# Is the Oral-B iO worth it?

Source: https://brushandfloss.co.uk/blog/is-oral-b-io-worth-it
Published: 2026-10-11
Publisher: Brush and Floss

**In short:** The Oral-B iO is worth it if you value a quieter, smoother magnetic drive, clearer pressure feedback with a red and green ring, a display and app tracking. If you just want a reliable two-minute timer and a basic pressure warning, a cheaper Oral-B such as the Pro 3 covers the essentials. iO heads also cost more per head and only fit iO handles, which matters over years of use.

The Oral-B iO sits at the top of Oral-B's range, and the higher models cost a good deal more than the long-running Pro series. The question is whether the extra features change your daily brushing enough to justify it. This guide sets out what the iO adds, how the models differ, what you commit to on brush heads, and who tends to get most from it. It does not make health claims: the NHS advice to brush twice a day for about two minutes with fluoride toothpaste applies whichever brush you use.

## What the iO adds over older Oral-B brushes

The iO introduced a magnetic drive in place of the gear mechanism in older Oral-B handles. Oral-B says this makes it quieter and smoother while keeping the oscillating-rotating motion of the round head. The other main additions are a smart pressure ring that shows green and red, a display on most models, and app tracking over Bluetooth.

| Feature | Oral-B iO | Older Oral-B (e.g. Pro 3) |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Drive | Magnetic | Gear driven |
| Pressure feedback | Ring: red too hard, green about right | Red warning light |
| Display | On most models | No |
| App | Yes, with position tracking on higher models | Some models |
| Heads | iO heads only | Wide range of older heads |

iO and older Oral-B features

## Which iO model makes sense

The iO range runs from entry models up to the iO10. Higher numbers add more modes, better displays, charging travel cases and, on the iO10, the iOSense charger with its own display. According to the listings in our [iO models compared](https://brushandfloss.co.uk/best/oral-b-io-models-compared) guide, the iO5 has five modes and a smart pressure sensor, the iO6 and iO7 add a display, and the iO9 and iO10 have seven modes and a charging travel case.

Many people find a middle model gives most of the benefit. The jump to the top models is mainly about extras like charging cases, more modes and AI tracking.

[Compare Oral-B iO models](https://brushandfloss.co.uk/best/oral-b-io-models-compared)

## Brush head costs over time

Heads are the running cost of any electric brush. The NHS advises replacing a toothbrush or head every three months, so one person needs four heads a year. iO heads generally cost more per head than older Oral-B heads, and they only fit iO handles, so you commit to the iO range. Our [brush-head planner](https://brushandfloss.co.uk/tools/brush-head-planner) shows how many heads your household needs per year.

Our [iO brush heads explainer](https://brushandfloss.co.uk/blog/oral-b-io-brush-heads-explained) covers the head types, and [genuine vs compatible heads](https://brushandfloss.co.uk/blog/genuine-vs-compatible-brush-heads) explains the trade-offs of cheaper alternatives.

## Who tends to get most from an iO

The iO's features are about feedback and convenience rather than a different way of cleaning. That suits some people more than others.

- People who press too hard and want clear red and green feedback
- Those who like app data on time, coverage and pressure
- Anyone bothered by the noise of older Oral-B brushes
- Frequent travellers, on models with a charging travel case
- Households sharing handles, using ring colours and modes

## When a cheaper brush is enough

If you brush for two minutes, do not press hard and have no interest in an app, a simpler brush with a timer and basic pressure warning covers what matters. Our comparison of the [Oral-B iO vs Pro 3](https://brushandfloss.co.uk/blog/oral-b-io-vs-pro-3) goes through this in detail. A brush is only one part of looking after your teeth; regular check-ups with your dentist matter whichever brush you choose.

If you are open to other brands, our [Oral-B iO vs Philips Sonicare](https://brushandfloss.co.uk/blog/oral-b-io-vs-philips-sonicare) comparison and [best electric toothbrush guide](https://brushandfloss.co.uk/best/best-electric-toothbrush) set the iO against sonic alternatives.

Note: No toothbrush can promise healthier teeth or gums. Follow NHS brushing advice and see your dentist about any concerns.

## Getting the most from it

If you buy an iO, register it with Oral-B for the warranty, set up the app if you want the tracking, and choose a ring colour if several people share. Our [how to use an Oral-B iO](https://brushandfloss.co.uk/blog/how-to-use-oral-b-io) guide covers setup, and the [iO lights explainer](https://brushandfloss.co.uk/blog/oral-b-io-lights-meaning) explains the colours.

## Frequently asked questions

**Is the Oral-B iO9 worth it over the iO7?** The iO9 adds more modes and a charging travel case, according to the listings. If you travel often or want extra modes, it may suit; otherwise the iO7 covers the core features.

**Is an expensive electric toothbrush worth it?** Higher prices buy feedback, apps and convenience. The basics that matter most, brushing twice a day for two minutes, work with any brush.

**Do older Oral-B heads fit the iO?** No. The iO uses its own heads.

**Is the iO quieter than other Oral-B brushes?** Oral-B says the magnetic drive makes it quieter and smoother than its gear-driven brushes.

## Buying guides on this topic

- https://brushandfloss.co.uk/best/oral-b-io-models-compared
- https://brushandfloss.co.uk/best/best-electric-toothbrush
- https://brushandfloss.co.uk/best/best-electric-toothbrush-under-300

## Sources

- [Oral-B UK](https://www.oralb.co.uk/en-gb)
- [NHS: how to keep your teeth clean](https://www.nhs.uk/live-well/healthy-teeth-and-gums/how-to-keep-your-teeth-clean/)