Shop the best water flossers to take charge of your dental health

Caring for your teeth and gums is essential to your overall health — and it keeps your breath fresh and your teeth brighter. Plus, it can also guard against dental decay, plaque and gingivitis. Additionally, good oral health can even protect against diabetes and heart disease.

While brushing can help, using dental floss is also essential. However, floss thread and picks can be tedious to use — and may damage teeth and gums if too much pressure is applied.

Unlike dental floss, water flossers, also sometimes called oral irrigators, provide a gentle stream of water to your teeth and gums. For this reason, water jets are particularly helpful for those with sensitive teeth and gums. Water flossers are also excellent for cleaning dental implants, braces and other orthodontic devices. To help you find the best water flosser for you, our editors rounded up a list of the best models available to shop online. Keep reading to find the right one for you.

Read more: Shop the best women's razors selected by our editors

Our top water flossers for oral care

Best overall water flosser

Waterpik Cordless Water Flosser

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$37.99 at Target

Best cordless water flosser

Waterpik ION Cordless Water Flosser

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$89.99 at Kohl's

Best for fast cleaning

Philips Sonicare Cordless Power Flosser 3000

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$69.96 at Philips

Best portable option for travel

Oral-B Water Flosser Advanced Portable

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$89.99 at Target

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Best overall water flosser

Waterpik Cordless Water Flosser

$37.99

$37.99 at Target

• Water capacity: 5 ounces

• Power: Cordless, rechargeable battery

• Number of tips: Two (high pressure and low pressure)

Pros & Cons

• Portable

• 360-degree rotating tip

• Clinically proven and helps protect your oral health

• 30 seconds of floss time for 5-ounce reservoir

• No travel bag

Awarded a 4-star average review, the Waterpik cordless flosser is backed by the American Dental Association as a clinically proven flosser. Waterpik boasts that this flosser removes 99.9% of plaque from treated areas and it is more effective than string floss.

We love that this flosser is cordless, making it an excellent choice for travelers. That said, it would be nice if it came with a carrying case — but it’s detachable tips makes it easy to store.

We also like that the nozzle rotates a full 360 degrees, making it easier to clean all those hard-to-reach places. Because it has a 5-ounce reservoir, you may have to refill it with water a few times while using, but takes just seconds to do.

Best cordless water flosser

Waterpik ION Cordless Water Flosser

$89.99

$89.99 at Kohl's

• Water capacity: 22 ounces

• Power: Cordless, rechargeable lithium-ion battery

• Number of tips: Six

Pros & Cons

• Backed by the American Dental Association (ADA)

• 10 pressure settings

• 90 seconds of use time per reservoir

• A few reviewers reported defective products. 

• No travel case

The Waterpik ION received an impressive average rating of 4.6 stars from satisfied buyers. While not as portable as some competing models, it bridges the gap between portable and plug-in options. The ION is more 30% compact than traditional plug-in flossers, making it ideal for those with limited bathroom countertop space.

We like the fact that it requires less charging between uses. In fact, you get four weeks of use for each full charge. We’re also big fans of the larger reservoir, which allows you more floss time than other alternatives.

Ready to try it out? Your teeth and gums will thank you. This device removes up to 99.9% of plaque and is up to 50% more effective for improving gum health when compared to regular floss.

Best for fast cleaning

Philips Sonicare Cordless Power Flosser 3000

You save $10 (12.51%)

$69.96$79.96

$69.96 at Philips

• Water capacity: 8.5 ounces

• Power: Cordless

• Number of tips: Two

Pros & Cons

• Three intensities, two modes: cleaning, deep cleaning

• 60 to 90 seconds of floss time

• USB charging

• Can be a bit bulky to hold

• A few reviewers report a short product life

The Philips Sonicare Cordless Power Flosser 3000 received an average rating of 4.8 stars, making it one of the best portable, cordless flossers. It comes with two nozzles, a USB wall charging cord and an adapter.

The 8.5-ounce reservoir accommodates between 60 and 90 seconds of floss time, depending on your chosen intensity level.

This brings us to another feature we like. This portable water jet offers two modes – everyday cleaning and deep cleaning. Additionally, you have three intensity settings for choosing what feels most comfortable on your teeth and gums.

Best portable option for travel

Oral-B Water Flosser Advanced Portable

$89.99

$89.99 at Target

• Water capacity: Not specified

• Power: Cordless, portable

• Number of tips: Two

Pros & Cons

• Three streams to choose from

• Three intensity modes

• Portable

• No travel case

• Unknown reservoir size

Oral-B is well-known for dental hygiene products and this specific water flosser received an average of 4.3-stars rating.

We like that you get three streams and three intensity modes. The nozzle tips make cleaning between braces and other dental devices a breeze. Additionally, this model is portable, so you can take it with you when you travel.

We also love the fact that its well-placed On Demand button makes it easier for you to personalize the water jet intensity for extra cleaning. While it's unclear from the packaging and the manufacturer’s website how much water the reservoir holds, the compact size is easy to travel with — even if it requires more frequent refills as you floss.

Best water flosser for teeth whitening

Waterpik Whitening Water Flosser

You save $30 (25%)

$89.99$119.99

$89.99 at Amazon

• Water capacity: 22 ounces

• Power: Corded, portable

• Number of tips: Four tips

Pros & Cons

• Includes 30 whitening tablets

• 90 seconds of floss time

• Customizable pressure from 10 to 100 PSI

• Corded

• Older attachments not compatible

With a 4.7-star average rating, the Waterpik Whitening Water Flosser is backed by the American Dental Association for its safety and effectiveness.

When you purchase this flosser, it comes with whitening tablets to effectively remove stains as you clean your teeth. However, you can use the flosser without the tablets if you like.

We like that you get 90 seconds of floss time — thanks to the generous 22-ounce reservoir size. And with 10 pressure settings, this flosser is designed to give you a customizable cleaning experience.

This model is corded. So, while it is compact enough to take with you, it needs to be used near an outlet. Additionally, users have reported that older model attachments might not work with this model.

Best budget option

INSMART Professional Cordless Water Flosser

$26.88

$26.88 at Walmart

• Water capacity: 10 ounces

• Power: Cordless, portable

• Number of tips: Four

Pros & Cons

• Includes a travel pouch 

• 360-degree rotating nozzle

• Adjustable nozzle length

• A bit bulky 

• Might require more than one reservoir fill

The INSMART portable water flosser has an average rating of 4.7 stars from satisfied buyers. This budget-friendly electric flosser gives you four tips to customize your flossing experience.

We like that the tips rotate 360 degrees, but in the DIY setting, you can also extend the length of the nozzles for extra reach. As an added bonus, this model comes with a carry bag for easy storage, which makes traveling with this flosser a breeze.

Best for kids

Waterpik Small Water Flosser for Kids

$54.99

$54.99 at Target

• Water capacity: 15 ounces

• Power: Corded, compact

• Number of tips: Two

Pros & Cons

• Vibrant color

• 60 seconds of floss time

• More effective than traditional dental floss

• Water may collect in the tubing; must clean properly

• Can be considered noisy when in use

With an average rating of 4.5 stars, the Waterpik Small Water Flosser for Kids is a fan-favorite flosser for the little ones. A clinically proven water jet, this corded unit features child-proof settings for safety. And it’s great for kids who have braces — or who don’t enjoy flossing. We like the fun, vibrant color of the unit that would appeal to children. We also like that you can invert the reservoir for hygienic storage after each use. This model comes with two nozzles — one portable and one with tubing that connects to the reservoir. To keep the tubing clean, Waterpik suggests cleaning the affected areas with distilled white vinegar.

Comes as a corded unit with two nozzles – one portable and one with tubing.

What to know before choosing your water flosser

Curious about how water flossers work? Here are the answers to some of the most common questions.

How do water jets work?

Electric motors power water flossers. They also contain a water reservoir from which the jet draws during use. For effective cleaning, water is sprayed between each tooth to remove food and bacteria — before it hardens into plaque.

Here are some helpful steps for how to use one:

1. Place the tip in your mouth, starting at the back of your mouth.

2. Using a circular motion, move the flosser along the top of your teeth and gum line. And don’t forget to spray in between your teeth.

3. It helps to lean slightly over the sink to prevent a water mess.

Can I use one if I have braces or dental implants?

Yes! Water jets are an excellent choice if you have braces or dental implants, which can be more challenging to clean using conventional dental floss thread and picks.

Are electric flossers as effective as dental floss?

Water flossers offer a practical alternative to regular flossing for those unable to use dental floss.

Traditional dental floss is still considered the preferred method by dentists since it may be more effective at removing plaque. However, conventional dental floss isn't always the best choice for everyone, particularly if you have sensitive gums that bleed or for those who have dental implants, braces or fixed bridges.

How do I choose the right settings?

When using a water flosser, it's best to start with the lowest setting and increase it until you find one that cleanses your gums efficiently and comfortably. Ask your dentist for their advice if you still need clarification.

How do I clean my water jet?

Each water flosser differs. So, be sure to read and follow the manufacturer's instructions, but generally, after each use:

• Empty and clean the water reservoir.

• Rinse the nozzle tip.

• Wipe the exterior.

After prolonged use, you may need to replace the nozzle tips or filters. Also an occasional deeper cleaning for the reservoir and nozzle tip is also a good idea, but always follow the manufacturer's guidelines.

Which water jets are best?

Choosing the right water flosser depends on a few factors, including your budget, needs and lifestyle.

For example, if you travel frequently, investing in a compact, cordless option is the way to go. Or, if you don’t want to frequently refill your water jet during use, consider an option with a bigger water reservoir.

From our list of editor-approved oral irrigators, these are our top two picks:

• Waterpik ION Cordless Water Flosser: With its compact size and up to four weeks of use on one charge, this model is great for convenience and travel. Also, its 10 pressure settings and six nozzle tips make for a customizable cleaning experience.

• INSMART Professional Cordless Water Flosser: This water jet is budget-friendly, compact and cordless for travel — and it includes a travel bag for storing. With a 4.7-star average rating from satisfied buyers, you can feel confident buying this product, knowing it’s been tried and tested.

Ready to experience the convenience of using a water flosser? Try one out and see just how easy it is to clean your teeth and achieve better dental health on a daily basis.

Prices updated on 07/25/2023. We are not responsible for any changes to the prices mentioned above.