REASONS TO BUY
Effective
Multiple modes
Good cleaning performance
REASONS TO AVOID
Not good for sensitive gums
Somewhat messy
Waterpik Complete Care 9.0 Review
The electric toothbrush excels in cleaning but has a harsh water flosser and subpar battery life
Credit: Waterpik
RELATED: Best Electric Toothbrush of 2024
Our Verdict
The Waterpik Complete Care 9.0 is an impressive kit. While the brush itself delivers solid cleaning performance, the water flosser is a nice add-on, especially for those with braces. However, in practical use, we found the flosser to be slightly too aggressive at higher levels, while the lower levels lacked sufficient power. The overall battery life is also on the low side compared to similarly priced options. See how the Waterpik compares to the other models we tested in our best electric toothbrush review.
Compare to Similar Products
 This Product Waterpik Complete Care 9.0 | |||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Awards |  Best Electric Toothbrush for Most People |  Most Gentle, Great Battery Life and Value | Best Value Electric Toothbrush | Best Value for Included Brush Heads | |
| Price | $140 List | $100 List $79.96 at Amazon | $40 List $25.96 at Amazon | $50 List $39.96 at Amazon | $60 List $29.95 at Amazon |
Overall Score  |
|||||
| Star Rating | |||||
| Bottom Line | A reliable kit with effective cleaning capabilities, but can get very messy very fast | Nearly flawless, this model offers everything you need with minimal drawbacks | An gentle, minimalist toothbrush with a long-lasting battery that cleans well | Inexpensive yet fully capable, this electric toothbrush is a solid choice for just about everyone | Affordable, effective, and user-friendly — this device offers value with good cleaning and extra brush heads |
| Rating Categories | Waterpik Complete C... | Philips Sonicare Pr... | Philips One | Philips Sonicare 4100 | Aquasonic Black Series |
| Cleaning (40%) | |||||
| Comfort (30%) | |||||
| Ease of Use (20%) | |||||
| Battery Life (10%) | |||||
| Specs | Waterpik Complete C... | Philips Sonicare Pr... | Philips One | Philips Sonicare 4100 | Aquasonic Black Series |
| Measured Battery Life | 28.5 days | 46 days | 30 days | 49.5 days | 31 days |
| Pressure Sensor | No | Yes | No | Yes | No |
| Number of Brushing Modes | 3 modes: Clean, Whiten, Massage. Waterflosser: 10 Stage Intensity |
3 modes: Clean White Gum Care |
1 mode: Clean |
1 mode: Clean 2 sensivity levels |
4 modes: Clean, Soft, Whiten, Massage |
| Estimated Annual Brush Head Cost | $49.98 for (2) three packs | $44.96 for (1) four pack | $15.92 for (2) two packs | $44.96 for (1) four pack | $19.90 for (2) two packs |
| Charger or Battery Info | 120V a.c./60Hz, 18W | 100 - 240V a.c. 50/60Hz 0.4 - 1.4W |
USB | USB (block not included) |
100 - 240VA 50-60Hz 0.8 - 1.6W |
| American Dental Association accepted? | Yes | Not Listed | Not Listed | Not Listed | Yes |
| Waterproof / Resistant | Yes, can use in shower (toothbrush only) |
Yes, can use in shower | No, cannot be used in the shower | Yes, can use in shower | Yes, can use in shower |
| Number of Brush Head Styles Available | 1 | 8 styles, most available in 2 colors | 1 style available in multiple colors | 8 styles, most available in 2 colors | 3 |
| Number of Included Brush Heads | 2 brush heads 5 water flosser tips |
1 | 1 | 1 | 8 |
| Thirty Second Reminder | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Two Minute Alert | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Travel Case Included | Yes | Yes | Yes | No | Yes |
| Measured Handle Weight | 5.0 oz | 4.4 oz | 1.4 oz | 3.2 oz | 3.6 oz |
| App | No | No | No | No | No |
| Available Colors | 2 | 2 | 4 | 3 | 1 |
| Decibels from 6ft Away | 44 dB | 45 dB | 40 dB* | 42 dB | 53 dB |
| Decibels from 3" Away | 64 dB | 67 dB | 40 dB* | 58 dB | 68 dB |
Show full specification detailsHide full specification details
Our Analysis and Test Results
The Waterpik Complete Care 9.0 is a unique option with its powerful electric toothbrush and water flosser. It cleaned exceptionally well and tackled commonly missed areas. Unfortunately, it was not the most comfortable option — especially for those with sensitive gums. Additionally, it has one of the shortest battery lives and can only be charged with the water flosser dock, making it a bad option for long travels. This is a great product for those specifically interested in a water flosser or if you have braces.
Performance Comparison
The water flosser on the Waterpik can be aggressive on gums.
Credit: Natalie Kafader
Cleaning
Cleaning is our most important metric, which is why it is worth 40% of the overall score. We based our scores on plaque removal tests, comparing before and after pictures of each product. The combination of the water flosser and toothbrush removed almost all of the plaque for our testers, especially in commonly missed places.
The waterflosser does a great job removing plaque, though it causes some splashing.
Credit: Natalie Kafader
The water flosser is definitely the impressive part of this combination. With 10 power settings and five tips, the water flosser removed almost all of the plaque that the toothbrush missed. However, the flosser proved to be a bit messy. Especially with higher settings, the water splashed off of our teeth, requiring some post-use cleanup.
Five water flosser tips and a travel case are included in the Waterpik Complete Care Sonic 9.0 kit.
Credit: Becca Glades
Comfort
Recognizing the significance of comfort in a toothbrush, the Waterpik Complete Care 9.0 performed well in our cleaning test but fell on the less comfortable side. Judges rated it lower in comfort, factoring in both the toothbrush and water flosser. The toothbrush lacks a sensitive mode and pressure sensor, though we didn't find it overbearing. However, with just about every setting, the toothbrush caused splashing. Weighing in at 5 ounces, it also ranked among the heaviest we assessed. Comfort with the water flosser is somewhat subjective, varying based on individual tolerance levels. We found it to be too harsh on the higher settings (seven to 10) and not powerful enough on the lower end of the spectrum.
A dial on the side of the flosser adjusts the intensity of the flow.
Credit: Natalie Kafader
Ease of Use
Next, we assessed how easy this product was to use. Our evaluation criteria included ease of switching between brushing modes, cleaning convenience, the presence of a two-minute timer, and storage for additional brush heads. The Waterpik's toothbrush was pleasingly straightforward to switch between modes. There are two separate buttons for the power and mode, removing the frustration of accidentally shutting off the toothbrush while trying to change modes. A small LED light indicates the mode currently in use. Thirty-second intervals are indicated with a quick buzz, and a two-minute timer shuts off the toothbrush.
The Waterpik charges directly on the water flosser docking station.
Credit: Natalie Kafader
The water flosser was somewhat easy to use. A large button on the side of the dial powers the device while the dial changes the intensity of the water pressure. The flosser handle has an on/off switch to start the water flow. Powering the device was very easy. However, complications did arise with the ensuing mess on the bathroom mirror. This was remedied with a bit of practice.
The Waterpik has a separate case for the five water flosser tips.
Credit: Natalie Kafader
Battery Life
Our battery life test included running these brushes twice daily for a standard cleaning cycle of two minutes. We noted when the toothbrushes died and assigned a score accordingly. The Waterpik toothbrush scored about average on our battery life test, lasting 28.5 days. While the battery life isn't as impressive as some, you should be able to confidently travel on a full charge for extended periods. This brush is only chargeable on the water flosser dock, so it would be challenging to travel with the entire setup. However, the kit includes an impressive travel case for the toothbrush and flosser tips.
The Waterpik Complete Care 9.0 comes with a great travel case for the toothbrush and two brush heads.
Credit: Becca Glades
Should You Buy the Waterpik Complete Care 9.0?
The combination of the electric toothbrush and water flosser makes the Waterpik a great option for the right person. This combination is great for those specifically interested in a water flosser. However, we wouldn't recommend this kit for those with sensitive gums.
The Waterpik Complete Care 9.0 includes a unique duo of a toothbrush and water flosser.
Credit: Natalie Kafader
What Other Electric Toothbrushes Should You Consider?
For the optimal cleaning and comfort experience, we recommend the Oral-B iO Series 9. This unit left our teeth looking and feeling clean. It also switches between seven different modes indicated by an icon on a digital screen, and a smart app to top it all off. If you're looking for a more budget conscious electric toothbrush that still has optimal cleaning abilities that won't comprise too much comfort, we recommend the
Philips Sonicare 4100.
—
Becca Glades and Ryan White
You Might Also Like
