5 best IPL devices to start using now - so you're silky-smooth for the rest of summer
From travel-friendly to salon-strength, we've tested the best IPL devices for every budget, skin tone and lifestyle
The best IPL hair removal devices should do more than just flash light at your skin - they should be comfortable to use, deliver results you can actually see, and fit into a real routine without feeling like a chore.
If you've ever rushed a leg shave before a summer holiday, spent a fortune on waxing appointments you had to book weeks in advance, or dealt with the stubble, razor burn and regrowth cycle that never quite ends, IPL is worth knowing about. Intense pulsed light technology works by sending pulses of light into the hair follicle, which absorbs the energy as heat and is gradually pushed into a resting phase - meaning hair grows back more slowly, more finely, and eventually, in many cases, barely at all. It's not instant, and it works best on darker hair and lighter skin tones, but with consistent use the results can genuinely change your relationship with body hair. Think less shaving, fewer appointments, and a lot more headspace freed up for everything else.
Our beauty team has tried and tested a wide range of devices - from compact travel-friendly picks to powerful dual-lamp systems - to find the ones that actually deliver. Whether you're new to IPL or looking to upgrade from an older device, these are the best IPL hair removal devices worth your money right now.
The best deals on our top IPL devices
These deals were last checked on 24/06/26 and we will continue to do so to ensure that all of the products below are still in stock, still discounted and, most importantly, are the very best deals around at the moment.
5 of the best IPL devices, tested by our team
Tested by: Lauren Hughes
Easy to use, thanks to simple controls and clear instructions without jargon, this fits comfortably in your hand, and you can keep any discomfort to a minimum with the regular, gentle, and extra gentle settings. This means beginners can start extra gently and build themselves up (we found the extra gentle setting perfect for treating a hairy bikini line).
The skin tone sensor is another excellent feature and, on testing, ensured we were using the perfect setting for our hair and skin colour. It also ensures the device is sitting correctly for optimum contact with the skin to engage the light pulse. We love the app that helps you keep track of your treatment plan too, as sometimes the trickiest part of using IPL hair removal devices is remembering to get them out of the drawer.
The price point of this IPL device is at the higher end but the results justify the costs. Like many, this device isn't suited for those with very light hair - light hair doesn't contain as much pigment as dark hair does for the device to target - but for anyone else, it's a winner.
Tested by: Aleesha Badkar and Lauren Hughes
With a reasonable price point of £249, we were eager to put this budget-friendly model to the test. The Bondi Body range was founded by Trish Coulton, who has 20 years of professional depilatory experience and used her expertise to craft a device that will deliver speedier results than its competitors - the brand claims you'll notice a difference in just four treatments and a significant hair reduction in five weeks. Plus, the product has been recently re-launched, and it is now suitable for use on the face and works to reduce pigmentation, sun spots, and broken capillary veins.
You'll need to use the device twice a week, which is a little more labor-intensive than the treatment protocols than other IPL devices, but the extra weekly session soon pay dividends. Typically it can take around three months for body hair to be reduced with consistent use of IPL, so we did find it promising to see thinner and sparser hair after just three weeks of using this on our legs and underarms. With that said, you'll still need to wait 12 weeks in total to completely treat an area.
The second big promise from Bondi Body is that its IPL device is painless, and we can confirm the brand delivers. While there is a feeling of warmth across the skin while using the device, there's no pain or discomfort. It's also super lightweight to use, which makes the process easy and comfortable. It's suitable for sensitive skin and has eight settings - more than we've seen on other models. In all honesty, this IPL device is up there with the best of them, for a significantly lower price.
Tested by: Aleesha Badkar and Amelia Yeomans
This device rings in at the highest price on our list, but that can be justified by its versatility and intelligence. If you're a fan of tech like the best red light therapy devices and want to invest in a smart IPL tool, listen up. This one provides a different experience from the Philips Advanced model, another popular device on the market. The Lumea Prestige works on the principle of taking the guesswork out of hair reduction, so you simply input the area you wish to treat and the device picks the perfect treatment protocol for you, from the strength of the light to the length of the session. This is a godsend for anyone who finds IPL offputtingly complex, especially when treating several areas.
Safety is catered for here too. The Lumea Prestige can be used on the body, underarms, legs, bikini, and face as desired and the Smartskin sensor selects the right settings for your skin tone and hair colour, so you can zap away with confidence. We love the wide treatment window for the body, which can cover large areas in one go, while the curves and smaller heads of the other attachments helped us get right into more awkward areas like the upper lip and armpits (no more stressing over which body hairs you shouldn't pluck). We also found this one of the most comfortable IPL hair removal devices we tested thanks to the lack of wires, and the reassuring safety features meant we could keep one eye on Netflix while we zapped without worrying.
Phillips says this is their most efficient device yet too, with studies showing up to 92% hair reduction in three treatments, with the average user achieving 78% hair reduction on legs after 12 treatments. Certainly, this is a high-cost purchase, but if you offset it against the price of 12 waxes, this starts to feel like a great investment in a smoother future.
Tested by: Lauren Hughes
Yes, this is one of the priciest IPL hair removal devices on our list, and could certainly be considered a luxury item. However, it does boast some high-spec features that justify the investment. For one thing, it’s cordless, which makes treating hard-to-reach bits of the body so easy you can throw out your best bikini trimmer for good.
When we tried it, that cordlessness also meant we could use it wherever was most comfortable - be that bed or on the sofa in front of a movie – rather than being dictated by where the plug sockets are in our home. Being battery-operated also meant we could also easily take it with us wherever we went, which will be good news to frequent flyers should you fancy a mid-vacation IPL sesh (to each his own).
Other reasons why we love it? This device provides unlimited flashes – unlike many others, with only a limited amount – which meant that we were able to use it as long as we wanted and take our time. It has two interchangeable windows to get to work on skin smoothing hair removal in both small and large areas, so we were also able to use it on the upper lip or leg areas all in one session. If you value ease above all else, this is a worthy investment.
Tested by: Our woman&home tester network
A device that's notably lighter and more compact than many of its rivals, this is great for travelling or if you have limited storage space. The silicone finish makes it comfortable to hold and easy to manoeuvre around different body areas, including the bikini line and underarms.
In use, the device was quick and easy to incorporate into an evening routine, with each leg taking around five to ten minutes to treat. Results came gradually: by around the fourth session. Our tester noticed hair growing back more slowly and appearing finer, with leg hair extending to three or four days between shaves. Results on underarms and the bikini line took longer, with more visible changes appearing after seven to eight sessions.
One thing to be aware of: the treatment window can become warm during use if it makes direct contact with the skin, so maintaining the right pressure matters. This is a minor point, but the Philips Lumea's head design in comparison is slightly more forgiving. The companion app is easy to set up but feels more geared towards product discovery than genuinely supporting your treatment schedule - a missed opportunity compared to competitors. Where this device really earns its place is portability. The international plug adapters are a thoughtful touch, and its compact size makes it the kind of IPL you'll actually pack rather than leave behind. It's also genuinely pretty - not something you can say about every gadget in this category.
How we tested these IPL hair removal devices
A small selection of the IPL devices we tested for this guide.
Our expert beauty editors and contributors have been testing all the newest launches and most widely available IPL devices on an ongoing basis over the past decade.
With more specific testing done on standout products that we chose to include in this guide, there were several key things we looked out for to determine what made the best IPL tool.
- Weight and ease of use: these were key factors, as this impacted the experience of using the IPL and how simple it was to control each device
- Number of settings
- Suitability: How many different parts of the body each device was suitable for it could be used for
- Pain factor: How each device felt on the skin
- Effectiveness: How well each tool worked in terms of reducing body hair
- Design: How easy each was to hold or take on-the-go
- Price
How to choose an IPL hair removal device
To choose an IPL hair removal device, board-certified dermatologist Dr Debra Jaliman (MD) advises making several considerations:
- Research: “Read online reviews and blogs before you choose one,” says Dr Jaliman. “You’ll also want to look out for devices that are FDA-cleared and approved.”
- Cost: “Don’t look for a bargain or try to skimp on price, because what you pay for is what you get,” she says. An expensive device could feature technology for a cleaner, more efficient process.
- Features: “You’ll want to purchase an IPL device with enough power and energy, and one as close to an in-office laser hair removal machine as you can get,” she explains. “Also look for a unit that has several treatment levels, and for one that targets the pigment in the hair follicle.”
- Flashes: The number of flashes indicates how long the device will last before the lamp needs to be replaced. A good IPL hair removal device should have between 150,000 to 250,000 flashes.
- Suitability: IPL devices shouldn't be used during certain periods of life when hormone imbalances happen - specifically pregnancy, breastfeeding, and your period - doing so can affect pigmentation and cause hyperpigmentation or melasma. If in doubt, ask your doctor before using.
And no matter what device you end up purchasing, being realistic about your results is crucial. “Go in thinking you will reduce hair, instead of completely eliminating or removing it,” advises Dr Jaliman.
At minimum, look for adjustable intensity settings so you can customise treatment for different areas of the body, a skin tone sensor for safety, and a treatment window large enough to cover ground quickly. The best devices will also have some form of cooling technology to prevent the treatment head from becoming uncomfortably warm, a companion app that genuinely supports your routine rather than just selling you things, and a flash count high enough to last years of regular use.
Your IPL hair removal device FAQs, answered
How do IPL hair removal devices work?
IPL stands for Intense Pulsed Light technology and is most commonly used for hair removal. IPL works by using a handheld device and moving it across the skin, delivering flashes of light to target the melanin in the hair. The light is then absorbed by the hair root, heating it up, and ultimately destroying the papilla or root of the follicle. This plays a key role in the regulation of hair growth.
The hairs you already have will then fall out and eventually, hair will grow back thinner and more sporadically, without pesky ingrown hairs. Double win! In terms of how long it takes to see results, devices can differ and it does depend on the area you're treating. So hair removal from the face might take less time than removing thicker leg hair. Typically, users find between six and ten treatments are needed, usually at intervals four to six weeks apart.Celebrity aesthetic aesthetician Sadaf Jaffari explains, "IPL takes on average about six sessions to get rid of 70% of hair permanently."
Does IPL hair removal hurt?
Pain levels vary for everyone but, generally, you can expect a little discomfort with IPL. Many find it far preferable to waxing and epilating, and roughly on par with a professional laser.
"The pain is normally strongest in the first treatment when hair is thicker and darker and attracts more light and heat," Jaffari explains. "The less hair there is as the treatments go on the less painful it becomes, but also it’s all based on the patient's pain threshold."
"At-home IPL machines work by applying the administered gel to the area and then pulse the device over the area, many clients have reported this option is more painful because IPL engages all the skin and hair whereas laser focuses on the hair follicle itself," says Pulse Light Clinic senior consultant, Barbara Taylor.
Reviewers describe the sensation of using at-home IPL as being flicked with a rubber band or as short zaps. This also depends on the device used and the sensitivity of your own skin. However, a common theme throughout reviews is that the discomfort eases with continued use.
What is the difference between IPL and laser?
IPL and laser hair removal are not the same. Where laser uses single-spectrum light, IPL uses multi-spectrum lights. That means, for laser hair removal, the light is densified and it precisely targets the hair follicle without damaging the surrounding skin. For IPL, the light is scattered, making it weaker but also gentler on the skin. Many experts recommend IPL as an effective treatment for rosacea as well as hair removal, while other pro methods are preferable for those with certain hair colours.
"Many at-home IPL devices do not work if your skin is dark or hair light due to the lower intensity to target pigment in the hair follicle than those used professionally," explains Taylor. "Grey, blonde and finer hairs are generally harder to treat with any method, and professional in-clinic electrolysis treatment would be best for this for small areas."
As well as rosacea, IPL can be used to treat other skin conditions, too. "IPL is used most commonly as a hair removal tool but can also help to remove spider veins, improve skin texture and pigmentation and reduce acne," adds Jaffari.
Does IPL remove hair permanently?
In short: no. IPL is not permanent. However, it does reduce hair growth significantly and can give you hair-free skin for longer than both waxing and shaving. Plus, it's far less painful than waxing.
"Often after six sessions you expect to lose up to 70% of the hair," Jaffari explains. "However the sleeping hair follicles can also start to grow, so more sessions are needed to destroy those hairs. You could be hair-free for a few years, but many need to have top-up sessions after that as maintenance."
Is IPL hair removal safe?
"Yes, IPL hair removal is 100% safe," says Trish Coulton, Founder of Bondi Body. However, "it's important to take into consideration a couple of things before beginning your IPL journey. Making sure you have the correct skin tone and hair colour is vital. For IPL, light to medium skin tones, with darker hair is optimal. This is because IPL targets the melanin in the hair, damaging the follicle and stunting regrowth.
"The colour contrast between the hair and skin helps the IPL device to pick up on those darker pigments and interact with them effectively. Also, I always recommend using your device in the winter and Autumn, when the skin is less tanned, again to keep a contrast between hair and skin. I also recommend using the device in the evening, when there is less likely to be a prolonged time in direct sunlight."
As long as the IPL hair removal device you buy is from a trusted brand and you follow the directions for use, the treatment is perfectly safe. If, however, you start experiencing any adverse side effects like a rash or extreme pain, do consult a doctor.
Can you remove pubic hair with IPL?
"IPL is ideal for the intimate & bikini line areas," says Coulton. "Pubic hair is called terminal hair, which is usually darker and thicker than hair on the rest of the body. I recommend shaving the area first and using the device when you feel the hair stubble.
"Hair stubble will allow the IPL light to differentiate between the skin and the hair. This allows the light to pass down the hair directly into the follicle. While result times vary from person to person and different parts of the body, using the device weekly, you should expect to see visible results within six weeks," says Coulton.
Is IPL suitable for all skin types?
No matter your skin type, an IPL should be safe to use. Those with very sensitive skin should start by using the lowest setting on their device to test the waters and ensure no irritation occurs. However, if you have a particular skin condition or are weary about using an IPL device, it is best to consult your doctor before using an IPL.
In terms of skin tones, IPL devices are safest for those with a light skin tone and darker, coarser hair. IPLs work by targeting the pigment in the hair, so there needs to be a substantial difference between your skin and hair colour. Those with a darker skin tone risk damage or discolouration if they use an IPL, so it is best avoided if you don't fit the recommended criteria.
