Philips Sonicare DiamondClean Review: Premium Design Meets Sonic Power
The Philips Sonicare DiamondClean occupies a unique position in the Sonicare lineup as the brand's design-forward premium toothbrush. At approximately $199, it sits between the practical ProtectiveClean models and the tech-heavy DiamondClean 9000, offering five cleaning modes, the iconic charging glass, and a USB-powered travel case in what is arguably the most visually striking electric toothbrush on the market. If you care about aesthetics as much as cleaning performance, the DiamondClean was built for you.
Specifications
| Price | ~$199 |
| Technology | Sonic (31,000 strokes/min) |
| Cleaning Modes | 5 (Clean, White, Deep Clean, Gum Care, Sensitive) |
| Battery Life | 14 days |
| Pressure Sensor | No |
| Timer | Yes (2-min with QuadPacer) |
| App Connectivity | No |
| BrushSync | Yes |
| Brush Head Compatibility | All Sonicare snap-on heads |
| Included Heads | 1x DiamondClean head |
| Charging | Charging glass + USB travel case |
| Travel Case | Yes (USB charging) |
| Colors | White, Black, Pink, Amethyst |
Philips Sonicare DiamondClean
~$199
Five cleaning modes, signature charging glass, USB travel case. The most beautiful sonic toothbrush available.
Check PriceDesign and Build Quality
The DiamondClean is, without question, the most attractive electric toothbrush you can buy. The handle features a sleek, slim profile with a glossy metallic finish that looks more like a premium pen than a bathroom appliance. Available in white, black, pink, and amethyst, it is one of the few electric toothbrushes that you might actually want visible on your bathroom counter.
The signature charging glass is both functional and elegant. It doubles as a rinse cup and uses inductive charging through its base — you simply place the toothbrush in the glass, and it charges. No exposed charging contacts, no plastic cradle. The glass sits on a small base unit that connects to a wall outlet. It is a clever piece of industrial design that eliminates the typical ugly charging stand from your countertop.
The included USB travel case is another thoughtful touch. It charges the toothbrush via any USB port — laptop, power bank, hotel room USB outlet — and protects the brush head during travel. The case is slim enough to fit easily in a toiletry bag and hard-sided for durability.
Five Cleaning Modes Explained
The DiamondClean offers the widest selection of cleaning modes in the non-smart Sonicare lineup:
Clean: The standard everyday mode at full 31,000 strokes per minute for a thorough 2-minute clean. This is the mode you will use 90 percent of the time.
White: A higher-intensity mode designed to remove surface stains from coffee, tea, wine, and other chromogenic foods. It delivers more aggressive bristle action, particularly at the end of each quadrant, to polish tooth surfaces.
Deep Clean: An extended 3-minute mode with varied intensity patterns for a more thorough clean. Useful for occasional deep-cleaning sessions, particularly if you have been less consistent with your brushing routine.
Gum Care: A standard Clean cycle followed by an additional minute of gentler gum stimulation. The reduced intensity during the gum phase promotes blood circulation in the gum tissue, which can help with gum health.
Sensitive: A lower-intensity mode for users with sensitive teeth or gums, recent dental work, or those who are new to sonic brushing and find the full intensity too strong initially.
Cleaning Performance
The DiamondClean delivers the same core sonic cleaning as every Sonicare — 31,000 brush strokes per minute creating dynamic fluid action. The included DiamondClean brush head features diamond-shaped bristles that Philips claims provide a 7x better plaque removal than a manual toothbrush. In practice, the cleaning is excellent and indistinguishable from other Sonicare models in the Clean mode.
Where the DiamondClean shines is in having five modes that let you tailor your brushing to your current needs. The Sensitive mode is genuinely useful during the first week if you are switching from a manual brush, and the White mode provides a noticeable difference for stain-prone teeth. The Deep Clean and Gum Care modes are niche but appreciated when you want them.
The Missing Feature: No Pressure Sensor
The DiamondClean's most notable omission is a pressure sensor. At $199, this is surprising and somewhat disappointing. The $49 Sonicare 4100 includes a pressure sensor, as do the $69 ProtectiveClean 5100 and $99 ProtectiveClean 6100. The DiamondClean, at twice or more the price, skips this feature. If pressure feedback is important to you — and it should be, especially if you tend to brush aggressively — the DiamondClean 9000 at $269 adds it along with smart features.
This omission reflects the DiamondClean's positioning as a design-first product. Philips prioritized aesthetics, charging innovation, and mode variety over sensor technology. For many users, this trade-off is acceptable. For those with gum sensitivity or a habit of pressing too hard, it is a meaningful gap.
Battery and Charging
The DiamondClean matches the standard Sonicare battery life of approximately 14 days per charge. What sets it apart is the two charging options. The charging glass at home provides effortless daily charging — just drop the brush in and forget about it. On the road, the USB travel case charges from any USB source. Between these two options, keeping the DiamondClean charged is completely hassle-free.
Pros and Cons
Pros
- Stunningly elegant design — the best-looking electric toothbrush
- Signature charging glass doubles as a rinse cup
- USB-charging travel case included
- Five cleaning modes for maximum versatility
- BrushSync brush head replacement reminders
- 14-day battery life
- Available in four colors
Cons
- No pressure sensor — a surprising omission at $199
- No app connectivity or smart features
- Only one brush head included despite premium price
- Charging glass base requires a wall outlet
- Glossy finish shows fingerprints easily
- Significantly more expensive than functionally similar ProtectiveClean models
Who Should Buy the DiamondClean?
Design-conscious buyers: If your bathroom has a curated aesthetic and you want a toothbrush that matches, the DiamondClean is the only real option. No other electric toothbrush looks this good.
Frequent travelers: The USB-charging travel case is the most convenient travel solution in the Sonicare lineup. Pair it with the 14-day battery and you have the ultimate travel toothbrush.
Gift buyers: The DiamondClean's premium packaging and elegant design make it the best electric toothbrush gift. It feels special in a way that practical models do not.
Mode enthusiasts: Five cleaning modes including Deep Clean and Sensitive give you the most flexibility in the non-smart Sonicare range.
DiamondClean vs DiamondClean 9000
If you are torn between the DiamondClean ($199) and the DiamondClean 9000 ($269), the decision comes down to whether you want smart features. The 9000 adds a pressure sensor, Bluetooth app connectivity, and four premium brush heads. The original DiamondClean offers the charging glass and a fifth cleaning mode (Deep Clean) that the 9000 lacks. If you want technology-driven brushing guidance, choose the 9000. If you want the most beautiful toothbrush with maximum modes and no app dependency, choose the original DiamondClean.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the difference between DiamondClean and DiamondClean 9000?
The DiamondClean 9000 adds a smart pressure sensor, Bluetooth app connectivity for real-time brushing guidance, and four premium brush heads. The original DiamondClean has five cleaning modes compared to four on the 9000, includes the signature charging glass, but lacks smart features and app support. The 9000 costs about $70 more at $269 vs $199.
How does the DiamondClean charging glass work?
The DiamondClean charging glass uses inductive charging technology. You place the toothbrush handle in the glass, and a charging pad beneath the glass transfers power wirelessly through the glass base. The glass can also be used as a regular rinse cup. The charging glass sits on a special base that plugs into a wall outlet.
Is the Sonicare DiamondClean worth the premium over ProtectiveClean?
The DiamondClean costs $100-150 more than ProtectiveClean models and offers the same core cleaning performance. You are paying for the premium design, charging glass, USB travel case, and two extra cleaning modes. If design and accessories matter to you, the DiamondClean justifies the premium. If you prioritize function over form, a ProtectiveClean 5100 or 6100 is the smarter buy.