The best electric toothbrush in Australia: Oral-B vs Sonicare
Only three features actually matter in an electric toothbrush. Here is what to look for, and how Oral-B iO and Philips Sonicare compare in Australia.
By Cartwise · 1 August 2026 · 5 min read
Dentists broadly agree an electric toothbrush cleans better than a manual one, but the shops are full of models from twenty dollars to over three hundred, and the differences are not obvious. Here is what actually matters, and the two brands worth choosing between in Australia.
What actually matters (and what does not)
Ignore most of the feature list. Three things make a real difference:
- A pressure sensor that warns you when you brush too hard, which is the main cause of gum damage.
- A two-minute timer so you brush long enough.
- Replaceable brush heads you can actually buy locally.
Everything else, app coaching, travel cases, five cleaning modes, is nice but not why the brush cleans better. Do not overpay for it.
The two brands to choose between
It comes down to Oral-B versus Philips Sonicare, and they feel genuinely different.
The Oral-B iO uses a round head that oscillates, the same motion a dentist's polisher uses. It has a proper pressure sensor and is the one most often recommended.
Oral-B iO Series Electric Toothbrush
| Seller | Price | Shipping | Delivery | Delivered total | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Amazon AUBest value ★ 4.5Lowest priceFastestFree shippingLocal stockTop rated | $249 | Free shipping | 2–4 days | $249estimate | Go to store |
Amazon AU is the best value at $249 delivered and it ships in 2 to 4 days from an Australian warehouse.
Lowest of 1 sample sellers: $249 delivered. These are indicative figures showing how the comparison works, not current quotes, so check the seller's site before buying.
Philips Sonicare uses fast sonic vibration and a brush-shaped head. Many people find it gentler on the gums and quieter, and it is the better pick if oscillating brushes feel too harsh for you.
Philips Sonicare Electric Toothbrush
| Seller | Price | Shipping | Delivery | Delivered total | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Amazon AUBest value ★ 4.5Lowest priceFastestFree shippingLocal stockTop rated | $199 | Free shipping | 2–4 days | $199estimate | Go to store |
Amazon AU is the best value at $199 delivered and it ships in 2 to 4 days from an Australian warehouse.
Lowest of 1 sample sellers: $199 delivered. These are indicative figures showing how the comparison works, not current quotes, so check the seller's site before buying.
How to choose
- Sensitive gums, or you brush hard? Sonicare tends to feel gentler.
- Want the dentist-favourite oscillating clean? Oral-B iO.
- Either way, buy a mid-range model with a pressure sensor and skip the top-tier extras. The clean is nearly identical; you are paying for the case and the app.
The takeaway
Both brands clean far better than a manual brush, so the honest answer is to pick the feel you prefer and not overspend. Check the price of replacement heads before you commit, that is the real running cost. Rows marked checked were confirmed at the retailer on the date shown, the rest are estimates we are still verifying. We may earn a commission on some links at no cost to you, here is how.