The Best Water Flossers, According to Our Beauty Lab Testing
Upgrade your dental care routine with these easy-to-use devices.
Reviewed by Chiara ButlerBeauty, Health & Sustainability Lab Reviews AnalystMedically reviewed by Joshua Perlman, D.M.D.
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Your dentist has probably explained that flossing is a vital part of proper dental care. Your dentist has probably also reminded you of this fact at your bi-annual cleanings when you say you forget this piece of advice. We've been there, which is why scientists in the Good Housekeeping Institute Beauty Lab tested 12 water flossers to find the easiest-to-use devices.
Water flossers take your dental routine 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. If you have mouth hardware, like braces or dental implants, or experience any dexterity issues, water flossers make the impossible job of flossing a whole lot easier.
Best Deal
Waterpik ION Professional Cordless Water Flosser
WHAT TO KNOW: 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 more affordable price point. Switch between its seven tips, including a standard jet tip and an orthodontic tip.
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.
WHAT TESTERS ARE SAYING: "I love that it's wireless, and [it] can sit anywhere I want on my sink," shared one tester. Another tester who used the orthodontic tip reported it cleaned underneath "painlessly" and "with ease," adding that "I have one [area] that floss cannot reach, and this made it a breeze to reach."
| Type | Countertop |
| Pressure Settings | 10 |
| Tips Included | 7 |
| Water Capacity | 20 fl oz. |
Waterpik Cordless 1100 Water Flosser
WHAT TO KNOW: Amazon's Choice and under $50, the Waterpik Cordless 1100 Water Flosser features a small footprint for easy storage if you have minimal counterspace. While it comes equipped with fewer pressure settings and tips, you can use it in the shower, and the affordable price point is hard to beat.
WHAT TESTERS ARE SAYING: "I like that it's compact, so I can store it in my medicine cabinet next to my toothbrush," shared Associate Lab Director Emma Seymour. "I also like that it is chargeable via a USB-C charger, so I don't need any new cables."
Features at a Glance
| Type | Handheld |
| Pressure Settings | 2 |
| Tips Included | 1 |
| Water Capacity | 6 fl oz |
Philips Sonicare Cordless Power Flosser 3000
WHAT TO KNOW: Available in white and black, this Philips Sonicare water flosser has two flossing modes plus three intensities, including deep clean. It has a unique X-shaped tip that is designed to separate water flow into four jets so as to provide a faster and deeper clean.
WHAT TESTERS ARE SAYING: GH Lab Director Nicole Papantoniou tried out the Power Flosser 3000 and found it easy to fill and comfortable to hold. "I also like that the reservoir is clear—I can see inside better than an opaque one that might be hiding some scum or even mold."
Some drawbacks she observed? The water flosser was difficult to clean and the various buttons can be overwhelming at first. Although Nicole found the water flosser powerful, she said the deep clean feature felt a little weird on her teeth and gums.
Features at a Glance
| Type | Handheld |
| Pressure Settings | 3 settings, plus 2 modes |
| Tips Included | 2 |
| Water Capacity | 250 ml |
Philips Sonicare Power Flosser 3000
WHAT TO KNOW: The Philips Sonicare Power Flosser 3000 has 10 intensities to choose from as well as two cleaning modes, "clean" and "deep clean." Although the countertop device will take up space, it has one of the largest water capacities of all the water flossers we've tested. There is also a nifty button to eject or lock a tip in place, which makes operation even smoother.
WHAT TESTERS ARE SAYING: "I appreciated how easy it was to put the tank on and remove it after use to easily add water or clean it," said Lab Product Analyst Grace Wu. Although Wu found the Power Flosser 3000 less powerful than other devices she has used, she appreciated that it felt gentle on her gums.
Features at a Glance
| Type | Countertop |
| Pressure Settings | 10 settings, plus 2 modes |
| Tips Included | 2 |
| Water Capacity | 550 ml |
Waterpik Cordless Advanced Water Flosser 2.0
WHAT TO KNOW: 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. 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.
WHAT TESTERS ARE SAYING: Users say it's light in hand and easy to use. "It delivers a powerful and consistent water stream," says one.
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| Type | Cordless |
| Pressure Settings | 3 |
| Tips Included | 4 |
| Water Capacity | 7 fl oz |
WHAT TO KNOW: 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.
WHAT TESTERS ARE SAYING: "I really liked that the water pressure was just as strong as a full-size Waterpik," shared one tester.
| Type | Cordless |
| Pressure Settings | 2 |
| Tips Included | 2 |
| Water Capacity | 5 fl oz. |
Waterpik Aquarius Water Flosser
WHAT TO KNOW: Waterpik's Aquarius model has earned its spot as one of the best-selling water flossers on Amazon. Our consumer testers loved it too. 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. To ease the burden, it's available in four colors. Since it's going to stay on your countertop, the more color options, the better, we say.
WHAT TESTERS ARE SAYING: “I definitely felt like I had a professional cleaning done," raved one tester.
| Type | Countertop |
| Pressure Settings | 10 |
| Tips Included | 7 |
| Water Capacity | 22 fl oz. |
Proclaim Custom Jet Oral Health System
WHAT TO KNOW: Costing hundreds of dollars and requiring a dentist visit, this customized flosser is truly an investment, but our pros found it saved significant time and effort. 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.
The brand even claims that it can replace manual flossing. It 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.
WHAT TESTERS ARE SAYING: Ideal for those who struggle to keep up a flossing routine, the entire process is so fast that Butler said it took more time to fill the tank and rinse the mouthpiece than to floss.
"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," said Butler. "The water comes out of a spout at the front of the mouth, so no water is sprayed around the bathroom."
| Type | Countertop |
| Pressure Settings | 5 |
| Tips Included | 1 custom mouthpiece |
| Water Capacity | 660 mL |
Other models we tested
We tested a dozen of the most popular water flossers in our search for the best. Below are our quick thoughts on two other notable options that didn't make the final cut, along with the reasons why:
- Panasonic EW 1511: This one has two more pressure settings than our best cordless pick, but testers found that this flosser was not powerful enough to clean effectively. Consumers also mentioned that the tank was quite small and thus they had to refill it mid-flossing.
- Burst Water Flosser: While affordable, testers noted that this flosser's 110 mL tank required frequent refills. They also found it messy to use. We did, however, like that it comes with flexible tips that rotate a full 360º for hard-to-reach spots, like the back of your mouth or for those with braces.
How we test water flossers
For our most recent test, our analysts evaluated 12 water flossers in the GH Beauty Lab and sent them to consumer testers (for home use) and our partner lab, Quiet Mark (to compare the amount of noise they generate).
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.
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.
What to look for when buying a water flosser
✔️ 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 have 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.
FAQs
Do dentists recommend water flossers?
Yes, the dentists we spoke to recommend them. “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 health routine at home.”
The dentists we consulted also agreed that people with braces will especially 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?
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:
- Brush your teeth first.
- Use traditional string floss to loosen anything stuck between your teeth and to keep your gums healthy.
- 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.
How do you clean a water flosser?
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?
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.
Why trust Good Housekeeping?
Beauty and Health Reviews Analyst Chiara Butler conducts hands-on testing and analysis of beauty and health products for the Good Housekeeping Institute, including overseeing our water flosser Lab tests and surveys. With a background as a cosmetic chemist, she brings expertise in evaluating ingredient efficacy and scrutinizing product claims.
Former Commerce Editor Jacqueline Saguin collaborated with our Beauty, Health & Sustainability Lab experts to translate their testing and data analysis for this guide. She also interviewed dental professionals Dr. Sara Larbi, Dr. Sharon Huang, Dr. Sally Cram, and Dr. Adam S. Harwood.
Jacqueline (she/her) was a commerce editor for Good Housekeeping from 2021 to 2024. Prior to joining GH, 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.
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.
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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