The best IPL hair removal device for most people is the Braun Silk·expert Pro 5 — fast, skin-tone-adaptive flashes that deliver visible, long-lasting hair reduction at home. At-home IPL uses pulses of light to reduce regrowth over a course of sessions — a big upfront cost that saves years of shaving, waxing, and salon bills. Below are the best IPL devices we’d actually invest in — every one confirmed in stock.
How we chose the best IPL hair removal devices
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.
IPL hair removal devices: the 3 best, compared
The 3 best IPL hair removal devices, ranked
1Braun Silk·expert Pro 5 (IPL5137) Best overall
Braun’s flagship at-home IPL: each flash automatically reads your skin tone and adapts the intensity for a safe, effective pulse, with fast full-body sessions and up to visible hair reduction within weeks. Eye-safe with no goggles needed, and this kit includes two heads and a pouch. The IPL device most people should buy.
- AT-HOME IPL HAIR REMOVAL: Braun IPL hair removal is an at home laser hair removal alternative for women and men, with permanent visible hair reduction and up to 2 years free from hair*
- SALON RESULTS WITHOUT SALON COSTS: Up to 95% hair reduction in 1 month**. With Braun at-home lPL device, you INVEST ONLY ONCE and can retouch anytime.
- EASY TO USE: Visible results from 2nd use***, with full-body treatment in only 10 MINUTES****. Requires ONLY 2 SESSIONS PER MONTH, for 3 months*****(based on app data from consumer self-assessment, Nov ’23 to Apr ’24; individual results may vary) .
- FULL-BODY PERMANENT HAIR REDUCTION: Treat legs, arms, underarms, bikini, face, chest, back, and pubic areas with multiple settings and heads to help customize treatment by body area. Clinically proven effectiveness on facial, body and pubic hair removal.
- GENTLE ON SKIN: Dermatologically and gynecologically approved, the SensoAdapt skin tone sensor automatically adjusts each flash with UV filter, making it eye-safe with no protective glasses required
2Philips Lumea IPL (BRI931) Best for face & body
From the #1 IPL brand worldwide: SmartPulse light with skin sensors and five settings, plus attachments and safe handling for legs, bikini, underarms, and face — over 90% hair reduction in a few treatments for many users. The pick for whole-body plus facial use with Philips’ proven system.
- Visible Results Fast: Get visible results in only 2 sessions⁵ and more than 90% hair removal in just 3 treatments³; less body hair after just one treatment¹², so you can finally put razors, waxing appointments, and ingrowns behind you for good
- The #1 IPL Brand Worldwide: Philips Lumea uses IPL, Intense Pulsed Light, for effective, long-lasting and skin-friendly hair removal; the #1 IPL hair removal brand worldwide⁶, chosen by over 6 million consumers worldwide
- Salon Results, Home Price: Achieve salon-like results for less than 10% of an average cost of laser treatment in the salon; buy once and enjoy for life, saving you the ongoing cost and effort of waxing, shaving, and salon appointments from the comfort and privacy of your own home
- Fewer Treatments, Faster Results: Use every 2 weeks to get started, then touch up just once a month for years of smooth skin; fewer treatments needed than other leading brands⁴, with fast results with just one treatment every two weeks¹¹
- Curved Body Attachment: The body attachment is uniquely curved for treating large areas like legs, chest and back comfortably, and ensures optimal skin contact for gentle hair removal; the large window enables faster treatment
3Philips Lumea 8000 Series (BRI984) Best premium
Philips’ top-tier Lumea with SenseIQ technology that adapts to your skin, a dedicated UV-filtered face attachment, and body attachments for a salon-like at-home treatment — the most advanced, feature-rich option here. The upgrade pick for the smartest, most comprehensive at-home IPL experience.
- Visible Results Fast: Get visible results in only 2 sessions⁵ and more than 90% hair removal in just 3 treatments³; less body hair after just one treatment¹², so you can finally put razors, waxing appointments, and ingrowns behind you for good
- The #1 IPL Brand Worldwide: Philips Lumea uses IPL, Intense Pulsed Light, for effective, long-lasting and skin-friendly hair removal; the #1 IPL hair removal brand worldwide⁶, chosen by over 6 million consumers worldwide
- Salon Results, Home Price: Achieve salon-like results for less than 10% of an average cost of laser treatment in the salon; buy once and enjoy for life, saving you the ongoing cost and effort of waxing, shaving, and salon appointments from the comfort and privacy of your own home
- Fewer Treatments, Faster Results: Use every 2 weeks to get started, then touch up just once a month for years of smooth skin; fewer treatments needed than other leading brands⁴, with fast results with just one treatment every two weeks¹¹
- 4 Attachments Included: 4 unique, curved attachments designed for optimal skin contact⁸ and uniquely designed for the curves of your body; use comfortably on multiple areas, including face (females only, below the cheekbones), bikini, and underarms
IPL hair removal devices: buyer’s guide & FAQ
Does at-home IPL hair removal actually work?
Who can safely use IPL — does it work on all skin and hair colors?
Is at-home IPL safe and does it hurt?
How long until I see results, and is IPL permanent?
More beauty & personal-care picks, ranked
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 →