Do you invest in the full suite of advanced technology, or does the mid-range model offer enough benefits for your needs?
On one side, you have the flagship DiamondClean Smart 9700—the ultimate system with 5 modes (including Tongue Care), seven brush heads, and the most precise app-guided coaching available. On the other, the highly-rated ProtectiveClean 6100, which delivers powerful sonic cleaning, pressure control, and three core modes at a compelling price.
Is the $170+ price difference worth the smart features, or will the 6100 deliver the exceptional clean your dentist recommends?
We dive deep into the performance claims, accessory bundles, and smart tech of the 9700 and 6100 to show you exactly where your money is best spent. Read on to find the perfect Sonicare match for your smile goals and budget.
Key Differences between Philips Sonicare 6100 and 9700
The comparison between the ProtectiveClean 6100 (mid-range) and the DiamondClean Smart 9700 (flagship) highlights a major jump in features, technology, and price.
|
| |
| Philips Sonicare ProtectiveClean 6100 | DiamondClean Smart 9700 |
|---|---|
| Mid-Range (Protection Focused) | Flagship (Maximum Features & Coaching) |
| Improves gum health in 2 weeks. | Up to 20x more plaque removal; up to 15x healthier gums. |
| 3 Modes: Clean, White, Gum Care | 5 Modes: Clean, White+, Gum Health, Deep Clean+, Tongue Care |
| No App Connectivity | Has (Bluetooth connection for personalized coaching, real-time 3D mouth map, missed area detection, and focus area tracking) |
| Basic Pressure Sensor: Warns you and reduces vibrations if pressing too hard. | Advanced Smart Sensors: Real-time Pressure Sensor (flashing light ring), plus Location (missed spot) and Scrubbing sensors tracked via the app. |
| BrushSync Replacement Reminder: Tracks time/pressure and alerts you when to replace the head. | BrushSync Replacement Reminder & Pairing: Tracks time/pressure, and the brush head automatically selects the optimal mode for that head type. |
| 1x W Diamond Clean brush head. | 7 Total Heads: 1x A3 All-in-One, 3x C3 Plaque Control, 2x G3 Gum Care, 1x TongueCare+ brush. |
| Compact charging base. | Premium Charging Glass and USB Charging Travel Case. |
| $109.96 | $279.96 |
| Check it out |
1. Cleaning Modes and Scope
The 9700 offers more specialized cleaning options than the 6100.
- The ProtectiveClean 6100 offers 3 Modes (Clean, White, and Gum Care).
- The DiamondClean Smart 9700 offers 5 Modes (Clean, White+, Gum Health, Deep Clean+, and a dedicated Tongue Care mode). It also makes a much higher cleaning claim, promising up to 20x more plaque removal.
2. Smart Coaching and App Use
This is the most critical difference: the level of personalized guidance.
- The 6100 is a standalone brush with no app connection. Its smart features are limited to the pressure sensor and timers.
- The 9700 features full Bluetooth connectivity to the Philips Sonicare App. This allows for personalized coaching, real-time feedback on missed areas (3D mouth mapping), and tracking to eliminate scrubbing motions, ensuring a flawless technique.
3. Brush Head Intelligence
- While both have BrushSync reminders, the 9700 adds BrushSync Pairing. It automatically detects the type of brush head attached (e.g., Plaque Control or Gum Care) and automatically sets the handle to the optimal mode and intensity for that specific head. The 6100 does not have this auto-pairing feature.
4. Accessories and Price
The price difference largely reflects the accessories included.
- The 6100 is the more budget-friendly option and comes with 1 brush head and a compact charger.
- The 9700 is the premium choice and includes a luxury Charging Glass, a USB Charging Travel Case, and a massive bundle of 7 total specialized brush heads (including the TongueCare+ brush).
In summary, the 6100 is a smart, powerful, and essential everyday toothbrush, while the 9700 is a complete, app-guided oral care system designed to eliminate every flaw in your brushing technique.
Comparison: What They Share
Both the ProtectiveClean 6100 and the DiamondClean Smart 9700 are high-performance sonic toothbrushes that share foundational features essential for superior oral care:
- Powerful Sonic Cleaning: Both models use advanced sonic technology to deliver up to 62,000 brush movements per minute, effectively breaking up and sweeping away plaque.
- Pressure Protection: Both handles include a Pressure Sensor to guard against damage to gums and teeth. If you press too hard, the brush will alert you or reduce vibrations.
- Timing Guidance: Both are equipped with the SmarTimer to ensure you brush for the dentist-recommended two minutes, and the QuadPacer to guide you to clean all four sections of your mouth evenly.
- Battery Life: Both feature a reliable rechargeable battery that lasts for up to 14 days on a single charge.
- Basic Smart Tracking: Both utilize BrushSync Replacement Reminders to let you know when the attached brush head is worn out and needs replacing.
- Travel Ready: Both sets include a dedicated travel case for easy and hygienic portability.
Philips Sonicare DiamondClean Smart 9700 Review
The Philips Sonicare DiamondClean Smart 9700 (Model HX9957/81) is the absolute pinnacle of Philips’ electric toothbrush technology. It’s designed to provide a comprehensive, guided, and fully customizable oral health routine.
Here is a detailed look at the features and the premium experience offered by the DiamondClean Smart 9700:
Ultimate Personalized Coaching via the App
The Smart Sensor technology paired with the Philips Sonicare App transforms your brushing from a routine chore into a guided coaching session:
- Real-Time 3D Mapping: The built-in sensors track the brush’s movement and location inside your mouth. The app displays a 3D map, showing you exactly where you’ve brushed and, critically, where you’ve missed a spot.
- TouchUp Feature: If the app detects areas you’ve missed, the TouchUp feature prompts you to go back and ensures you achieve 100% coverage every time.
- Pressure and Scrubbing Feedback: The handle’s light ring pressure sensor flashes if you press too hard. The app also tracks and coaches you to eliminate aggressive scrubbing motions, helping protect your gums.
- Goal Setting: You can highlight trouble spots (like receding gums or plaque buildup) in the app, and the system will remind you to give those areas extra attention.
Maximum Performance and Customization
The 9700 ensures superior cleaning through its power and versatility:
- Plaque and Gum Claims: It boasts the highest performance claims in the Sonicare line: up to 20x more plaque removal and up to 15x healthier gums than a manual toothbrush.
- 5 Brushing Modes: It provides a mode for every specific need:
- Clean: For daily, superior cleaning.
- White+: To remove surface stains for a brighter smile.
- Gum Health: For gentle, yet effective gumline cleaning.
- Deep Clean+: For an invigorating, thorough clean.
- Tongue Care: A specialized mode for the included TongueCare+ brush head, designed to eliminate odor-causing bacteria.
- 3 Intensity Levels: You can always fine-tune the power (Low, Medium, High) for maximum comfort.
Premium Accessories and Bundling
The 9700 is a luxury set, reflected in its generous inclusion of accessories:
- Comprehensive Brush Head Set (7 Total): The set is valued for its variety, providing a specific head for every need: 1x A3 Premium All-in-One, 3x C3 Premium Plaque Control, 2x G3 Premium Gum Care, and 1x TongueCare+ brush.
- BrushSync Pairing: This is the most advanced version of BrushSync. The handle recognizes the attached head and automatically selects the optimal mode and intensity for it (e.g., attach a Gum Care head, and the brush defaults to the Gum Health mode).
- Elegant Charging: It includes the iconic Charging Glass and Stand (which charges the brush when placed inside) and a USB Charging Travel Case for convenient charging on the go.
The DiamondClean Smart 9700 is the ultimate investment for someone who prioritizes data-driven oral health, requires specialized cleaning tools (like the Tongue Care system), and seeks a high-end, all-inclusive package.
Which is better, Sonicare 9700 or 6100 Electric Toothbrush
the Philips Sonicare DiamondClean Smart 9700 is objectively the better and more advanced model.
The 9700 sits at the absolute top of the Philips Sonicare line, while the ProtectiveClean 6100 is a fantastic mid-range brush.
Here is a quick summary of why the 9700 is considered superior:
Why the DiamondClean Smart 9700 is Better:
- Superior Coaching: It has full App Connectivity with 3D mouth mapping and real-time coaching (missed spot detection), which is the most effective way to improve your brushing technique and ensure 100% coverage. The 6100 has no app.
- More Customization: It offers 5 cleaning modes (including the specialized Tongue Care mode) compared to the 6100’s 3 modes.
- Smarter Technology: It features BrushSync Pairing, which automatically selects the correct cleaning mode for the attached brush head. The 6100 only has the replacement reminder.
- Comprehensive Value: It comes with a massive bundle of 7 total specialized brush heads and premium charging options (charging glass and USB travel case).
Conclusion:
If your goal is to have the most advanced technology, personalized guidance, and maximum cleaning options (and the budget allows for it), the DiamondClean Smart 9700 is superior.
If your goal is to have excellent cleaning, pressure protection, and core smart features without the complication of an app, the ProtectiveClean 6100 offers the better value.
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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 2025-11-25 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
