Oral-B iO vs Philips Sonicare DiamondClean

Detailed comparison: what’s the difference between the Oral-B iO Series and Philips Sonicare?

Design

• Sonicare brushes look and feel better
• Oral-B has improved with the iO range
• Sonicare design is more thoughtful for different users

Oral-B has come a long way in its design, ditching gloss plastics, and chunky textured surfaces to achieve a cleaner and more modern look. 

Despite this, I think Sonicare models look better than the iO range. 

Although they are of plastic construction and not metal like SURI, the colors and matt finish to the handle look and feel classier, making them more fitting of their price tag.

All the brushes lack raised or textured surfaces for grip, but the iO in my experience still feels more slippy in the hand. 

The position of the light ring for the iO’s visible pressure sensor is more logical than Sonicare’s. It is easier to see and detect than the one on the end of the Sonicare handle.

I feel Philips has considered different users' needs better. The fact the pressure sensor vibrates the handle is useful for the blind or visually impaired. Oral-B doesn’t cater to those well.

A Sonicare brush will beep and vibrate when placed on a charging stand to confirm it is on charge. It’s a small, but clever touch that just works.

This transitions to accessories too. The travel case for the DiamondClean models has far better material choices and usability than those offered by Oral-B.

I do think Sonicare has made the buttons on the Prestige more difficult to use. They require a firm press as they are pressure sensitive with no tactical feedback or clicky sound when pressed. I’ve found the buttons quite firm as an able-bodied person. Anyone with weak fingers and dexterity issues will struggle. The seamless button design was implemented to resolve reliability issues with buttons on previous models.

Cleaning modes

• Oral-B has most brushing modes
• Both offer the preferred modes you want

Oral-B takes the crown with 7 brushing modes on the iO9 and 10 compared to the 4 or 5 on the DiamondClean models.

Number of cleaning modes
Clean
Sensitive
Gum
White
Deep Clean
Tongue
Other modes
Cleaning mode notification
Brushing intensities
Cleaning Modes Additional Information

Oral-B iO Series 3 (iO3)	Oral-B iO Series 6 (iO6)	Oral-B iO Series 9 (iO9)	Philips Sonicare DiamondClean 9000 Special Edition	Philips Sonicare DiamondClean Smart 9700	Philips Sonicare DiamondClean 9900 Prestige
3	5	7	4	5	5
			-	-
-
-	-	-
-	-		-		-
-	intense	Super sensitive, intense	-	-	-
-					-
-	-	-	3	3	3
-	Cleaning mode labels & icons on display	Cleaning mode labels & icons on display	-	-	Cleaning modes can be changed via the app only. Adaptive intensity based on pressure & scrubbing.

In all my years of testing and writing about electric toothbrushes, I’ve yet to see any compelling evidence for all the extra modes. None are going to radically change the cleaning results. 

I’ve yet to meet anyone who regularly switches between any more than 2 modes.

A standard clean and gentle mode (Sensitive or gum care) is enough. These cater for most users, including new electric brush owners who might find the brushing power a bit strong. All the models have these.

Changing between modes is a bit easier on the DiamondClean models, for the most part. They have a dedicated mode button and clear backlit text labels to show which modes are active. This doesn’t apply to all the iO models. Some have none at all, others icons and the more expensive models displays, which are far more functional.

The Prestige makes changing brushing modes most difficult. You have to access the app to change the mode and confirm which one is active. It’s frustrating, but oddly not a big issue given most, myself included rarely change between them.

In the mouth, the brushing sensation does differ. DiamondClean models feel more gentle, but the sonic vibrations can be a bit ticklish on the teeth and gums.

Oral-B’s cleaning action is more intense, a deeper sensation that I prefer, but it might feel a little harsher to some.

If you have gum recession or gum disease Sonicare is the better choice.

Bluetooth and technology, including real-time tracking

• iO’s tracking is better on the most premium models
• Sonicare doesn’t track your biting surfaces
• All give a good insight into your oral care habits

All brushes, bar the iO3 have Bluetooth connectivity.

The iO4 and DiamondClean 9000 do connect to phones via their respective apps, but neither offer real-time tracking. They won’t show you areas of the mouth you have and have not brushed.  They log how often you brush, how long and extra stuff such as if you flossed etc.

All the other handles can track in real-time. This means you can take corrective action immediately to finish your brushing session with the best brushing results and coverage score possible.

• The iO5, 6, 7 and 8 tracks 6 zones of the mouth.
• The Prestige 9900 and DiamondClean Smart models track 12.
• The iO9 and Series 10 track 16.

Bluetooth connectivity
Position tracking
Smart Features Additional information

Oral-B iO Series 3 (iO3)	Oral-B iO Series 6 (iO6)	Oral-B iO Series 9 (iO9)	Philips Sonicare DiamondClean 9000 Special Edition	Philips Sonicare DiamondClean Smart 9700	Philips Sonicare DiamondClean 9900 Prestige
-
-			-
-	6 zone real-time tracking	16 zone real-time (3D Teeth Tracking)	-	Real time position tracking.	Real time position tracking. Cleaning modes can be changed via the app only.

You do gain a bit more insight from the iO9 and 10, but it isn’t necessarily significant. 

It is easier to tell you might not have brushed the biting surfaces of the back right teeth than you can on the Prestige for example. Sonicare models don’t count the biting surface as a zone oddly.

I test brushes for a living and I don’t use these features regularly. I know some do, but the vast majority only use them periodically or stop after a while.

It is useful data they all offer, but they can be a bit of a faff, as to make the best use of them, you need your phone which you when you brush, which isn’t always desired or convenient.

You need to be committed to getting maximum benefit from the tech. 

Although the iO4 and DiamondClean 9000 don’t track zones, they do still build up a bit of a picture of your routine and allow you to glean some insights and find areas for improvement.

The Prestige 9900 and DiamondClean Smart have scrubbing sensors. This is an alert system that makes you aware if you are moving the brush too much and not achieving the correct technique.

The 9000 and 9700 have brush head mode pairing. This is where the brush automatically changes the brushing mode based on what style of head is attached. It saves 1 or 2 button presses each time you use a different head if you like to switch modes at the same time. I’d never suggest picking a brush for this feature alone.

Travel cases

• Sonicare’s cases are better
• USB charging rather than Oral-B’s clunky proprietary charger

There is no question that Philips has nailed the travel cases compared to Oral-B.

Travel case included
Charging travel case
Brush head storage
Travel case Additional information

Oral-B iO Series 3 (iO3)	Oral-B iO Series 6 (iO6)	Oral-B iO Series 9 (iO9)	Philips Sonicare DiamondClean 9000 Special Edition	Philips Sonicare DiamondClean Smart 9700	Philips Sonicare DiamondClean 9900 Prestige
-
-	-		-
-	2	1	1	2	1
-	-	Proprietary power cable supporting 100-240v with 2 pin US adapter. No battery in the case itself.	-	USB Type A cable hardwired into case. No battery in the case.	USB Type C connector. USB Type-A to USB Type-C cable included. No battery in the case.

The 9900 Prestige travel case is one of the most compact and travel friendly options I have ever used. The built-in USB Type-C port allows the brush to be charged whilst inside, which is useful.

Oral-B’s iO9 and 10 which come with charging cases rely on bulky, proprietary power adapters which make for a more cumbersome accessory when on the go.

The DiamondClean Smart 9700 and 9000 also offer in the case charging, with a hardwired USB cable built in. 

Battery and charging

• Both have a claimed 2 week battery life
• Sonicare far outperforms the claimed life where Oral-B struggles
• Some Oral-B models can charge faster
• Sonicare support a wider voltage range - better for travelers

Looking at the specifications alone, the brushes are comparable. All use rechargeable Lithium-Ion batteries, which are said to offer around 2 weeks of use on a full charge.

However, specifications and reality differ quite considerably.

As a general rule, the Sonicare models perform far better, giving 1 or more weeks of extra use. Whereas the iO7, 8, 9 and 10 can struggle to regularly achieve 2 weeks.

Their displays seem to activate when they shouldn’t causing unnecessary drain on the battery. I’ve quite often been surprised my iO has needed charging at times when I didn’t think it would.

Oral-B does offer quicker charging times, of up to 3 hours on some iO models. This might be good if you need to get a quick charge of your brush, but it’s certainly not a reason to opt for iO over Sonicare.

Sonicare charging stands tend to have support for 110-220v making them more convenient for travel, whereas only a select number of Oral-B’s stands support this voltage range. Most are limited to 110-130v, meaning adapters are required when using overseas.

It’s worth noting that neither brand's batteries are designed to be replaced. 

Everything else

I’d hate to bore you with every last detailed difference between models, but there are some key extra things you should know.

Automatic power off

Sonicare brushes power off automatically after their brushing cycle. If you want to brush for longer you need to press the power button to turn it on again. Whereas Oral-B brushes keep running until you turn them off. 

I like how obvious Sonicare makes it that the brushing cycle is complete. But, it’s your personal preference as to which you prefer.

Noise

Most Oral-B models don’t operate past 64dB, but I’ve found the iO 7, 8 and 9 do peak at over 70 decibels.

Most of the DiamondCleans are no louder than about 71dB, but it can depend on the mode and intensity chosen. Often they are far quieter.

Sonicare models have a less mechanical noise and pitch whereas Sonicare is more of a subtle audible hum.

Size and weight

There isn't a lot between them. Tenths of inches and a few ounces subject to which model you are comparing.

Keeping them clean

Sonicare models are easier to keep clean.

It’s fairly easy to wipe off grime and debris that builds up on the head and handles, but the iO has a brush head design and attachment which can result in a buildup of mold. This isn’t something experienced on Sonicare models.

Our video shows the bacteria growth inside an Oral-B head, if not cleaned properly.

Warranty

Both brands offer a 2 year warranty as standard.

Accreditations

Many Oral-B brushes have been tested and approved by the likes of the American Dental Association.

Being approved does give an extra level of confidence that brushes perform to a certain standard. However, the brands do have to pay for these, so the cynic would argue Oral-B have paid for that extra vote of confidence in their products.

Does one clean better than the other?

The short answer is no.

From my time using them, I prefer Oral-B’s cleaning action. It feels more intense and like it’s cleaning deeper. But my plaque disclosing results haven’t shown any reason to suggest the DiamondClean brushes clean worse.

If you brush twice a day, for 2 minutes each time, with the correct technique, then the reality is that all models from either brand are going to achieve comparable results.

Your dentist wouldn’t be able to tell you were using one brand or model over another.

Therefore it’s not worth worrying about. Your brushing time, frequency and technique have a far bigger impact on your dental health. You could have the ‘best’ toothbrush, but unless you use it correctly you’re not going to benefit.

But, this study, would suggest the iO Series removed up to 48% more plaque at the gumline and 62% more effective at reducing gum problems. Make up your own mind as to whether there might be some bias, given the research was funded by Oral-B’s parent company Procter and Gamble

The way the bristles move is different. The iO bristles have an oscillating, rotating and vibrating cleaning action compared to the back and forth bristle movements of Sonicare. 

Clinical studies such as this one suggest a marked difference in the clean offered by the oscillating rotating brush compared to the sonic option.

On the other hand, a 2019 study in the Journal of Clinical Dentistry (page A9) funded by Philips Oral Healthcare shows their sonic toothbrush outperforms the oscillating-rotating Oral-B.

An independent review of existing studies found that there is some evidence that Oral-B brushes are better at cleaning. However, the difference is small and the clinical significance of this is unclear.

Thus, reconfirming that one doesn’t clean better than the other.

Complicating matters further, the real-time tracking that is available on some of these might allow better cleaning results to be achieved, from one model vs another. 

Specific models such as the DiamondClean 9000 track and log some of your brushing habits, but it does not track and display your brushing in real-time. It won’t show you areas of the mouth and teeth you haven’t brushed, whereas the others do.

Those that do can help you learn to improve your brushing technique. In turn, you will get better results long term. But, this data is making you a better brusher. The brush itself is not cleaning the teeth any better.

In reality, it is a lot of effort for very little gain. I’ve got all these models and more. Do I use the tracking data and log into the app regularly - no, I don’t.

People who have bought these models and similar ones have said the same thing to me. 

This tech isn’t necessarily a waste, but there is no point paying for and having it unless you will use it.

Is one better priced than the other?

Yes. 

As a general rule, the Oral-B brushes are better value and cheaper to own. But, it does depend on the model you are looking at or comparing.

The iO3 has a retail price of $80 compared to the $200 of the DiamondClean 9000.

However, at the top of the range, the Oral-B iO10 is $400 like the Prestige 9900.