Waterpik Electric Toothbrush Review: Combo Units and Sonic Brushes
Waterpik's Electric Toothbrush Lineup
Waterpik's approach to electric toothbrushes is unique in the industry. Rather than competing directly with Oral-B and Sonicare on standalone brushes, Waterpik leverages their water flosser expertise to create integrated systems that combine brushing and flossing. This strategy makes sense given that Waterpik is the undisputed leader in water flossing technology.
Waterpik Sonic-Fusion 2.0
Brush + Floss in One Handle
| Technology | Sonic + Water Flossing |
|---|---|
| Modes | Brush Only, Floss Only, Both |
| Water Pressure | 10 settings (1-100 PSI) |
| Reservoir | 15 oz (90 seconds of flossing) |
| Timer | 2-minute brushing timer |
| Included Tips | 2 brush heads + 2 floss tips |
| Price | $100-$150 |
Pros
- Brush and floss simultaneously, saving time
- ADA Accepted for both brushing and flossing
- 10 water pressure settings for comfort customization
- One device replaces two separate products
- Proven Waterpik flossing technology
Cons
- Bulkier than standalone toothbrushes
- Toothbrush motor weaker than dedicated Oral-B or Sonicare
- Counter space required for base station
- Not portable for travel
- Higher upfront cost than buying components separately
Waterpik Complete Care 9.0
Separate Brush + Water Flosser System
| Toothbrush | Sonic vibration, 3 modes |
|---|---|
| Water Flosser | Full-size countertop, 10 pressure settings |
| Reservoir | 22 oz |
| Included | 5 water flossing tips + 2 brush heads |
| Price | $100-$130 |
Pros
- Separate units means better performance from each
- Larger water reservoir for thorough flossing
- 5 specialized water flosser tips included
- Shared base saves counter space vs. two separate products
Cons
- Toothbrush performance is mid-range
- Large footprint on the bathroom counter
- Two devices to maintain and clean
The Sonic-Fusion: Brushing and Flossing Simultaneously
The Sonic-Fusion is Waterpik's most innovative product. It combines a sonic toothbrush with a water flosser in a single handle connected to a countertop base unit. Water flows through the brush handle and out through the brush head, allowing you to brush and floss at the same time. You can also use each function independently: brush only, floss only, or both together.
In practice, the simultaneous brushing and flossing experience takes some getting used to. The water flow during brushing can feel unusual at first, and there's more mess than either activity alone. Most users find that after a week of adjustment, the combined routine becomes natural and genuinely faster than brushing and flossing separately. A complete brush-and-floss session takes about 2-3 minutes versus 4-5 minutes doing them separately.
Toothbrush Quality Assessment
The honest assessment of Waterpik's toothbrush components is that they're adequate but not exceptional. Both the Sonic-Fusion brush and the Complete Care sonic brush deliver mid-range sonic cleaning that's better than manual brushing but noticeably less powerful than a Sonicare ProtectiveClean or Oral-B Pro 1000. The brush heads are functional but lack the refined bristle engineering of dedicated toothbrush brands.
This is an understandable trade-off. Waterpik's core competency is water flossing, and the toothbrush components serve as convenient additions to the system rather than standalone premium products. If your primary motivation is the water flosser and you want a decent sonic brush to go with it, Waterpik's combo systems deliver good value.
Combo vs. Separate Products
| Approach | Waterpik Combo | Separate Products |
|---|---|---|
| Cost | $100-150 | $50 brush + $60 flosser = $110 |
| Counter Space | One unit | Two separate units |
| Toothbrush Quality | Mid-range | Can choose premium |
| Water Flosser Quality | Excellent | Excellent (same tech) |
| Flexibility | Locked into ecosystem | Mix and match brands |
| Travel | Not portable | Can take brush only |
For most people, we recommend buying the best toothbrush you can afford from Oral-B or Sonicare and pairing it with a standalone Waterpik water flosser. This approach gives you premium-quality brushing plus Waterpik's excellent flossing technology. The combo units are best for people who prioritize counter space efficiency and routine simplicity over maximizing the quality of each individual component.
Who Should Buy Waterpik Electric Toothbrushes
Waterpik's electric toothbrush products make the most sense for people who are committed to water flossing and want a streamlined system. If you already own and love a Waterpik water flosser, upgrading to a Complete Care or Sonic-Fusion combo can simplify your routine. People with braces, bridges, or implants who need both thorough brushing and targeted water flossing will also benefit from the integrated approach.
Our Verdict
Waterpik's strength is water flossing, not toothbrush manufacturing. Their combo systems offer genuine convenience for people who want both functions, but the toothbrush performance is mid-range at best. For optimal dental care, pair a premium standalone electric toothbrush with a separate Waterpik flosser. However, the Complete Care 9.0 at 4.0/5 is a solid all-in-one choice for those who value simplicity.
Frequently Asked Questions
Yes, Waterpik makes the Sonic-Fusion, which combines an electric toothbrush and water flosser in one device, plus the Complete Care systems that pair a standalone electric toothbrush with a countertop water flosser.
The Sonic-Fusion is worth it if you want to simplify your routine by brushing and flossing simultaneously. However, the toothbrush component is less powerful than dedicated Oral-B or Sonicare models.
The ADA has accepted Waterpik water flossers as an effective alternative to traditional string floss for reducing plaque and gingivitis. For most people, a Waterpik is an excellent flossing replacement.
The Waterpik Complete Care 9.0 is the best combo unit, pairing a sonic toothbrush with their top-rated countertop water flosser. It costs around $100-130 and provides both brushing and flossing in one system.