Oral-B iO Series 5
Best for Best value premium clean
Typically £89–£139
Check Price on Amazon Paid linkPhilips Sonicare ProtectiveClean 6500
Best for Sensitive gums
Typically £69–£109
Check Price on Amazon Paid linkQuick comparison
| Feature | Oral-B iO Series 5 | Philips Sonicare ProtectiveClean 6500 |
|---|---|---|
| Verdict | Buy | Buy |
| Typical price | £89–£139 | £69–£109 |
| Best for | Best value premium clean | Sensitive gums |
| Key feature | The iO cleaning motor without the extras | Gentle sonic clean with a travel case |
| Modes | 5 | 3 |
| Battery | Up to 2 weeks | Up to 2 weeks |
| Where to buy | Check Price Paid link | Check Price Paid link |
Main differences
Brush style
Oral-B uses a round oscillating head; Sonicare uses a sonic, toothbrush-shaped head.
Pressure sensor
Both include one; Oral-B's is a visible ring light.
Travel
Sonicare includes a travel case.
Running costs
Brush heads cost similar amounts.
Which should you choose?
Choose the Oral-B iO Series 5 if you
- like a polished, deep-clean feel
- want a smart pressure light
- already use Oral-B heads
Choose the Philips Sonicare ProtectiveClean 6500 if you
- have sensitive gums
- travel often
- prefer a quieter, gentler feel
Which specifications matter?
Focus on the differences above rather than headline numbers. For more options, see our list of the best electric toothbrushes in the uk.
Not sure about either? Consider these
Philips Sonicare · Electric Toothbrushes
Philips Sonicare 4100 Power Toothbrush
Buy it if You want a reliable sonic toothbrush with a pressure sensor at a low price.
- Verdict
- Buy
- Best for
- Budget
- Typical price
- £39–£49
Pros
- Affordable
- Pressure sensor
Cons
- Single mode
Oral-B · Electric Toothbrushes
Oral-B iO Series 9
Buy it if You love app coaching and a charging travel case and money is no object.
- Verdict
- Skip
- Best for
- Gadget lovers
- Typical price
- £229–£279
Pros
- Charging travel case
- Colour display
Cons
- Very expensive
Frequently asked questions
Which is better, the Oral-B iO 5 or the Sonicare 6500?
Choose the Oral-B iO Series 5 for a polished, dentist-style clean and a smart pressure sensor; choose the Sonicare 6500 if you prefer a gentler sonic feel and want a travel case.
Which is better value?
The Oral-B iO 5 typically costs £89–£139 and the Sonicare 6500 typically costs £69–£109. The better value depends on which differences above matter to you.