Oral-B iO Series 9 Review

The Oral-B iO Series 9 soared through all of our tests with relative ease, with very few drawbacks. However, the sticker shock is undeniable, making the price a considerable factor. If you can overlook that, you'll be treated to a top-of-the-line electric toothbrush that can dramatically enhance your overall dental hygiene. Plus, for those who appreciate analytical data, it adds a touch of fun to your oral care routine.

2024 Update

The Oral-B iO Series 10 has been released. Overall, we think the Series 10 is a little better for its comfort and ease of use. However, we found the cleaning performance is very similar. If cleaning performance is the most important to you, and you want to save money, we still recommend the Series 9. The Series 10 is a hair lighter. Both have similar annual brush head costs.

Cleaning

The Oral-B excelled in this metric, providing an overwhelmingly clean feeling and obliterating all visible plaque.

To ensure thorough testing, an artificial dental model was also used. Coffee grounds and pesto were spread across the teeth and gums, and our testers used the device for one minute to evaluate the efficiency of the brush. Again, the brush succeeded in clearing out all visible debris.

Comfort

This brush offers a comfortable user experience with seven diverse modes to suit a wide range of preferences. From super-sensitive to intense and gum care to tongue cleaning, each setting offers a unique intensity and rotation pattern to accommodate a wide range of users. Although the handle may feel slightly heavy, it remains comfortable to grip. Our testers discovered that even the most intense setting was not overly powerful, but individuals with sensitive gums should exercise caution. The handle features an indicator ring around its neck that changes colors to convey intensity levels—green for optimal, red for excessive pressure, and white for insufficient pressure. This feature is essential for achieving proper comfort and effective cleaning.

While most electric toothbrushes emit a motorized sound, it might not be a significant concern for some. However, a device used multiple times a day should seamlessly blend into the background and not dominate the soundstage in your bathroom. Additionally, the pitch of each device is crucial because, though some may be quiet, they may produce a less-than-ideal hum. The Oral-B to give off a pleasant enough sound, and it wasn't too loud, registering a maximum of 73 decibels when our decibel reader was 3 inches away.

Finally, I encountered a flaw in an otherwise nearly perfect device: the holes in the brush head. Regrettably, this appears to be a persistent issue across various Oral-B models. Essentially, these holes allow a mixture of toothpaste and saliva to leak while brushing, which, from a comfort standpoint, is not particularly enjoyable. While the device is water-resistant, allowing you to use it in the shower to mitigate this issue, it's not an ideal solution either.

Ease of Use

The bottom button on the Oral-B iO Series 9 offers a convenient way to switch between brush modes or adjust the LED ring light color to suit your preference. This high-tech device offers seven modes: Daily Clean, Sensitive, Whiten, Gum Care, Intense, Super Sensitive, and Tongue Clean. It sounds like a lot (and it is!), but most people will find themselves needing only a couple of these modes. An added convenience is the ability to switch between settings even when the brush head is powered off—a feature I appreciated. Moreover, the device remembers your last used mode and defaults to it the next time you power it on. The crisp fonts are easy to read on the digital screen, and it even greets you with a 'good morning' and a smiley emoji. Each subsequent mode has a unique icon and label as well. These little touches enhance the depth and fun of this device without compromising its user-friendliness.

Thankfully, the iO Series 9 includes a handy two-minute timer, displayed on the digital screen and counting down in real-time. Once the two minutes have passed, the screen displays a smiley face with star eyes. If you turn the brush off before the two minutes are up, you'll notice a sad face. All in all, these features are useful and enhance the overall experience. While I appreciate the inclusion of a two-minute timer, I wish the brush would automatically shut off at the end of this period or offer a customizable setting for users who prefer it. Currently, the brush continues running beyond the two minutes. All of this brushing data can be viewed from its mobile app. Additional brush heads can also be ordered here.

As highlighted in our comfort section, the issue with holes in the brush head also impacts the ease of use metric. This flaw not only creates a bit of a mess during brushing but also adds to the maintenance routine. Residual toothpaste and saliva can seep into the brush handle, and while the device is water-resistant, regular cleaning is essential to prevent unpleasant buildup.

Battery Life

The Oral-B iO Series 9 goes the extra mile with its continuous battery charge indicator displayed prominently on the screen, offering a precise readout down to the exact percentage. As an added visual cue, the LED light encircling the neck illuminates in a vibrant red hue, signaling a low battery level. I got 38.5 days of life out of the Oral-B, which is impressive. Once fully depleted, it takes only 3 hours to charge back up to full capacity. The travel case that comes with this model doubles as a charger as well, so unless you're away from power for extended periods, it should last more than long enough for travel. Yet another feather in the cap of an already solid device.

Should You Buy the Oral-B iO Series 9?

If you're considering this model as an investment in your dental health, rest assured you won't be disappointed. While it's a steep price, it's justified if you have the means to invest in it. The extended battery life, travel case, and excellent cleaning performance take this toothbrush to the next level. I confidently give the Series 9 my full recommendation.

What Other Electric Toothbrush Should You Consider?

The Philips Sonicare ProtectiveClean 5100 is another excellent option at a friendlier price point. Like the Oral-B is does a great job cleaning, has an extended battery life, and includes a travel case. If you're looking for a minimalist toothbrush that will last for months on end, the Quip is worth considering. This basic model is budget-friendly and more closely resembles a manual toothbrush. If you want to see how these units stack up against analog brushes, check out our toothbrush review.