TRIOS 5 vs TRIOS 6
Verdict. TRIOS 6 leads on the overall Data Index (8.2 vs 7.5). On the 4 axes where both have evidence, TRIOS 5 wins 0, TRIOS 6 wins 2 and 2 are tied. Clearest gaps: spec disclosure (TRIOS 6 8.3 vs 5.0) and price clarity (TRIOS 6 9.0 vs 8.0).
Table view
| Axis | TRIOS 5 | TRIOS 6 |
|---|---|---|
| Openness | 10.0 | 10.0 |
| Regulatory | 6.0 | 6.0 |
| Price clarity | 8.0 | 9.0 |
| Spec disclosure | 5.0 | 8.3 |
| Accuracy evidence | no data | no data |
Axis by axis
- Openness 10.0 vs 10.0 tie
- Regulatory 6.0 vs 6.0 tie
- Price clarity 8.0 vs 9.0 TRIOS 6
- Spec disclosure 5.0 vs 8.3 TRIOS 6
- Accuracy evidence – vs – no data
TRIOS 5 or TRIOS 6: which should you choose?
The two scanners share the same light wireless design (299 g against 308 g), open export and the same subscription terms: the first year of TRIOS Care is included, and you can keep scanning without paying after that. The question is whether TRIOS 6's diagnostic imaging is worth about $2,000.
TRIOS 6, from $27,900 on 3Shape's product page, adds hyperspectral capture with white, blue and near-infrared light, higher scan resolution and the Dx Plus software for tracking surface caries, plaque, wear and gingival recession. 3Shape notes that proximal caries visualization is not AI-detected, and Dx Plus availability varies by country.
TRIOS 5, listed from $25,900 (the webshop showed $26,700), does everything a practice needs for impressions, restorations and aligner cases.
If you scan mainly to replace impressions, buy TRIOS 5. If you will use scans for caries monitoring and patient education at every recall, TRIOS 6 earns its premium.
Reviewed under the standards of our Editorial Board
What our reviews say
TRIOS 5
A light wireless scanner with a published price of about $26,000, open export and no mandatory subscription after year one.
Strengths- Published price: $25,900 on the product page when we checked
- No subscription required after the first year: owners can move to the free TRIOS Only tier
- Wireless, 299 g including battery, with three batteries supplied
- Two different prices on 3Shape's own pages ($25,900 and $26,700)
- TRIOS Care costs $219 a month after year one if you want support, warranty and express replacement
- Some planning software is a paid add-on
TRIOS 6
3Shape's flagship scanner: TRIOS 5's light wireless design plus hyperspectral imaging and the Dx Plus AI aid, from $27,900 with no mandatory subscription after year one.
Strengths- Published price: from $27,900, or $573 a month
- Hyperspectral capture with white, blue and near-infrared light
- Up to 110% higher scan resolution than earlier TRIOS, according to 3Shape
- $2,000 more than TRIOS 5 on list price
- Dx Plus availability and indications vary by country
- Proximal caries visualization is not AI-detected, per 3Shape
Side by side
| TRIOS 5 | TRIOS 6 | |
|---|---|---|
| Data Index | 7.5 | 8.2 |
| Category rank | #3 of 20 · Intraoral scanners | #1 of 20 · Intraoral scanners |
| List price | $25,900 | $27,900 |
| Pricing transparency | Public starting price | Public starting price |
| Subscription required | No | No |
| Open export | Yes | Yes |
| Type | Intraoral scanner | Intraoral scanner |
| In market since | 2022 | 2025 |
| Markets | US | EU |
| Data completeness | 91% | 100% |
Choose TRIOS 5 if…
- Practices that want a premium scanner without being tied to one aligner brand or lab
- Buyers who want to see the price and options before talking to a dealer
- Offices that value wireless scanning and simple infection control
Choose TRIOS 6 if…
- Practices that want the newest 3Shape scanner with built-in diagnostic imaging
- Offices that value open files and freedom from a single aligner brand
- Clinicians who use scans for patient education and monitoring
FAQ
Is TRIOS 5 better than TRIOS 6?
TRIOS 6 leads on the overall Data Index (8.2 vs 7.5). On the 4 axes where both have evidence, TRIOS 5 wins 0, TRIOS 6 wins 2 and 2 are tied. Clearest gaps: spec disclosure (TRIOS 6 8.3 vs 5.0) and price clarity (TRIOS 6 9.0 vs 8.0).