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Are electric toothbrush chargers interchangeable?

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In short

Only within a family. Classic Oral-B handles such as Vitality, Pro, Smart and Genius generally share the standard Oral-B inductive charger, but Oral-B iO handles need an iO charger. Many Philips Sonicare rechargeable handles charge on the standard Sonicare inductive stand, and DiamondClean models also charge in the charging glass, but Oral-B and Sonicare chargers never swap. Check the maker's compatibility list before buying a spare.

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A spare charger is handy for a second bathroom, the office or a holiday home, and a lost charger is a common reason people search for a replacement. Because most electric toothbrushes charge by induction, through the plastic, it is tempting to think any charger will do. In practice, chargers are matched to the coil and electronics in each handle family. This guide explains which Oral-B and Philips Sonicare chargers swap, how inductive charging works, and how to buy the right replacement for a UK bathroom.

Which chargers swap

The table shows the general picture. Always confirm on the charger listing or the maker's website for your exact handle.

ChargerUsually chargesDoes not charge
Standard Oral-B inductive standVitality, Pro, Smart, GeniusOral-B iO, Sonicare
Oral-B iO chargerOral-B iO handlesClassic Oral-B, Sonicare
Standard Sonicare inductive standMany Sonicare rechargeable handlesOral-B
Sonicare charging glassDiamondClean handlesMost other handles, Oral-B
Travel cases that chargeThe handle family they come withOther families
Charger families at a glance

How inductive charging works

Most electric toothbrush chargers have a coil in the base that creates a changing magnetic field. A matching coil inside the handle picks it up and charges the battery, with no metal contacts exposed to water. That is why handles can be rinsed under the tap.

The coils, power levels and handle shapes differ between families. A handle may sit on the wrong charger and do nothing, or charge slowly, or not seat properly. Our article on how a sonic toothbrush works shows where the charging coil sits inside a handle.

Li-ionDrive shaftLED ringMotorPressure sensorLithium-ion batteryInductive charging coil
Inside an electric toothbrush handle: motor, battery, pressure sensor and the coil that charges it without contacts.

Oral-B: classic and iO

Oral-B's standard inductive charger has been used across classic handles for many years, so a Pro 3 stand usually charges a Vitality Pro or a Genius. The iO range uses its own charger, and some iO models come with a fast charger or, on the iO10, the iOSense charger that also shows brushing feedback.

If you own both classic and iO handles, you need both types of charger. See Oral-B iO not charging and Oral-B Pro 3 charging light for charging checks.

Philips Sonicare: stands, glasses and cases

Many Sonicare rechargeable handles charge on the standard Sonicare stand. DiamondClean models often come with a charging glass, which also charges on its own base; see Philips Sonicare glass charger explained. Premium handles such as the DiamondClean 9000 and Prestige 9900 come with travel cases that charge the handle, often from a USB lead.

Philips publishes compatibility details for its chargers. Find your HX model number first; see which Sonicare model do I have?.

UK plugs and bathroom sockets

UK chargers for toothbrushes usually have a two-pin plug designed for a bathroom shaver socket. If you buy a charger from abroad, it may have a different plug and voltage. Use only chargers intended for UK use, and do not force a plug into a socket it does not fit. See charging from a UK shaver socket.

Note:Avoid cheap unbranded chargers with no safety markings. A charger is a mains appliance used in a bathroom, so buy from the maker or a reputable seller.

Buying a spare or replacement

Follow these steps to make sure a spare or replacement charger works with your handle.

  1. 1

    Find the brand and range of your handle, and the model number if you can.

  2. 2

    Search the maker's website or listing for chargers compatible with that model.

  3. 3

    Check the plug type is UK two-pin or UK three-pin as you need.

  4. 4

    Check whether you want a plain stand, a glass or a travel case.

  5. 5

    Keep the receipt in case it does not work with your handle.

When a charging case is better

If you want a spare charger mainly for travel, a brush that comes with a charging travel case may be simpler. Several premium Oral-B iO and Sonicare handles include one. Our guide to toothbrushes with a charging travel case compares them, and our battery-days check shows how long a charge lasts for your routine.

See charging travel case brushes →

Frequently asked questions

Will an Oral-B charger charge an iO? No. iO handles need an iO charger.

Are Philips Sonicare chargers interchangeable? Many Sonicare handles share the standard stand. Check Philips' compatibility list for your model.

Can I charge an Oral-B on a Sonicare charger? No. The two brands' chargers do not swap.

Can I use a charger with a European plug in the UK? Only with a safe, suitable adapter, and only if the voltage is right. A UK charger is simpler.

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