We all want cleaner teeth, sure. But when brushing starts to feel more like piloting a gadget than doing a daily routine, it’s easy to wonder—do we need all the bells and whistles, or is basic brilliance enough? That’s the exact question we asked ourselves when comparing the Oral-B iO 6 and iO 9. Because on paper, they seem related. But in your hand, on your sink, and in your mouth? They’re two very different creatures.
One leans minimal, focusing on power and precision without too much distraction. The other is… well, a smart device dressed up as a toothbrush. And once you’ve brushed with both, you’ll see exactly what that means.
So let’s break it down. From daily use to screen flair, here’s where they meet, where they clash, and which one actually earns its spot in your bathroom.
Form and feel: sleek twins, different attitude
Both look stunning—there’s no denying that. That matte texture, rounded edges, and centered OLED screen scream premium. You won’t be hiding these in the drawer. But hold them side by side, and the differences creep in.
The iO 6 is slightly more compact, measuring 16.9 x 9.2 x 24.3 cm, while the iO 9 stretches to 17.8 x 10 x 25.3 cm. It’s not drastic, but in your grip, the iO 9 feels like it’s packing more tech—which it is.
Now, let’s talk colors. The iO 6 keeps it simple with anthracite gray, white, and black. Stylish but reserved. The iO 9 brings rose quartz into the mix, adding a little flair without going full sparkle. For some, it’s just a color. For others, it’s the difference between “device” and “accessory.”
The display: functional vs. futuristic
Let’s be honest. A toothbrush doesn’t need a color screen. But once you’ve used the iO 9, the difference isn’t just aesthetic—it’s emotional.
The iO 6 gives you a black-and-white screen that works. It shows modes, battery life, and reminds you when to swap the brush head. Nothing more, nothing less.
The iO 9? It’s full color, animated, and alive. It greets you. It smiles back. Icons are sharper, progress feels visual, and the brushing feedback feels more like a conversation than a report.
This isn’t about style over substance—it’s about how engaged you feel using the device.
Cleaning modes: how much do you want to tweak?
The iO 6 comes with five solid modes: daily clean, intense, sensitive, gum care, and whitening. Honestly, that’s already more than enough for most users.
But the iO 9 turns it up to seven, adding super sensitive (a blessing if your gums get cranky fast) and tongue clean, which actually works better than we expected. You don’t realize how important that extra mode is until you’ve eaten something particularly garlicky.
So while the iO 6 covers the essentials, the iO 9 gives you the freedom to fine-tune your brushing like you’re dialing in your skincare routine.
Real-time tracking: where the iO 9 blows the 6 out of the water
Here’s the big one. The feature that shifts this comparison entirely.
The iO 9 includes 3D tracking powered by AI. We’re not exaggerating when we say: this feature turns brushing into a mission. It tracks 16 zones across your mouth in real time, mapping out what you’ve covered and what you’ve missed.
The iO 6? No tracking. Just a timer and pressure feedback. That’s it.
If you’re just brushing and moving on, that’s fine. But if you care about coverage, technique, and avoiding dentist guilt? The iO 9 coaches you through every session. It’s not just “did you brush?” but “how well did you brush—and where can you improve?”
It’s like the difference between a stopwatch and a personal trainer.
Charging and battery: no surprises, just equality
This one’s simple: both models use the magnetic fast charger and take 3 hours to fully charge. And both hold up to 14 days of battery life.
Whether you’re traveling or just forgetful about plugging in, neither will let you down.
So if charging is your deciding factor, you’re looking at a tie.
Cleaning performance and pressure sensors: equally solid
Let’s be clear: both brushes use the same magnetic drive system that channels micro-vibrations through the round brush head. The sensation is precise, deep, and gentle at the same time.
They also both include a smart pressure sensor, which lights up when you’re pushing too hard. That’s not just a nice-to-have—it’s critical. Overbrushing can cause long-term gum damage, and this feature saves you from yourself.
So no matter which model you choose, you’re brushing with tech that actually protects your mouth.
Accessories and travel-readiness: standard across the board
Both the iO 6 and iO 9 come with a travel case and extra brush heads. Not luxury-grade extras, but they’re well-made and do the job.
Nothing to complain about here—but also nothing that makes one stand out over the other.
Feedback, integration, and daily use: iO 9 just feels smarter
Here’s where daily use turns into a very different experience.
Both brushes sync with the Oral-B app, but only the iO 9 uses full AI-powered 3D tracking and feedback. With the iO 6, you get brushing time and basic encouragement. It’s still helpful. But it’s static.
With the iO 9, brushing becomes a feedback loop. You get real-time zone coverage, post-brush evaluations, and coaching that adapts over time.
If you want brushing to be efficient, the iO 6 is plenty. If you want brushing to be intentional, the iO 9 wins.
It’s the difference between brushing and improving.
Build quality: same DNA, no shortcuts
This is the one area where we couldn’t find any meaningful difference. Buttons are clicky without being loud, the handles feel balanced, and the brush heads click into place with satisfying precision.
Whether you’re holding the iO 6 or the iO 9, you feel that same premium build, which speaks well of the entire iO series. No plastic flexing. No weird rattles. Just clean, quiet power.
So… which one should you go for?
Look, the iO 6 is a seriously capable brush. It has modes for every mouth, app support, sleek design, and charges fast. If you just want excellent cleaning without overthinking the tech, it delivers—no question.
But if you’re someone who wants more than that? If you want to see your brushing mapped in real time, track your technique like you track your steps, and have a toothbrush that literally coaches you to do better?
Then the iO 9 is the only logical pick.
It doesn’t just have more—it uses what it has in a way that feels connected, elegant, and surprisingly motivating. The 3D tracking is worth it alone. And the color screen, extra modes, and smarter feedback just stack on top.
So yeah. The iO 6 brushes your teeth. The iO 9 changes how you brush them.
That’s the difference.