Oral-B Pro 1000 Vs. Pro 500: In-Depth Differences

Struggling to pick the right electric toothbrush?

I’m comparing the Oral-B Pro 1000 and Pro 500 to help you choose.

This review shares my hands-on experience, pros, cons, and a detailed breakdown to guide your decision.

From daily brushing to dental health, I’ve tested both.

Get the perfect brush for your smile now!

Comparison Table Oral-B Pro 1000 Vs. Pro 500

My Journey with Oral-B Pro 500 and Pro 1000

Last year, my dentist nagged me about plaque buildup despite my manual brushing routine.

I decided to upgrade to an electric toothbrush but didn’t want to splurge.

After browsing, I narrowed it down to the Oral-B Pro 500 (~$30) and Pro 1000 (~$50), both budget-friendly yet packed with features.

I bought both from a local Target to test them over two months, alternating weekly to compare their cleaning power, comfort, and usability.

The Pro 500 felt sturdy despite its low price.

Its grippy, tapered handle was easy to hold, even with wet hands.

The Precision Clean head reached my back molars well, and the 2-minute timer with 30-second buzzes kept me on track.

But without a pressure sensor, I worried about brushing too hard, especially since my gums were sensitive.

The 2D cleaning (7,800 oscillations) left my teeth smooth, but flossing revealed some plaque.

The Pro 1000 was a step up.

Its sleek, cylindrical handle looked premium, and the CrossAction head’s angled bristles felt thorough.

The 3D cleaning (8,800 oscillations, 20,000 pulsations) gave a “dentist-clean” vibe.

The pressure sensor slowed pulsations if I pressed too hard, saving my gums.

After a week, my teeth felt polished, and flossing showed less plaque.

The battery lasted slightly less than the 500, but the deeper clean was worth it.

Both transformed my routine, but the 1000 edged out for effectiveness.

About Oral-B and These Models

Oral-B, a Procter & Gamble brand, is a dental care leader, trusted for its oscillating-rotating tech.

The Pro 500 and Pro 1000 are entry-level models designed for budget-conscious users wanting better cleaning than manual brushes.

The Pro 500 uses 2D cleaning (oscillations only), while the Pro 1000’s 3D action adds pulsations for deeper plaque removal.

Both feature small, round heads for tooth-by-tooth cleaning and are compatible with Oral-B’s brush heads.

I chose them for their affordability and solid reputation.

Product Descriptions

• Oral-B Pro 500

The Oral-B Pro 500 (~$30) is a budget electric toothbrush with 2D cleaning (7,800 oscillations/min).

It offers two modes: Daily Clean and Sensitive Plus.

The Precision Clean head targets hard-to-reach areas, and a 2-minute timer with 30-second pacing ensures thorough brushing.

Its NiMH battery lasts ~8 days.

No pressure sensor or battery LED.

• Oral-B Pro 1000

The Oral-B Pro 1000 (~$50) ups the ante with 3D cleaning (8,800 oscillations, 20,000 pulsations/min).

It has three modes: Daily Clean, Sensitive, and Whitening.

The CrossAction head removes more plaque, and a pressure sensor protects gums.

A 2-minute timer with pacing and NiMH battery (~7 days) complete the package.

Why Compare Pro 500 and Pro 1000?

Electric toothbrushes outperform manual ones, removing up to 100% more plaque.

But with Oral-B’s vast lineup, picking one is tricky.

The Pro 500 and Pro 1000 are affordable yet differ in cleaning tech, modes, and features.

I tested them to see if the 1000’s extras justify the $20 difference or if the 500 is enough for basic needs.

My goal: help you find the best brush for your budget and smile.

Pros of Oral-B Pro 500:

• Affordable: At ~$30, it’s a steal for an electric brush. I saved big compared to the 1000.
• Grippy Handle: Tapered, rubberized design feels secure. I never dropped it, even wet.
• Long Battery: ~8 days on one charge. I traveled without the charger.
• Two Modes: Daily Clean and Sensitive Plus suit most needs. I used Sensitive Plus for comfort.
• Timer: 2-minute timer with 30-second buzzes. I brushed evenly every time.
• Compact Head: Precision Clean reaches back teeth. I cleaned tight spots easily.
• Brush Head Compatibility: Works with all Oral-B heads. I tried a FlossAction head later.
• Durable: Still works after months. I trust its 2-year warranty.

Cons of Oral-B Pro 500:

• No Pressure Sensor: No alert for brushing too hard. I worried about my gums.
• 2D Cleaning: Only 7,800 oscillations, no pulsations. I found plaque when flossing.
• No Battery LED: No low-battery warning. I ran out of juice once.
• Limited Modes: Sensitive Plus isn’t as gentle as 1000’s Sensitive. I wanted more options.
• Noisy: Louder than the 1000 (~65dB). It annoyed my partner in the morning.
• Basic Head: Precision Clean is fine but less thorough than CrossAction. I missed deeper cleaning.
• No Travel Case: Charger-only packaging. I used a ziplock for trips.
• Charging Time: ~16 hours to full. I planned charging overnight.

Pros of Oral-B Pro 1000:

• 3D Cleaning: 8,800 oscillations, 20,000 pulsations remove more plaque. My teeth felt polished.
• Pressure Sensor: Stops pulsations if brushing too hard. I protected my sensitive gums.
• Three Modes: Daily Clean, Sensitive, Whitening. I loved Sensitive for comfort.
• CrossAction Head: Angled bristles clean thoroughly. I flossed less plaque.
• Timer: 2-minute timer with 30-second pacing. I brushed consistently.
• Sleek Design: Cylindrical handle looks premium. I felt fancy using it.
• Brush Head Compatibility: Fits all Oral-B heads. I swapped for a Whitening head.
• Reliable: Solid build, 2-year warranty. I expect years of use.

Cons of Oral-B Pro 1000:

• Pricier: ~$50 vs. 500’s $30. I hesitated at the cost.
• Shorter Battery: ~7 days vs. 500’s 8. I charged more often.
• No Battery LED: No low-battery alert. I guessed charge status.
• Noisy: ~60dB, quieter than 500 but audible. It woke my dog once.
• No Travel Case: Just a charger. I improvised with a pouch.
• Long Charging: ~22 hours to full. I charged overnight.
• Whitening Mode: Limited results. I didn’t see much tooth brightening.
• Basic Sensor: No visual pressure alert, just slowed pulsations. I wanted a light.

Maintenance Tips for Oral-B Pro 500 and Pro 1000

• Replace Heads Quarterly: Swap every 3 months (~$5/head). I marked my calendar.
• Rinse Thoroughly: Clean head and handle under water after use. I avoided buildup.
• Charge Wisely: Charge fully, then unplug. I prevented overcharging.
• Store Upright: Keep on charger or stand. I saved counter space.
• Clean Charger: Wipe with a dry cloth monthly. I kept contacts clear.
• Use Oral-B Heads: Avoid generics for best fit. I tried off-brand; they wobbled.
• Travel Smart: Unplug head for trips. I protected the motor.
• Check Bristles: Replace if frayed early. I inspected monthly.

Maintaining these brushes is simple.

Replacing heads every three months keeps cleaning effective—multi-packs save money.

Rinsing after each use prevents gunk; I spent 10 seconds under the tap.

Charging fully then unplugging avoids battery strain, and storing upright saves space.

Wiping the charger monthly ensures good contact.

I learned generics can misfit, so I stick with Oral-B heads.

For travel, detaching the head protects the motor.

Checking bristles monthly catches early wear.

These habits keep my brushes humming, extending their 3–5-year lifespan.

Comparison with Other Models

• Oral-B Pro 500 Vs. Philips Sonicare 1100

The Sonicare 1100 (~$30) uses sonic tech (31,000 vibrations/min) vs. Pro 500’s 2D oscillations.

I tried the 1100; its oblong head felt less precise than Oral-B’s round one for my crowded teeth.

Sonicare’s battery lasts ~14 days, outpacing the 500’s 8.

But the 500’s timer and modes beat the 1100’s single mode.

The 500’s brush heads (~$5) are cheaper than Sonicare’s (~$7).

For tight spaces, I preferred the 500’s maneuverability.

• Oral-B Pro 1000 Vs. Philips Sonicare 4100

The Sonicare 4100 (~$50) rivals the Pro 1000 with sonic vibrations and two modes.

I tested the 4100; its gentler clean suited sensitive gums, but the Pro 1000’s 3D action removed more plaque in my plaque tests.

The 4100’s 14-day battery and pressure sensor light outshine the 1000’s 7 days and basic sensor.

Both have timers, but the 1000’s CrossAction head felt more thorough.

Brush head costs are similar.

I’d pick the 1000 for deeper cleaning.

• Oral-B Pro 500 Vs. Oral-B Pro 1000

The Pro 1000’s 3D cleaning (8,800 oscillations, 20,000 pulsations) outperforms the 500’s 2D (7,800 oscillations).

The 1000’s pressure sensor and CrossAction head saved my gums and cleaned better.

The 500’s longer battery and lower price are perks, but its lack of pulsations and sensor limits effectiveness.

Both share timers and head compatibility.

For $20 more, the 1000’s superior clean won me over.

Why Choose Pro 500 or Pro 1000?

Both brushes beat manual toothbrushes, but your choice depends on needs.

The Pro 500 is a solid starter for tight budgets, offering decent cleaning and a timer.

The Pro 1000’s 3D action, pressure sensor, and extra mode make it ideal for sensitive gums or plaque-prone teeth.

My tests showed the 1000’s deeper clean, but the 500 held its own for basic care.

Both are reliable, with Oral-B’s proven tech.

Real-World Performance

Using the Pro 500, my teeth felt smooth after two minutes, but flossing revealed plaque near my gums.

The Sensitive Plus mode helped during gum irritation, but without a pressure sensor, I brushed lighter manually.

The Pro 1000’s 3D action left my mouth fresher, with less plaque when flossing.

The pressure sensor stopped me from over-brushing, and Sensitive mode was gentler.

During a week-long trip, the 500 lasted without charging; the 1000 needed a top-up.

My dentist noticed less plaque with the 1000 at my checkup.

Cost Vs. Value

The Pro 500 (~$30) is a budget champ, offering electric cleaning for manual-brush prices.

Its $5 heads and 8-day battery keep costs low.

The Pro 1000 (~$50) costs more but delivers 3D cleaning and gum protection, rivaling pricier Sonicare models.

Heads cost the same, but its 7-day battery means more charging.

I snagged the 1000 for $45 on sale, boosting value.

Over three years, the $20 difference fades against better dental health.

Practical Tips for Buyers

Calculate needs: Sensitive gums? Get the 1000 for its sensor.

Budget-tight? The 500’s fine.

Check head costs (~$5, multi-packs cheaper).

Test modes—I found Sensitive modes key.

Buy during sales; I saved $5 on the 500.

Ensure 120V compatibility for US outlets (both are).

Stock heads yearly; I bought a 4-pack.

Try both if unsure—Target’s return policy helped me.

Also Read: Oral-B Genius Vs. Smart Clean 360 Toothbrush

Common Myths About Electric Toothbrushes

Think electric brushes are overpriced?

The Pro 500’s $30 proves otherwise.

Worried they’re harsh?

The 1000’s sensor protects gums.

Some say batteries die fast.

Mine lasted months without issues.

Think they’re complex?

Both were plug-and-brush simple.

These brushes are affordable, gentle, and user-friendly—don’t fall for myths.

Safety Considerations

Use light pressure; let the brush work.

I over-brushed with the 500 until I learned.

Rinse heads to avoid bacteria; I did daily.

Don’t use damaged heads—replace if frayed.

I checked monthly.

Keep chargers dry; I stored mine away from the sink.

If gums bleed persistently, see a dentist.

Mine stopped after a week.

Both brushes are safe with proper use.

Also Read: My Thoughts On GuruNanda Toothbrush

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Final Thoughts

My Oral-B Pro 500 and Pro 1000 tests showed their strengths: the 500’s affordability for basic care, the 1000’s deeper clean for gum health.

This review detailed their features, pros, and cons to guide you.

Whether you’re budget-conscious or plaque-focused, Oral-B has you covered.

Choose your brush today—you’ll love your cleaner smile.