An excellent toothbrush, but better value options exist
The Pro 2 2000 has the essential, dentist-recommended features you need from an electric toothbrush.
It is a strong performer that cleans the teeth well.
But, the newer Pro 3 3500 is typically a better value buy.
Pros
- Slim grippy handle
- Multiple cleaning modes
Cons
- No icons on the handle to show which cleaning mode is selected
- Defaults to daily clean mode
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Oral-B Pro 2 2000 Rechargeable Electric Toothbrush, White Handle, 1 Sensi Ultrathin Brush Head | 21,696 Reviews | £83.39 | View on Amazon |
The Pro 3 3500 offers more features for less money
If you can buy the Pro 2 2000 at the right price, it is a solid choice. But, it has essentially been replaced by the Pro 3 Series.
The Pro 3 3500 in particular is our number 1 choice for the best electric toothbrush.
Technically very similar, the main difference is the Pro 3 series has a more minimal handle design and lacks the large rubber grip that runs down the length of the Pro 2’s handle. It comes with a travel case too.
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Oral-B Pro 3 - 3500 | £100.00 £34.99 | View on Amazon |
Dentist-recommended features are included and perform as expected
Our in-house dentists believe 3 features should be present in a good electric toothbrush. The Pro 2 2000 has them all.
The timer and pacer help you to brush for the right amount of time
Let’s face it, it’s easy to get distracted when brushing your teeth — there are more interesting things to do. Subsequently, you lose track of how long you’ve brushed for and don’t end up brushing for the dentist-advised 2 minutes. The Pro 2 2000 helps to guard against this.
The pacer is activated from the moment the brush is powered on, momentarily pausing the brushing action every 30 seconds to tell you to move on to the next part of the mouth. There are 4 sections in total and you need to brush the inner, outer, and biting surfaces of the teeth during this time.
After 2 minutes the alert changes slightly to tell you that you have brushed for long enough. Unlike some brushes, the Pro 2 doesn’t power off automatically. This may be a disappointment to some, but it’s not a big issue.
Brushing for the full 2 minutes is very important, but just as important, if not more so, is using the right technique. Make sure you learn how to brush your teeth properly — you don’t use an electric brush in the same way you do a manual.
The visible pressure sensor will alert you when you are brushing too hard
Scrubbing the teeth hard and fast doesn’t clean them any better. Long term it will actually damage them.
A pressure sensor built into the Pro 2 detects if you’re brushing too hard. The motor will then slow the brush head and the panel on the back of the handle will illuminate red. This is your alert to relieve the pressure until the light goes out.
You can normally see it out of the corner of your eye, but it’s easier to spot if you brush in front of a mirror.
If you know you have a habit of brushing with too much force, the Pro 2 will help you rectify this.
Cleaning results that make you smile
Oral-B’s oscillating-rotating brush heads are smaller than the sonic style from the likes of Sonicare. They do make it easier to reach the tightest of spaces.
The cleaning action of the Pro 2 feels more aggressive and intense than sonic brushes, which have a lighter and more ticklish sensation. It’s personal preference as to which you prefer, but you do get that invigorating dentist-clean feeling with the Pro 2.
The Pro 2 2000 is usually supplied with a CrossAction brush head, which effectively disrupts and lifts plaque and debris from the teeth, as confirmed by my plaque disclosing tests. I am more than impressed.
A softer brushing sensation can be achieved by using the softer bristled Sensi UltraThin brush head. It is one of a range of interchangeable Oral-B brush heads compatible with the Pro 2.
They push on and pull off the handle.
Don’t worry too much about the brush head style, though — your brushing time and technique are more important.
A slim, grippy handle that can be difficult to keep clean
The Pro 2 2000 feels reassuringly secure in the hand.
The combination of a slim-profiled plastic body and the large rubber grip on the front helps your fingers and palm keep a firm hold of it. A series of raised, plastic mouldings on the back of the handle further aid with this.
The slight downside is that the textured rubber surface makes it easier for toothpaste residue to build up. Without regular cleaning, I have found a white coating appears.
The handle is water resistant, so a rinse under the tap is perfectly fine. All the important electronics, including the battery, are sealed inside.
Protruding from the body, the power button is easy for the fingertip to detect. You do need to give it a fairly firm push, so those with dexterity issues might find it a bit more challenging.
The Pro 2 2000 is available with blue, white or black coloured grips.
Philips Sonicare brushes look more refined and premium in my opinion. I don’t think the gloss plastics of the Pro 2 are that appealing when you compare them to the matt finish of Sonicare brushes. The resistive texture makes their handles feel better, too. That being said, they are normally more expensive.
Below average, but a reliable 2 week battery life
3-4 weeks is the typical usage time you can expect from a lot of electric brushes today. The Pro 2 2000 falls a bit short with a claimed life of around 2 weeks. I averaged 16 days in my testing.
This is certainly satisfactory and far from the worst. But, for a leading brand it’s not unreasonable to expect a bit better.
The rechargeable Lithium-Ion battery is sealed inside the handle. An LED on the front does give feedback when the power is low and when charging. You don’t get this with Oral-B’s budget brushes.
The supplied white charging stand has a 2 pin power adapter hardwired into it, with a cable length of about 90cm. It supports 220-240v.
A protuberance on the stand fits into the recess on the base of the brush handle and takes up to 15 hours to replenish the battery.
2 cleaning modes to suit different preferences, but it defaults to Daily Clean
The brushing modes available on the Pro 2 are:
- Daily clean
- Sensitive
In most instances, you only need daily clean. This will suffice for the vast majority of users.
But, sensitive is a great option for new electric brush users or if you have particularly tender gums. Those with gum disease will also benefit from the slower and less intense movements.
No icons or labels to tell you which mode you’re using
Pressing the power button at any time allows you to switch between the modes.
Unfortunately, there is nothing to confirm which mode you have selected. There are no labels, icons or LEDs on the handle. Instead, you have to learn the order. You will get used to the different sounds and sensations that each offers.
It doesn’t remember the last mode used
Frustratingly, the brush does not remember the last cleaning mode used. This means every time you use the brush, you will need to press the power button twice if you want to use the sensitive mode. 1 press to turn it on and launch daily clean, a second to get to sensitive mode. You can’t change it before turning the brush on.
It’s not a deal breaker nor a reason to avoid the 2000, but something to be aware of.
It’s not as good value as it once was
£69.99 is the retail price for the Pro 2.
The average selling price used to be £40, but since the introduction of the Pro 3 Series and the reduced availability of the Pro 2, average prices are now £55 or more.
Over 3 years, the ownership cost is upwards of £88. Not bad, but the Pro 3 3500 costs £75-80 and has an additional cleaning mode and a travel case.
It’s louder than you might expect
Oral-B brushes are louder than most and the Pro 2 2000 has quite a mechanical noise that registers at 76 decibels. It isn’t like the quieter audible humming sound of sonic brushes that fall into the 60 decibel range.
If you brush your teeth when others tend to be asleep you will need to shut the door.
I wouldn’t discount the Pro 2 as my next toothbrush for this reason alone, though.
You can’t repair it yourself, but you can extend the warranty from 2 to 3 years if you register
The Pro 2 boasts a handle design that has been in use for many years — it is tried and tested.
Whilst nobody can provide complete assurances of reliability, there is little reason to have concern here. The Pro 2 feels solid in hand. I’ve used this and similar brushes for many years without issue.
The most frequent complaint I’ve come across is the rubber grip perishing over years of use. I can’t comment on how common this is, but environmental factors, such as leaving it sitting in water, can have quite an impact.
2 years of manufacturer support is provided as standard, but this can be extended for free to a pretty generous 3 years, if you register the brush. You should be hopeful of 5+ years of service from the Pro 2.
Environmental impact
A 2020 life-cycle analysis of electric toothbrushes found that the average brush is 11 times more impactful than a manual toothbrush.
Whilst we don’t have specific figures for this model, we estimate that the Pro 2 2000 is about average in terms of its impact. This is because it doesn’t have additional, unnecessary extras like Bluetooth or an in handle display.
Oral-B’s parent company, P&G, could certainly do more to address the impact of its products.
For more discussion on this and whether to opt for electric or manual, see our article is there such a thing as an eco-friendly electric toothbrush.
Conclusion: good cleaning results but consider the alternatives
The Pro 2 2000 does so many things just right. There is little to find fault with here.
I like the slim and grippy handle. The 2 week battery life is satisfactory and, most importantly, it does a good job of cleaning your teeth.
But, changes in the Oral-B range mean that the newer Pro 3 3500 represents a better buy for most. It has the same features and costs less to own.
Size Guide
- Height (without head) – 19.5cm
- Height (with head) – 23.5cm
- Width – 2.3cm
- Thickness – 2.9cm
- Weight (without head) – 123g
- Weight (with head) – 129g
All are approximates
Noise
- 76dB
Thank you for the review.
I started using oral b vitality last year as my friend recommended using an electric toothbrush instead of manual ones.
Do you think that I should replace it for this one? Does the extra pulsation make a big different? (I’m currently working on brushing technique listed on the site).
Technically the Pro 2 series offers a bit of a better clean with the extra pulsations. However, I wouldn’t suggest at this stage it is necessary to upgrade just for this. I would focus on your brushing technique and master this first. Also make sure other parts of your oral care routine are good, like flossing. Upgrading isn’t going to make a significant difference to the cleaning results. Whilst the Vitality works, stick with it.
I would completely disagree here with the comments about Ni-MH compared with Li-ion batteries, i.e. if you want long life of product. Li-ion have a much shorter shelf and usage life, which is the expense for a more powerful and possibly longer charge life. Most Ni-MH I’ve used have lasted for a decade or longer, as long as you look after them (occasionally refresh by fully discharging and recharging and never actually leave discharged). Li-ion can be down to 80% efficiency after a year; and efficiency drops off even more quickly after that, whatever you do. The have a more limited number of charging cycles; after basically first fully charging and possibly discharging and fully charging once (only), they’ll have a longer life if kept between around 30% and 70% of charge i.e. never allow full discharge or full charge (which is nearly impossible to do) rather than fully charging and discharging to try and obtain more charging cycles. If I wanted something like an electric toothbrush that both works well enough and lasts more than 2 or 3 years max, I’d always want a Ni-MH, not that you can get them or have a choice now.
Thanks for Sharing your opinions Richard. There are a few brushes that still use NiMH, but certainly a much more limited choice.
Does this toothbrush charge only with the charger in the box or can it be used with a charger for the older Nickel Metal Hydride battery powered Oral-B toothbrushes? I have an old toothbrush with a worn out battery and would like to know if the old charger (Type 3757 on base) is compatible with the pro 2 2900.
Hi Mark,
Yes the 3757 charger is compatible with the Pro 2 2900. We have a post here that lists the compatibility of Oral-B parts.
This brush seems to auto turn off after about 4.5 min only when battery is low. It’s probably power save feature like slowing down rotation when red led starts blinking. Another undocumented feature is that brush can be turned off while working in daily clean mode without need to switch to sensitive just by pressing power button longer. Unfortunately we don’t know when battery is low because of lack of detailed battery charge indicator. Also full charge seems to take somewhere from 10 to 12 hours which is another drawback.
I just bought PRO 2 2000 White version and noticed it auto turns off after about 4 minutes 30 seconds. Is this normal? Review doesn’t mention anything about auto turn off. Braun claims it doesn’t auto turn off after 2 minutes.
Hi Luke. My version does not do this, nor do other Oral-B models turn themselves off automatically (iO Series being an exception).
It could be they have made a change to the hardware. I would question if this is an issue as normally you wouldn’t need the toothbrush on for as long as 4 minutes & 30 seconds.
Bought this brush (Pro 2 2000N) in June 2018 and have used it for approximately 3 minutes a day. At he beginning, it gave more than a week of brushing. Then I needed to recharge every other day, lately every day.
Yesterday it died. Not very good for a brush that cost 80 euros.
Hi Susanne.
Sorry to hear about the issue you have experienced. It is covered by a 2 year warranty, so if you make contact with Oral-B, or book it in online via https://www.service.braun.com/ you should be able to get it repaired.
Jon,
I just bought the 2900 twin pack as one charger between two makes it cheaper. I think this is the same as the Pro2 2000N.
I was used to putting toothpaste onto my manual toothbrush before brushing, but doing this with the Oral-B it sprayed off when I pressed the button, so now I have to wipe toothpaste onto my teeth first. Is this the recommended method? The documentation is multilingual but very limited in scope!
Hi Roger.
Thanks for the comment.
The Pro 2 2900 is the same as the Pro 2 2000N as you suggest, just a dual handle package.
The best approach is to apply the paste to the brush head, before turning the brush on. Place the head into the mouth, then turn the brush on. Doing so will stop the toothpaste spraying everywhere.
Whats the difference between Oral B Pro 2 2000N and Oral B Pro 2 2000W as I require pressure sensor
Hi Aileen,
The Pro 2 2000W – This is the Pro 2 2000 with 1 x 3D White brush head included in the box, rather than the CrossAction brush head that comes with the Pro 2 2000N.
The 2000W also comes with a pink rubber grip down the handle, rather than a blue one.
The Pro 2 2000W does come with a pressure sensor.
Thanks for the review. I’ve bought this model and have since noticed toothpaste in liquid form has made its way into the section at the top of the brush handle where the metal prong comes out and connects to the brush head. Can you please tell me if it’s okay and safe to clean this section (once the brush head is removed) under running water? If it’s not do you know what’s the best way of preventing and/or clearing up the paste that makes its way inside the handle? I’m concerned that this could eventually damage the brush if not cleaned. Thanks again.
Hi Martin.
Thanks for the comment.
I have noticed toothpaste/moisture can build up around the metal shaft that extends out from the brush handle. Drips down the brush head and pools here.
I can’t say that I have ever noticed this getting inside the handle. If you think the seal around here may be loose or there is a risk moisture is getting in, you may want to speak to Oral-B.
The general advice is to wipe the handle down. I tend to give mine a rinse under the tap (pointing the shaft down into the sink, so the water runs away from the internal components) and then dry off with a towel. I have found this keeps the brush in good shape.
A few days ago I purchased this toothbrush which works well and it does a great job. However, the polystyrene packaging was a huge let down. Polystyrene can’t be recycled and takes hundreds of years to decompose and can easily be carried by the wind and pollute water streams.
I originally planned to purchase the Genius 9000 but I didn’t need the big plastic travel case nor the gimmicky plastic smartphone holder. Some people just want the toothbrush and the accessories should be sold separately.
Hi Cristian,
We are indeed ourselves find it disappointing that Oral-B still use polystyrene in their packaging. Philips are much better using cardboard.
Nice review… Comprehensive. I was unsure how the timer would work but I see now. I just got my first ever own proper electric toothbrush, always brushed with manual ones before… I want to take care of my teeth and I forget to brush so the electric toothbrush is more efficient+faster+cleans better+easy to use+good for lazy user. Also I find it so cool that it charges basically Wirelessly, the charging stand stands it up and it’s charging wirelessly, no cable to plug into the brush itself. Yep, bathrooms in Europe/UK have a shaver/electrical socket to plug into.
In toothbrushes it seems the new modern tech way is the best/better… Some things like shaving are better the old school way (safety razor wet shaving). My opinion.
I’m happy to start using this brush and I got it as a Birthday present. It’s a pink one but that’s fine by me, I dont care about the colour too much and Pink is Cool! Regular price 100€ and it was on sale for 50€, good price, fair price for sure. It’s not a cheapo value electric toothbrush, but also not a high-high end one. No need to get a high end one, In my opinion.
Matti,
Thanks for the feedback. Glad you like it.
Battery life and replacement.
After approximately how many years will the battery cease to hold a useful charge [eg last for only 1 day]?
Can the battery be replaced by the user?
What is the specification and cost of a replacement battery?
Hi Kieren.
Thanks for the comment. I cannot say after how long the battery will deteriorate to the point it will only hold charge for about 1 day.
Most brushes are designed to last 3-5 years. The standard warranty is 2 years, but you can register for a 3rd year for free.
Should the battery life get worse in this time, the warranty will allow you to get the brush repaired/replaced.
After 3 years the battery life will likely begin to drop a little, how quickly the life will drop it is not possible to say. Only long term testing will really confirm this. The experience of 1 person may well be different to another.
Whilst technically the battery could be replaced, the brush has not been designed too. I cannot comment on the cost of the battery, but I do believe it is unlikely to be economically viable to buy and replace the battery. I would estimate around £10-15 for the battery.
Hi Jon Love.
I am from Asia and buy Oral B Pro 2 2000 from local retailer in Hong Kong . The packing printed Made in Germany but when I unpacked the box saw made in China at the bottom of the charger. I do not understand why the box indicated Made in Germany. Could you please tell me the charger of Pro 2 2000 that you tested is made in China or Germany. Thanks a lot .
Hi.
I can confirm that the charging stand provided with the Pro 2 2000 I have is made in Germany.
Just purchased this on dentist recommendation.
I found your review extremely helpful and written in plain English without unessesary jargon.
Well done and thank you.
Hi Brian.
Thanks for the feedback, makes us feel good.
Our aim has always been to help and make the decision process easier.
Pleased to have assisted.
This is is really an incredible website.
I wanted to buy a new tooth brush for our family and the tests have been of great help.
We previously had a Oral-B Professional Care 3000 but after two years the Ni-MH batteries where very bad so I got new ones under warranty. Now two years later I am happy to see that Oral-B use Li-Ion batteries which have such a better life.
Because of my bad experience with the Oral-B battery I initially wanted to buy a Philips Sonicare DiamondClean but the ones with all bells and whistles (Philips Sonicare DiamondClean Smart HX9924/03) was more than twice as expensive as the Genius 9000. So at the end a bought a couple of Oral-B PRO 2 2000N ’s and one Oral-B Genius 9000N to see how the very best and best value differ in daily use.
If the Oral-B Genius is an Audi, the Oral-B PRO 2 2000N is a Skoda. Same company with so much value for the money.
One advantage buying Oral-B is that you can use all tooth brush head models on every tooth brush. Also the added 3rd year warranty is a great bonus ! Last but not least the Li-Ion batteries in an entry level device are hard to beat but remember that Philips Sonicare already had them for years.
Thanks again for the great test and giving consumers enough information to make a well though purchase.
Thanks for the comment and the feedback, much appreciated. Glad we could help.
Great review Jon, just getting ready to replace our aging Braun’s and this review was very helpful (especially with regard to the updated battery. We could have purchased a model with the older battery at the same price) Thanks mate!
No problem Mel! Always good to know that I have helped.
As and when you replace your brush, be sure to come back and let me know what you think of them.
Thank you for your very comprehensive review. I have just bought this model from Amazon but the box looks different to that on Amazon’s website and I have been trying to discover whether I have been sent the correct item, especially as there is no mention of the Gum Care mode on the packaging. Even Oral B’s own website is still showing the older packaging but I now understand I have the latest model so am very happy – thanks again!
No problem Jane. Always a bonus to get something newer than you expected.