The WH Lab looks at whether IPL devices are worth the dosh (2024)

Giving top results in just three weeks, this compact cordless machine packs a real punch. Testers were pleased that it reduced hair regrowth in such a short time, and liked how well it moved over trickier areas, such as the chin or knees. Its ergonomic shape meant it as easy (and comfortable) to use for a sustained period, too.

Testers found it pain-free, and those who used it on their facial hair didn't experience any irritation. Taking the faff out of the process, there's no need to change attachments for different areas – instead, there are multiple settings to choose from. Our panel also found it quiet to use, so it's ideal for zapping those hairs in front of the TV.

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If time isn’t on your side, this sleek-looking IPL device claims to do a full body treatment in just 10 minutes. It also features an in-built sensor, which scans your skin to pick the best light intensity for you, so you don’t even have to think about it.

When it came to hair removal, our testers said it was comfortable to use and it managed to visibly reduce hair by the end of the trial period. Most of the panel were impressed with how quick it was to cover the whole body, making it ideal if you’re short on time.

It comes with three settings for a fuss-free application, and can be used on both the body and face. With unlimited flashes too, you’re getting great value for money.

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Impatient? This cordless device acts fast, with results being seen by our testers in just three weeks.

It features the same ‘SmartSkin’ tech as previous Philips models, which recommends the optimum setting for your skin tone, as well as four different attachments for different areas of the body. It proved to be successful on both body and facial hair, and many of our panel also noticed that their bikini line stayed fuzz-free after six weeks of continued use.

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We're usually sceptical about two-in-one products delivering the most powerful results, but this device proved us wrong. While the IPL head tackles unwanted hair, the 'skin rejuvenation' mode uses flashes of light to help boost collagen and elastin production, aiming to leave you with firmer-looking skin.

The rotating head makes it easier to reach all areas of the body, and all testers said they were hair-free in six weeks. If you're nervous about the pain element of hair removal, this device also features ‘ICE’ technology, which cools skin down to help eliminate discomfort.

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Our panel not only found this machine relatively pain-free, thanks to its sensitive mode, but it particularly impressed on facial hair removal.

Testers saw a noticeable reduction in hair here in just four weeks, and the included Facial Hair Remover enabled easy prep before using the device. Also included are four attachments with different sized windows for use on different areas of the body, including the face and bikini line.

Our testers were fans of the cordless design, but some wished the battery life was longer.

With 10 intensity levels to choose from, this device offers the most personalised experience of all the models we tested. Our panel liked the glide mode, which speeds things up by delivering more flashes on larger areas of the body (such as the legs), while the stamp mode is ideal for small, more sensitive areas.

The pack also comes with a handy razor so you can get started right away. Our testers were happy with the results, and with the equivalent of 22 years’ worth of flashes pre-loaded, we reckon it’s a worthwhile investment.

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Suitable for all-over use, this cordless design is loaded with unlimited flashes. Although the heads were initially a little fiddly to attach, and some found it a touch bulky, the useful ‘glide’ function made it super speedy to use, with sparser hair noticeable in eight to 12 weeks.

The wide choice of settings also made the majority of testers feel more comfortable.

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This device delivers the same powerful hair-zapping technology as the other Philips models on our list, while being a bit kinder on your bank balance. It claims to work on a variety of different hair and skin types too — from dark blonde to black — to break the hair growth cycle.

Our panel said it did a great job at not only reducing regrowth but also the thickness of the hair on the face and body after just four weeks, without causing any pain or irritation.

If you really want to get your money’s worth, download the Lumea app, which helps you personalise your treatment schedule, as well as providing you with tips and tricks to get the most effective results.

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With 100 flashes per minute, the Bare+ claims to be the fastest IPL device on the market with results in as little as four weeks, reducing hair growth by up to 97%.

You can count on safety first here too — this device has a built-in Smart Skin Sensor to check your skin tone before each flash, and will only activate if it’s safe to do so.

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Ideal for using all over the body, this Braun IPL device has a precision head for those hard-to-reach areas such as the face, underarms and bikini line.

It also has an adaptive sensor that continuously reads your skin tone — which can vary across your body — and alters its flash intensity for the best results. See results from twelve weeks onwards.

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Let’s face it, the quicker we can see results, the better, and this advanced machine promises you’ll notice a difference in just four treatments. Taking away any guesswork, there are four attachments designed to effectively target the face, body and delicate bikini area.

Click the head in place and a clever sensor will help you find which of the five light intensities is best for your skin tone.

After four weeks, our testers found regrowth was minimal and much finer, and after the full 12-week period, most said their hair had stopped growing back altogether.

If you’re the forgetful type, it’s worth downloading the Philips Lumea app to keep track of your treatment plan — it will give you helpful reminders when your next session is due.

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