Best Water Flosser

Last Updated: May 19, 2023 @ 1:58 pm.

Best Cordless Water Flosser: Water Flosser Cordless Teeth Cleaner

Let’s talk water flossers.

Also known as oral irrigators, water flossers are a good alternative to dental floss, especially for folks who don’t have the dexterity to use string floss. Water flossers also work well at cleaning braces, implants, crowns and pockets around the gums.

Of course, water flossers are more expensive than floss and require periodic cleaning. 

We interviewed three dental hygienists about water flossers and asked about the science—are water flossers better for dental hygiene? Interestingly, there is little scientific literature that compares the effectiveness of string floss and water flossers . . . both apparently do a good job.

Water flossers come in basic varieties: cordless and countertop (corded) models. As you might guess, cordless water flossers are great for travel. They also take up less room on a countertop, helpful if you have a small bathroom.

Countertop models are more powerful and effective at cleaning—it’s hard to get the same effect with a battery-powered cordless model. Countertop models also often come with more accessories like different tips.

We’ll recommend both types of water flossers for this article, starting with cordless models. After asking our readers for their favorites and trying out a few models ourselves, we think Zerhunt’s Water Flosser is the best bet in this category. 

Here’s why:

What We Liked

• Easy to use.

• Good for deep cleaning.

• Great for travel.

• Powerful pressure (adjustable 30 to 100 psi).

• USB charger and cable included.

• Detachable tank makes it easier to clean.

• Takes about 3.5 to 4.5 hours to charge, in our real world test.

• Memory function for clean modes is nice.

What Needs Work

• Buttons could be better positioned to avoid confusion.

Best Tried & True Brand: Waterpik WP-660 Water Flosser

Yes, Waterpik is the 800 lb. gorilla in this category and for good reason—their water flossers work! This model, the Aquarius, is a best bet if you prefer a countertop water flosser. Excellent quality and easy to use.

This model would also be our top pick if you need a water flosser to clean braces—the stronger pressure settings and pulses work well for that purpose.

What We Liked

• Easy to use.

• Great for deep cleaning when you’re at home.

• Excellent for braces.

• LED display.

• Massage mode for gums is quite nice.

• 10 pressure settings let you dial in pressure from 10 to 100 psi.

• Includes 7 tips for different uses.

What Needs Work

• A bigger water tank would be helpful, say some critics. We see that point, but still think this is an excellent counter top model. On the upside, the 22-ounce water tank can be washed in the upper rack of a dishwasher.

Best Portable: Waterpik Cordless Water Flosser

We tried several cordless water flossers for this article and asked our readers for their favorites. 

Yes, you can take just about any cordless water flosser with you when you travel, but some are easier than others. Case in point: the Waterpik Cordless Flosser WP-560. It strikes the right balance between weight, bulk and effectiveness, in our opinion.

What We Liked

• Good pressure, with up to 75 psi.

• Includes travel bag.

• Three pressure settings.

• Battery recharges in about 4 hours, based on our real world tests.

• Great for dental bridges.

What Needs Work

• Less powerful than countertop model. Those types have power up to 100 psi.

• Reservoir could be easier to remove.

• Battery life could be better. The battery lasts for two to three uses. Critics wish it would last longer than that and we agree.

• Pricey.

Best Budget-Friendly: TUREWELL Water Dental Flosser

Countertop water flossers can get rather pricey, but we did find one model that impressed us in real world testing . . . and didn’t break the bank. The Turewell Water Dental Flosser came recommended by several of our readers and we agree: it works well.

What We Liked

• Wand-size is comfortable.

• Easy to use.

• Affordable.

• Good for braces.

• Includes 8 tips.

• Up to 125 psi, with 10 different pressure settings.

• Includes a tongue cleaner tip—that’s something we did see with other models we researched.

What Needs Work

• Not as durable as Waterpik, says some critics. We couldn’t verify this, as we didn’t test this unit long term.

Why Trust Us

We’ve been rating and reviewing products for the home and families since 1994. We do extensive research, evaluating products with an eye toward quality, ease of use and affordability. When we purchase a product for hands-on testing, we do so with our own money.

Here’s another key point: we don’t take money from the brands we review. No free samples, no sponsors, no “partnerships.” Our work is 100% reader-supported!