Best Cordless Water Flosser - Buyer’s Guide

Gareth Otwell By Gareth Otwell · Last Updated January 03, 2022

WaterpikAccording to an ADA (American Dental Association) survey, only about 40% of adults floss daily. Half as many do not floss at all. Flossing may be painful for those with arthritis or that have, or experience, braces, bridges, implants, or bleeding gums. At best, manual flossing is also relatively ineffective when done incorrectly.

A water flosser (oral irrigator) is a personal oral health dental care appliance. Water flossing is a mechanized solution that projects a steady stream of water to loosen and flush particles, bacteria, and plaque build-up from between teeth. It also cleans below the gumline while gently massaging the gums. Dentists collectively agree that, although flossers do not replace manual flossing entirely, they are an equitable alternative.

Dentists recommend oral irrigators because they are easy to use and gain measurable results. Water flossing pressures may be selected according to overall teeth and gum sensitivity. The water flossing process takes less than two minutes to thoroughly clean teeth and gums. It is easy to develop a daily flossing regimen that is comfortable and effective.

Water flossers are compared on their type, tips, pressure and settings, and other options. Each product is a specific type with unique features. Most offer multiple tips and adjustable pressure modes and speed settings suited to various dental conditions. Some water flossers offer pulsating water pressure for a massage-like experience.

Waterpik WP-560 – Best Cordless Water Flosser

Waterpik WP-560The Waterpik WP-560 is a portable, rechargeable, quiet, ADA award-winning dental hygiene appliance. It is a combined waterproof pressure-pulsating deep-cleaning flosser that reaches below the gumline. The Cordless Advanced (travel plug) is compatible with global voltage 100-240/VAC / 50/60Hz outlets. This cordless water flosser’s 360-degree rotating tip pulses at 1,250 pulses/min., which is suitable for sensitive teeth and gums, implants, and orthodontics.

The Cordless Advance has a 4-hour magnetic rapid-charge system, on/off, electronic water pressure controls, and LED battery charge indicator conveniently located on the handle, and an easy-to-fill reservoir. A tip storage case and microfiber travel bag and travel plug are included.

This Waterpik has 4 multifunctional Waterpik tips that include (2) Classic Jet tips for standard/general care, an Orthodontic tip specifically intended to clean around braces, wires, and retainers, and a Plaque Seeker tip to clean around implants, crowns, and bridges. It has 3 pressure settings, a pressure range 45psi – 75psi, and a 45-second water capacity.

How to Use the Waterpik WP-560 Cordless Advanced Water Flosser

Pros
  • ADA Seal of Acceptance
  • 4-hr. Rapid magnetic charger
  • Batteries included
  • Tip storage case, travel bag, travel plug included
  • 14-Day results guaranteed refund
  • 2-Yr. Limited Warranty
Cons
  • Cannot be used as a toothbrush

Waterpik WP-660 Aquarius - Our Choice

The Waterpik WP-660 Aquarius is a sturdy, lightweight, extremely-effective, ADA award-winning, countertop-style dental hygiene appliance. It is a deep-cleaning oral irrigator that combines water pressure, dual flossing modes, and pulsations.Waterpik WP-660 Aquarius Waterpik’s innovative pulse-modulation technology (floss mode) provides optimal plaque removal. The Aquarius’s enhanced hydro-pulse gum stimulation and improved massage mode improves home dental care.

The Aquarius’s ergonomic design features on/off, electronic water pressure controls, and LED battery charge indicator conveniently located on the handle. It has a covered reservoir and tip storage unit.

This water flosser has 7 multifunctional Waterpik tips that include (3) Classic Jet tips for standard/general care, a Toothbrush tip, an Orthodontic tip specifically intended to clean around braces, wires, and retainers, a Plaque Seeker tip to clean around implants, crowns, and bridges, and a Pik Pocket tip to deep clean below the gumline. It has 10 pressure settings and a 90-second water capacity.

The Waterpik WP-660 Aquarius is compatible with 120VAC/60Hz outlets. It is intended use only in North America. Waterpik prohibits shipment outside North America. Warranties will be voided if sold and use outside North America.

Review Waterpik Aquarius WP-660

Pros
  • ADA Seal of Acceptance
  • Gum massage option
  • Ergonomic design
  • Toothbrush tip
  • 14-Day results guaranteed refund
  • 3-Yr. Limited Warranty
Cons
  • For shipment and use in North America only
  • Power needed to operate

H2ofloss hf-8 – Extremely Quiet and FDA-approved

The H2ofloss hf-8 is an extremely quiet, all-in-one, FDA-approved, countertop-style dental hygiene appliance. It is 100% IPX7 waterproof and compatible with 110/120VAC/60Hz outlets. H2ofloss hf-8The H2ofloss’s 110 psi pulsating technology (1,200 pulses/min.) provides optimal plaque removal. There is an auto shut-off mechanism that will stop the water flosser if it overheats. It may be re-started within 2 hrs.

The H2ofloss hf-8 ergonomic design features water pressure w/Pause controls on the handle. It also includes a large, high-volume, covered reservoir that provides approximately 150 seconds of use between refills, and a tip storage unit.

 This device has 12 multifunctional tips that include (4) Classic Jet tips for standard/general care, (2) tongue-cleaning tips, (2) Orthodontic tips specifically intended to clean around braces, wires, and retainers, (2) Periodontal tips to clean around implants, crowns, and bridges, and (2) Cleaning Irrigation/Nasal tips to relieve nasal pressure and congestion. It has 5 pressure settings (Low to High plus Pause). 

Pros
  • FDA-approved
  • 100% Waterproof design
  • Very quiet
  • 2-Yr. Limited Warranty
Cons
  • Large tank; takes up a lot of countertop space

Hangsun HOC460 - Best Cordless Oral Irrigator with 360-Degree Rotating

The FDA-approved Hangsun Cordless Water Flosser is portable, lightweight, and rechargeable. It is IPX7 waterproof and includes a US plug that is compatible with global voltage 100-240VAC / 50/60Hz outlets. Hangsun HOC460 Oral IrrigatorThis cordless water flosser’s 360-degree rotating tip pulses at 1,600 pulses/min. in normal mode, providing optimal plaque removal and cleaning below the gumline. The water flosser recharges on a separate, non-contact, easy-to-clean countertop charging and nozzle stand.

The Hangsun cordless water flosser is an easy grip design with LED on/off and pressure mode indicators on the handle. It also has a large 150ml water tank that provides approximately 40 seconds of use between refills. The updated water pumper keeps the noise level below 55db, making this an exceptionally quiet appliance for day or night use.

This oral irrigator has 2 water jet tips and 3 pressure setting modes (Normal, Soft, and Pulse) for powerfully gentle teeth cleaning and gum rinsing. Normal mode pulses at 1,600 pulses/min. It streams high-pressure water jets to dislodge larger food particles. Soft mode pulses at 1,200 pulses/min. and provides a more gentle pressure and massage for sensitive teeth. The Pulse mode pulses at 1,400 pulses/min. streaming an intermittent water/air mix that cleans periodontal pockets and stimulates your gums.

Pros
  • FDA-approved
  • Ergonomic design
  • Global voltage compatible
  • Waterproof
Cons
  • Case not included

PECHAM Professional - 7 Interchangeable Nozzles for Dental Hygiene Appliance

The PECHAM Professional Water Dental Flosser is a quiet, leakproof, electric home and travel dental hygiene appliance. It is FDA-approved, water-resistant, and compatible with global voltage 110-240V Universal outlets. PECHAM Professional Water Dental FlosserThis water flosser’s 360-degree rotating tip pulses at 1,250 to 1,700 pulses/min. This ultra-strong pulse design effectively cleans sensitive teeth, implants, and orthodontics as well as deep cleans plague and under the gumline. It also has a 3-minute intelligent timing indicator, for care-free cleaning sessions.

The PECHAM professional flosser has a water-resistant handle with a convenient on/off switch. It has a high-volume, 600ml, easy-to-fill reservoir that provides approximately 90 seconds of use between refills. The top of the unit opens to access a tip storage compartment and it has a retractable electrical cord.

  This device has 7 multifunctional water flossing tips that include (3) Classic Jet tips for standard/general care. An Orthodontic tip specifically intended to clean around braces, wires, and retainers. A Dental Plaque tip to clean around implants, crowns, and bridges.  A Periodontal tip to deep clean below the gumline, and a tongue cleaner. 

It has a pressure range of 30psi – 125psi with 10 pressure settings (Kids: 1-3, Adults(normal) 4-7, Deep Clean 7-10).

Pros
  • FDA-approved
  • Pressure settings for kids, adults, deep cleaning
  • Water-resistant; leakproof
  • 110-240V Universal voltage
  • 1-Yr. Manufacturer Replacement Warranty
Cons
  • Difficult to clean

Panasonic EW-DJ10-A – Best Portable

The Panasonic EW-DJ10 is a cost-effective, portable, dual-speed, battery-operated water flosser designed for travel. It is collapsible, made to easily fit into luggage or into a home drawer. Panasonic EW-DJ10-A Portable Dental Water Flosser It has a 5.5 oz. easy-to-fill reservoir, which gives you approximately 40 seconds of water flossing between refills.

 The Panasonic EW-DJ10-A is a high-powered, 2-speed pulse, 100% waterproof, easy maintenance appliance that can be thoroughly cleaned under the faucet. Its water jet tips pulse at (normal) high-speed, at 1,400 pulses/min., which effectively removes plaque and bacteria, as well as at a lower speed that may be more comfortable for children and those with sensitive teeth and gums. Either speed effectively cleans between and around implants, bridges, braces, wires, teeth, and gums. 

This flosser operates on two AA batteries, so no recharging is needed regardless where you take it.

Pros
  • Very affordable
  • Easy to operate
  • Pulse option
  • Collapsible/portable
  • Waterproof
  • 2-Yr. Limited Warranty
Cons
  • Batteries not included

VAVA Dental Flosser - 3 Interchangeable Jet Tips

The VAVA Dental Flosser is a portable, cordless, leakproof, electric home and travel dental hygiene appliance. It is IPX7 waterproof and includes a US plug that is compatible with global voltage 100-240VAC / 50/60Hz outlets. VAVA Dental FlosserIt effectively cleans 99.9% of plaque, tartar, and bacteria brushing twice daily, for 24 consecutive days on a single charge.

The VAVA flosser has a 360-degree rotating tip. It has an on/off switch and pressure settings conveniently located on the handle. It has a wide-aperture, easy-to-clean, 200ml, removable reservoir that provides approximately 45 seconds of use between refills. The top of the unit opens to fill and clean.

  This device has three interchangeable tips to for (Standard, Gentle, Massage). It also has three preset Jet tip pressure setting modes: Normal high-water pressure for experienced users; Soft for those with sensitive teeth/gums, kids, and first-time users, and Pulse that intermittently massages gums. 

Pros
  • FDA-approved
  • Rechargeable lithium polymer battery included
  • Waterproof
  • Wall/plug charger and travel pouch included
  • 1-Yr. Limited Warranty
Cons
  • Small water tank; may require several fill-ups

Philips Sonicare AirFloss HX8211/03 - Best Air Flosser

The Phillips Sonicare AirFloss dental flosser is a portable, cordless, rechargeable electric dental hygiene appliance. Phillips Sonicare is the No.1 professionally-recommended electric/power toothbrush and dental brand.  Philips Sonicare AirFloss HX8211/03Its air and micro-droplet technology expertly removes plaque and bacteria in difficult-to-reach areas.

The AirFloss dental flosser comes with a handle, nozzle, and charger base. The charger can plug into a compatible multi-voltage 100-240VAC / 50/60Hz outlet. The light on the charger is green when the AirFloss is fully charged. It fully recharges within 24 hours. Its sleek handle design has an on/off button pad and refill access conveniently located on the handle. It may be used with water or mouthwash. The Phillips Sonicare AirFloss provides approximately 30 seconds of cleaning for up to 5x plaque and tartar removal than manual brushing.

This dental flosser has one guidance tip that can be aimed between teeth. It is safe, gentle, and uniformly suitable for veneers, bridges, implants, and orthodontic wires, braces, etc. It offers a new manually-operated auto-burst function that allows you to time-release bursts for quick and easy cleaning.
Pros
  • Lithium ion battery included
  • 90-Day Satisfaction Guarantee
  • 2-Yr. Limited Warranty
Cons
  • Small water tank; may require several fill-ups
  • Do not immerse in water

Waterpik WP-950 Complete Care - Top-Rated Combination

The Waterpik WP-950 Complete Care Flosser and Sonic Toothbrush is a space-saving, countertop, combination brushing and flossing dental hygiene appliance. It is a combined pressure-pulsating deep-cleaning toothbrush/water flosser that reaches below the gumline.  Waterpik WP-950 Complete Care Its 360-degree rotating tip pulses at 1,400 pulses/min., which is suitable for sensitive teeth and gums, implants, and orthodontics as well as for deep cleaning.

The Complete Care Flosser and Sonic Toothbrush has a 4-hour magnetic rapid-charge system, on/off, electronic water pressure controls, and LED battery charge indicator conveniently located on the handle. It has an easy-to-fill, 700 mL reservoir with a 90-second water capacity. A tip storage case and hard-sided travel case are included.

 This water flosser has 5 water flushing/flossing tips: 2 Classic Jet tips for standard/general care, 1 Orthodontic tip specifically intended to clean around braces, wires, retainers, 1 Plaque Seeker tip to clean around implants, crowns, and bridges, and 1 Pik Pocket tip for deep below the gumline cleaning. It also has 4 brush heads: 2 Standard and 2 Compact. The Sonic Toothbrush setting has two different brushing speeds. It has a 2-minute timer (at 30-second intervals). It has 10 pressure settings (Low to High). 

The Complete Care Flosser and Sonic Toothbrush is compatible with 120VAC/60Hz outlets. It is intended use only in North America. Waterpik prohibits shipment outside North America. Warranties will be voided if sold and use outside North America.

Pros
  • Ergonomic design
  • Hard-sided travel case
  • Results guaranteed
  • 2-Yr. Limited Warranty
Cons
  • Cost

Waterpik WP-100W White Ultra - ADA Award-Winning Countertop

The Waterpik WP-100W Ultra Water Flosser is an ADA award-winning, countertop, water flossing dental hygiene appliance. It is a smaller, quieter, contemporary design. Waterpik WP-100W White UltraIts 360-degree rotating tip pulses at 1,400 pulses/min., which is suitable for sensitive teeth and gums, implants, and orthodontics as well as for deep cleaning.

The Ultra Water Flosser has a pulse button and tip eject button on the handle. The on/off and electronic water pressure controls are located on the compact unit base. It has an easy-to-fill reservoir with a 90-second water capacity. The top of the unit opens to access a tip storage compartment and it has a retractable electrical cord.

This Waterpik flosser has 6 water flossing tips, including 2 Classic Jet tips for standard/general care, 1 Orthodontic tip specifically intended to clean around braces, wires, retainers, 1 Plaque Seeker tip to clean around implants, crowns, and bridges, and 1 Pik Pocket tip for deep below the gumline cleaning, and a tongue-cleaning tip. It has 10 pressure settings (Low to High).

The Waterpik WP-100W is compatible with 120VAC/60Hz outlets. It is intended use only in North America. Waterpik prohibits shipment outside North America. Warranties will be voided if sold and use outside North America.

Pros
  • ADA Seal of Acceptance
  • Ergonomic design
  • Quiet
  • 3-Yr. Limited Warranty
Cons
  • For shipment and use in North America only

Water Flossers – Buyer’s Guide

Oral irrigators may be cordless-, countertop-, faucet-powered-, electric-, or travel-type. A water flosser may have a combination of the best options found in several types. Additionally, these devices also have a variety of standard and special tips, timers, water pressures, and other options from which to choose. Knowing basic components and options to compare helps you choose the best dental hygiene appliance for you and/or your family.

Types of Water Flossers

Countertop flossers – typically have larger water reservoirs, more pressure settings and advanced features.

Advanced countertop flossers typically have:

  • Water reservoirs that provides 90+ seconds of flossing time.
  • Pressure settings from 10psi to 100psi.
  • 6-10 Water pressure levels.
  • On/Off, Pause, and Water controls are on the handle.
  • Extra teeth-whitening, stain removal features.

Small countertop dental flossers typically have:

  • Water reservoirs that provides 60+ seconds of flossing time.
  • Pressure settings from 10psi to 90psi.
  • 3-5 Water pressure levels.
  • On/Off controls are on the unit.
  • Some models are global-voltage compatible.

Cordless flossers – are portable and operate on batteries (typ. two AA, lithium ion, etc.). They may include a travel plug to recharge. Depending where globally you are depends what type of power source is available to use to recharge.

Faucet-Powered water flossers – are affordable, portable, low maintenance and easy to clean since they do not have a stand-alone reservoir. They connect directly to a faucet when you need to use it. You have control over the water pressure and temperature by adjusting the faucet knob. You must rely on the water quality and pressure of your source.

Benefits of a Water Flosser

Water flossing is ideal for those that:

  • cannot manually floss (i.e.: arthritis, dexterity issues, etc.),
  • have dental implants, wires, braces, crowns, and periodontal ,
  • have bleeding gums or sensitive teeth,
  • want an easier, faster, and effective means of flossing, or
  • want to avoid major gum disease, cavities, etc.

What to Look for When Buying a Water Flosser

Choose a flosser that has a rotating flosser head to better combat plaque, bacteria, and cavities in hard-to-reach areas.

Choose a dental flosser that includes special tips, as well as standard ones, for special dental conditions such as implants, braces, bridges, etc.

Tips should be easy to change, but unable to be accidently ejected during use.

Types of Flosser Tips

  • Standard/Jet tips – are for daily flossing between teeth and routine dental care.
  • Plaque/Restorative tips – are for cleaning around and between implants, crowns, bridges, etc.
  • Orthodontic tips – help remove particles and clean between retainers, braces, and wires.
  • Peridontal/Deep Cleaning tips – reach below the gumline and in periodontal pockets.
  • Toothbrush tips – brush your teeth as you floss.
  • Tongue Cleaning tips – remove bacteria from your tongue.
  • Nasal tips – flush nasal passages.

Water Reservoir Capacity

The larger the water reservoir, the longer you can floss before the water source runs out. A minimum of 45 – 60 seconds is the recommended capacity to achieve thorough daily water flossing.

Adjustable Pressure

Countertop water flossing units typically offer more pressure settings than compact, portable/cordless models. Countertop models offer as many as 10 pressure settings (normal, sensitive, and deep cleaning) while portable models may only offer 2-3 (normal and sensitive).

Other Options

  • Flow Control
  • (360-Degree) Rotating Tip
  • Water Pulsing/Gum Massage
  • Timer
  • Waterproof
  • Sound Level

Conclusion

Dental flossers are a more effective, easier, and faster means of achieving better teeth and gum cleaning. Highly-rated brands claim their water flossing appliances remove up to 99.9% of plaque and tarter and provide 50%-70% better teeth- and gum-cleaning results than manual flossing.

The Waterpik Aquarius Water Flosser countertop model is an ADA (American Dental Association) award-winning water flosser that has multiple flosser tips, powerful water pressure and pulsing action, and in-unit storage. Waterpik offers a money-back guarantee if you do not see noticeable results within 14 days of recommended/routine use. It also offers gum massage and toothbrush tip options.

Coming in at a close second as a highly-rated, “good value” product is the Panasonic (Cordless) Portable Dental Flosser. It is a top pick for water flossing “on-the-go.” Panasonic’s collapsible flosser is ideal for home as well as for travel, campers, and anyone with limited counter space. It offers multiple speed settings and powerful water pressure.

These brands have been in business more than a half-century and offer significantly-long limited warranties (3-yr. and 2-yr. respectively). The most expensive water flosser is not necessarily the most durable or the one that performs the best. Many additional tips, replacements, and attachments may be purchased after-market

Gareth Otwell

About Gareth Otwell

Gareth Otwell is a 28-year-old tech geek. Currently working at a big IT company. He chooses to widen the topics he writes about so as to provide his readers with an all-in-one go-to platform that they can use to research for just about anything. Read more

GET OUR GEEKS NEWSLETTER ON NEW PRODUCT REVIEWS