The two biggest brands in electric brushing face off. Which one should you choose?
Oral-B, SonicareEvery product is carefully selected by our editors. If you buy from a link, we may earn a commission. Learn more
You’re finally ready to invest in an electric toothbrush. Smart decision. Electric toothbrushes are proven to be better at removing plaque than their manual counterparts, and their built-in timers help ensure a thorough clean.
By now, you’ve probably also noticed that two brands rise above the rest: Sonicare and Oral-B. Sonicare is the electric-powered dental hygiene brand of Philips. Oral-B makes oral hygiene products as well as toothpastes and mouthwashes.
However, it’s not enough to just pick between the two brands. Sonicare and Oral-B both have a number of models under their belts, and each toothbrush carries its own set of pros and cons — not to mention an unwieldy number of different heads.
While both Sonicare and Oral-B offer excellent cleaning, there are some big differences between the two. So let’s break them down, shall we?
Oral-BOur Oral-B Pick
Oral-B Pro 1000 Rechargeable Electric Toothbrush
Phillips SonicareOur Sonicare Pick
Philips Sonicare ProtectiveClean 5100 Electric Toothbrush
-
$99.99
(10% off)
To learn more about our testing methodology and how we evaluate products, head here.
Sonicare vs Oral-B: Which brand makes the better electric toothbrush?
Studies comparing Sonicare and Oral-B in terms of teeth-cleaning effectiveness tend to contradict each other, so it’s hard for science to definitively name one brand superior.
Don’t get too caught up in the marketing terms that get tossed at your head, either. No dentist will ever notice the extra rotations or brushes per minute, as long as your teeth are clean.
No dentist will ever notice the extra rotations or brushes per minute.
Whichever brand you ultimately go for, switching from manual brushing to electric brushing will bring an immediate improvement to your overall oral hygiene.
Still, there are some key differences between the two brands that may make your decision easier.
Oral-B is cheaper
From a pure cost perspective, Oral-B offers better value than Sonicare. Not only do its toothbrushes skew cheaper, replacement brush heads cost less, too.
The Oral-B Pro 1000 is the company’s popular entry-level model and it offers similar specs and cleaning prowess to the Sonicare ProtectiveClean 5100, which costs significantly more.
Oral-BOral-B Pro 1000 Rechargeable Electric Toothbrush
Pros
- Round brush head is easy to maneuver
- Similar functionality to the Sonicare ProtectiveClean 5100 at half the price
- Replacement brush heads are affordable
Cons
- Feels and looks cheaper than Sonicare
Oral-B brush heads range anywhere between $6 and $20 each (though its more expensive heads are meant to be used with the most premium Oral-B toothbrush). Sonicare brush heads range anywhere between $10 to $15 a pop.
Sonicare brush heads are closer to a traditional toothbrush
The biggest difference between Sonicare and Oral-B lies in the style of brush heads. Sonicare toothbrushes feature elongated heads and their rows of teeth-cleaning bristles move side to side — similar to a traditional toothbrush.
Oral-BOral-B Cross Action Electric Toothbrush Heads (4-Pack)
-
$29.99
(29% off)
Phillips SonicarePhilips Sonicare C3 Premium Plaque Control Toothbrush Heads (4-Pack)
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$54.96
(18% off)
Oral-B’s signature feature is its circular brush head, which looks more like a tool that you would see at the dentist’s office than sitting in your bathroom. These heads oscillate, as opposed to Sonicare’s side-to-side motion. While each brand offers different types of brush heads, the basics are very similar, and they effectively remove plaque from your teeth.
Oral-B is better for beginners (and kids)
Sonicare heads are a little more difficult to maneuver in the mouth. Though they’re built to feel like “regular” toothbrushes, the longer heads can take some getting used to when navigating across your teeth.
Oral-B’s smaller, rounder brush heads, on the other hand, are easier to use, especially if you or your kids are new to using an electric toothbrush.
Sonicare toothbrushes are quieter
Electric toothbrushes essentially clean in two ways: contact cleaning, which is when the toothbrush makes contact with your teeth, and non-contact cleaning, which is cleaning that’s done without the bristles even having come into contact with your teeth.
Phillips SonicarePhilips Sonicare ProtectiveClean 5100 Electric Toothbrush
Pros
- Sleek design that feels good to hold
- Quieter than Oral-B toothbrushes
Cons
- Expensive replacement heads
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$99.99
(10% off)
Sonicare employs the latter through sonic technology — fast vibrations that recirculate foam and water between the teeth and along the gum line — but little research exists to support the idea that this removes more plaque than non-sonic brushing. One noticeable benefit of sonic technology, however: Sonicare toothbrushes are much quieter than those offered by Oral-B.
Oral-B doesn’t use sonic technology, but its oscillating, rotating and pulsing movements meet a similar end. Oral-B calls this “3D cleaning action,” and it’s designed to dislodge plaque and agitates the liquid in the mouth.
Sonicare designs look, and feel, better
We know, we know. We’re talking about toothbrushes here. But design is important for a toothbrush that’s going to sit out on the counter all day. Plus, feel is an important factor.
Sonicare toothbrushes, from the budget level to the high-end models, have a similar sleek aesthetic with few extraneous details. Some models are available in multiple colors. They’re also weighty, which contributes to the feeling of holding something built well.
Oral-B’s entry- and mid-level models, like the Pro 1000 and Smart 1500, don’t feature a similar streamlined design as Sonicare, and they look and feel less streamlined.
While Sonicare’s toothbrushes have grippy bodies, Oral-B toothbrushes feature ridges, which also take away from the aesthetic. The higher-end Oral-B toothbrushes, like those in the brand’s iO series, start to enter Sonicare territory in terms of aesthetics.
Sonicare vs Oral-B: Our Verdict
Both Oral-B and Sonicare make excellent electric toothbrushes.
Oral-B represents the better value; the brushes themselves and replacement heads are cheaper than those sold by Sonicare. And they’re easier to use for beginners and kids.
Sonicare is the sleeker option and the design of its brush heads look, feel and function more like a traditional toothbrush. Its electric toothbrushes are also quieter, for users sensitive to noise. No matter which one you pick, rest assured: you’re making a smart longterm investment into your oral hygiene.
Oral-BOral-B Pro 1000 Rechargeable Electric Toothbrush
Phillips SonicarePhilips Sonicare ProtectiveClean 5100 Electric Toothbrush
-
$99.99
(10% off)
Oral-BOral-B Cross Action Electric Toothbrush Heads (4-Pack)
-
$29.99
(29% off)
Phillips SonicarePhilips Sonicare C3 Premium Plaque Control Toothbrush Heads (4-Pack)
-
$54.96
(18% off)
