As a beauty writer, I get to try a ton of innovative products, and few things get me more excited than testing the best at-home laser hair-removal devices. Over the course of the past year, I’ve spent hours upon hours interviewing dermatologists, pouring over spec sheets, talking to friends and other editors about what they use and love, and putting the most promising options to the test. I’ve zapped hair all over my body, from my legs to my bikini line to my armpits and even my face (no more dermaplaning that mini ’stache and rogue chin hairs).
There are a handful of truly great options, but my top pick is the Silk’n 7 for its flexibility (you can easily reach any spot) and fast effectiveness, but if you’re looking for a more affordable option, the Braun Silk-Expert Pro 5 IPL is a great value. It falls in the middle of the pack price-wise but is easy to use and offers lasting results within a few weeks. Just a note: While they’re considered safe, these are not recommended for those with deeper skin tones or blonde hair. Dermatologists say they work best for those with light to medium skin tones and dark hair. Ahead, standout laser hair-removal devices that really work.
The best at-home laser hair-removal devices, at a glance
- Best Overall: Silk’n 7, $599
- The Dermatologists’ Pick: Braun Silk-Expert Pro 5 IPL, $380
- Best Budget: Nood The Flasher 2.0, $219
- Best for More Skin Tones: CurrentBody Laser Hair Removal Device, $759
- Best for Sensitive Skin: SmoothSkin Pure Fit IPL Hair Removal Device, $379
How we selected the best at-home laser hair-removal devices
How we tested
When evaluating laser hair-removal tools, we considered important attributes like the type of laser, the number of flashes that the device delivers (an indicator of the longevity of the device), the number of intensity levels, and any attachments.
We also considered convenience factors, like how comfortable each laser is to hold and corded versus cordless designs. Of course, we also asked for feedback on efficacy: How effectively (and painlessly) did the laser reduce regrowth?
After testing more than a dozen at-home lasers, we came up with this list of seven lasers that our experts and testers said were the best hair-removal systems for lasting results.
What to look for when shopping for an at-home laser hair-removal device
Device type: The vast majority of at-home lasers are IPL, or intense pulsed light, but there’s an emerging crop of diode lasers like the one by CurrentBody, as well as those that use eHPL technology (enhanced Home Pulsed Light) like our top pick by Silk’n. All three types of at-home lasers are similarly effective but have slight differences. Diode lasers operate at a more concentrated wavelength (approximately 810 nm) and are often more suitable for those with darker skin tones. The eHPL uses galvanic energy, which helps open pores to provide a more direct hit to hair follicles.
Features: While you don’t necessarily need the fanciest device on the market to see great results (take the Nood Flasher 2.0, for example), extras can help enhance your overall experience. We like the cooling feature on the Ulike, particularly for those who are worried their pain tolerance is lacking. And our top overall pick, the Silk’n 7, has a rotating head that makes it easier to tackle hard-to-reach areas like the bikini line. It also comes with various sizes of detachable heads to better target tight spots like the upper lip or more quickly tackle larger areas like the legs.
Jump to laser hair removal FAQs
1. Best Overall: Silk’n 7
- What we love: More advanced technology than traditional IPL; rotating head for hard-to-reach spots; three precision heads
- What could improve: Larger than other options
- Laser type: eHPL
- Intensity levels: 5
- Flashes: 600,000 lifetime flashes
Silk’n recently launched a new laser hair-removal device that’s quickly getting a lot of attention because of its more advanced eHPL technology and its unique rotating head. Though eHPL works similar to IPL, it also harnesses the power of galvanic energy to open pores, providing a more direct hit of pulsed light to hair follicles. Like the CurrentBody Laser, it is on the larger side, but the 360-degree rotating head is truly unique.
Our review: “During evaluations, I found the device’s controls to be very intuitive, plus I really liked the rotatable head. It’s a game changer for those smaller areas that can be hard to cover with the flash window—like the bikini line. Other devices I’ve tried require much more contorting for these areas, and you still don’t always feel like you’re making the best contact with skin. There’s no worry about that with this laser. It also comes with three precision attachments to help in this department too. There’s a five-inch head that’s the largest on the market at the moment (a great way to speedily tackle big areas like the legs), a medium-size one for the underarm and bikini line, and a small one for facial hair (perfect for the upper lip or a rogue chin hair—IYKYK!). I used the larger attachment for a touch-up on my legs and was impressed by how simple and quick the whole process was. It was an entirely pain-free experience too. Even on the highest setting, I simply felt a bit of warmth,” says Glamour contributor Brigitt Earley.
2. The Dermatologists’ Pick: Braun Silk-Expert Pro 5 IPL
- What we love: Safe for use on the face and body; works quickly; comes with multiple attachments, including a precision head for small areas
- What could improve: Storage case is bulky
- Laser type: IPL
- Intensity levels: 3
- Flashes: 400,000 lifetime flashes
You’ve likely seen this laser hair-removal device all over your social feeds, and for good reason. For starters, “It’s quick and easy to use with three sensitivity modes—normal, gentle, or extra gentle—so it’s less painful than other products on the market,” says Gloria Lin, MD, a board-certified dermatologist in New York City, who recommends this pick to patients looking for at-home solutions.
Our review: “I found Dr. Lin’s download spot-on. There’s no settings to fuss with—only one big button to press. If you hold it down, it’ll even deliver continuous flashes, so you can complete large areas like legs in, well, a flash. I was able to tackle my armpits, legs, and bikini line in just 10 to 15 minutes—without any pain. If you’re really sensitive, you may notice a slight zing here and there, but I’d be truly surprised if it made you flinch. Braun promises results in as little as four weeks, and this time frame was right during my testing. After weekly treatments for four weeks, the vast majority of my hair had stopped growing. What did grow back was noticeably sparser and thinner,” says Earley.
3. Best for More Skin Tones: CurrentBody Laser Hair Removal Device
- What we love: Better range of skin tones; diode laser is a closer match to in-office technologies; 6 intensity levels
- What could improve: On the bulkier side
- Laser type: Diode
- Intensity levels: 6
- Flashes: Five-year shelf life
CurrentBody’s laser is one of the most exciting launches in the category in recent years, because it’s a diode laser rather than a traditional IPL. “Diode lasers emit a single wavelength of light that penetrates deeper into the hair follicle,” says Ross Kopelman, MD, a hair transplant surgeon at Kopelman Hair Restoration. “I’ve found that diode lasers are generally more effective across a broader range of skin tones and hair types, often requiring fewer sessions than IPL.”
Our review: “The CurrentBody laser is lightweight and super easy to use,” says Glamour wellness writer and reviewer April Benshosan. “Plus, it has a large treatment surface area, so you can zap more of your body in less time.” Benshosan says she’s had success using the laser almost everywhere—on her arms, underarms, legs, bikini, and even face. “I use it on the highest setting, and was honestly surprised when I felt a harsh zap, similar to salon lasers, meaning it’s getting the job done.” (Sensitive-skin types, take note: This one may be a bit too strong for you!)
4. Best Budget: Nood The Flasher 2.0
- What we love: Intuitive design; lifetime guarantee with handset replacement included
- What could improve: Some users say it takes longer to see results—as many as eight weeks
- Laser type: IPL
- Intensity levels: 5
- Flashes: 600,000 lifetime flashes
