Is an expensive smart toothbrush actually worth it over a basic model?

The high-trust consensus is no, not really — for cleaning performance. Reviewers from electricteeth.com and techgearlab.com repeatedly note that entry-level models like the Oral-B Pro 1000 and Sonicare 4100 clean essentially as well as $200+ flagships. The premium models add pressure-sensor light rings, app coaching, more modes, travel cases, and longer battery life — convenience features, not better cleaning.