Side-by-side comparison based on expert reviews and community consensus.
Oral-B Pro 1000
Best OverallOral-B Pro 500
Best Mid-Budget UpgradePrice
$40-$55
$25-$40
Summary
The undisputed community favorite under $50. Oscillating brush head, pressure sensor, and a 2-minute timer — everything you need, nothing you don't.
Wirecutter's pick when you want oscillating cleaning at a lower price than the Pro 1000. Fewer features but the same core cleaning technology.
Pros
- Built-in pressure sensor prevents gum damage
- 2-minute brushing timer included
- Affordable replacement heads (~$14 for a pack of 3)
- Compact, travel-friendly charger
- Oscillating head gets between teeth more effectively than sonic oval heads
- Oscillating brush head — same core tech as the Pro 1000
- Often cheaper than the Pro 1000
- Compatible with all Oral-B replacement heads
- Wirecutter-recommended as the budget oscillating pick
Cons
- No travel case included
- Only one cleaning mode
- Charger is proprietary, not USB
- No pressure sensor (a key Pro 1000 feature)
- Fewer modes than the Pro 1000
- Less widely discussed in community forums than the Pro 1000
Our take
This is the one. Reddit, CNET, and Wirecutter all land on the Oral-B Pro 1000, and real owners who've used it for years keep recommending it. Skip the fancy upgrades.
If the Pro 1000 is ever out of stock or on sale for less, the Pro 500 is a legitimate step-down that doesn't sacrifice the cleaning action that makes Oral-B great.
Buy
