Oral irrigators, commonly known as water flossers, have a higher initial cost than traditional string floss and can be somewhat uncomfortable to use. Despite this, there is no compelling evidence that they are more effective than traditional floss. Nevertheless, some individuals enjoy the sensation of water jets between their teeth and find it easier to use a water flosser than a piece of string. After testing 14 models, we recommend the Waterpik Ion as one of the best choices. This compact traditional water flosser comes with a cordless charging base, cleans thoroughly, and takes up less counter space than most competitors.
Our choice
This countertop flosser made our mouths feel the cleanest, and it can operate cordlessly (between the unit and the wall), which saves a ton of counter space.
Testers unanimously selected the Waterpik Ion as the best countertop water flosser in terms of cleaning and space-saving. It was tied with the Waterpik Aquarius Professional as the most likely to provide a feeling similar to having just visited the dentist. However, the Ion’s unique cordless charging base is a significant improvement, effectively overcoming one of the main drawbacks of traditional water flossers, which is the need for a nearby power outlet.
The Ion offers 10 pressure settings and comes with multiple tips of different stream widths, allowing users to find a comfortable and effective setting. Additionally, this model comes with a three-year warranty, which is a considerable duration compared to others in the market.
Runner-up
This model cleans just as well as our pick, and it has the same warranty and 10 pressure settings. But it’s slightly larger, and it requires an outlet and more counter space.
The Waterpik Aquarius Professional cleans mouths just as effectively as the Ion and offers the same 10 pressure settings and three-year warranty. However, it requires more counter space than most flossers and needs to be plugged in while in use. Nevertheless, it is easy to use and clean, similar to the Ion. The Aquarius Professional is the only one of the picks that includes a “massage” setting, emitting pulses of water.
Another excellent choice
This handheld, battery-operated cordless model is powerful and more portable than our countertop picks.
If you wish to use a water flosser in locations other than the sink, such as in the shower, consider the Philips Sonicare Power Flosser 3000 Cordless. This portable, cordless flosser is as powerful as the other picks. Unlike its countertop counterparts, which feature large water reservoirs and handheld sprayers, this battery-operated flosser combines the sprayer with a single-use reservoir, providing an all-in-one, handheld experience. Additionally, this model can be conveniently stored in a bathroom drawer or suitcase between uses.
Affordable option
Another portable, handheld model, this flosser requires AA batteries and more-frequent refilling when compared with our other cordless pick.
The Waterpik Cordless Express is the top cordless water flosser we’ve tested for under $50. Although its reservoir is significantly smaller than the Power Flosser 3000 Cordless (5 ounces compared to 8), and it produces a less powerful stream, it gets the job done at half the price of the Power Flosser 3000 Cordless.
