Oral-B Pro 1000 vs Smart 1500: Which One Should You Buy?

Overview Table: Main Differences Between Oral-B Pro 1000 and Smart 1500

Feature	Oral-B Pro 1000	Oral-B Smart 1500
Cleaning Modes	1 (Daily Clean)	3 (Daily Clean, Sensitive, Whitening)
Motor Power	8,800 oscillations / 20,000 pulsations	8,800 oscillations / 40,000 pulsations
Pressure Sensor	No	Yes (Visible Light Ring)
Battery Type	NiMH	Lithium-Ion
Battery Life	Up to 10 days	Up to 20 days
Colors Available	White, Black, Pink, Green	Navy Blue, Rose Pink, Jet White, Black
Brush Head Color	Matches Handle (Black/White)	Matches Handle (Black/White)
Price Range (Approximate)	$40 – $50	$60 – $70

When it comes to choosing the best electric toothbrush, two models stand out: the Oral-B Pro 1000 and the Oral-B Smart 1500. Both deliver excellent performance and help you maintain your oral health effectively, but there are key differences that may help you decide which one is better for your needs.

In this comparison, we’ll break down the features, advantages, and differences of each model so you can make a smart purchase decision.

Design and Appearance

At first glance, the Pro 1000 and the Smart 1500 look similar. They both feature a slim ergonomic handle and come in a variety of colors. However, there are some subtle visual differences:

Pro 1000 is available in white, black, pink, and green. The entire body adopts the color, but the base remains white.

Smart 1500 is offered in jet white, black, navy blue, and rose pink. The main handle is white or black, and the color is applied to the grip area.

The Smart 1500 includes a 360-degree light ring just below the brush head, which acts as a visible pressure sensor — a feature the Pro 1000 lacks.

Cleaning Modes

Both models include the essential Daily Clean mode, suitable for most users. However, the Smart 1500 adds two extra modes:

Sensitive Mode: Ideal for beginners or users with sensitive gums.
Whitening Mode: Targets surface stains for a brighter smile.

These extra modes aren’t strictly necessary, but they offer more flexibility for those who prefer a personalized brushing experience.

Motor Performance

While both models offer 8,800 oscillations, the Smart 1500 doubles the pulsations:

Pro 1000: 20,000 pulsations per minute
Smart 1500: 40,000 pulsations per minute

This means the Smart 1500 may remove more plaque and provide a deeper clean, although the real-world difference is minimal for most users.

Pressure Sensor

The Smart 1500 features a visible pressure sensor, which lights up red when too much force is applied. This helps protect your gums from excessive brushing pressure – an important feature if you tend to brush too hard.

The Pro 1000 does not include this sensor, so you’ll need to rely on your own awareness to avoid over-brushing.

Battery Life and Type

Battery life is one of the biggest practical differences:

Pro 1000: Nickel-metal hydride battery (NiMH), up to 10 days of use
Smart 1500: Lithium-ion battery, up to 20 days of use

In real-world testing, the Pro 1000 reached about 10.5 days, while the Smart 1500 lasted over 20 days — double the time, making it ideal for travel or those who dislike frequent recharging.

Price Comparison

At retail price, the difference is about $10:

Pro 1000: ~$69.99 MSRP, but typically sells for $40–$50
Smart 1500: ~$79.99 MSRP, usually found for $60–$70

So, the Pro 1000 is around $15–$20 cheaper, making it more budget-friendly. However, the Smart 1500 offers more features and better battery life for the slightly higher cost.

Which One Should You Choose?

If you’re looking for the best value, the Oral-B Pro 1000 is a solid, no-frills option that gets the job done. It’s affordable, effective, and simple.