At-home laser & IPL hair-removal devices compared
Science Over Fluff compares 13 at-home hair-removal devices by wavelength, fluence, skin-tone and hair-colour compatibility, treatment window and price, with pros, cons and real user feedback for each.
Braun Silk Expert Pro 5
IPL · Wavelength 510–2000 nm · Once per week · Window 1.5cm² / 3cm² / 4cm² · 400,000 flashes
Users report the Braun Silk-Expert Pro 5 delivers significant hair reduction on legs and armpits with regular use, though burns are a commonly reported risk for those with darker skin tones. Pubic areas tend to be slower and may never reach full baldness, but most users still consider Braun a reliable home IPL option.
Pros: Low frequency of use — once per week; Specialized treatment heads for different treatment areas.
Cons: Wavelength range carries higher burn risk for dark skin.
Where to buy the Braun Silk Expert Pro 5
DermRays V6S
Laser/LED · Wavelength 1064 nm · 3× per week · Window 10 × 30 mm · 30,000,000 flashes
Users report the V6S is easy to use but has lower fluence than many competing devices, making it less effective for full hair removal. Most users say it only thins hair and slows growth rather than eliminating it, even after months of use. Some users saw little to no improvement.
Pros: 1064 nm wavelength — optimal for very dark skin up to Fitzpatrick VI; Affordable diode option for darker skin tones; Large treatment window.
Cons: High frequency of use; Very low fluence for a laser-based device.
Where to buy the DermRays V6S
DermRays V8S
Laser/LED · Wavelength 810 nm · 3× per week · Window 10 × 30 mm · 30,000,000 flashes
Users report mixed results, with many seeing slow progress or only thinning rather than full elimination even after weeks of use. Pain levels vary, and expectations should be tempered.
Pros: Affordable entry point for diode laser; High lifetime flash count; Large treatment window covers area faster.
Cons: High frequency of use; Low fluence compared to similar devices.
Where to buy the DermRays V8S
Nood Flasher 2.0
IPL · Wavelength 510–1200 nm · 2× per week · Window 3cm² · 600,000 flashes
Users do report progress, though results tends to be slower than many competitors. The device lacks cooling and sessions can be time-consuming, though some find it worth the price for reduced shaving frequency.
Pros: One of the most affordable IPL devices; High lifetime flash count.
Cons: Low fluence; High frequency of use required.
Where to buy the Nood Flasher 2.0
Philips Lumea 8000
IPL · Wavelength 520–1200 nm / 590–1200 nm · Every 2 weeks · Window 2cm² / 3cm² / 4.1cm² · 450,000 flashes
Users report the Philips Lumea 8000 produces strong hair reduction over time and is notably easy to use, with most describing it as painless or mildly uncomfortable. Legs tend to show the best results, while other areas can be slower, and effectiveness is highest for those with light skin and dark hair.
Pros: Low frequency of use; Specialized treatment heads; Companion guidance app.
Cons: Lower fluence than some budget IPL options.
Where to buy the Philips Lumea 8000
Philips Lumea 9000
IPL · Wavelength 520–1200 nm / 590–1200 nm · Every 2 weeks · Window 2cm² / 3cm² / 4.1cm² · 450,000 flashes
Users report the Philips Lumea 9000 delivers significant hair reduction with consistent use, especially on legs and underarms. The cordless design (can be used plugged in or not) is a convenience, though results vary by body area with bikini and facial hair often requiring more persistence. Some users with darker blonde hair have reported slowed hair growth after consistent use of this device.
Pros: Low frequency of use; Specialized treatment heads; Companion guidance app; Can be used plugged in or cordless.
Cons: Lower fluence than some budget IPL options; High price point for an IPL device.
Where to buy the Philips Lumea 9000
Tria 4X
Laser/LED · Wavelength 810 nm · Every 2 weeks · Window 10 mm (circular) · 90,000 flashes
Many users report the Tria 4X works well for small areas, but the lack of gliding mode coupled with the small window size makes covering large areas slow and tedious. Users consistently report significant pain at higher settings, common battery issues that interrupt sessions, and device failures, though some still see effective long-lasting reduction with consistent use.
Pros: Established product (first on the market for at-home use); Compact and maneuverable for small areas.
Cons: Painful to use — no cooling; Long treatment sessions; Poor battery life; Very low lifetime flash count.
Where to buy the Tria 4X
Ulike Air 3
IPL · Wavelength 560–1200 nm · 3× per week · Window 3.3 cm² · 300,000 flashes
Users report the Ulike Air 3 works well for armpits and legs, with many seeing significant reduction even with inconsistent use over time. The device is described as relatively painless and quick to use, though bikini and facial hair respond less reliably.
Pros: One of the most affordable IPL devices.
Cons: High frequency of use required.
Where to buy the Ulike Air 3
Ulike Air 4
IPL · Wavelength 550–1200 nm · 3× per week · Window 3.3 cm² · 300,000 flashes
The Ulike Air 4 is a relatively new device (successor to the Air 3), so there are currently no long-term user reviews.
Pros: One of the most affordable devices; Higher fluence than many other IPLs.
Cons: High frequency of use required.
Where to buy the Ulike Air 4
Ulike Air 10
IPL · Wavelength 550–1200 nm · 3× per week · Window 3.9 cm² · 300,000 flashes
Users report the Ulike Air 10 is comfortable to use, with many seeing noticeable slowing and thinning of hair after consistent use over weeks to months. Results vary by body area and hair type, though fair skin with dark hair tends to respond best.
Pros: Least painful IPL device; Affordable price point; 4 flashes per second (Dual Lights technology).
Cons: High frequency of use (3× per week); Results vary on difficult-to-treat hair (finer hair or medium-brown hair color).
Where to buy the Ulike Air 10
Ulike X
IPL · Wavelength 550–1200 nm · 3× per week · Window 3.9 cm² · 300,000 flashes
Users report the Ulike X provides fast, noticeable hair reduction on dark coarse hair, with many seeing results within weeks and praising the cooling feature for comfort. However, results vary significantly by person and body area (face responds less reliably than body).
Pros: Affordable price point; 2 flashes per second (Dual Lights technology).
Cons: High frequency of use.
Where to buy the Ulike X
ViQure EpiPro
Laser/LED · Wavelength 808 nm · Every 3-8 weeks · Window 12 × 14 mm · 5,000,000 flashes
Many users report purchasing the EpiPro after other devices have failed them, though its high price tag often deters first-time buyers. Users consistently say the high fluence delivers successful results for stubborn areas like male facial hair, and overall reviews are generally positive.
Pros: Highest fluence of any at-home device; Rated for all skin tones including very dark skin; Works on a wide range of hair colors.
Cons: Highest price point; Must be used with ultrasound gel.
Where to buy the ViQure EpiPro
ViQure S-LD
Laser/LED · Wavelength 780–850 nm · Every 3-8 weeks · Window 8 × 8 mm · 100,000,000 flashes
Users report significant hair reduction across various skin and hair types including Fitzpatrick IV-V skin tones. Several users have had progress in stubborn treatment areas like the bikini region. The cooling tip makes pain more manageable for sensitive zones.
Pros: Best value for price of any at-home device; Works on a wide range of skin tones including darker skin; Effective on hormonal hair (face, pubic region); Highly maneuverable due to smaller treatment head; Highest lifetime flash count of any device.
Cons: Must be used with ultrasound gel.
Where to buy the ViQure S-LD
A device rated for your skin tone and hair color doesn't guarantee optimal results. The caution symbol means you'll need more patience than someone with ideal skin-hair contrast.