The Oral-B iO Series spans a wide range, but every model shares the same foundational iO Magnetic Cleaning Technology, which provides a quiet, micro-vibrating, and gentle yet powerful clean. The main differences are in the smart features and user interface.
The journey starts with the iO Series 2, which is the absolute base model. It is the cheapest entry into the iO line, offering the core magnetic clean, a 2-minute timer, and a basic pressure sensor, but it lacks Bluetooth connectivity and any on-handle display beyond a power light.
Stepping up to the iO Series 3 provides the first major convenience upgrade: the Visible Smart Pressure Sensor ring. This light ring changes color (green for perfect, red for too hard) and is a non-negotiable feature for protecting gums. Like the iO 2, it still lacks app connectivity, making it the best essential budget choice.
The jump to the iO Series 4 introduces the first-tier of smart features by adding Bluetooth connectivity and a 4th cleaning mode. This allows the brush to log your brushing time and pressure in the Oral-B app, though it still provides no real-time guidance on where you are brushing.
The iO Series 5 is the crucial model and the definitive “sweet spot” for value. It takes the iO 4’s app connectivity and transforms it by adding 6-Zone A.I. Real-Time Tracking, which uses A.I. to coach you through the app, ensuring you cover all six major areas of your mouth. It also increases the cleaning modes to five and adds LED Mode Icons on the handle to indicate your selected setting.
Moving to the iO Series 6 is primarily an interface upgrade. It maintains the same cleaning power, A.I. tracking, and five modes as the iO 5, but replaces the simple LED icons with a full Black & White Interactive Display. This screen provides all feedback (mode, timer, battery, and the famous “Smiley Face” completion indicator) directly on the handle, making it much easier to use without needing your phone.
The next major leap is to the iO Series 7, which introduces the Magnetic Fast Charger. This speeds up charging time from the standard 12+ hours on the lower models to a quick 3-hour charge, significantly enhancing convenience and travel use. It maintains the 5 modes and Black & White display of the iO 6. Check the Oral-B iO Series 6 vs 7 vs 8 vs 9 vs 10 review.
Last update on 2026-02-13 at 15:44 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
Comparison: Oral-B iO 2 vs 3 vs 4 vs 5 vs 6
This comparison chart breaks down the critical feature jumps across the first five models of the Oral-B iO line, highlighting the major upgrades in modes, display, and smart features.
| Feature | Oral-B iO Series 2 (The Bare Essential) | Oral-B iO Series 3 (The Budget) | Oral-B iO Series 4 (The Basic App) | Oral-B iO Series 5 (Best Value Smart) | Oral-B iO Series 6 (The Display Upgrade) |
| Cleaning Modes | 3 Modes (Daily Clean, Sensitive, Super Sensitive) | 3 Modes (Daily, Sensitive, Whitening) | 4 Modes (Adds Super Sensitive) | 5 Modes (Adds Intense Clean) | 5 Modes |
| Bluetooth/App Connectivity | No | No | Yes (Tracks Time/Pressure only) | Yes (Tracks Time/Pressure) | Yes (Tracks Time/Pressure) |
| A.I. Position Tracking | No | No | No | Yes (6-Zone Real-Time Tracking) | Yes (6-Zone Real-Time Tracking) |
| Handle Display | None (LED in Power Button only) | None | None | LED Mode Icons (Backlit) | Black & White Interactive Display |
| On-Handle Feedback | Light Ring (Pressure only) | Light Ring (Pressure only) | Light Ring (Pressure only) | Light Ring (Pressure, Timer) | Display (Pressure, Timer, Smiley Face) |
| Key Distinction | Lowest Price iO. No App. | Adds visible Smart Pressure Sensor (iO 3) | First model with Bluetooth | First model with A.I. Tracking & 5 Modes | First model with Interactive Display |
| Price not available | Price not available | Price not available | Price not available | Price not available | |
| Check it out | Check it out | Check it out | Check it out | Check it out |
Analysis: Comparing the iO Series Differences
The fundamental difference between these five models lies in the features that genuinely impact your brushing habit: A.I. tracking and the display feedback.
1. The Entry Point: iO 2, iO 3, and iO 4
- iO 2 vs iO 3: The iO 3 is the superior essential model because it has the visible Smart Pressure Sensor light ring which the iO 2 lacks, making it far better for protecting your gums.
- iO 3 vs iO 4: The iO 4 is the first model with Bluetooth, allowing you to log brushing time and pressure in the app. However, it still lacks A.I. tracking.
2. The Smart Leap: iO 5 (The Sweet Spot)
- iO 4 vs iO 5: This is the most important leap. For the first time, the iO 5 introduces 6-Zone A.I. Real-Time Tracking. This is the feature that uses the camera on your phone to identify where you are brushing and gives you coaching to cover all parts of your mouth. It also gains the LED Mode Icons on the handle and a 5th mode. The iO 5 is the first truly “smart” brush.
3. The Interface Upgrade: iO 6
- iO 5 vs iO 6: The iO 6 has the same core cleaning power and A.I. tracking as the iO 5. The key difference is the Black & White Interactive Display. This makes the brush much easier to use without the app, as it shows your mode, battery life, and gives instant feedback using the Smiley Face for a successful session.
You need the cheapest iO: Choose the iO 2 or iO 3 (No A.I. or Display).
You want to connect to the App: The iO 4 is the starting point for Bluetooth.
You want the Smart Experience (A.I. Coaching): The iO 5 is the sweet spot, as it unlocks the 6-Zone A.I. Tracking that actually helps improve technique.
You want the best interface without paying for fast charging: The iO 6 is the top choice, thanks to the Black & White Interactive Display and famous “Smiley Face” feedback.
Analysis: Which Oral-B iO Model to Buy?
Budget Essentials: iO 2, iO 3, & iO 4
This range is for one who want the superior iO magnetic clean and essential dental features (timer and pressure sensor) without paying for smart app features.
- iO 2 (The Absolute Bare Minimum): Provides the cheapest way into the iO line. You get the core iO magnetic clean and a visible pressure sensor, but it lacks Bluetooth and the full range of modes found on the iO 3 and above. It’s strictly for users prioritizing the iO clean at the lowest possible cost.
- iO 3 (Best Essential Budget): Offers the true essentials: the core iO magnetic clean, a visible pressure sensor, and a timer. It typically comes with 3 cleaning modes and is the recommended minimum if you want a reliable, modern brush without any app connectivity.
- iO 4 (Poor Value at Current Price): Its main advantage over the iO 3 is the addition of Bluetooth and a 4th mode. However, at its current price point, it is poor value as the iO 5 is only £5 more, offering vastly more powerful features.
Best Value Smart Brush: iO 5
- iO 5 (The Sweet Spot): This is the minimum model we recommend for serious users. For a marginal cost over the iO 4, you unlock the 6-Zone A.I. Real-Time Tracking—the critical feature that actively coaches you to improve your technique. You also gain the Intense Clean mode and a mode indicator on the handle.
Mid-Range Upgrade: iO 6
- iO 6 (The Display Upgrade): The iO 6 has the same cleaning performance and 5 modes as the iO 5, but the Black & White Interactive Display is the key difference. This display provides your current mode, battery life, a timer, and the famous Smiley Face feedback directly on the brush, making it much easier to use without the app.
