Sonicare Electric Toothbrush Comparison (Chart Included) (2024)

The differences between these 2 ranges are very subtle.

The handle size and shape are the same, as are the brush motors. Both have a 2 minute timer and pacer built-in, along with a battery life of 2 weeks.

What differs here, is that the 3000 Series has BrushSync technology and a pressure sensor built-in.

BrushSync uses an RFID chip in the compatible brush heads. The handle tracks the usage of each brush and illuminates the brush head replacement light when the bristles have exceeded their recommended life.

That same LED will be lit, and the handle vibration pattern altered when you apply too much force as you brush. This is your alert to stop brushing as hard.

The 3000 Series commands a small premium as do the compatible brush heads.

As good as the 3000 is, it doesn't clean the teeth any better.

The 1000 Series is a great budget choice and our pick, even if the 3000 has the dentist recommended pressure sensor. It is a very strong performer for the price.

A number of different models exist within the 4000 Series, but it is the 4100 that is the most widely stocked variant and out pick.

The 4100 Series essentially replaces the 4100 ProtectiveClean that came before it.

The obvious difference with the 4000 Series is the handle is slimmer and lighter than the ProtectiveClean family of toothbrushes.

This does impact the usable battery life with most models offering just 2 weeks on a full charge, whereby the ProtectiveClean can offer a good couple of weeks extra life from the standard cleaning mode.

Another notable difference is that the brush motor offers 31,000 brush movements per minute, compared to the 62,000 of the ProtectiveClean. However, the tuning of the 4000's motor doesn't result in the lack of cleaning power you might expect and cleaning results are still very good.

Brushes within the ProtectiveClean range have 1, 2 or 3 modes and in some instances different cleaning intensities too. The 4000 Series offers a little less choice, with just 1 brushing mode, but 2 different brushing intensities.

There isn't a significant difference in the price of these ranges, but there is a slight cost saving with the 4000 series in most instances.

Where the ProtectiveClean range of toothbrushes is widely stocked across the USA, the Optimal Clean toothbrushes are not.

Rather than multiple retailers selling these, Optimal Clean brushes are normally only available in select stockists. Costco is one example and these brushes are exclusive to their members.

There is a great deal of similarity between these ranges of brushes, with the Optimal Clean really having been based on the ProtectiveClean series in terms of design and features.

Arguably, they are like for like but the advantage of the Optimal Clean range is that they can often work out better value financially.

More often than not, you get a package that includes 2 brush handles, rather than the more typical 1.

For example, the Optimal Clean HX6829/27 from a feature and performance point of view, is almost identical to the ProtectiveClean 5100.

The 5100 does have an extra cleaning mode, but, the Optimal Clean comes with 2 brush handles in the box rather than 1. It does too come with 3 brush heads rather than 1. A travel case and charging stand are supplied for each handle.

Prices are subject to change, but the dual handled OptimalClean comes in at $100 compared to the $80 of the single handled ProtectiveClean 5100. For ~$20 you are getting another complete toothbrush.

Both of these ranges are sold only via select retailers, notably Costco.

You will not find the Optimal and Perfect Clean toothbrushes on the shelves of all the major grocers and pharmacies in the USA.

There is quite a bit of similarity between these two ranges. Typically, they will include 2 brush handles, 3+ brush heads and each handle will come with its own travel case and charging stand.

The Perfect Clean models do tend to be fractionally more capable and feature rich.

For example, where the Optimal Clean will come with 2 cleaning modes, the PerfectClean will likely come with 3 or more cleaning modes. It may too have the ability to control the intensity of the clean, thus giving more finite control over the brushing experience.

As a result of these little extras, the Perfect Clean will often command a slight price premium.

However, both brushes clean the teeth as well as each other and you don't 'need' the extras, thus the Optimal Clean is the brush to go for in most instances.

The OptimalClean is a mid-range series ($$) whereas DiamondClean is in the premium range ($$$$).

What this means is that the DiamondClean brushes will typically have almost, if not all of the features that Sonicare offer on their toothbrushes.

Rather than just 1 or 2 cleaning modes you will get 4 to 5 modes.

You still get the basic 2 minute timer and pacer, but any pressure sensor may now include a visible sensor to help alert you when brushing too hard.

The DiamondClean models do tend to have Bluetooth connectivity and smart features built-in, so these naturally give more capability to the toothbrush but add to the price.

And whilst an Optimal Clean brush may come with a travel case, it is very rare not to have one supplied with the DiamondClean. That case will likely to allow the brush to be charged inside, something that is not normally possible with the Optimal Clean range.

In the box with DiamondClean, you will usually get 1 brush handle, multiple brush heads and some other accessories. WIth Optimal Clean you often get 2 brush handles, multiple brush heads and accessories.

DiamondClean models tend to be widely stocked and sold via a wide array of sellers, whereas the Optimal Clean models are sold through select channels and retailers.

If you want the extra features and are prepared to pay for it, then opt for the DiamondClean Smart, but you don't need these to achieve a good clean of the teeth, hence the Optimal Clean is our choice because it delivers on value for money.

The PerfectClean brushes are the higher mid-range brushes ($$$) whilst the DiamondClean models are the premium range ($$$$).

Expect to benefit from even more features and functions from DiamondClean than you get with Perfect Clean. More ‘bells and whistle’ if you like.

The extras with the DiamondClean are far from essential but add to the overall user experience.

For example, you will likely get a travel case included that allows the toothbrush to be charged whilst inside. This is not something you will get with the Perfect Clean.

However, the PerfectClean is usually offered as a package of 2 brush handles and multiple accessories, whereas the DiamondClean is normally just 1 handle.

Despite this, the DiamondClean will still command the premium price. This is in part because you do typically get extra technology such as Bluetooth connectivity, position detection and tracking technology.

DiamondClean models tend to be widely stocked and sold via a wide array of sellers, whereas the Optimal Clean models are sold through select channels and retailers.

If you are considering the DiamondClean Series, it really is the DiamondClean Smart 9500 that is the stand out option to go for, if you are prepared to pay for it.