Oral-B Genius X Review (2024)

Cleaning performance is the top priority for any electric toothbrush, and the Oral-B Genius X does it well, even if it is a little harsh on the gums. Our testers subjected this device to a gauntlet of different tests to ensure it meets your expectations.

Performance Comparison

Cleaning

We conducted a comprehensive series of tests to thoroughly evaluate each electric toothbrush. To gauge cleaning effectiveness, we had each tester chew a plaque-disclosing tablet, revealing buildup in bright pink. This allowed us to assess how well each device performed in plaque removal, capturing before and after photos for evaluation. Prior to showing testers the results, we sought their input on how clean their teeth felt. Our testing didn't conclude there. We introduced an additional visual test, utilizing an artificial dental model. We applied a mixture of coffee grounds and pesto (selected for its messiness) across the model and set a timer for one minute to evaluate the efficiency of each brush.

Starting out strong, the Oral-B Genius X scored very well here, with the testers reporting a very smooth and clean feeling and managing to remove all the visible plaque. With a great performance, it was difficult to fault it. It also excelled with our dental model, effectively cleaning the artificial teeth with no leftover debris.

Comfort

This metric encompasses factors such as the feel of the brush head and the assessment of various power levels to ensure there is no discomfort. We also evaluated the overall sound profile of each brush, noting if it is too loud or if the distinct frequency is grating.

The Oral-B Genius X handle is compatible with seven different types of Oral-B brush heads: Gentle Clean, CrossAction, FlossAction, 3D White, Sensitive, Deep Sweep, and Dual Clean. This versatility is great if you're transitioning from a different model and already have compatible brush heads. However, during our evaluation, we found that this specific device paired with the provided brush head tends to be somewhat aggressive on the gums. While it does provide a sensitive mode, we believe it could be gentler overall. This device features a pressure sensor, making it ideal for those with a heavy hand, as it can detect excessive pressure during brushing. As a part of this, the Smart Ring around the handle lights up red to alert you; however, in practice, we found it to be inconsistent. We also noted that the mechanical sound was disruptive, measuring a rather loud 82 decibels from just 3 inches away.

Ease of Use

If you're transitioning from a manual toothbrush to an electric one, it's crucial to ensure that the chosen device isn't needlessly complicated to operate. That's why we include this metric in our evaluation. We assess the number of modes each brush offers and how straightforward it is to navigate them. Additionally, we evaluate the ease of cleaning for both the handle and brush head and check for convenient features such as a two-minute timer. Lastly, we consider whether the device includes storage for extra brush heads and its waterproof capabilities.

With the Oral-B Genius X, you have access to six modes: Daily Clean, Pro Clean, Sensitive, 3D White, Gum Care, and Tongue Clean. Switching between these modes is easy with a secondary button, and icons illuminate to signify the current mode in use. Unfortunately, you can't switch modes when the power is off, but you can see which mode it's in by pressing the same secondary button. This model is compatible with the Oral-B app, offering valuable information for optimizing your brushing sessions. The app provides feedback on how well you're brushing each quadrant in real time.

While cleaning the brush isn't overly difficult, it requires some effort as the rubberized sections on the handle can accumulate gunk. Additionally, during testing, we noticed that the two holes in the brush head can be prone to leaking while in use. It's not the best performance for Oral-B, but it's not abysmal either.

Battery Life

To accurately determine overall battery life, we used each brush for four minutes daily to simulate real-world usage. Additionally, we investigated useful features such as how each brush indicates low battery, considering options like an indicator light, specific vibration, or a combination of both.

We managed to squeeze 16 days of battery life out of the Oral-B Genius X, which is not leading the pack by any means. It should prove somewhat sufficient for a variety of users, but if you're looking for the most power-efficient device, this is not it. Thankfully, it's super easy to see how much juice you have left, indicated by three bars that illuminate the current battery level. Once you get down to the red, the power of the brush is reduced.

Should You Buy the Oral-B Genius X?

Considering its overall stellar cleaning performance, endorsing this model would be easy. However, it is marred by several drawbacks in nearly every other test, preventing us from wholeheartedly recommending it, especially given its price. This is not to say it's a bad device, but at this cost and compared to the top performers, it doesn't quite measure up.

What Other Electric Toothbrushes Should You Consider?

The Oral-B iO Series 9 is a bit pricier but surpasses it in nearly every aspect. The Series 9 pairs to the Oral-B app for live feedback as you brush. If you're not seeking a significant investment, the Philips Sonicare ProtectiveClean 5100 is a more cost-effective option that performs exceptionally across the board.