Sonicare Electric Toothbrush Comparisons

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 (for ourselves and for readers!), on this page we’ve included some resources that make it easy to tell the differences between the various Sonicare models available.

You can therefore find below:

• Our overall recommendation for a Sonicare brush
• A Sonicare comparison chart
• A list of brush vs brush comparisons

For a broader comparison of things such as brushing modes and replacement brush heads, check out our comparisons hub page.

You can also find video comparisons on our YouTube channel.

And if there’s anything you’d like to ask, please leave a comment at the bottom of the page.

Our overall Sonicare recommendation

If you want a good Sonicare toothbrush that will get the job done without breaking the bank, we recommend the 4100 Series.

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

Naturally, as you move up the pricing range the number of brush features increases, but for us the 4100 more than covers the basics.

Sonicare Comparison Chart

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

Click the image to enlarge it.

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

Sonicare brush vs brush comparisons

Below you can find similar Sonicare brushes that we have compared to one another, plus some that we have compared to their Oral-B equivalents.

We’ve also included some broader comparisons on our electric toothbrush comparisons hub page.

• Philips Sonicare 1000 vs 2000 vs 3000 vs 4000 Series
• Philips Sonicare 4100 vs 4500 vs 5100 vs 6100
• Philips Sonicare 9900 Prestige vs DiamondClean Smart
• Oral-B iO vs Sonicare DiamondClean Smart
• Oral-B iO vs Sonicare 9900 Prestige

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.

• Essence Series ($)
  • The essential features you require and no more.
  • Satisfactory, but better options exist.
  • 1 cleaning mode.
  • Built-in 2 minute.
  • The most cost effective models.
• DailyClean Series ($)
  • 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.
• 1100 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.
  • Satisfactory, but better options exist.
  • 2 brushing intensities.
  • Built-in 2 minute timer and 30 second pacer.
  • The most cost effective models.
• 3100 Series ($$)
  • The essential features, plus a little more.
  • Good, but better options exist.
  • 2 brushing intensities.
  • Built-in 2 minute timer and 30 second pacer.
  • Pressure sensor built-in (not visible).
  • Affordable brushes.
• 4100 Series ($$)
  • 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).
  • 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.