Which one would we choose?
Best overall: Philips Sonicare DiamondClean 9900 Prestige / Philips, Amazon / ~$329.96
Runner up: Philips Sonicare DiamondClean Smart 9700 / Amazon, Walmart / ~$279.96
Best value: Philips Sonicare DiamondClean 9000 Special Edition / Philips, Amazon / ~$198.99
Our verdict
The Philips Sonicare Prestige 9900 is the ultimate choice, it represents the best of Sonicare.
From my testing, I feel that it is the best smart toothbrush available today. It has a comprehensive range of features and a great travel case. It cleans the teeth exceptionally well, whilst looking good and feeling great in the hand.
Previously I had recommended the DiamondClean Smart 9400 as the best overall choice as it struck the balance between performance, features and price. Compared to the 9900, little is sacrificed. However, there is no longer such a difference in price, so the 9900 is a stronger consideration.
The DiamondClean 9000 has fewer features but still has the essential ones you need. I can vouch for it cleaning the teeth just as well.
In fact, all three brushes all cleaned my teeth equally well as one another. The differences in features had a small impact on user experience, but not my overall dental health.
Does one clean better than the other?
No. They all clean the teeth comparably.
However, if you want to be pedantic, there is an argument that the DiamondClean Smart and Prestige models may achieve better results than the DiamondClean 9000.
This is because of the educational tools and data they offer over the 9000.
The 9000 tracks and logs some of your brushing habits, but it does not track and display your brushing in real time. It won’t show you areas of the mouth and teeth you haven’t brushed, whereas the others do.
If you are committed to monitoring this information, you can learn to improve your brushing technique.
But, ultimately this is making you a better brusher. The brush itself is not cleaning the teeth any better.
In reality, it is a lot of effort for very little gain. I’ve got all these models and more. Do I use the tracking data and log into the app regularly - no, I don’t.
People who have bought these models and similar ones have said the same thing to me.
This tech isn’t necessarily a waste, but there is no point paying for and having it unless you will use it.
The brushes I recommend in our best electric toothbrush post are far cheaper and can still brush your teeth just as well.
Key differences
| Find out more |
| Electric Teeth Rating |
| Cleaning Action |
| Number of cleaning modes |
| Brushing intensities |
| Timer |
| Pacer |
| Pressure Sensor |
| Battery life |
| Battery type |
| Number of heads included |
| Travel case included |
| Bluetooth connectivity |
| Position tracking |
| Noise |
| Warranty |
| Buying options |
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| Sonic | Sonic | Sonic |
| 5 | 5 | 4 |
| 3 | 3 | 3 |
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| 20 second sextants | 20 second sextants | 20 second sextants |
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| 14 days | 14 days | 14 days |
| Rechargeable Lithium-Ion (Li-Ion) | Rechargeable Lithium-Ion (Li-Ion) | Rechargeable Lithium-Ion (Li-Ion) |
| 1 | 8 | 1 |
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| 71dB | 71dB | 71dB |
| 2 years | 2 years | 2 years |
Philips Sonicare 9900 Prestige vs DiamondClean Smart 9700
- Handle design/colors
- The Prestige is available in 3 colors (blue, gold & pink) compared to the 2 colors (gold & blue) of the DiamondClean Smart 9700.
- The DiamondClean 9700 has text labels on the handle to show which mode is active. The Prestige does not. This information is shown in the smartphone app only.
- You can change the brushing mode on the 9700 using the mode button. To change modes on the 9900 Prestige you have to do this in the smartphone app.
- The Prestige is slightly slimmer and lighter in hand.
- The Prestige has a seamless button design for improved durability.
- Cleaning modes
- The 9700 changes cleaning mode based on the style of brush head attached.
- The 9700 has a tongue care mode that the 9900 does not have, but the Prestige has a sensitive mode that the 9700 doesn’t have.
- Technology
- The Prestige 9900’s scrubbing sensor lights up yellow around the bottom of the brush handle. The 9700 has the sensor but shows this in the app only.
- Battery
- The Prestige achieved 4 weeks of use on a full charge vs 3+ weeks of the 9700. Both have a claimed life of 14 days.
- The 9900 Prestige has a charging stand with a USB Type-A connector whereas the 9700 has a 2 pin adapter.
- Accessories & box contents
- The 9700 comes with 8 brush heads compared to the 1 with the Prestige.
- The 9900 Prestige’s travel case uses a USB Type-C power connector, whereas the 9700 has a USB cable hardwired into it.
- The DiamondClean Smart’s 9700 travel case can hold 2 brush heads compared to the 1 of the Prestige.
- Price
- The Prestige has a retail price of $400 compared to the $340 of the 9700.
Please note. Every effort is made to ensure the key differences listed are correct, but these differences are subject to change without notice. Products and the box contents can be changed without notice and different variants can exist.
So many DiamondClean models, it’s confusing
Philips has previously and currently does manufacture lots of different ‘DiamondClean’ branded electric toothbrushes.
Some fall under the ‘DiamondClean Smart’ range, whilst others ‘DiamondClean’ (non-smart) family of brushes.
Yet, those under the ‘DiamondClean’ range have what many would consider to be smart features such as Bluetooth connectivity. The DiamondClean 9000 is one such example.
The range of brushes, not accounting for color variations, is unnecessarily complicated. It makes it very difficult to choose between one model and another when in reality they are very similar.
I’ve listed my recommendations above. Yet, if you wish to compare specific models specifications, do make use of our electric toothbrush comparison tool.
Detailed comparison: Sonicare 9000 vs 9700 vs 9900
Having used lots of different toothbrushes, including all the current Sonicare brushes, I can confirm that none of these brushes offer a dramatically better clean than each other.
Believe it or not, whilst they might clean a bit better than the cheapest Sonicare brushes, the differences are not significant. Picking one brush over the other isn’t going to radically improve your toothbrushing or general dental health.
Where these brushes differ is in the features they offer and how you and I interact with them daily.
A great example of this is with the travel cases they all come with.
Both the Prestige and DiamondClean allow the toothbrush to be charged whilst in the case,
provided they are connected to a power source. The Prestige uses a detachable USB Type-A to USB Type-C cable. Whereas the DiamondClean 9700 has a USB Type-A cable that is hardwired into the case. The Type-C is newer and future proofed. But there is a notable convenience to having the cable built into the case.
The 9000 does or does not come with a charging travel case depending on the version you buy. The ‘special edition’ is the most widely sold and that case does not offer charging. The standard variant does. It has a built-in USB cable like the 9700.
I think you’d agree, when you travel, you want to travel lighter, if possible. Thus, the Prestige stands out here. The travel case is slimmer and more compact, complete with a wrist strap compared to the more bulky, strapless cases of the 9700 and 9000 brushes. The handle itself is a bit slimmer (tenths of inches between them). It is also about .7 ounces lighter.
However, if you like to travel with a spare or share a brush handle with a partner, the bulkier cases might suit you better. They hold 2 heads rather than the 1 of the Prestige.
Unless my teeth and gums are particularly sensitive, I tend to stick to the default cleaning mode. Thus, multiple modes have limited benefits for me. But, I know many people, this might be you, really like the ability to dial in the cleaning power to just the way you like.
All 3 brushes allow this to some extent. All have a high, medium and low brushing intensity in addition to their cleaning modes. The 9000 has 4 modes, clean, white, gum and deep clean, the same as the 9700 and the 9900. But the Prestige and DiamondClean Smart each have an extra mode. Where the Prestige has a sensitive mode, the 9700 has a tongue care option.
| Number of cleaning modes |
| Clean |
| Sensitive |
| Sensitive |
| Gum |
| White |
| Deep Clean |
| Cleaning mode notification |
| Brushing intensities |
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Philips Sonicare DiamondClean 9900 Prestige
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Philips Sonicare DiamondClean Smart 9700
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Philips Sonicare DiamondClean 9000 Special Edition
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| 5 | 5 | 4 |
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| 3 | 3 | 3 |
These differences are very subtle in the scheme of things and are not going to have any notable impact on your long term oral health.
The brushes default to the last used mode, but the DiamondClean 9000 and the Diamond Clean Smart 9700 do allow you to change the mode right from the brush handle, using the dedicated cleaning mode button. The Prestige does not have this. You have to go into the app to change modes. It’s annoying, but I speak from experience when I say I barely ever change brushing modes, so this limitation of the Prestige isn’t as significant as it might seem at first.
I prefer the backlit brushing mode labels you get on the DiamondClean 9000 and 9700. It makes it obvious at a glance which mode you have active. You need to refer to the app with the Prestige. It’s a bit frustrating.
Durability has been improved with a seamless button design on the Prestige. This prevents gunk and grime from building up around the power button like it can on the DiamondClean 9000 and Smart 9700. The downside is that the pressure sensitive button on the Prestige is quite firm. Those with arthritis or dexterity issues won’t like this.
I do like Sonicare’s implementation of the pressure sensor. The vibrations through the handle are very obvious. This is great for someone who might be blind or partially sighted. But, the 9000 does lack a visible sensor like the DiamondClean Smart 9700 and the Prestige. If you brush in front of a mirror, your eye is drawn to the purple light emitted. Again, it’s not a big issue, just a small difference. Either way, you are still alerted when you are putting your teeth at risk by brushing too hard.
It’s a similar situation with the scrubbing sensor available on the Prestige 9900 and 9700. Both alert you via the app, but only the 9900’s light ring will be lit yellow. If you are blind, there is no way to easily tell the difference between the scrubbing and pressure sensor. The handle vibration pattern is the same.
I think we all like to get a bit extra for our money, so the fact the DiamondClean Smart comes with 7 extra brush heads compared to the 1 supplied with the 9000 and 9900 is nice. All models can use the same brush head styles, albeit the ones supplied are different.
Oddly it is the cheaper 9000 and 9700 that have the brush head mode pairing feature. This changes the brushing mode based on the type of head you attach. It saves 1 or 2 button presses should you like to change mode when you change the bristles. It is far from necessary. I find I use the same brush head style. There is very little reason to be switching heads regularly.
A rechargeable Lithium-Ion battery is sealed inside the water resistant brush handle. Philips suggests all 3 offer up to 2 weeks of use on a full charge.
Exact usage time varies based on mode and intensity. I’ve found that the Prestige performed best with around 4 weeks of use, the Smart 9700, a little over 3 weeks and the DiamondClean a couple of days behind that.
Both the DiamondClean 9000 and the Smart 9700 have a 2 pin power adapter on the end of the charging stand, suitable for a US power outlet. The Prestige has a USB Type-A connector. There is a USB to 2 pin adapter supplied in the box.
The stand style differs slightly too. The 9900 and 9000 have a charging base and puck configuration, whereas the DiamondClean Smart comes with the classier looking, but much more bulky glass charging stand.
Where these models perhaps differ most is with the Bluetooth technology and position sensors built into the handles. I will be the first to tell you that you don’t need Bluetooth connectivity on a toothbrush. Yet all 3 have it. The 9000 doesn’t offer real-time tracking though like the other 2 models.
| Bluetooth connectivity |
| Position tracking |
| Smart Features Additional information |
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Philips Sonicare DiamondClean 9900 Prestige
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Philips Sonicare DiamondClean Smart 9700
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Philips Sonicare DiamondClean 9000 Special Edition
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| Real time position tracking. Cleaning modes can be changed via the app only. | Real time position tracking. | - |
What this means is that you get no feedback from the app as you brush. Data is logged and can be reviewed after brushing. It monitors brushing time and frequency. It doesn’t show what surfaces of the teeth you have and haven’t brushed like the DiamondClean 9700 and the Prestige. With these models, you can take immediate action to correct any errors in your technique.
Is one better priced than the other?
When we first published this post there was greater difference in price between the Prestige and DiamondClean smart.
Now that some time has passed they are closer in price. That being said, when we last updated this post, they both still cost over $300 each.
The DiamondClean 9000 is currently about $100 cheaper, but it doesn't quite offer the full smart experience that the others do and it's still on the more expensive side for an electric toothbrush.
I can’t honestly say the premium for any of these brushes is worth it. It’s only justifiable if you want the very best tech available.
Our main recommendation from Sonicare, the 4100 Series is significantly cheaper and is sufficient for most people. Used correctly it can do a perfectly good job of cleaning your teeth.
Ongoing ownership costs are similar as they all use the same style of brush head. But, because the 9700 comes with more brush heads in the box, it does work out better value, as you don’t have to buy so many replacements.
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Our Choice
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Our Choice
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Our Choice
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Our Choice
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| Electric Teeth Rating |
(4.9)
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(5)
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(5)
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(4.9)
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| Philips | View price | - | View price | View price |
| Amazon | $329.96 | $279.96 | $198.99 | $39.95 |
| Walmart | - | $316.99 | - | - |
Conclusion
If you're considering these three brushes, you're probably interested in a top of the range, smart toothbrush.
If that's the case, the DiamondClean 9000 doesn't quite measure up to the other two in terms of features.
It's still an excellent brush and can clean your teeth just as well, but its smart technology isn't quite as good.
If you want the very best, the Prestige is my pick. However, the DiamondClean 9700 is almost as good, so if it's on offer a lot cheaper, it's certainly a contender.
Something you got wrong, many times you are confusing the 9900 with 9700 in terms of pressure sensor lighting up. You keep saying the 9900 will flash yellow, in fact, it's the 9700 that flashes, and the 9900 will show up in the app. They have different bottoms, the 9700 is the one that got the see-through led bottom part, while 9900 does not. The sensitivity and scrubbing are virtually the same thing, and both brushes react to it, except with 9700 it's visual on the toothbrush itself. And it doesn't light up yellow, it pauses and flashes purple (mine is Lunar Blue). Also, LOL talking about traveling light and how these two toothbrushes are so different in weight and how much space they take with their charging cords is ludicrous and irrelevant. 0.7oz in difference, really? With all the crap that people put into their luggage, I don't think the size and weight of these toothbrushes would matter. They are both compact, the cord on the 9700 wraps into the bottom of the charging case, neither take much space or weight. Get real.
I didn't care much for 9900. The novelty of the app fades quite quickly. I believe the app is too distracting from actually developing proper brushing techniques, and concentrating on your brushing instead of constantly looking at your phone. I've found the pressure sensors are enough to brush well and properly. I also vehemently protest against companies pushing their apps onto their customers, making apps mandatory in order to use a product, to a point where you depend on it. I hate the fact that with the 9900 you have to use the app in order to switch between the modes. It's obnoxious and idiotic. Obviously, Sonicare is collecting data, that's the whole point, and i find it intrusive and disrespectful to me, as a customer and as a person. Also, 9900 is almost $400, and it only comes with one brush head! WTH???!! How do you even justify that?? There's room for improvement, so why don't you, the guy who wrote this "post", concentrate on the legitimate issues instead of the weight of the toothbrushes.
I can't help but think I have somehow upset you when all I have done is write an honest account of the differences, that clearly you were searching for.
I am here, trying to help others make informed purchasing decisions. One person trying to help another.
I think I can see where we have differences are in the scrubbing/pressue sensor. Philips have quietly updates the 9700 to have a scrubbing sensor. But kept the same product name.
The 9900 and 9700 both have a visible pressure sensor that lights up purple. The yellow light on the 9900 is a scrubbing sensor. This is where the brush is being moved too rapidly. This is different to the too much force of the pressure sensor.
I appreciate your comments on size and weight, but that is your opinion. Someone travelling very light or with a backpack are considerate of these things. I know because I have requests from people asking for the most compact etc.
We promote good value brushes here at Electric Teeth and don't ever say you need a toothbrush with an app. Some desire such innovation and I am happy to guide them to the right product for their needs.
Is it possible to charge the Diamondclean Smart in the Prestige travel charger?
No, it is not Sam.
I've used both of these models, the DCS 9700 and the Prestige 9900, and I whole heartedly agree with your analysis and conclusion. I will add that from an ergonomic standpoint, I just like the smaller size of the Prestige. The funny thing, is I'm struggling to get use to the smaller size as I've been using the DCS and prior model for many years. I'll be traveling soon, and I get to test out the new carrying case of the Prestige. It's smaller as well and I think it just looks and feels classier. Good to see Philips Sonicare improve things over time. They make the best hardware and brushes.