Sonicare 5100 vs. 6100 Electric Toothbrush (Comparison Review)
Dentist Tested & Reviewed
Brushing your teeth is a daily ritual you can’t overlook, but all toothbrushes are not created equal.
If you’re in the market for an electric toothbrush that elevates your oral care routine, you’ve probably heard of Philips Sonicare’s two titans: the 5100 and the 6100.
Both offer remarkable features and claim to deliver a next-level clean, but how do they stack up against each other?
As an experienced dentist with years of experience, I’ve tested and evaluated 250+ 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.
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Top 10 Rankings
- Philips Sonicare 9900 | 10/10 $$$$
- Philips Sonicare 9500 | 9.9/10 $$$
- Philips Sonicare 9750 | 9.9/10 $$$$
- Philips Sonicare 9300 | 9.8/10 $$$
- BURST Pro Sonic | 9.7/10 $
- Philips Sonicare 9000 | 9.7/10 $$$
- Philips Sonicare 7500 | 9.6/10 $$
- BURST Original Sonic | 9.5/10 $
- Philips Sonicare 6100 | 9.5/10 $$
- Philips Sonicare 6500 | 9.5/10 $$
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Microchip-Enabled
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Whitens Teeth
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4.6
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4.8
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$99.96
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- Advanced Sonic Technology
- Travel Case Provided
- 3 Brushing Modes
- Smartimer & Quadpacer
- Microchip-Enabled
- Lacks Multiple Brush Heads
- Advanced Sonic Technology
- Travel Case Provided
- 3 Brushing Modes
- 3 Intensity Settings
- Smartimer & Quadpacer
- Microchip-Enabled
- SmartSync Technology
- Lacks Multiple Brush Heads
Dentist Review | Sonicare 5100 Electric Toothbrush
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.
Recommended Reading: Philips Sonicare 5100 Electric Toothbrush Review 2024Overall, the Philips Sonicare 5100 electric toothbrush is reliable and effective, providing deep clean and variable brushing modes.
Improve your gum health up to 100% better than a manual toothbrush with the Philips Sonicare ProtectiveClean 5100 rechargeable electric toothbrush.
Features a pressure sensor that protects teeth and gums from excess brushing pressure. BrushSync technology tracks how long you have been using your G2 Optimal Gum Care brush head and how hard you have been brushing.
The electric toothbrush will beep to inform you when to replace your brush head.
Customize your own brushing experience with your choice of 3 modes: Clean, White and Gum Care.
Dentist Review | Sonicare 6100 Electric Toothbrush
The Philips Sonicare 6100 electric toothbrush is an excellent choice for individuals seeking advanced brushing capabilities and the proven effectiveness of Sonicare technology.
The toothbrush comes with three distinct brushing modes and three intensity levels.
The toothbrush also features a sleek, ergonomic handle for ease of use and comfort during brushing.
Capitalizing on Sonicare’s proprietary technology, the Sonicare 6100 provides a deep clean that removes up to 7 times more plaque than a manual toothbrush. This model also includes a two-minute timer and a 30-second pacer, ensuring an even and thorough cleaning by reminding users to switch areas of the mouth every half minute.
In addition, the Sonicare 6100 has a pressure sensor technology that alerts you if you’re applying too much pressure while brushing, helping protect your gums from potential damage.
The Sonicare 6100 comes with the brand’s W-shaped DiamondClean brush head. This component features specially designed bristles and a compact brush head shape for effective plaque removal and whitening.
Like all Sonicare brush heads, replacing this every three months is recommended to maintain optimal performance.
Recommended Reading: Philips Sonicare 6100 Electric Toothbrush Review 2024In conclusion, the Philips Sonicare 6100 electric toothbrush is a reliable, high-performance oral care tool, offering a deep clean and a range of brushing modes to cater to varying dental needs.
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
Similar Innovative Features
When you’re dealing with high-quality products like the Philips Sonicare 5100 and 6100, you can expect a baseline of excellence.
Before we dive into what sets these two electric toothbrushes apart, let’s explore the groundbreaking features they share, which have set Philips Sonicare as a leader in the world of oral care.
Key Features
- Advanced Sonic Technology: Philips Sonicare utilizes sonic technology to pulse water between teeth, effectively breaking up and removing plaque for a superior daily clean.
- Extended Battery Life: The Sonicare 5100 and 6100 offer up to 14 days of use per charge, ideal for on-the-go lifestyles without frequent recharging.
- High-Quality Bristles: Dense bristles remove 3x more plaque than manual toothbrushes, with a contoured design for effective cleaning of hard-to-reach areas.
- Smartimer and Quadpacer: Feature a 2-minute timer for recommended brushing duration and a 30-second interval reminder for even coverage.
- Easy-Start Technology: Gradually increases brushing intensity over 14 sessions, easing users into the electric toothbrush experience.
- 3 Brushing Modes: Both models have “clean,” “white,” and “gum care” modes, catering to various dental needs, with “gum care” being ideal for sensitive gums.
- Microchip-Enabled Technology: Syncs the smart brush head with the handle for effective use and timely replacement reminders.
- Premium Travel Case: Offers hygienic storage and a compact charging base, ensuring two weeks of use on a single charge, perfect for travel.
- BrushSync Technology: Monitors brush head usage and brushing pressure, alerting you when it’s time for a replacement for optimal cleaning efficiency.
Similar Effectiveness
Having tried both the Philips Sonicare 5100 and 6100, I can confidently say that their performance in terms of plaque removal and overall cleaning is almost identical—and impressively effective.
When I used these toothbrushes, the Sonic technology’s rapid brush movements felt like they were truly scrubbing away all the hidden plaque and debris, even in the hard-to-reach corners of my mouth.
The dynamic cleaning action pushed fluids between my teeth and along my gumline, offering a sensation of thoroughness that I’ve never experienced with manual toothbrushes.
What stood out to me was the customizable modes for different oral health needs like gum care and whitening. Whether I was using the 5100 or the 6100, I had the option to adjust my brushing experience based on what I felt my teeth and gums needed that day.
Clinical studies back the effectiveness of these toothbrushes, stating that they remove up to 7 times more plaque than manual brushing. And from my personal experience, my mouth felt cleaner and my gums seemed healthier within just a couple of weeks.
In summary, if your main goal is to have a reliably effective cleaning experience, you can’t go wrong with the 5100 or the 6100.
Both toothbrushes offered a consistently high level of plaque removal, leaving me feeling like I’d just stepped out of a professional dental cleaning.
What’s the Difference Between 5100 & 6100?
While the Philips Sonicare 5100 and 6100 share a host of impressive features, one key difference sets them apart: the availability of intensity settings on the 6100 model. This feature turned out to be a game-changer in my personal experience.
The 5100 comes with multiple modes tailored for oral care—plaque removal, gum care, and whitening. However, it operates at a single intensity level for each mode.
The 6100, on the other hand, offers three different intensity settings—low, medium, and high—for each mode. This adds an extra layer of customization that I found incredibly useful.
The intensity settings in the 6100 allowed me to fine-tune my brushing experience even further.
On days when my gums felt a little sensitive, the low-intensity option was a relief, while the high-intensity setting offered a more vigorous cleaning, making my teeth feel as polished as they do after a visit to the dentist. It felt like I was getting a more personalized clean tailored to my comfort level and oral health needs.
So, if you’re looking for a toothbrush that allows you to control the intensity of your brushing, the 6100 is the model for you. This feature makes it a bit more versatile, offering you greater control over your oral care routine.
Overall, while both models are top-of-the-line in terms of cleaning efficacy and features, this added layer of customization sets the 6100 apart.
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.
Full Reviews
My Experience & Expertise
After spending time with the Philips Sonicare 5100 and 6100, it’s clear that either model offers a superior cleaning experience compared to manual brushing.
They share several groundbreaking features, from Sonic technology and long battery life to multiple brushing modes and pressure sensors.
However, the 6100’s adjustable intensity settings provide that extra bit of customization, making it slightly more versatile in adapting to your oral health needs and comfort levels.
So, if you value having the option to fine-tune your brushing routine, the 6100 is worth the extra investment. On the other hand, if you’re looking for a straightforward, highly effective electric toothbrush without the bells and whistles, the 5100 will serve you exceptionally well.
Either way, both models represent an excellent investment in oral health, promising a cleaner, healthier, and brighter smile.
Electric Toothbrush Overall Rankings
- Philips Sonicare 9900 | 10/10
- Philips Sonicare 9500 | 9.9/10
- Philips Sonicare 9750 | 9.9/10
- Philips Sonicare 9300 | 9.8/10
- BURST Pro Sonic | 9.7/10
- Philips Sonicare 9000 | 9.7/10
- Philips Sonicare 7500 | 9.6/10
- BURST Original Sonic | 9.5/10
- Philips Sonicare 6100 | 9.5/10
- Philips Sonicare 6500 | 9.5/10
- BURST Curve Sonic | 9.4/10 $
- 7am2m Electric | 9.4/10
- Philips Sonicare 5300 | 9.4/10
- AquaSonic Black | 9.3/10
- AquaSonic Vibe | 9.3/10
- Philips Sonicare 5100 | 9.3/10
- SNOW LED Electric | 9.2/10
- Brio (Ollie) SmartClean | 9.1/10
- Philips Sonicare 2100 | 9.1/10
- Bitvae Smart S3 | 9.1/10
- Philips Sonicare 1100 | 9.1/10
- Philips Sonicare 4100 | 9.0/10
- Bitvae S2 Ultrasonic | 8.9/10
- Bitvae D2 Electric | 8.8/10
- Oral-B 1500 Electric | 8.8/10
- Oral-B Pro 1000 | 8.7/10
- Bitvae R2 Rotating | 8.5/10
- Quip Electric | 8.5/10
- Colgate Hum Electric | 7.5/10
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About the Author
Dr. Matthew Hannan, also known as “Dr. Advocate,” is a board-certified dentist on a mission to provide accurate dental patient education. He attended Baylor University before completing dental school at UT Health San Antonio School of Dentistry. He now lives in Arizona with his beautiful wife and 4 kids. Dr. Hannan believes everyone should access easy-to-read dental resources with relevant, up-to-date dental research and insight to improve their oral health.
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