The best IPL hair removal devices to use at home (2024)

Not sure where to start on your IPL journey? May we suggest this clever gadget that comes with five intensity settings and a sensor that automatically selects which level will best suit your skin tone.

It delivered results in just four weeks, with 83% of testers seeing a significant reduction in their hair growth. It was even better 12 weeks in, with 87% or our panel finding most of their hair had stopped growing back, with even stubborn hair appearing finer.

It might look like an old-school video camera, but this innovative device is taking tech one step further. It combines IPL with an anti-aging light treatment that aims to boost collagen levels, leaving skin rejuvenated.

We can confirm that the IPL element left skin hair-free and silky in just six weeks. Sensitive skin? Our testers rated the ICE setting, which cools skin down after treatment.

Key specifications
Power: Mains
Cordless: No
Features: Six energy modes, 180° rotating head
What's in the box: Six attachment heads
Usage: Every two weeks for the first six weeks, then touch-up where needed
Flashes: >500,000

This IPL machine claims to provide you with 22 years' worth of hair-removal treatments in its lifetime. And while we couldn't test this, we did find that it breezed through leg hair and impressed 90% of our testers with its speed, showing a decrease in hair in just four weeks.

It has an impressive 10 intensity levels (so you can find the perfect match – even if you have sensitive skin) and the interchangeable heads covered most areas of the body, leaving our testers pleased with the amount of skin it covered. There's only one control button too, making it easy to use.

Key specifications
Power: Mains
Cordless: No
Features: Two treatment heads, 10 light intensities, two treatment modes (stamp and glide), skin tone sensor
What's in the box: Precision head, razor, device, instructions
Usage: Body hair requires one treatment a week (for four to 12 weeks) then whenever you need (every one to two months)
Flashes: 40,000

Phillips is a brand at the forefront of IPL technology, and this snazzy machine is the brand’s latest release. It features the same “SmartSkin” tech we know and love from previous models but delivered faster results — slowing down general regrowth in as little as three weeks.

It also proved its worth around the bikini line, halting regrowth after six weeks of continued use. The only downside is, it’s not cordless, but with such impressive results, we’re willing to overlook that.

Key specifications
Power: Mains
Cordless: No
Features: SmartSkin sensor
What's in the box: Storage pouch, four attachment heads
Usage: Every two weeks for the first six weeks, then touch-up where needed
Flashes: >450,000

If you're looking to remove unwanted facial hair, this is the machine to go for. Our testers said hair grew back finer, with 83% pleased with how slow regrowth was.

This more affordable option from Philips isn’t cordless, but it does feature the same skin sensor as our winning model and comes with precision attachments for each area of the body.

Our testers said regrowth reduced after four weeks and found that the hair that did grow back was visibly thinner and less obvious. After 12 weeks, testers saw a reduction in hair on the face, with no one reporting any irritation or pain during use.

Key specifications
Power: Mains
Cordless: No
Features: Five skin type settings, Lumea app, skin sensor
What's in the box: Satin Compact pen trimmer with eyebrow comb and cleaning brush, cleaning cloth, attachment head, precision attachment head, device, manual.
Usage: Every two weeks for the first four sessions, then touch-up where needed
Flashes: >250,000

We’ll admit, most on our list so far are a little bulky, but this handheld option is great for travelling with. It aims to do the whole body in under 20 minutes (it’s that effective) but also claims to help prevent stubble and ingrown hairs, too.

Testers noticed a reduction in hair regrowth and thickness after one month, with 79% seeing a real difference after 12 weeks. The precision head was also effective at getting into hard-to-reach areas (like the bikini and underarm).

You can connect this IPL device to the brand's app via Bluetooth to set up a personalised treatment plan and keep track of your progress.

Key specifications
Power: Mains
Cordless: No
Features: Five intensities, skin tone sensor, compatible treatment plan on the mobile app
What's in the box: Power cord, device, UK, EU and US power plugs and instructions
Usage: Initially every two weeks, after two months every four weeks, and after this treat as neededFlashes: 400,000
Flashes: 400,000

Most IPL devices require you to click a button every time you want to emit a flash, but not this one. It has both pulse and glide modes, but the latter is a game-changer as it automatically flashes as you roll it over skin – requiring zero effort on your part.

Testers found it tricky to change between heads but loved the precision each one gave. Results were spotted after four weeks and improved over the trial period, with testers seeing sparser, slower-growing hairs by week 12.

Key specifications
Power: Mains
Cordless: Yes
Features: Two treatment heads, six intensities, two treatment modes (pulse and glide), skin tone sensor
What's in the box: Device, treatment heads, charging cable, storage bag and instructions
Usage: Body hair requires treatment every two weeks for the first four weeks, then once every four weeks afterwards; for facial hair, use it every two weeks for the first five weeks then every four weeks; after seven weeks for body hair and eight for facial hair, top-up as and when needed
Flashes: Unlimited

This simple-to-use device features just three intensity levels, while the in-built skin sensor automatically adjusts the settings based on your skin tone. Testers appreciated how straightforward it was to use, without causing any pain or irritation.

When it came to speed, 85% said it was quick to get through hair all over the body and agreed that hair was visibly reduced within 12 weeks. In fact, everyone said they were satisfied with this product by the end of the trial and would continue to use it.

Key specifications
Power: Mains
Cordless: No
Features: Three skin type settings, skin sensor
What's in the box: Device, manual.
Usage: Once a week for 12 weeks, then touch-up where needed
Flashes: Unlimited