Oral-B iO Series 5 vs Oral-B iO Series 6
Over three years, with heads at each maker's own pack price, the Oral-B iO Series 5 costs about $199 to the Oral-B iO Series 6's $239. Both have pressure sensors, signalled differently: multi-signal pressure sensor on the Oral-B iO Series 5, pressure sensor (signal not described) on the Oral-B iO Series 6. Every other published figure for both is in the table, with the rows where they differ tinted.
Oral-B
Oral-B iO Series 5
~$120
Five modes, a hard case and real-time app tracking of where you brush make up the iO5's pitch.
Best for: People who want Intense and Super Sensitive modes on one handle
Oral-B
Oral-B iO Series 6
~$160
A handle display is the reason to step up to the iO6: Oral-B uses it to select modes, count down the brushing time, flag a worn head and show battery level.
Best for: The cheapest iO with a screen on the handle
| Specification | Oral-B iO Series 5 | Oral-B iO Series 6 |
|---|---|---|
| Approx. price | ~$120 | ~$160 |
| 3-year cost | ~$199 ($120 handle + 11 heads at $7.22) | ~$239 ($160 handle + 11 heads at $7.22) |
| Type | Oscillating-rotating | Oscillating-rotating |
| Motion | Oscillating-rotating (round head) | Oscillating-rotating (round head) |
| Motor | iO magnetic drive | iO magnetic drive |
| Pressure sensor | Multi-signal pressure sensor: iO pressure sensor signals if you brush too hard, too soft, or just right | Pressure sensor (signal not described): Oral-B lists iO's Smart Pressure Sensor on this model without describing how it signals |
| ADA Seal | Listed: Oral-B iO Series | Listed: Oral-B iO Series |
| Timer | 2-minute timer | 2-minute timer |
| Modes | 5: Daily Clean, Intense Clean, Sensitive, Super Sensitive, Whitening | 5: Daily Clean, Sensitive, Whitening, Gum Care, Intense Clean |
| Screen | not published | Screen |
| App | Yes | Yes |
| Charging | charging stand | charging stand |
| Travel case | Yes | Yes |
| Heads in the box | 1 | 1 |
| Head family | Oral-B iO | Oral-B iO |
| Head compatibility | Compatible only with Oral-B iO replacement heads | Compatible only with Oral-B iO replacement heads |
| Price per head | $7.22 (Oral-B iO Ultimate Clean 9-count, $64.99 on oralb.com) | $7.22 (Oral-B iO Ultimate Clean 9-count, $64.99 on oralb.com) |
| Replace heads every | 3 months (maker) | 3 months (maker) |
| Warranty | 2 years | 2 years |
Oral-B iO Series 5: what it gives up
- Oral-B's page contradicts itself on whether there is a screen
- Battery life goes unpublished, as on every iO above the iO2
- The iO6 adds a confirmed display for $40 more, which squeezes this model
Oral-B iO Series 6: what it gives up
- Drops Super Sensitive, which the cheaper iO4 and iO5 have
- Oral-B does not describe how this model's pressure sensor signals
- No battery figure: of the iO range, Oral-B gives one only for the iO2
- One head in the box; the iO7 ships two
Full pages: Oral-B iO Series 5 · Oral-B iO Series 6