From entry-level options to smart electric toothbrushes, Philips’ extensive line of Sonicare models makes it confusing to choose which one to get. To make it easier for you to decide, we created a Philips Sonicare models comparison chart that will show you the similarities and differences of three of the top-selling Sonicare lines: the ProtectiveClean, FlexCare, and DiamondClean.
Navigation
Philips Sonicare Models Comparison Chart
| Model | Sonicare ProtectiveClean | Sonicare FlexCare | Sonicare DiamondClean Smart |
| Price | |||
| Models | ProtectiveClean 4100 (above photo) ProtectiveClean 5100 ProtectiveClean 6100 ProtectiveClean 6500 | FlexCare Plus FlexCare Platinum (above photo) FlexCare Platinum Connected FlexCare Whitening Edition FlexCare Premium Edition | DiamondClean Classic DiamondClean Smart 9300 (above photo) DiamondClean Smart 9500 DiamondClean Smart 9700 |
| Cleaning Modes | Up to 3 | Up to 5 | Up to 5 |
| Intensity Settings | Yes, on the 6100 | Yes, on the FlexCare Platinum models | Yes |
| Strokes per Minute | 31,000 | 31,000 | 31,000 |
| Battery Life | Up to 14 days | Up to 24 hours | Up to 21 days |
| BrushSync Technology | Yes, on the 6100 and 6500 | Yes | Yes |
| Quadpacer | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| BrushPacer | No | On the FlexCare Platinum Connected | Yes |
| Charger | Compact Charger | Deluxe Charger with Cord Wrap | Glass Base Charger |
| Bluetooth | No | On the FlexCare Platinum Connected model | Yes |
| Smart Sensors | No | On the FlexCare Platinum Connected | On the DiamondClean Smart models |
Overview of Philips Sonicare Models & Features
All the Philips Sonicare models in this comparison feature SmarTimer, Quadpacer, and BrushSync Replacement Reminder
As we have mentioned earlier, Philips Sonicare has a broad selection of electric toothbrushes to choose from. As we didn’t want to overwhelm you with choices, we did not include all of them in our Sonicare models comparison chart above. If you’re interested to know the other Philips Sonicare lines, here’s a quick list of what’s available at the time of writing:
- Sonicare for Kids
- Essence
- DailyClean
- HealthyWhite+
- ProtectiveClean
- FlexCare
- ExpertClean
- DiamondClean
The major differences you’ll find between Sonicare models are their cleaning modes, intensity settings, aesthetics, accessories, and Bluetooth connectivity. For instance, some models don’t have a brush head included while others come with five.
Core Features
Most Sonicare electric toothbrushes share these core features:
- Powerful Plaque Removal: boasting 31,000 strokes per minute and bristle patterns designed for optimal oral care, Philips Sonicare electric toothbrushes can remove plaque a lot better than manual toothbrushes.
- Click-On Attachment Mechanism: the most recent models of Philips Sonicare electric toothbrushes are click-on, unlike the older ones that are twist-types.
- BrushSync Technology: this allows the handle to optimize the cleaning mode to the type of Sonicare brush head you attached. For instance, you attached a G2 Optimal Gum Care brush head, the compatible handle will automatically set the cleaning mode to the Gum Health mode.
- BrushSync Replacement Reminder: the handle can also detect how often you brush your teeth and alert you when it’s time for a brush head replacement through its reminder icon
- SmarTimer: Sonicare will automatically stop after the set amount of time for the cleaning mode you’re on. Cleaning Mode typically lasts two minutes while Gum Care mode lasts three.
- Quadpacer: this pacer alerts you when it’s time to move on to another quadrant by pausing the sonic vibrations. The high-end Sonicare models feature a BrushPacer that segments your teeth into six sections and lets you know when it’s time to start brushing a different section.
Sonicare ProtectiveClean
Budget-friendly Sonicare models
If this is your first time to buy an electric toothbrush, the Philips Sonicare ProtectiveClean line is a good place to start. Its models start from the $50USD range to around $110USD. Here are the different Sonicare models available in this line arranged by price:
- Sonicare 4100: most affordable; single cleaning mode; comes with the C2 Optimal Plaque Control brush head
- Sonicare 5100: Clean, White and Gum Care cleaning modes; includes the G2 Optimal Gum Care and a travel case
- Sonicare 6100: Clean, White and Gum Care cleaning modes; has three intensity settings; features BrushSync Technology; includes the White DiamondClean brush head and a travel case
- Sonicare 6500: similar features as the 6100, but comes with a USB travel charger case and two standard DiamondClean brush heads
Sonicare FlexCare
Mid-tier Sonicare models
Unlike the Sonicare ProtectiveClean range, the models in the FlexCare line are more varied. The models in this mid-tier line can range from $120USD to around $200, with the more expensive editions featuring extra accessories. For users with gum health issues, the Sonicare FlexCare line is an excellent option. Here’s a quick list and comparison of the Sonicare FlexCare models:
- Sonicare FlexCare Plus: Clean, Gum Care, Sensitive, Massage, and Refresh cleaning modes; includes the G2 Optimal Gum Care brush head and a travel case
- Sonicare FlexCare Platinum: Clean, Deep Clean, and White cleaning modes; 3 intensity settings; includes two InterCare standard brush heads and a travel case
- Sonicare FlexCare Platinum Connected: its features are similar to the FlexCare Platinum, except it includes an AdaptiveClean and an InterCare brush head and can be connected to an app via Bluetooth
- Sonicare FlexCare Whitening Edition: Clean, White, Gum Care, and Sensitive cleaning modes; includes two White Sonicare Flexcare handles, two Premium Plaque Control brush heads, two DiamondClean brush heads, two USB charging travel cases
- Sonicare FlexCare Premium Edition: Clean, Sensitive, and Massage cleaning modes; 3 intensity settings; includes two Flexcare handles, a UV sanitizer, two Diamond Clean standard brush heads, and two travel Cases
Sonicare DiamondClean
Philips’ flagship Sonicare line
The Sonicare DiamondClean line is Philips’ top-tier range of electric toothbrushes that have all the bells and whistles–from Bluetooth connectivity (except the Classic model) to a stylish glass charger base. The DiamondClean Smart models range from $200 to $280USD, with the more expensive models including additional brush heads and a more stylish look. Here’s a quick list and comparison of the Sonicare DiamondClean electric toothbrushes:
- DiamondClean Classic: Clean, Deep Clean, White, Gum Care, and Sensitive cleaning modes; includes a premium travel case and a DiamondClean brush head
- DiamondClean Smart 9300: Clean, Deep Clean, White+, and Gum Care cleaning modes; three intensity settings; includes the C3 Premium Plaque Control, G3 Premium Gum Care, and Premium White brush heads and a premium travel case
- DiamondClean Smart 9500: similar to the 9300, but has an additional TongueCare+ cleaning mode; includes a charging premium travel case and a C3 Premium Plaque Control, G3 Premium Gum Care, and W3 Premium White brush heads, and a TongueCare+ tongue brush
- DiamondClean Smart 9700: similar to the 9500, but includes more brush heads: TongueCare+ tongue brush, C3 Premium Plaque Control (3), Premium Gum Care (2), and standard Premium White.
Verdict
The Philips Sonicare ProtectiveClean 4100 is an excellent choice for most users, while the DiamondClean Smart 9300 has all the bells and whistles that justify its price
Choosing your Philips Sonicare toothbrush doesn’t have to be daunting. Whichever model you choose, you’ll end up with Sonicare’s cleaning features that remain among the best in the industry. Owning a Philips Sonicare doesn’t have to break the bank either. For instance, the entry-level Sonicare ProtectiveClean 4100 features the same strokes per minute as the rest of the Sonicare models. If you want a bit more functionalities, the ProtectiveClean 5100 is a perfect blend of value and features. Its Clean, White, and Gum Care cleaning modes make it a versatile Sonicare electric toothbrush.
If you’re after getting all the features that Philips Sonicare has to offer, go for any of the DiamondClean Smart models. The 9300 is an excellent option that includes an intuitive app that displays the areas you missed or where you applied too much pressure. Meanwhile, the top-tier model DiamondClean Smart 9700 comes with a TongueCare+ functionality and includes different brush heads that can last you for a long while.
FAQs
The Sonicare ProtectiveClean 4100 offers the best value for money, while the Sonicare DiamondClean Smart 9700 has the best features overall.
The different Philips Sonicare models include the Sonicare for Kids, Essence, DailyClean, HealthyWhite+, ProtectiveClean, FlexCare, ExpertClean, and DiamondClean. For more details on the top-selling lines, read our Philips Sonicare models comparison chart above.
The Sonicare Protective Clean 4100 and 5100 are the best Sonicare models in terms of value for money.
Dentists recommend that you replace your toothbrush every three months, and it’s the same for the Philips Sonicare brush heads. Most Sonicare models have fading bristles and a BrushSync Replacement Reminder indicator to alert you when it’s time for a new brush head.
Last update on 2022-07-06 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API