Oral-B Genius Pro 8000 Review

Our Verdict
Our Analysis and Test Results
Cleaning
This model removed almost all the visible stained plaque for every single one of our testers. The only common issue with this brush was reaching the molars furthest back for those with more petite mouths. These scores were all based on the first or second use, meaning that it was exceptionally easy to use, as they had no experience with this brush and no preconceived plan to pay attention to trouble spots.
Comfort
Though the Pro feels great in hand, it had some severe drawbacks regarding brushing comfort. The rotation-oscillation brush head does a fantastic job of cleaning, but it was exceptionally rough on the gums. One of our testers with more sensitive gums had to quit using it, as his gums were in excruciating pain — even when using the brush in its most sensitive mode. Other testers, especially those with smaller mouths, noticed that this brush head was much more uncomfortable when brushing the back molars. This is mainly due to it being approximately 33% deeper than the side-to-side style brush head.
This model was also on the noisier side, measuring 81 dB at a distance of three inches. Testers also noted that this brush sounded louder and more mechanical when in use, compared to the softer buzzing of the side-to-side models. The Pro 8000 does have a pressure sensor, which slows down the brush automatically if it detects that you are pressing too hard.
Ease of Use
This model has a sleek exterior and the easy-to-understand icons on the front of the brush.
These icons indicate the various brushing modes available with this brush, which include Daily Clean, Pro Clean, Sensitive, 3D White, Gum Care, and Tongue Clean. This also made it very clear which brushing mode you were using, and the interface to switch between them was very easy to operate. The Pro 8000 also features a two-minute timer, which buzzes every 30 seconds to alert you to move to the next quadrant of your teeth.
This toothbrush was very stable off its base, with almost every other toothbrush toppling before it. However, it was much less stable on the base — the larger toothbrush on the small base made it top-heavy and easily tumbled. This model also includes a charging travel case.
The instability drastically changed when the extra brush head holder was installed on the base, making it almost impossible to tip over. The technology behind electric toothbrushes has improved to the point where these products are packed with various features and functions, including smart connectivity, as seen in the Pro 8000. Unfortunately, this was one of the main issues we found with this brush — especially with the position-sensing feature. We didn't find this to be the most accurate, with the app mistaking what section of the mouth we were brushing at the time on a frequent basis.
Battery Life
The Pro 8000 had slightly below-average battery life, earning it a lower score for its 14.5-day duration. This model featured a typical battery indicator, similar to those of other brushes in the lineup. It consists of a battery silhouette with three bars inside, signifying the charge level. This model also features a flashing red light to indicate when the battery is critically low, which we observed corresponded to a decrease in brushing power.
Should You Buy the Oral-B Genius Pro 8000?
The Pro 8000 had great cleaning performance and was very easy to use, though we were disappointed with the price and how difficult the position sensing was to use. This model can even be too much cleaning power for those with sensitive gums. It can also be awkward to brush with for those with more petite mouths. Overall, it's a decent toothbrush, though there are plenty of better options with fewer extraneous features that cost a whole lot less and will serve you just as well.
What Other Electric Toothbrushes Should You Consider?
If you prefer Oral-B toothbrushes, check out the Oral-B iO Series 9. Although it's a bit pricier, you get enhanced functionality, and it offers gentler brushing options. Like the Pro 8000, the Series 9 pairs with a mobile app. Alternatively, the Philips Sonicare 5100 finds the balance between price and performance. This impressive brush doesn't connect to a smart app but cleans exceptionally well without sacrificing comfort.