Sonicare DiamondClean 9000 vs ExpertClean

Detailed comparison: what’s the difference between the Sonicare ExpertClean and DiamondClean 9000?

There are more ways in which these 2 sonic toothbrushes are similar than they are different.  That said, there are still 6 key differences that I am aware of.

The first difference is the number of cleaning modes available.

The ExpertClean 7300 has 3 modes.  They are:

• Clean
• Depp Clean+
• Gum Health

The DiamondClean 9000 on the other hand has 4 modes.  They are:

• Clean
• White+
• Deep Clean+
• Gum Health

As you will see, the 9000 benefits from White+ mode.

As the name implies it is designed with the intention of helping whiten the teeth. This mode lasts for 3 minutes in total compared to the normal 2 minutes.

It certainly is not a key differentiating factor.  Whilst it can help lift stains from the exterior surface of the teeth, there is limited evidence, to suggest specific modes really offer big advantages.  Using the standard clean mode for longer could achieve the same results.

If you really want whiter teeth, you are best of considering professional tooth whitening, which is much more effective.

Both brushes come with 1 x C3 Premium Plaque Defence brush head in the box, but the cheaper ExpertClean also comes with 1 x G3 Premium Gum Care brush head.

The G3 head can be used on any cleaning mode, but is best suited to the gum health mode that both brushes have.

Sonicare brush heads are interchangeable and can be purchased separately.  So, even though the 9000 does not come with the G3 head, you can purchase and fit it to the handle.

The range of brush heads available is confusing.  Click here for a comprehensive guide to Sonicare heads.

A small, but potentially more significant difference is the travel case that comes with the DiamondClean 9000. The case is a little more premium.  

Compared to the hard plastic shell case of the ExpertClean, the 9000’s travel case has a lid that is coated in a soft touch PU leather like material with the Sonicare name in gold font.  Compare this to the white Sonicare text printed onto the hard plastic ExpertClean case.

In addition, the 9000’s case has a USB cable built into it.  Permanently wired into the base of the case, there is too a place to wrap and stow the cable when not in use.  It is accessed via a removable cover.

With the ExpertClean case however, the USB cable is detachable.  On one end of the case is a microUSB port into which the cable can be connected.  This leaves the potential for the cable to be mislaid or forgotten as it is a separate item to carry when travelling.

Both require the cables to be connected to power to charge the brush inside.

Inside the case there is a slight difference too, due to the way the 2 brushes are recharged.  The ExpertClean case has a prong that fits into the base of the ExpertClean, whereas the DiamondClean case does not.

So on that point, it is appropriate to mention the different charging stands these brushes have.

The ExpertClean comes with a more conventional charging stand compared to the more premium setup with the DiamondClean.  Sonicare often refers to this as a ‘charging glass’, but it is not.

The more basic stand with the ExpertClean is lighter and takes up less countertop space.

You see, on the base of the ExpertClean is a recess into which the protuberance on the top of the charging stand fits into.

The DiamondClean 9000 does not have this.  The base to this handle is flat.  

Both charge wirelessly, but the design is different.

The 9000 comes with a premium charging base, onto which fits a clear plastic frame, that the handle then sits within. It functions in basically the same way, just looks nicer.

In both cases the stand is colour matched to the brush handle.

Both brushes are available in 2 colour options.  The ExpertClean is available in black or white, whereas the DiaondClean is available in black and pink.

The charging stand with the pink DiamondClean is silver in colour through, not pink.

And last but by no means least is the actual look of the brush handle.  They are slightly different.

Colour is the biggest difference, but with the black handles side by side a quick glance might be a bit more tricky to spot the differences, but there are some.

The ExpertClean looks a touch less premium, but might actually be more practical.

There is a long rounded rectangle panel that runs down the handle. All the buttons and cleaning modes are located within this.  You do not have this on the 9000.

The 2 buttons are coated in a rubber/silicone whereas they are smooth to the touch on the DiamondClean.  As a consequence the power icon embossed on the ExpertClean button is a little less noticeable than the printed power icon on the DiamondClean.  The rubber is actually more grippy though.

Then at the bottom of the handle, both the BrushSync and battery icons are printed in a much more noticeable fashion, whereas on the DiamondClean they are essentially hidden/invisible until they are lit.

And then on the back of the handle, the ExpertClean has a small notch toward the bottom of the handle which stops the brush rolling on a countertop.  The DiamondClean does not have this.

Ultimately, the DiamondClean has been designed to look more premium. But oddly I think this actually works against it as a more grippy handle like the ExpertClean is in my opinion preferable for most.  But, this is my personal opinion.

Does one clean better than the other?

No.  

Whilst they have slightly different offerings, these brushes essentially clean the teeth as well as each other.

As far as I am aware both brushes use the same motor that delivers up to 31,000 brush strokes or 62,000 movements per minute.

And the additional White+ cleaning mode on offer on the DiamondClean isn’t going to make any significant difference in the scheme of achieving better oral health results.

Is one better priced than the other?

Yes.

The suggested retail price of the DiamondClean 9000 is £340 compared to the approx £150 of the ExpertClean. I say approximately for the ExpertClean as the actual retail price is not as well documented as it is for other models.

Based on this, that is a £190 premium.

THIS IS BY NO MEANS JUSTIFIABLE!!!

But, what needs to be considered is there is the suggested and actual selling price.

Discounts of 20% are common for Sonicare products.  At times that discount can be as much as 50%.

Since launch the average selling price of the ExpertClean has fallen to £100-120.  Not quite a 20% discount, but the retail price is lower than most.

At the time of writing the DiamondClean 9000 is being sold for or very close to it’s suggested selling price, with basically no discount.  

Therefore the difference is much more significant.  £220-240 more significant.

However, we must assume that at some point the price will decrease.

Based on the typical 20-50% discount , the newer 9000 should at some point drop to a price anywhere between £272 to £170.  

Whilst these prices are clearly a big saving on the retail price, they still a significant increase over the ExpertClean. 

Even if the DiamondClean 9000 drops to £170, that is still £50-70 more than the ExpertClean.

This premium is still not worth it.

If I had to put a figure on the premium the 9000 is worth, it would be about £10.  The travel case setup is the main appeal for me.  You might feel differently.

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.