Oral-B Pro 2000 vs Smart 2000

Detailed comparison: what’s the difference between the Smart 2000 and Pro 2000?

The differences between these 2 models are relatively subtle.  The Smart 2000 is essentially the replacement/successor to the Pro 2000.

Perhaps the most striking difference between each is the way they look.

Ok, so they have the typical electric toothbrush form factor, tall cylindrical handle and replaceable brush head.

But, there is a slight difference in the actual shape of the handle.  It is minimal and is best summarised as the Smart 2000 being fractionally more rounded in hand.

The Pro 2000 has a rubber grip that runs down the length of the brush handle, this is white in colour.

It adds a design accent to the handle, but aids with keeping a firm grip of the brush too.

The Smart 2000 does not have a grip that runs the length of the handle.  It is a much smaller amount, in an oval panel in the upper half of the brush handle.

As a consequence, the Smart 2000 exposes more of the gloss white plastic body than the Pro 2000.

The power button for the Smart sits within this grippy oval panel. Although the colour of the handle is labelled white, this rubber grip is more of a dusty grey colour.  It provides a very slight accent to the handle design.

Both models come in just 1 colour option, white.  There are no other choices.

Whilst the Smart 2000 looks more subtle, the Pro perhaps to the fingertips at least feels slightly more practical.

The Pro 2000 has a series of raised plastic ridges on the rear of the handle compared to the dimpled pattern on the Smart 2000.

The ridges are harsher on the fingertips and feel more effective.

Neither feels slippery in hand and for most people, the gripping points are more than sufficient, but the Pro 2000 perhaps takes the edge here slightly.

Around the neck of the brush handle, both models have a visible pressure sensor, however, their design is a little different.

The Pro 2000 has a standard visible pressure sensor seen on many Oral-B models.  It is a red coloured plastic panel that is mounted on the rear and sweeps onto the side of the handle, wrapping about half of the circumference.

With the Smart 2000 this has been upgraded to a full 360 pressure sensor, meaning it wraps all around the handle.

Although a full LED ring, it is not customizable like it is with premium models from Oral-B like the Genius X.

Technically both pressure sensors work in the same way. The extra benefit with the Smart is that the larger visible sensor may potentially allow for you and me as users to detect that it has been activated a bit quicker, because there is more red light to catch the eye.

Another difference, albeit subtle, is the amount of cleaning power the motor inside the brush handle delivers.

The Pro 2000 has a motor that offers up to 8,800 oscillations and 20,000 pulsations, whereas the Smart 2000s motor is configured to offer 10,500 oscillations and 48,000 pulsations.

What this means is that the Smart 2000 can potentially clean the teeth a little better, but the actual difference would still be relatively limited.  It is not possible to say from this alone that 1 brush would clean the teeth significantly better.  Add into this that different modes use a different amount of power from the motor and it complicates things a little further.

The last difference is the battery inside these brushes.

Both have rechargeable batteries built-in.

The Pro 2000 has a Nickel Metal Hydride (NiMH) battery that lasts around 7 days on a full charge compared to the 14+ days that is possible with the Lithium-Ion (Li-Ion) battery built into the Smart 2000.

Whilst many of us do not need weeks of power on a single charge, the extra week or so you get from the Smart certainly makes it a more practical option if regular charging is less convenient.  Those who travel frequently will likely find the Smart 2000 a better option.

Does one clean better than the other?

The short answer is no, one brush does not clean better than the other.

However, the increased power of the Smart 2000s motor could potentially mean that the teeth are cleaned more effectively than if the Pro 2000 was used.

This issue is that there are many variables and proving this is quite difficult.

My hands-on testing has not been conducted in any scientific way that would be able to determine this.  I suspect even if it was, the differences would be minimal and not clinically significant.

The potential additional ‘whitening’ cleaning mode available on the Smart 2000 may also have a beneficial effect for some users. 

The likelihood is that for most Canadians, perfecting their brushing routine and the regularity with which they brush will have the most significant benefits over selecting between either of these particular brushes.

Is one better priced than the other?

No, not really.

They sell for the same price or thereabouts.

Of course, it can vary from one seller to another, but generally, there is going to be little in the way of difference.  This is particularly the case, as the Smart 2000 is essentially replacing the Pro 2000.

They have a recommended retail price of CDN $100 and both sell at approximately 20% lower on average. This means a typical selling price of around $80.

Factor in the cost of replacement brush heads and over a 3 year period you are looking at a total ownership cost of approx CDN $168 or $0.15 per day.

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.