Sonicare Electric Brush

This page is a review of all of the current models of the Sonicare electric toothbrush line.

For each toothbrush, we cover what features it has, point out how that differs from other models, and give you our opinion about the brush's collection of features as a whole, both pro and con. [If you're interested, here's the same type of breakdown for Oral-B electrics.]

As a companion piece, don't overlook reading through our Best Sonicares page, which explains what to look for and how to pick out a toothbrush that has just the features you really need.

What are the current Sonicare models?

Here's a listing of the brushes we found on the Philips Sonicare website (USA) under the category "current products" on January 9, 2017.

• DiamondClean - Models: HX9393/90, HX9392/05, HX9372/10, HX9362/10, HX9352/10, HX9332/10
• FlexCare Platinum Connected - Models: HX9192/02, HX9192/01
• FlexCare+ (plus) - Model: HX6921/04
• HealthyWhite+ - Models: HX8918/10, HX8911/02
• Sonicare 3 Series gum health - Model: HX6631/02
• Sonicare 2 Series plaque control - Models: HX6218/10, HX6211/07, HX6211/28, HX6211/04, HX6211/48, HX6211/47, HX6211/46
• Sonicare for Kids - Models: HX6321/02, HX6321/05
• Essence+ - Model: HX3211/17, HX3211/02, HX3211/33
• Essence - Model: HX5611/01
  
• PowerUp - Models: HX3631/06, HX3631/10

Differences from our last review.

• As compared to the list of brushes we reviewed last go around, Sonicare has dropped the FlexCare Platinum line in favor of its Flexcare Platinum Connected brushes. These are the first "adult" Sonicare toothbrushes whose usage is integrated with a smartphone app.
  
• The HealthyWhite model has been dropped but the HealthyWhite+ still exists and has been upgraded. Two new Essence+ models have been added.

Manufacturer suggested retail prices.

The brushes listed on this page are ordered according to their "suggested retail price" (per information taken from the Philips Sonicare website). So as you work your way down our list, each next brush is a little cheaper than the one before it.

Prices range from around $250 all the way down to just $15 (we've included each model's MSRP price with its features list below.) Some brushes have come down since our last review, others have gone up (although now sporting slightly different features). The prices of most brushes have stayed the same.

Be sure to shop around.

We've looked on the web to make certain that we could find all of the above models currently for sale (which we did).

During our search, we were a little bit surprised to find that some (very big name) online retailers listed a MSRP that was higher than the one shown on the Sonicare site. Of course, doing so makes it look like their price has been more heavily discounted than it really is.

We mention this simply to remind you to make sure you compare several vendor's prices before you buy.

Discounted models.

It seemed to us that we found some of the older Sonicare toothbrush lines more heavily discounted than comparatively newer ones. Thus making them even more of a bargain.

If you want to see these models first hand ...

We've noticed two retailers who typically have various Sonicare models, as well as other brands of electrics, on display so you can pick them up and hold them (although they're just mockups, they don't actually run). They are Target and Bed, Bath and Beyond.

Reviewing Sonicare options and features.

Throughout this page we link to other areas of our website that give more detailed information about specific toothbrush features (such as its purpose, how it works, pros/cons). You can either use those links as you come to them or one of the buttons to the right, they all lead to the same places.

If you're interested in our opinion about what we feel is the value of having specific features, we tend to provide more of that on our "Which Sonicare models make the best buy?" page.

If you have a question that we didn't cover in this or that review, you can post it as a comment at the bottom of either page and we'll try to answer it.

Features that Sonicare models tend to have in common.

Rather than describe the same set of options repeatedly, here's a list of features that most of the toothbrushes on this page share. For those that don't, we make mention of it both here and in their respective review.

a) Full-power brushing mode.

With the exception of the PowerUp product line, all of the models on this page feature Sonicare's "31,000 brushstrokes-per-minute" brushing action. (With some models this is termed "62,000 brush movement/minute.")

How sonic toothbrushes work.

Our recommendation.

• We feel strongly that a brush must offer "31,000 brushstrokes-per-minute" capabilities.
• We also think that the single setting the vast majority of owners should use is their brush in full-power mode (which is the "Clean" setting on a Sonicare).

b) Lithium-ion battery.

With the exception of the PowerUp, Essence, Essence+ and 2 Series models, the standard Sonicare rechargeable battery is a lithium ion one.

Lithium ion offers some technical advantages related to recharging. Probably more noticeable to users is that the models that have them tend to have a smaller, sleeker body style. (More about batteries.)

c) 110 - 220V charging.

The chargers that come with Sonicare rechargeable brushes are designed to operate with either 110 or 220 volt power supplies, a point that may be important to world travelers. (More about charging units.) (PowerUp models use disposable off-the-shelf AA alkaline batteries.)

d) Smartimer / KidTimer.

All of the brushes on this page feature a 2 minute brushing timer. (More about Sonicare timers.)

Not all models come with the additional QuadPacer function, so if that's important to you take note. Instead of QuadPacer, the FlexCare Platinum Connected models feature the similar BrushPacer function.

e) Easy-start.

This feature is an introductory mode that helps you to get used to the sensation of using your brush by gradually increasing its brushing intensity. (More about Sonicare Easy-start.)

Many, but according to Sonicare's website not all, models have this feature. It was our impression that those that didn't tended to be those that had intensity settings, which conceivably could be used as somewhat of a substitute. Check the packaging of the specific product you are considering to know for certain if you are getting this feature or not.

f) Brushing pressure sensing.

When excessive force is used, the brushing action of Sonicare models will tend to stall out. Beyond that general characteristic, the Flexcare brushes feature excessive brushing pressure indicators (use link for more details).

g) Click-on brush heads.

With the exception of the Essence models (not to be confused with the newer Essence+), all of the brushes mentioned on this page utilize some type of click-on (snap-on) brush head.

While there are some convenience factors associated with this design, what's more important is that this gives you a very wide range of brush head styles and sizes to choose from when selecting replacements. All click-on heads are universally interchangeable between models that use them. (The exception being the PowerUp line.)

For this reason, when selecting a toothbrush model, we place little emphasis on which types of brush heads it comes with because you'll be replacing them soon enough anyway (Philips recommends every 3 months). (More about brush heads.)

h) QuadPacer

This is a quadrant timer. It signals when each 1/4th of your brushing session has elapsed, so you know when to move on to brushing the next section of your teeth. (More about QuadPacer.)

The Sonicare website and the available online user manuals don't always agree on which models have the QuadPacer. We've tended to show what the website states, assuming it is the more up-to-date information. Check the packaging of the model you are considering to be sure about what you are getting.

The Sonicare toothbrush lines: A review of features, by model names and numbers.

Double check brush features before you buy.

We've gone to a lot of effort in compiling this information to make sure we got everything right. But beyond our control, features and options can change.

Before you buy, do us a favor and just double check what we say against the packaging or description of the actual product you plan to buy. We don't want you to be disappointed.

a) The DiamondClean electric toothbrushes -

DiamondClean models:
HX9393/90 - (MSRP $250)
HX9392/05, HX9372/10, HX9362/10, HX9352/10, HX9332/10 - (MSRP $220)

( Compare DiamondClean prices and deals at Walmart.com and Amazon.com. )

Differences within the DiamondClean line up.

• Each of the above models vary by way of color: HX9393/90 (black), HX9392/05 (rose gold), HX9372/10 (amethyst), HX9362/10 (pink), HX9352/10 (black), HX9332/10 (white).
• The HX9393/90 (the most expensive model) features Sonicare's wireless charging pad and a travel pouch, whereas the others come with Sonicare's glass charger and USB travel charger/case. (See below for more details about these features.)
  

  Selecting one over the other would simply come down to personal preference.

• The HX9393/90 comes with 2 DiamondClean (standard) and 1 AdaptiveClean brush heads whereas the other models come with 1 DiamondClean (standard), 1 AdaptiveClean and 1 InterCare (standard).
  

  Having a variety of heads is nice in terms of experimentation and determining which type you prefer. But these are disposable items that you'll just be replacing every three months anyway (with any other kind of head you want), so this difference between models isn't very significant.

DiamondClean features -

• Color: See "other differences" section above.
• Top vibrational speed: Stated as either 62,000 brush movements/minute or 31,000 brush strokes/minute, depending on model (we consider these equivalent).
• Brushing modes: 5 total - Clean, Deep Clean, Gum Care, Sensitive, White.
  

  Clean mode = 31,000 strokes/minute. (Except for having Sonicare's "Clean" setting, we place very little importance on a brush having any additional modes. We explain our reasoning here.)

• Brush heads provided: Three total, see above.
• Replacement brush heads: The full line of Sonicare universally interchangeable click-on heads can be used with these models.
  

  This includes: DiamondClean (standard, compact), Adaptive Clean (standard), Intercare (standard), ProResults Plaque Control (standard), ProResults Gum Health (standard), Sensitive (standard) and SimplyClean (standard). (More about brush head options.)

• Smartimer and QuadPacer: Yes. - Quadpacer divides Smartimer's 2 minute time frame into 4ths, therefore signaling when you should switch to brushing the next quadrant of your mouth. (More about Sonicare QuadPacer.)
• Integrates with Sonicare smartphone app: No.
• Charger: Glass charger - With glass-charger DiamondClean models you also have the option of charging your brush using its travel case (see below).
  

  Wireless charging pad - (HX9393/90 only) This unit uses (Qi) technology, just like that used to wirelessly recharge some smartphones.

• Operational voltages: 110-220V
• Travel case: Yes. - USB travel charger. - The case acts as the charger, so you don't have to take your "glass" one. It hooks up via a USB port.
• Battery type: Lithium ion.
• Operating time after fully charged: "Up to" 3 weeks.

Our opinion about the DiamondClean line.

This is Sonicare's "top" product line, in the sense of a traditional electric toothbrush (no connectivity with a smartphone app or special sensors).

There's no question that these are good brushes. But you can probably get all of the features that you really need in a lesser model, for a lower price. (Figuring that out is what our Which are the best Sonicares? page is all about.)

Features to keep in mind about this product line:

• The DiamondClean line is the only one that features models that have the wireless (Qi) charging, the glass charger and the USB travel charger/case options.

b) The FlexCare Platinum Connected electric toothbrushes -

FlexCare Platinum Connected models:
HX9192/02 - (MSRP $220)
HX9192/01 - (MSRP $200)

( Compare FlexCare platinum prices and deals at Walmart.com and Amazon.com. )

Differences within the FlexCare Platinum Connected line up.

The difference between the two Platinum Connected models is that the charging stand of the HX9192/02 has a UV brush head sanitizer while the HX9192/01 does not. Other than that, these brushes are the same.

FlexCare Platinum Connected features -

• Color: White.
• Top vibrational speed: Stated as 62,000 brush movements/minute.
  (equivalent to 31,000 brush strokes/minute.)
• Brushing modes: 3 total - Clean, Deep Clean, White. These models also feature 3 Intensity settings: Low, medium, high. (Clean mode at High intensity = 31,000 strokes/minute.)
  

  While we don't generally see great value in having multiple brushing modes available, the ability to change brushing intensity can be a valuable option in special cases (i.e. debilitated or elderly brush users). The HealthyWhite+, 3 Series Gum Health and For Kids models (see below) also share this capability.

• Brush heads provided: 3 total. 1 AdaptiveClean, 1 InterCare (standard) and 1 ProResults gum health.
• Replacement brush heads: The full line of Sonicare universally interchangeable click-on heads can be used with these brushes.
• Smartimer and BrushPacer: Yes. Note: FlexCare Platinum Connected models feature Sonicare's BrushPacer as opposed to the (similar) QuadPacer found on other models.
• Integrates with Sonicare smartphone app: Yes. (Features of the brushing app.)
• UV brush head sanitizer: Model HX9192/02 only. The sanitizer is incorporated into the brush's charging stand. - We don't see a great value in having this feature. We outline our argument here.
• Charger: Traditional charging stand. A smaller travel charger separates from this unit.
• Operational voltages: 110-220V
• Battery type: Lithium ion.
• Operating time after fully charged: "Up to" 2 weeks.
• Travel case: Yes.
  
• Pressure sensor: Yes. - This feature signals that too much brushing pressure has been detected in two different ways. The brush handle gently pulsates to alert the user. The phone app shows a warning on its screen.
• Additional sensors and indicators: The phone app signals when too much scrubbing motion is detected in your brushing technique. From information gathered from the brush's timer and pressure sensor, the app notifies you when your current brush head should be replaced.

Our opinion about the FlexCare Platinum Connected line.

If you're looking for a brush that offers most of Sonicare's newest bells and whistles, then this is the line for you.

However, our opinion would be that while we can see how any or all of these features and functions might appeal to some people, for the person who just needs a good electric toothbrush there are other equally capable, less expensive choices.

Features to keep in mind about this product line:

• FlexCare Platinum Connected units are the only "adult" brushes that integrate with the Sonicare smartphone brushing app.
• This line is the only one to feature location, pressure and scrubbing sensors.
• The FlexCare HX9192/02 is the only Sonicare brush that has a UV brush head sanitizer.
• While we feel that Clean mode on its own almost always makes the best brushing choice, we can see how having the option of intensity settings (a feature this line has) might be beneficial in some situations.

c) The FlexCare+ electric toothbrushes -

FlexCare+ (plus) models:
HX6921/04 - (MSRP $150)

( Compare FlexCare+ prices and deals at Walmart.com and Amazon.com. )

FlexCare+ features -

• Color: Cooper Frost (white)
• Top vibrational speed: 31,000 brush strokes/minute.
• Brushing modes: 5 total - Clean, Gum Care, Refresh, Sensitive, Massage. (Clean mode = 31,000 brushstrokes-per-minute.) As compared to the Flexcare Platinum Connected, this line does not feature changeable brushing intensities.
• Brush head provided: One total. ProResults Gum Health.
• Replacement brush heads: The full line of Sonicare universally interchangeable click-on heads can be used with this brush.
• Smartimer and QuadPacer: Yes. (Quadpacer can be deactivated on this model.)
• Integrates with Sonicare smartphone app: No.
• Charger: Traditional charging stand. A smaller travel charger separates from this unit.
• Operational voltages: 110-220V
• Battery type: Lithium ion.
• Operating time after fully charged: "Up to" 3 weeks.
• Travel case: Yes.
• Pressure sensor: Yes. The brush handle gently pulsates when too much brushing pressure is detected. (In general, we don't see a big need for this feature. We explain why here.)

Our opinion about the FlexCare+ line.

Except for the ability to deactivate the QuadPacer (which evidently is an annoyance for some people), there's nothing especially noteworthy about this brush. Cheaper alternatives exist.

Features to keep in mind about this product line:

• This is one of only two Sonicare lines that features a true excessive brushing pressure indicator.
• This is the only model we're aware of that allows you to deactivate the QuadPacer function.

d) The HealthyWhite+ electric toothbrushes -

HealthyWhite+ (plus) models:
HX8918/10 - (MSRP $130)
HX8911/02 - (MSRP $120)

( Compare HealthyWhite+ prices and deals at Walmart.com and Amazon.com. )

Differences within the HealthyWhite+ line up.

These models only vary by way of the fact that the HX8918/10 comes with an additional tongue cleaner brush head (TongueCare+, HX8072/80), along with a small bottle of antibacterial tongue spray (DIS359/03).

Keep in mind that these same items can be bought separately and used with any other Sonicare model that uses click-on heads. Also, there are other (possibly more effective and cheaper) ways to clean your tongue. We discuss them here.

Sonicare Healthy White+ HX8911/02

HealthyWhite+ features -

• Color: Frost White
• Top vibrational speed: Stated as 62,000 brush movements/minute.
  (equivalent to 31,000 brush strokes/minute.)
• Brushing modes: 2 total - Clean, White. 3 brushing intensity settings are also featured: High, medium, low. (Clean mode at High intensity = 31,000 brush strokes/minute.)
• Brush head provided: One DiamondClean (Standard).
• Replacement brush heads: The full line of Sonicare universally interchangeable click-on heads can be used with this brush.
• Smartimer and QuadPacer: Yes. (Quadpacer can be deactivated on this model.)
• Integrates with Sonicare smartphone app: No.
• Charger: Conventional charging stand.
• Operational voltages: 110-220V
• Battery type: Lithium ion.
• Operating time after fully charged: "Up to" 3 weeks.
• Travel case: Yes.

Our opinion about the HealthWhite+ line.

This brush seems to be the last of the models that are clearly top-of-the-line as opposed to budget-oriented, and therefore a good choice for those looking for the cheapest higher-end alternative.

Features to keep in mind about this product line:

• This is one of the Sonicare lines that features switchable brushing intensities.

Note: The models below this point could be considered to be Sonicare's economy brushes. But all except the PowerUps still feature Sonicare's all-important 31,000 brush-strokes-per-minute brushing action.

As lower-cost alternatives they aren't as refined and powerful as the models above. This seems to be related to the fact that they are either older technology, or simply designed as cheap Sonicares.

We discuss these issues on our how to pick out the best Sonicare in terms of value page.

e) 3 Series Gum Health electric toothbrushes -

3 Series Gum Health models:
HX6631/02 - (MSRP $90)

( Compare 3 Series prices and deals at Walmart.com and Amazon.com. )

3 Series Gum Health features -

Sonicare 3 Series HX6631/02

• Color: Persian Green.
• Top vibrational speed: 31,000 brush strokes/minute.
• Brushing modes: 1 total - Clean. It also has 3 brushing intensity settings: High, medium, low. (Clean mode at High intensity = 31,000 brushstrokes-per-minute.)
• Brush head provided: One ProResults Gum Health.
• Replacement brush heads: The full line of Sonicare universally interchangeable click-on heads can be used with this brush.
• Smartimer and QuadPacer: Yes.
• Integrates with Sonicare smartphone app: No.
• Charger: Conventional charging stand.
• Operational voltages: 110-220V
• Battery type: Lithium ion.
• Operating time after fully charged: "Up to" 3 weeks.
• Travel case: Yes.

Our opinion about the 3 Series Gum Health line.

This model seems to be Sonicares attempt to meld its lower and higher-end models. (For example, it just has one brushing mode but features a lithium ion battery.)

Its only brushing mode is the only one we think is important to have ("Clean"), and it has intensity settings to boot (for those who have an application where a lower-intensity setting is needed).

However, from reading comments on both our and retailer websites, it seems that some people who have owned higher-end Sonicares before consider this to be an inferior product in terms of power and refinement. We discuss this issue in greater detail on our best Sonicares page.

Features to keep in mind about this product line:

• This brush is one of the Sonicares that offers the option of using different brushing intensities.

f) The 2 Series Plaque Control electric toothbrushes -

2 Series Plaque Control models:
HX6218/10 - (MSRP $80)
HX6211/07, HX6211/28, HX6211/04, HX6211/48, HX6211/47, HX6211/46 - (MSRP $70)

( Compare 2 Series prices and deals at Walmart.com and Amazon.com. )

Differences within the 2 Series line up.

• These models vary by way of their colors: HX6211/07 (black with white highlights), HX6211/28 (white with red highlights), HX6211/04 and HX6218/10 (white with blue highlights), HX6211/48 (green with white highlights), HX6211/47 (red with white highlights), HX6211/46 (blue with white highlights)
  
• The HX6218/10 comes with a tongue cleaner brush head (TongueCare+, HX8072/80), along with a small bottle of antibacterial tongue spray (DIS359/03).

2 Series Plaque Control features -

Sonicare 2 Series HX6211/04

• Color: See above.
• Top vibrational speed: 31,000 brush strokes/minute.
• Brushing modes: 1 total - Clean. (Clean mode = 31,000 brushstrokes-per-minute.)
• Brush head provided: One ProResults Plaque Control.
• Replacement brush heads: The full line of Sonicare universally interchangeable click-on heads can be used with this brush.
• Smartimer and QuadPacer: Yes.
• Integrates with Sonicare smartphone app: No.
• Charger: Conventional charging stand.
• Operational voltages: 110-220V
• Battery type: NiMH. - This is the slightly less advantageous style of battery. Also, notice a lower operating time of two weeks (vs. three for the 3 Series).
• Operating time after fully charged: "Up to" 2 weeks.
• Travel case: No.

Our opinion about the 2 Series Plaque Control line.

Like the 3 Series, the 2 Series models probably have all of the brushing options you really need. But there are some differences:

• It only features a NiMH battery (see above).
  
• It doesn't have the 3's ability to change brushing intensity. But if your application doesn't involve special cases (elderly or debilitated brush users) you probably have no use for this option.

As discussed with the 3 Series above, some commenters on our and retailer websites have mentioned their concerns with this brush as compared to Sonicares they have owned before.

g) The Sonicare for Kids electric toothbrushes -

Sonicare for Kids models:
HX6321/05, HX6321/02 - (MSRP $50)

( Compare Sonicare for Kids prices and deals at Walmart.com and Amazon.com. )

Differences within the For Kids line up.

These two models only vary by way of the stickers (decoration for the toothbrush handle) that they come with.

Sonicare For Kids features -

Sonicare For Kids HX6321/02

• Color: Aqua, with 8 different "jazzy" stickers you can apply.
• Top vibrational speed: 31,000 brush strokes/minute.
• Brushing modes: This brush features 2 settings: High and low. The lower setting is intended for use by smaller, younger children. (The High setting = 31,000 brushstrokes-per-minute.)
• Brush head provided: One Sonicare for Kids (Standard).
• Replacement brush heads: The full line of Sonicare universally interchangeable click-on heads can be used with these models.
  

  For-Kids brush heads come in both Standard and Compact sizes and feature softer bristles than the adult ones. The Compact heads are intended for use with smaller, younger children.

• Smartimer and QuadPacer: Yes, however with this brush these features are referred to as KidTimer and KidPacer.
  

  (If you're an adult and are considering using this brush yourself, you must read this section that describes how these functions work.)

• Integrates with Sonicare smartphone app: Yes. (For Kids app, see below.)
• Charger: Conventional charging stand.
• Operational voltages: 110-220V
• Battery type: Lithium ion.
• Operating time after fully charged: "Up to" 2 weeks.
• Travel case: No.

The For Kids Smartphone brushing app.

Via Bluetooth connectivity, this brush can communicate with an app installed on your smartphone (free - iOS and Android).

The app tracks each brushing session and its duration, gives brushing tips and provides games that can help to increase brushing motivation.

Our opinion about the Sonicare For Kids line.

This model is a good choice for children, or families that would like to share a single brush. It can also make a reasonable budget choice for an adult (if you don't mind using a toothbrush that's geared towards children).

Features to keep in mind about this product line:

• This brush offers two brushing intensities.
• Just like with "adult" models, the For Kids can use the full range of Sonicare click-on brush heads.

h) The Essence+ electric toothbrushes -

Essence+ models:
HX3211/17, HX3211/02, HX3211/33 - (MSRP $40)

( Compare Essence+ prices and deals at Walmart.com and Amazon.com. )

Differences within the Essence+ line up.

• These are all basically white toothbrushes but the color or their trim varies: HX3211/02 (light blue), HX3211/17 (mid-blue), HX3211/33 (dark blue).
• Each comes with a different style of brush head: HX3211/02 - Sensitive (standard), HX3211/17 - SimplyClean (standard), HX3211/33 - ProResults gum health.
  
• While all three models have Sonicare's Smartimer, only the HX3211/33 has the Quadpacer feature.

Essence+ features -

• Color: White with blue rubber grips. (Either light blue, mid-blue or dark blue depending on model, see above.)
• Top vibrational speed: 31,000 brush strokes/minute.
• Brushing modes: 1 total - Clean. (Clean mode = 31,000 brushstrokes-per-minute.)
• Brush head provided: One brush head - Either Sensitive (standard), SimplyClean (standard) or ProResults gum health depending on model (see above).
  

  Note: This brush has a snap-on brush head design that means it can be used with the full line of Sonicare universally interchangeable click-on heads. That's a nice advantage over the regular Essence model.

• Smartimer and QuadPacer: Each model features the Smartimer. Per Sonicare's website, only the HX3211/33 has the QuadPacer.
• Integrates with Sonicare smartphone app: No.
• Charger: Conventional charging stand, similar in design to more modern Sonicares.
• Operational voltages: 110-220V
• Battery type: NiMH. - The non-lithium ion battery option.
• Operating time after fully charged: "Up to" 10 days.
  

  Note: In comparison, the specs for the standard Essence say "up to 2 weeks."

• Travel case: No.

Our opinion about the Essence+ line.

Even though this brush just seems to be the old (ancient) Essence design with a modern click-on brush head placed on it, it still makes a perfectly reasonable choice. (Because it has "Clean" mode and a 31,000 brush-strokes-per-minute brushing action.)

However, it must be said that as compared to all of the more modern brushes above, this unit is a bit larger, heavier, louder and its handle vibrates more. It may not make the right choice for debilitated or elderly users.

i) The Essence electric toothbrushes -

Essence models:
HX5611/01 - (MSRP $25)

( Compare Essence prices and deals at Walmart.com and Amazon.com. )

Essence features -

• Color: White with blue rubber grips.
• Top vibrational speed: 31,000 brush strokes/minute.
• Brushing modes: 1 total - Clean. (Clean mode = 31,000 brushstrokes-per-minute.)
• Brush head provided: One e-Series (Standard). - This is the older screw-on type head.
• Replacement brush heads: Only e-Series brush heads can be used with the Essence. That means you have a much more limited choice than with other models, however they do come in both Standard and Compact sizes.

  (Possibly e-Series heads are less efficient brushers than other styles. This page provides more information.)

• Smartimer and QuadPacer: This model does not feature QuadPacer.
• Integrates with Sonicare smartphone app: No.
• Charger: Conventional charging stand.
• Operational voltages: 110-220V
• Battery type: NiMH. - The non-lithium ion battery option.
• Operating time after fully charged: "Up to" 2 weeks.
  
• Travel case: No.

Our opinion about the Essence line.

For anyone who has used Sonicares for a long time, you'll recognize this model as "newer" old-style technology. It's a decent brush, just dated.

• It should be mentioned that this unit is a bit larger, heavier, louder and vibrates more so than the newer Sonicare designs, so it may not be the right choice for elderly or debilitated brushers.
• It uses the less convenient (and less diverse in available designs) e-Series style brush heads.

j) The PowerUp electric toothbrushes -

PowerUp models:
HX3631/06, HX3631/10 - (MSRP $15)

( Compare PowerUp prices and deals at Walmart.com and Amazon.com. )

Differences within the PowerUp line up.

• The HX3631/06 is White/Scuba Blue in color and comes with a Soft PowerUp brush head.
  
• The HX3631/10 is White/Pink in color and comes with a Medium PowerUp brush head.

PowerUp features -

• Color: See above.
• Top vibrational speed: 15,000 brush strokes/minute.
• Brushing modes: 1 total - Clean. - IMPORTANT! - Clean mode = 15,000 strokes-per-minute. That's 1/2 the speed of the other models on this page.
  

  There can be applications where a low-power brush is desirable (use with elderly or debilitated persons who can't handle full-power mode). But if you're looking to buy a Sonicare because of its exceptional cleaning ability, these models don't make the right choice.

  Having said that, as compared to other low-end brush brands, the PowerUp probably makes a reasonable choice.

• Brush head provided: One PowerUp (soft or medium, see above).
• Replacement brush heads: Only PowerUp brush heads can be used with these brushes. Two styles are available, Medium and Soft.
• Smartimer and QuadPacer: These brushes do not have QuadPacer.
• Integrates with Sonicare smartphone app: No.
• Battery type: Powered by 2 AA alkaline disposable batteries. - This is the only Sonicare on this page that has replaceable batteries. Depending upon your application, you may find this to be an advantage.
• Operating time on fresh batteries: 120 two-minute brushings.
• Travel case: No.

Our opinion about the PowerUp line.

For the vast majority of users, any other brush on this page would make a more effective brushing choice than a PowerUp (due to this brush's low-speed brushing action).

Features to keep in mind about this product line:

• This is the only Sonicare electric that uses replaceable, off-the-shelf batteries.

Still need help in deciding?

If you've read through everything we've said above and you still don't know which model suits you best, read this page that explains how to sort these models out.

[Philips and Sonicare are registered trademarks of Koninklijke Philips Electronics N.V. Easy-start and QuadPacer are registered trademarks of Philips Oral HealthCare, Inc.]

Index - Topic Powered Toothbrushes.

• What's on our Sonicare Toothbrushes Pages -
  
  • All Sonicare models - A comprehensive review of the features/prices of all of the current models of the Sonicare lineup. Some comparisons between each of the individual product lines are made.
  • The best Sonicare models - A narrative that outlines how to determine which Sonicare model makes the best choice for you. It discusses Sonicare features, which of these features we think are important to have, and which models seem to offer a reasonable manifestation of them.
  • How sonic toothbrushes work. / Effectiveness. - If you're wondering how sonic toothbrushes work and what's special about the brushing action they create, this page explains.
• What's on our Sonicare Features Pages -
  
  • Brush Heads - Information about Sonicare brush heads, including: What styles of heads are available, in which sizes? Which heads can be used with which models? Comparative cleaning efficiency. How long does a brush head last? Screw-on vs. Click-on design. Standard vs. Compact sizes.
  • Sonicare brushing features - An outline of the various brushing modes different Sonicare models have, and what we think of each of them. It explains the importance of having the 31,000 strokes-per-minute brushing action.
    We also explain details about the Easy-start, Smartimer, KidTimer, QuadPacer, BrushPacer and Smartphone App functions (how they work, what we think of them).
  • Additional Sonicare features - We discuss Sonicare's UV brush head sanitizer in this section. We also explain features and issues associated with Sonicare battery types, charging units, working voltages, battery replacement and travel features.
• What's on our Oral-b Toothbrushes Pages -
  
  • All Oral-B rechargeable models - A comprehensive review of the features/prices of all of the current Oral-b rechargeable models. Some comparisons between each of the individual toothbrush lines are made.
  • The best Oral-B models - Our narrative outlining how to figure out which model makes the best choice for you. It covers Oral-b features, which of them we think are important to have, and which models seem to offer a reasonable manifestation of them.
• What's on our Oral-b Features Pages -
  
  • Brush heads - Details about Oral-B replacement brush heads: styles, options, differences. Which are the best ones?
  • Brushing modes - An explanation of the different Oral-B brushing modes found on various models. The importance of 3D vs. 2D brushing action.
  • Additional Oral-b features - Information about the Oral-b Bluetooth/Smartphone app and the wireless Smartguide, as well as what we think of them. Also details about Oral-b brushing timers, quadrant timers and brushing pressure indicators, as well as charging units, operating voltages and battery types.
• What's on our More about electric toothbrushes Pages -
  
  • Powered vs. Manual toothbrushes - Do you really need an electric toothbrush? This page can help you to decide. Advantages and potential benefits of electrics. What does research say?
  • Rotary electric toothbrushes - Types and brands of rotary-brush head powered toothbrushes (Rota-dent, Interplak, Braun Oral B). Pros and cons of their design differences.
  • The best electric toothbrushes for Senior Citizens. - Elder persons in different age groups, with differing situations, need different features. This page discusses the pros and cons of various models in meeting those needs.
• References for this page.