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Philips Sonicare 4100 Rechargeable Electric Toothbrush vs Oral-B iO Series 9 Rechargeable Electric Toothbrush
Which one has the downsides you can live with?
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The short answer
Philips Sonicare 4100 Rechargeable Electric Toothbrush ranks higher (#3 vs #4 of 8) and scores better on battery. Oral-B iO Series 9 Rechargeable Electric Toothbrush wins on gentleness, durability.
The biggest complaint about the Philips Sonicare 4100 Rechargeable Electric Toothbrush is heads cost about twice as much as oral-b's; for the Oral-B iO Series 9 Rechargeable Electric Toothbrush it's very expensive. Pick the one whose catch bothers you less.
Side by side
| Philips Sonicare 4100 Rechargeable Electric Toothbrush | Oral-B iO Series 9 Rechargeable Electric Toothbrush | |
|---|---|---|
| Rank in electric toothbrushes | #3 | #4 |
| Price tier | $ | $$$ |
| Type | Sonic | Oscillating |
| Amazon 1–2★ share | 10% | 6% |
| Overall score | 3.7 | 3.8 |
| Cleaning feel | 4.5 | 4.5 |
| Gentleness | 4.0 | 4.5 |
| Battery | 4.0 | 3.0 |
| Replacement head cost | 2.5 | 2.5 |
| Ease of use | 4.0 | 4.0 |
| Durability | 3.0 | 4.0 |
Price tiers: $ under $50 · $$ $50–120 · $$$ over $120. Highlighted = clearly better (a score gap of 0.3 or more, or a 1–2★ share at least 3 points lower). Scores are explained, with sources, on each product's page.
Top complaints
Philips Sonicare 4100 Rechargeable Electric Toothbrush
- Heads cost about twice as much as Oral-B's
Wirecutter says Sonicare heads can cost more than double Oral-B's and estimates a three-year cost of about $170 versus about $98 for the Pro 1000. Electric Teeth puts heads at about $10 each.
Source: Wirecutter, Electric Teeth - Stops charging or dies within a year
Amazon's review summary says multiple customers report it stopped working in less than a year, and some say it stops charging or feels weak.
- USB-only charger
Since October 2021 the charger has had only a USB plug with no wall adapter (Wirecutter; Philips will send one free on request). Amazon's summary calls charging problematic because only a USB cord is included. Electric Teeth says a full charge can take up to 24 hours.
- Vibration felt through the whole brush
Wirecutter says the vibrations can be felt throughout the brush even on low, and the hard plastic back of the head can knock against opposing teeth. Electric Teeth notes there is no light to show which intensity is selected.
Source: Wirecutter, Electric Teeth
Oral-B iO Series 9 Rechargeable Electric Toothbrush
- Very expensive
CNN Underscored calls the roughly $330 list price a tough sell even on discount. Electric Teeth puts the US suggested price at $299.99. Amazon's summary says value for money is mixed, with some owners finding it overpriced.
- iO-only heads and a mold-prone gap
Electric Teeth puts iO heads at about $8, roughly twice the price of standard Oral-B heads, and says mold can build up in the gap around the magnetic head mount. Wirecutter notes some customer reviewers clean that junction daily.
Source: Electric Teeth, Wirecutter - Tracking accuracy disputed
Electric Teeth found position tracking inconsistent, sometimes logging the wrong zone, and worse for left-handed users. CNN Underscored, by contrast, found the app accurate every time it tested it. Amazon's summary calls tracking mixed.
- About 12 days per charge
Electric Teeth usually got about 12 days against a 14-day claim, though the charger refills it in about 3 hours. Amazon's summary says some owners report it doesn't hold a charge.
Who should pick which
Pick the Philips Sonicare 4100 Rechargeable Electric Toothbrush if
A quiet brush
Smaller mouths (narrower heads)
Newcomers who want a pressure sensor and a gentle start-up mode
Skip it if: You want the cheapest heads; You dislike vibration felt through the handle; You want a wall plug in the box
Pick the Oral-B iO Series 9 Rechargeable Electric Toothbrush if
People who want app coaching and data
Building better brushing habits
Oral-B users who want the quieter iO motor
Skip it if: You won't use the app; You're on a budget; You're left-handed and want reliable position tracking
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