The Oral-B iO Series 3 and iO Series 4 are the entry-level models into Oral-B’s premium magnetic iO technology. The iO Series 4 is the clear technical upgrade, offering Bluetooth connectivity, an extra cleaning mode, a travel case, and a superior, color-coded pressure sensor.
The iO Series 3 is the best value choice, offering the powerful iO clean and safety sensor at the lowest price point for the technology.
Today’s Black Friday deals 2025:
- Get 45% off (under $60) Oral-B iO3 Deep Clean Rechargeable Electric Powered Toothbrush, Black with iO Series 3 Limited, 2 Brush Heads and Travel Case – Pressure Sensor to Protect Gums – 3 Cleaning Settings – 2 Minute Timer
- Get 33% off (for around $100) Oral-B iO5 Deep Clean + Whiten Rechargeable Electric Toothbrush with Visible Pressure Sensor, 2 Minute Timer, 5 Cleaning Settings, 1 iO5 Limited, 3 Toothbrush Heads, Travel Case & Refill Holder, Black
- Get 29% off (for under $50) Oral-B iO2 Simple Clean Rechargeable Electric Powered Toothbrush, Night Black with 1 Gentle Care Brush Head and 1 Black Travel Case – Automatic Pressure Sensor to Protect Gums – 3 Modes – 2 Min Timer
Key Differences: Oral-B iO 3 vs 4 Comparison Table
This table clearly outlines the only meaningful reasons to choose one model over the other, with the iO 4 representing the full smart upgrade.
| Feature | Oral-B iO Series 4 (Smart Coaching) | Oral-B iO Series 3 (Entry iO) |
|---|---|---|
| Bluetooth Connectivity | Yes, connects to the Oral-B app (Digital Coaching) | No (Standalone Operation Only) |
| Cleaning Modes | 4 (Daily, Sensitive, Super Sensitive, Whitening) | 3 (Daily, Sensitive, Whitening) |
| Pressure Sensor | Smart 3-Color Feedback (Red, Green, White) | Basic Visible sensor (Fixed color/Limited feedback) |
| LED Light Ring | Customizable colors | Single color, not customizable |
| Accessories | Includes Travel Case | No Travel Case Included |
| Price Point | $94.95 | $59.99 |
| Check it out, iO Series 4 | Check it out, iO Series 3 |
Core Similarities: The iO Technology Foundation
Both models share the same essential, premium foundation that delivers a superior clean over older Oral-B Pro models:
- Magnetic iO Technology: Both utilize the revolutionary magnetic drive system, providing a quiet, synchronized cleaning action with gentle micro-vibrations.
- Plaque Removal: Both are clinically proven to remove 100% more plaque than a manual toothbrush.
- Round Head Design: Both use the proprietary, highly effective iO Round Brush Heads.
- Timer & Pacer: Both include the 2-minute timer and 30-second quadrant pacer to ensure complete and even coverage.
Oral-B iO 4 Review: Why the Superior Features Justify the Upgrade
The iO Series 4 is positioned as the first “smart” toothbrush in the premium iO line. It provides the core technology of the higher-end models while keeping the cost relatively low by omitting the on-handle digital display (found on the iO 5 and higher).
1. Cleaning Performance: The iO Core Technology
The primary reason to choose the iO 4 is the cleaning experience, which is identical to the much higher-priced models in the iO range.
- Magnetic iO Technology: This is the motor’s core, delivering controlled, harmonious oscillation-rotations combined with gentle micro-vibrations. This frictionless drive system efficiently concentrates energy at the bristle tips for a smooth, powerful, and noticeably quieter clean than older Oral-B Pro models (operating around 64dB).
- Plaque Removal: Clinically proven to remove 100% more plaque than a regular manual toothbrush.
- Brush Heads: Uses the proprietary, dentist-inspired round iO brush heads (such as the Ultimate Clean or Gentle Care), which surround each tooth to maximize cleaning effectiveness.
2. Smart & Safety Features (The iO 4’s Advantage)
The iO 4 distinguishes itself with essential digital and safety upgrades over the iO 3.
- Bluetooth Connectivity: The key differentiator. The iO 4 connects to the Oral-B App to provide “Digital Coaching.” It logs your brushing time, pressure, and mode usage, and tracks your progress over days and weeks. It can also store up to twenty sessions if you don’t bring your phone to the bathroom.
- Smart 3-Color Pressure Sensor: The handle features an LED light ring that uses three colors to guide you to the perfect pressure:
- Red: Brushing too hard (motor also slows down).
- Green: Brushing with optimal pressure (The “just right” signal).
- White: Brushing too softly.
- 4 Cleaning Modes: It offers a personalized experience with an extra mode over the iO 3:
- Daily Clean
- Whitening
- Sensitive
- Super Sensitive (The extra mode, ideal for gums, receding gumlines, or post-operative care).
- Light Ring Timer: The LED light ring cycles through colors when the dentist-recommended two-minute brushing time is complete, “celebrating” a job well done. It also pulses every 30 seconds to alert you to move to the next quadrant of your mouth (QuadPacer).
3. Design and Accessories
- Customizable Light: The color of the LED light ring (for the timer) can be customized via the Oral-B app, which is a nice personalization touch, especially in multi-user households.
- Travel Case: The iO 4 package includes a travel case, making it convenient for users who travel frequently.
- Charging: Comes with a basic 2-pin Oral-B charger and a brush head holder.
Key Distinction: Unlike the higher-end iO models (iO 9, iO 10), the iO 4 does not feature the advanced 3D AI Position Detection to show exactly where in your mouth you are brushing on the screen. It focuses on time, pressure, and overall coverage, making it a budget-friendly way to track habits.
Final Verdict: Oral-B iO Series 3 vs 4 (Which is better?)
The choice between the Oral-B iO Series 3 and the Oral-B iO Series 4 depends entirely on whether you value digital coaching and accessories over the lowest price point for the base technology.
The iO Series 4 is the clear technical winner due to its enhanced features and accessories.
| Recommendation | Rationale |
| Choose the iO Series 4 (Better) | You want the extra “super sensitive” mode, the ability to connect to the Oral-B app, a travel case, and the advanced 3-color pressure sensor. The iO 4 is superior because it includes the core benefits of the Series 3 and adds high-value smart features. |
| Choose the iO Series 3 (Best Value) | You want a simpler, more affordable electric toothbrush and don’t need the smart features like app connectivity or a travel case. It offers the best price for the core iO magnetic cleaning experience. |
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) – People Also Ask
What is the difference between Oral-B iO vs Pro?
The iO Series (3, 4, etc.) is the new, premium generation technology, while the Pro Series (1000, 3000, etc.) is the older generation. The iO uses a revolutionary Magnetic Drive for a quieter clean, a Smart 3-Color Pressure Sensor, and proprietary brush heads. The Pro uses a louder mechanical motor, a less sophisticated pressure sensor, and cheaper brush heads. The iO offers a fundamentally better brushing experience.
Oral-B iO3 vs iO5 vs iO6: What are the main differences?
The iO line is defined by its feature upgrades:
- iO3/4: Entry-level with no display (iO4 adds Bluetooth).
- iO5: Adds Bluetooth (like the iO4) plus an extra cleaning mode (5 total) and A.I. Brushing Recognition tracking for 6 zones via the app.
- iO6: Adds an Interactive Black & White Display on the handle itself, providing instant feedback on mode selection, brushing time, and battery life, making it much more convenient than the iO5 or iO4.
Is the Oral-B iO Series 3 worth it?
Yes, the iO Series 3 is highly recommended for its value. It delivers the superior iO Magnetic Cleaning Technology and the crucial 3-Color Pressure Sensor (Red/Green/White) at the cheapest entry point for the iO ecosystem, making it a powerful upgrade from any older Pro model.
What is the difference between Oral-B Smart 4 and Pro 3?
These two models are part of the older Pro line:
| Feature | Oral-B Smart 4 | Oral-B Pro 3 |
| Key Feature | Bluetooth App Connectivity | No App Connectivity (Standalone) |
| Motor Tech | Standard Oscillating-Rotating | Standard Oscillating-Rotating |
| Pressure Sensor | Visible Pressure Sensor | Visible Pressure Sensor |
The Smart 4 offers smart features, while the Pro 3 is a simple, effective, and very affordable brush.
Similar Posts:
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.
Last update on 2025-11-30 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API