Philips Sonicare 2100 vs. 4100 Electric Toothbrush Review 2023

, ,
Dr. Matthew Hannan | My Dental Advocate
Matt Hannan, DDS
Updated: September 25, 2023
Philips Sonicare 1100 vs. 4100 Electric Toothbrush Review | My Dental Advocate

If you’re searching for a dentist-recommended electric toothbrush that offers a robust cleaning experience, you’ve probably come across Philips Sonicare. Specifically, the Sonicare 2100 and 4100 models are two fan favorites. But how do they stack up against each other?

In this review, we’ll delve into the nitty-gritty of each model’s performance, battery life, and unique features so you can decide which toothbrush fits your pearly whites.

As an experienced dentist with years of experience, I’ve tested and evaluated 200+ dental products. I strive to find the best products for achieving excellent oral hygiene. So, after using them for multiple days, let’s take a closer look from a dentist’s perspective.

 Recommended Reading: Philips Sonicare Buying Guide | The Ultimate Guide

Top 10 Rankings

  1. Philips Sonicare 9900 Electric Toothbrush Review 2023 | 10/10 $$$$
  2. Philips Sonicare 9500 Electric Toothbrush Review 2023 | 9.9/10 $$$
  3. Philips Sonicare 9750 Electric Toothbrush Review 2023 | 9.9/10 $$$$
  4. Philips Sonicare 9300 Electric Toothbrush Review 2023 | 9.8/10 $$$
  5. Philips Sonicare 9000 Electric Toothbrush Review 2023 | 9.7/10 $$$
  6. Philips Sonicare 7500 Electric Toothbrush Review 2023 | 9.6/10 $$
  7. BURST Sonic Toothbrush Review 2023 + PROMO Code | 9.5/10 $
  8. Philips Sonicare 6100 Electric Toothbrush Review 2023 | 9.5/10 $$
  9. Philips Sonicare 6500 Electric Toothbrush Review 2023 | 9.5/10 $$
  10. 7am2m Sonic Electric Toothbrush Review 2023 | 9.4/10 $

Two Brushing Modes
5X Plaque Removal
$34.95
$48.70
Pros:
  • Advanced Sonic Technology
  • 14-Day Battery Life
  • 2 Brushing Modes
  • Smartimer & Quadpacer
Pros:
  • Advanced Sonic Technology
  • 14-Day Battery Life
  • 2 Brushing Modes
  • C2 Plaque-Control Brush Head
  • Smartimer & Quadpacer
Two Brushing Modes
$34.95
Pros:
  • Advanced Sonic Technology
  • 14-Day Battery Life
  • 2 Brushing Modes
  • Smartimer & Quadpacer
5X Plaque Removal
$48.70
Pros:
  • Advanced Sonic Technology
  • 14-Day Battery Life
  • 2 Brushing Modes
  • C2 Plaque-Control Brush Head
  • Smartimer & Quadpacer
09/28/2023 07:10 am GMT

Philips Sonicare 2100 Electric Toothbrush

Philips Sonicare 2100 Electric Toothbrush | My Dental Advocate
Philips Sonicare 2100

The Philips Sonicare 2100 Electric Toothbrush is a top-notch option for dependable and effective toothbrushes. You’ll notice its sleek and contemporary appearance as soon as you unpack it.

The toothbrush boasts a slender and ergonomic handle that fits snugly in your hand. However, I would have appreciated gripping features to prevent slipping.

One of the most impressive aspects of this toothbrush is its advanced Sonicare technology, along with two variable brushing modes. The bristle motion is remarkably rapid, making it an excellent choice for those upgrading from a manual toothbrush.

The Philips Sonicare 2100 Electric Toothbrush is also notable for its simplicity. It doesn’t come with too many extra features, but it doesn’t need to. The toothbrush is straightforward and easy to use, with just one button to turn it on and off (also functions to rotate brushing modes).

While the W-shaped brush head and feathered bristles are fantastic additions, I was particularly pleased with the variable-length bristles. However, I was disappointed with the brush handle’s slickness, which made it difficult to grip, and the toothbrush head’s hard plastic, which caused it to rattle against my teeth.

Overall, my initial impressions of the Philips Sonicare 2100 Electric Toothbrush are positive. It’s a well-designed and efficient toothbrush that provides a deep clean without unnecessary frills. If you’re looking for a dependable and uncomplicated electric toothbrush at a reasonable price, the Sonicare 2100 is worth considering.

Two Brushing Modes
Philips Sonicare 2100 Electric Rechargeable Power Toothbrush
$34.95

Two different intensity settings achieve a gentle yet effective clean

2-minute SmarTimer with QuadPacer ensures Dentist-recommended brushing time

Slim ergonomic design makes brushing easier and more comfortable

Easy-start gently eases you into the electric brushing experience by gradually increasing the power

Long battery life with battery light indicator: One charge last for 2 weeks

Includes: 1 Philips Sonicare 2100 electric toothbrush, 1 SimplyClean (C1) brush head, and 1 USB charger (wall adaptor not included)

Buy Now Our Review
We earn a commission if you make a purchase, at no additional cost to you.
09/28/2023 07:10 am GMT

Philips Sonicare 4100 Electric Toothbrush

Sonicare 4100 Electric Toothbrush Review | My Dental Advocate
Philips Sonicare 4100

As a seasoned dentist, I’ve used countless dental products. However, the Philips Sonicare 4100 electric toothbrush has quickly become a standout in my book. From the moment I opened the box, I was impressed by the toothbrush’s sleek design.

The Philips Sonicare 4100 electric toothbrush has a charging base, a brush head cover, and a single C2 “plaque removal” brush head. The toothbrush’s charging base is compact and easy to use, with a simple plug-and-play design that makes it easy to charge the toothbrush.

After charging the toothbrush for the recommended 24 hours, I put the Philips Sonicare 4100 electric toothbrush to the test.

I used the toothbrush for one week and observed the toothbrush’s bristles were soft and gentle on the teeth and gums.

While the brush head of the toothbrush was a perfect small size, I did notice that it lacked variable-length bristles and a tongue cleaner. It would have been great to have these features as they can help to provide an even deeper clean and improve overall oral hygiene.

The toothbrush’s 31,000 vibrations/minute motor is powerful yet not too intense, making it suitable for users with sensitive teeth and gums. In addition, with its automatic shut-off after two minutes and a specific vibration every 30 seconds, the toothbrush ensures that users brush for the recommended two minutes and brush all areas of their mouth evenly.

Overall, the Philips Sonicare 4100 electric toothbrush is a reliable, effective, and user-friendly option for anyone looking to improve their oral hygiene routine.

5X Plaque Removal
Philips Sonicare 4100 Power Toothbrush, Rechargeable Electric Toothbrush
$48.70

Removes up to 5x-7x more plaque vs. a manual toothbrush

Pressure sensor and two intensity settings protect sensitive gums from overbrushing

2-minute SmarTimer with QuadPacer ensures Dentist-recommended brushing time

Brush head replacement reminder ensures your brush head is always effective

Long battery life with battery light indicator: One charge last for 2 weeks

Includes: 1 Philips Sonicare 4100 handle, 1 Optimal Plaque Control (C2) brush head, and 1 USB charger (wall adaptor not included)

Buy Now Our Review
We earn a commission if you make a purchase, at no additional cost to you.
09/28/2023 10:15 am GMT

Similar Innovative Features

The Philips Sonicare 2100 Electric Toothbrush and Philips Sonicare 4100 Electric Toothbrush have high-end features that make them a top choice for individuals looking for an affordable and practical electric toothbrush.

Key Features

  • Advanced Sonic Technology: Philips Sonicare’s sonic technology (68,000 vibrations/minute) pulses water between teeth, and brush strokes break up plaque and sweep it away for an exceptional daily clean.
  • Long Battery Life: The Sonicare 2100 and 4100 have a long battery life, providing up to 14 days of regular use on a single charge. This ensures you can take your toothbrush with you on the go without worrying about running out of battery.
  • High-Quality Bristles: Densely-packed, high-quality bristles remove up to 3x more plaque than a manual toothbrush. And the contoured bristles fit the shape of your teeth, so you can easily clean those hard-to-reach areas.
  • Smartimer and Quadpacer: They have a 2-minute Smartimer that ensures you brush for the recommended time. Additionally, the Quadpacer feature alerts you every 30 seconds, so you know when to move to the next quadrant of your mouth.
  • Easy-Start Technology: Both are programmed with Easy-Start technology, which gradually increases the intensity of the brushing action over the course of 14 brushing sessions. This feature helps users get used to the electric toothbrush and ensures a comfortable brushing experience.
 Recommended Reading: Best Sonicare Replacement Brush Heads 2023 (Ultimate Guide)

Similar Effectiveness

Philips Sonicare DailyClean 1100 Electric Toothbrush | My Dental Advocate
Sonicare C1 Brush Head

Regarding the core mission—keeping your teeth clean and your gums healthy—both the Philips Sonicare 2100 and 4100 deliver commendably. Dentists often recommend Sonicare products for their proven ability to remove plaque effectively; these two models are no exception.

Sonic Technology

At the heart of both models is Sonicare’s patented sonic technology, which drives fluid between teeth and along the gumline for a thorough yet gentle cleaning. The sonic motion creates a dynamic cleaning action that can remove up to 7 times more plaque than a manual toothbrush.

Brush Head Design

Both models have specially designed brush heads that complement the sonic action. The bristles are trimmed in a unique pattern to fit the natural shape of your teeth, ensuring that even hard-to-reach areas are not neglected.

Cleaning Modes

While the 4100 offers a customizable experience with its pressure sensor and multiple cleaning modes, the 2100 comes with a straightforward one-mode-fits-all approach. Nonetheless, both models deliver a highly effective cleaning experience. Whether you are a newbie to electric toothbrushes or a seasoned user, you’ll find that both models exceed the effectiveness of a manual toothbrush.

Battery Life

Both toothbrushes also boast impressive battery life. The 2100 and 4100 can last up to 14 days on a single charge. In practical terms, you can rely on either model to keep your oral hygiene in check, whether at home or on the road.

Seal of Approval

It’s worth noting that the 2100 and 4100 have received the American Dental Association’s Seal of Acceptance. This guarantees that you’re investing in a product that meets strict effectiveness and safety standards set by dental professionals.

In summary, while there are certainly differences in features and customizability between the Sonicare 2100 and 4100, their effectiveness in delivering a dentist-approved clean is virtually identical. Both are robust tools in the battle for oral health, and you can’t go wrong with either choice.

What’s the Difference Between 2100 & 4100?

Sonicare 4100 Electric Toothbrush Review | My Dental Advocate
C2 Optimal Plaque Control Brush Head

While the Sonicare 2100 and 4100 share the goal of enhancing oral hygiene, they do so with varying features and levels of customization. These differences could be a deciding factor for those looking for specific qualities in an electric toothbrush.

Pressure Sensor

The 4100 model comes with a built-in pressure sensor, a feature absent in the 2100. This sensor alerts you if you’re brushing too hard, helping to protect your gums from damage and providing a more optimized brushing experience.

Brush Heads

Both toothbrushes offer effective brush heads, but the 4100 features the C2 “optimal plaque-control” brush head. The 2100 features the C1 “simplyclean” brush head.

Price Point

Often, the 4100 comes at a higher price point compared to the 2100. This is understandable given its additional features and customization options. If budget is a concern, you might find the 2100 to be a more economical choice while still offering a highly effective clean.

Design and Color Options

The 4100 generally offers more variety in design and color options, catering to those who want a toothbrush that matches their personal style. The 2100 tends to be available in fewer color choices and has a more basic design.

 Recommended Reading: Philips Sonicare 2100 Electric Toothbrush Review 2023

 Recommended Reading: Philips Sonicare 4100 Electric Toothbrush Review 2023

Simple & Sleek Electric Toothbrushes

Philips Sonicare offers a variety of electric toothbrush options to cater to different preferences and needs. They have a kids’ electric toothbrush designed specifically for children, power flossers, premium electric toothbrushes and battery-powered toothbrushes.

Additionally, Sonicare offers various brush heads ranging from gentle to whitening and everything in between. Thousands of dentists trust Philips Sonicare globally and is a one-stop shop for all dental care needs.

For users interested in tracking their brushing habits, Quip’s smart toothbrush features Bluetooth connectivity, allowing you to connect to the Quip app and monitor your brushing patterns, duration, and frequency.

With Philip Sonicare’s diverse range of electric toothbrushes, you will surely find one that suits your lifestyle and oral care goals.

Best Plaque Removal
Philips Sonicare for Kids Rechargeable Electric Power Toothbrush
$29.96

Philips Sonicare “has revolutionized the electric toothbrush and is the #1 dental professional recommended sonic toothbrush brand”. At Philips, their purpose is to improve people’s health and well-being through meaningful innovation. They offer many styles for kids and adults.

Also, there’s a wide range from simple battery-powered One Toothbrush to advanced Bluetooth pairing DiamondClean Toothbrush. The Kids Power Toothbrush offers a quality electric toothbrush at an affordable price. Also, it comes with fun, interchangeable stickers for kids to personalize their toothbrushes.

Buy Now
We earn a commission if you make a purchase, at no additional cost to you.
09/27/2023 03:05 pm GMT
Whitens Teeth
Philips Sonicare ProtectiveClean 6100 Rechargeable Electric Power Toothbrush
$97.02

Gentle yet effective to whiten teeth in just 1 week vs. a manual toothbrush

Protect your teeth with a pressure sensor that gently pulses to alert you when you're brushing too hard

Always know when to replace your brush head for an effective clean with the brush head replacement reminder

Personalize your brushing experience with 3 intensities and 3 modes: Clean, White and Gum Care

2-minute timer with QuadPacer helps ensure Dental Professional recommended brushing time and a consistent clean throughout your mouth

Buy Now Our Review
We earn a commission if you make a purchase, at no additional cost to you.
09/28/2023 05:30 am GMT
Bonus Brush Heads
Philips Sonicare ProtectiveClean 5300 Rechargeable Electric Power Toothbrush
$109.96

Customize your experience with the three modes: Clean, White and Gum Care.

Pressure sensor protects teeth and gums from excess brushing pressure while improving your gum health up to 100% more vs a manual toothbrush.

Always know when to replace your brush head for an effective clean with a BrushSync replacement reminder.

A 2-minute timer with QuadPacer helps ensure dental professional recommended brushing time and encourages brushing in each quadrant of the mouth.

Battery indicator light let's you know when to recharge; 2 week battery life.

Includes: 1 Philips Sonicare 5300 handle, 1 charger, 1 G2 Optimal Gum Care brush head, 1 travel case, 2 extra W DiamondClean brush heads

Buy Now Our Review
We earn a commission if you make a purchase, at no additional cost to you.
09/28/2023 06:50 am GMT
Removes 99% Plaque
Philips Sonicare Power Flosser 3000 Cordless
$79.94

Up to 150% more effective than floss for healthier gums

Unique Quad Stream creates four wide streams of water for a thorough clean between teeth and along the gum line

Waterproof and cordless with 14-day battery life for ultimate convenience

Pulse Wave Technology gently pulses water to guide from tooth to tooth so you don't miss a spot

Whisper quiet design engineered for a discreet clean so you get great results without disturbing others

Includes: 1 Cordless Power Flosser, 2 Nozzles (Quad Stream and Standard), 1 USB-C Charging Cable, 1 Wall Adapter

Buy Now
We earn a commission if you make a purchase, at no additional cost to you.
09/27/2023 03:30 pm GMT
Plaque Control
Philips Sonicare Genuine C2 Optimal Plaque Control Toothbrush Heads
$31.96 ($10.65 / Count)

The Philips Sonicare C2 Optimal Plaque Control toothbrush head (formerly ProResults plaque control) is perfect for those who want to maintain optimal plaque removal as part of their everyday oral healthcare routine.

Genuine Philips Sonicare rechargeable electric toothbrush head compatible with all Philips Sonicare click-on rechargeable toothbrush handles

BrushSync mode-pairing & replacement reminders when used with a BrushSync compatible handle (DiamondClean Smart or ProtectiveClean)

Buy Now
We earn a commission if you make a purchase, at no additional cost to you.
09/28/2023 09:05 am GMT

Final Thoughts

Both the Philips Sonicare 2100 and 4100 are top-notch choices for maintaining oral health, but when it comes to value for money, the 2100 takes the edge. Priced at nearly half the cost of the 4100, it offers a similar quality of clean without the additional features. While it lacks the customization options and advanced sensors of the 4100, the 2100 delivers on the core objective: effective, dentist-approved cleaning.

Electric Toothbrush Overall Rankings

  1. Philips Sonicare 9900 Electric Toothbrush Review 2023 | 10/10
  2. Philips Sonicare 9500 Electric Toothbrush Review 2023 | 9.9/10
  3. Philips Sonicare 9750 Electric Toothbrush Review 2023 | 9.9/10
  4. Philips Sonicare 9300 Electric Toothbrush Review 2023 | 9.8/10
  5. Philips Sonicare 9000 Electric Toothbrush Review 2023 | 9.7/10
  6. Philips Sonicare 7500 Electric Toothbrush Review 2023 | 9.6/10
  7. BURST Electric Toothbrush Review 2023 | 9.5/10
  8. Philips Sonicare 6100 Electric Toothbrush Review 2023 | 9.5/10
  9. Philips Sonicare 6500 Electric Toothbrush Review 2023 | 9.5/10
  10. 7am2m Electric Toothbrush Review 2023 | 9.4/10
  11. Philips Sonicare 5300 Electric Toothbrush Review 2023 | 9.4/10
  12. AquaSonic Black Electric Toothbrush Review 2023 | 9.3/10
  13. AquaSonic Vibe Electric Toothbrush Review 2023 | 9.3/10
  14. Philips Sonicare 5100 Electric Toothbrush Review 2023 | 9.3/10
  15. SNOW LED Electric Toothbrush Review 2023 | 9.2/10
  16. Brio (Ollie) SmartClean Sonic Electric Toothbrush Review 2023 | 9.1/10
  17. Philips Sonicare 2100 Electric Toothbrush Review 2023 | 9.1/10
  18. Bitvae Smart S3 Electric Toothbrush Review 2023 | 9.1/10
  19. Philips Sonicare 1100 Electric Toothbrush Review 2023 | 9.1/10
  20. Philips Sonicare 4100 Electric Toothbrush Review 2023 | 9.0/10
  21. Bitvae S2 Ultrasonic Electric Toothbrush Review 2023 | 8.9/10
  22. Bitvae D2 Electric Toothbrush Review 2023 | 8.8/10
  23. Bitvae R2 Rotating Electric Toothbrush Review 2023 | 8.5/10
  24. Quip Electric Toothbrush Review 2023 | 8.5/10
  25. Colgate Hum Electric Toothbrush Review 2023 | 7.5/10

Knowledge is power when cultivating healthy dental habits. The more informed you are, the better positioned you’ll be to prevent avoidable and potentially costly dental procedures for you and your family. Watch for future blog posts, where we’ll continue sharing important information, product reviews and practical advice!