[Copy] The 8 Best At-Home Laser Hair Removal Devices, Based On Expert Advice

Forbes

23-05-2025

Laser hair removal can make your grooming routine much more efficient; unlike shaving, this method damages hair follicles to reduce growth over time, ultimately giving more long-term results. After speaking with experts and gathering personal recommendations from Forbes Vetted testers, we landed on the eight best at-home laser hair removal devices, all of which are FDA-cleared. Our top pick overall is the Braun Silk Expert Pro 5, which has 10 intensity levels and four interchangeable caps for full-body treatment. If you have coarse hair, we recommend the ultra-efficient Nood Flasher 2.0, which can offer visible results in as little as three weeks.
According to dermatologist Dr. Ramya Garlapati, these gadgets work similarly to in-0ffice laser treatments, but when compared to them, 'the energy level of the at-home lasers is much lower.' Devices designed for home use are commonly IPL (intense pulsed light) tools—many of which are featured in our roundup—which work to achieve similar results as a diode laser does. In addition to providing a convenient alternative to going in for appointments, these hair removal tools can also help with upkeep. (Keep in mind: If you do opt to do this at home, you may need more sessions to see lasting results.) From luxury picks to affordable options, here are the best at-home laser hair removal devices for zapping unwanted body hair.
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Flashes: 400,000 | Laser type: IPL | Intensity levels: 10 | FDA-cleared: Yes
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Braun's Silk Expert Pro 5 has several features that will help you get rid of unwanted hair more efficiently. It features a gliding mode for quickly treating large areas, like the legs, and a stamping mode for hard-to-reach areas, like the bikini line. It also has SensoAdapt technology, which automatically adjusts the flash intensity for safe use on skin. There are 10 intensity levels total, and it's possible to treat both legs in just five minutes at the lowest energy setting. According to the brand's website, results can be seen in as little as four weeks with regular use. The set includes four attachment caps that allow you to safely target different areas of your body, including your armpits and face. There's also a Venus razor for touch-ups.
What the reviews say: 'I've used it for two months so far and have seen good results—quite a reduction of hair,' says one Braun customer. 'I have tried so many different machines and this one is the best so far. My underarms are the hardest thing, and there are fewer hairs and they are so much thinner.' However, some users note that completing a full-body treatment with this device is a bit tedious.
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Flashes: 600,000 | Laser type: IPL | Intensity levels: 3 | FDA-cleared: Yes
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This device offers a larger treatment window, meaning you only need about 10 minutes per session. Nood's technology also includes one of the highest-intensity lamps that targets hair at the root, without causing sensitivity and redness—even on coarse hair. The device is so effective that you'll see results within as little as three weeks and will notice more permanent hair removal in six to eight weeks. You can switch between three modes, depending on your skin's sensitivity. It's best suited for very fair skin to light brown skin, but may not be as effective or safe for darker skin tones. For more info, read our in-depth Nood review here.
What our testers say: 'The Flasher 2.0 has a thoughtful, compact design that fits nicely in the hand, and it's lightweight enough that lengthier IPL sessions don't feel like a chore,' says Forbes Vetted contributor Jessica Timmons. 'Our panel of testers appreciated the privacy, pricing and convenience of using it at home compared to in-office laser hair removal.'
Flashes: 300,000 | Laser type: IPL | Intensity levels: 6 | FDA-cleared: Yes
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Most at-home laser hair removal devices come with larger price tags, but this one from RoseSkinCo. makes our list as the best value pick. Although it's more affordable, the device doesn't falter when it comes to results; you may start noticing positive benefits as soon as three weeks, so long as you use the device once per week. (Long-term hair removal can be expected after 12 uses, over the course of six to 12 weeks.) It offers six intensity levels and is suitable to use all over your body, including your armpits, legs, face and bikini area. Note that the device shouldn't be used above the cheekbones or on the inner part of the bikini area.
What the reviews say: 'It's honestly a great investment,' says one RoseSkinCo. reviewer. 'I've only been using the Lumi for five weeks, but there are already spots on my legs where the hair has stopped growing. It's super easy and quick to use, and it's so nice that there is no pain involved.' However, some reviewers with dark brown or black hair say the device takes several weeks to begin producing visible results.
Flashes: Unlimited | Laser type: IPL | Intensity levels: 10 | FDA-cleared: Yes
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This recently upgraded device glides over large and small areas to provide lasting hair removal results. The Pure Adapt's head automatically adjusts to the contours of your body, preventing missed spots and unwanted burns. There are three comfort modes (Power, Speed and Gentle) that allow you to tailor the device to your targeted areas. Its smart sensor calibrates the ideal IPL for your specific skin and hair type, and each treatment takes about 10 minutes. The device is safe to use on all areas of your body, as well as your face. According to the brand, you can expect to see visible results in just two weeks.
What our editors say: 'I've been using this device for about three weeks, and it's the definition of user-friendly: You just plug it in, aim it at your target area and press a button,' says managing editor Emmy Favilla. 'It's minimally painful, and comfortable to hold and wield. While hair is re-growing, it does seem like it's coming in less coarse, which is a great sign.'
Flashes: 500,000 | Laser type: OPT | Intensity levels: 6 | FDA-cleared: Yes
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The Jovs Venus Pro has several elements that make it worth the investment. It has a 180-degree rotating head (for better precision), a skin-cooling feature (for added comfort) and useful attachments, like an LED option that also helps reduce visible signs of aging. Unlike the other options on this list, this model uses optimum pulsed light (OPT) technology, which is a more enhanced version of IPL that may provide more effective results. It has six function modes and intensity levels for customized treatment on your legs, underarms, face and bikini lines. A full-body treatment can be completed in around seven minutes, and visible results can be noticed in as soon as four weeks.
What the reviews say: Fans of this device praise its unique, streamlined shape, which many say allows access to hard-to-reach areas. 'This is the most ergonomic laser hair removal device that I've ever tried, and I've tried a bunch,' says one Walmart customer. 'The fact that the light source head can pivot is huge.' However, some reviewers say they expected more effective results given the high price tag.
Flashes: Unlimited | Laser type: IPL | Intensity levels: 3 | FDA-cleared: Yes
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The Ulike Sapphire Air 3 is so easy to use, you may feel emboldened to use it on your entire body. Its sapphire ice-cooling technology makes the process as painless as possible, while the thumb-free auto glide mode allows you to cover large areas of your body in one fell swoop. The device delivers flashes every 0.7 seconds, and a full-body treatment can take as little as 12 minutes. You can expect to see results in about three weeks, with treatment frequency starting at three times a week and gradually reducing to every month.
What the reviews say: Over 1,400 customers give this model a 5-star rating. 'I've had full body laser professionally done and this works just as well, in fact better in a few areas,' says one Amazon customer. 'It's been great on my stubborn areas like my knees and I'm finally lasering my arms now as well. On top of actually working, it's not kidding about being pain-free.'
Flashes: Unlimited | Laser type: IPL with RF | Intensity levels: 3 | FDA-cleared: Yes
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The Iluminage Touch is a laser for the the face and body that uses intense pulsed light (IPL) and radio frequency (RF) to gently zap away unwanted hair. It's this combination that makes this pick safe for darker shades of skin—in fact, it's the first at-home laser that's cleared by the FDA to use on all skin tones. The device features three energy levels that can be used on a wide range of hair colors, including blonde, dark blonde and red hair. It also comes with a precision adaptor and an epilator attachment to optimize treatments. The Iluminage Touch also provides results fast—users can expect to see a noticeable decrease in hair growth after just two treatments, and full results in seven weeks.
What the reviews say: 'I have been using this for five weeks now and am very pleased with the results,' says one Nordstrom customer. 'I'd say easily 75% of my most stubborn black and coarse hair is gone. On my not so stubborn hair I have noticed about a 90 to 95% reduction. For the hairs that are growing back still, they are much more fine and lighter in color.' However, a portion of customers with coarse hair report that this machine's laser wasn't strong enough to deliver the results they wanted.
Flashes: 600,000 | Laser type: eHPL (galvanic and optical energy) | Intensity levels: 5 | FDA-cleared: Yes
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This upgraded Silk'n device targets follicles on a wider range of skin tones than its previous iteration. Its enhanced Home Pulsed Light technology (which is a safer, home-friendly version of IPL) now uses galvanic energy to helps its light reach hair follicles more deeply—and twice as fast than the previous model. Since the laser uses energy from a bulb instead of thermal heat, it's designed to fit comfortably in the palm of your hand, making it our top pick for travel. You can expect to see noticeable results after three to four treatments, and full results after eight. It's also safe for use on your underarms, legs, bikini lines and face, and has five intensity settings to customize your treatment.
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When compiling this list of the best at-home laser hair removal devices, we considered the top options on the market at different price points and capabilities.
If you're looking for an at-home laser hair removal device that provides results on par with a professional treatment, there are several factors to consider. Here's what to keep in mind.
Most at-home laser hair removal devices use intense pulsed light (IPL) therapy to treat unwanted body hair. However, some devices such as the Jovs Venus Pro II use optimal pulse technology (OPT), which is an enhanced version of IPL that can penetrate the skin more deeply and therefore may be more effective. A select few devices (including the Iluminage Touch) combine IPL with radio frequency (RF) heat energy, which reduces IPL intensity so it can be used across a wider range of skin tones.
You can think of the number of flashes (also known as pulses) as the lifespan of the laser. It determines how long you can use the tool before it wears out. In many cases, you can achieve the results you want with one device. According to cosmetic dermatologist Dr. Ava Shamban, areas such as the lip and face generally need about 25 to 50 flashes; the underarm or bikini line might need up to 200 flashes; larger areas like the legs may need 500 to 600 flashes each; the chest or back may require 700 or even 800 flashes.
Laser hair removal devices aren't one size fits all. 'Some may not be advisable for darker skin tones, which have a higher chance for issues such as burning or hyperpigmentation,' says Shamban. 'Usually, lighter skin with darker hair is the best combination, but some can be used on all skin tones and types.' (See the Iluminage Touch, our pick for dark skin tones.) Most devices have multiple intensity levels as well; a higher intensity level will deliver faster results, but it may aggravate sensitive skin. Opting for a device with a skin-cooling feature can remedy some of the pain and irritation caused by more powerful treatments.
It's a good idea to keep your desired treatment area in mind when selecting an at-home laser hair removal device, especially if you want to cover larger parts on the body. An automatic flashing feature (like the one found on the Ulike Sapphire Air 3) allows you to cover more surface area without having to hold down a button. Some devices, like the Braun Silk Expert Pro 5, include different detachable laser heads that allow you to target specific places that are hard to reach, like the bikini line.
'Laser hair removal is a treatment in which the hair follicle is permanently destroyed, and this prevents hair growth,' says Garlapati. This method is an excellent solution if you're tired of frequent shaving, waxing or other more temporary grooming options. At-home laser devices work in the same way as ones found in professional establishments, but at lower frequencies. 'As a result, these treatments require more sessions to show an improvement, and they may not be as effective,' she says. That's why it's important to be patient and consistent with your efforts, as it may take several weeks before you notice any change in your hair growth.
Safety is often a concern when using one of these laser tools. 'Any device purchased for home usage should be FDA-approved or cleared,' says Shamban. This information should be indicated or marked on the device's packaging or instructions. It's also important to pay attention to the list of usages, as some versions are only safe to use on certain areas. In addition, Garlapati explains that 'there is a risk of burning your skin and causing hyperpigmentation if you do too many passes.' That's why it's important to diligently follow the directions depending on the area that you want to treat.
After comparing all eight models on our list, one stood out as the clear winner: The Braun IPL Silk Expert Pro 5 is the best laser for hair removal at home, thanks to its wide range of intensity levels and variety of attachments for different parts of your body. However, everyone's hair removal needs are different. If you have coarse hair, we recommend the Nood Flasher 2.0, while those with darker skin tones should look into the Illuminage Touch.
Yes, you should shave before you begin using a laser hair removal device; according to Nood, this should ideally be 12 to 24 hours before you apply the laser to your skin. Shaving can be done with either a manual razor or an electric razor, but keep in mind that a manual razor will provide a closer shave and reduce the risk of the laser burning your hairs. If you plan on using your IPL device to remove facial hair, you should stick to dermaplaning the area rather than shaving.