Philips Sonicare 7100 electric toothbrush review: next-level oral care or a pricey splurge?

There are so many electric toothbrushes on the market these days – some oscillate, some don't, some sync to your phone via Bluetooth, and some keep it simple. Honestly, figuring out which one to go for can be overwhelming, and if I’m being real, my opinion on what’s best changes all the time.

However, with all that indecision comes experience. I’ve tested more electric toothbrushes than I can count, and whilst my bathroom counter seems to rotate every few months, I’ve come to know what actually matters.

Up next on the review list is Philips' latest addition to its Sonicare range – the Sonicare 7100 electric toothbrush. Like the others in the lineup, it doesn’t come cheap, so let’s see if it’s worth the splurge.

Philips Sonicare 7100 electric toothbrush review: price and availability

The Philips Sonicare 7100 isn’t exactly cheap — it normally retails for around £330 or $450. It’s no secret that the best electric toothbrushes are getting more expensive by the day, but this is probably one of the priciest models I’ve come across so far this year.

That said, it’s often on sale, and right now it’s down to just £129.99 at Boots and John Lewis. If that’s piqued your interest, take a look below:

Philips Sonicare 7100: was £330 now £129.99 at Boots.com

Available in navy or white, the Philips Sonicare 7100 is the brand's latest electric toothbrush, so it's a good idea to grab one whilst you can.

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Philips Sonicare 7100 electric toothbrush review: unboxing and set up

Inside the box, I found the toothbrush itself, a charging travel case, the charger, and a G3 Premium Gum Care brush head. If you’ve read my previous reviews, you’ll know I’m not thrilled when a toothbrush only comes with one head – but hey, one is better than none.

One of the first things I noticed was how premium everything felt. I’m used to the more plasticky, budget-friendly electric toothbrushes, so I was pleasantly surprised by how solid and weighty the Sonicare 7100 felt. Even the charger looks sleek and well-designed.

I was a bit confused by the travel case, mostly because it doesn’t hold the toothbrush with the head attached. However, I quickly figured out that the brush head slots in underneath the handle, which actually keeps the whole setup nice and compact.

Philips Sonicare 7100 electric toothbrush review: design and features

In terms of features, the Sonicare 7100 is on par with the higher-end Sonicare 9900 Prestige. It offers 62,000 bristle motions per minute, with four brushing modes – Clean, Sensitive, White and Gum Health. Each mode has three intensity levels, so you're getting a total of 12 different combinations to suit your needs.

There are also some pretty clever extras. It uses a magnetic motor to adjust brushing power during your session and has something called dynamic fluid action that helps clean along the gumline. There's also a smart pressure sensor that flashes purple and lowers the vibration if you’re brushing too hard – a great feature for protecting your gums.

In terms of battery life, Philips says it provides up to three weeks on a full charge, but we'll talk about this further in just a second.

One standout feature I really like is the BrushSync Technology. Each brush head has a tiny RFID chip that tracks usage and tells your brush when it needs to be replaced, with an amber light showing up on the handle when it's time to swap it out.

That said, replacement heads aren’t exactly cheap. You’re looking at around £20 for a pack every few months, so if that sounds steep, this might not be the right brush for you.

Also, whilst this is a sonic toothbrush, some studies suggest that oscillating brushes are better at plaque removal. So if that’s your top priority, you might want to check out an Oral-B electric toothbrush instead.

Finally, the toothbrush also connects to the Philips Sonicare app, which lets you track your brushing habits and get personalised tips. I’ll be honest, I didn't use it much myself, but it’s nice to have if you’re trying to improve your brushing routine or keep yourself accountable.

Philips Sonicare 7100 electric toothbrush review: performance

Overall, I’ve had a great time testing the Philips Sonicare 7100. My teeth definitely feel cleaner, and once I played around with the settings, I found that using a mix of the Clean and Gum Health modes at medium intensity worked really well for me.

It also felt really nice to hold, and the charging case was a lifesaver for travelling – once I figured out how to use it properly!

As mentioned, Philips claims the battery lasts up to three weeks on a full charge, but in my experience, I got more like 10 to 14 days. That’s still decent, but I noticed it after coming from the SURI sonic toothbrush, which gives me a solid 40 days. That said, I do sometimes brush mid-day as well as in the morning and at night, so that could’ve skewed the battery performance.

Philips Sonicare 7100 electric toothbrush review: verdict

The Philips Sonicare 7100 is a premium, feature-packed electric toothbrush that feels as high-end as its price tag suggests. With powerful cleaning performance, smart features and a sleek design, it’s a solid upgrade if you’re looking to level up your oral care routine. Just be prepared for shorter-than-advertised battery life and slightly pricey replacement heads.

Philips Sonicare 7100 electric toothbrush review: alternatives to consider

If you're after an even more impressive model, I'd strongly recommend the Philips Sonicare 9900 Prestige. It features the brand's SenseIQ technology for a personalised brushing experience, which completely adapts as you brush. It's definitely Philips' most advanced model, but it's price tag will match that.

As mentioned, the Sonicare 7100 doesn't oscillate, so I'd recommend going for the Oral-B iO9 if that's what you need. Using a magnetic motor, it actually rotates and vibrates at the same time, meaning the cleaning results are excellent. However, it's even more expensive than the Sonicare 7100, coming it at £500.