Philips Sonicare 4100 Review

We loved the Philips Sonicare 4100 for many reasons, including it's standout cleaning ability and streamlined design, especially the single-button operation — a dream for those who prefer not to fuss with a plethora of buttons and settings. We appreciated the “Easy Start” feature, which initiates with a gentle start and gradually increases power over 14 days to acclimate your teeth and gums. This is great for folks new to an electric toothbrush. Overall, this toothbrush performed admirably across multiple tests.

Cleaning

The Philips Sonicare 4100 lived up to expectations. Its compact brush head effortlessly navigated each quadrant, successfully eliminating nearly every trace of plaque. However, a minuscule amount was left, and a few more seconds of brushing would have rectified this. Overall, this is a pleasing result.

To explore every facet, we incorporated an additional visual test. We applied a messy mixture of coffee grounds and pesto to an artificial dental model. Afterward, a 1-minute brushing session ensued. The Phillips demonstrated great efficiency, effortlessly navigating through the teeth and gums and effectively clearing away all debris.

Before cleaning with the Philips Sonicare 4100.   Credit: Genaveve Bradshaw

After cleaning with the Philips Sonicare 4100.   Credit: Genaveve Bradshaw

Previous Next

Comfort

The Phillips 4100 l defaults to a low-intensity setting, which can be easily adjusted by pressing the main button twice within two seconds if more power is desired. Those with sensitive gums may prefer the default setting for optimal comfort, while experienced electric toothbrush users can opt for a higher power setting if necessary. The somewhat small brush head received praise, proving suitable for nearly everyone and effectively reaching every nook and cranny of the mouth without any discomfort.

The Phillips Sonicare 4100 landed at 42 and 58 decibels, at 3 inches and 6 feet away, respectively. This is relatively moderate and not overly noticeable or annoying. In contrast, some toothbrushes we tested rated upwards of 80 decibels, which starts to feel loud and grating.

Ease of Use

The Phillips continues to shine. Those new to electric toothbrushes and preferring a minimalist approach will appreciate this model, which features only one mode with two settings: high and low intensity. You can switch between the two intensities by pressing the power button twice within a two-second period. While this design makes it intuitive to operate, it's worth noting that there is no indicator light to signify the current mode, resulting in a minor score penalty.

It'll vibrate quickly four times when the two minutes have passed, and during that time frame, it will briefly stop to indicate that it's time to switch quadrants. Both features are handy for a thorough cleaning and require very little from the user. Additionally, it features a pressure sensor that alerts you if you're brushing too aggressively, along with a reminder to replace the brush head. A notable drawback of this device is the absence of a travel case and storage for additional brush heads.

Battery Life

Lasting 49.5 days, the Philips Sonicare 4100 is more than capable. Phillips claims a modest 14-day battery life, so we were happy with the result of this test. The battery status is indicated by a light on the back, with a solid green glow for a full charge and blinking green for a partial charge. As it nears the end of the charge, it will flash orange and emit five beeps on two separate occasions. Additionally, this device doesn't include a robust charging station. Instead, it comes with a modest USB cord and a small dock, which can take up to 24 hours to charge the toothbrush fully.

Should You Buy the Philips Sonicare 4100?

Our response is a satisfyingly straightforward yes, but with some minor considerations. It doesn't come with a travel case or storage for your extra brush heads. Additionally, it lacks a robust charging station. Nevertheless, the Philips Sonicare 4100 excels in every other category and is unquestionably one of the best electric toothbrushes, particularly for those seeking something streamlined, easy to operate, and efficient.

What Other Electric Toothbrushes Should You Consider?