Waterpik Ultra Plus Vs. Aquarius: A Head-to-Head Battle For Your Oral Health

I’ve been on a quest for the perfect water flosser to keep my teeth and gums in top shape, and I know you’re probably in the same boat—trying to figure out which Waterpik model is worth your hard-earned cash.

After testing both the Waterpik Ultra Plus and Aquarius, I’m here to break down their features, weigh their pros and cons, and help you decide which one fits your needs.

This article compares these two countertop flossers, focusing on performance, design, and value, so you can make an informed choice for a cleaner, healthier smile.

A Brief Comparison Table

My Journey With Water Flossers

I’ll admit, I wasn’t always sold on water flossers. For years, I stuck to traditional string floss, wrestling with it in front of the mirror, only to end up with sore gums and a less-than-stellar clean.

Then my dentist recommended a water flosser, specifically mentioning Waterpik’s reputation for quality. Intrigued, I decided to try the Waterpik Ultra Plus and Aquarius, two of their top countertop models.

My goal?

To find out which one delivers the “just left the dentist” feeling without breaking the bank or cluttering my bathroom counter.

Unboxing The Waterpik Ultra Plus

The Waterpik Ultra Plus, also known as the WP-100, greeted me with a sturdy, no-nonsense design.

It’s the older sibling in Waterpik’s lineup, launched back in 2006, but don’t let its age fool you—it’s still a powerhouse.

When I opened the box, I found six flossing tips: two Classic Jet tips, a Plaque Seeker tip, a Pik Pocket tip, a Toothbrush tip, and a Tongue Cleaner tip.

The variety impressed me, especially since I have a mix of dental work—crowns and a bridge—that needs extra attention.

Setting it up was straightforward. The 22-ounce reservoir, which holds enough water for 90 seconds of flossing, felt substantial.

I appreciated the covered reservoir, keeping the water clean from bathroom germs.

The Ultra Plus has 10 pressure settings, ranging from 10 to 90 PSI, which I adjusted using a dial on the base. The handle’s push-button on/off control was intuitive, letting me pause the water flow mid-session.

At 1,100 grams, it’s heavier than some competitors, but I found its solid build reassuring, like it was built to last.

Exploring The Waterpik Aquarius

Next up was the Aquarius, also known as the WP-660, the newer kid on the block with a sleeker, more modern look.

It arrived with seven flossing tips, including three Classic Jet tips, a Toothbrush tip, a Plaque Seeker tip, an Orthodontic tip, and a Pik Pocket tip.

That extra Classic Jet tip caught my eye—perfect for households with multiple users or as a spare.

Like the Ultra Plus, it has a 22-ounce reservoir for 90 seconds of flossing and 10 pressure settings, but it adds a few bells and whistles that made me sit up and take notice.

The Aquarius features a 1-minute timer with a 30-second pacer, which vibrates to remind you to switch to another part of your mouth. I found this surprisingly helpful, especially on busy mornings when I’m not paying close attention.

It also has a massage mode, which pulses water to stimulate gums, and an LED display to show which mode you’re in—Floss or Massage. The slider switch on the handle felt smoother than the Ultra Plus’s push button, and at 610 grams, the Aquarius is noticeably lighter, making it easier to move around my bathroom.

Performance Face-Off: Cleaning Power And Effectiveness

Both flossers deliver impressive cleaning power, thanks to Waterpik’s patented technology that pulses water at 1,400 times per minute. I tested them on my teeth, focusing on tight spaces and around my bridge.

The Ultra Plus blasted away food particles with ease, leaving my mouth feeling fresh. Its 10 pressure settings let me start low (around 20 PSI) for sensitive areas and crank it up to 80 PSI for a deeper clean. I noticed it was particularly effective at dislodging plaque near my crowns, which my dentist always harps on about.

The Aquarius matched the Ultra Plus in cleaning performance, but its massage mode added a new dimension. After flossing in standard mode, I switched to massage mode at a lower pressure (around 30 PSI) to soothe my gums.

I have mild gingivitis, and this feature felt like a gentle massage, promoting blood flow without irritation. Studies show water flossers like these are up to 51% more effective than string floss for reducing gingivitis, and I could feel the difference after a week of use.

The Aquarius’s timer also ensured I didn’t skimp on any quadrant of my mouth, which I sometimes did with the Ultra Plus.

Design and Usability: A Tale of Two Flossers

Design-wise, the Aquarius has a clear edge. Its compact footprint (5.3 x 5.9 x 9.3 inches) and modern aesthetic made my bathroom look less cluttered. The LED display and slider switch gave it a high-tech feel, and the 360-degree rotating tip was a game-changer for reaching back molars.

However, the tip storage compartment only holds two tips, which was a bit of a letdown when I had seven to organize.

The Ultra Plus, while bulkier (6 x 5.5 x 8.5 inches), has a practical advantage: it stores four tips in a compartment on top of the reservoir, making them easy to access. Its blue reservoir lets you see water levels clearly, unlike the Aquarius’s clear reservoir, where measurements are obscured when attached.

But the Ultra Plus’s push-button control felt less responsive at times, and I heard reports of it malfunctioning, though mine worked fine during testing.

Both models have a 53- to 54-inch cord, giving you flexibility to position them on your counter. They’re also limited to North American 110V outlets, so international travelers, take note.

Noise-wise, both are on par with an electric razor— audible but not disruptive. I found the Aquarius slightly quieter, but not enough to sway my decision.

Pros And Cons of Waterpik Ultra Plus And Aquarius

Let’s get to the meat of it: what’s great and what’s not about each flosser.

Waterpik Ultra Plus Pros

• Affordable at $59.99, saving you $20 compared to the Aquarius.
• Sturdy build (1,100 grams) feels durable and reliable.
• Stores four tips in an accessible compartment, keeping things tidy.
• Six versatile tips cater to various dental needs, like braces and periodontal pockets.
• Easy-to-read reservoir measurements for hassle-free refilling.
• Effective cleaning with 10 pressure settings for personalized comfort.

Waterpik Ultra Plus Cons

• Bulkier design takes up more counter space.
• Lacks massage mode, missing out on gum stimulation.
• No timer or pacer, so you’re on your own for timing your flossing.
• Push-button on/off control can feel less intuitive and may wear out.
• Only two Classic Jet tips, one fewer than the Aquarius.
• Older design looks less modern compared to the Aquarius.

Waterpik Aquarius Pros

• Sleek, compact design (5.3 x 5.9 x 9.3 inches) saves counter space.
• Massage mode enhances gum health, ideal for gingivitis sufferers like me.
• Timer with 30-second pacer ensures thorough, even cleaning.
• LED display makes mode selection clear and user-friendly.
• Lighter at 610 grams, easier to move or reposition.
• Seven tips, including an extra Classic Jet tip, great for shared use.

Waterpik Aquarius Cons

• Higher price tag at $79.99, which might stretch some budgets.
• Tip storage only holds two tips, less convenient than the Ultra Plus.
• Reservoir measurements hard to read when attached.
• Wand holder is narrower, making it trickier to store the hose neatly.
• Some users report the lightweight build feels less sturdy.

Price and Value: Is the Extra $20 Worth It?

At $59.99, the Ultra Plus is the budget-friendly option, offering nearly all the cleaning power of the Aquarius for less. It’s a solid choice if you want a reliable flosser without extra frills.

The four-tip storage and durable build make it practical for everyday use, especially for solo users or those with straightforward dental needs.

The Aquarius, at $79.99, justifies its price with advanced features like the massage mode, timer, and LED display. These extras make it feel like a premium product, especially if you have gum issues or want a guided flossing experience.

The extra Classic Jet tip is a nice touch for families or those who go through tips quickly. For me, the massage mode and timer tipped the scales in favor of the Aquarius, but if budget is a concern, the Ultra Plus doesn’t skimp on performance.

Who Should Choose Which?

After weeks of testing, I’ve got a clear picture of who each flosser suits best.

The Ultra Plus is perfect for budget-conscious users who want a no-frills, durable flosser that gets the job done.

Its tip storage and solid build make it ideal for small households or those new to water flossing. If you don’t need a timer or massage mode, you won’t miss them.

The Aquarius, on the other hand, is for those willing to spend a bit more for a modern, feature-rich experience. Its massage mode is a godsend for anyone with gingivitis or sensitive gums, and the timer ensures you’re flossing thoroughly.

It’s also great for tech-savvy users who appreciate the LED display and sleek design. If you share your flosser with family, the extra tip is a bonus.

My Personal Experience: A Week with Each

To really put these flossers to the test, I used each for a week. With the Ultra Plus, I loved how easy it was to switch tips and store them. The push-button control took some getting used to, but once I got the hang of it, flossing was a breeze. I did miss the timer, though—without it, I sometimes rushed through my routine.

The Aquarius felt like a step up. The slider switch was smoother, and the timer kept me on track. The massage mode left my gums feeling invigorated, and the LED display made it easy to switch between modes.

However, I struggled with the limited tip storage, often leaving extra tips in a drawer, which wasn’t ideal.

Maintenance And Longevity

Both flossers are built to last, backed by a three-year warranty. Cleaning is simple: the reservoirs are dishwasher-safe, and wiping down the base keeps them looking sharp.

I noticed the Ultra Plus’s sturdier build seemed more resistant to accidental knocks, while the Aquarius’s lighter frame made it easier to move for cleaning. Regular descaling (every 1-3 months with a vinegar-water mix) is key to prevent buildup, and both models held up well during my testing.

Comparing To Other Brands

While testing, I couldn’t help but wonder how these stack up against competitors like Philips Sonicare’s Power Flosser 3000. The Sonicare is quieter and offers a cordless option, but its smaller reservoir (18.6 ounces) means more frequent refills.

Both Waterpiks outperform it in reservoir capacity and tip variety, making them better for heavy-duty flossing. However, if noise is a dealbreaker, the Sonicare might edge out slightly.

Tips for Getting the Most Out of Your Waterpik

No matter which model you choose, a few tricks can maximize your experience. Start with a low pressure setting (10-20 PSI) if you’re new to water flossing to avoid gum irritation. Lean over the sink to manage the water flow—trust me, you’ll master the art of “artful drooling” in no time.

Use lukewarm water to avoid sensitivity, and aim the tip at a 90-degree angle to your gumline for the best results. Floss daily for 1-2 minutes, and you’ll notice a difference in your oral health within weeks.

Addressing Common Concerns

Some folks worry water flossers are messy or hard to use. I’ll be honest—there’s a learning curve. My first few sessions with both models left my bathroom mirror speckled, but once I got the hang of it, the mess was minimal.

Both are easy to set up and use right out of the box, with clear instructions. If you have braces or implants, the specialized tips make these flossers a game-changer compared to string floss.

Why Waterpik Stands Out?

Waterpik’s reputation isn’t just hype. Both models carry the ADA Seal of Acceptance, meaning they’re backed by science for safety and effectiveness. They’re proven to remove up to 99.9% of plaque and are twice as effective as string floss for improving gum health.

For me, the switch from string floss to Waterpik was like upgrading from a flip phone to a smartphone—once you experience it, there’s no going back.

Making Your Decision

You’re probably wondering which flosser I’d pick if I had to choose. Honestly, it depends on your priorities. If you want a reliable, budget-friendly option with great storage, the Ultra Plus is your go-to.

If you’re after advanced features like a timer and massage mode, the Aquarius is worth the extra $20. Both will leave your mouth feeling cleaner than ever, so you can’t go wrong either way. Think about your budget, counter space, and dental needs, and you’ll find the perfect fit.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Conclusion

You’ve got two stellar options in the Waterpik Ultra Plus and Aquarius, each with its own strengths. I’ve laid out their features, tested their performance, and shared my experience to help you choose the one that’ll keep your smile sparkling.

Whether you go for the budget-friendly Ultra Plus or the feature-packed Aquarius, you’re investing in better oral health. Pick the one that fits your lifestyle, and you’ll be grinning with confidence in no time.