10 Best At-Home Laser Hair Removal Devices, Tested by Experts

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Reviewed by Birnur K. Aral, Ph.D. and Chiara Butler

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When it comes to shedding unwanted body hair or de-fuzzing facial hair, many beauty pros swear by laser hair removal. The treatment zaps hair follicles for a smoother and more permanent result without cuts, nicks or painful wax strips. While professional laser hair removal has always been a pricey procedure, beauty brands have debuted their own at-home versions that are more affordable and convenient, albeit less powerful.

It can be overwhelming searching for the best at-home laser hair removal device out there. To clear through the clutter, we gathered top-tested picks from the Good Housekeeping Institute's Beauty, Health and Sustainability Lab pros whose vetting process includes reviewing dozens of device manuals and checking the flash and sensors on each device. Other recommendations include laser hair removal experts' favorites and devices with rave online reviews backed by real results.

We've got all the goods below, including a deeper dive into the differences among the various at-home devices, their features and who they work best for.

Now 24% Off

$249 at Amazon

Credit: SmoothSkin

Pros

• Automatic skin tone sensor
• Has a long service life (10 years)
• Directions are easy to follow

Cons

• Only comes with one precision cap
• Turns on automatically and the fans start whirring when you plug it in

Hairless results come in speedy timing thanks to this GH Beauty Award winner. The Smoothskin IPL device received rave reviews from a top dermatologist and former GH Beauty Lab Executive Director Birnur Aral, Ph.D., who œsaw noticeable results with this device after a single use." The top-notch technology features a sensor that automatically detects your skin color to apply the right amount of light intensity and won't flash if your skin tone is not compatible.

Plus, if the device is not held flush against your skin, it won't flash, making it safe and easy to use. It has three settings that allows you to customize the treatment to each area, too, but only one precision cap, which testers didn't love. Aral tested the speed mode on her legs and the gentle mode on her face and reported minimal discomfort. œI also find the user guide very informative and well written, which is rather a rarity in the device space, she said.

What testers say: "Overall, I am impressed with just how easy this device is to operate without feeling painful," shared one tester. "I will definitely continue using it!

$250 at Walmart$169 at trynood.com$169 at Shop Cosmopolitan

Credit: Nood

Pros

• Includes seven intensity levels to customize treatment
• Helpful on-off button
• Lower price point than other models

Cons

• No precision head attachment
• Does not have an automatic skin tone detector

Cute and compact, Nood's IPL device is less intimidating in the grand scheme of at-home laser hair removal. It works quickly the brand touts 10-minute treatments and offers seven different intensity levels to choose from based on your skin™s sensitivity.

Aral appreciated The Flasher 2.0's on-off button (a rarity in IPL devices). However, since it doesn't come with a precision attachment for smaller spots, she noticed that the bright light of the flashes escapes from the sides, which could potentially make it less effective and unsafe for your eyes. One plus: Nood will replace the tools if the flashes ever run out and offer customers a full refund within 90 days if it doesn't work for you, no questions asked.

What testers say: "I like how easy this device is to use," said one tester. "Plus, I loved having control over the treatment. The instructions were simple to understand!"

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$239 at Amazon$329 at Walmart

Credit: Ulike

Pros

• Cooling feature for comfort
• High energy (at the highest setting)
• Has an auto-flash feature

Cons

• Only one treatment head

An updated version of the Ulike Air+ (a previous pick), this device has three treatment intensities, and like its predecessor, a special cooling feature in the treatment head that cools the skin for comfort during treatment. However, it only has one treatment head, unlike many of its competitors.

"I was impressed with how cold it felt," says GH's Beauty, Health and Sustainability Lab Reviews Analyst Chiara Butler. "The max energy output of this device is higher than the old device and the brand claims it can yield 90% hair reduction in four weeks of use."

What Reviewers Say: "It works!" said one Amazon reviewer. "The cooling system is perfect and keeps it comfortable. It also has an auto-flash feature so you don't have to keep pressing the button."

$445 at Amazon

Credit: Braun

Pros

• Wide range of treatment intensities
• Multiple treatment heads
• Both contact sensor and skin tone sensor are very precise
• Doesn't overheat

Cons

• Pricey

Braun's latest IPL device is both the first Smart IPL and the brand's fastest tool, claiming to permanently reduce hair in just three weeks. It's Wi-Fi enabled and connects to an app which helps you keep track of your treatments and your hair reduction progress. You can track treatments for each body area, and the app reminds you when it™s time for another treatment.

"While the technology is new, the hardware of the device itself is mostly the same as the last version, the Silk Expert Pro 5," Butler says. A pricey option, it has 10 intensity levels and comes with four heads: one wide, one standard and two precision heads for face and body (which are labeled so you won't confuse them).

"The contact sensor and skin tone sensor on this IPL are really impressive," she adds. "It won™t flash until the lamp is fully pressed against the skin, so that you don™t accidentally look into the lamp."

What Reviewers Say: "I was impressed with how easy the IPL was to operate and to move to different areas of the body with minimal interruptions since the device is quick to produce back-to-back IPL flashes to zap the hair follicles in treatment areas," said one Amazon reviewer. "I also liked that the device did not overheat or get too warm for a thorough session period."

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$125 at roseskinco.com

Credit: RoseSkinCo.

Pros

• Less expensive than other devices
• Reviewers say it improved ingrown hairs and hair thickness

Cons

• One session takes 45 minutes on average

RoseSkinCo boasts noticeable results in just four treatments, per the brand. Sleek, pink and chic, this IPL device stands out as one of the cheapest options we've found.

Rave reviews noted huge improvement on underarm areas, ingrown hairs and thickness of hair growth. For longer term results, reviewers saw the most difference with 12 sessions. Take note though, the sessions are long: one takes about 45 minutes on average. If you're not impressed by the end of it all, they offer a one-year warranty, so you can return the device for a full refund at any time.

What reviewers say: "The only reason I bought this product was because of the reviews ... so I'm adding this one in case someone else needs that extra 'this is legit,'" a reviewer from the brand's website said. "I have been using the product for about a month and am amazed. It works!"

$230 at bosidinofficial.com$340 at Amazon

Credit: bosidin

Pros

• Cooling feature helps soothe skin
• Head rotates for easy maneuvering

Cons

• Will not automatically detect skin tone

BoSidin takes pride in the fact it uses the same "medical-grade technologies" that professional cosmetic centers use. The precision head rotates from side to side for hard-to-reach contours, like near the bikini area. Several users agree that the device is painless or nearly pain-free. But if your pain tolerance differs, it even offers a cool mode to help shield you from the burning intensity of the light flashes. It does lack a skin tone sensor, which many other devices offer.

What testers say: "A totally painless process," boasted one tester. "And I really appreciate that the light will not [flash] if the device isn't placed totally on your skin. It's very comfortable to hold and angle the right way to reach the back of my thighs which is always a tricky spot."

$190 at Amazon

Credit: MiSMON

Pros

• Built-in skin tone sensor
• Helpful LCD screen
• Works quickly

Cons

• Not suitable for darker skin tones
• Some online shoppers found it painful

Those who want a bit more control over their hair removal can get much use out of this device. Its LCD screens allows users to track their flash use and monitor the intensity level. The intuitive IPL device comes with a built-in skin sensor that detects and clears your skin tone before use. (It also comes with safety goggles designed to protect eyes from its light). A significant caveat, however: The device isn't suitable for dark skin tones, and only levels 1 through 3 are recommended for medium and olive skin tones.

What reviewers say: "Been using this for about a month and have noticed a big difference in my hair growth!" an Amazon reviewer said. "Much better than going to the spa for treatments! I also appreciate being able to zap myself on MY time frame, not the spa's! Loving mine!!"

$389 at Amazon$432 at Dermstore$432 at Skinstore

Credit: Sensica

Pros

• Uses built-in skin tone sensors
• Great for touch-ups on-the-go

Cons

• Bulky

"Easy to use," "minimal instructions needed" and "works really well for touch-ups" are some of the top comments coming from reviewers about Sensica's hand-held device.

The brand touts the efficacy and safety of the Sensilight technology: They claim that the built-in sensors assess your skin color and the placement of the device against your skin, ensuring treatments are safe and effective. Another key feature is the rechargeable and cordless aspect, allowing you to travel with this tool and treat skin wherever you go. One complaint was the bulkiness, as it isn't as compact as other devices.

What reviewers say: "I [used] it a few more times every two weeks, and it has now been three weeks without any armpit hair growth while it used to grow back in a day or two of shaving," said one Amazon reviewer. "It didn't irritate my skin at all. I used it on my bikini line as well and, again, it's been two weeks with minimal growth."

$449 at Nordstrom$449 at Bloomingdale's

Credit: Illuminage

Pros

• Claims to work on dark skin tones
• Fast results

Cons

• May not work as well on thick/coarse hair

A slightly different take on laser hair removal, this Iluminage device combines both IPL and radio frequency (RF) waves to reduce hair growth. Thanks to its precision adapter head, this machine is ideal for small areas like the upper lip and other targeted spots on the face, although it may not work as well on thick hair. While many devices won't work on darker skin tones, the brand claims that it is effective for every skin tone.

What reviewers say: "I have been using the product on my face, legs and underarms for the past six weeks and have really seen a difference (peach fuzz on face and 'mustache' on upper lip are nearly gone!)," shared one Nordstrom reviewer.

Now 47% Off

$259 at CurrentBody

Credit: Foreo

Pros

• Treatment is comfortable on skin
• Large treatment head works on different body parts
• Vents deliver cool air while using
• Easy to use

Cons

• Device needs to be unlocked by app before the first time

Soft to hold against your skin, this IPL device has a smooth silicone handle and a unique treatment head where the lamp is surrounded by a ring of silicone. Plus, there are air vents inside the silicone ring that deliver cool air to the treatment area.

Butler liked that while the treatment head is bigger than the other IPLs she reviewed, it still conforms to smaller areas like the ankles quite well. "However, on a very small area like the chin, I think some light will escape," she says. "It felt very comfortable to use on my legs, and I never experienced discomfort, even at the highest setting."

One thing Butler was not a fan of: the device's companion app which has to œunlock the tool by scanning a barcode or entering the serial number before it can be used at all. "I found the unlocking process unnecessary I had to try multiple times to get it to activate." Thankfully, after unlocking the device you don™t need the app to use it.

What Reviewers Say: "This device is really easy to use and I have noticed hair reduction even after two months of using it," said one Current Body reviewer. "Effective and easy to use, huge difference after only a couple of uses," said another.

How we test the best at-home laser hair removal devices

For years, our GH Beauty Lab experts have regularly tested all kinds of hair removal products, from waxing kits, razors and dermaplaning tools to depilatory creams and epilators.

When reviewing at-home laser hair removal tools, we referenced the device manuals to compare specs including expected service lifetime and maximum energy output, as well as features like automatic skin tone sensing. We tried the skin contact sensor on each model to check that it would only flash when in contact with skin. We also looked at the features within the apps of app-enabled devices.

For further analysis, we gave the devices to people in the Institute to use at home. These testers then gave notes on their device™s ease of use, performance and their overall satisfaction with it.

Good Housekeeping Institute

Good Housekeeping Institute

What to consider when choosing an at-home laser hair removal device

œ Skin tones: First and foremost, figure out what skin tones it will work best on and if that includes yours. Derma-pathologist Gretchen Frieling, M.D., adds that users with lighter skin and darker hair will see the best results. Most machines won't be able to pick up lighter hair colors (blonde, gray or red), or won't be able to differentiate dark hair from dark skin. However, some devices are an exception to this rule and work across a multitude of skin types.

œ Safety features: Many of the devices above have sensors that won™t flash if your skin tone is too dark or if the device is not held properly against the skin this is a good feature to seek out. Additionally, IPL is a broad spectrum light, meaning it consists of a range of wavelengths, and this may include UV wavelengths that can damage your skin. Most IPL devices have a filter that blocks out the UV light, but always double-check for it.

œ Flashes: Look for how many pulses it will last for. Generally speaking, the more, the better. If you are looking for a cordless device, consider battery life. "If you are trying to target a larger area it can take many pulses, so just be sure to look at the battery life before you begin," Tavernise says. "Some only have a 30 minute battery life when it is fully charged."

œAttachments:Treatment head attachments of different sizes make it easier to treat a wide range of body zones. Some devices with skin contact sensors won™t flash unless the treatment head has full contact with the skin, which can be tricky in small, curved areas like the ankles or chin. Small attachments help in those areas, and wider attachments help treat large areas like the legs quickly.

What's the difference between professional and at-home laser hair removal devices?

The main difference between professional and at-home tools is the intensity of their light sources and the nature of their light sources. Laser hair removal devices (both professional and those few available for at-home use) emit œa laser that corresponds to a single wavelength of light, says Joie Tavernise, medical esthetician and founder of JTAV Clinical Skincare. "IPL stands for 'intense pulsed light' and uses broad-spectrum visible light."

What is better: IPL or laser hair removal?

"Although they operate differently, both laser and IPL devices accomplish the same goal: to seek out areas of pigment, a.k.a. dark hairs and use heat to damage the hair follicle," says Tavernise. Over time, they both can significantly reduce existing hairs and future hair growth. While very similar, laser hair removal has a slight leg up. IPL doesn't work quite as well on light or red hair and isn't recommended for every skin tone, including darker or tanned skin, generally speaking. "Laser hair removal utilizes a laser, which is a single wavelength and different from broad-spectrum light," Tavernise explains.

She finds that professional laser can work for a wide range of skin tones, especially darker tones, and the professional treatments can be less painful for most because of the built-in integrated cooling systems. "In my experience, professional laser treatments have the ability to target larger areas faster with better results," she adds. Over time, they both can significantly reduce existing hairs and future hair growth.

Are at-home laser hair removal devices safe?

"Lasers and IPL are both very powerful technologies that can be dangerous when used incorrectly, but for the most part these devices are safe," says Tavernise. At-home devices are made with significantly less power and the light is less concentrated than you will find in a professional setting. "This does not mean that there is zero chance that something can go wrong, but the odds of something happening are very low," she says.

Tavernise advises that the most important precaution to take is ensuring that your skin tone will react well to the treatment. "Those with a high amount of melanin and pigment in their skin have a higher risk of getting burned and scarring so it is crucial to check that the device will work with your skin tone." According to Aral, you should always follow the particular device's guidelines and not do it more often than suggested as each one may be slightly different and there is a risk of scarring if used improperly.

One additional note before you start: "If you do try this at home, you should consult a dermatologist beforehand, especially if you've had a history of skin cancers," says Aral.

Does at-home laser hair removal work?

The short answer: yes. "These devices use light energy to target melanin in the hair follicle and heat it up, damaging the follicles and slowing regrowth," says Butler.

Do at-home lasers permanently remove hair?

"It™s impossible to say the effect is permanent," says Butler. Given enough time, the hair could grow back. "Hormonal changes like pregnancy can also affect hair growth," she adds.

Meet the experts

• Joie Tavernise is an NYC-based medical esthetician and the founder of JTAV Clinical Skincare, a skincare clinic that specializes in medical grade skincare treatments. She has been a practicing esthetician for 20 years.
• Gretchen Frieling, M.D., is a medical doctor in Massachusetts with over 18 years of experience in the aesthetic, dermatology and pathology fields.

Jacqueline Saguin

Senior Commerce Editor

Jacqueline (she/her) covers all things e-commerce in beauty, lifestyle and beyond for the Good Housekeeping Institute. Before joining GH in 2021, she was a style and beauty reviews fellow at Insider, testing viral trends, reviewing sustainable brands and more. She's a graduate of the University of Florida's School of Journalism, with a specialty in magazines and mass communication.

Dori Price

Contributing Beauty Editor

Dori Price is a New York City-based freelance writer and editor and beauty, style and wellness expert who was the Beauty & Fashion Director at Family Circle for 13 years before she joined Good Housekeeping, Prevention and Woman™s Day as a freelance beauty editor. She has also written for WomensHealthMag.com, Elle.com and HealthCentral.com.

Reviewed byBirnur K. Aral, Ph.D.

Birnur (she/her) led the Beauty, Health and Sustainability Lab at the Good Housekeeping Institute from 2007 to 2023. In addition to overseeing product testing and GH Seal applications, she conducted our annual Beauty Awards selection process and was an active leader in GH™s green initiatives, including the Sustainable Innovation Awards and Raise the Green Bar Summit. In addition to earning M.Eng. and Ph.D. degrees in chemical engineering, she also has a professional certificate in sustainability management from Columbia University.

Read full bio

Reviewed byChiara Butler

Beauty, Health & Sustainability Lab Reviews Analyst

Chiara (she/her) is a reviews analyst in the Beauty, Health and Sustainability Lab at the Good Housekeeping Institute, where she conducts hands-on testing of health and beauty products. She earned her bachelor™s degree in chemistry from Columbia University. Before joining GH in 2022, she worked as a cosmetic chemist, formulating skincare products for a variety of brands and learning to decode ingredient lists, evaluate ingredient efficacy and scrutinize product claims.

Read full bio

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