Philips Sonicare DiamondClean Smart 9500 Review

The DiamondClean Smart finished just ahead of the Brio SmartClean in our testing process. While the Brio is the most comfortable of this trio, the Sonicare DiamondClean Smart did do the best in our cleaning test. The DiamondClean Smart is by far the most expensive in our fleet, costing a great deal more than any other model we tested.

Performance Comparison

Comfort

Comprising 40% of the total score, our set of comfort tests has the most bearing on the final score for each toothbrush. We had a panel of testers rate the brushing comfort of each product, and they also compared the noise level and the ability to detect too much brushing pressure. We used these factors to finalize the scores. None of our panel of judges had any major issues with this toothbrush, with most of them rating it as one of the more comfortable models.

We particularly liked how this toothbrush felt to hold, with its matte finish and size feeling very ergonomic in your hand. However, some of our testers with more petite mouths did find it slightly unpleasant when brushing their back molars and this brush is just powerful enough to be a little too much for those with the most sensitive gums. However, you can use the sensitive mode to mitigate this if you find that it bothers you.

It's about average in terms of noise, being overall one of the quieter brushes in terms of amplitude. However, we did find this brush to have a high pitch whine that can be a bit irritating. This toothbrush also won some extra points by having a pressure sensor that will slow the brush down if you are pressing too hard.

Cleaning

For our next metric, we ranked and scored how well each brush cleaned by performing a plaque removal test. This accounts for 30% of the final score for each toothbrush, with the DiamondClean Smart tying for the top spot of the entire group.

For this test, we had our judges skip brushing their teeth in the morning and encouraged them to consume as many sugary foods as possible. They then used a plaque disclosing tablet in the afternoon, which stained all of the accumulated plaque over the 18 hour period or so since they last brushed a bright red. We then took before photos, had them use the DiamondClean Smart for a standard cleaning cycle, and took after-brushing photos, using those to determine scores.

The DiamondClean Smart removed virtually all of the stained plaque for most of our testers, with only one person missing a few of the harder-to-reach places on the inside surfaces of their teeth, putting it on par with the best brushes that we have seen to date.

Ease of Use

We graded and judged how easy to use the interface to run and switch cleaning modes on each brush is, how difficult it is to clean, if there is an easy option for storing additional brush heads, and if there is a two-minute timer to ensure you brush the correct amount. It is quite easy and intuitive to switch between modes using the additional mode select button. You simply press the button to cycle through the different cleaning options, of which there are five, and the mode indicator you are in will light up accordingly.

The charging cup does not have any storage for additional brush heads, but the USB charging case does have spots to store two brush heads.

This Sonicare toothbrush has an integrated timer with quadrant pacing to help you brush for the prescribed amount each day.

Battery Life

For the remaining 10% of the total score, we assessed the battery life of each electric toothbrush. To take both brushing and standby power draws into account, we ran each brush for a standard brushing cycle in the morning and evening, awarding points on how many days each one lasted.

This toothbrush lasted for 24 days in our test — impressive, considering the standby power draw of the smart features.

Value

This brush is the absolute worst option if you are shopping on a budget. Period.

Conclusion