rate as best value for money, all things considered.

It is our main recommendation in our Best Sonicare Toothbrush post.

Philips Sonicare ProtectiveClean 4300
Philips Sonicare ProtectiveClean 4300
Sonicare electric toothbrush comparisons 2 Sonicare electric toothbrush comparisons 2 Sonicare electric toothbrush comparisons 2 Sonicare electric toothbrush comparisons 2 Sonicare electric toothbrush comparisons 2

Naturally, as you move up the pricing range the number of brush features increases, but for us the 4300 more than covers the basics.

Sonicare comparison chart

Below is a table that highlights and compares key features and functions of the current range of Sonicare brushes.

If you need more detail on any of the brushes, read on or leave a comment.

Number of cleaning modes
Clean
Sensitive
Gum
White
Deep Clean
Tongue
Other modes
Brushing intensities
Timer
Pacer
Pressure Sensor
Pressure Sensor Additional information
BrushSync
Battery life
Travel case included
Charging travel case
Bluetooth connectivity
Position tracking
Philips Sonicare 2100 Series
Philips Sonicare 2100 Series
Philips Sonicare 3100 Series
Philips Sonicare 3100 Series
Philips Sonicare ProtectiveClean 4300
Philips Sonicare ProtectiveClean 4300
Philips Sonicare ProtectiveClean 4500
Philips Sonicare ProtectiveClean 4500
Philips Sonicare ProtectiveClean 5100
Philips Sonicare ProtectiveClean 5100
Philips Sonicare ExpertClean 7300
Philips Sonicare ExpertClean 7300
Philips Sonicare DiamondClean
Philips Sonicare DiamondClean
Philips Sonicare DiamondClean 9000
Philips Sonicare DiamondClean 9000
Philips Sonicare DiamondClean Smart 9100
Philips Sonicare DiamondClean Smart 9100
Philips Sonicare DiamondClean Smart 9700
Philips Sonicare DiamondClean Smart 9700
Philips Sonicare DiamondClean 9900 Prestige
Philips Sonicare DiamondClean 9900 Prestige
1 1 1 2 3 3 5 4 4 5 5
yes yes yes yes yes yes yes yes yes yes yes
- - - - - - yes - - - yes
- - - yes yes yes yes yes yes yes yes
- - - - yes - yes yes yes yes yes
- - - - - yes - yes yes yes yes
- - - - - - - - - yes -
- - - - - - Polish - - - -
- - 2 - - 3 - 3 3 3 3
yes yes yes yes yes yes yes yes yes yes yes
30 second quadpacer 30 second quadpacer 30 second quadpacer 30 second quadpacer - 30 second quadpacer 30 second quadpacer 20 second sextants 30 second quadpacer 20 second sextants 20 second sextants
- yes yes yes yes yes - yes yes yes yes
- - - - - - - - - - -
- Brush head replacement reminder Brush head replacement reminder Brush head replacement reminder Brush head replacement reminder Brush head replacement reminder & brush head mode pairing - Brush head replacement reminder & brush head mode pairing Brush head replacement reminder & brush head mode pairing Brush head replacement reminder & brush head mode pairing Brush head replacement reminder
14 days 14 days 14 days 14 days 14 days 14 days 21 days 14 days 14 days 14 days 14 days
- - - - yes yes yes yes yes yes yes
- - - - - - yes yes yes yes yes
- - - - - yes - yes yes yes yes
- - - - - - - - yes yes yes

The most popular models have been included in the table above — other variants exist.

Overview of the Sonicare range

Within the Sonicare range are a number of sub-categories or series into which particular models fit.

Below we detail the names of each series and the key ways in which each differs.

This applies to most models, although odd models/exceptions may exist.

Elite Series ($)

  • The essential features you require and no more.
  • Satisfactory, but better options exist.
  • 1 cleaning mode.
  • Built-in 2 minute timer and 30 second pacer.
  • The most cost effective models.

2100 Series ($)

  • The essential features you require and no more.
  • Good, but better options exist.
  • 1 cleaning mode.
  • Built-in 2 minute timer and 30 second pacer.
  • The most cost effective models.

3100 Series ($$)

  • The essential features, plus a little more.
  • Good, but better options exist.
  • 2 brushing intensities.
  • Built-in 2 minute timer and 30 second pacer.
  • Pressure sensor built-in (not visible).
  • Affordable brushes.

ProtectiveClean Series ($$)

  • The essential features, plus a little more.
  • Multiple cleaning modes.
  • Built-in 2 minute timer and 30 second pacer.
  • Pressure sensor built-in (not visible).
  • Affordable brushes.

ExpertClean Series ($$$)

  • Premium handles with more features and accessories
  • Multiple cleaning modes.
  • Built-in 2 minute timer and 30 second pacer.
  • Pressure sensor built-in (not visible).
  • Smart toothbrushes with Bluetooth connectivity.
  • Higher mid-range prices.

DiamondClean Series ($$$$)

  • Top of the lin handles.
  • Multiple cleaning modes.
  • Built-in 2 minute timer and 30 second pacer.
  • Pressure sensor built-in (not visible (with exceptions of DiamondClean Smart)).
  • Smart toothbrushes with Bluetooth connectivity (select models).
  • The most expensive of toothbrushes.

Prestige Series ($$$$$)

  • Top of the line handles.
  • Multiple cleaning modes.
  • Built-in 2 minute timer and 30 second pacer.
  • Visible pressure and scrubbing sensor built-in.
  • Smart toothbrushes with Bluetooth connectivity.
  • Encourages a simple and effective approach to oral care.
  • Adapts based on your toothbrushing.
  • The most expensive of toothbrushes.
Author: Jon Love

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