Top Epilators (2026): Best Epilators for Women, Ranked

The best epilator for most people is the Braun Silk-épil 9 — a wide-head, wet/dry device that grips even short hairs for weeks of smoothness. An epilator removes hair from the root (like waxing, without the mess), so regrowth is slower, finer, and softer than shaving. Below are the best epilators we’d actually use — every one confirmed in stock.

How we chose the best epilators

Every pick was scored against the same criteria, and we confirmed each product is currently in stock on Amazon before including it:

  • Real-world quality — materials, construction, and durability, not marketing claims.
  • Fit for purpose — sound design and the right fit for the job each product is meant to do.
  • Value across budgets — from a solid budget pick to a premium best-in-class option.
  • Owner consensus — thousands of verified reviews and Amazon’s Choice standing, cross-checked against known failure points.
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Epilators: the 2 best, compared

The 2 best epilators, ranked

1Braun Silk-épil 9 9-985 Best overall

Braun’s flagship epilator: a wide MicroGrip head with 40 tweezers that captures hairs as short as 0.5mm (shorter than wax can grab), fully cordless and 100% waterproof for gentler wet use in the bath or shower, plus a facial cleansing brush and multiple attachments. The most thorough, longest-lasting smoothness — the epilator most people should buy.

Braun Epilator Silk-épil 9 9-985, Facial Hair Removal for Women, Hair Removal Device, Shaver, Cordless, Rechargeable, Wet & Dry, Facial Cleansing Brush
  • Deluxe hair removal beauty set for face and body. Exfoliate, epilate, shave, trim, tone, cleanse, apply creams and makeup
  • 3x body exfoliation & massage attachments tone the skin and remove dead skin cells, to prevent ingrown hairs
  • EFFICIENT: remove 3x shorter hair than wax, adapts to every contour for an efficient epilation, even in difficult areas like the knee and underarm *P&G Internal Study, December 2023
  • Face epilator removes facial hair. Cleanse and exfoliate with the facial brush attachment
  • Cordless use up to 50 mins. 100% wet and dry. Use in the bath or shower to reduce discomfort

2Braun Silk-épil 7 Best value

A wide-head wet/dry epilator with Braun’s proven tweezer technology for long-lasting root removal, cordless and washable, including a shaver head and trimmer comb for versatility — most of the Silk-épil experience for noticeably less. The value pick for effective at-home epilation without the flagship price.

Braun Epilator Silk-épil 7, Hair Removal Device, Women Shaver & Trimmer, Wet and Dry, Wide Head, Includes Shaver Head and Trimmer Comb, SE7-041, Silver
  • UP TO 1 MONTH OF SMOOTH SKIN at any time, from the comfort of your home
  • INCLUDES: SE7 Epilator, Shaver Head, Trimmer comb, Skin Contact Cap, Cleaning Brush, and Pouch
  • EFFICIENT WIDE HEAD: The wide head removes more* hair in one stroke. The epilator catches short hairs (0.5mm) that wax can't *vs Braun Silk Epil 5
  • COMFORTABLE EPILATION: Features a massage roller cap that helps reduce pain sensation
  • GENTLE HAIR REMOVAL WITH WET AND DRY USAGE: Gently epilate in the bath or in the shower for less pain, more comfort

Epilators: buyer’s guide & FAQ

Does epilating hurt, and does it get better over time?
The first few sessions can be uncomfortable — you’re pulling hair from the root — but most people find it becomes much more tolerable with regular use as hair grows back finer and sparser and the skin gets used to it. Epilating on shorter hair, going slowly, holding skin taut, and doing it after a warm bath (or wet, with a wet/dry model) all reduce the sting. Wet use, like in a warm shower, is noticeably gentler, which is why both picks here are waterproof.
How long do results last compared to shaving?
Because epilators remove hair from the root, results typically last 2-4 weeks — far longer than shaving’s few days, since shaving only cuts hair at the surface. Over time, regular epilation can make regrowth appear finer and thinner. It’s similar to waxing in longevity, but you can do it at home anytime without heating wax or booking appointments, and there’s no product to buy repeatedly.
Wet or dry — how should I use an epilator?
Both picks are wet/dry, and wet use (in or after a warm bath or shower) is gentler because warm water relaxes the skin and opens follicles, reducing discomfort. Dry use is faster and more convenient and can grip hair slightly better. Whichever you choose, exfoliate a day before to reduce ingrown hairs, hold the skin taut, move the device slowly against the direction of hair growth, and moisturize afterward. Avoid epilating irritated or sunburned skin.
How do I prevent ingrown hairs after epilating?
Exfoliate regularly — gently scrub the area a couple of times a week (and the day before epilating) to keep dead skin from trapping new hairs beneath the surface. Keep skin moisturized, avoid tight clothing right after, and make sure you’re pulling the device in the correct direction so hairs come out cleanly at the root rather than breaking. If you’re prone to ingrowns, a post-epilation soothing lotion and consistent exfoliation make the biggest difference.

More beauty & personal-care picks, ranked

Meet your guide
M
Melissa
Home, Kitchen, Beauty & Fitness

I’ve spent years writing about and recommending the products people actually live with — the kitchen gear, home goods, and beauty finds that earn their place on a shelf. At Golden’s List I lead editorial across Home, Kitchen, Beauty, and Fitness, digging through reviews, specs, and real owner feedback to separate the genuinely great from the merely popular — and making sure every pick is in stock with a live price before it makes a list. Meet the whole team →

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