Tech Advisor’s top-rated Oral-B electric toothbrushes

Price When Reviewed:

$79.99

This is the most economical choice among the iO brushes (excluding the iO2 with a different cleaning mechanism) and is unique as it lacks smart features. If you’re not interested in using the app, then opting for the iO3 makes practical sense. You may forfeit the customization the app offers, but if your primary goal is to get an effective electric toothbrush, that shouldn’t be an issue.

We advocate for iO models over standard Oral-B options due to their superior cleaning efficacy.

The iO3 features three cleaning settings aimed at daily cleaning, whitening, and gentler care. Additionally, it possesses a pressure sensor, a timer that chimes after a two-minute session, and a fun light ring that cycles colors upon completion. Notably, however, it does not visually display which cleaning mode you’re using on the handle, so you will need to use the vibration to determine it.

Its battery life leaves quite a bit to be desired. Oral-B indicates you can achieve three weeks of usage but this requires strict adherence to two minutes of brushing without more than twice a day. Our tests indicate a more realistic lifespan of about two weeks with single-user usage.

Charging is also quite lengthy, requiring ample time between brushes, making it essential to keep it plugged in, especially if shared within a family.

Ideal User for the iO3:

Seeking iO cleaning efficacy without added features? This is your go-to model.

Additional Insights about the Oral-B iO3:

iO models tend to have mediocre battery life; if you plan to travel with it, especially in a sharing scenario, you’ll likely have to bring its charger along. Moreover, it’s best to keep it on charge since charging is time-consuming.

Price When Reviewed:

$219

This brush comes at a premium price, but it is the most balanced option combining features with cost, offering maximum functionality for minimal expenditure.

You will miss out on the full-color screen provided with the iO8, iO9, and iO10, which offer deeper brushing insights and wider brushing modes. The iO7, however, comes equipped with a black and white display that provides all pertinent information, and it’s also the least expensive model to feature magnetic fast charging, allowing for a charging time of around three hours instead of the lengthy 12-16 hours typically associated with less advanced models.

A full battery can last you two weeks, but in practice, expect about 10 days of use. While this is standard for iO brushes, it may not be adequate if longevity is paramount on your list. Furthermore, like other iO brushes, it lacks a USB charging option. Instead, you receive a shaver socket plug in the UK and a standard two-pin in the US.

Nevertheless, virtually every other aspect of this brush is impressive.

The iO7 encompasses five brushing modes: Daily Clean, Sensitive, Intense, Whitening, and Gum Care. It also features an efficient pressure sensor, a two-minute timer with quadrant notifications, and displays a countdown on its screen. Excellent smart features are also included, like interactive real-time feedback, albeit requiring app integration for operation.

This brush isn’t ideal for multiple users unless you’re willing to compromise on some smart functionalities, but select retailers provide deals for a two-pack offering that can alleviate costs. If you’re in the UK, avoid paying full RRP and wait for periodic sales to snag a better deal.

Ideal User for the iO7:

We believe iO models boast unparalleled brushing performance. The primary reason to select the iO7 is its three-hour rapid charging capability, a feature not present in any more affordable iO models, enhancing its convenience.

Additional Insights about the Oral-B iO7:

While this model is certainly on the pricier side, if you’re primarily interested in superior brushing output without the extras, you might find value in choosing the iO3 instead.

Price When Reviewed:

$79.99

If a premium model isn’t feasible, the Smart 1500 (available in the US) or Pro 3 (in the UK) provides all essential features necessary for effective dental care along with commendable cleaning capability. However, it may not deliver the best value in the UK, making one of the budget-friendly iO options more appealing.

This electric toothbrush includes a timer that alerts you every thirty seconds to transition to a new area of your mouth and signals when your dentist-recommended two-minute brushing session is complete.

A notable feature is the bright red pressure indicator light that notifies you when you’re applying too much pressure.

While we appreciate its value, it has some drawbacks: charging is a lengthy 12 hours; the battery warning indicator activates only shortly before the brush depletes; and it doesn’t cease automatically after two minutes, requiring a firm press of the button to turn it off. Plus, it is noisier than an iO model, creating a noticeable rattling sound when in use.

Ideal User for the Pro 3:

This stands as our top classic Oral-B toothbrush pick; it’s a value-driven, high-quality option that effectively meets your dental care needs with all necessary features.

Additional Insights about the Oral-B Pro 3:

Its lengthy charging time and louder operation may be potential drawbacks to consider.

Price When Reviewed:

$28

While you may find cheaper options on Amazon, the value of the Oral-B Vitality Pro is undeniable: it stands as their most affordable model. It offers three cleaning modes from gentle to more vigorous, along with a two-minute timer featuring alerts every thirty seconds. Its cleaning performance is commendable but note it functions solely with oscillation, lacking the enhanced vibration that could amplify plaque removal. Without a pressure sensor, it fails to mitigate issues if you tend to brush too forcefully.

Nonetheless, we believe that its performance is sufficient to warrant the investment, representing a notable step up from manual brushes. The timer alone can significantly enhance your dental habits.

The battery charge is short (maximum 8 days), charges slowly (22 hours), and there’s no indicator to signal low charge or acknowledge charging progress. The unit should ideally remain on its stand, but if you lack an accessible plug point in your bathroom, the budget-friendly price may become negligible against these inconveniences.

Ideal User for the Vitality Pro:

For those upgrading from manual brushes without spending significantly, the Vitality Pro is our recommended choice.

Additional Insights about the Oral-B Vitality Pro:

In the UK, you should aim to purchase this brush for no more than £25.

Price When Reviewed:

$119.99

One notable advantage of the iO5 over the iO3 and iO4 is its rubber handle panel, which displays its brushing modes. This visual aid allows you to easily identify the current setting you’re using, eliminating the need for vibration differentiation or app checks.

To fully utilize its potential, the app is a must, offering customization and guided brushing features that inform you when you’ve adequately brushed each area of your mouth.

As with all iO models, it includes a red/green pressure sensor and a celebratory lighting display post-brushing; it lacks the rapid charging found in iO7 and higher models, plus its battery duration is approximately two weeks.

If you happen to find the iO5 priced higher than the iO6, resist the urge to purchase; it’s often mispriced in the UK, so be cautious.

Ideal User for the iO5:

If you’re looking for an efficient brushing experience paired with smart features without the premium price tag, this model serves as an excellent alternative. Its display of brushing modes on the handle is an added benefit over the iO3 and iO4.

Additional Insights about the Oral-B iO5:

Only buy this model if you’re prepared to utilize its smart features, as they are essential for proper setup.

Price When Reviewed:

$249.99

If you’re feeling indulgent, the iO8 is the luxury Oral-B brush we recommend. While the iO9 and iO10 are pricier choices, it’s hard to surpass the performance and feature set of the iO8.

Notable distinctions between the iO8 and iO9 are minimal. The iO9 offers seven cleaning modes instead of six and features advanced 3D teeth tracking; however, the real-time brushing feedback from the iO8 is impressively accurate.

The iO8 includes fast charging, a vibrant color OLED display, app connectivity, multiple brushing timer options, and a pressure sensor.

On the downside, it lacks USB charging, and its battery does not sustain two weeks of use. Still, the three-hour charging compensates for these limitations.

Ideal User for the iO8:

If your budget allows, this high-end model provides all the luxurious features combined with top-notch brushing output.

Additional Insights about the Oral-B iO8:

Its high price point could necessitate a justifiable reason for some users to invest in features they may not need.

Price When Reviewed:

$149.99

If you find a solid deal, the iO6 stands as a commendable option. However, understand that opting for this model over the iO7 or higher means you will miss out on fast charging capabilities.

The iO series showcases the best cleaning efficacy Oral-B has ever presented, and the iO6 features five cleaning modes, a brushing timer, and a light-up pressure sensor ring.

Within its array of smart features, expect various customization options and a real-time guided brushing mode to ensure comprehensive coverage of your mouth during brushing.

The main compromises compared to its pricier counterparts include a basic monochrome screen (the iO8 and later have colorful displays) and a less advanced charging dock with no fast charging; a full charge will require over 12 hours to complete. Its modes are also limited relative to the higher-end selections, and detailed brushing feedback lacks comparability.

While it remains an excellent brush, it may not cater to the needs of most users.

Ideal User for the iO6:

Opt for the iO6 if you desire an on-handle display, but don’t prioritize fast charging options.

Additional Insights about the Oral-B iO6:

Despite being a great brush, it might not be the top choice for many consumers.

Price When Reviewed:

$299.99

This brush ranks as the second most expensive model in the iO line. It’s stylish, packed with features, and offers an extravagant experience, featuring a full-color OLED display that greets you daily and blinks a smile when brushing is done correctly.

When it comes to timing your brushing sessions, it prominently displays a countdown on the screen, providing clarity regarding the remaining time.

The iO9 deploys Oral-B’s excellent brush tracking technology with seven modes and a light-up pressure sensor that indicates when you’re pushing too soft or too hard.

Real-time feedback provided via the app is notably accurate based on our testing, although some app functions may feel superfluous.

A defining aspect of this brush is its capability to recognize 16 zones on each tooth’s surface compared to the iO8, which tracks only six. Honestly, we found little practical difference between the two.

The iO9 includes a carrying case with charging capabilities, while the iO8 requires a support dock for charging.

However, its battery life could be better than some competing models at this price point, and you might expect less than 12 days between charges, though the magnetic fast charging feature only takes about three hours.

Ideal User for the iO9:

This model exemplifies luxury within the iO series, with features mirroring those of the iO10 except the latter’s advanced charging dock, which incorporates additional smart capabilities.

Additional Insights about the Oral-B iO9:

Many of the iO9’s features can also be found on the iO8 for noticeably less money.

Price When Reviewed:

$59.94

Newly introduced, the iO2 serves as the entry-level brush within the iO collection. Tailored for individuals transitioning from manual brushes, it offers simplicity and gentleness. If the vibrations from traditional electric toothbrushes are too intense, the iO2 may be the solution.

This results in its cleaning performance being notably different from other iO brushes. It has three modes: super-sensitive, gentle, and daily clean—all tend to be quite mild, potentially too soft for certain preferences.

Several design aspects distinguish it from the rest of the iO lineup. Notably, the iO2 does not feature the signature light ring pressure sensor; it has a small light indicator that isn’t easily visible during brushing.

Nevertheless, it excels in terms of battery longevity, outlasting other models with several weeks of usage between charges—an asset for those who share the brush or travel frequently. However, when it’s time to recharge, expect a full 24-hour period for a complete charge, reinforcing the importance of keeping it plugged in to avoid depletion.

Ideal User for the iO2:

Perfect for those looking for a delicate electric upgrade from manual brushes with excellent longevity.

Additional Insights about the Oral-B iO2:

It’s important to remember that its cleaning efficacy differs remarkably from any other iO model, mirroring more traditional Oral-B designs.

Price When Reviewed:

$399.99

The iO10 currently represents the flagship in the iO series. Beyond its striking cosmic design offered in both black and white, it does come with a distinguishable new feature compared to the iO8 and iO9. If this is a feature that piques your interest, the price may justify your purchase.

The iO10’s standout component is the iO Sense smart charger: a base that acts as both a digital clock and a brushing countdown timer. This innovation enables detailed, real-time brushing feedback without requiring your phone in the bathroom. We’ve found this aspect beneficial in our tests, though there is a slight delay resulting in less-than-perfect accuracy.

Additionally, it features all functionalities seen with the iO8 and iO9: the vibrant display, pressure sensor, and app connectivity for real-time feedback. The iO10 also incorporates advanced 3D tracking features that provide precise brushing assessments. Furthermore, it boasts seven distinct brushing modes and can charge while in its travel case, though USB charging remains unavailable.

Ideal User for the iO10:

Should you desire a countdown timer separate from the brush handle without needing to use the app, this model is the perfect choice, offering a distinctive timer on the charger.

Additional Insights about the Oral-B iO10:

This model may not be ideal for those who do not require all the bells and whistles associated with a comprehensive charging setup.

Price When Reviewed:

$219.99

If you’re keen on brushing feedback from an app but prefer to avoid the iO series (notably since the Genius line has cheaper replacement heads), the Genius X could fit your needs.

Advertised as AI-driven, this claim may be exaggerated. It implements intelligent position detection tech to monitor your brushing position. If you often neglect difficult-to-reach areas, this model can realign your brushing route.

Its cleaning potential is impressive, complete with six brushing settings and a pressure sensor.

One downside arises if multiple individuals share the handle, as syncing data to multiple accounts can be cumbersome unless everyone uses the app during their respective brushing sessions.

Ideal User for the Genius X:

With the iO range now available, justification for choosing classic models is less compelling; however, if you can secure a promotional deal, it might be worth considering.

Additional Insights about the Oral-B Genius X:

Overall, we maintain that the iO’s performance supersedes that of this model.

1.

Is it better to purchase an Oral-B iO over a traditional Oral-B device?

2.

What is a brushing timer?

3.

What does a pressure sensor do?

4.

How many cleaning modes are essential?

5.

6.

How often should you replace your Oral-B brush head?

7.

What is the battery life on an Oral-B brush?

8.

How do Oral-B brushes function to clean?

9.

Are smart features necessary?