6 Best Water Flossers, According to In-Depth Testing (2024)

6 Best Water Flossers, According to In-Depth Testing (1)

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  • Dentists say flossing is a vital part of proper dental care, but mouth hardware like braces or dental implants, as well as dexterity issues in kids and the elderly, can make the task difficult or even impossible. Luckily, the best water flossers can help. These handheld devices take dental care routines to the next level by cleaning "below the gum line, reaching those tricky areas where harmful bacteria tend to hide," according to Sara Larbi, D.D.S., founder of the Dentist Lounge in Santa Monica.

    Whether you have dental implants or braces or want that extra-fresh, ready-for-the-dentist feeling, water flossers provide a thorough clean. To help you find the best option for your own use, our experts in the Good Housekeeping Institute Beauty, Health & Sustainability Lab tested 12 devices recommended by dental experts. We evaluated each for design, ease of use, and other convenience features like multiple pressure settings and extra heads for family members.

    1

    Best Overall

    Philips Sonicare Power Flosser 7000

    6 Best Water Flossers, According to In-Depth Testing (2)

    Pros
    • 6 Best Water Flossers, According to In-Depth Testing (3)Less bulky than other countertop models
    • 6 Best Water Flossers, According to In-Depth Testing (4)Extra-long, retractable cord
    • 6 Best Water Flossers, According to In-Depth Testing (5)Quiet
    Cons
    • 6 Best Water Flossers, According to In-Depth Testing (6)Pricey

    The Philips Sonicare water flosser may be one of the priciest that we tested, but it was also the best — by far. It secured the highest marks for its mess-free deep cleaning, user-friendliness and whisper-quiet operation, scoring a 96% in overall satisfaction from our panel of consumer testers. It's so beloved that a GH consumer tester hailed it as their "all-time favorite" across two decades of experience with water flossers.

    Boasting a quartet of water stream options — clean, deep clean, sensitive and massage — as well as an automatic timer, the device ensures a thorough gum-cleaning experience. Outshining the competitors we tested, this unit also features the longest hose at nearly four feet, coupled with a retractable cord and magnetic handle, delivering unmatched ease of use and simple storage. The convenient flip-top lid simplifies reservoir refills. And for those who prioritize uncluttered countertops, the unit's compact and stylish design was a clear preference over bulkier alternatives previously tested by our users.

    Type: Countertop | Pressure Settings: 10 | Tips Included: 3 | Water Capacity: 20 fl oz.

    2

    Best Value

    Waterpik ION Professional Cordless Water Flosser

    6 Best Water Flossers, According to In-Depth Testing (7)

    6 Best Water Flossers, According to In-Depth Testing (8)

    Pros
    • 6 Best Water Flossers, According to In-Depth Testing (9)Great price for a quality countertop model
    • 6 Best Water Flossers, According to In-Depth Testing (10)Cordless option
    • 6 Best Water Flossers, According to In-Depth Testing (11)Comes with seven tips, including one for implants
    Cons
    • 6 Best Water Flossers, According to In-Depth Testing (12)Takes up more counter space than other models tested

    This model, an upgrade of a previous iteration we extensively tested, has all the features you'd find in a top-of-the-line quality water filter, but at a fraction of the cost. Its earlier iteration got high marks for its ergonomic design and effective between-teeth cleaning, according to our testers. Another big selling point? The retractable hose that keeps countertop clutter minimal, which is especially helpful since the unit is on the bulkier side as it is. But if you'd like to go cord-free, the flosser does include a rechargeable battery as well. "I love that it's wireless, and [it] can sit anywhere I want on my sink," said one tester.

    Switch between its seven tips, including a standard jet tip. If you're looking for the best Waterpik for implants, there's also an orthodontic tip that a tester said cleaned underneath "painlessly" and "with ease," adding that "I have one [area] that floss cannot reach, and this made it a breeze to reach... my dentist is going to be thrilled."

    Type: Countertop | Pressure Settings: 10 | Tips Included: 7 | Water Capacity: 20 fl oz.

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    6 Best Water Flossers, According to In-Depth Testing (13)

    A Waterpik ION Professional Cordless Water Flosser on a tester's bathroom counter.

    Pros
    • 6 Best Water Flossers, According to In-Depth Testing (16)Flosses in less than 10 seconds
    • 6 Best Water Flossers, According to In-Depth Testing (17)Mess-free
    • 6 Best Water Flossers, According to In-Depth Testing (18)Molded to your own mouth
    Cons
    • 6 Best Water Flossers, According to In-Depth Testing (19)Very expensive
    • 6 Best Water Flossers, According to In-Depth Testing (20)Requires a trip to a dentist

    Turns out, there is a water flosser made just for you. Using a 3D-printed mouthpiece to floss all your teeth at once, the Proclaim Custom Jet Oral Health System impressed GH Beauty and Health Reviews Analyst Chiara Butler. "Once you put the mouthpiece in and press the button, the system blasts the full tank of water through the mouth in about 7 seconds," she says. "The water comes out of a spout at the front of the mouth, so no water is sprayed around the bathroom." Ideal for those who struggle to keep up a flossing routine, the entire process is so fast that Butler says it took more time to fill the tank and rinse the mouthpiece than to floss.

    The brand claims that it can replace manual flossing. They funded a clinical study with subjects who showed signs of gingivitis. The subjects were assigned manual toothbrushing alone, manual toothbrushing plus string flossing or manual toothbrushing plus the Proclaim system. Subjects in the brushing plus Proclaim group showed significantly greater reductions in clinical indices of gingivitis than those in the brushing and floss and brushing alone groups. At $799 and a dentist visit required, it's truly an investment, but our pros thought it saved significant time and effort.

    Type: Countertop | Pressure Settings: 5 | Tips Included: 1 custom mouthpiece | Water Capacity: 660 mL

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    4

    Best Cordless

    Waterpik Cordless Advanced Water Flosser 2.0

    6 Best Water Flossers, According to In-Depth Testing (21)

    6 Best Water Flossers, According to In-Depth Testing (22)

    Now 20% Off

    Pros
    • 6 Best Water Flossers, According to In-Depth Testing (23)Cordless and rechargeable for use anywhere
    • 6 Best Water Flossers, According to In-Depth Testing (24)Comes with braces-friendly tips
    Cons
    • 6 Best Water Flossers, According to In-Depth Testing (25)Requires more frequent refills than some other models

    An updated version of a consumer favorite — the Waterpik Cordless Advanced 2.0 — this can be used anywhere (including in the shower!), yet still has many of the features of a full-size flosser. Dr. Larbi also recommends this compact and versatile pick: “You won't believe how many of my patients end up stashing their water flossers under the sink and completely forgetting about them until I remind them during their checkup. So, having it in the shower will keep it in sight and make it easier for you to remember to use it regularly.

    We appreciate that this travel-friendly model has a rechargeable lithium ion battery and comes with a magnetic charging cable that can be plugged into a USB port. Users say it's light in hand and easy to use. "It delivers a powerful and consistent water stream," says one user. This small but mighty flosser also comes with four tips, including two brush tips for cleaning around braces and loosening plaque. The biggest drawback? Since the flosser is so compact, you may need to pause to refill it with water during a flossing session.

    Type: Cordless | Pressure Settings: 3 | Tips Included: 4 | Water Capacity: 7 fl oz.

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    6 Best Water Flossers, According to In-Depth Testing (26)

    A Waterpik Cordless Advanced Water Flosser 2.0 on a tester's bathroom sink.

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    5

    Best Tip Variety

    Waterpik Aquarius Water Flosser

    6 Best Water Flossers, According to In-Depth Testing (27)

    6 Best Water Flossers, According to In-Depth Testing (28)

    Now 24% Off

    Pros
    • 6 Best Water Flossers, According to In-Depth Testing (29)Multiple brush heads, including one designed for braces
    • 6 Best Water Flossers, According to In-Depth Testing (30)Holds large amount of water for its size
    • 6 Best Water Flossers, According to In-Depth Testing (31)Comes in four colors to suit your space
    Cons
    • 6 Best Water Flossers, According to In-Depth Testing (32)Takes up more counter space than other models tested

    Waterpik's Aquarius model has earned its spot as one of the best-selling water flossers on Amazon. Our consumer testers loved it too. One raved: “I definitely felt like I had a professional cleaning done!” It comes with a whopping seven tips that serve different purposes: three classic, one for plaque, one for braces, one for periodontal pockets and one with a toothbrush head.

    Its large reservoir holds up to 22 ounces of water (or mouthwash), which should equate to about 90 full seconds of flossing time — roughly three times more than most wet flossers. The large water capacity does mean that it will take up some space on your counter, but it's a sacrifice some users say is worth the convenience. And to ease the burden, it's available in four colors, including gray. Since it's going to stay on your countertop, the more color options, the better, we say.

    Type: Countertop | Pressure Settings: 10 | Tips Included: 7 | Water Capacity: 22 fl oz.

    6

    Best for Travel

    Waterpik Cordless Express Water Flosser

    6 Best Water Flossers, According to In-Depth Testing (33)

    Pros
    • 6 Best Water Flossers, According to In-Depth Testing (34)Easy to clean and refill
    • 6 Best Water Flossers, According to In-Depth Testing (35)Lightweight and cordless
    • 6 Best Water Flossers, According to In-Depth Testing (36)Requires minimal counter space
    Cons
    • 6 Best Water Flossers, According to In-Depth Testing (37)Requires more frequent refills
    • 6 Best Water Flossers, According to In-Depth Testing (38)Not rechargeable

    Waterpik's cordless, space-saving model packs in cleaning performance that matches that of a full-sized Waterpik. Small, lightweight and cordless, it's a great option for travel too, earning a perfect score for not taking up too much countertop space in our tests. It uses three AA batteries, so you don't have to worry about packing a charger on-the-go, either.

    Though it requires more frequent reservoir refills than other models we tested, it scored the best among handheld devices for having an easy-fill tank. The reservoir holds five ounces of water (equivalent to 30 seconds of use), and even though it only has two settings, the switch makes it easy to change the water pressure. We also like that the removable tank is super easy to clean — just throw it in the dishwasher on the top rack.

    Type: Cordless | Pressure Settings: 2 | Tips Included: 2 | Water Capacity: 5 fl oz.

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    6 Best Water Flossers, According to In-Depth Testing (39)

    Waterpik Cordless Express Water Flosser on a tester's bathroom counter.

    Other models we tested

    6 Best Water Flossers, According to In-Depth Testing (40)

    Our GH Institute pros tested a dozen of the most popular models on the market and whittled down the list based on consumer and in-Lab testing data.

    •The Panasonic EW 1511 has two more pressure settings than our best cordless pick, but GH testers found this flosser not powerful enough to clean effectively. Consumers mentioned that the tank was quite small and thus had to refill it mid-flossing.

    •While a budget-friendly find, testers noted that the Burst Water Flosser's 110 mL tank required frequent refills, and they also found it messy to use. We did, however, like that it comes with flexible tips that rotate a full 360 degrees for hard-to-reach spots, like the back of your mouth or for those with braces.

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    How we test water flossers

    6 Best Water Flossers, According to In-Depth Testing (41)

    6 Best Water Flossers, According to In-Depth Testing (42)

    For our most recent test, our analysts evaluated 12 water flossers in the , and also sent them to consumer testers (for home use) and our partner lab, Quiet Mark (to compare the amount of noise they generate).

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    6 Best Water Flossers, According to In-Depth Testing (43)

    We selected 119 people from our consumer tester panel who reported good dental hygiene habits (such as brushing twice a day and having a professional cleaning every six months) and who were already water flosser users. The testers were asked to use the flosser every day for at least one week, then fill out a survey in which they rated the water flosser’s ease of use and performance, as well as their overall satisfaction with the device.

    6 Best Water Flossers, According to In-Depth Testing (44)

    Our final picks include options for all types of water flosser preferences, but we also adhered to certain qualifying criteria, including keeping the American Dental Association Seal in mind. Products approved by the ADA are proven to be safe and effective, though it's also important to note that only two water flosser brands carry the ADA seal: Waterpik and Philips.

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    What should I look for when buying a water flosser?

    6 Best Water Flossers, According to In-Depth Testing (45)

    6 Best Water Flossers, According to In-Depth Testing (46)

    ✔️ Cordless vs. countertop: If you're looking for versatility and portability, opt for a handheld, cordless water flosser. Most cordless flossers can be used in the shower, minimizing mess. If you have the counter space, consider a corded countertop model as they have greater water capacity and more pressure settings. They’re also easier on the hands — since most of their weight rests on the counter, all you have to lift is a lightweight wand.

    ✔️ Pressure settings: Some water flossers only have a couple of pressure settings, while others as many as 10 options. Some settings offer deep cleaning for extra work on the gums, while sensitive options offer a thorough clean but with a gentler intensity.

    ✔️ Tips: Though classic tips work just fine, some tips serve a more specialized purpose: “The ortho [tip] is what I find helpful for younger patients, especially," says Sharon Huang, D.D.S. "A 10-year-old is not going to floss, so this is something that's going to help them." For someone who doesn't have the dexterity or has braces, the ortho tip makes cleaning easier, she says.

    ✔️ Water tank capacity: If you opt for a handheld version, keep in mind you'll have to sacrifice some reservoir space. Countertop flossers, on the other hand, range from 10 to 20 fluid ounces, which means you can usually clean your entire mouth in just one fill.

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    How to clean a water flosser

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    GH Kitchen Appliances & Innovation Lab Director Nicole Papantoniou suggests using soap and water to maintain cleanliness between deep cleans.

    Some tanks, such as those on countertop models, can be cleaned with soap and a sponge, rinsed with a water and vinegar mixture and then water. For handheld flossers, pull the tank out and clean it with a bottle brush, soap and water.

    "I also filled it with half water and half white vinegar and ran a full reservoir (in my shower because it sprays everywhere, and then a few cycles with plain water to rinse it out)," Papantoniou says.

    What's the difference between a Waterpik and a water flosser?

    6 Best Water Flossers, According to In-Depth Testing (48)

    Waterpik is a brand name, while water flosser is the generic term for a device that cleans the mouth with a stream of water. Since the Waterpik brand has created many popular models of water flossers over the years, some people use the brand name Waterpik in place of the term water flosser. In this article, we've included the best water flossers from Waterpik and other brands such as Philips Sonicare.

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    Do dentists recommend water flossers?

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    The dentists we spoke to say yes! “I always find myself suggesting a water flosser to my patients," Dr. Larbi says. "They're a great addition to conventional flossing. It's a real game-changer for your overall oral homecare routine.

    The dentists we consulted also agreed that people with braces will definitely benefit from a water flosser because the wires make it hard to use traditional floss. Sally Cram, D.D.S., a practicing periodontist in Washington, D.C., says that water flossers "are very good at flushing out food and debris that gets caught in and around the brackets."

    Water flossers are also a great option for elderly people or anyone with manual dexterity problems. "[For these people], wrapping floss around their fingers can be discomforting, especially if they suffer from arthritis," says Adam S. Harwood, D.M.D., an endodontist practicing in New York City. Beyond these examples, however, dentists don't recommend giving up on regular flossing in favor of using a wet flosser.

    Can a water flosser replace string flossing?

    6 Best Water Flossers, According to In-Depth Testing (50)

    Not quite, says Dr. Huang: “There's nothing that could replace a manual floss going under the gum. So that's still the gold standard and we should use the water flosser as an adjunct to that. After you floss the bacteria out from the gum, [the water flosser] flushes it out.”

    "Both [water flossing and flossing] have their own specific areas of effectiveness, so the ideal dental hygiene program takes advantage of both methods," says Dr. Harwood. Here's a good routine to follow, according to the dentists we spoke with:

    1. Brush your teeth first.
    2. Then, use traditional string floss to loosen anything stuck between your teeth and keep gums healthy.
    3. Finish off with a water flosser to flush it all out.

    The bottom line: For most people, water flossing should be done in addition to (not instead of) regular flossing. But if you know that there's no chance you'll actually use regular floss, using a water flosser is better than nothing.

    6 Best Water Flossers, According to In-Depth Testing (51)

    Jacqueline Saguin

    Senior Commerce Editor

    Jacqueline (she/her) covers all things e-commerce in beauty, lifestyle and beyond for the Good Housekeeping Institute. Before joining GH in 2021, she was a style and beauty reviews fellow at Insider, testing viral trends, reviewing sustainable brands and more. She's a graduate of the University of Florida's School of Journalism, with a specialty in magazines and mass communication.

    6 Best Water Flossers, According to In-Depth Testing (52)

    Reviewed byChiara Butler

    Beauty, Health & Sustainability Lab Reviews Analyst

    Chiara (she/her) is a reviews analyst in the Beauty, Health and Sustainability Lab at the Good Housekeeping Institute, where she conducts hands-on testing of health and beauty products. She earned her bachelor’s degree in chemistry from Columbia University. Before joining GH in 2022, she worked as a cosmetic chemist, formulating skincare products for a variety of brands and learning to decode ingredient lists, evaluate ingredient efficacy and scrutinize product claims.

    6 Best Water Flossers, According to In-Depth Testing (53)

    Medically reviewed byJoshua Perlman, D.M.D.

    Joshua Perlman, D.M.D., is a dentist at the NYC Smile Spa in New York. Dr. Perlman received his Doctorate of Dental Medicine from the University of Medicine and Dentistry in New Jersey. He then became Chief Resident at Lincoln Medical and Mental Health Center before starting his practice. Dr. Perlman is an active member of the American Dental Association, the New York State Dental Association, and the New York County Dental Society. He also lectures on key topics related to Invisalign and Implantology and current advancements in cosmetic dentistry.

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