Our recommendations
Best overall combo: Oral-B Smart 1500 + Waterpik Aquarius
Best cordless combo: Oral-B Smart 1500 + Waterpik Cordless Advanced
Best hybrid: Waterpik Sonic Fusion 2.0
Best all-in-one: Sonicare 7000 system
Best Waterpik all-in-one: Waterpik Complete Care 9.0
Best budget all-in-one: AquaSonic HDC Pro
Best overall combo
Oral-B Smart 1500 & Waterpik Aquarius
Waterpik Aquarius WP-660
Oral-B Smart 1500
* Prices correct at the time of publishing.
Technically these are 2 separate products. Both need to be purchased as individual items to achieve the combo you are after. I make this recommendation for a very good reason, though.
Individually, both are the best products within their categories. They have the essential features our in-house dentists recommend. The Oral-B Smart 1500 is the best electric toothbrush. And the Waterpik Aquarius is the best countertop water flosser.
If you buy two separate items and use each of these as part of your daily routine, you are making no real sacrifices compared to using a hybrid or all-in-one device. Both products are clinically proven and have the ADA seal of acceptance. You get excellent brushing results from the small round oscillating brush head of the 1500 and deep cleaning that the pressurized water jet of the Aquarius.
Yes, they do potentially take up a little extra countertop space compared to a combo. You might not have 2 power outlets to power them both at the same time, but putting up with these minor inconveniences could well be worthwhile.
Having two separate products also means that should one product fail, it doesn’t affect the other. Both the Smart 1500 and the Aquarius have all the essential features we recommend. Neither is the cheapest within their class, nor the most expensive. All things considered, they are affordable and worth the investment.
The Aquarius typically costs around $70 whilst the Smart 1500 can be purchased for around $65. With a total price of $170, they work out within a few dollars of the Sonic-Fusion 2.0. This sells for $150-160 on average.
Another notable benefit is by keeping the toothbrush separate from the flosser should you be traveling for a day or two, you can easily take the toothbrush with you and leave the flosser at home.
Pros
- Excellent cleaning performance
- Dentist recommended features for both toothbrush & flosser
- Choose between 10 different pressure settings on the Aquarius & multiple cleaning modes on the Smart 1500
- Various tips included with the Aquarius for individual specific needs, all of which can be rotated 360 degrees
- 2 weeks of use from a single charge of the Oral-B toothbrush
- Both are American Dental Association (ADA) approved
Cons
- The Aquarius is compact but does require countertop space
- No icons on the brush handle of the 1500 to show which mode is selected
- The 1500 isn’t as grippy as some other brush handles
Best cordless combo
Oral-B Smart 1500 & Waterpik WP-560 Cordless Advanced
Waterpik Cordless Advanced WP-560
Oral-B Smart 1500
* Prices correct at the time of publishing.
The same logic applies here as with our best overall recommendation above. The only difference is that the WP-560 is cordless, whereas the Waterpik Aquarius isn’t — it is a corded ‘countertop’ flosser.
When choosing between corded and cordless, there is no evidence to suggest one is better than the other. There are scientific studies that confirm the effectiveness of both. In our own hands-on testing, we have found them to be as effective as each other.
In our testing we have found that corded models can be more comfortable to use. The main advantages of going for a cordless model are that they are more portable, they take up less room in the bathroom, and some of them can be used in the shower, minimising the mess created. If none of these features are particularly important to you, we recommend going for a countertop model as they have larger reservoirs.
The Advanced is particularly grippy in hand, whilst the nozzle is effortlessly easy to rotate. There are a few color options too, so you can find something that matches your sense of style.
The Cordless Advanced typically costs around $70 whilst the Smart 1500 can be purchased for around $65.
Best hybrid
Waterpik Sonic-Fusion 2.0
* Prices correct at the time of publishing.
The Waterpik Sonic-Fusion 2.0 is what we refer to as a hybrid. It is the only truly combined toothbrush and water flosser. You use the same handle for both brushing and flossing. You can even floss with water as you brush — the water is pushed out through a rubber nozzle in the centre of the toothbrush head.
Even though some of the bristle space on the head is lost to the water flosser nozzle, the cleaning results are good. Whilst it’s satisfactory, the clean from the flosser doesn’t feel quite as thorough as with other water flossers. This is because it is harder to angle and position the brush head to get into the gaps between the teeth.
As a consequence of the design, the brush handle is a bit larger than most. You need to have the hose attached to floss, but you can disconnect it when using it for toothbrushing only. A travel case is included in the box. The battery life is passable, but it isn’t great when you compare it to other brushes available.
This 2nd generation flossing toothbrush is improved over the original (quieter & better battery life). It does what it has been designed to do. It doesn’t feel and perform as well as it could, but if you want to truly combine a toothbrush and water flosser, then this is your only choice.
Pros
- Stylish combination of toothbrush and water flosser
- Choose between 10 different pressure settings
- American Dental Association (ADA) approved
- 3 year warranty
Cons
- Conceptually great, not the best execution
- Not suitable for all – only 1 style tip
- The water flosser is not portable
- Expensive
Best all-in-one system
Philips Sonicare Power Flosser & Toothbrush System 7000
* Prices correct at the time of publishing.
The Power Flosser 7000 toothbrush system is one option to strike the balance between a separate toothbrush and water flosser. For all intents and purposes, they are separate products. The difference here is that they are sold together in one package and you can charge the toothbrush on the same base unit of the power flosser if you wish.
The combined system includes a premium Sonicare toothbrush. It has the essential, dentist-recommended features, including a pressure sensor, timer and pacer. It is useful that you get a separate charging stand and travel case for the toothbrush — if you want to travel without the flosser, you can do so easily.
The power flosser is equipped with the most premium features and arguably offers more than you need. It includes 10 pressure settings, a large 600ml water tank and multiple nozzles. Whilst our number 1 choice still takes the edge all things considered, if your countertop space is limited, you could do a lot worse than this.
This is also a serious consideration if noise is an issue for you. The flosser operates at 50-74dB subject to cleaning mode and intensity compared to the approx 70dB of the Aquarius. The Sonicare toothbrush is a few decibels quieter than the Smart 1500 from Oral-B too.
Pros
- The water flosser and toothbrush are separate
- Toothbrush charges on the water flosser base station
- Dentist recommended features
- American Dental Association (ADA) approved
- Travel case for toothbrush included
- 2 year warranty
Cons
- More features than you need
- The water flosser is not portable
- Expensive
Best Waterpik all-in-one system
Waterpik Complete Care 9.0
* Prices correct at the time of publishing.
The Complete Care system is the happy medium between a hybrid product, like the Sonic-Fusion, and separate items.
This is because it essentially gives you a separate water flosser and electric toothbrush. The way in which they are combined is you get both in 1 package and the toothbrush is recharged via the main water flossing unit. They are stored side by side and require only one power adapter, despite the 2 individual items.
The Complete Care package has all the essential features we look for, except for a pressure sensor. There are 10 different pressure settings available for the water flow. There is a swivelling handle and different tips to suit different user needs.
Subject to the pressure setting chosen, you should achieve at least 1, if not 2 water flossing sessions from a full tank.
The electric toothbrush has multiple brushing modes to suit different individuals. And the all-important 2 minute timer and pacer is built-in. You do also get a travel case in the box.
Pros
- The water flosser and toothbrush are separate
- Toothbrush charges on the water flosser base station
- Overall unit size is pretty compact considering the decent sized water tank.
- American Dental Association (ADA) approved
- 2 year warranty
Cons
- No pressure sensor in the toothbrush
- The water flosser is not portable
- Expensive
Best budget all-in-one system
AquaSonic HDC Pro
* Prices correct at the time of publishing.
The Aquasonic Home Dental Center Pro is an alternative to the Philips Power Flosser 7000. Like its competitors, it offers a separate water flosser and electric toothbrush. They share the same base unit for charging. This means 1 power adapter/socket, rather than the 2 if you purchased separate items.
Price shouldn’t be the key driver in your decision if you can help it, but one reason why the AquaSonic option stands out is the price. Particularly when you consider that it comes with 6 brush heads included in the box, it is a little cheaper.
The Aquasonic offers a battery life around twice that of the Waterpik options. You don’t have the same clinical backing as you do Waterpik, but the underlying technology is the same. The 600ml water tank will allow at least 1 thorough floss or possibly 2 — it depends which of the 10 pressure settings on the HDC pro you are using.
The nozzle can be rotated and you can easily control the water flow from the flosser handle. There is hose storage built into the base unit. Like the competition, the toothbrush does lack a pressure sensor. A 2 minute timer and pacer are included.
Sadly, no travel case is included, but this might not be a deal breaker for you.
Pros
- The water flosser and toothbrush are separate
- Toothbrush charges on the water flosser base station
- Timer and pacer encourage brushing for the recommended time
- Long battery life on the toothbrush
- Good value
Cons
- No pressure sensor in the toothbrush
- The water flosser is not portable
- Not clinically proven like the competition
Choosing the right product: combo vs hybrid vs all-in-one system
When it comes to buying an electric toothbrush and water flosser combo, there are a few different product types you could consider. For the sake of simplicity, we have grouped them into three categories: combo, hybrid and all-in-one.
Our main recommendation is to go for a combo, but we’ve included the pros and cons for each product type below to help you choose which is best for your situation.
Combo (two separate products)
This involves simply buying two products separately, which in our opinion gives the best cleaning performance and a more flexible set up.
The Smart 1500 and Waterpik Aquarius is an example of what we regard as a combo.
Pros
- You can buy two separate products that are the best in their category
- If one product breaks, you can continue using the other whilst seeking a replacements
- Good portability options, especially if going cordless for the water flosser
Cons
- Can take up more space in the bathroom
- May require two plug sockets for charging
Hybrid (two products in one handle)
This is a product that combines an electric toothbrush and a water flosser into one single handle, e.g the Waterpik Sonic Fusion 2.0
At the moment the only product of this type available is the Waterpik Sonic Fusion 2.0, therefore the pros and cons below refer specifically to that.
Pros
- Only requires one plug socket for charging
- Takes up less space in the bathroom
- There is a travel case for the toothbrush, but the water flosser is bulky to take with you
Cons
- If something breaks, you may be without both products whilst the situation is resolved
- Performance is OK, but not as good as buying separate products
All-in-one system (one unit, separate handles for brush and flosser)
There is more variety here compared to a hybrid product. Our main recommendation is the Sonicare 7000 system, but we have included some more options above.
Pros
- Only requires one plug socket for charging
- Takes up less space in the bathroom
- Can work out cheaper
Cons
- If something breaks, you may be without both products whilst the situation is resolved
- Performance is OK, but not as good as buying separate products
- Portability isn’t as good
Cost comparison
| Product name(s) | Product type | Approximate cost |
|---|---|---|
| Oral-B Pro 1500 + Waterpik Aquarius | Best combo | $160 |
| Oral-B Pro 1500 + Waterpik Cordless Advanced | Best cordless combo | $160 |
| Waterpik Sonic Fusion 2.0 | Best Hybrid | $150 to $170 |
| Sonicare 7000 System | Best all-in-one system | $250 |
| Waterpik Complete Care 9.0 | Best Waterpik all-in-one | $120 |
| AquaSonic HDC Pro | Best budget all-in-one | $79.95 |
Is there any clinical evidence for these product types?
As it stands there are no studies that compare the results of using a hybrid product like the Sonic-Fusion instead of a separate electric toothbrush and water flosser.
Waterpik does conduct its own testing and has data from a 2018 study that compared the Sonic-Fusion to manual toothbrushing and flossing. It found the Waterpik Sonic-Fusion to be 2x more effective than brushing and flossing alone in removing plaque, gingival bleeding and gingival information. These results aren’t surprising because other studies have shown that electric toothbrushes are more effective at removing plaque.
One of the most recent studies found that long term use of an electric toothbrush resulted in healthier teeth. There was a likelihood of more teeth being retained, compared to those using a manual brush. The study published in the Journal of Clinical Periodontology and lasted 11 years.
When it comes to flossing / interdental cleaning, studies have found that interdental brushes are the most effective tool. Dr Gemma Wheeler explains this in more detail in our article comparing dental floss vs interdental brushes vs water flossers.
So going by the available studies, the most effective combination for the best oral hygiene routine would be an electric toothbrush and interdental brushes. That being said, the most effective flossing tool is the one you will actually use, so if you find a water flosser easier and more comfortable to use, it is a good choice.
Some water flossers come with a toothbrush tip, but it’s not electrically powered
Some brands offer a variety of different tips for their water flossers to accommodate individual needs. Market leader Waterpik is best known for this, offering tips including plaque seeker, pik pocket, orthodontic and more.
A ‘toothbrush tip’ is one such tip that is available for some water flossers. As the name implies, the tip has a large bristled head to it, through which water flows. The head is typically round and the size is usually a little larger than those heads you see on an Oral-B toothbrush.
However, the most important thing to note here is that the brush head is not electrically operated — the bristles do not move. The only way they move is via a manual brushing action you perform yourself.
With the toothbrush tip fitted, you and your arm/wrist do the work, not the water flosser. The water flosser pumps the water through the toothbrush. It does not cause the bristles to move.
This is arguably similar to the Waterpik Sonic-Fusion and could be useful depending on what you are looking for.
Reliability is a worthwhile consideration
If you opt for a hybrid product like the Sonic-Fusion, should anything fail you may be left without a toothbrush and a water flosser. Any repair required would likely mean you were without both for at least a few days, but possibly weeks.
Solutions like the Complete Care and Power Flosser 7000 from Philips do give a bit more versatility, should something fail. The toothbrush may be charged from the main unit, but if the water flosser fails, the rechargeable battery in the toothbrush should give you a few days use whilst the water flosser (including your brush’s charger) is repaired.
Our recommendation of a combination of separate units gives the greatest flexibility. Whether your toothbrush or water flosser fails, you will have the other. They are entirely independent of each other. I don’t think this should be the only factor to consider when making your choice, but it is important that you are aware of it.
When it comes to pricing, there is the argument that you get what you pay for. I am not here to call out any particular model or brand, though.
Most companies offer at least 1 year warranties at the very minimum, many now offer 2 and the best offer 3 years or more. A company that offers longer warranty periods has to be respected.
The low cost of some of the all-in-one products may make it feel like it is worth taking the risk. You could save a reasonable amount of money.
It’s worth noting that established brands often have higher design, manufacturing and support standards. They tend to have more experience in this market and the infrastructure to support you if you need it.
Other brands may well be in the position to offer good prices and products that appear competitive, but do they stand the test of time? Will the company still be trading in 5-10 years? Will they be able to supply replacement heads / nozzles throughout the time that you own the product?
Brands like Waterpik, Braun Oral-B, Philips Sonicare and Colgate are less likely to disappear. This is because of their large and generally financially stable parent companies. Our budget pick in the list above, Aquasonic, is the least established of the brands on offer. It has at least been around for several year now and its toothbrush has been awarded the ADA seal of approval.
To some extent there is always a bit of a gamble when you go for a lesser known brand, but you may feel it is worthwhile for the cost-saving involved. You could likely find similar products even cheaper from even lesser known brands, but again there is a risk to this that you need to weigh up for yourself.
These are the essential features we recommend for an electric toothbrush and water flosser
When it comes to electric toothbrushes and water flossers, some features are more important than others. Some features are worth paying for, and others aren’t. If your budget can afford it, we recommend opting for the following essential features for each type of product.
These recommendations come having spent thousands of hours testing hundreds of different products. They are backed by our in-house dentists and will help to ensure you don’t spend too much or too little.
We go into more detail on each of these products in our best electric toothbrush and best water flosser guides.
For an electric toothbrush, look out for:
2 minute timer: this helps to ensure that you brush your teeth for 2 minutes each time, which is recommended by dentist and governing bodies around the world.
Quad-pacer/30 second timer: this helps you to spread your brushing time evenly across all parts of the mouth.
Pressure sensor: a pressure sensor alerts you when you are brushing too hard so you can adjust your technique. Frequently brushing too hard will severely damage your teeth and gums.
For a water flosser, look out for:
45 seconds or more flossing time (countertop and cordless): flossers with a water tank of around 200ml will achieve this. 45 seconds is enough time to get a thorough clean without having to refill. It can make the flosser slightly heavier but it is a worthwhile trade off.
2 or more pressure modes (countertop and cordless): If you have sensitive gums it is useful to be able to adjust the pressure.
Rotating nozzle/handle (or handle if it’s a countertop flosser): Having a 360 degree rotating nozzle makes it easier to reach all parts of the mouth.
Comfortable grip (cordless): From our testing, a large area for the palm and fingers to grip onto is better than a slim handle. It’s also helpful if the grip is made from materials that prevent slippage, particularly when wet.
Water control button on the handle (countertop): A button or switch on the flosser handle allows for much greater control of the water flow. This makes it easy to stop, start and pause the jet of water. No need to use the on/off switch on the countertop unit itself.
Hose storage (countertop): Having a convenient place to tuck away the hose when not in use avoids trailing cables around the bathroom.
i have been thru 2 waterpiks and looking for a combo. I purchased your #1 pic the sonic 2.0 and it didn’t work, and was as loud as a motor.
Hi Tracy.
Sorry to hear the product did not work. This was perhaps some manufacturing error. Presumably, you spoke to Waterpik to have this replaced?
Unfortunately by the nature of a water flosser they are not quiet. There is a pump that has to pull and push water through the tubes to eject it out of the brush head.