Philips Sonicare 3100 vs 4100 vs 5300

The three series side by side

The table shows the typical features Philips lists for each series in the UK. Battery figures are quoted by Philips for typical use and real days depend on your routine.

What all three share

Every model uses Sonicare's sonic action, which moves the bristles side to side at high speed, and takes the same click-on heads. All three have a two-minute SmarTimer and a Quadpacer that pauses briefly every 30 seconds to prompt you to move to the next quarter of your mouth. Our article on why an electric toothbrush pauses every 30 seconds explains this.

All three also have a pressure sensor that warns you if you press too hard, and BrushSync, which reads a chip in genuine Philips heads and reminds you when a head is due for a change. Philips quotes battery life in weeks for these handles; our battery-days check turns a quoted figure into days for your routine.

3100 against 4100: intensity

The 3100 is a one-mode, one-speed brush. The 4100 keeps one mode but lets you pick between two intensity settings, which is handy if the full power feels strong at first or if gums are tender. Both have Easy-start on many versions, which builds up the power gently over the first brushes.

If you would only ever use the standard setting, the 3100 gives you the same daily clean. If you want a softer option on hand, the 4100 is the better buy.

4100 against 5300: modes

The 5300 adds modes. Philips lists Clean, White and Gum Care on this series. White adds time on the front teeth for polishing and Gum Care adds time along the gumline. These are patterns of speed and time; they are not promises of results.

Many people end up using one mode, so the 5300 is worth it mainly if you know you will switch. Our electric toothbrush modes explained article covers what each mode changes.

When to step up to DiamondClean

Above the 5300 sit Philips' premium handles, such as the 7900, DiamondClean 9000 and Prestige 9900. These add three intensities on every mode, app guidance, a light ring for pressure, charging travel cases and, on the Prestige, SenseIQ that lowers intensity when you press too hard.

If you want any of those extras, compare the premium handles in our Philips Sonicare models compared guide and our best sonic electric toothbrush guide.

Compare premium sonic brushes →

Heads and running costs

All three take the full family of Sonicare click-on heads, from the basic C1 to premium A3 and G3 heads. Genuine heads with a BrushSync chip trigger the replacement reminder; compatible heads fit but do not. Plan on a new head about every three months, as the NHS advises.

Our Sonicare brush heads explained article sorts the head families, and our brush-head planner works out heads per year for a household.

Which one suits whom

Pick the 3100 if you want a simple, reliable sonic brush with a pressure sensor and head reminder. Pick the 4100 if you want a gentler intensity setting available. Pick the 5300 if you will use White or Gum Care modes. If you are tempted by the 5300 plus extras, check the premium models before you buy.

• Simplest sonic brush: 3100.
• Want a softer setting: 4100.
• Want modes: 5300.
• Want app, travel case or SenseIQ: DiamondClean 9000 or Prestige 9900.

Frequently asked questions

Do the 3100, 4100 and 5300 use the same heads? Yes. All take Sonicare click-on heads.

Do they all have a pressure sensor? Yes, Philips lists a pressure sensor on all three series.

Is the 4100 discontinued? Philips updates its range regularly and stock varies by retailer. Compare the features on the current listing rather than the series number alone.

Can I charge them from a shaver socket? UK versions come with a two-pin plug that suits a shaver socket. See charging from a UK shaver socket.