Epilators are one of the most convenient hair removal devices for getting smoother skin at home without frequent shaving or salon appointments. Unlike razors, which cut hair at the surface, electric epilators remove hair from the root using rotating tweezers or discs. This helps results last longer and makes epilation a practical option for legs, arms, underarms, bikini line, and facial hair removal when the device is designed for those areas.
Compared with waxing, an epilator can be cleaner, more affordable over time, and easier to use on your own schedule. Modern epilators have also become more comfortable and versatile, with features such as cordless use, wet and dry operation, built-in lights, massage caps, trimming heads, speed settings, and attachments for sensitive skin.
In this guide, we compare the best epilators for different needs, including options for beginners, sensitive skin, facial hair, legs, underarms, and bikini-line touch-ups. You will also learn what features matter most, how to choose the right model for your hair type and comfort level, and what to expect before buying an epilator for at-home hair removal.
Braun Silk-épil 3 3-270
“A solid entry-level epilator for beginners who mainly want an affordable option for legs and arms.”
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Braun IPL Silk Expert Pro 5 PL5137
“Best for users who want a premium IPL hair removal device instead of a root-plucking epilator.”
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Ubroo ICE-COOL IPL Hair Removal Device CT05
“A good budget IPL alternative for users who want cooling comfort and adjustable intensity levels.”
Check PriceBest Epilators Compared: Quick Overview
Here is a quick comparison of the best epilators, including budget epilators, wet and dry epilators, facial epilators, IPL hair removal devices, and beginner-friendly options.
| Product | Best For | Type | Use | Key Feature | Check |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Braun Silk-épil 3 3-270 | Best Budget Pick | Epilator | Dry | Massage Cap | Check Price |
| Braun IPL Silk Expert Pro 5 PL5137 | Best Premium IPL | IPL Device | Dry | Skin Tone Sensor | Check Price |
| Ubroo ICE-COOL IPL Hair Removal Device CT05 | Best Cooling IPL | IPL Device | Dry | Ice Cooling | Check Price |
| Braun Face Epilator Facespa Pro 911 | Best for Face | Facial Epilator | Wet/Dry | 3-in-1 Face Care | Check Price |
| Braun Epilator Silk-épil 7 | Best Wet & Dry Value | Epilator | Wet/Dry | 0.5mm Hair Capture | Check Price |
| Philips Epilator Series 2000 BRE227/00 | Best Basic Corded Pick | Epilator | Dry | Corded Power | Check Price |
| Philips Epilator Series 8000 BRE740/14 | Best Attachment Kit | Epilator Kit | Wet/Dry | 5-in-1 Grooming Kit | Check Price |
| Braun Silk-épil 9 Flex SES9-041 3D | Best Premium Epilator | Epilator | Wet/Dry | Flexible Head | Check Price |
Product List
“A solid entry-level epilator for beginners who mainly want an affordable option for legs and arms.”
Braun Silk-épil 3 3-270
The Braun Silk-épil 3 is a simple, budget-friendly epilator for removing leg and arm hair from the root. It is a good starter choice for users who want smoother skin for longer without paying for a premium wet and dry epilator.
Why we love it
Massage cap helps reduce discomfort
Includes shaver and trimmer attachments
Smartlight helps with more thorough hair removal
Good option for legs and arms
Points to consider
Dry use only
Not ideal for sensitive areas
“Best for users who want a premium IPL hair removal device instead of a root-plucking epilator.”
Braun IPL Silk Expert Pro 5 PL5137
The Braun IPL Silk Expert Pro 5 is not a traditional epilator, but it is a strong option for users who want long-term hair reduction at home. Its skin tone sensor and precision head make it suitable for treating different body areas with more control.
Why we love it
Premium IPL option for long-term hair reduction
Skin tone sensor adjusts light intensity
Includes precision head for smaller areas
Good for larger body areas
Comes with Venus razor and vanity case
Points to consider
Not a traditional epilator
Higher price than most epilators
Requires repeated sessions
Not suitable for every skin tone and hair color
“A good budget IPL alternative for users who want cooling comfort and adjustable intensity levels.”
Ubroo ICE-COOL IPL Hair Removal Device CT05
The Ubroo ICE-COOL IPL device is an affordable IPL hair removal option with built-in cooling for a more comfortable experience. It is designed for users who want light-based hair reduction without the premium price of Braun IPL.
Why we love it
Ice-cooling feature helps improve comfort
9 intensity levels
More affordable than premium IPL devices
Suitable for larger body areas
Good option for at-home IPL beginners
Points to consider
Not a tweezer-style epilator
Results take time and consistency
“Best for users who need a dedicated facial epilator rather than a full-body hair removal device.”
Braun Face Epilator Facespa Pro 911
The Braun FaceSpa Pro 911 is made for facial hair removal, cleansing, and skin toning. Its compact epilator head is designed for fine facial hair, making it a better choice for the upper lip, chin, and other small areas.
Why we love it
Designed specifically for facial hair removal
3-in-1 facial care system
Includes cleansing and toning attachments
Rechargeable design
Good for upper lip, chin, and small areas
Points to consider
Not suitable for legs or large body areas
Costs more than basic facial trimmers
Smaller head means slower use on wider areas
Not the best choice as an only epilator
“Wet and dry functionality gives you the option to epilate in the shower for a gentler experience.”
Braun Epilator Silk-épil 7
The Braun Silk-épil 7 has a wide head design that helps remove more hair in fewer passes, which can save time on larger areas. The close-grip technology is built to catch shorter hairs that may be missed by other methods. Wet and dry functionality gives you the option to epilate in the shower for a gentler experience.
Why we love it
Cordless design is convenient
Works well on legs, arms, and underarms
Massage rollers help soften the sensation
Smartlight highlights fine or light hairs
Points to consider
Battery life may not suit very long sessions
More expensive than entry-level epilators
“Verdict: Best for users who want a multi-attachment epilator kit instead of a basic hair removal device.”
Philips Epilator Series 8000 BRE740/14
The Philips Epilator Series 8000 is a complete wet and dry epilator kit with multiple grooming, trimming, exfoliating, and pedicure attachments. It is a smart choice for users who want one device for body hair removal and extra personal care.
Why we love it
Wet and dry waterproof design
Includes multiple grooming attachments
40 minutes of cordless use
Comes with exfoliation and pedicure tools
Points to consider
Not as compact as simpler epilators
Kit may feel too much for basic users
“The best premium epilator for users who want Braun’s most flexible and comfortable body hair removal option.”
Braun Silk-épil 9 Flex SES9-041 3D
The Braun Silk-épil 9 Flex is a premium wet and dry epilator with a flexible head for better contact on curves and hard-to-reach areas. It is designed for users who want smoother results, better control, and a more advanced epilation experience.
Why we love it
Flexible head follows body contours
Wet and dry use
Captures very short hair
Includes shaving and trimming attachments
Points to consider
May be too expensive for beginners
Not necessary for users who only need basic leg epilation
“Best for users who want a basic, reliable corded epilator for regular leg and body epilation at home.”
Philips Epilator Series 2000 BRE227/00
The Philips Epilator Series 2000 is a simple corded epilator for legs and body hair removal. It is a good pick for users who want an affordable, easy-to-use epilator without worrying about battery charging or extra attachments.
Why we love it
Affordable Philips epilator
Corded power means no charging wait
Compact and beginner-friendly design
Good for legs and basic body hair removal
Includes massage cap and cleaning brush
Points to consider
Dry use only
Not cordless
Not water resistant
Fewer attachments than Philips Series 8000
Basic design compared with premium epilators
Types of best epilators
The technology of epilators evolved alot. There are many types of epilators. Many modern epilators now come in different types, such as cordless operation, wet and dry use, rotating disc epilators, tweezer-type epilators, facial epilators, and IPL devices.
Spring Type Epilators
Spring epilators are one of the older designs. They use a coiled spring that bends and rotates to catch and pull hair from the root. These devices are simple, but they can be noisier and less comfortable than modern tweezer-style epilators.
Rotating Disc Epilators
Rotating disc epilators use spinning discs to trap and pull out hair. They are designed to remove multiple hairs quickly and can work well on larger areas like the legs and arms.
Tweezer Type Epilators
Tweezer epilators are among the most common modern epilators. They use multiple tweezer-like plates that open and close as the head rotates. These tweezers grip hair and remove it from the root. This type is suitable for different hair lengths and body areas.
Wet and Dry Epilators
Wet and dry epilators can be used on dry skin or in the shower. These are often better for beginners because warm water can reduce discomfort. They are also easier to clean, especially if the head is washable.
Cordless and Corded Epilators
Cordless epilators use rechargeable batteries and give you more freedom of movement. They are ideal for travel and shower use if the device is waterproof. Corded epilators provide continuous power, but they are less flexible and usually cannot be used in water.
Facial Epilators
Facial epilators are smaller and more precise. They are designed for fine facial hair on areas such as the upper lip, chin, cheeks, and jawline. They should be gentle, lightweight, and easy to control.
IPL Hair Removal Devices
IPL devices use intense pulsed light to target the pigment in hair follicles and reduce hair growth over time. They are not mechanical epilators because they do not pull hair from the root. IPL can be effective for some users, but it is not suitable for every skin tone or hair color.
Buying Guide for Best Epilators
When making a purchase, you must know certain aspects that determine if your choice is the best. Currently, we have listed the factors that we consider most important.
Skin Sensitivity
If you have sensitive skin, choose an epilator with a gentle cap, a massage roller, wet and dry use, and adjustable speed settings. For facial use, choose a device specifically designed for the face.
Wet and Dry Use
A waterproof epilator is a better choice for many beginners. Using an epilator in warm water can make the process more comfortable. Wet and dry models are also easier to clean and more convenient for shower routines.
Corded vs Cordless
Cordless epilators are more flexible and easier to use around the body. They are also better for travel. Corded models are useful if you want uninterrupted power and do not want to worry about charging.
Attachments and Accessories
The best epilators often include different heads and caps. Look for attachments such as a sensitive-area cap, a facial cap, a shaver head, a trimmer cap, a bikini comb, a massage cap, and an exfoliation brush, etc.
Speed Settings
Two or more speed settings are useful. A lower speed is better for sensitive areas and beginners, while a higher speed is better for larger areas like legs and arms.
Built-In Light
A built-in light helps you see fine, light, or short hairs. This feature can make hair removal more accurate and reduce missed patches.
Head Size
A wide head covers more skin quickly, making it useful for legs and arms. A smaller head is better for precision areas like the face, underarms, and bikini line.
Ease of Cleaning
Choose an epilator with a washable or removable head. Hair-removal devices should be cleaned after use to maintain hygiene and performance.
Price and Long-Term Value
Cheap epilators can work, but they may have fewer tweezers, weaker motors, limited attachments, or less comfortable designs. A higher-quality epilator may cost more upfront but can be better value and give smoother results.
Frequently Asked Questions
How does an electric epilator work?
An electric epilator uses rotating tweezers, discs, or plates to grip hair and pull it from the root. As the device moves across the skin, it catches multiple hairs and removes them quickly.
What is the least painful electric epilator?
A true epilator is completely painless because it removes hair from the root. However, wet and dry epilators, massage caps, gentle modes, and lower speed settings can make epilation more comfortable.
How long do epilator results last?
Results can last for several weeks, depending on your hair growth cycle. Some people need to epilate every two weeks, while others can wait longer.
How do I clean an epilator?
Turn off the device, remove the head if possible, brush away trapped hairs, and rinse the washable parts if the model allows it. Always follow the manufacturer’s cleaning instructions.
Can I use an epilator in the shower?
You can use an epilator in the shower only if it is labeled as wet and dry or waterproof. Corded epilators should not be used in water unless the manufacturer specifically says they are safe for wet use.
Are IPL devices the same as epilators?
No. IPL devices use light to reduce hair growth over time, while epilators physically pull hair from the root. Both are hair-removal options, but they work differently.
Can I use an epilator on my face?
Only use an epilator on your face if it is designed for facial hair removal or includes a facial attachment. Facial skin is delicate, so large body epilators may be too harsh.
What is the best epilator for beginners?
A beginner-friendly epilator should have wet and dry use, speed settings, a sensitive cap, and a built-in light. These features make the process easier and more comfortable.
Are Epilators Painful?
Epilators can cause discomfort because they remove hair from the root. The first few uses are usually the most uncomfortable. Over time, many users find the process easier as they get used to the sensation.
To reduce discomfort, choose a wet and dry epilator, start on a lower speed, epilate after a warm shower, and avoid using the device on very long hair. Trimming longer hair before epilation can make the process more comfortable.
