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Waterpik Complete Care 9.0 Review

The electric toothbrush excels in cleaning but has a harsh water flosser and subpar battery life
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Waterpik Complete Care 9.0 Review
Credit: Waterpik
Price:  $140 List
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Manufacturer:   Waterpik
By Becca Glades and Ryan White  ⋅  Dec 16, 2023
67
OVERALL
SCORE


RANKED
#8 of 19
  • Cleaning - 40% 8.4
  • Comfort - 30% 5.2
  • Ease of Use - 20% 7.2
  • Battery Life - 10% 3.5

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.
REASONS TO BUY
Effective
Multiple modes
Good cleaning performance
REASONS TO AVOID
Not good for sensitive gums
Somewhat messy

Compare to Similar Products

 
Awards  Editors' Choice Award
Best Electric Toothbrush for Most People
Best Buy Award
Most Gentle, Great Battery Life and Value
Best Buy Award
Best Value Electric Toothbrush
Best Buy Award
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
$39.95 at Amazon
Overall Score Sort Icon
67
81
77
77
66
Star Rating
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Bottom Line A reliable kit with effective cleaning capabilities, but can get very messy very fastNearly flawless, this model offers everything you need with minimal drawbacksAn gentle, minimalist toothbrush with a long-lasting battery that cleans wellInexpensive yet fully capable, this electric toothbrush is a solid choice for just about everyoneAffordable, 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%)
8.4
9.0
6.9
7.9
6.8
Comfort (30%)
5.2
7.8
8.1
8.3
6.4
Ease of Use (20%)
7.2
8.0
8.0
7.8
8.0
Battery Life (10%)
3.5
5.5
9.0
5.0
4.0
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

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.

waterpik complete care 9.0 - the waterflosser does a great job removing plaque, though it causes...
The waterflosser does a great job removing plaque, though it causes some splashing.
Credit: Natalie Kafader

We used a crushed-up pink tablet to exhibit built-up plaque.
We used a crushed-up pink tablet to exhibit built-up plaque.
This is how our testers teeth looked after brushing and flossing...
This is how our testers teeth looked after brushing and flossing with the Waterpik Complete Care 9.0.

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.

waterpik complete care 9.0 - five water flosser tips and a travel case are included in the...
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.

waterpik complete care 9.0 - a dial on the side of the flosser adjusts the intensity of the flow.
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.

waterpik complete care 9.0 - the waterpik charges directly on the water flosser docking station.
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.

waterpik complete care 9.0 - the waterpik has a separate case for the five water flosser tips.
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.

waterpik complete care 9.0 - the waterpik complete care 9.0 comes with a great travel case for...
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.

waterpik complete care 9.0 - the waterpik complete care 9.0 includes a unique duo of a toothbrush...
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