Our main recommendation
Rather than opting for an electric toothbrush and water flosser combo / hybrid, I recommend buying two individual products, the Oral-B Smart 1500 and Waterpik Aquarius.
I explain the reasons for this in more detail below, and include product recommendations.
If you do want a hybrid product, I recommend the Waterpik Sonic Fusion.
If you want a single unit that comes with both a water flosser and an electric toothbrush, I recommend the Philips Sonicare Power Flosser 7000 & Toothbrush System.
The importance of brushing and flossing daily
To help achieve healthy teeth and gums, it is important to brush the teeth at least twice a day for 2 minutes. You should also clean between them once a day.
You don’t have to use an electric brush or a water flosser to have healthy teeth. A manual toothbrush can clean the teeth well if used with the correct technique.
And interdental brushes are proven to be more effective than water flossing for interdental cleaning, so you could consider buying those alongside an electric toothbrush.
But an electric toothbrush can help you to clean your teeth better. And a water flosser is a good choice if you don’t like using interdental brushes.
Our best electric toothbrush and best water flosser posts cover these topics in more detail.
What do you want from an electric toothbrush and water flosser combo?
This might sound like a bit of a strange question. But it is important to understand exactly what your needs and expectations are.
The right product for you could very well be different depending on what you are looking for.
Typically, an electric toothbrush and water flosser are different products. Therefore you would normally buy them separately and end up with 2 different items in your bathroom.
However, it is now possible should you wish to combine the 2 into one product. This means you can use the same handle to brush your teeth as you do to floss your teeth.
But there are packages that contain what is a separate water flosser and electric toothbrush. They work independently of each other. But you benefit from potential cost savings by buying the 2 items together in one box/package.
So the question is:
- Are you looking for an electric toothbrush and water flosser combined into one physical product?
- Or, are you looking for a package that contains a separate electric toothbrush and a separate water flosser?
I want 1 product – the toothbrush and water flosser combined
If you are set on a combined option, then at the time of writing, there is only 1 option that fits this requirement. It is the Waterpik Sonic-Fusion 2.0 flossing toothbrush.
It is the number 2 pick in our list of suitable products below.
I want 2 separate products – an individual toothbrush and water flosser
This is typically what most people desire and where you have more choice.
All those within our list, aside from the Sonic-Fusion, are choices you could opt for.
Our recommendations for the best electric toothbrush and water flosser combo
The number of options available are limited in comparison to a separate electric toothbrush or water flosser.
Both types of products on their own are more popular and subsequently more options exist.
It is for this reason then, that my top recommendation is in fact an electric toothbrush and water flosser that must be purchased separately.
Our recommendation
1. Oral-B Smart 1500 & Waterpik Aquarius
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 2 separate items and use each of these as part of your daily routine, you are making no real sacrifices compared to using a combo device.
Both products are clinically proven. You get excellent brushing results from the small round oscillating brush head of the 1500. And deep cleaning that the pressurized water jet offers from 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.
And although unlikely to happen, should 1 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.
If your preference is cordless, then the Waterpik Cordless Advanced should be chosen in place of the Aquarius.
Pros
- Excellent cleaning performance from both brush and water flosser
- Timer and pacer built into the 1500 to encourage brushing for the recommended time
- The visible pressure sensor on the 1500 alerts you when brushing too hard
- 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
- Rotating nozzle for easier control on the water flosser
- The Aquarius has a stylish design & compact footprint
- 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
- Despite the name, the Smart 1500 it is not a ‘smart’ toothbrush
- The 1500 isn’t as grippy as some other brush handles
Where to buy
Waterpik Aquarius WP-660
Oral-B Smart 1500
* Prices correct at the time of publishing.
2. Waterpik Sonic-Fusion 2.0
The Waterpik Sonic-Fusion 2.0 is the only true combined toothbrush and water flosser.
The same handle that you hold to brush your teeth delivers water to the teeth too. You can even floss with water as you brush.
The water is actually pushed out through a rubber nozzle in the centre of the toothbrush head.
In day to day use, the cleaning results from the toothbrush are good. This is even with some of the bristle space on the head being lost to a water flosser nozzle.
Although satisfactory, the clean from the flosser doesn’t feel quite as thorough. 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 have 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. It does what it has been designed to do. It doesn’t feel and perform as well as it could or you would expect. But, if you want to truly combine the 2, then this is your only choice.
Pros
- Toothbrush and water flosser combined
- Stylish design
- Timer and pacer encourage brushing for the recommended time
- 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
- Toothbrush battery life is poor
- The water flosser is not portable
- Expensive
3. Philips Sonicare Power Flosser & Toothbrush System 7000
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 also rather handy that you get a separate charging stand and travel case for the toothbrush. So, 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.
10 pressure settings, a large 600ml water tank and multiple nozzles are included.
Whilst our number 1 choice still takes the edge all things considered, if countertop space is a premium, you could do a lot worse than this.
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
- Choose between 10 different pressure settings on the flosser
- 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
4. Waterpik Complete Care 9.0
The Complete Care system is the happy medium between a combined 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.
You have 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.
- Timer and pacer encourage brushing for the recommended time
- Choose between 10 different pressure settings on the flosser
- American Dental Association (ADA) approved
- 2 year warranty
Cons
- No pressure sensor in the toothbrush
- The water flosser is not portable
- Expensive
5. Waterpik Complete Care 5.0
The Complete Care 5.0 is very similar to the 9.0 option listed.
The key difference is the size. The 9.0 is the more compact option and it also, in my opinion, looks a little more modern and clean looking.
By no means is the design of the Complete Care 5.0 bad, far from it. But small touches like the magnetic holder for the handle feel a touch more refined. The 5.0 comes with a plastic frame that holds the flosser handle.
Another subtle difference is that the 5.0’s handle does not rotate around the hose. Instead, the tip can be rotated. I don’t honestly know which I prefer. Both achieve the same result of allowing you to more accurately position the tip in the mouth.
Subject to the pressure setting chosen, you can achieve more than 1 user from a single fill of the tank. You have a choice of 10 different settings controlled via a rotating dial on the side of the unit.
The toothbrush uses a sonic cleaning action and you get 2 brush heads included in the box.
There are multiple cleaning modes, for those who desire such and the all important 2 minute timer and pacer are built-in as well.
The brush does lack the pressure sensor, but no Waterpik toothbrush has this. But, making up for this to some extent is the inclusion of a travel case in the box, should you travel.
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
- Choose between 10 different pressure settings on the flosser
- American Dental Association (ADA) approved
- 2 year warranty
Cons
- No pressure sensor in the toothbrush
- The water flosser is not portable
- The overall unit is slightly larger than Complete Care 9.0
- Expensive
6. AquaSonic HDC Pro
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. One reason why the AquaSonic option stands out is the price. It is a little cheaper. Particularly when you consider that this comes with 6 brush heads included in the box.
You also get 4, rather than 3 brushing modes on the electric toothbrush. It 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 through 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 is present.
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
- Choose between 10 different pressure settings on the flosser
- 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
Where to buy
* Prices correct at the time of publishing.
Additional information and buyer’s guide
I wish I could say that picking an electric toothbrush and water flosser was easy. Unfortunately, it isn’t due to the vast array of choices and the clever marketing.
However, I do hope that this article helps make the decision process a little bit easier. This is because picking a product doesn’t need to be as complicated as it is.
The key to making things simple is picking a product that is right for you.
If you really want the all in one combined product, fine, go with it. It might not be our top choice, but it is better than nothing. A product that you will use is always going to be better than opting for a combo you are not sold on.
When you have the right product, you then want to make sure that you do the following:
- Brush twice a day for 2 minutes
- Use the correct brushing technique
- Use a fluoridated toothpaste
- Spit out, don’t rinse out
- Clean between the teeth at least once a day
Essential features
If you would like to research yourself and find the ideal combination for you then please do.
I would appreciate it if you could consider the key features the Electric Teeth team recommend. We have specific requirements for an electric toothbrush and a water flosser.
I do believe they will assist you in getting a product that works better and helps you achieve good oral health.
These recommendations come having spent thousands of hours testing hundreds of different products.
When looking for an electric toothbrush look out for:
- 2 minute timer
- A timer 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
- A pacer helps you to spread your brushing time evenly across all parts of the mouth.
- Pressure sensor
- Frequently brushing too hard will severely damage your teeth. A pressure sensor alerts you when you are brushing too hard so you can adjust your technique.
When it comes to a water flosser, although similar we have slightly different recommendations. These depend on whether you want countertop or cordless.
Water flosser feature recommendations:
- 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.
Additional options
There are only 5 options within our list. I acknowledge that you don’t need to do an extensive search to find more possible alternatives.
There are plenty of packages that offer both an electric toothbrush and a separate water flosser. The vast majority, include a sonic toothbrush and a cordless water flosser rather than a countertop unit.
All could arguably be included within this list and may well be options for yourself.
I have intentionally kept this list quite short though.
This is because, where possible I like to provide quality recommendations. Preferably, products I have handled from the more tried and tested brands. And the number of options from reputable companies are limited.
Yes, I could bring in products from XYZ company. But by doing so, I can’t give you the confidence and peace of mind that comes from products manufactured by the major brands.
These companies often have higher design, manufacturing and support standards. They often 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?
Of course, nothing is ever a guarantee. But, 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.
Toothbrush tips for water flossers
Most water flossers, be that countertop or cordless will typically come with a ‘jet tip’.
This sort of tip is designed to be suitable for the vast majority of users.
The opening at the end of the nozzle is normally rounded and the water flow from the flosser itself is not interrupted. There are no bristles or modifications to the end of the tip to assist with any more specialized needs the users may have.
Many brands offer a variety of tip styles to accommodate individual needs. Market leader Waterpik is best known for this, offering tips including plaque seeker, pik pocket, orthodontic and more.
The orthodontic tip for example has bristles on the end. These can be used to help agitate and dislodge debris and plaque around fixed braces the user may have.
One other tip quite often included with a water flosser or sold separately is the ‘toothbrush tip’.
As the name implies, the tip has a large bristled head to it, through which water from the flosser flows.
The head is typically round. The size is usually a little larger than those heads you see on an Oral-B toothbrush for example.
These tips can be fitted to a compatible water flosser. You now arguably have a flossing toothbrush, a bit like the Wateprik Sonic-Fusion.
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 give to them by moving them over the teeth.
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.
It may not be the ideal solution, but it is an option.
Clinical evidence
The scientific data assess the effectiveness of both water flossers and electric toothbrushes.
For the most part, studies look at the category of toothbrush and water flosser independently. They tend to look at a broader scale, testing Waterpik flossers and Sonicare and Oral-B toothbrushes rather than focusing purely on 1 specific model.
That said, there is data available on some specific models.
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.
Brushes and water flossers can gain the American Dental Association’s seal of acceptance. Waterpik and Oral-B have both achieved this. The products don’t go through clinical trials as such, but they do have to meet certain standards. The products are tested independently verified by experts. This is to ensure they do what the manufacturers claim.
Waterpik is one company who do put a lot of emphasis on clinical data. They have a whole page dedicated to the findings of studies into their products.
Of course, the findings they promote are positive. Thus some consideration needs to made for the fact that fund these studies. But something is better than nothing.
And the good news is that independent reviews and papers support most of their claims.
Whilst effective, interdental brushes are preferred by most professionals over the water jet. Dr Gemma Wheeler explains why in our article comparing dental floss, interdental brushes and water flossers.
Seeing as there is only the Waterpik Sonic-Fusion 2.0 in the category of flossing toothbrush, the amount of data is more limited. There are, as far as I am aware no wholly independent studies into the product effectiveness.
However, Waterpik has data from a 2018 study. It found the product to be 2x more effective than brushing and flossing alone in removing plaque, gingival bleeding and gingival information. It isn’t completely independent, but it is proof that there are benefits.
Reliability of products
It is impossible for me to say that all of these products are faultless and will never go wrong.
Electrical products are always more prone to failure, due to the parts they have inside. Add into this the fact that they are to be used around water and that poses another challenge entirely.
But, do not take this as a sign you should expect these products to fail. The majority will not and will offer many years of great service.
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. There is a value to extended support times.
But, the cost effectiveness of some products does make it feel like it is worth taking the risk. You could save a reasonable amount of money.
If you have a combined product, should anything fail you are potentially left without a toothbrush and a water flosser.
The Waterpik Sonic-Fusion is the best example of this. Any repair required would likely mean you were without both for at least a few days, if not a bit longer.
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 brushes charger) is repaired.
Separate units like our number 1 choice gives you 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.
Watch
Video explainer
In the video below our chief product tester Jon Love explains the advice from our buyer’s guide and runs through our choices for the best water flosser and electric toothbrush combo.
Your Opinions
Do you own or have you used any of these products?
Are there certain features that you really like or dislike?
Let us know what you think about this brush and let others who may well be considering purchasing one know your opinions before they do.
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.