SONIC Chic DELUXE Rechargeable Travel Toothbrush, Silver

Product Information

Moving up to the ProtectiveClean range upgrades you to a better set of features, but without the smart app connectivity and premium accessories that make the ExpertClean and DiamondClean models more expensive. You still get the most important features, though, including a quad-pace timer, BrushSync tech and a pressure sensor – which alters the vibration to warn you if you’re brushing too hard. You also get a choice of Clean, White and Gum Care modes, plus three intensity settings per mode.

Finally, the DiamondClean models deliver the highest brush speeds, more settings and features, smart technology and – with the flagship Prestige brushes – premium accessories.Plus, while you don’t get all the extra brushes or charging glass of the flagship model, it does still come with a handy USB charging case, which makes this a fantastic toothbrush both for home and for travel. The basic Sonicare 1000, 2000 and 3000 ranges deliver a basic toothbrush with just the essential features. These include a two-minute pulse timer and – with the 3000 series – a pressure sensor to ensure you’re not brushing too lightly or too hard. Earlier 3000-series models used an NiMH battery, but the newest Sonicare 3100 has switched to lithium-ion, delivering around 76 minutes of brushing; this translates to around 19 days between recharges, which is a little longer than the specified 14. More expensive Sonicare brushes feature more stamina, but this is a great budget option to keep your teeth and gums in shape. The step-up ProtectiveClean models come with a pressure sensor and timer as standard, along with some useful extra features; some will run at higher speeds and give you a choice of brushing modes.

Philips also produces a Sonicare for Kids brush aimed at younger children, along with the Philips One electric toothbrush, which delivers basic Sonicare tech inside a slimmer, cheaper brush. The vibrating head and bristles don’t just clean the surface of your teeth, but also propel microbubbles of fluid across the gumline and in between your teeth, shifting any food debris and helping break down any plaque. This keeps your teeth squeaky-clean and your gums nice and healthy, although some floss and mouthwash will still help you maintain an effective dental regime. Does it deliver a clean as good as the more expensive Sonicare models? Perhaps not. Even when you move beyond the Soft and Gum Care modes to the White and Polish options, you don’t quite get the power of a mid-range Philips brush, not to mention the alternatives from Oclean or Ordo. However, your teeth still feel clean after brushing, the Gum Care mode gives your gums a decent massage, and the Soft mode is ideal for first-time electric toothbrush users or those with sensitive gums. Philips is widely seen as the technology leader with its Sonicare line of brushes, but we’ve also found several smaller brands that make excellent alternatives. As you move through the price range, you’ll generally find that you get higher speeds, quieter and more efficient motors, slimmer handles, and a longer battery life. Keep going, and you’ll also find additional features including Bluetooth connectivity, built-in sensors, and smart app support or a built-in screen. You don’t necessarily need these features to give your teeth a good, consistent brush, but they can help. Is there anything else worth looking out for?

READ NEXT: The best water flossers to buy The best Sonicare toothbrushes you can buy in 2023 1. Philips One Electric Toothbrush: The best electric travel toothbrush Fancy the performance and app-enabled features of the DiamondClean series but not quite so keen on the price tag? Well, the ExpertClean 7300 delivers most of the good stuff for a bit less money. Key specs – Cleaning modes: 3; Battery type: Li-ion; Accessories included: 2 brush heads, charging travel case, charger; Battery life (tested): 1hr 33mins; Warranty: 2yrs If your budget allows, we’d opt for the ExpectClean 7300, which can often be found at a similar price to the ProtectiveClean in the sales. Nevertheless, this model still offers great value if you’re not fussed about the latest in toothbrush features and tech. As before, the 3100 is compatible with the full range of Sonicare heads, and now supports BrushSync tech, with an LED indicator that lets you know when the head needs changing. What’s more, the clean isn’t far behind what you’d expect from Sonicare brushes twice the price. Sure, you only get 31,000 motions per minute where the top of the range models hit twice the speed, but your gnashers still come away feeling clean across the surface, and you get a nice, deep sweep along the gumline and between the teeth. You’ll have to pay more for extra cleaning modes and the battery life – just over 60 minutes – is disappointing, but this is still the best entry-level brush.

With any electric toothbrush, heads are a big deal. Philips manufacturers a range of different heads aimed at specific dental needs, ranging from the basic Plaque Defence and ProResults head to the Whitening heads, Optimal Gum Care heads, Intercare and A3 Premium All-in-One heads. Some other brushes may be compatible with Philips heads, but on others you’ll get a basic head with high-quality DuPont bristles, but nothing special. On the plus side, they’ll often throw in a replacement head or two, and you may find the heads cheaper to replace in future. Key specs – Cleaning modes: 4; Battery type: Li-ion; Accessories included: Brush head, charging cradle, travel cap; Battery life (tested): 2hrs 27mins; Warranty: 1yr However, the top reason to get the DiamondClean 9000 is that you’ll be getting the best clean available in the Sonicare range. The Deep Clean + mode might even be too intense for some people, but you can turn down the intensity or switch to the regular Clean or White + mode that will leave your teeth feeling polished, and even get rid of much of the plaque and debris that can accumulate between your teeth. Meanwhile, the Gum Health mode is brilliant for treating and toughening up soft gums.However, the top reason to get the DiamondClean 9000 is that you’ll be getting the best clean available in the Sonicare range, and one of the best from any electric toothbrush. The Deep Clean+ mode might be too much for some people, but, with three intensity settings, you can adjust the brush to suit your teeth, or simply switch to the regular Clean mode, or the White+ mode that will leave your teeth feeling polished. Meanwhile, the Gum Health mode is brilliant for treating soft, sensitive gums.