Waterpik Aquarius Vs. Aquarius Professional: A Comprehensive Comparison

I’ve always been a stickler for oral hygiene, but string floss and I have never been best friends. The hassle of maneuvering that thin thread between my teeth often left me skipping it altogether. So, when I discovered water flossers, it was a game-changer.

Among the top contenders, the Waterpik Aquarius and Aquarius Professional caught my attention. Both promise cleaner teeth and healthier gums, but which one’s worth your money?

In this article, I’ll break down their features, weigh their pros and cons, and help you decide which fits your dental routine best.

A Brief Comparison Table

My Journey With Water Flossers

Let me set the scene: I’m standing in my bathroom, staring at a spool of dental floss, dreading the next five minutes of my life. It’s not that I don’t care about my gums—quite the opposite—but traditional flossing feels like a chore.

Then, a friend recommended a water flosser, specifically Waterpik’s models, and I was intrigued. The idea of a powerful water jet cleaning between my teeth sounded futuristic and, frankly, way more fun than string floss.

After some research, I zeroed in on the Waterpik Aquarius and its fancier sibling, the Aquarius Professional. Both are countertop models, packed with features, and backed by the American Dental Association (ADA) seal of approval. But as I dug deeper, I realized the differences, while subtle, could make or break my decision.

Understanding The Waterpik Brand

Waterpik is practically synonymous with water flossers, much like Kleenex is to tissues. The brand’s been around since the 1960s, pioneering oral irrigators that blast away plaque and debris with pressurized water.

Their products are clinically proven to be up to 50% more effective than string floss for improving gum health and can remove up to 99.9% of plaque from treated areas. For someone like me, who’s had gingivitis scare me into better dental habits, that’s a compelling pitch.

Both the Aquarius and Aquarius Professional are flagship models, but they cater to slightly different needs. Let’s break them down.

Key Features of The Waterpik Aquarius (WP-660)

The Aquarius, often listed as the WP-660, is Waterpik’s mid-to-high-tier countertop flosser. It’s sleek, modern, and packed with features that make flossing feel less like a chore. Here’s what stood out when I used it:

• Reservoir Capacity: The 22-ounce tank holds enough water (or mouthwash) for over 90 seconds of flossing. I never had to pause mid-session to refill, which is a huge plus.
• Pressure Settings: With 10 settings ranging from 10 to 100 PSI, I could dial in the perfect intensity. Lower settings were gentle for my sensitive gums, while higher ones tackled stubborn food particles.
• Tips Included: It comes with seven tips: three classic jet tips, one orthodontic, one plaque seeker, one periodontal, and one toothbrush tip. The variety meant I could customize my routine, especially since I have a crown that needs extra care.
• Massage Mode: The hydro-pulse massage mode delivers pulsating water to stimulate gums. It felt invigorating, like a mini spa for my mouth, though I wasn’t sure how much it added to my gum health.
• Timer/Pacer: A 30-second pacer vibrates to remind you to switch mouth quadrants, ensuring an even clean. After 60 seconds, another pause signals you’ve hit the recommended flossing time.
• 360-Degree Tip Rotation: The rotating tip made it easy to reach back molars without awkward hand contortions.
• LED Display: A simple LED panel shows whether you’re in floss or massage mode, which I found intuitive.
• Design: At 4.7 x 3.8 x 10.4 inches and 610 grams, it’s compact and lightweight for a countertop model. It comes in four colors—white, black, blue, and orchid—blending nicely into my bathroom.

Using the Aquarius was a breeze. The on/off slider on the handle gave me precise control over the water flow, and the rotating tip meant I didn’t have to twist my wrist like a pretzel to hit every angle. However, the tip storage compartment only holds two tips, which was a bit annoying since I had to store the extras elsewhere.

Pros And Cons of The Waterpik Aquarius

Pros

• Affordable Price: At $79.99, it’s $20 cheaper than the Professional, making it a solid value for the features.
• Compact Design: Its smaller footprint (4.7 x 3.8 x 10.4 inches) fits better on cramped countertops.
• Lightweight: At 610 grams, it’s easier to move if needed.
• User-Friendly: The on/off slider and LED display make it intuitive, even for first-time users like me.
• Effective Cleaning: The 10 pressure settings and 360-degree tip rotation ensured a thorough clean, especially around my crown.
• Seven Tips: The variety of tips covered all my dental needs, from general flossing to targeting specific areas.

Cons

• Limited Tip Storage: Only two tips fit in the onboard storage, leaving the rest to fend for themselves in my drawer.
• No Chrome Accents: It lacks the polished look of the Professional, which might matter if aesthetics are a priority.
• Basic Color Options: Four colors are decent, but the Professional’s Designer Series feels more stylish.
• Corded Operation: It needs to be plugged in, which could be a hassle if your outlet isn’t near the sink.

Key Features of The Waterpik Aquarius Professional (WP-670)

The Aquarius Professional, or WP-670, is marketed as the “most advanced” in Waterpik’s lineup. It shares much with the Aquarius but adds a few premium touches. Here’s what I noticed:

• Reservoir Capacity: Like the Aquarius, it has a 22-ounce tank, good for 90+ seconds of flossing.
• Pressure Settings: It also offers 10 settings (10-100 PSI), giving the same flexibility for sensitive or stubborn areas.
• Tips Included: Seven tips, identical to the Aquarius: three classic jets, one orthodontic, one plaque seeker, one periodontal, and one toothbrush tip.
• Massage Mode: The hydro-pulse massage mode is included, with the same pulsating action for gum stimulation.
• Timer/Pacer: The 30/60-second timer works the same way, ensuring thorough cleaning.
• Tip Storage: Here’s a big upgrade—the Professional includes a dedicated tip storage case that holds four tips, keeping things organized and hygienic.
• Chrome Accents: The Professional has chrome accents, giving it a sleeker, more polished look. It feels like the luxury car version of the Aquarius.
• Color Options: It adds a fifth color option, often in the Designer Series (like pink or teal), which I found more visually appealing.
• Dimensions and Weight: At 5.5 x 4.5 x 11.25 inches, it’s slightly larger and heavier, but still manageable on my countertop.

The Professional felt like a step up in terms of aesthetics and organization. The tip storage case was a godsend, keeping all my tips in one place without cluttering my bathroom. However, the reservoir lid was trickier to remove than on the Aquarius, which was a minor frustration during refills.

Pros And Cons of The Waterpik Aquarius Professional

Pros

• Enhanced Storage: The four-tip storage case is a game-changer for keeping things tidy and hygienic.
• Premium Aesthetics: Chrome accents and Designer Series colors make it look high-end.
• Same Cleaning Power: It matches the Aquarius in pressure settings, tips, and massage mode, ensuring top-notch performance.
• ADA Seal: Like the Aquarius, it’s clinically proven to remove 99.9% of plaque and improve gum health.
• Versatile Tips: The seven tips cater to braces, implants, and periodontal needs, just like the Aquarius.
• Three-Year Warranty: Both models offer solid reliability, but it’s worth noting for peace of mind.

Cons

• Higher Price: At $99.99, it’s pricier without significantly better cleaning performance.
• Slightly Bulkier: The larger dimensions (5.5 x 4.5 x 11.25 inches) take up more counter space.
• Tricky Reservoir Lid: Refilling was less smooth than with the Aquarius due to the lid’s design.
• Marginal Upgrades: The extra features (storage case, chrome accents) may not justify the $20 price difference for everyone.

Head-to-Head Comparison of Waterpik Aquarius And Aquarius Professional

When I put these two side by side, the differences were subtle but noticeable. Both deliver the same core performance: 22-ounce reservoirs, 10 pressure settings, seven tips, and a 360-degree rotating tip.

They’re equally effective at blasting away plaque and debris, with the ADA seal to back it up.

The Aquarius Professional’s edge lies in its storage case and aesthetics, but the Aquarius offers nearly identical functionality for less money.

The storage case on the Professional was a standout for me. I’m not the most organized person, and having a dedicated spot for four tips kept my bathroom neater. The chrome accents and extra color option also made it feel like a premium product, which I appreciated as someone who likes their gadgets to look good.

But the Aquarius’s compact size and lighter weight were easier to manage in my small bathroom, and the $20 savings didn’t hurt either.

The massage mode, present on both, was a nice touch, but I wasn’t convinced it made a huge difference for my gums. I spoke to my dentist, who said it could stimulate blood flow for those with gingivitis, but it’s not a must-have for everyone.

The timer/pacer was more useful, ensuring I didn’t skimp on any part of my mouth. Both models have this, so no winner there.

One area where the Professional fell short was the reservoir lid. It felt clumsier to open compared to the Aquarius, which was a small but annoying hiccup during daily use. The Aquarius’s on/off slider also felt smoother than the Professional’s, though both were easy to use overall.

Also Read: Comparison of Waterpik Ion And Ion Professional.

Real-World Experience

I tested both flossers for a month each, using them daily after brushing. The Aquarius was my first foray into water flossing, and I was hooked from day one. The water jet felt powerful yet controlled, and I could feel the difference in how clean my teeth were, especially around my crown.

The Professional felt like an upgrade in terms of looks and organization, but the cleaning experience was nearly identical. I used the classic jet tip most often, switching to the plaque seeker for my crown, and both models handled these tasks flawlessly.

One thing I noticed was the noise. Both are about as loud as an electric razor—not disruptive, but not silent either. I also had to master the art of “artful drooling,” as the continuous water stream fills your mouth quickly. It took a few tries to get the hang of leaning over the sink and letting the water dribble out, but it became second nature.

The corded nature of both models was a slight drawback. My bathroom outlet is awkwardly placed, so I had to rearrange things to make it work. If you’re in a similar situation, you might prefer a cordless model like the Waterpik Ion, but that’s a topic for another day.

Which Should You Choose?

Choosing between the Aquarius and Aquarius Professional depends on your priorities. If you’re budget-conscious and don’t mind storing extra tips in a drawer, the Aquarius (WP-660) is the better pick.

It delivers the same cleaning power, timer, and massage mode for $20 less. Its compact size is also a win for small bathrooms.

If you value aesthetics and organization, the Aquarius Professional (WP-670) is worth the splurge. The tip storage case and chrome accents elevate the experience, making it feel like a premium product. The extra color options are a nice bonus if you want something that matches your bathroom vibe.

For me, the Aquarius struck the perfect balance. The $20 savings outweighed the Professional’s minor upgrades, especially since the cleaning performance was identical. But if I had a larger bathroom and cared more about looks, I might’ve leaned toward the Professional.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Wrapping Up

You’re standing at a crossroads, toothbrush in hand, wondering if the Waterpik Aquarius or Aquarius Professional deserves a spot in your dental routine. I’ve been there, and after testing both, I can say they’re both fantastic at keeping your teeth clean and gums healthy.

The Aquarius (WP-660) is your best bet if you want top-tier performance without breaking the bank. If you’re after a sleeker look and better tip storage, the Aquarius Professional (WP-670) is a worthy upgrade.

Whichever you choose, you’re investing in a brighter, healthier smile—and that’s something we can all grin about.