Philips Sonicare Toothbrush Model Comparison

Sonicare Toothbrush Feature Guide

Before you try to decide on the best which Sonicare electric toothbrush you should buy, it’s a good idea to understand some of the feature definitions and jargon associated with Sonicare toothbrushes and electric toothbrushes in general. You may also notice similar features on Oral-B and Waterpik electric toothbrushes, but they’re called something different.

First off, we need to clarify how Philips defines their Sonicare brush speeds. They use the terminology “brush strokes per 60 seconds” and “brush movements per 60 seconds,” which mean different things. According to the numbers they provide, the number of “brush movements” are double the number of “brush strokes.” So if you’re looking through specifications or product descriptions and see 31,000 strokes per 60 seconds, and then see 62,000 brush movements per 60 seconds on another, don’t get tricked into thinking one is faster than the other. Most recent Sonicare brushes all operate at the 31,000 strokes per minute speed, except the AA battery powered PowerUp Series – they’re at 15,000 strokes per 60 seconds.

Now, here is a quick overview of the major Sonicare toothbrush features.

• Smartimer – a 2-minute timer found on nearly all Sonicare brushes that turns off the brush once your brushing session is complete.
• Quadpacer and BrushPacer – notifies you every 30 seconds and 20 seconds, respectively, when it’s time to move to another quadrant of your mouth. The Quadpacer divides your teeth into 4 sections, while the Brushpacer is 6 sections. The BrushPacer is usually on brush models that work with the phone app.
• Easy-Start – This feature slowly increases the intensity of your brush after each session when you first start using it. This is good for sensitive teeth and gums, and allows you to become accustomed to an electric toothbrush if you’ve just switched from a manual. You must brush for at least 1 minute to advance through the 14 total stages and reach maximum intensity.
• BrushSync – Some brush models, ProtectiveClean and DiamondClean Smart, can sync with “Smart” brush heads and track how long you have used them, as well as switch to the brushing mode intended for that brush head when you attach it. Note that you will need to be sure you buy the BrushSync compatible replacement brush heads. The FlexCare Connected models do not have the BrushSync feature.
• Smart Sensors – these are a suite of sensors that relay information to the Sonicare phone app and help you visualize your brushing habits. They include position detection, 3D mouth map, pressure sensor that lets you know if you’re brushing too hard, and the TouchUp feature. TouchUp suggests areas you may have missed after your 2-minute session.

The Smartimer (two-minute timer) and Quadpacer (beep every 30 seconds) are ubiquitous features across high-end Sonicare electric toothbrushes with only the basic Essence and PowerUp models lacking the Quadpacer. One of the best things you can do to remove plaque and to reduce gum inflammation is to brush for two minutes, twice daily. This is enough time to be sure you’ve not missed any spots and wholly cleaned your teeth.

Philips recommends changing your brush head every three months, and with that recommendation, they are assuming you complete two sessions per day using the two-minute timer described above. This is the basis for the BrushSync feature, and it keeps track of the time the brush was turned on with that particular Smart brush head attached. The BrushSync feature on the ProtectiveClean models behaves slightly different than the DiamondClean Smart models since the ProtectiveClean models aren’t capable of using the phone app. There is a light at the bottom of the handle that turns on once it’s time to swap out the brush head. The indicator light is on the DiamondClean as well, but in addition to that you get real-time monitoring of how long the brush head has been used via the app.

Best Sonicare Toothbrush Models – Value Comparison Table

These high-end Sonicare toothbrushes have been chosen from each category because they have all the features you need to get your brushing routine on the right track. That doesn’t necessarily mean they’re the most expensive or have all the bells and whistles. These are just our recommendations based on clinical studies, customer experiences, and cost vs. benefit considerations.

Sonicare Models with Variable Intensity – Comparison Table

Being able to change the intensity settings in each mode, or at least have a mode that operates at a lower intensity, is important for some people, including those with sensitive teeth and gums. Here we’ve picked out the Sonicare models that provide some degree of variable intensity.

The health mode for your gums provides an extra minute of brushing the gum line at reduced intensity after the initial 2-minute session, which can reduce gum recession. This doesn’t qualify as a reason for a brush to be in this section since you have to brush at full intensity for two minutes before getting to the less intense speed. However, some models do come with the Sensitive Mode which allows for reduced intensity for the entire 2 minutes, and that makes the cut.

The models that give you the option to change the intensity in all modes provide you with maximum control over your brush. So that means you have two options: you can get an electric toothbrush with only one mode that has reduced intensity or you can get one with several intensities for each mode. The table below will help you determine the best Sonicare toothbrush with variable intensity for your needs.

Best Sonicare Toothbrush: HealthWhite+

The HealthWhite Plus has a couple of advantages over the Essence models above: you get 3 intensity settings for each of the two brushing modes and a lithium-ion battery.

Despite those advantages, we have to say the HealthWhite Plus is another model that doesn’t quite make sense purchasing anymore, unless you get it at a lower price than the ProtectiveClean 6100 model. The ProtectiveClean Series is really taking the wind out of some of these older model’s sails.

Key Features

• Two modes: “Clean” and “White”
• 31,000 Strokes per 60 seconds
• 3 intensities in each mode
• Travel Case & Compact Charger
• Smartimer and Quadpacer
• 2 Year Warranty

Reminder: You can use any snap-on Sonicare toothbrush head with the Sonicare HealthWhite Plus, such as the DiamondClean brush head.

The DiamondClean brush head is standard with the HealthyWhite+ and is one of Sonicare’s most popular brush head. Like all Sonicare heads, the brush color will fade when it’s time to replace them. You get about three months of use with Sonicare heads. If your personal preference is a gentle brush head with soft bristles, make sure to check out the ProResults or Sensitive brush heads.

Best Sonicare Toothbrush: ProtectiveClean

The ProtectiveClean electric toothbrushes are where you want to start if you’re unsure what to purchase.

The ProtectiveClean Series brings together the features we liked from the HealthWhite Plus and 3-Series into newer, updated models. Multiple intensities and brushing modes with the BrushSync capability that lets you know when to change your brush head.

• ProtectiveClean 6100 – 3 Modes, 3 Intensities
• ProtectiveClean 5100 – 3 Modes
• ProtectiveClean 4100 – Single Mode

The ProtectiveClean Series is robust with all the core features that the majority of people want or need. There are no Bluetooth/App features, which many people prefer not to deal with anyway. If you want Smart Sensors with the phone app, then you need to check out the DiamondClean Smart or FlexCare Connected.

• One Mode or Multiple Modes/Intensities Available
• BrushSync Compatible
• Lithium Ion Battery
• 31,000 Strokes per 60 seconds
• Pressure sensor
• Smartimer & Quadpacer
• Global Voltage, 110-220V
• 2 Year Warranty

Since there’s no phone app for these models, the BrushSync feature uses a light at the bottom of the handle that indicates when you need to get replacement brush heads. The heads for this feature have to be the “Smart” versions as the standard one’s arent’ compatible with BrushSync. More details on that are in our review linked below.

Best Sonicare Toothbrush: FlexCare Series

The FlexCare Series is the largest group of Sonicare electric toothbrushes available, though the FlexCare Platinum line seems to be in its sunset phase.

This series is not listed as having “current” models on the Sonicare website at this time. It’s possible it’s just being phased out in favor of the newer ProtectiveClean. We still include it here for completeness, and they’re still available for purchase. They’re a great option if you find them at a discount from the ProtectiveClean models.

As you can see, the FlexCare Series has slight variations with each different model, but nothing major until you get to the FlexCare Connected with the App capabilities. Also, none of the FlexCare models have BrushSync capabilities, even the Connected versions.

The Platinum and Connected models are nearly identical to the DiamondClean Series. There’s a lot of overlap here with other models, and it seems the FlexCare Series is falling behind with the latest ProtectiveClean and DiamondClean Smart models providing all the same features and more.

Again, it comes down to price. FlexCare brushes are great, and you may not even be interested in BrushSync or the phone app, which means you just want the best deal. It all depends on your personal preference.

Best Sonicare Toothbrush: DiamondClean Series

All the features!!! That’s what you get with the high-end Sonicare DiamondClean Smart brush handles. The DiamondClean Series are the flagship electric toothbrushes of this product line.

The most notable change from the FlexCare is the 2 additional brushing modes, so that’s 5 total now: “Clean”, “White”, “Sensitive”, “Gum Protection”, “Deep Clean”.

• Clean: 2-minute standard clean mode for everyday cleaning.
• White: Two minutes of cleaning to remove surface stains plus 30 seconds to brighten and polish front teeth.
• Sensitive: Gentle teeth and gums cleaning.
• Gum Protection: clean mode with an additional minute to stimulate and massage gums.
• Deep Clean: 3-minute mode to clean trouble spots and hard-to-reach areas.

So with the combination of the additional brush modes and AdaptiveClean brush head Philips claims you can remove 10x more plaque than a traditional toothbrush, also along the gums. You will notice that they provide a particular multiplier for how much more plaque each brush head is capable of eliminating relative to a manual toothbrush. We’re not aware of any clinical studies that clearly lay out the statistics for each different brush head, but there are plenty demonstrating an electric toothbrush significantly outperforms manual brushing.

We think it matters less which brush head you choose, but rather that you brush consistently and for the recommended two minutes.

For accessories you get a convenient charging glass and travel case with most of the high-end Sonicare DiamondClean brushes. The charging system charges the toothbrush while it’s sitting in the glass.

Check out our detailed breakdown of the current DiamondClean and DiamondClean Smart models in our review linked below.

Best Sonicare Toothbrush for Kids

If you can motivate your kid to brush twice daily for two minutes, then you’re doing a great job. However, will the phone app help motivate your kid to get to that point? We’re not optimistic, but one thing you might consider is it’s an excellent way to keep them honest.

You can connect with their electric toothbrush on your phone and see how often they’ve been brushing. This is probably the single best use for the phone app on the kid’s model.

You only get one brush mode, but this makes things less complicated. The “KidTimer” and “KidPacer” are the same features as the two-minute timer and Quadpacer (beep every 30 seconds) found in the adult brushes.

Key Features

• 30,000 Strokes per 60 seconds
• KidPacer and KidTimer (2 minute timer and 30 seconds beep when it’s time to move to the next quadrant of your mouth)
• Interactive App that explains how to brush and tracks brushing sessions.
• Customization Stickers

The tracking feature of the app connects to the sonic toothbrush over Bluetooth and records the length of each session when you brush.  You get tons of stickers to choose from so your kid can customize the look of their toothbrush.

Sonicare for Kids Replacement Brush Heads

The kid-sized compact brush head is designed for the smaller mouth of a child and has soft bristles for gentle cleaning. Like other Sonicare heads, these should be changed every three months.

Best Sonicare 2-Series & 3-Series Electric Toothbrushes

Philips Sonicare 2 Series plaque control

 

• Single Brush Mode
• 1 ProResults Plaque Control Brush Head
• NiMH Battery
• 15,000 Strokes per 60 seconds
• Smartimer (two-minute timer)
• Soft bristles
• 2 Year Warranty

Philips Sonicare 3-Series Gum Health

 

• Single Brush Mode with 3 Intensities
• 1 ProResults Gum Health Brush Head
• Lithium-Ion Battery
• 15,000 Strokes per 60 seconds
• Soft bristles
• Smartimer & Quadpacer
• 2 Year Warranty

We’ve relocated the 2-Series and 3-Series section below the rest of the brush models because they are redundant at this point. Though the 3-Series is a respectable option, at the right price, but the 2-Series is a lousy choice.

The Sonicare 3-Series is still popular and remains a solid choice with the lithium-ion battery and 3 intensity levels. It is not listed on the Philips Sonicare product webpage as being a “current” model, so it’s in its sunset phase.

We consider the 2-Series to be dead, though it’s still listed on the Sonicare website as being “current.” With the new ProtectiveClean and Essence Plus currently available, there’s no reason to go for the much slower 2-Series with the inferior battery.

We go into more details in the review linked below, but this is pretty much all you need to know about these two electric toothbrush models.

Oral-B Pro Series Vs. Philips Sonicare

These two very different electric toothbrush brands are always being compared to each other.

The differences are simple.

The Sonicare electric toothbrushes make sideways movements, while rotary/oscillation toothbrushes (Oral-B) make rotating and back & forth movements. As you can see the rotary toothbrush is circular and spin, while the sonic toothbrush is oval-like and vibrate back and forth.

You might wonder whether or not this makes any difference and if you should care.

Rather than provide you anecdotal evidence from our individual cleaning experience with these electric toothbrushes, it’s best we refer to clinical research from scientists that have spent their lives studying oral hygiene.

If you want to learn more checkout the Sonicare Wiki.

To summarize here, any modern electric toothbrush is going too far outperform a manual toothbrush in every aspect of your oral hygiene. Sonicare electric toothbrushes excel at reducing gingival inflammation and improving periodontal health, but Oral-B rotary/oscillation toothbrushes may be slightly better at plaque removal.

In a side-by-side comparison, are you going to be able to tell if someone brushed with a rotary or sonic toothbrush? Probably not.

What we can say is that the two brush types feel entirely different in your mouth. The Oral-B rotary brushes are smaller and require you to focus on a single tooth surface at a time. The Sonicare toothbrushes are oval-like and span more than one tooth.