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Oral-B Genius X Review

Offering strong cleaning ability and a convenient app, this device mostly hits the mark as long as you don't have sensitive gums
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Oral-B Genius X Review
Credit: Oral-B
Price:  $200 List
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Manufacturer:   Oral-B
By Genaveve Bradshaw and Ryan White  ⋅  Dec 16, 2023
61
OVERALL
SCORE


RANKED
#13 of 19
  • Cleaning - 40% 8.0
  • Comfort - 30% 4.2
  • Ease of Use - 20% 7.0
  • Battery Life - 10% 2.0

Our Verdict

The Oral-B Genius X excelled in efficiency and thoroughness during cleaning, and the companion app proved easy to pair with. It was also intuitive to use thanks to the ability to switch between the six modes with a dedicated button. However, we didn't find it to be very gentle, and our testers with sensitive mouths were not impressed. Additionally, the brush itself was quite loud. If these factors are deal-breakers, you may want to consider another top-ranked electric toothbrush.
REASONS TO BUY
Adept at cleaning
Interactive app
Intuitive to use
REASONS TO AVOID
Loud
Pricey
Not gentle

Compare to Similar Products

 
oral-b genius x
This Product
Oral-B Genius X
Awards  Editors' Choice Award
Best Electric Toothbrush for Most People
Best Buy Award
Most Gentle, Great Battery Life and Value
Best Buy Award
Best Value Electric Toothbrush
Best Buy Award
Best Value for Included Brush Heads
Price $200 List
$199.99 at Amazon
$100 List
$79.96 at Amazon
$40 List
$25.96 at Amazon
$50 List
$39.96 at Amazon
$60 List
$39.95 at Amazon
Overall Score Sort Icon
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Star Rating
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Bottom Line This model is a good option if your primary concern is cleaning, and you don't mind the high priceNearly flawless, this model offers everything you need with minimal drawbacksAn gentle, minimalist toothbrush with a long-lasting battery that cleans wellInexpensive yet fully capable, this electric toothbrush is a solid choice for just about everyoneAffordable, effective, and user-friendly — this device offers value with good cleaning and extra brush heads
Rating Categories Oral-B Genius X Philips Sonicare Pr... Philips One Philips Sonicare 4100 Aquasonic Black Series
Cleaning (40%)
8.0
9.0
6.9
7.9
6.8
Comfort (30%)
4.2
7.8
8.1
8.3
6.4
Ease of Use (20%)
7.0
8.0
8.0
7.8
8.0
Battery Life (10%)
2.0
5.5
9.0
5.0
4.0
Specs Oral-B Genius X Philips Sonicare Pr... Philips One Philips Sonicare 4100 Aquasonic Black Series
Measured Battery Life 16 days 46 days 30 days 49.5 days 31 days
Pressure Sensor Yes Yes No Yes No
Number of Brushing Modes 6 modes:
Daily Clean, Pro Clean, Sensitive, 3D White, Gum Care, and Tongue Clean
3 modes:
Clean
White
Gum Care
1 mode:
Clean
1 mode:
Clean
2 sensivity levels
4 modes:
Clean, Soft, Whiten, Massage
Estimated Annual Brush Head Cost $39.99 for (1) four pack $44.96 for (1) four pack $15.92 for (2) two packs $44.96 for (1) four pack $19.90 for (2) two packs
Charger or Battery Info 110 - 130V 50/60Hz / 0.9W 100 - 240V a.c.
50/60Hz
0.4 - 1.4W
USB USB
(block not included)
100 - 240VA
50-60Hz
0.8 - 1.6W
American Dental Association accepted? Yes Not Listed Not Listed Not Listed Yes
Waterproof / Resistant Yes, can use in shower Yes, can use in shower No, cannot be used in the shower Yes, can use in shower Yes, can use in shower
Number of Brush Head Styles Available 9 8 styles, most available in 2 colors 1 style available in multiple colors 8 styles, most available in 2 colors 3
Number of Included Brush Heads 2 1 1 1 8
Thirty Second Reminder Yes Yes Yes Yes Yes
Two Minute Alert Yes Yes Yes Yes Yes
Travel Case Included Yes Yes Yes No Yes
Measured Handle Weight 4.6 oz 4.4 oz 1.4 oz 3.2 oz 3.6 oz
App Yes No No No No
Available Colors 3 2 4 3 1
Decibels from 6ft Away 60 dB 45 dB 40 dB* 42 dB 53 dB
Decibels from 3" Away 82 dB 67 dB 40 dB* 58 dB 68 dB

Our Analysis and Test Results

Cleaning performance is the top priority for any electric toothbrush, and the Oral-B Genius X does it well, even if it is a little harsh on the gums. Our testers subjected this device to a gauntlet of different tests to ensure it meets your expectations.

Performance Comparison


In today's world, it seems everything comes with an app, and in the case of this model, it succeeds.
Credit: Natalie Kafader

Cleaning


We conducted a comprehensive series of tests to thoroughly evaluate each electric toothbrush. To gauge cleaning effectiveness, we had each tester chew a plaque-disclosing tablet, revealing buildup in bright pink. This allowed us to assess how well each device performed in plaque removal, capturing before and after photos for evaluation. Prior to showing testers the results, we sought their input on how clean their teeth felt. Our testing didn't conclude there. We introduced an additional visual test, utilizing an artificial dental model. We applied a mixture of coffee grounds and pesto (selected for its messiness) across the model and set a timer for one minute to evaluate the efficiency of each brush.

oral-b genius x - app connectivity allowed us to see how well we brushed each quadrant.
App connectivity allowed us to see how well we brushed each quadrant.
Credit: Natalie Kafader

Starting out strong, the Oral-B Genius X scored very well here, with the testers reporting a very smooth and clean feeling and managing to remove all the visible plaque. With a great performance, it was difficult to fault it. It also excelled with our dental model, effectively cleaning the artificial teeth with no leftover debris.

oral-b genius x - no visible plaque, which is a win for this device.
No visible plaque, which is a win for this device.
Credit: Austin Palmer

Comfort


This metric encompasses factors such as the feel of the brush head and the assessment of various power levels to ensure there is no discomfort. We also evaluated the overall sound profile of each brush, noting if it is too loud or if the distinct frequency is grating.

oral-b genius x - this model is compatible with a series of different brush heads.
This model is compatible with a series of different brush heads.
Credit: Natalie Kafader

The Oral-B Genius X handle is compatible with seven different types of Oral-B brush heads: Gentle Clean, CrossAction, FlossAction, 3D White, Sensitive, Deep Sweep, and Dual Clean. This versatility is great if you're transitioning from a different model and already have compatible brush heads. However, during our evaluation, we found that this specific device paired with the provided brush head tends to be somewhat aggressive on the gums. While it does provide a sensitive mode, we believe it could be gentler overall. This device features a pressure sensor, making it ideal for those with a heavy hand, as it can detect excessive pressure during brushing. As a part of this, the Smart Ring around the handle lights up red to alert you; however, in practice, we found it to be inconsistent. We also noted that the mechanical sound was disruptive, measuring a rather loud 82 decibels from just 3 inches away.

oral-b genius x - the smart ring lights up red if you're brushing too hard. most of...
The Smart Ring lights up red if you're brushing too hard. Most of the time.
Credit: Natalie Kafader

Ease of Use


If you're transitioning from a manual toothbrush to an electric one, it's crucial to ensure that the chosen device isn't needlessly complicated to operate. That's why we include this metric in our evaluation. We assess the number of modes each brush offers and how straightforward it is to navigate them. Additionally, we evaluate the ease of cleaning for both the handle and brush head and check for convenient features such as a two-minute timer. Lastly, we consider whether the device includes storage for extra brush heads and its waterproof capabilities.

oral-b genius x - the brushes mode is indicated by a clearly lit-up symbol and can be...
The brushes mode is indicated by a clearly lit-up symbol and can be changed by the secondary button.
Credit: Natalie Kafader

With the Oral-B Genius X, you have access to six modes: Daily Clean, Pro Clean, Sensitive, 3D White, Gum Care, and Tongue Clean. Switching between these modes is easy with a secondary button, and icons illuminate to signify the current mode in use. Unfortunately, you can't switch modes when the power is off, but you can see which mode it's in by pressing the same secondary button. This model is compatible with the Oral-B app, offering valuable information for optimizing your brushing sessions. The app provides feedback on how well you're brushing each quadrant in real time.

oral-b genius x - app connectivity is a bonus if that's your thing. here, you can view...
App connectivity is a bonus if that's your thing. Here, you can view how well you cleaned each quadrant of your mouth.
Credit: Natalie Kafader

While cleaning the brush isn't overly difficult, it requires some effort as the rubberized sections on the handle can accumulate gunk. Additionally, during testing, we noticed that the two holes in the brush head can be prone to leaking while in use. It's not the best performance for Oral-B, but it's not abysmal either.

oral-b genius x - cleaning the oral-b isn't too much of a challenge thanks to its...
Cleaning the Oral-B isn't too much of a challenge thanks to its water resistance.
Credit: Natalie Kafader

Battery Life


To accurately determine overall battery life, we used each brush for four minutes daily to simulate real-world usage. Additionally, we investigated useful features such as how each brush indicates low battery, considering options like an indicator light, specific vibration, or a combination of both.

oral-b genius x - the battery life is clearly indicated by three bars on the bottom of...
The battery life is clearly indicated by three bars on the bottom of the handle.
Credit: Natalie Kafader

We managed to squeeze 16 days of battery life out of the Oral-B Genius X, which is not leading the pack by any means. It should prove somewhat sufficient for a variety of users, but if you're looking for the most power-efficient device, this is not it. Thankfully, it's super easy to see how much juice you have left, indicated by three bars that illuminate the current battery level. Once you get down to the red, the power of the brush is reduced.

oral-b genius x - the genius x charges by a docking station, slim enough to fit on...
The Genius X charges by a docking station, slim enough to fit on just about any counter.
Credit: Natalie Kafader

Should You Buy the Oral-B Genius X?


Considering its overall stellar cleaning performance, endorsing this model would be easy. However, it is marred by several drawbacks in nearly every other test, preventing us from wholeheartedly recommending it, especially given its price. This is not to say it's a bad device, but at this cost and compared to the top performers, it doesn't quite measure up.

What Other Electric Toothbrushes Should You Consider?


The Oral-B iO Series 9 is a bit pricier but surpasses it in nearly every aspect. The Series 9 pairs to the Oral-B app for live feedback as you brush. If you're not seeking a significant investment, the Philips Sonicare ProtectiveClean 5100 is a more cost-effective option that performs exceptionally across the board.

Genaveve Bradshaw and Ryan White