Philips Sonicare ProtectiveClean 5100 Review

Offering impressive test results across the board, the Philips Sonicare ProtectiveClean 5100 is a powerhouse that doesn't break the bank. It comes with a handy travel case, offers multiple brushing modes to suit your needs, and is straightforward to use, which is particularly helpful if you're transitioning from a manual brush.

2024 Update

Since we first tested this in 2023, there have been no significant updates to the product. However, the 5100 is now available with different brush head colors to better match the handle. If you're looking for the perfect bathroom counter aesthetics, your dream may have just come true!

Cleaning

The Philips Sonicare 5100 performed well, with testers reporting a clean feeling and the plaque being completely removed. This is about as good as it gets for the cleaning test. It also soared in the visual test, clearly removing all buildup of the coffee grounds and pesto mixture within one minute, which is a testament to its efficiency. Most users should be more than pleased with this result. If cleaning is your top priority, it's hard to go wrong here, as the Philips is clearly beyond capable.

Comfort

Again, the Philips Sonicare 5100 delivered impressive results. I liked the smaller brush head, which had no trouble tackling those hard-to-reach areas. Additionally, features like the 'Gum Care' mode were comfortable for our sensitive mouths. The brush also provides feedback, signaling if you're brushing too hard through a distinct tone and vibration.

The matte plastic handle not only offers a secure grip but also feels nice to hold. The buttons were easily accessible and simple to press, too. However, when the back of the brush head accidentally touches the gums, it produces a jarring noise that causes some discomfort. Points were deducted accordingly.

During operation, the brush emits a slightly higher pitch. While it's not the quietest electric toothbrush we've tested (ranging from 45 to 67 decibels), it's definitely not something to complain about, and I wasn't bothered by the frequency of the pitch.

Ease of Use

The Philips Sonicare 5100 continues to excel in this area with its three distinctive modes: Clean, White, and Gum Care. To switch between these modes, a secondary button located beneath the power button makes the process effortless. The convenience extends to changing modes regardless of whether the power is on or off. Additionally, identifying the current mode is effortless, with the indicator light remaining illuminated throughout the entire brushing process. This model also features a 30-second and two-minute timer. After thirty seconds of brushing repeatedly in the same quadrant, the brush stops to indicate it's time to switch quadrants and then resumes vibrating. When the two minutes are up, the unit quickly vibrates a few times in a row, then promptly shuts off.

The brush is easy to clean, despite the buttons protruding slightly from the body, which may accumulate some gunky buildup. However, I don't anticipate this becoming a significant issue, especially given its water resistance, allowing for use in the shower. The brush body also features an indicator light to signal when it's time to replace the brush head, and it conveniently comes with a travel case providing extra storage for two additional brush heads.

Battery Life

The Philips claims a 14-day battery life, but in our testing, it exceeded expectations. This toothbrush lasted 46 days — particularly advantageous for frequent travelers. This extended battery life is especially beneficial, given that it takes nearly 24 hours to recharge the battery once it is fully depleted. To ensure proper charging, the charger beeps twice, indicating the correct brush placement. When the handle reaches a full charge, the light turns green for 30 seconds before powering off. Although it may not offer the longest battery life, it should prove more than sufficient for most users.

Should You Buy the Philips Sonicare ProtectiveClean 5100?

With its exceptionally effective cleaning, versatile modes, and more than sufficient battery life, you can't go wrong with the Philips Sonicare ProtectiveClean 5100. I appreciate this toothbrush's ability to handle sensitive gums and small mouths. While not necessarily budget-friendly, I believe it's an investment worth making for the sake of your dental health.

What Other Electric Toothbrushes Should You Consider?

If you're new to the world of electric toothbrushes and hesitant to make a substantial initial investment, consider trying out the Quip. It's not a far cry from a manual toothbrush, and it's compact, budget-friendly, and still pretty effective at cleaning. If you desire additional features like a water flosser, take a look at the Waterpik Complete Care 9.0. While it may not be the most comfortable option in the lineup, it performs exceptionally well in cleaning and is user-friendly. Finally, if you want to save a few bucks and keep similar functionality, the Philips Sonicare 4100 is a great contender.