Philips Lumea Prestige
A practical ipl hair removal device for gradual, long-lasting hair reduction - used correctly and consistently.
IPL vs Laser Hair Removal: What's the Difference?
People often use 'IPL' and 'laser' interchangeably, but they're different technologies - and the bigger choice is at-home IPL versus professional salon laser. Here's how they compare.
IPL (at home)
IPL uses broad-spectrum pulsed light across a range of wavelengths. At-home IPL devices are affordable, convenient and let you treat in private on your own schedule, delivering long-term hair reduction on suitable skin and hair over a course of sessions and top-ups. They're lower-powered than salon machines, so results are more gradual and they only suit light-to-medium skin with dark hair.
Laser (salon)
Professional laser uses a single, focused wavelength and higher power, so it can be more effective per session and - with machines designed for the purpose - can treat a wider range of skin tones, including darker skin, safely in trained hands. The trade-offs are cost (a course of salon sessions is far more expensive than a home device) and the need to attend appointments. For deep skin tones or the most thorough results, professional laser is often the better route.
Which should you choose?
For light-to-medium skin with dark hair, at-home IPL is a convenient, cost-effective way to get long-term reduction without salon prices. If you have darker skin, want the most powerful results, or prefer a professional to handle it, salon laser is worth the higher cost. Many people start with home IPL and only consider laser if it's not suitable for them.
Our top picks
#1
#2 
Haarlosy IPL Laser Hair Removal Device
A practical ipl hair removal device (999900 flashes) for gradual, long-lasting hair reduction - used correctly and consistently.
#3 
Philips Lumea 8000 Series
A practical ipl hair removal device for gradual, long-lasting hair reduction - used correctly and consistently.
#4 
Braun IPL Silk Expert Pro 5 PL5347
A practical ipl hair removal device for gradual, long-lasting hair reduction - used correctly and consistently.
Frequently asked questions
Is IPL or laser better for hair removal?
Laser is more powerful and can suit a wider range of skin tones in professional hands, but it's far more expensive. At-home IPL is convenient and cost-effective for light-to-medium skin with dark hair. For deep skin tones or maximum results, professional laser is usually better.
Is at-home IPL as good as salon laser?
Not as powerful - home IPL is lower-energy, so results are more gradual and it only suits certain skin and hair. But it's far cheaper and more convenient, and for suitable users it delivers genuine long-term reduction. Salon laser is stronger and suits more skin tones, at a higher cost.
Bottom line
Our top pick is the Philips Lumea Prestige (our score 9.6/10) - A practical ipl hair removal device for gradual, long-lasting hair reduction - used correctly and consistently..