Sonicare 4100 vs. 5100 Toothbrush (Comparison Review)

Dentist Tested and Reviewed

Welcome to our in-depth comparison of the Philips Sonicare 4100 and 5100 electric toothbrush.

This article will explore the key differences and similarities of these two advanced toothbrushes, highlighting their respective features, design, and performance.

What is the best electric toothbrush?

As an experienced dentist with years of experience, I’ve tested and evaluated 300+ 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 | 10/10 $$$$
2. Philips Sonicare 9500 | 9.9/10 $$$
3. Philips Sonicare 9750 | 9.9/10 $$$$
4. Philips Sonicare 9300 | 9.8/10 $$$
5. BURST Pro Sonic | 9.7/10 $
6. Philips Sonicare 9000 | 9.7/10 $$$
7. Philips Sonicare 7500 | 9.6/10 $$
8. BURST Original Sonic | 9.5/10 $
9. Philips Sonicare 6100 | 9.5/10 $$
10. Philips Sonicare 6500 | 9.5/10 $$

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Sonicare 4100 Electric Toothbrush (Dentist Review)

The Philips Sonicare 4100 electric toothbrush is an excellent choice for those seeking a reliable and efficient toothbrush with advanced Sonicare technology.

Featuring two brushing modes (clean & gentle), it ensures a thorough cleaning experience. Its slim, ergonomic handle makes it comfortable to hold and maneuver while brushing.

Equipped with Sonicare technology, the Sonicare 4100 removes up to 7 times more plaque than a manual toothbrush.

In addition, the 4100 electric toothbrush also includes a two-minute timer, ensuring that you brush for the dentist-recommended duration. A built-in QuadPacer prompts you to move to a different area of your mouth every 30 seconds, helping you achieve an even and thoroughly clean.

Furthermore, the toothbrush incorporates a pressure sensor, alerting you if you’re brushing too hard to protect your gums and teeth from potential damage.

The Sonicare 4100 has a C2 “Optimal Plaque Control” brush head, designed with high-quality bristles and a curved power tip to remove plaque from hard-to-reach areas effectively. The brush head is replaceable and should be changed every three months to maintain optimal performance.

In summary, the Philips Sonicare 4100 electric toothbrush is a dependable and efficient option, providing thorough clean and user-friendly features, making it an excellent investment for your oral health.

Recommended Reading: Philips Sonicare 4100 Electric Toothbrush Review 2025

Sonicare 5100 Electric Toothbrush (Dentist Review)

The Philips Sonicare 5100 electric toothbrush is a great option for those desiring multiple brushing modes and advanced Sonicare technology.

With three brushing modes and a slim, ergonomic handle, it is easy to hold and maneuver while brushing.

Using Sonicare technology, the Sonicare 5100 delivers a deep clean that removes up to 10 times more plaque than a manual toothbrush. The toothbrush also features a two-minute timer and a 30-second pacer, which reminds users to move to a different area of the mouth every 30 seconds.

In addition, the electric toothbrush features pressure sensor technology to notify you if you are brushing too hard.

The toothbrush comes with Sonicare’s G2 Optimal Gum Care brush head, with specially designed bristles and a small-shaped brush head to remove irritating plaque around the gums. The brush head is replaceable and should be changed every three months.

Overall, the Philips Sonicare 5100 electric toothbrush is reliable and effective, providing deep clean and variable brushing modes.

Recommended Reading: Philips Sonicare 5100 Electric Toothbrush Review 2025

Similar Innovative Features

The Philips Sonicare ProtectiveClean 5100 and 5300 Electric Toothbrushes have innovative features that make them a top choice for individuals looking for an affordable and effective electric toothbrush.

Key Features

• Advanced Sonic Technology: Philips Sonicare uses sonic pulses to clean between teeth, effectively removing plaque for a thorough clean.
• Long Battery Life: The Sonicare 5100 and 5300 offer up to 14 days of use per charge, great for travel without constant recharging.
• High-Quality Bristles: Dense bristles remove 3x more plaque than manual brushes, with a contoured design for easy cleaning of hard-to-reach areas.
• Smartimer and Quadpacer: A 2-minute timer ensures proper brushing duration, with a 30-second interval reminder for even coverage.
• Easy-Start Technology: Gradually increases brushing intensity over 14 sessions, making the transition to electric brushing smooth and comfortable.
• BrushSync Technology: Tracks brush head usage and brushing pressure, alerting you when it’s time for a replacement.

Recommended Reading: Best Sonicare Replacement Brush Heads 2023 (Ultimate Guide)

Similar Effectiveness

After testing both toothbrushes for multiple days, I discovered that the Philips Sonicare 4100 and Philips Sonicare 5100 electric toothbrushes effectively eliminate plaque, particularly near the gum line.

While the Sonicare 5100 includes one G2 Optimal Gum Care brush head, the Sonicare 4100 offers a powerful plaque control experience with its C2 Optimal Plaque Control brush head. Both brush heads effectively eradicate the plaque and deliver a deep clean.

Moreover, I was struck by the effectiveness of both toothbrushes’ bristles in removing food particles lodged between my teeth.

The Sonicare 4100 and 5100 electric toothbrushes surpass the capabilities of an ordinary manual toothbrush, featuring robust motors, gentle cleansing, and a variety of attributes designed to boost oral health.

While the Sonicare 4100 and 5100 electric toothbrushes both serve as highly efficient tools for enhancing oral health, the Sonicare 5100’s multiple brushing modes and advanced features make it an ideal option for those seeking a tailored cleaning experience.

What’s the Difference Between 4100 & 5100?

The primary difference lies in the brushing modes and brush head options.

The Sonicare 5100 offers three brushing modes, catering to a broader range of oral care needs and allowing for greater customization. In contrast, the Sonicare 4100 features two brushing modes, focusing primarily on optimal plaque control, making it suitable for users with fundamental oral care requirements.

Additionally, the brush heads provided by each model differ. The Sonicare 5100 comes with a G2 Optimal Gum Care brush head, while the Sonicare 4100 features a C2 Optimal Plaque Control brush head, each designed to target specific aspects of oral hygiene.

Due to the added brushing modes and advanced brush head, the Sonicare 5100 typically comes with a higher price tag than the 4100 model.

When choosing between the two, consider your individual needs and preferences.

If you desire multiple brushing modes and a specialized brush head for a more personalized cleaning experience, the 5100 may be the superior choice, despite the marginally higher cost.

However, if you seek a more budget-friendly option that still offers exceptional oral care, the Sonicare 4100 remains a reliable choice.

Alternative Options

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.

My Experience & Expertise

The Philips Sonicare 4100 and 5100 electric toothbrushes effectively remove plaque and promote good oral hygiene.

While the Sonicare 4100 comes with one C2 Optimal Plaque Control brush head, the Sonicare 5100 features one G2 Optimal Gum Care brush head.

In addition, the 5100 boasts three brushing modes making it a more expensive option.

Ultimately, the choice between the Sonicare 4100 and 5100 comes from personal preference and budget. While the Sonicare 5100 may be more expensive due to its additional brushing modes, both toothbrushes are excellent options for maintaining good oral hygiene and promoting healthy teeth and gums.

Electric Toothbrush Overall Rankings

1. Philips Sonicare 9900 | 10/10
2. Philips Sonicare 9500 | 9.9/10
3. Philips Sonicare 9750 | 9.9/10
4. Philips Sonicare 9300 | 9.8/10
5. BURST Pro Sonic | 9.7/10
6. Philips Sonicare 9000 | 9.7/10
7. Philips Sonicare 7500 | 9.6/10
8. BURST Original Sonic | 9.5/10
9. Philips Sonicare 6100 | 9.5/10
10. Philips Sonicare 6500 | 9.5/10
11. BURST Curve Sonic | 9.4/10 $
12. 7am2m Electric | 9.4/10
13. Philips Sonicare 5300 | 9.4/10
14. AquaSonic Black | 9.3/10
15. AquaSonic Vibe | 9.3/10
16. Philips Sonicare 5100 | 9.3/10
17. SNOW LED Electric | 9.2/10
18. Brio (Ollie) SmartClean | 9.1/10
19. Philips Sonicare 2100 | 9.1/10
20. Bitvae Smart S3 | 9.1/10
21. Philips Sonicare 1100 | 9.1/10
22. Philips Sonicare 4100 | 9.0/10
23. Bitvae S2 Ultrasonic | 8.9/10
24. Bitvae D2 Electric | 8.8/10
25. Oral-B 1500 Electric | 8.8/10
26. Oral-B Pro 1000 | 8.7/10
27. Bitvae R2 Rotating | 8.5/10
28. Quip Electric | 8.5/10
29. Colgate Hum Electric | 7.5/10

Need a second opinion? We can help! Learn more. 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!