Spec Atlas

10 comparisons

Sonicare Model Guide & Electric Toothbrush Comparisons

Identify your Sonicare model, decide whether extra controls or app guidance are useful, then compare the right toothbrush and replacement heads.

Browse 11 product listings in the spec table electric toothbrushes statistics

Choose the features you will use

Sonicare comparison chart: check the HX model code

Start with the exact model, then decide whether you want basic controls, extra modes or phone guidance. “4100” alone does not identify the brush. The selected US models below include older generations; this is not Philips’ complete current catalog.

Manufacturer documents checked September 8, 2026. We have not tested cleaning, comfort or battery life. More modes and a higher model number do not establish better dental outcomes.

Scroll the table sideways to see controls and reasons to consider each model.

Selected Sonicare models: controls and reasons to consider them
Model and sourceDocumented controlsWhen the extra features matter
ProtectiveClean 4100HX6817/01 One cleaning mode; pressure alert; BrushSync head-replacement reminderConsider an offer if you want simple controls. Do not assume it has the two intensity settings of HX3681.
4100 SeriesHX3681/23 One Clean mode, two intensities; pressure alert with reduced vibrationConsider it if you want intensity adjustment without paying for app coaching. Check the USB charger and adapter contents.
ProtectiveClean 5100HX6857/11 Clean, White and Gum Care modes; pressure alert; replacement reminderConsider the additional modes and the case in this documented kit if you will use them. Verify the retailer bundle.
DiamondClean Smart 9300HX9903/01 Four modes, three intensities; app coaching and smart head recognitionConsider it if you plan to use phone guidance. If you want to brush without a phone, identify another reason to pay more.
9900 PrestigeHX9990/11 SenseIQ adjusts intensity when pressure is excessive; app guidanceConsider it for automatic intensity adjustment and connected guidance, rather than assuming the highest number cleans best.

Which 4100 am I buying?

Find the HX code in the listing and on the box. Our Pro 1000 comparison links ProtectiveClean HX6817/01; our iO 3 comparison links 4100 Series HX3681/23. Those are different products. Other 4100 codes also exist, so do not transfer features by number alone.

Compare Pro 1000 with ProtectiveClean 4100 Compare iO 3 with 4100 Series

What should I pay extra for?

List the controls you will use before comparing prices. If you do not want phone coaching, it is a weak reason to upgrade. Include the case or charger you need and the price per compatible replacement head. Keep a working brush if a new one solves no problem for you.

Considering Oral-B? Decide whether iO 5 app guidance is worth it Compare the iO 4 and iO 5 upgrade

The chart above was researched separately from the older pairwise library below. Those comparisons are being reviewed individually; consult each page’s sources and limits before relying on its recommendation.

Compare two specific toothbrushes

Entry-Level Electric Toothbrushes

Oral-B Pro 1000 vs Sonicare ProtectiveClean 4100: A First-Brush Choice

Compare compatible head costs and pressure feedback before choosing a first electric brush. This Sonicare link is the older ProtectiveClean HX6817/01, not every model called 4100.

Oral-B Pro 1000 vs ProtectiveClean 4100

Mid-Range Smart Toothbrushes

Oral-B iO Series 4 vs Philips Sonicare DiamondClean 9300

iO Series 4 adds an AI pressure display — DiamondClean adds 3 extra modes and a travel case.

Oral-B iO Series 4 vs DiamondClean 9300

Premium Flagship Showdown

Oral-B iO 9 vs Sonicare 9900 Prestige

Oral-B iO 9 delivers 7 brushing modes with a real-time iO Sense display — Sonicare 9900 Prestige auto-adjusts pressure and runs 3 weeks per charge.

Oral-B iO 9 vs Sonicare 9900

Entry-Level iO vs Sonic

Oral-B iO 3 vs Sonicare ProtectiveClean 5100

Oral-B iO 3 brings the magnetic drive motor to a simpler handle — Sonicare 5100 auto-pauses when you press too hard.

Oral-B iO 3 vs Sonicare 5100

Bundle and Pressure Feedback

Aquasonic Black Series Ultra vs Philips Sonicare 4100

Aquasonic packs 40,000 VPM, 8 heads, and wireless charging — Sonicare 4100 counters with a pressure sensor and a broader head ecosystem.

Aquasonic Black Series vs Sonicare 4100

iO Mid-Range vs Entry iO

Oral-B iO 3 vs iO 5: Should You Pay for App Guidance?

Choose the iO 3 when you want a simpler brush at a lower bundle price. Consider the iO 5 for app guidance and extra modes; three-state pressure feedback is shared.

iO Series 5 vs iO Series 3

Mid-Range Oscillating vs Sonic

Oral-B iO Series 5 vs Philips Sonicare ProtectiveClean 5100

Oral-B iO Series 5 wins on brush modes — Sonicare ProtectiveClean 5100 wins on battery life and open head ecosystem.

Oral-B iO Series 5 vs Philips Sonicare ProtectiveClean 5100

Entry iO vs Entry Sonic

Oral-B iO 3 vs Sonicare 4100: Pressure Feedback and Head Costs

Choose iO 3 for a visible three-state pressure cue; consider Sonicare 4100 HX3681/23 for its click-on head system and two intensity settings. Compare the kit and replacement-head cost before buying.

Oral-B iO Series 3 vs Sonicare 4100 Series

Is the Upgrade Worth It?

Oral-B iO 4 vs iO 5: Is the Upgrade Worth It?

Choose the iO 4 when its bundle costs less and you do not need coverage tracking. Pay extra for the iO 5 only if you want its app guidance or visible mode selection.

iO Series 4 vs iO Series 5

Bundle and Pressure Feedback

Aquasonic Black Series Ultra Whitening Toothbrush vs Philips Sonicare ProtectiveClean 5100

Aquasonic packs 8 heads and 28-day battery — Sonicare 5100 counters with 62,000 movements/min and a pressure sensor.

Aquasonic Black Series Ultra vs Philips Sonicare ProtectiveClean 5100