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As someone who has tested and reviewed electric toothbrushes for years, I’m often asked which high-end Oral-B model is best – the new iO Series 9 or the tried and true Genius X. In my experience, the current top-of-the-line electric toothbrushes on the market come from the Oral-B brand, namely their premium iO and Genius lines. I decided to compare their flagship models head-to-head – the iO Series 9 and the Genius X – to explore the key differences and help consumers understand which is better suited for their needs and budget.
When I first unpacked the iO Series 9, I was impressed by its sleek, almost futuristic aesthetic. The black onyx color I tested has an understated elegance. And it felt comfortable and balanced in my hand thanks to its ergonomic design.
But technology has to go beyond looks, so I was eager to take the iO’s “brain” for a spin.
The key difference between the Oral-B iO Series 9 and the Oral-B Genius X lies in their specific technologies and user experiences. The iO Series 9 offers unique features like 3D teeth tracking and AI recognition, while the Genius X focuses on advanced motion sensors for personalized feedback.
 |  |
| Oral B Genius X 10000 | Oral-B IO Series 9 |
| 6 modes | 7 modes |
| Available in 4 colors (Rose Gold, Pink, Black, and Grey) | 3 colours (Black Onyx, White, and Rose Quartz) |
| 6 Zones tracking | 16 advanced zone tracking |
| 3 brush heads | 4 heads |
| Standard charger | Magnetic charger |
| 3 Hours | 12 Hours |
| Pulsations and 3D Rotating cleaning technique | Micro Vibrations and 3D Rotating cleaning technique |
| View price | View price |
Key Difference between Oral B IO and Genius
Having tested both electric toothbrushes extensively (yes, I brush my teeth a lot!), I can say the Oral-B iO 9 and Genius X share many similarities in terms of cleaning technology and features, which I’ll cover shortly. However, there are some notable differences between these premium models that consumers should be aware of, especially considering these are $200+ purchases.
Commentary on Differences and Similarities
Differences:
- Micro-Vibrations: The Oral-B iO Series 9 incorporates high-speed micro-vibrations that enhance the deep cleaning action. This feature is absent in the Genius X, which may affect the overall cleaning efficacy.
- Display: The iO Series 9 boasts an interactive color display offering AI recognition and personalized feedback, making it more user-friendly and technologically advanced compared to the Genius X’s LED SmartRing.
- AI Technology: The iO Series 9 uses AI Brushing Recognition to provide personalized coaching, which is a step ahead of the Genius X’s motion sensors that offer real-time tracking but less personalized feedback.
- Travel Case: The iO Series 9 comes with a more advanced travel case that includes charging capabilities, offering greater convenience compared to the standard premium case of the Genius X.
In my opinion, the iO 9 pulls ahead of the Genius X when it comes to more advanced artificial intelligence capability for tracking and optimizing brushing. It’s clear Oral-B put more R&D into the smart features. However, I’ve found through first-hand testing that the Genius X offers comparable deep cleaning results despite having fewer fancy sensors. Both brushes effectively provide that “just came from the dentist” clean feeling. When it comes to basics like battery life and travel cases, the models are actually quite comparable.
| Feature | Oral-B iO Series 9 | Oral-B Genius X |
|---|---|---|
| Micro-Vibrations | High-speed micro-vibrations for deep cleaning | Lacks micro-vibration technology |
| Display | Interactive color display with AI recognition | LED SmartRing with real-time feedback |
| AI Technology | AI Brushing Recognition for personalized coaching | Advanced motion sensors for real-time tracking |
| Travel Case | Premium travel case with charging capabilities | Standard premium travel case |
Similarities: Despite these differences, both models share several key features that define Oral-B’s advanced toothbrush line:
- Both use Oral-B’s oscillating-rotating technology for effective plaque removal.
- They are equipped with smart pressure sensors to ensure safe brushing.
- Each model includes a 2-minute timer with 30-second pulses to guide brushing duration.
- Both models offer Bluetooth connectivity, syncing with the Oral-B app for habit tracking and feedback.
In summary, while both the Oral-B iO Series 9 and the Genius X offer high-quality cleaning and smart features, the iO Series 9 stands out with its advanced AI technology, interactive display, and enhanced travel case. These features make it a more technologically sophisticated choice. However, the Genius X still holds its ground as a reliable and effective toothbrush with smart capabilities.
Other high-end options in the market, like the Oral-B Genius X 10000, offer unique features and technologies worth exploring. However, in this article, we will compare the high-end Oral B io 9 vs Genius X.
10 Differences between Oral B Genius X vs IO 9 Specs
I’ve outlined 10 key differences between the Oral-B iO Series 9 and the Genius X electric toothbrushes based on my hands-on testing and comparisons. For context, I was able to use each toothbrush model for a 2 week period to evaluate the features and performance. I also interviewed my friend Dentist Davis, who shared his perspectives on the newest Oral-B offerings.
1. Cleaning Modes
The Oral-B iO 9 features 7 total cleaning modes compared to the Genius X which offers 6 modes. My favorite mode that is exclusive to the iO series is the “tongue cleaner” mode which adds 30 seconds of micro-vibrations to clean the tongue. Dentist Davis said he often recommends tongue cleaning to patients for fresher breath.
The key difference is that the Oral B iO series 9 offers 7 cleaning modes while the Genius X 10000 electric toothbrush offers 6 modes.
They both have daily cleaning, gum care, sensitive, super, whitening, intense, and tongue cleaning. The io9 has one more, the super sensitive mode for people with sensitive teeth and gums.
2. Brush Heads
The Oral-B iO 9 uses exclusive brush heads with built-in chips for magnetic charging. These proprietary iO heads are not compatible with other Oral-B models. Comparatively, the Genius X works with all standard Oral-B brush heads. While I felt both heads cleaned effectively with their respective models, the iO heads restrict you to that single line for replacements whereas Genius owners can pick from the full range of brush head offerings across all models.
Oral B iO 9 comes with one Ultimate Clean brush head, while the Genius X electric toothbrush comes with either one Sensi UltraThin, one CrossAction, or four CrossAction brush heads (depending on the variant).
The brush head included with the iO 9 is designed for a deep and thorough clean, and features a combination of bristles that help to remove plaque and promote healthy gums. On the other hand, the Sensi UltraThin brush head included with some Genius X variants is designed for gentle cleaning, making it a good choice if you have sensitive teeth and gums.
The CrossAction brush head, included with some Oral B Genius X 10000 is designed for a thorough clean, with bristles that are angled to effectively remove plaque. If you prioritize a thorough clean, the iO series 9 with its Ultimate Clean brush head may be the better choice for you. If you have sensitive teeth and gums, the Genius X with its Sensi UltraThin brush head may be the better option while also giving you a more rounded CrossAction brush head for daily cleaning.
The brush heads for the Oral B iO series 9 and Genius X electric toothbrushes are not interchangeable. This means that if you own an iO 9, you cannot use brush heads designed for the Genius X, and vice versa.
3. Design
One other difference is that the Oral B iO9 series has better aesthetics than the Genius X 10000. It has a more premium design than the Genius X, and is available in four colors white alabaster, black onyx, violet ametrine, and rose quartz, as opposed to black, rose gold, blush pink and anthracite grey in the X.
4. Pressure Sensor
The Oral B iO 9 electric toothbrush features a visible pressure sensor that lights up green when the correct amount of pressure is applied and red when too much force is used. The Genius X electric toothbrush only lights up red when too much pressure is applied.
This difference in the pressure sensors can make the iO 9 a better choice because besides alerting you on the amount of pressure you are exerting, it also coaches you. The green light on the iO 9 provides immediate feedback on the amount of pressure being applied, helping to ensure a gentle and effective clean.
The Genius X electric toothbrush makes a different sound when the pressure sensor is activated, while the Oral B iO 9 electric toothbrush does not. This difference in the pressure sensors can make the Genius X a better choice for some people who prefer an audible alert when they are applying too much pressure when brushing.
5. Cleaning Technology
The Oral B iO 9 features enhanced AI and 3D tracking but Genius X electric toothbrush does not.
The enhanced AI and 3D tracking on the iO 9 can provide a more advanced brushing experience compared to the Genius X. The AI technology can track the position of the brush head in real-time and adjust the brushing speed and pressure accordingly for an optimized clean. The 3D tracking feature provides an even more detailed view of the brushing experience, helping to ensure a complete and thorough clean.
Additionally, there are subtle differences in the accompanying app between the two toothbrushes. However, it is important to note that the 3D tracking feature is not available with Series 7 and 8.
6. Charging
The Oral B iO 9 electric toothbrush features a magnetic charging stand, while the Genius X electric toothbrush uses the more common Oral-B charging stand. This difference in charging stands can make the iO 9 a better choice because it provides a convenient charging solution.
The magnetic charging stand on the iO 9 allows for easy and secure placement of the toothbrush, ensuring that it stays in place while charging. This can make charging the toothbrush more convenient, as it eliminates the need for a precise alignment of the toothbrush with the charging stand.
The Oral B iO 9 electric toothbrush can be charged in just 3 hours, compared to the 12 hours required to charge the Genius X electric toothbrush. This difference in charging time can make the iO 9 a better choice. With its fast charging time, the iO 9 can be ready for use in a matter of hours, allowing for less downtime and more flexibility in scheduling brushing sessions especially when traveling.
7. Battery Indicator
Oral B Genius X electric toothbrush features a battery charging icon or LED on the front of the brush handle, which provides a simple and straightforward way to monitor the charging status of the toothbrush. In contrast, the battery charging information on the Oral B iO 9 electric toothbrush is displayed on the OLED display in more detail.
The OLED display on the iO 9 provides a more detailed and interactive way to monitor the charging status of the toothbrush, offering information such as the remaining battery life and the time required to fully charge the toothbrush. This is useful because it provides a more comprehensive view of their toothbrush’s performance and status.
8. Travel Case
Oral B Genius X comes with a travel case that features a USB port, while the travel case for the iO 9 does not have this feature. This difference in travel cases can make the Genius X a better choice for people who need to charge their toothbrushes or other devices while on the go.
The USB port on the Genius X travel case allows for the charging of the toothbrush as well as other devices, such as smartphones or tablets, through a single port. This can be useful when traveling to conserve space and minimize the number of charging devices you carry while traveling.
The Genius X electric toothbrush comes with a travel case that features a smartphone stand, while the travel case for the Oral B iO 9 electric toothbrush does not have this feature. This difference in travel cases can make the Genius X a better choice if you want to be able to use your smartphone while charging it or while brushing your teeth.
The travel case for the Genius X electric toothbrush can hold the handle and 2 brush heads, while the power2go case for the Oral B iO 9 toothbrush can hold only the handle and 1 brush head. This difference in the travel cases can make the Genius X a better choice if you need to bring extra brush heads while traveling.
The ability to store two brush heads in the travel case can provide added convenience and peace of mind to have a backup brush head on hand in case one gets lost or damaged while traveling. It can also help to keep brush heads organized and easy to find.
9. Brush Head Refill Holder
Oral B iO 9 electric toothbrush comes with a brush head refill holder that is not included with the Genius X. This holder can be convenient if you want to keep things organized and within reach.
The brush head refill holder can be a handy tool for keeping spare brush heads in the bathroom, making it easy to quickly switch out brush heads when necessary. In comparison, the Genius X does not come with a brush head refill holder, which means that extra brush heads need to be stored elsewhere. While this may not be a big concern for some people, others may prefer the added convenience and organization provided by the iO’s brush head refill holder.
10. Price
The Oral B iO 9 electric toothbrush is more expensive than the Genius X. This difference in price may be a factor to consider when choosing between the two toothbrushes.
While the iO has several advanced features and a more premium design, the additional cost may not be justified for everyone. You may prefer to opt for the Genius X, which still offers many of the same features but at a lower price point. On the other hand, if you value the latest technology and are willing to invest in a high-quality toothbrush, the iO may be the better choice.
The iO’s advanced features, such as the frictionless motor and enhanced AI, may be worth the additional cost for those who are looking for the best possible cleaning experience.
Similarities
- Both toothbrushes are equipped with advanced technology that promises to deliver a superior brushing experience.
- They both feature precision cleaning and innovative sensors that ensure optimal oral care.
Table of Contents
Both the IO series and the Genius models give you feedback on your brushing via the app. What marks the IO Series out is the AI technology which monitors exactly how you’re brushing and also will help you improve your cleaning technique. This is especially effective when you are regularly missing a part of the mouth when you brush, or perhaps using a lot of pressure, the AI feature can show you zones you have missed from 16 different angles so that you can go over them again. In this regard, the feedback of the IO Series is more precise than the one offered by the Genius models.
In the IO series, the brush hooks up via Bluetooth to an app on the smartphone. Sensors inside the brush track exactly where you’ve brushed and for just how long. At the end, you will get a score along with feedback to allow you to make progressive adjustments for next time. The pressure sensor additionally displays a red-coloured warning light in case you brush way too hard.
This is not a novel idea; the Oral B Genius X and Sonicare Diamondclean Smart both provide related technology. What is different about the iO is it includes 3D tracking technology to track sixteen different zones; the three surfaces of every one of the four quadrants. So, it can tell you especially where you have to concentrate on the biting surface area of your left top molars, for instance. Nevertheless, the 3D teeth tracking is solely offered on the , the top-of-the-range version.
Which is better, the Oral B IO Series 9 or Genius X Electric Toothbrush?
After considering the features and affordability of both the Oral B iO 9 and the Genius X, it is clear that both toothbrushes offer many benefits and advantages. However, the better model overall will depend on personal preferences and budget. If you value the latest technology and are willing to invest in a high-quality toothbrush, the iO is the better choice. Its advanced features, such as the frictionless motor, enhanced AI, and magnetic charging stand, provide a premium cleaning experience. Additionally, the iO’s visible pressure sensor and 3D tracking of the clean make it easier to achieve optimal brushing results.
On the other hand, if you are looking for a quality toothbrush at a more affordable price, the Genius X may be the better choice. It still offers many of the same features as the iO, including multiple cleaning modes, a pressure sensor, and a rechargeable battery. The Genius X also comes with a travel case that has a smartphone stand and USB port, which may be useful.
In conclusion, when it comes to cleaning your teeth, the Oral-B iO9 is a much more sophisticated choice than the Genius X. Its ergonomic design is sleek and quiet, and the brush action is gentle and smooth. Plus, the unique display shows you how much pressure to apply while brushing and helps make sure you are getting the best clean possible. While the iO is a more advanced and premium toothbrush, the Genius X is a more affordable option that still offers many of the same benefits. Both toothbrushes are excellent choices, but the better one will depend on individual needs and budget.
Price Comparison
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Dr. Tom Bell has a PhD in Medical Anthropology. He has a keen interest in oral health topics and is the founder of dentalrave. He has been an oral health researcher and electric toothbrush enthusiast for over 10 years. Tom works with Awin and others in his research. When not talking about dental hygiene and gadgets, Tom likes spending time outdoors hiking.