This comparison pits the two titans of the electric toothbrush market—the Oral-B iO Series 9 and the Philips Sonicare DiamondClean 9700—against each other. While both carry premium price tags, their approach to cleaning, guidance, and user experience fundamentally diverge.
The iO Series 9 features Oral-B’s revolutionary magnetic technology as said in this Oral-B iO comparison, delivering a micro-vibrating, oscillating-rotating polish with instant, gamified feedback via its handle’s color OLED display. In contrast, the DiamondClean 9700 provides the gold standard of sonic sweeping action, emphasizing maximum customization (5 modes, 3 intensities) and a suite of high-end accessories, including the versatile USB Charging Travel Case and elegant Charging Glass.
Ultimately, the choice is between two distinct premium sensations: Do you prefer the intense, polishing clean and on-handle visual feedback of the Oral-B iO, or the gentler, highly customizable sonic sweeping action with superior travel convenience offered by the Sonicare DiamondClean? We examine the mechanical differences, smart features, and value propositions to determine which ultra-premium model is the right investment for your oral health.
Already decided on Oral-B but weighing which iO model? While this comparison contrasts the iO 9 against Sonicare’s best, you might benefit from seeing how the iO 9 compares to other Oral-B options first. Our complete Oral-B iO series comparison breaks down all iO models (3, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10), and our best Oral-B electric toothbrush guide compares iO against traditional Pro and Genius series.
Part of our complete Philips Sonicare lineup guide.
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Key Difference between Oral B IO Series 9 vs Sonicare Diamondclean 9700
| Oral-B iO Series 9 | Philips Sonicare DiamondClean 9700 |
|---|---|
| Magnetic iO Cleaning Technology: Oscillating, rotating, and micro-vibrating motion. | Advanced Sonic Cleaning Technology: High-frequency, sweeping motion (up to 62,000 movements/min). |
| Small, Round Brush Head shape (Dentist-inspired, cleans one tooth at a time). | Oval/Elongated Brush Head shape(Traditional shape, cleans surface area). |
| 100% more plaque removal in 1 week. | Up to 20x more plaque removal than a manual toothbrush. |
| AI Position Detection & 3D Teeth Tracking (Monitors all 3 surfaces of teeth). | Bluetooth App Coaching (Tracks coverage, scrubbing, and pressure via the app). |
| Interactive Color OLED Display (Shows modes, timer, score, and pressure indicator). | Indicator Lights and Light Ring (for pressure warning). App is primary feedback screen. |
| Smart pressure sensor lights up Red/White/Green (too hard/too soft/optimal). | Light Ring pressure sensor flashes when pressing too hard. |
| 7 Modes (Daily, Sensitive, Gum Care, Intense, Whitening, Super Sensitive, Tongue Clean). | 5 Modes (Clean, White+, Gum Health, Deep Clean+, Tongue Care). |
| Intensity levels fixed per mode (7 options). | 3 Intensity Levels (Low, Medium, High). |
| Magnetic Quick Charger (approx. 3 hours for full charge). | Charging Glass and separate Charging Stand. |
| Charging Travel Case (requires proprietary plug/adapter). | USB Charging Travel Case (universal charging convenience). |
| $250.56 | $339.96 |
| Check it out | Check it out |
When comparing these two flagship electric toothbrushes, the most significant difference lies in their fundamental cleaning mechanics.
Cleaning Technology and Feel
The Philips Sonicare DiamondClean 9700 uses Advanced Sonic Technology. This means the bristles move at extremely high speeds (up to 62,000 movements per minute) in a back-and-forth sweeping motion. This creates dynamic fluid waves that clean between your teeth and along the gumline. If you are familiar with manual brushing, the Sonicare’s oval brush head and sweeping motion feel more familiar, and the sensation is a high-frequency vibration. It is often described as feeling gentler.
The Oral-B iO Series 9 utilizes its unique Magnetic iO Technology. This combines the traditional Oral-B oscillating-rotating action—where the small, round head cups each tooth—with gentle micro-vibrations. This results in a comprehensive clean that many users describe as feeling like a “dentist-clean” polish. The small, round head is easier to maneuver in tight spots, such as behind molars.
Smart Guidance and Feedback
Both brushes offer sophisticated tracking via a companion app, but they deliver real-time feedback differently:
- The Oral-B iO Series 9 features a striking Interactive Color OLED Display built right into the handle. This screen gives you instant feedback on your pressure (changing from red to green), tracks brushing time, shows the current cleaning mode, and offers a smiley or frown face score at the end of your session. Its AI Position Detection and 3D Teeth Tracking are considered highly accurate, mapping the entire surface of each tooth via the app.
- The Philips Sonicare DiamondClean 9700 relies more heavily on the Bluetooth App for in-depth coaching. The handle itself has a subtle Light Ring Pressure Sensor that flashes when you press too hard. While the app provides comprehensive guidance and uses BrushSync to automatically optimize mode based on the attached head, the immediate, real-time feedback is less detailed on the handle than the iO’s display.
Accessories and Charging
The premium feel extends to the accessories, where the brands take different approaches:
- The Sonicare 9700 set provides superior convenience for travel with its beautiful USB Charging Travel Case. At home, it features the sleek Charging Glass and a separate stand. It also includes a generous number of brush heads in the set (seven total, including All-in-One, Gum Care, Plaque Control, and a Tongue Care brush).
- The Oral-B iO Series 9 uses a Magnetic Quick Charger that can achieve a full charge quickly. Its travel case is less elegant, requiring a proprietary plug rather than a universal USB connection for charging on the go. It typically includes three brush heads in the box.
The Deciding Factor
Ultimately, the choice comes down to which cleaning experience you prefer:
- If you value a gentle, high-frequency sweeping motion, a familiar head shape, and a premium, USB-charging travel case, choose the Philips Sonicare DiamondClean 9700.
- If you prefer a thorough, oscillating-rotating polish on each tooth, want an interactive color display on the handle for instant feedback, and don’t mind the round head, choose the Oral-B iO Series 9.

Philips Sonicare Diamondclean 9700
The Philips Sonicare DiamondClean Smart 9700 is a comprehensive, high-end electric toothbrush system designed to give users a complete, personalized oral care solution. It stands out by combining powerful sonic cleaning with a robust set of smart features and luxurious accessories.
Here is a deeper look at the technology and system of the DiamondClean Smart 9700:
1. Superior Sonic Cleaning Power
The core of the 9700 is Philips Sonicare’s proven technology, which is highly recommended by dental professionals globally.
- High-Speed Vibration: It delivers up to 62,000 brush movements per minute (sometimes listed as 31,000 strokes/min) to effectively sweep away plaque.
- Dynamic Fluid Action: This high-frequency motion creates fluid pulses that drive saliva and toothpaste between the teeth and along the gumline, cleaning areas the bristles can’t directly reach.
- Performance: It is clinically proven to achieve up to 20x more plaque removal and up to 15x healthier gums compared to a manual toothbrush.
2. Personalization and Versatility (Modes & Intensity)
The 9700 offers extensive customization to address specific oral health needs:
- 5 Brushing Modes:
- Clean: The standard mode for daily plaque removal.
- White+: Optimized to remove surface stains and restore natural tooth whiteness.
- Gum Health: Provides a gentler action for effective cleaning along the gumline.
- Deep Clean+: Designed for a refreshing, thorough clean.
- Tongue Care: For use with the dedicated TongueCare+ brush head to freshen breath.
- 3 Intensity Levels: Low, Medium, and High settings allow you to fine-tune the power within each mode, giving you 15 total custom brushing experiences.
3. Smart Sensor Technology and Coaching
The “Smart” designation comes from the embedded sensors and Bluetooth connectivity that aim to turn you into a better brusher:
- Bluetooth App Coaching: Connecting the brush to the Sonicare app provides personalized guidance, showing you where you’ve missed spots, if you are scrubbing (using too much back-and-forth motion), and if you are using too much pressure.
- Pressure Sensor: The light ring at the base of the handle will illuminate and pulse if you are applying excessive force, acting as a crucial real-time warning to protect your gums and enamel.
- Brush Head Recognition (BrushSync): The handle uses a microchip embedded in the brush head to recognize the type attached (e.g., Gum Care, White+). It then automatically selects the optimal cleaning mode and intensity for that head, eliminating guesswork.
- Brush Head Replacement Reminder: The handle keeps track of how long and how hard you use each specific head and visually alerts you on the handle when it’s time for a replacement.
4. Premium Accessories and Design
The 9700 is known for its luxurious and functional charging system:
- Charging Glass: A stylish glass cup that sits on a charging base. You can place the toothbrush handle inside to charge, or use the glass to rinse your mouth after brushing.
- USB Charging Travel Case: This is highly popular for travel. You can place the brush handle inside, plug a USB cable into the case, and charge it from your laptop, power bank, or a wall adapter, making it very versatile.
- Comprehensive Set of Heads: The 9700 typically comes with a large assortment of specialized brush heads, including the versatile A3 Premium All-in-One, plus dedicated Plaque Control and Gum Care heads, giving you tools for every oral health goal.
The Philips Sonicare DiamondClean Smart 9700 is an excellent choice for users who want comprehensive tracking, multiple cleaning options, and a premium design aesthetic for their bathroom
Which is better, Oral B IO 9 or Sonicare Diamondclean 9700
Oral-B iO Series 9: Best for the “Dentist Clean”
Choose the iO Series 9 if you prefer:
- Cleaning Action: The sensation of a small, round head that oscillates, rotates, and vibrates to meticulously polish each tooth—often described as feeling like a “fresh-from-the-dentist” clean.
- Feedback: Highly visible, instant feedback from the color OLED display built into the handle, which shows your mode, time, and pressure in real-time.
- Tracking: The most detailed 3D tracking (via the app) to ensure coverage on all surfaces of your teeth.
- Price: It is currently the more affordable of the two, based on the limited-time deal you read ($229.94 vs. $279.96).
Philips Sonicare DiamondClean 9700: Best for Gentle Sonic Technology & Premium Design
Choose the DiamondClean 9700 if you prefer:
- Cleaning Action: A gentler, high-frequency sweeping motion using a traditional-looking oval brush head, which uses fluid dynamics to clean deep between teeth.
- Customization: A wider array of personalized settings with 5 cleaning modes and 3 intensity levels (15 total settings).
- Accessories & Travel: The convenience of the beautiful Charging Glass for home use and a superior USB Charging Travel Case for universal charging on the go.
- Brush Heads: A much larger quantity of specialized brush heads included in the box (typically seven).
The Bottom Line:
If you value the most advanced display and the intense, polishing action of a small round head, the Oral-B iO Series 9 is likely your best bet.
If you prefer the gentler sonic sweeping action, desire maximum customization with modes/intensity, and love the premium look and travel accessories, the Philips Sonicare DiamondClean 9700 is the winner.
Looking for more Sonicare options? Check out our comprehensive guide to the best Philips Sonicare electric toothbrushes to find the perfect model for your needs.
Leaning toward Oral-B? Explore our comprehensive Oral-B toothbrush comparison to see where the iO 9 fits among all Oral-B technologies, or visit our complete iO series guide if you’ve committed to iO technology and just need to choose which model.
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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.
Last update on 2026-01-21 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API