{"id":4042227,"date":"2025-01-11T11:13:55","date_gmt":"2025-01-11T11:13:55","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.electricteeth.com\/uk\/?p=4042227"},"modified":"2025-11-19T18:16:46","modified_gmt":"2025-11-19T18:16:46","slug":"sonicare-5300-5500-6100-6500-7100","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.electricteeth.com\/uk\/sonicare-5300-5500-6100-6500-7100\/","title":{"rendered":"Sonicare Series 5300, 5500, 6100, 6500 & 7100 comparison"},"content":{"rendered":"
\"Sonicare<\/figure>\n\n\n

Our verdict<\/h2>\n\n\n

Best overall: <\/strong> Sonicare Series 5300 \/ Philips<\/a>, Amazon<\/a> \/ ~\u00a355.21<\/p>

Strong contender: <\/strong> Sonicare Series 5500 \/ Philips<\/a>, Amazon<\/a> \/ ~\u00a374.99<\/p><\/div>\n\n\n

The 5300 has the core features we recommend for an electric toothbrush: a timer, a pacer and a pressure sensor. They are well implemented. It has great battery life and it feels solid in the hand. It features the same handle design as the other brushes in the range. It has two intensity settings and can be used with a sensitive brush head if you want a gentler cleaning experience than the out-the-box settings. If desired, you can buy it with a basic travel case, or purchase a charging travel case separately.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

The 5500 is almost identical, except it has 2 cleaning modes instead of 2 intensities. I explain these differences in more detail below, but in practice it makes little difference. If the 5500 is on offer cheaper than the 5300 then it\u2019s worth going for.<\/p>\n\n\n

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Our Choice<\/div>\n \n
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\n \"Philips\n <\/div>\n
\n
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\n Philips Sonicare Series 5300 <\/div>\n <\/div>\n
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\n \"rating-star-filled\"\n <\/div>\n
\n \"rating-star-filled\"\n <\/div>\n
\n \"rating-star-filled\"\n <\/div>\n
\n \"rating-star-filled\"\n <\/div>\n
\n \"rating-star-filled\"\n <\/div>\n
(4.8)<\/div>\n
\n \"ask-icon\"\n <\/div>\n <\/div>\n \n \n
\n\n
\n Philips - check price <\/a>\n \u00a355.21 Amazon <\/a>\n \n <\/div>\n <\/div>\n <\/div>\n <\/div>\n <\/div>\n \n\n
\n\n \n
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\n \"Philips\n <\/div>\n
\n
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\n Philips Sonicare Series 5500 <\/div>\n <\/div>\n
\n
\n \"rating-star-filled\"\n <\/div>\n
\n \"rating-star-filled\"\n <\/div>\n
\n \"rating-star-filled\"\n <\/div>\n
\n \"rating-star-filled\"\n <\/div>\n
\n \"rating-star-filled\"\n <\/div>\n
(5)<\/div>\n
\n \"ask-icon\"\n <\/div>\n <\/div>\n \n \n
\n\n
\n Philips - check price <\/a>\n \u00a374.99 Amazon <\/a>\n \n <\/div>\n <\/div>\n <\/div>\n <\/div>\n <\/div>\n \n\n\n

When to choose the 6100, 6500 or 7100<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

If you suffer from sensitive teeth or gums, or if you like to have more control over the intensity of the brushing sensation, one of these models is worth closer consideration. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

With two cleaning modes, each adjustable by three intensities, the 6100 has six overall configurations. You should be able to find an intensity that is comfortable.  <\/p>\n\n\n\n

The 6500 and 7100 have 9 and 12 configurations respectively. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

All three brushes have a visible pressure sensor in addition to a vibrating sensor. If you suffer from sensitivity, a pressure sensor is a good way to ensure you're not brushing too hard and thus worsening that sensitivity. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

The 5300 and 5500 also include the vibrating sensor, which is implemented very well and is easy to notice, but the visible pressure sensor is an additional aid that complements this.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Of the three, the 6100 would be my strongest recommendation. It is better value for money compared to the 6500 and 7100. <\/p>\n\n\n

\n\n \n
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\n \"Philips\n <\/div>\n
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\n Philips Sonicare Series 6100 <\/div>\n <\/div>\n
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\n \"rating-star-filled\"\n <\/div>\n
\n \"rating-star-filled\"\n <\/div>\n
\n \"rating-star-filled\"\n <\/div>\n
\n \"rating-star-filled\"\n <\/div>\n
\n \"rating-star-filled\"\n <\/div>\n
(5)<\/div>\n
\n \"ask-icon\"\n <\/div>\n <\/div>\n \n \n
\n\n
\n Philips - check price <\/a>\n \u00a389.99 Boots.com <\/a>\n \n <\/div>\n <\/div>\n <\/div>\n <\/div>\n <\/div>\n \n\n\n

The main reason to consider the 6500 or 7100 would be if you want the Bluetooth features, which I talk about in more detail later on<\/a>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

In brief, the implementation works well enough but leaves a bit to be desired. Unless you really want the additional feedback on brushing, my advice would be to go for one of the cheaper brushes in the range, or look at a more fully featured smart toothbrush. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

How we rated them<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

All of these brushes are a delight to use. They all clean as well as each other. We've rated them all very highly \u2014 the scores range from 82 out of 100 to 86 out of 100. You can see a comparison of our category scores in the table below.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

You may be wondering, given the difference in price, how they can all achieve such a high score. The scores reflect the message we've long promoted with electric toothbrushes: you don't need to spend a lot to get a brush that has a strong implementation of the key features. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Used correctly, a brush with such a design is all you need to maintain good oral hygiene. This is therefore the benchmark we use to rate brushes. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

The additional technology and features that get added on top of the key features don't do much to move the needle in terms of how well they clean your teeth. They enhance the user experience slightly, but in our minds they often don't warrant spending the extra money. That is, unless you think you'll really make use of and benefit from these features.<\/p>\n\n\n\n