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
We rate the Oral-B Smart 1500 as the best Oral-B electric toothbrush, all things considered.
This is also our choice for the best 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.
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 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 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 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
| - |
|
- |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
| - | - | - | - | - |
|
|
|
|
|
- | - | - |
|
|
|
|
|
| - | - | - |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
| - | - | - | - | - |
|
|
|
|
|
- | - | - | - | - | - | - | - |
| - | - | - | - | - | - | - | - |
|
|
- | - | - | - | - | - |
|
|
| - | sensitive plus | - | - | - | - | - | - | - | - | - | super sensitive | super sensitive, intense | intense | intense | Super sensitive, intense | Super sensitive, intense | Super sensitive, intense |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
| - | 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 |
| - | - |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
| - | - | - | - | - | - | 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 |
| - | - | - | - | - | - | - | - | - | - | - | - | - |
|
|
|
|
|
| - | - | - | - | - | - | - | - | - | - | - | - | - | 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 |
| - | - | - | - | - |
|
|
|
|
|
- |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
| - | - | - | - | - | - | - | - |
|
|
- | - | - | - | - | - |
|
|
| - | - | - | - |
|
|
|
|
|
|
- |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
| - | - | - | - | - | - |
|
- |
|
|
- | - |
|
|
|
|
|
|
The Oral-B range explained
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 cheapest models.
Pro Series ($$)
- The essential features, plus a little more.
- The ideal brushes for the vast majority.
- 3D cleaning action - oscillates, rotates and pulsates. (Excludes Pro 500)
- Up to 2 cleaning modes.
- No cleaning mode labels/icons on the handle.
- Built-in 2 minute timer and 30 second pacer.
- Up to 2 weeks of battery life.
- Battery status LED on the handle.
- Mid-range prices.
Smart Series ($$$)
- 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 ($$$$)
- Premium handles with more features and better box contents.
- 3D cleaning action - oscillates, rotates and pulsates.
- Up to 6 personalized cleaning modes.
- Cleaning mode labels/icons on the handle (with exception of Daily Clean mode).
- Built-in 2 minute timer and 30 second pacer.
- Visible pressure sensor.
- Smart toothbrushes with Bluetooth connectivity.
- Position detection technology to track the toothbrush in the mouth.
- Artificial Intelligence (AI) for enhanced feedback on your brushing.
- A battery life of around 2 weeks.
- Battery status LED on the handle.
- The most expensive of toothbrushes.
iO Series ($$$$$)
- 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.
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.
We test them side by side and then give our verdict on which one is best. Many of them also include a comparison video:
- Oral-B Pro 1000 vs Smart Clean 360
- Oral-B Pro 1000 vs iO3
- Oral-B Genius X vs Genius Pro 8000
- Oral-B iO vs Genius X
- Oral-B iO vs Genius Pro 8000
- Oral-B iO Series 4 vs 5 vs 6 vs 7 vs 8 vs 9 vs 10 comparison
- Oral-B Pro 1000 vs Smart 1500
- Oral-B Smart 1500 vs Smart 3000
- Oral-B Pro 500 vs 1000
- Oral-B Pro 7000 vs Genius Pro 8000
- Oral-B Pro 5000 vs 7000
- Oral-B Pro 6000 vs Pro 7000
- Oral-B Pro 1000 vs Pro 2 2000
- Oral-B Pro 1000 vs Smart 3000
- Oral-B Pro 500 vs Vitality
- Oral-B Vitality vs Pro 1000
The best Oral-B brushes by category
These are the three Oral-B brushes that we recommend the most. Continue reading to find out why we recommend each one.
Best overall: Oral-B Smart 1500 / Amazon, Oral B / ~$67.94
Best budget: Oral-B Pro 500 / Amazon, Oral B / ~$33.88
Best top of the range: Oral-B iO9 / Amazon, Oral B / ~$294.34
Best overall
Oral-B Smart 1500
The Smart 1500 has a 2 minute timer, pacer and visible pressure sensor that our dentists recommend be present in an electric toothbrush.
The small round brush head is clinically proven to clean the teeth well and the size makes it easy to move into the tighter spaces within the mouth.
As you brush, the visible pressure sensor will light up red to alert you if too much force is being applied.
More on why we like it....
You have the choice of the default daily clean mode or a slower and more gentle sensitive mode. The power button is used to change modes. There are no icons on the handle to make it clear which mode is selected, though.
It isn’t quite as grippy in hand as some other brushes, but the benefit is that the handle can be very easily wiped clean.
The Smart 1500 has been independently approved by the American Dental Association, which means it is safe to use, and that it has the benefits advertized.
It’s worth noting that despite the name, this is not a 'smart' toothbrush. It has no Bluetooth connectivity.
Read our Oral-B Smart 1500 Review.
What we like |
What we dislike |
|---|---|
Timer and pacer encourage brushing for the recommended time |
No icons on the handle to show which cleaning mode is selected |
|
Visible pressure sensor – alerts you when brushing too hard |
Confusing name — it is not a ‘smart’ (Bluetooth connected) toothbrush |
|
2 weeks use on a single charge |
|
|
Multiple cleaning modes |
|
|
American Dental Association (ADA) approved |
Best budget
Oral-B Pro 500
The Pro 500 brings many of the benefits of an electric toothbrush at an affordable price.
It is a really good option for a first electric toothbrush.
Unfortunately, it does lack a pressure sensor. This means that there are no alerts when you brush too hard.
This is somewhat made up for by how incredibly grippy the handle is. It is suitable for children, adults and seniors.
More on why we chose it...
The single cleaning mode is more than satisfactory and when used correctly provides a good clean of the teeth.
Oral-B's small round brush head performs well and is easily moved between the tooth surfaces.
Using a 2D cleaning action, it isn't as intense a clean as premium models that offer a 3D action, but is more than good enough.
Built-in is a rechargeable battery which offers 8+ days of use on a full charge. Unfortunately, you get no feedback from it when the power is low. There is no LED notification light.
What we like |
What we dislike |
|---|---|
|
Easy to use single cleaning mode |
No pressure sensor |
|
The grip on the handle helps to securely hold the brush |
No battery status feedback |
|
Timer and pacer encourage brushing for the recommended time |
Battery life |
|
2D cleaning action |
Best top of the range
Oral-B iO (Series 9)
The Oral-B iO Series 9 is one of Oral-B's top of the line brushes. There is a model that sits above it in the range, the iO Series 10, but we advise opting for the iO9 instead.
The main difference between the iO9 and the iO10 is the charging stand, but the 10 tends to be priced so much higher than the 9 that it's not worth the extra money.
It cleans the teeth really well and includes various high tech features to assist you in brushing your teeth better.
More on why we picked it....
The essential features — 2 minute timer, 30 second pacer and visible pressure sensor — are included. In fact, the iO's pressure sensor lights up green to show when the correct pressure is being applied, in addition to red, when the brushing force is too great.
The iO has a new magnetically driven motor. This makes the brushing experience thorough but slightly more gentle, and quieter, than other Oral-B models.
The 7 different cleaning modes can be changed via the power and function buttons on the handle.
The selected mode is shown on the color LED display built into the handle. One of the only brushes to offer this, it also gives visual feedback via emoji style faces on how well you have brushed.
Like many other smart brushes, it has real-time tracking, but the iO9 has the most comprehensive monitoring of the iO series. It tracks 16 zones with clear visual feedback via the smartphone app. You can take corrective action immediately to achieve maximum coverage with each brushing session.
It is supplied with a magnetic charging stand and the lithium battery can be replenished in just 3 hours. 2 weeks use is possible from a full charge.
Also included is a hard protective travel case that doubles up as a charger.
Read our Oral-B iO9 Review.
What we like |
What we dislike |
|---|---|
|
Premium looking handle with built-in display |
Expensive – better value options exist, like our best overall choice |
|
The small round brush head cleans the teeth really well |
iO specific heads required which are more expensive |
|
Visible pressure sensor – alerts you when you are brushing with the correct & incorrect force |
Travel case comes with a separate power adapter rather than a built-in USB cable & accepts only 1 brush head |
|
Rapid recharging with the magnetic charging stand |
Bluetooth connectivity isn’t essential and adds to cost |
|
Bluetooth & AI technology works well |
|
|
Quieter than other Oral-B brushes |
A comparison of our 3 recommendations
The table below compares the features and cost of our 3 recommendations.
| Retail price |
| Typical selling price |
| Brush head cost |
| Approximate 3 year cost |
| Pressure Sensor |
| Timer |
| Pacer |
| Number of cleaning modes |
| Bluetooth connectivity |
| Find out more |
How Oral-B's smart toothbrushes differ
The features of a Bluetooth enabled Oral-B toothbrush differ between ranges and models.
Whilst it is a little bit more nuanced than this, fundamentally you have 2 choices:
- Oral-B smart toothbrush without real-time position tracking
- Oral-B smart toothbrush with real-time position tracking
The key difference here is that the brush either does or does not track and record the areas of the mouth you have and have not brushed during the cleaning cycle.
Those without real-time tracking will record a brushing session, including when and for how long you used the toothbrush.
During a brushing session, it will show a timer on the screen along with other data like what brushing mode you are using and it will alert you if you brush too hard.
Those with real-time tracking are doing the same, but with the additional data, which includes detailed visuals for review at a later time.
The way this works has evolved over the years. It first relied on your smartphone camera. The latest models rely on sensors in the brush handle.
During a brushing session, the app is highlighting which areas to brush and changing the visuals to denote those teeth you have brushed, in addition to the brushing time and pressure applied.
It is a more subtle difference, but those with real-time tracking can differ further. The vast majority track 6 zones of the mouth, whereas the most premium track 16.
Whilst we like many of the features and functionality that smart toothbrushes offer, we don't believe they are essential. And, for most people, smart toothbrushes are best avoided. Doing so saves you money and reduces the environmental impact of your dental health.
If you wish to learn more about how each smart toothbrush works with the Oral-B app, it is best to refer to hands-on reviews we have available of each.
The following table summarizes the key differences between smart models:
| No Position Tracking | Real-Time Position Tracking with smartphone camera | Real-Time Position Tracking - 6 Zones | Real-Time Position Tracking - 16 Zones | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Type of tracking included | On screen timer, pressure alerts, logs brushing sessions | On-screen timer, coverage visuals, logs brushing sessions | On-screen timer, coverage visuals, logs brushing sessions | On-screen timer, coverage visuals, logs brushing sessions |
| Smart 3000 | X | |||
| Pro 5000 | X | |||
| Pro 6000 / 6500 | X | |||
| Pro 7000 | X | |||
| Pro 7500 | X | |||
| Genius Pro 8000 | X | |||
| Genius 9600 | X | |||
| Genius X | X | |||
| iO Series 4 | X | |||
| iO Series 5 | X | |||
| iO Series 6 | X | |||
| iO Series 7 | X | |||
| iO Series 8 | X | |||
| iO Series 9 | X | |||
| iO Series 10 | X |
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.
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
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.
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).
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.
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!
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.
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?
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.
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).
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!!!
Thanks Phoebe for the comment. Glad we could help.
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.
It is possible Roger, but I am afraid we don't have one to hand to test & confirm. I suspect it is highly likely.
Can you use old wall mounted charger on the new 1500 smart toothbrush or are the battery different kind.
Hi Roger, Which type of wall mounted charger is it — which model did it come with?
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
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.
Thank you very much Jon!
Thank you for having such a fantastic page!!! I've read every single review and hope this helps elevate my oral health journey. Cheers