Editor’s Note
This is a comparison of 5 different electric toothbrush models from Oral-B.
They have been combined into 1 comparison because they are similarly named and very similarly featured.
It is the Oral-B Genius Pro 8000 & 9600 that are designed for and have been launched within the USA.
The Genius 8900, 9000 and 9900 are models that have been designed for and launched within Europe.
Although technically possible to import these to the USA and use them here (different charging stands would be required), they have not been launched or sold in the US by Oral-B.
To further complicate matters, in Europe, there is too the Genius 8000, but it is different to the US model. The European Genius 8000 is not as feature rich as the US model.
As you can probably then understand, in this comparison, I do go on to further explain all the differences, but because ONLY THE GENIUS PRO 8000 and Genius 9600 are available in the USA, as such there are the only models I can recommend.
Of these 2, it is the 8000 that is the better brush in my opinion. You get more, for less money.
You can read our Genius Pro 8000 review here.
To further complicate matters, in late 2019, Oral-B launched the Genius X in the USA and Europe.
The Genius X is essentially an upgrade on the Pro 8000 and 9600, making the real-time tracking better and more user friendly.
Your can read our Genius X review here.
Which one would we choose?
Our Choice: Oral-B Genius Pro 8000 (view on Amazon)
2nd Choice: Oral-B Genius 9600 (view on Amazon)
The Oral-B Genius Pro 8000 is the brush to go for.
It is a flagship Oral-B electric toothbrush that as you would expect cleans the teeth really well, but benefits from many other features including multiple cleaning modes, pressure sensor, good box contents, Bluetooth connectivity and much more.
For a closer look and a hands-on video, see our Oral-B Genius Pro 8000 Review.
Key Differences
Below I have listed the key differences between these models.
Oral-B Genius Pro 8000 (USA) vs 9600 (USA)
- The 9600 has a new style charging stand, that comes with a detachable power cable, that works with the smart travel case too. The 8000, on the other hand, has a plug hardwired into the charging stand and a separate power cable specifically for the smart travel case.
- The 9600 comes in a Sakura Pink color option, not available with Genius Pro 8000.
- The 9600 comes with 1 of the new style Sensi UltraThin brush heads compared to the standard sensitive brush head with the Genius Pro 8000.
- The Genius Pro 8000 comes with a brush storage compartment that holds up to 4 brush heads, the 9600 does not have this.
- The Genius 9600 tends to be the more expensive brush.
Another claimed benefit of the 9600 is the addition of ‘Gum Guard’ or ‘Gum Protection Technology’. The idea is that it helps reduce bleeding gums.
This is actually a feature of the smartphone application which is available to both owners of the Genius Pro 8000 and 9600.
Oral-B Genius Pro 8000 (USA) vs 9000 (UK/Europe)
- The Genius 9000 was a model launched for the European market and not the USA.
- Although the Genius 9000 sounds superior to the Genius Pro 8000 (USA), it is essentially the same brush.
- The Genius 9000 comes with a charging stand that supports 220-240v (European voltage) and a 2 pin plug (for UK bathrooms or European sockets) not the 120v and 2 pin plug for the USA.
- The Genius 9000 is available in Silver, a color option not available on the 8000.
- The Genius Pro 8000 (USA) comes with 3 brush heads supplied (1 x CrossAction, 1 x 3D White & 1 x Sensitive) whereas the Genius 9000 comes with 4 brush heads supplied (2 x CrossAction, 1 x 3D White & 1 x Sensitive).
Oral-B Genius Pro 8000 (USA) vs Genius 8000 (UK/Europe)
- The Genius Pro 8000 (USA) has 6 cleaning modes including a tongue cleaning mode that the 5 mode 8000 (UK/Europe) does not have.
- The 8000 (UK/Europe) comes with one basic plastic travel case but the Genius Pro 8000 (USA) offers a premium travel case which allows you to charge your brush in the case as well as charge a USB powered device such as a smartphone from it too.
- The Genius 8000 (UK/Europe) is available in Silver/White color whilst the 8000 (USA) is available in Black, White, Rose Gold and Orchid Purple.
- The 8000 (UK/Europe) comes with a charging stand that supports 220-240v (European voltage) and a 2 pin plug (for UK bathrooms or European sockets) whereas the 8000 (USA) comes with the 2 pin 120v charging stand for the US.
Oral-B Genius Pro 8000 (USA) vs 8900 (UK/Europe)
- The Genius 8900 was a model launched for the European market and not the USA.
- Although the 8900 model number implies it is superior to the 8000, it has, in fact, lesser features and box contents as the model numbers in Europe are different.
- The Genius 8900 has 2 brush handles in the box compared to the one with the Genius 8000.
- The Genius 8000 has a tongue cleaning mode that the 8900 does not have.
- The 8900 comes with one basic plastic travel case but the 8000 offers a premium travel case which allows you to charge your brush in the case as well as charge a USB powered device such as a smartphone from it too.
- The Genius 8900 is available in Silver/White color whilst the 8000 is available in Black, White, Rose Gold and Orchid Purple.
- The 8900 comes with a charging stand that supports 220-240v (European voltage) and a 2 pin plug (for UK bathrooms or European sockets) not the 120v and 2 pin plug for the USA.
Oral-B Genius Pro 8000 (USA) vs 9900 (UK/Europe)
- The Genius 99000 was a model launched for the European market and not the USA.
- The Genius 9900 comes with a charging stand that supports 220-240v (European voltage) and a 2 pin plug (for UK bathrooms or European sockets) whereas the 8000 (USA) comes with the 2 pin 120v charging stand for the US.
- The Genius 9900 has 2 brush handles in the box compared to the one with the Genius 8000 (USA).
- The Genius Pro 8000 (USA) is is available in Black, White, Rose Gold and Orchid Purple, whilst the Genius 9900 has 1 handle in Rose Gold and 1 handle in Black color.
- The Genius Pro 8000 (USA) comes with 3 brush heads supplied (1 x CrossAction, 1 x 3D White & 1 x Sensitive) whereas the Genius 9000 comes with 4 brush heads supplied (2 x CrossAction, 1 x 3D White & 1 x Sensitive).
Please note. Every effort is made to ensure the key differences listed are correct, but these differences are subject to change without notice. Products and the box contents can be changed without notice and different variants can exist.
Conclusion
All being well the lists above should make clear how the various models differ and as a US resident you should only pay attention to the Genius Pro 8000 or 9600.
But of the 2, it is the Genius 8000 that is my choice.
Your Opinions
Ultimately, whatever brush you decide upon, it is you who needs to make the decision; but do so based on which is best for your needs or that of the end user.
Only pay the price you are happy with and do not be led into buying something if it is not right.
Hopefully, I have presented the facts and made the whole decision process that little bit easier.
If you found this useful, have any questions, thoughts or opinions, please leave them in the comments below.
Hi there.
Am I able to purchase the U.S. model 8000 and use it in Italy with an Italian charging port?
Thank you for the great information.
Yes, you are Laura.
There are a few potential options, but the easiest…
Take the charging case for the Genius Pro 8000 along with the power adapter. The supplied power adpater supports global voltages 100-240v. You will then just need to use a US 2 pin to EU 2 pin (plug used in Italy), so you can connect to the power supply and charge the Genius in the case.
Can the oral b 9000 be used with a USA oral b 8000 charging stand?
Hi Nikki. Yes, it should work fine.
For the European market, what is the best version. I need the best charging case possible for travel.
Thanks!
Hi Mark.
From a European perspective, the absolute best option, in my opinion, is the Sonicare DiamondClean Smart. However, this is quite expensive.
The best and better priced alternatives are the Sonicare DiamondClean (not the Smart version) or the Oral-B Genius 9000 or Genius X.
Thank you! Does the Oral B 9000 or X have detachable cords?
Amazing website by the way! Its truly so complicated and all the models are different even between France and Germany, UK etc. Makes zero sense.
Thanks for all your help!
Is the Oral-b Genius 8000 travel case can charge the toothbrush?
The Oral-B Genius Pro purchased in the USA comes with a travel case that allows the brush to be charged, whilst it is inside the case. A power cable does need to be connected in order for it to charge.
Great review Can we share this with my spouse. I mean the British as well as the app?
Hi Amit.
Sorry, I am not sure what you mean exactly. Do you mean share to the toothbrush handle?
There is a way for 2 users to share a brush handle and still connect to the app on each of your smartphones, but in my opinion, it is far from an ideal setup.
Does the charging station separate from the brush holder on the 8000?
Yes it does.
Thank you