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 recommendation for the best Sonicare toothbrush, all things considered.
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 |
| Buying options |
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|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | 1 | 1 | 2 | 3 | 3 | 5 | 4 | 4 | 5 | 5 |
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| - | - | - | - | - | - |
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- | - | - |
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| - | - | - |
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| - | - | - | - |
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- |
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| - | - | - | - | - |
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- |
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| - | - | - | - | - | - | - | - | - |
|
- |
| - | - | - | - | - | - | Polish | - | - | - | - |
| - | - | 2 | - | - | 3 | - | 3 | 3 | 3 | 3 |
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| 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 |
| - |
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- |
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| - | - | - | - | - | - | - | - | - | - | - |
| - | 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 |
| - | - | - | - |
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| - | - | - | - | - | - |
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| - | - | - | - | - |
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- |
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| - | - | - | - | - | - | - | - |
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The most popular models have been included in the table above — other variants exist.
The Sonicare range explained
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.
2100 Series ($)
- Cost effective option.
- The essential features you require and no more.
- 2 brushing intensities.
- Built-in 2 minute timer and 30 second pacer.
3100 Series ($$)
- Good value choice.
- The essential features, plus a little more.
- 2 brushing intensities.
- Built-in 2 minute timer and 30 second pacer.
- Pressure sensor built-in (not visible - vibrates handle).
- BrushSync brush head replacement reminder.
ProtectiveClean Series ($$)
- Enhanced functionality and performance for a reasonable price.
- The essential features, plus more brushing modes
- Multiple cleaning modes.
- 3 brushing intensities.
- Built-in 2 minute timer and 30 second pacer.
- Pressure sensor built-in (not visible - vibrates handle).
- Additional accessories such as brush heads and travel cases are included (subject to variant).
- BrushSync brush head replacement reminder (all variants) and mode pairing (6100 Series and up).
ExpertClean Series ($$$)
- More features than you need with a higher price tag.
- The essential features, plus more brushing modes and Bluetooth connectivity
- Multiple cleaning modes.
- 3 brushing intensities.
- Built-in 2 minute timer and 30 second pacer.
- Pressure sensor built-in (not visible - vibrates handle).
- Log brushing sessions to the smartphone app and track performance over time.
- BrushSync brush head replacement reminder and mode pairing.
- Additional accessories such as brush heads and charging travel cases are included (subject to variant).
DiamondClean ($$$)
- More features than you need with a higher price tag.
- The essential features, plus more brushing modes and Bluetooth connectivity
- Multiple cleaning modes.
- 3 brushing intensities.
- Built-in 2 minute timer and 30 second pacer.
- Pressure sensor built-in (not visible - vibrates handle).
- Log brushing sessions to the smartphone app and track performance over time.
- BrushSync brush head replacement reminder and mode pairing.
- Additional accessories such as brush heads, charging travel cases and premium charging stands are included (subject to variant).
DiamondClean Smart & Prestige Series ($$$$)
- Top of the line and most capable handles with a price tag to match.
- The essential feature plus more brushing modes, Bluetooth connectivity with real-time tracking and the premium extras the company offers.
- Multiple cleaning modes.
- 3 brushing intensities. (Adaptive on the Prestige 9900)
- Built-in 2 minute timer and 30 second pacer.
- Visible pressure sensor built-in.
- Visible scrubbing sensor built-in (Prestige 9900)
- Real-time tracking and feedback on brushing habits, with the ability to log brushing sessions to the smartphone app and track performance over time.
- BrushSync brush head replacement reminder and mode pairing.
- Additional accessories such as brush heads, charging travel cases and premium charging stands are included (subject to variant).
