Choosing the right Oral-B electric toothbrush often comes down to deciding whether you need Bluetooth connectivity and the number of specialized cleaning modes. The Oral-B Pro 3, Smart 4, and Smart 5 series represent the most popular mid-range options, offering excellent cleaning performance at three distinct price points.
All three models share essential features including the powerful 3D cleaning action (Oscillation, Rotation, and Pulsation), a 2-minute timer with QuadPacer, and a reliable visible pressure sensor.
The primary differences lie in technology (Smart vs. Pro), cleaning modes, and included accessories. Use the comparison chart below to quickly find the right brush for you.
Last update on 2026-01-24 at 21:17 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
Key Differences: Oral-B Pro 3 vs Smart 4 vs Smart 5
| Feature | Oral-B Pro 3 3000 | Oral-B Smart 4 4000 | Oral-B Smart 5 5000 |
| Connectivity | No Bluetooth | Bluetooth Enabled | Bluetooth Enabled |
| Cleaning Modes | 3 (Daily Clean, Sensitive, Whitening) | 3 (Daily Clean, Whitening, Sensitive) | 5 (Daily Clean, Whitening, Sensitive, Deep Clean, Gum Care) |
| Pressure Sensor | 360° Visible Light Ring | Visible Light (Rear/Back) | Visible Light (Rear/Back) |
| Movement Power | Up to 45,000 Pulsations | Up to 45,000 Pulsations | Up to 48,000 Pulsations |
| Included Heads | 1 | 2 | 3 |
| Head Storage | No | Basic Stand (2 heads) | Storage Unit with Lid (4 heads) |
| Travel Case | Variant Dependent (Pro 3500 has it) | Yes | Yes |
| Best For | Pure Value & Essentials | App Coaching on a Budget | Max Modes & Accessories |
| £49.99 | £100.63 | £68.06 | |
| Check it out! | Check it out! | Check it out! |
Oral-B Pro Series vs. Oral-B Smart Series: Defining the Ranges
The fundamental distinction between the Pro and Smart lines is Bluetooth.
- Oral-B Smart Series (4000, 5000): These brushes are Bluetooth-enabled, allowing them to connect to the Oral-B app on your smartphone for real-time feedback, personalized coaching, and logging your cleaning sessions.
- Oral-B Pro Series (3000): These brushes focus on delivering excellent cleaning performance and essential features (timer, pacer, pressure sensor) without the added technology or cost of smartphone connectivity. This generally makes them the better value option.
PAA: Which Oral-B Pro series is best?
The Oral-B Pro 3 Series is considered the best of the non-connected range. It improves upon the older Pro 1 and Pro 2 models by featuring the highly visible 360° pressure sensor light ring and offering a useful range of three cleaning modes.
Oral-B Pro 3 3000 vs Smart 4 4000: The Bluetooth Divide
The choice here comes down entirely to connectivity and price.
| Oral-B Pro 3 3000 | Oral-B Smart 4 4000 |
| No Bluetooth (Simpler, lower price) | Bluetooth Enabled (App connectivity for coaching) |
| 3 Brushing Modes (Daily Clean, Sensitive, Whitening) | 3 Brushing Modes (Daily Clean, Sensitive, Whitening) |
| (Cheapest option) | (Higher price for tech) |
| Comes in Blue (Pro 3500 variant includes a travel case) | Comes in Black, White, or Pink (Standard 4000 includes a travel case) |
The Smart 4 4000 is for those who want real-time monitoring and a record of their brushing sessions. The Pro 3 3000 is the ideal choice if you want the necessary dentist-recommended features and superior plaque removal without paying a premium for an app you may not use.
Oral-B Pro 3 3000 vs Smart 5 5000: Max Modes and Accessories
The Smart 5 5000 offers a substantial upgrade over the Pro 3 in modes and accessories, justifying its higher price point.
| Oral-B Pro 3 3000 | Oral-B Smart 5 5000 |
| 3 Brushing Modes | 5 Brushing Modes (Adds Deep Clean and Gum Care) |
| No Bluetooth | Bluetooth Enabled |
| 1 Brush Head, No Storage Unit | 3 Brush Heads (CrossAction, FlossAction, 3D White) + Storage Unit with Lid |
| Up to 45,000 Pulsations | Up to 48,000 Pulsations (Slight power increase) |
The Smart 5 5000 is suited for users with specific oral health needs (like gum issues or intensive whitening) who benefit from dedicated brushing modes and desire a full accessory package.
Oral-B Smart 4 4000 vs 5 5000: Is the Upgrade Worth It?
This is the most direct upgrade question. Both feature Bluetooth, but the Smart 5 provides a richer feature set.
The Smart 5 5000 includes:
- Two Extra Modes: Deep Clean and Gum Care.
- One Extra Brush Head and a superior, covered brush head storage unit (Smart 4 only includes a basic stand).
- Slightly Higher Power: The motor moves faster (48,000 vs 45,000 pulsations), providing a marginally more powerful clean.
If the specialized Deep Clean or Gum Care modes are important to you, the Smart 5 is worth the minor jump in price. Otherwise, the Smart 4 provides the same core connectivity for less.
Oral-B Model Differences: Pro, Smart, and Variants (FAQ)
What is the difference between Oral-B Pro and Oral-B Smart?
The Smart range includes Bluetooth connectivity to the Oral-B app for guidance and logging. The Pro range (like the Pro 3) focuses on essential, non-connected cleaning features and is generally better value.
What is the difference between Pro 3 3000, 3500, and 3900?
The toothbrush handle is identical across these Pro 3 variants. The difference is only in the box contents:
- Pro 3 3500: Includes a basic travel case.
- Pro 3 3900: Includes two Pro 3 handles (Duo pack) but typically no travel case.
Is the Oral-B Pro 3 3000 good?
Yes, the Pro 3 3000 is an excellent toothbrush. Reviews consistently rate it highly for its strong cleaning performance (3D Action), inclusion of a visible pressure sensor, and great value for money, making it one of the best mid-range electric toothbrushes on the market.
What is the difference between Oral-B Series 4 and 5?
The main difference between the Smart 4 and Smart 5 series is the number of cleaning modes (3 on the 4, 5 on the 5) and the accessories included (The 5 includes a covered storage unit and more brush heads). Both feature Bluetooth connectivity.
Our Verdict: Which Oral-B Toothbrush is Right for You?
| User Profile | Recommendation | Rationale |
| Best Value & Essential Features | Oral-B Pro 3 3000 | Cheapest option that provides the necessary 3D cleaning action, 360° pressure sensor, and three core modes. Don’t pay for tech you won’t use. |
| App Coaching on a Budget | Oral-B Smart 4 4000 | Provides the essential cleaning power and is the lowest-priced brush with Bluetooth connectivity for users who want app-based tracking and coaching. |
| Needs Specialized Cleaning Modes | Oral-B Smart 5 5000 | The ideal choice for users with specific needs, offering the full range of 5 modes (including Gum Care and Deep Clean) and the most comprehensive package of accessories. |
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- Oral B Smart 4 4000 vs 4500 vs 4900
Dr. Tom Bell holds a doctorate in Medical Anthropology and is passionate about oral health. He is the creator of dentalrave and has dedicated over a decade to researching and promoting oral health. His goal is to offer trustworthy and free expert guidance on a diverse range of dental products, tips, methods, and topics, with the aim of making it easily accessible to everyone. It is hoped that this blog will assist you in identifying the appropriate methods and oral care products to enhance and maintain your dental health.