Editor’s Note
The Oral-B Pro 2 2500 is essentially identical to the Pro 2 2000 that comes out top in this comparison but includes a travel case.
More often than not, the Pro 2 2500 is actually cheaper than the Pro 2 2000.
The Pro 2 2000 or 2500 are both excellent, but the 2500 is the better value buy, most of the time.
Which one would we choose?
Our choice: Oral-B Pro 2 2000 (view on Amazon)
2nd choice: Oral-B Smart 4 4000 (view on Amazon)
The Pro 2 2000 is the brush to opt for.*
Although these brushes look similar they are technically quite different.
The Smart 4 appeals to those who want more features, but experience tells me that the vast majority will prefer and be happy with the Pro 2 2000.
The Pro 2000 offers a fantastic clean, a good battery life and what you need at a good price.
If you really do want a more capable, or smart toothbrush then consider the Smart 5 5000 or Genius X.
*The Pro 2 2500, essentially the Pro 2 2000 with a travel case is usually cheaper, so the better buy.
Key Differences
The following table lists the key differences between each brush.
A more detailed list and explanation of the differences can be found beneath the comparison table.
| Pro 2 2000 | Smart 4 4000 | |
|---|---|---|
 |  | |
| Recommended Retail Price (RRP) | £69.99 | £120.00 |
| Cleaning Action | 3D Oscillating Rotating & Pulsating | 3D Oscillating Rotating & Pulsating |
| Number of Cleaning Modes | 2 | 3 |
| Timer & Pacer | Yes | Yes |
| Pressure Sensor | Yes (including visible) | Yes (including visible) |
| Battery Life (Days – Manufacturer claimed) | 14+ | 14+ |
| Battery Type | Li-Ion | Li-Ion |
| Number of Brush Heads Included | 1 | 2 |
| Travel Case | – | – |
| Bluetooth | – | Yes |
| Position Detection Technology | – | – |
| Handle Colour(s) | Blue Pink White | White Pink Black |
| Other Key Information | – | Brush head stand included |
- The Smart 4 4000 has 3 cleaning modes (Daily Clean, Sensitive & Whitening) compared to the 2 modes (Daily Clean & Sensitive) of the Pro 2 2000.
- The Smart 4 4000 has Bluetooth connectivity.
- The Smart 4 comes with 2 brush heads compared to the 1 with the Pro 2.
- The Smart 4 comes with a brush head stand that holds 2 brush heads.
- The brush handle colours are different.
- The Pro 2 2000 is cheaper.
These differences are explained at length later in this article. However, you might wish to learn more about each brush being compared. To do so, check out our hands-on reviews:
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.
Detailed comparison: what’s the difference between the Oral-B Pro 2 2000 and Smart 4 4000?
In this comparison, I am comparing the Oral-B Pro 2 2000N against the Oral-B Smart 4 4000N.
I mention this because there are a few different variants of the 2000 and 4000.
The variants of each model include:
- Pro 2
- 2000N
- 2000S
- 2000W
- 2500
- 2700
- 2900
- Smart 4
- 4000N
- 4000S
- 4000W
- 4500N
- 4900
Specifications and cleaning ability are the same on the variants. What differs is the exact model name, the brush head supplied, the colour of the rubber grip on the handle and the box contents.
Read the hands-on review of the Pro 2 2000 and Smart 4 4000 to learn more.
Right, a detailed explanation of the differences then.
The Smart 4 4000 has 3 cleaning modes (Daily Clean, Sensitive & Whitening) compared to the 2 modes (Daily Clean & Sensitive of the Pro 2 2000).
My article titled, Oral-B cleaning modes explained, tells you in detail how each of these modes differ.
The key thing to know is the Daily Clean mode, is the default mode that is suitable for most people.
Where the Smart 4 perhaps stands out more, is the Whitening mode, which could potentially be more effective at removing surface stains on the teeth and helping them to look whiter than they once were.
The biggest difference between these 2 models is the Bluetooth connectivity on the Smart 4 4000.
As per the name, this connectivity makes the brush smart and potentially more useful than the likes of the Pro 2.
Read the 4000 review for a detailed rundown of how it works and what it really does for you. But, in a nutshell, it is a bit like having a dental professional checking in on what you are doing and giving helpful advice to help you take better care of your teeth and gums.
The whole purpose of this is for you to educate yourself and improve your oral health. Yes, you can buy new brush heads etc from the app, but the presentation of data and logging it all within the app can give you an overview of just how good or poor your oral care habits are.
You do pay for it, as the Smart 4 commands a premium and the connectivity and data it transfers is not as rich as the Genius X.
For those serious about connecting their toothbrush to an app, you will get more benefit from the Genius X because it actually tracks the position of the brush and shows you areas of the teeth you have not brushed at all or for long enough. This is extra data that is not available when using the Smart 4.
The ‘N’ variaints of the Pro 2 and Smart 4 I am comparing here both come with the standard CrossAction brush head that Oral-B offer.
The difference is you get 2 in the box with the 4000 and only 1 with the Pro 2.
Another little extra with the 4000 is the inclusion of a brush head stand.
A piece of gloss white plastic, it clips around the provided charging stand and essentially offers 2 prongs either side, onto which a single brush head can be placed.
It is a more secure and tidy place to store additional or replacement brush heads. Sadly, the Pro 2 does not come with this.
To look at the 2 toothbrushes there is a great deal of similarity, the biggest noticeable difference is that the Smart 4 4000 has a white rubber grip on the front of the handle, compared to the dark blue of the Pro 2.
However, as noted earlier, there are various variants, which can mean the grip colour will be different, or the same!
The other way to tell them apart is the Smart 4 will have a little Bluetooth icon just above the battery status icon.
The last difference, which I touch upon in a section of this comparison below is the price. The Pro 2000 is the cheaper of the 2 brushes.
Whilst many differences exist, I think it is worth listing out the ways in which these brushes are in fact very similar.
Both models have/come with:
- Slim brush handle with rubber grip on front and raised plastic ridges on the back
- Small round brush head with oscillating-rotating and pulsating (3D) cleaning action
- Built-in 2 minute timer and 30 second pacer
- Rechargeable lithium-ion battery with 2+ w eeks battery life
- Battery charge/status light on the front of the brush handle
- Comes provided with a 2 pin (UK) charging stand supporting 220-240V
- Water resistant brush handle
- 2 year warranty
Does one clean better than the other?
No, they both clean as well as each other.
That said, there are a couple of reasons as to why it could be argued that the Smart 4 4000 can clean the teeth better.
The Smart 4 does offer a Whitening mode that the Pro 2 does not.
In theory, this can help whiten teeth a bit quicker, by removing surface stains. But, any cleaning mode should in theory help remove those things that cause the teeth to dull and stain, you don’t need a specific whitening mode to achieve, cleaner and whiter teeth.
I am not saying this extra mode has no place, but its value can often be overstated. A single cleaning mode is perfectly fine for the vast majority. You won’t find many dental professionals saying you need extra cleaning modes.
The other way in which the Smart 4 could potentially allow you to clean the teeth better is because it feeds data back to a smartphone application.
Data is passed via a Bluetooth connection to a free Oral-B app available for Android and iOS.
This data is analysed by the app and gives you feedback based on this. It can alert you to areas you need to improve, such as how long you brush for and whether you are brushing too hard.
By seeing this data and getting the prompts that the app gives might encourage and motivate you to take better care of your oral health.
This is particularly useful for those who are lazy brushers and know they could do better.
You don’t need the likes of an app to show you how to brush better. Indeed it is useful, but just learning how to brush your teeth correctly will have a big impact.
No app can make you brush better, it can just give you the guidance, you still need to do the hard work.
Is one better priced than the other?
Yes.
Given the extra features that the Smart 4 4000 offers, it commands a higher price.
The recommended retail price is £120, but don’t pay this.
A typical average price for the Smart 4 is around £60.
Compare this to the £70 retail price of the Pro 2 2000 and the average selling price of approx £30-40.
You are therefore going to be looking at a typical premium of £20-30 to get the Smart 4 4000 over the Pro 2.
You might feel the extras of the Smart 4 are worth it, or you may rather save a few pounds and stick with the Pro 2.
The ongoing cost of owning the brushes is the same as they are both Oral-B models and use the same brush heads.
As I have already intimated earlier in this comparison, it makes complete sense to also look at the Oral-B Pro 2 2500, which is often the same price or cheaper than the Pro 2 2000. It is essentially identical and comes with a travel case included. In many instances, you get more for less.
Please note that all prices quoted are approximates and will vary based on location, supplier and time of purchase. These figures were correct at the time of writing and should not be relied upon as hard fact, but used as a guide during your decision process.
Conclusion
As mentioned above, the Pro 2 2000 is the brush I would choose out of these two.
The Smart 4 4000 is very capable and does potentially bring benefits for some.
However, for the vast majority of users, the Pro 2 ticks all the necessary boxes, whilst the Smart 4 offers features that may not be used all that frequently, and you can end up paying a premium for these.
If a smart toothbrush is really what you want, then the Smart 5 5000 or the Genius X from Oral-B are the brushes to look at.
Unless you really feel a toothbrush that connects to your smartphone is for you, then save yourself a few pounds and go for the Pro 2 2000.
But, if opting for the Pro 2 2000, do check the price of the Pro 2 2500. The 2500 is essentially identical but comes with a travel case. Usually, you can buy this, for less than the price of the 2000 without it!
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.
I found that from model pro 2000 to pro 9000 are all 48000 rpm. The difference are battery capacity, mode, accessories .
That is true. Only 600 model has half of this speed (24000rpm). I remember this from ages ago when they were still giving info on the boxes. Now you cant even find the speed in tech specs in manuals.
The vast array of electric toothbrushes is mind-boggling, and comparing them is just a nightmare!
However, I hope I can help your readers to compare the Oral B / Braun ranges, from my own research in November 2016!
From a conversation with the manufacturer, the following points are my understanding (in my own words)……
1. The fundamental and MOST IMPORTANT difference between the Pro 2000 and Pro 4000 series of brushes, is in fact that the Pro 4000 series is capable of giving a better (or faster or more effective) cleaning performance than the Pro 2000 series.
2. This is because the cleaning effectiveness is governed by the speed of the oscillations and pulsations of the brush, and this speed is much higher in the Pro 4000 series than in the Pro 2000 models. Just to note, the maximum cleaning effectiveness for each model is achieved in the “Daily Clean” mode.
3. As a point of interest, all models from the Pro 3000 series “upwards”, have a faster (more powerful) cleaning action in the “Daily Clean” mode, than the models from the Pro 2000 series “downwards”, which have a lower speed (less powerful) action on this setting.
4. The various additional modes on different price point models (for example, the sensitive mode etc) involve to some extent varying the speed. None of these modes have a more powerful cleaning action than the Daily Clean mode, but do offer other benefits to those users who want or need them. Of course, in the more expensive model ranges, there are also some “connectivity” options, which enable the user to connect their toothbrush to their smart phone or an electronic monitor.
To confirm these points, or ask for any more detailed information, I would recommend contacting the manufacturer’s customer support dept.
In my opinion, the 3000 series is probably the best value for money out of the Oral B ranges, if you simply want the most effective cleaning from an Oral B product. Sometimes, “higher” models can be found on offer at reduced prices, which of course is also attractive. If you want bells and whistles, then you can pay more for them, and if you are on a tighter budget, then of course the 2000 series and below should become a more attractive option.
Hope this helps.
Hi Keith,
Thanks for replying with such a fantastic level of detail. It certainly sounds like you have done your research and I am convinced many will find this very helpful.
With such investigations you must have opted for a brush. You mention the Pro 3000 is the best value in your opinion, did you opt for this model?