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Published: February 7, 2024

Oral-B electric toothbrush comparisons

Author: Jon Love (17 Comments)
Oral-B electric toothbrush comparisons 1

If you've landed on this page, you're probably wondering what the difference is between the various Oral-B electric toothbrushes.

Initially, it can be rather confusing, but we've included some resources below that quickly and simply explain the differences.

These recommendations are based on years of hands-on testing and a deep understanding of the Oral-B range.

Our overall Oral-B recommendation

Oral-B Smart 1500

The main brush that we recommend, is the Oral-B Smart 1500 — it is our pick for the best Oral-B electric toothbrush.

This is also our choice for the best value electric toothbrush of all toothbrushes available today, irrespective of brand.

The Smart 1500 offers the features we regard as essential (a timer and pressure sensor) at an affordable price.

It also benefits from extra cleaning modes, notably sensitive, which is ideal for those who have sore gums or find the standard cleaning mode a little too intense.

Despite the name, this brush does not have any 'smart' (Bluetooth) features and does not connect to your smartphone.

It does too benefit from a lithium battery meaning it offers around 2 weeks of use on a full charge.

As you move up the Oral-B range, the brushes become more expensive, but they do come with additional features and accessories. We regard these as "nice-to-have" rather than essential.

Spending more or picking a premium model does not necessarily result in a better clean of the teeth. Each brush, irrespective of features still requires you to use it regularly and correctly.

This isn't to say those features aren't useful for some people. But, we have learnt that most people would rather save a bit of money, than have lots of features they may not use, making the Smart 1500 a perfect fit.

Oral-B electric toothbrush comparison chart

The comparison chart below shows the main models available from Oral-B today, along with the features and functions each offer.

You will see that the more feature-rich, and typically more expensive models are shown on the right, compared to the more cost effective models on the left.

This chart should help you pick the model most suited to you if you have particular requirements of your toothbrush.

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

Cleaning Action
Number of cleaning modes
Clean
Sensitive
Gum
White
Deep Clean
Tongue
Other modes
Timer
Pacer
Pressure Sensor
Pressure Sensor Additional information
Display
Display Additional information
Battery life
Travel case included
Charging travel case
Bluetooth connectivity
Position tracking
Oral-B Vitality
Oral-B Vitality
Oral-B Pro 500
Oral-B Pro 500
Oral-B Pro 1000
Oral-B Pro 1000
Oral-B Smart 1500
Oral-B Smart 1500
Oral-B Smart 3000
Oral-B Smart 3000
Oral-B Smart 5000
Oral-B Smart 5000
Oral-B Genius 6000
Oral-B Genius 6000
Oral-B Genius 7500
Oral-B Genius 7500
Oral-B Genius Pro 8000
Oral-B Genius Pro 8000
Oral-B Genius X
Oral-B Genius X
Oral-B iO Series 3 (iO3)
Oral-B iO Series 3 (iO3)
Oral-B iO Series 4 (iO4)
Oral-B iO Series 4 (iO4)
Oral-B iO Series 5 (iO5)
Oral-B iO Series 5 (iO5)
Oral-B iO Series 6 (iO6)
Oral-B iO Series 6 (iO6)
Oral-B iO Series 7 (iO7)
Oral-B iO Series 7 (iO7)
Oral-B iO Series 8 (iO8)
Oral-B iO Series 8 (iO8)
Oral-B iO Series 9 (iO9)
Oral-B iO Series 9 (iO9)
Oral-B iO Series 10 (iO10)
Oral-B iO Series 10 (iO10)
Oscillating-rotating (2D) Oscillating-rotating (2D) Oscillating-rotating & pulsating (3D) Oscillating-rotating & pulsating (3D) Oscillating-rotating & pulsating (3D) Oscillating-rotating & pulsating (3D) Oscillating-rotating & pulsating (3D) Oscillating-rotating & pulsating (3D) Oscillating-rotating & pulsating (3D) Oscillating-rotating & pulsating (3D) Oscillating-rotating & micro-vibrations Oscillating-rotating & micro-vibrations Oscillating-rotating & micro-vibrations Oscillating-rotating & micro-vibrations Oscillating-rotating & micro-vibrations Oscillating-rotating & micro-vibrations Oscillating-rotating & micro-vibrations Oscillating-rotating & micro-vibrations
1 3 1 3 3 5 5 5 6 6 3 4 5 5 5 6 7 7
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 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 - - - - - - yes yes
- sensitive plus - - - - - - - - - super sensitive super sensitive, intense intense intense Super sensitive, intense Super sensitive, intense Super sensitive, intense
yes yes yes yes yes yes yes 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 30 second quadpacer 30 second quadpacer 30 second quadpacer 30 second quadpacer 30 second quadpacer 30 second quadpacer 30 second quadpacer 30 second quadpacer 30 second quadpacer 30 second quadpacer 20 second sextants
- - yes yes yes yes yes yes yes yes yes yes yes yes yes yes yes yes
- - - - - - Customizable LED smart ring Customizable LED smart ring Customizable smart ring Customizable smart ring Shows when applying insufficient pressure, correct pressure & excessive pressure Shows when applying insufficient pressure, correct pressure & excessive pressure Shows when applying insufficient pressure, correct pressure & excessive pressure Shows when applying insufficient pressure, correct pressure & excessive pressure Shows when applying insufficient pressure, correct pressure & excessive pressure Shows when applying insufficient pressure, correct pressure & excessive pressure Shows when applying insufficient pressure, correct pressure & excessive pressure Shows when applying insufficient pressure, correct pressure & excessive pressure
- - - - - - - - - - - - - yes yes yes yes yes
- - - - - - - - - - - - - Black & white. Not touchscreen Black & white. Not touchscreen. Color. Not touchscreen Color. Not touchscreen. Color. Not touchscreen
5 days 10 days 10 days 14+ (plus) days 14+ (plus) days 14+ (plus) days 14 days 14 days 14+ (plus) days 14 days 14 days 14 days 14 days 14 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 yes yes - yes yes yes yes yes yes yes
- - - - - - yes - yes yes - - yes yes yes yes yes yes

Overview of the Oral-B range

Within the Oral-B 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

Vitality Series ($)

  • The essential features you require and no more.
  • Satisfactory, but better options exist.
  • 2D cleaning action - oscillates and rotates.
  • 1 cleaning mode.
  • Built-in 2 minute timer.
  • Up to 1 week of battery life.
  • No battery status LED.
  • The most cost effective models.

Pro Series ($$)

  • The essential features, plus a little more.
  • The ideal brushes for the vast majority.
  • 3D cleaning action - oscillates, rotates and pulsates. (Excludes Pro 500)
  • Up to 2 cleaning modes.
  • No cleaning mode labels/icons on the handle.
  • Built-in 2 minute timer and 30 second pacer.
  • Up to 2 weeks of battery life.
  • Battery status LED on the handle.
  • Affordable brushes.

Smart Series ($$$)

  • Premium handles with more features and accessories
  • 3D cleaning action - oscillates, rotates and pulsates.
  • Up to 5 cleaning modes.
  • No cleaning mode labels/icons on the handle.
  • Built-in 2 minute timer and 30 second pacer.
  • Visible pressure sensor.
  • Smart toothbrushes with Bluetooth connectivity. (Oral-B Smart 1500 being an exception)
  • A battery life of around 2 weeks.
  • Battery status LED on the handle.
  • Higher mid-range prices.

Genius Series ($$$$)

  • Premium handles with more features and better box contents.
  • 3D cleaning action - oscillates, rotates and pulsates.
  • Up to 6 personalized cleaning modes.
  • Cleaning mode labels/icons on the handle (with exception of Daily Clean mode).
  • Built-in 2 minute timer and 30 second pacer.
  • Visible pressure sensor.
  • Smart toothbrushes with Bluetooth connectivity.
  • Position detection technology to track the toothbrush in the mouth.
  • Artificial Intelligence (AI) for enhanced feedback on your brushing.
  • A battery life of around 2 weeks.
  • Battery status LED on the handle.
  • Premium prices.

iO Series ($$$$$)

  • Top of the line handle with the most advanced toothbrush technology.
  • 3D cleaning action - oscillates, rotates and micro-vibrates.
  • Up to 7 personalized cleaning modes.
  • Cleaning mode labels/icons shown on the display.
  • Built-in 2 minute timer and 30 second pacer.
  • Visible pressure sensor highlights correct and incorrect pressure.
  • Smart toothbrushes with Bluetooth connectivity.
  • Position detection technology to track the toothbrush in the mouth.
  • 3D teeth tracking with AI for enhanced feedback on your brushing.
  • Interactive display built-into the handle.
  • A battery life of 2+ weeks.
  • Battery life status is shown on the display.
  • Magnetic charger for more convenient and quicker charging.
  • The most expensive of toothbrushes.

We recommend the Pro Series

As you can see, as you go up through the range the features and the prices increase.

Whilst each has its place within the market, it is the Pro Series that is most logical option for the majority.

Yet, due to a quirk in the Oral-B naming convention, the Smart 1500 is actually our toothbrush of choice.

It offers a blend of features and functions that benefit us as users at a price that most will find affordable.

Hopefully, this gives you a good overview of where various brushes fit in in terms of price and features, but if not please leave a comment or question.

In the sections below we compare Oral-B brushes that are close to each other in price and features. 

Model by model comparisons

Smart 1500 vs Pro 1000

Winner: Smart 1500

Pro 1000 vs Smart 1500 summary

The Pro 1000 is a good electric toothbrush, but the Smart 1500 is the more capable brush and the one better suited to new or experienced electric toothbrush users.

The most notable differences and benefits are the battery life and pressure sensor of the Smart 1500.

It offers 14+ days compared to the 10 days of the Pro. In reality, it actually lasts nearer 20 days. 10 days just seems poor by modern toothbrush standards. The 1500 does too use a Lithium-Ion battery compared to the Nickel Metal Hydride in the Pro 1000.

Although both brushes have a pressure sensor, the Smart 1500 has a visible sensor that stretches a full 360 degrees around the top of the brush handle. This makes it much easier to see when the toothbrush is in use.

You do to get a sensitive and whitening cleaning mode on the 1500, that you don't on the Pro 1000. Not essential, but they are useful.

The 1500 is more expensive than the 1000, but it is a premium worth paying for the longer term benefits it provides.

Full Oral-B Pro 1000 vs Smart 1500 comparison.

Genius 6000 vs Genius 8000

Winner: Genius 6000

Genius 6000 vs 8000 summary

Put these two brushes side by side and the differences between them are much harder to tell, they look almost identical, however, there are some subtle differences.

The Genius Pro 8000 offers an additional cleaning mode, Tongue Clean.

This is a cycle that lasts for 20 seconds with 7300 oscillations and 30,000 pulsations and designed for as the name suggests, cleaning the tongue.  

The reality is, you could use any mode on the brush to clean your tongue just ending the clean sooner.  Although the speed and number of oscillations will be different.

It does too come with 2 extra brush heads included in the box.

Oral-B electric toothbrush comparisons 16

Whilst both models come with a travel case, it is the premium case supplied with the 8000 that allows the brush handle to be recharged inside the case, providing the proprietary power adapter is connected.  This is not a feature available with the Pro 6000.

Both brushes offer Bluetooth connectivity, which means that they connect to an Android or iOS smartphone via an app.

Both brushes will track your cleaning performance and log it in the app whilst providing real-time feedback. But, the Genius Pro 8000 can go one stage further.

Known as enhanced position detection technology/tracking, the app installed on your smartphone uses the phones front-facing camera and sensors in the brush handle to accurately detect the position of the brush within the mouth.  

You have to stand in front of your smartphone when brushing and can’t really move as the brush movements need to be seen by the camera.

The idea is that it provides an enhanced cleaning experience and feedback as you brush.  

Both aim to give feedback as if a dentist was monitoring your clean, but the 8000 just gives the feedback in a more interactive and instant way.  Both are designed to educate rather than lecture you on the ‘best’ method.  The end goal is better oral health.

The problem is that the 8000’s enhanced tracking requires dedication and commitment that many are not prepared to give, particularly due to the setup.

In the box with the 8000 comes a smartphone holder, with a suction cup, much like you might have in a car.  In this instance, you adhere it to a mirror or wall in your bathroom, at head height.  You put your smartphone in before brushing, stand in front of it, and the app. The camera and brush work together to give you this real-time data.

All told, whilst the idea and ethos are good it is a bit of a hassle.

We think on the whole most will prefer the experience the Smart 6 offers.

Then when you factor in the price, the premium to be paid for the 8000 will for many be difficult to justify for the relatively slim benefits it ultimately offers.

Yes, the 8000 is technically the better brush all things considered.  But, it is the Genius 6000 that is more cost effective and practical to use on a daily basis.

Genius Pro 8000 vs Genius X

Winner: Genius X

Genius Pro 8000 vs Genius X summary

Place these brushes side by side and it is almost impossible to tell the difference between each of them.

There are more similarities between these 2 brushes than there are differences.

However, despite their looks, there is 1 significant difference that separates these 2 brushes.

The Genius X has built-in sensors and Artificial Intelligence which track the movement of the brush handle when in use.

This does away with one of the biggest frustrations of the Genius Pro 8000 when it came to real-time tracking of the toothbrush in use.

With the 8000 you have to stand still in front of the camera on your smartphone for it to track, you do not have to with the X.

The tracking technology is clever on both models and it can encourage and help you achieve a better clean, but the Genius X makes the whole process much more user friendly, with a lot less hassle.

It does not mean the brush will actually clean the teeth better. In fact, both have the same motor inside and the same cleaning modes.

The trade off in many respects is the price.

The Genius X does command a premium for this technological upgrade and you get a little less in the box.

Both come with a premium travel case and a 2+ week battery life. A visible pressure sensor, 2 minute timer and pacer are built-in too.

Full Oral-B Genius Pro 8000 vs Genius X comparison.

iO Series vs Genius X

Winner: iO Series

Oral-B iO Series 9 (iO9)
Oral-B iO Series 9 (iO9)
Oral-B electric toothbrush comparisons 2 Oral-B electric toothbrush comparisons 2 Oral-B electric toothbrush comparisons 2 Oral-B electric toothbrush comparisons 2 Oral-B electric toothbrush comparisons 2
Genius X vs iO Series summary

The Oral-B iO has been redesigned from the ground up. From the motor to the handle, to the brush head, it has all changed.

The new magnetic driven motor is quieter and the way it works produces a cleaning sensation that is similar, but different.

Does it clean the teeth better? No, not really. Both do a great job of removing plaque.

However, there is no denying that the iO looks and feels the part.

Oral-B iO under running water

There are fewer gloss plastics and large expanses of rubber grips, with a much more exclusive looking design.

A display has been built into the handle that allows you to control certain features of the brush and gain some real-time feedback without the need for the smartphone application.

Just like the Genius X, this is a smart toothbrush, but the technology has been enhanced even further to provide a more accurate tracking and feedback loop so that you and I can brush better.

You get the standard features like the 2 minute timer, 30 second pacer, rechargeable battery and fading indicator bristles on the brush head.

You too get a visible pressure sensor, but this now lights up not only red to alert you when you brush too hard, but green too, to show you are using just the right amount of pressure.

A new magnetic charger means the brush can be recharged in as little as 3 hours, rather than the more typical 12.

It does too come with a premium travel case, similar to that of the Genius X, which allows the brush to be charged whilst inside. However, like the X, this requires a separate proprietary power adapter.

There is a great deal to like about the iO and this is without a doubt a step up for Oral-B. But, the downside is the price. It costs quite a bit more than the Genius X and does not deliver significant benefits that would be justifiable to most for the price.

Full Oral-B iO vs Genius X comparison.

Detailed brush vs brush comparisons

The comparison chart above allows you to see the key differences between each model at a glance.

However, for those who require more detail, we do have a number of comprehensive written comparisons.

Below, is a list of models we have compared to one another, plus some that we have compared to their Sonicare equivalents.

Conclusion

The great number of choices you have within the Oral-B range can make it really quite difficult to decide which toothbrush is right for you.

Ultimately, all of the brushes will provide a very good clean to the teeth and gums if used correctly.

Perfecting your brushing routine, including the brushing time, technique and frequency will bring more positive benefit than any particular toothbrush.

Premium models may bring benefits for some. However, for the vast majority, the prices are prohibitive and the benefits for every dollar ($) spent certainly reduces.

For the majority of people, myself included the Oral-B Smart 1500 is the toothbrush to go for. It offers a balance of cleaning performance and features at a price most will find affordable.

If you really do desire the absolute best, irrespective of price, then it has to be the iO Series 9.

Our Choice
Oral-B Smart 1500
Oral-B Smart 1500
Our Choice
Oral-B iO Series 9 (iO9)
Oral-B iO Series 9 (iO9)
Electric Teeth Rating
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Amazon $78.9 $226.99
Oral-B $79.99 -
Oral B - $249.99
Author: Jon Love

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Leave a comment

GH
Georgette Hill
January 26, 2024

I'm interested if the 300 Oral -B I need the brush head to ocolitate as I have a Oral -B A lower model as soon as I touch my teeth with the head it stops ocolating So do indeed the 300 to get the desired effect

JL
Jon Love - Chief tester
January 26, 2024

The oscilattions of the brush head on any Oral-B brush should not stop when the head makes contact with the teeth. If this is happening the brush is likely faulty.

B
Bob
January 8, 2023

Thank you for a very useful, informative, and detailed guide. It explains a lot that the manufacturer does not. I have two questions: 1) In comparing the NiMH and Lithium-Ion batteries - which type will have the longer life (as opposed to which will hold a charge longer)? Since this is most likely what will determine the life of the whole unit, it seems like an important consideration. 2) Do you know anything about the "Gum Care" model? This is a relatively low-end unit that comes with two heads. Walgreens carries it (perhaps a special model for them), and there are units available on eBay. Since that name is also used for one of the brushing modes, I wonder if this model features that mode (or perhaps offers only that mode).

JL
Jon Love - Chief tester
January 9, 2023

Hi Bob. In response to your questions. 1) I have no hard evidence myself to confirm which is better. It is my understanding from a little bit of research and knowledge that I have built-up over time that Lithium-Ion is better all things considered. But, that said, I could be wrong. I think some people do have their preferences for one reason or another. Anecdotal evidence from reader feedback would suggest that both can last a very long time. There is a little more evidence to say NiMH batteries last longer as we have had many people saying their brushes are lasting 10+ years. But, Lithium-ion batteries as a general rule haven't been used in electric brushes for as long. 2) I believe this model is based on the older/rebadged version of the Pro 1000. I think it might be 'exlcusive' to Walgreens. It does the job for sure. It lacks a pressure sensor that we recommend. I think it gets it's name from the fact it comes with 2 x Pro GumCare brush head included in the box compared to the CrossAction head that usually comes supplied with most brushes. There is no indication, that I can see, that the brush handle itself offers a gum care cleaning mode.

I
Imasockrmom
November 8, 2022

Hi! I was wondering why the Pro Clean X isn’t listed in this article. Do you have any information regarding it? I am trying to decide between the Pro Clean X and the Pro 1000. Thanks!

JL
Jon Love - Chief tester
November 9, 2022

Hi. This is a model stocked by a couple of retailers in the USA. It is a slightly less common model we come across and see marketed so we haven't as yet gone hands-on and reviewed this one. It is very similar, yet slightly different to the Oral-B Smart 1500, which is our top recommendation. The Pro Clean X is generally very well priced and is excellent value for money. Not having personally handled it I am unable to give a detailed comparison to the Oral-B Pro 1000. It is very similar to this model though too. The main difference being the additional cleaning modes. Where the 1000 has just 1, this actually has 4 modes. I don't think, from what data I have seen, you can go too far wrong with this.

D
Doonser
November 7, 2022

Thank you for the really helpful page. Our old Triumph v1 battery is dying and we need to replace the toothbrush. (I looked at replacing the battery but that is rather tricky). We bought it in 2011 and it's been one of my favorite tools. One question: You list a Smart 3000 but on Amazon all I see is a Pro 3000. On the Oral-B website it's called the Smart 3000 too. Is it the same brush?

JL
Jon Love - Chief tester
November 7, 2022

Hi. They are almost identical toothbrushes. They look the same. However, the battery in the Smart 3000 is a Lithium-Ion battery offering 2+ weeks of battery life compared to the Nickel Metal Hydride of the Pro 3000 that offers 7+ days of battery life. The motor in the Smart 3000 is also marginally more powerful. It offers up to 9,900 oscillations and 45,000 pulsations compared to the 8,800 and 40,000 of the Pro 3000. This is the product you need on Amazon.

D
Doonser
November 7, 2022

Thanks, Jon, you a great help. I appreciate the info. The link you posted is to the Pro 3000, at least in the product title (the photo of the box shows the Smart 3000, very confusing). I don't see the Smart 3000 itself on Amazon, although I do see it on the Oral-B site (for the same price as the Pro on Amazon). I guess I'll just get it from Oral-B (although I won't get my Reward points from Amazon Prime, wah wah wah).

P
Phoebe
August 15, 2022

I just wanna leave a comment saying that you’re my day saver!!! I was so confused which toothbrush should I buy and I found your article. Great comparision with full information I need. Will go with Smart 1500!!!

JL
Jon Love - Chief tester
August 18, 2022

Thanks Phoebe for the comment. Glad we could help.

RG
Roger Gabel
August 4, 2022

It is the old charger that you left the lid on the top and the extra brushes set down in. Has a mounting plate that screws to wall and the charger slides down on it.

JL
Jon Love - Chief tester
August 12, 2022

It is possible Roger, but I am afraid we don't have one to hand to test & confirm. I suspect it is highly likely.

RG
Roger Gabel
August 3, 2022

Can you use old wall mounted charger on the new 1500 smart toothbrush or are the battery different kind.

CW
Chris Ward - Co-founder
August 4, 2022

Hi Roger, Which type of wall mounted charger is it — which model did it come with?

N
Nagendra
March 14, 2022

Great resources on your site. Really helping me start my electric teeth journey take off. Have you come across Smart 2200? Other than the Charcoal Bristles, it seems like it is just Smart 1500 and seems to be same cost or cheaper than 1500. https://www.walmart.com/ip/Oral-B-Smart-2200-Charcoal-Rechargeable-Electric-Toothbrush-White-1-Ct/940809939

JL
Jon Love - Chief tester
March 15, 2022

Hey. I have come across this. I haven't actually purchased and tested it personally, but from all I have seen, read etc it is just like the Samart 1500 as you say, albeit with a different brush head supplied. So all in all a good toothbrush.

N
Nagendra
March 16, 2022

Thank you very much Jon!

BE
Brianna E
August 16, 2021

Thank you for having such a fantastic page!!! I've read every single review and hope this helps elevate my oral health journey. Cheers

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