Philips Sonicare brush heads explained

The letter families

Each letter refers to what the head is designed to focus on, according to Philips. The bristle layout and shape differ between families, but all are used with the same sonic side-to-side motion.

Note:These descriptions are the maker's. A head cannot treat gum disease or sensitivity. If you have symptoms, see your dentist.

What the numbers mean

The number after the letter shows the tier. A 1 is a basic head, a 2 is the Optimal tier and a 3 is the Premium tier. Higher tiers usually have more complex bristle layouts and often include the BrushSync chip, though not every head in every tier has one.

The premium handles in our Sonicare models compared guide ship with heads such as the A3, C3 or G3, and the 7900 comes with W2 Optimal White heads, according to the listings.

BrushSync chips

BrushSync is a small chip in many Sonicare heads. On a BrushSync-enabled handle, it lets the handle recognise the head, track how long it has been used and remind you when it is time to replace it. On some handles, such as the DiamondClean Smart range, the handle can also select a suitable mode and intensity for the head it detects.

Heads without the chip still fit click-on handles and still brush, but you lose the reminder and automatic mode pairing. Third-party compatible heads usually lack a working chip. See our genuine vs compatible heads article for more.

Which handles each head fits

Most modern Sonicare handles use a click-on fitting, and Philips says click-on heads fit all click-on handles. The exceptions are the PowerUp battery range and the older Essence models, which use different heads. The Sonicare For Kids range has its own smaller heads.

The Next-Gen 9900 Prestige and some newer models have been sold with All-in-One heads designed for them. Check the Philips compatibility information for your handle before buying a large pack.

• Click-on heads: fit click-on handles such as ProtectiveClean, DiamondClean and Prestige ranges
• PowerUp and Essence: use their own heads
• Sonicare For Kids: uses smaller kids' heads
• Unsure: check the handle model number against the Philips site

Choosing a head for you

If you like the head that came with your brush, sticking with it is the simplest choice. If you find it too firm, the S2 Sensitive has softer bristles and pairs well with a lower intensity setting. Our guide to brushes with gentle modes covers handles with three intensity levels.

Philips recommends changing heads about every three months, in line with NHS guidance. Our brush-head planner tells you how many heads a household needs per year.

Compare Sonicare models →

Storing and cleaning Sonicare heads

Rinse the head after use and let it dry upright. Take it off the handle every so often and rinse the metal shaft and the inside of the head, where toothpaste can collect. Philips advises against putting heads in the dishwasher.

Our guide to how a sonic toothbrush works explains why the fit on the shaft matters for the sonic motion.

Frequently asked questions

Do all Sonicare heads fit all Sonicare handles? Click-on heads fit click-on handles. PowerUp, Essence and kids' models use different heads.

What is the difference between C2 and C3 heads? Both are plaque control heads. C3 is the Premium tier with a more complex bristle design, and C2 is the Optimal tier.

Do I need BrushSync heads? No, but without them a BrushSync handle cannot remind you to replace the head or pick a mode automatically.

Which Sonicare head is softest? The S2 Sensitive head is designed with softer bristles.