A compact footprint and a stylish design

The Aquarius is taller than it is wide or deep, but has a relatively small overall footprint.

5 rubber feet on the base help keep it securely in place and raise it a little off the work surface. 

If you want to mount this on a bathroom shelf, be aware you are going to need at least 12 inches of clearance and the shelf needs to support around 2.2lbs of weight.

The clear water tank is of an all plastic construction and contrasts with the coloured body of the unit, inside which all the electronics are stored.

You are not limited to a clinical feeling white colour only, the Aquarius is available in the following colours:

• White – WP-660
• Black – WP-662
• Blue – WP-663
• Grey – WP-667

The plastic has a matt finish rather than the gloss of some products and the curvature lines of the unit work well. Together these things make the unit look smarter. 

It needs to be plugged in

This water flosser does need to be plugged into a power outlet. There is a 2 pin power adapter hardwired into the rear. The cable length is about 4.5 feet.

If you don’t have a power outlet in your bathroom you will probably need to opt for a cordless model instead.

The main handle connects to the flosser via a hose, which neatly coils away into a recess within the body of the flosser. 

With about 3.2 feet of length on the hose, you’ve got a little over 7 feet of maximum reach between the power outlet and the sink.

The dock in which the handle sits makes it easy to slide the handle in and out.

Waterpik considers this an ultra quiet device. The exact noise depends on the pressure setting chosen, but expect up to 72 decibels of sound. I’d consider this pretty average rather than ultra quiet.

Multiple flossing sessions on a single fill, unlike cordless models

You don’t need to refill the tank every time you floss with the Waterpik Aquarius.

It has a removable reservoir with a capacity of 651ml/22 ounces. A larger reservoir is one of the benefits of a countertop unit. 

When set to the highest pressure setting of 10 the tank will drain in about 90 seconds.

On the lowest setting, it lasted for around 4 minutes and 45 seconds during my testing.

Subject to how you use it, you will likely get 2 flossing sessions out of it before it needs a refill.

When you do need to refill, it is simple to do so. Just lift off the tank, fill it and place it back under the hinged lid that stops dust and debris from getting into the water.

The pacer helps you floss evenly

As is the case when you brush your teeth, it’s preferable to floss evenly, too. The more consistently you floss and the more thoroughly you cover your teeth, the more you reduce your chances of developing dental health issues. 

A proficient user might be able to floss in as little as 45 seconds, but the aim here is that a normal flossing session should take around 1 minute. You can spend 30 seconds per arch, flossing both the outer and inner surfaces.

A short pause in the water flow at 30 seconds is your signal to move between arches, and then again at 1 minute to signal that the cleaning should be completed.

The unit will continue to run without pauses until it is turned off.

If you don’t like the pacer, it is possible to deactivate it.

A grippy dial makes it easy to move between intensities

You don’t need 10 different pressure settings to get a good clean and enjoy daily use.

But, there is something quite appealing about the ability to dial in the amount of pressure and the intensity on offer.

Ranging from a very gentle 10 PSI through to a powerful 100, even I as a more experienced user tend to settle around level 7.

If you are new to water flossing you probably want to start around level 3 and adjust accordingly.

If you’ve just undergone extensive dental work, level 1 might be best to give some sort of rinse but not apply too much force to tender and inflamed tissue.

The textured and grippy dial makes it easy to move seamlessly between the intensities as you choose. 

Compared to cordless models you have far more choice. They don’t tend to offer such a low or high intensity.

It’s not all about power, though, technique is important as well. 

The switch and rotating nozzle are easier to use than other models

Between the switch and the rotating nozzle, you are given the ability to dial in the control of your flossing session. It's quite easy compared to some other models and in particular cordless ones.

Easy to use, the sliding switch sits proud of the rounded handle. Its textured surface is easily detected by the fingertip. It glides smoothly and makes it effortless to switch the water flow on and off as you desire. It’s ideal when you need to reposition the tip to reach certain areas of the mouth.

The interchangeable nozzles clip into the top of this handle. They can be rotated a full 360 degrees. 

The upper part of the handle rotates. There is a ridged texture on the edge that aids with detection and grip as you move it, in either a clockwise or anticlockwise direction.

On the main unit, there is a concave button that switches between the standard  ‘Floss’ and ‘Massage’ mode, when pressed.

Selecting the massage option changes the water flow in a way that is designed to stimulate them. It is supposed to work well if you have sensitive gums and suffer from periodontal disease. I’m not in a position to say whether it makes much difference compared to the standard floss mode on a lower setting.

Dentist-approved cleaning results

Dr Gemma Wheeler has researched and compared the different flossing methods. Although interdental brushes are ‘the best’ she says ‘you need to choose a tool which you feel happy using’ and for many a water flosser is that tool. It’s less fingers and thumbs and more about getting the job done.

I’ve used all the tools and do find a certain convenience to water flossers. I’ve been impressed with the results the Aquarius has given. It’s amazing what debris lurks in the mouth — the evidence is often left in the sink. 

Waterpik does invest in a lot of clinical testing. These self-funded studies are potentially prone to bias, but the focus on constant research has to be praised. Countless studies support the plaque removal results of the Waterpik Aquarius and how it can help with things like bleeding and inflamed gums.

Waterpik products are often the subject of other clinical tests and both the Oral Health Foundation and the American Dental Association have awarded them their respective approvals. This extra independent verification is reassuring and confirms that the Aquarius performs as expected.

More nozzles than you need

7 different nozzle types are supplied with the Aquarius Professional. You get:

• 3 x JT-100E – Classic Jet tip 
• 1 x OD-100E – Orthodontic tip
• 1 x PS-100E – Plaque Seeker tip
• 1 x PP-100E – Pik Pocket tip
• 1 x TB-100E – Toothbrush tip

There is only one other style of nozzle the company offers, the TC-100E Tongue Cleaner, which is not included.

It’s the classic jet tip that is best suited to the vast majority of users.

Compared to rivals Waterpik does offer the broadest range of nozzles to suit different needs.

The orthodontic tip has bristles that help clean around fixed braces, brackets and wires.

The pik pocket tip has a soft silicone end which ensures it isn’t rough as it makes contact with the looser gum tissue of users with periodontal pockets.

Those with implants, crowns, retainers and bridges will likely see the best results from the plaque seeker tip.

All of these effortlessly clip in and out of the top of the flosser handle. You’ll get a satisfying click when they are locked into place.

I like that it’s easy for anyone to get up and running immediately because all the tip styles are provided. Yet for the average user, there are going to be lots of tips that will get wasted as they have no use for them. I can’t help thinking it’s a bit wasteful.

Under the lid, to the left hand side, there are 2 holes into which your most used tips can be stored. This is useful if you share a flosser with a family member, for example. 

Expensive, but worth it

$110, or thereabouts should be the price you pay for the Waterpik Aquarius, despite the retail price of $120

Unfortunately, there aren't big discounts like there often are on electric toothbrushes.

Over 3 years, the flosser will cost around $128, when factoring in replacement nozzles at about $6 each.

It is much more expensive than string floss or interdental brushes, which can arguably do just as good a job. But, the premium is often worth paying for the convenience a water flosser brings.

As competition goes, there isn’t loads, Waterpik dominates. Philips is the best alternative brand. Their Power Flosser 3000 is comparable. 

Most alternative options are about two thirds to half the price of the Aquarius. In fairness, they are comparably featured and often perform well. But they don’t come with the same support and reputation. Replacement nozzles can be harder to source too.

Above average, 3 year warranty included

A 3 year warranty is provided with the Aquarius. It is well above average for a product of this type. Many brands offer 1 or 2 years.

Specializing in water flossers, the company's design and production is pretty spot on, but it’s not possible to guarantee reliability.

My own hands-on hasn’t revealed any reasons to be concerned. Parts appear well constructed etc. We’ve also had few complaints from existing users which is reassuring.

Environmental impact

There's a severe lack of data on the environmental impact of water flossers, but they are likely comparable to electric toothbrushes, which don’t fare at all well according to the research.

But, this doesn’t mean that you shouldn’t use one. They can assist with keeping your mouth healthy, reducing the need for dental treatment and the planetary impacts that come from procedures such as fillings.

As a market leading brand, Waterpik is failing to innovate and lead the charge on doing better for the planet. They have no recycling scheme in place, their warranty period is average and the Aquarius comes with more nozzles than any one user is going to need. Improvements need to be made.

Conclusion: no reason to consider other countertop flossers

String floss is a considerably more affordable method for cleaning in between your teeth. But, if you’re shopping for a water flosser, it’s possible you’ve struggled to turn it into a regular habit. 

If that’s the case, then the Aquarius is a more convenient tool worth considering. 

It doesn’t have the portability of a cordless flosser, but it offers more customization and you get great plaque removal results.

It is the best countertop water flosser available today.

Our verdict

The original Sonic-Fusion wasn’t great.  The battery life of the toothbrush was poor, the noise it made was irritating and it was a bit expensive.

I can thankfully say that the noise has been addressed. The battery life is a bit better, but not as good as is claimed.

Like the original, although I like the concept, I do think you are better off buying a separate electric toothbrush and water flosser.

You can get similar if not more benefits for less money.

Consider these other water flossers

There is no direct alternative to the Sonic-Fusion 2.0 flossing toothbrush, it really is one of a kind.

One of the closest alternatives is the Waterpik Complete Care 9.0 which is a separate brush and water flosser that share the same base unit. 

My preference is for a completely separate electric toothbrush and water flosser.

Waterpik doesn't offer toothbrushes, without a water flosser, but they do make the best water flossers on the market.  The Aquarius (WP-660) from Waterpik is my top choice.

I would then pair this with the Oral-B Smart 2000 toothbrush.

2 separate devices will take up more countertop space, but will give you more benefits and will work out cheaper too.

	Our Choice Oral-B Smart 2000	Our Choice Waterpik Aquarius	Our Choice Waterpik Sonic-Fusion 2.0 Professional
Electric Teeth Rating
Amazon	$89.97	$115.62	-
eBay	-	View price	View price

An all-round performer: our most recommended cordless water flosser

The Cordless Advanced isn’t the cheapest, but it’s comfortable to hold and easy to use. 

It comes with a stylish design, quick charging and has dentist-recommended features.

We rate it as the best cordless water flosser.

Just enough time to floss without a refill

45(ish) seconds is about the time it takes a proficient user to clean in between the teeth and along the gumline effectively.

The 7 ounce (207ml) tank should enable the majority of users to floss without having to refill. When the power is set to high you get 45 seconds of usage time. This increases to 65 on the low setting. If you do need to refill mid-floss, it isn’t that difficult. There’s an easy-to-use, hinged door on the back for quick refilling. Failing that, you can detach the tank completely. This makes it easier to clean, too.

Unlike an electric toothbrush, there is no timer or pacer built in to help you ensure an even clean across your mouth. Like toothbrushing, though, there is a correct technique, notably holding the flosser at 90 degrees to the gumline. It takes practice, but the best results will be achieved if you take the time to learn.

I’ve been very impressed with Advanced and how well it has removed debris and plaque from between the teeth. On many occasions, I can feel the difference and the evidence in the sink confirms it’s doing a good job.

Whether you have all your own teeth or you have crowns, veneers, bridges or implants, you can use a water flosser. If you’ve had any dental work, you might be better served by specific tips to get the best results. The Pik-Poket tip is designed specifically for those with periodontal pockets for example.

The Advanced has been awarded the American Dental Association's Seal of 

Acceptance and approved by the Oral Health Foundation. This means it has undergone independent clinical testing and achieves the claims Waterpik makes. The company undertakes lots of clinical testing to verify the performance and suitability of its products.

Producing 70 decibels of sound when in use, the Advanced is far from silent, so this is something to bear in mind when considering this product. Most flossers operate in a similar audible range.

Grippy and stylish

If you’ve not used a cordless water flosser before, you might be a bit surprised by the size. They are bigger than some anticipate. Smaller hands can struggle to hold and handle them comfortably. This is less of an issue with the Advanced.

The shape and expanse of the textured surface on the rear make for the best grip and in-hand comfort I have experienced.

When in use with a full tank the device feels nicely balanced and I never feel that I am struggling to hold and move it.

The thumb falls naturally to the mode and power buttons. Their silicone surface is easy to pick out with a fingertip. They don’t require much pressure to activate and give a satisfactory amount of feedback.

It is all made from plastic, even the chrome-looking parts. But the curved shape and choice of colours, (white, black blue and gray) help make it stand out from what are mainly all white coloured alternatives.

The Advanced is water-resistant. It will get wet as water dribbles out your mouth as you floss, but it can be rinsed under a tap and it’s safe to use in the shower if you so choose.

It’s the easiest rotating nozzle I’ve ever used

The Cordless Advanced has the easiest nozzle rotation setup of any cordless water flosser.

You can move it a little or a lot extremely easily. You can do this whilst you floss, using a single finger from the same hand that holds the flosser.

The large fin and clicking design of the rotating mechanism is effortless to use.

Many other brands who claim easy-to-use nozzle rotation could learn a thing or two from Waterpik. Too many don’t rotate as easily.

Choose the water pressure that is right for you

Pick between high, medium and low water pressure settings to get a flossing experience you enjoy.

Low is ideal for new users or if you have gum recession, sensitivity or bleeding gums. It operates at 45 PSI.

High is the most intense and better suited to more experienced users who have no active gum disease or sensitivity. This operates at 75 PSI.

The Cordless Advanced allows you to switch between modes at any time with a press of the mode button. LEDs on the unit confirm which mode is selected. It will remember and default to that mode until you change it.

More power doesn’t necessarily result in a better clean. Don’t think you need to progress quickly to high mode. You are better off perfecting your technique and using a low mode than using a power level you find too harsh.

Expensive, but justifiably so

$120 is the average price of the Advanced, about $10 less than its retail price.

It is most certainly more expensive than lesser known brands and one of the most expensive from Waterpik.

Factoring in replacement nozzles, over the space of 3 years you are looking at a cost of $144.

I believe it is justifiable for what’s on offer here.

The Sonicare cordless 3000 costs about the same as the Advanced. It is similarly featured and the closest competitor.

Waterpik’s Cordless Select is around $20 less. Cleaning results are comparable, but it is less comfortable in hand and doesn’t come with a travel case.

If considering the switch from string floss, then water flossers are far more expensive. But, for many, they are a worthwhile investment as they help you form a more consistent habit than with the very technique sensitive floss.

Recharge the battery with the bulky, but easy-to-use magnetic charger 

Sealed inside the handle is a rechargeable (Li-Ion) battery.

4 weeks is the claimed usage time. In my testing, using the high mode once a day, I achieved around 6 weeks. This puts the Advanced perfectly on par with the industry average.

An LED on the unit gives feedback when the battery is low, with about 30% power remaining.

Recharged in around 8 hours, the magnetic charger is convenient and effortless to attach. It just snaps into place on the front of the flosser. But, it is bulkier than a lot of other chargers for similar products.

The USB type A cable at the other end of the cable allows the Advanced to be charged from other USB power sources such as a computer or battery bank. No 2 pin to USB adapter is provided. You will need to source your own if you want to connect to a power outlet.

USB power cables are becoming more commonplace, with the type-c connector on the Sonicare Cordless Power Flosser 3000 being one of the best options today. This does mean having to deal with sometimes fiddly port covers, though.

Please note: In 2023 Waterpik launched the Cordless Advanced 2.0 to replace the original Advanced. The small differences are listed here and relate to the battery and charging.

The travel case is the most useful of all the accessories

A lot of extras are included in the box, some more useful than others.

It depends on your specific needs, but the Advanced comes with 4 tips (nozzles) in the box. They are:

• 2 x JT-450E – Waterpik Classic High Pressure Jet Tips
• 1 x OD-100E – Waterpik Orthodontic Tip
• 1 x PS-100E – Waterpik Plaque Seeker Tip

It’s the jet tips that suit most users, with the other 2 designed for more specific user needs. Waterpik has even more tip styles available for those who need them. All of them can be used with the Advanced.

It’s nice to have the options out of the box, but they are a bit wasteful if you don’t need them.

It’s recommended to replace jet tips every 6 months, whereas those with bristles like the orthodontic tip should be replaced every 3.

Also included is a plastic travel case to hold the aforementioned tips. Not essential, but certainly nice to have.

The most useful extra is the soft, drawstring pouch case. Basic but functional, it allows you to keep items together and gives a bit of protection when on the go. 

Another useful extra is the ‘plug’. This plastic piece fits into the top of the flosser when you take it with you and helps prevent water from leaking out of the opening.

Corless units are more travel-friendly than the countertop alternatives. It’s personal preference, but because of the size you’re probably not going to want to carry the Advanced with you when traveling light for a 1 or 2 night stay, for example. Regular travelers are better off considering the more compact collapsible designs featured in our best water flossers article.

An industry average 2 year warranty is included

The Waterpik Cordless Advanced comes with a 2 year warranty. This is the average, but it’s a shame Waterpik hasn’t opted for 3 years, like it does with some of its products. 

I’ve found the Advanced to be durable and well made overall. I have no reason to be overly concerned.

Feedback from users would suggest long term battery reliability is an issue. I’ve no figures to confirm either way. I don’t advise against the Advanced knowing this. 

Environmental impact

As it stands, there haven’t been any studies to specifically measure the environmental impact of water flossers. 

However, a 2020 study found that an electric toothbrush has around 11 times the environmental impact of a manual toothbrush. The equivalent is likely to be true of a water flosser compared to string floss or interdental brushes. 

If you can use string floss or interdental brushes, it will be better for the planet than opting for the Cordless Advanced. It is interdental brushes that are the most effective of all flossing tools. 

With regards to the Cordless Advanced specifically, the bulky magnetic charger is proprietary to the Advanced and can’t be repurposed like a USB type-c cable could. The inclusion of additional tips feels a bit wasteful as many will go unused. 

Petroleum-based plastics are used, rather than plant-based, thus using more of the planet's finite resources. 

Unfortunately, Waterpik doesn’t currently offer any recycling programme for their flossers or consumables.

Conclusion: a must-buy cordless flosser

The good sized tank and variable pressure settings give you time and greater control as you floss.

It is a bit expensive and the magnetic charger is a bit bulky, albeit convenient.

The design, ease of use and performance make it the best cordless flosser available.

One of the best cordless flossers that performs as well as you would expect of a Sonicare product

It lacks some textured grip on the handle and the nozzle isn’t the easiest to rotate, but this is more than made up for by the excellent cleaning performance and other features it offers.

The built-in pacer and large 8.4oz (250ml) water tank are useful, but the costly replacement nozzles are inexcusable. 

Overall the Cordless Power Flosser 3000 is an excellent water flosser and takes the challenge to market leader Waterpik.

The Cordless Advanced is easier to hold and has a rotating nozzle

The textured grip on the handle of the Waterpik Cordless Advanced and the ease with which the nozzle can be rotated make daily use a little bit better. I’ve got a little extra confidence as I floss. It’s subsequently our top-rated cordless water flosser.

There’s not a lot in it though. It’s not a case of you must buy it over the Cordless 3000. They are both very comparable. The 3000 has a better charger than the Advanced for example. It’s a touch cheaper too. 

Waterpik Cordless Advanced 2.0

$116.63 Amazon eBay - check price

It’s bulky and not the most grippy, but it’s lighter than the competition

If you haven’t handled a water flosser before, you might be somewhat surprised by the size.

Despite cordless models being the more travel-friendly option, they are a bit bulky, due to the very nature of what they are. If you want to travel light, you probably won’t be including the Power Flosser 3000 in your bag.

An all-plastic construction, the 3000 is wider at the base, thinning towards the top of the unit. This makes it easier to hold, albeit there is a lack of textured surfaces to assist in getting a secure grip. Thankfully you don’t feel like you have a cramped hold of the device like you do on the Waterpik Cordless Select, for example.

Comparably sized to other cordless models, it is noticeably lighter than the likes of the Waterpik Advanced, by some 2.4oz (70 grams).

The power button has a less pronounced concave design compared to the intensity and mode buttons. All of them can be fairly easily detected by the fingertip and all give some feedback when pressed, if not that satisfying.

Aesthetically there is a lot of similarity with Sonicare toothbrushes, which I like. The 3000 has a clean and minimal look. It’s available in black, white or mint and has a matte finish — there are no gloss plastics like with other models. 

The Cordless Power Flosser 3000 does produce up to 77 decibels of sound when in use.

Longer flossing times with the 8.4oz water reservoir

8.4oz/250ml is the capacity of the reservoir on this flosser. This is a little higher than average, which allows for longer flossing times of 60+ seconds, compared to the 30-45 of most.

It also means less need to refill the tank, which saves some inconvenience.

The exact running time depends on the cleaning mode and intensity selected. 

• Clean mode
  • High intensity – 1 minute
  • Low intensity – 1 minute and 15 seconds 
• Deep clean mode
  • High intensity – 1 minute and 5 seconds
  • Low intensity – 1 minute and 25 seconds

There are 2 ways to fill the tank. You can either twist and remove it from the handle or open the hinged door on the tank. I think the hinged door is slightly more convenient for everyday use.

The ability to remove the tank entirely makes it easy to clean and dry thoroughly.

3 intensities and 2 modes – useful, but not a game changer

3 intensities of water flow would have been more than sufficient, but you have the choice of 2 cleaning modes too.

The cleaning modes work slightly differently.

• Clean – This offers a constant water pressure for a great clean. 
• Deep clean – The flow of water increases and decreases in intensity. Pulse Wave technology provides a brief pause in the jet of water to allow you to move the nozzle from one space to the next between teeth.

I can’t say I prefer one over the other, they are just different.

The Pulse Wave cleaning action makes it a touch easier to move the nozzle from one interdental space to another, but it isn’t as pronounced as you might expect. There is still a consistent stream of water being pushed through the whole time.

The mode can be changed at any time, using the dedicated mode button. There are LEDs on the handle to show which is selected.

The intensity of the water flow in each mode can be adjusted at any point. There are LEDs on the handle for this too.

• 1 LED – Low intensity 
• 2 LEDs – Medium intensity
• 3 LEDs – High intensity

Philips doesn’t publish the PSI for each like competitors might. They are certainly similar to other flossers with multiple intensities. I wouldn’t say that the low is much softer or the high much more intense to make this a must-pick over the competition.

I recommend new water flosser users use the more gentle low mode and increase the intensity over a few weeks.

Power isn’t the key to good results, technique is more important.

The Quad Stream tip is the most impressive of the 3 nozzle designs

Philips has designed 3 different nozzles or flosser tips for its range of water flossers.

Your options are:

• F1 standard
  • A standard nozzle with a single stream of water for removing debris and plaque.
• F2 comfort
  • A soft rubber nozzle for comfort and ease of positioning for those with sensitive gums.
• F3 quad stream
  • A soft rubber nozzle that directs water into a cross shaped (x) stream that gently removes plaque for an effortlessly thorough clean.

All of these nozzles are interchangeable.

The F1 standard is the style most companies offer with their water flossers. It’s the F3 tip that makes this unique.

The rubber tip of the nozzle causes the water to create an X shape as it comes out of the tip, essentially giving 4 jets with a much wider and larger coverage area.

To me, the X pattern felt a little less intense at times. Other times, it felt more intense depending on where the X hit my gums. 

The increased coverage gives a different feel as you clean.

Sonicare’s range of tips is smaller than market leader Waterpik. If you have fixed braces, implants, or bridges, Sonicare doesn’t offer a nozzle with bristles that give the additional mechanical cleaning action, like select Waterpik tips do. It isn’t a deal breaker, the water jet still achieves good results. Fewer choices help reduce confusion and decision fatigue.

The cleaning results are great & clinically proven

My hands-on testing is by no means scientific, but I can’t find a reason to complain about the results I have achieved. I am very pleased. I could feel the difference in my teeth after use and I was amazed at how much debris was left in the sink.

I can’t say it is better or worse than the competition. It’s certainly less hassle than using string floss.

The X shaped water stream that is generated from the F3 quad stream nozzle is very different from the normal jet tip. Yet, for me, the post-use clean feels comparable with either the F1 or F3 nozzles. 

Perhaps long term there will be a greater benefit to be gained from the X shaped stream, as some clinical testing by Philips has highlighted. 

Philips has conducted various tests with its flosser range, and the cordless 3000 has been proven to remove 99.9% of plaque.

Hopefully, in time we see more independent tests and comparisons to similar products.

The pacer helps you to floss for the right amount of time

An experienced user can thoroughly floss their teeth in around 45 seconds. 

Speed isn’t the aim of the game, though — consistency and technique are more important. Taking a bit longer can deliver better results.

The 3000 encourages you to achieve this thanks to its pacer. At 15 second intervals, there is an alert for you to move between the inner and outer surfaces in the upper and lower arches. The idea being you spend 30 seconds per arch.

It continues for up to 120 seconds/2 minutes, at which point it will turn itself off. The reservoir will have long been drained by this point. Not a fan of pacing? It can be disabled.

When using the deep clean mode, you get an added benefit: ‘Pulse Wave technology’. The pressure of the water alternates with a slight pause. The pause is the moment you move from one interdental space to the next. It does exist, but in my opinion, it doesn’t provide quite the seamless water free transition between teeth that you might expect.

Rotating the nozzle is harder than it should be

Being able to rotate jet tips allows for more accurate control of the water flow and is particularly helpful, in my opinion, when trying to clean the inside surfaces of the teeth.

All of the interchangeable nozzles can be rotated, but doing so when in use is particularly difficult. The mechanism is stiff and far from smooth. Even with the flosser turned off and out of the mouth, it isn’t effortless. Waterpik’s models are far better engineered. 

Anyone with dexterity issues best avoid the Cordless 3000.

The travel pouch is a useful accessory

Simple but effective, the black drawstring pouch supplied with the Power Flosser 3000 is a handy accessory to protect the device and stop water from escaping when you are on the go. It is made from a wipe-clean plastic material.

Unlike most flossers, the Cordless 3000 allows a single nozzle to be stored inside the reservoir, by clipping into the base of the unit. Quite innovative.

The battery life is 4x better than advertised

54 days of use is what I managed to achieve in my testing of the Cordless 3000. This is very impressive and above the average usage time for a rechargeable cordless flosser. And I was using the most powerful mode.

It is far better than the 14 days claimed on the box and the 25 days stated in the manual.

An LED on the handle gives feedback on the charge level when connected to the charger or not. Unlike many that only alert you when the power is low, it uses different light patterns for different charge levels.

• Full battery – Solid green LED
• Medium battery – Flashing green LED
• Low battery – Flashing amber LED
• Empty – Flashing amber for 5 seconds and the power flosser turns off automatically
• Charging battery – Flashing green LED

USB Type C charging

Recharging of the Lithium-Ion (Li-Ion) battery, sealed inside the handle is achieved via the provided USB Type A to USB Type C cable.

A Type C charging port on the back of the flosser is accessible by removing the rubber cover that fits into it to protect against water ingress.

Whilst I would prefer not to have to deal with fiddly little port covers, this is one of the better configurations. The cover is physically attached and there is enough play that it does not get put under too much strain. 

A USB to 2 pin power adapter supporting 100-240v is supplied, so that you can connect it to a power outlet. 

It’s somewhat surprising this is included given the 1100, 2100 and 3100 Series toothbrushes don’t come with one based on reducing environmental impact. What’s different here?

If you’d rather, it can be charged from other USB power sources such as a computer or battery bank.

A full charge can take up to 8 hours.

Competitively priced to comparable flossers

The Cordless 3000 has a recommended retail price of $99.99 but sells on average for around $80.

It’s about $40 cheaper than the similarly featured Cordless Advanced from Waterpik.

However, ownership costs over 3 years are very comparable. The Cordless 3000 costs around $125 compared to the $144 of the Advanced.

Sonicare nozzles cost about $9 a time vs. the $6 Waterpik tips.

My slight preference is the Waterpik, but there is little between the two.

No user-serviceable parts and an industry average 2 year warranty

2 years is the warranty period of the Cordless Power Flosser 3000, which is on par with other brands.

Sonicare hasn’t gone above and beyond here, and neither has it made repairability easier. There are no user-serviceable parts to this device. In other words, you can’t fix it yourself. 

It feels solid and durable, and upon inspection, everything appears to be designed with longevity in mind. There’s a strong seal on the reservoir door and a nice flexibility to the USB port cover. I’ve no reason to be concerned about long term durability.

Environmental impact

As it stands, there haven’t been any studies to specifically measure the environmental impact of water flossers. 

However, a 2020 study found that an electric toothbrush has around 11 times the environmental impact of a manual toothbrush. The equivalent is likely to be true of a water flosser compared to 

string floss or interdental brushes. 

If you can use string floss or interdental brushes, it will be better for the planet than opting for the Cordless 3000. It is interdental brushes that are the most effective of all flossing tools. 

With regards to the Cordless 3000 specifically, it isn’t packed with lots of unnecessary extras. The USB charging cable can be repurposed.

Petroleum-based plastics are used, rather than plant-based, thus using more of the planet’s finite resources. 

Unfortunately, Philips doesn’t currently offer any recycling program for their flossers or consumables.

Conclusion: premium performance from a premium brand

This is an excellent cordless water flosser. You wouldn’t know it’s Sonicare’s first attempt at making one.

I don’t think it is as comfortable in the hand, or as easy to use, as the Waterpik Cordless Advanced. Rotating the nozzle in use is much more difficult.

But, it is a very good alternative. The pacer, larger water reservoir and USB type c charging are arguably better.

If you are looking for a cordless water flosser, you could do a whole lot worse.