When it comes to the best hair removal products, of course, the best epilator is considered one of the most popular tools for hair removal. A long-lasting method that extracts hair from the root, an epilator is a quick and easy answer to all your hair removal needs. While we can't say it's totally painless, it can offer a smoother shave for longer.
If you're wanting to wear a dress in summer without the appearance of unwanted leg hair or underarm hair, then this could very well be the device for you. Not only does it completely remove hair from the follicle with a lower rate of stubble, but it can also slow down hair growth with regular use.
Even totally painless methods like shaving with an electric razor or using the best razors for women come with their downsides. As shaving just removes part of the hair strand, it's more likely to cause stubble, faster growth and strawberry legs. Whereas an epilator goes all the way in giving your legs that enviable smooth look and feel.
The best epilator at a glance
We all know how expensive salon appointments can be in the long run. This is why home waxing kits and methods of home hair removal have become popular as of late. Not to mention, using an epilator from the comfort of your own home means you're able to take your time. With that being said, here are the best epilators you can use at home for a smoother, longer-lasting shave.
The best epilators
Best highly rated epilator
Best highly rated epilator
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With the battery lasting longer than other Braun models, the Braun Silk-épil 9 9-720 will work perfectly on any area of your body, including on wet and dry skin. The blades on this epilator are designed to pick up even the shortest of hairs, which means a smooth feeling shave for longer. As one of the highest-rated epilators on Amazon, it deserved a top spot on our shortlist.
Customer review: "I love it... I used to get waxed at the salon but due to a bad back, I stopped going. I then tried waxing at home and got into a right mess. So back to shaving and I noticed how thick the hair was getting. So, decided to treat myself to this Braun Silk 9 Epilator. I've used it twice and I think it's amazing. It pulls all my hair out including the thin blonde thigh fluff. I get it all as long as I am patient with it and pull your skin tight in all directions then it works perfectly."
Pros
- A highly rated product
- Can be used wet and dry
- Two handy attachments
Cons
- May not be as effective on finer hairs
Best affordable epilator
Best affordable epilator
As the highest quality affordable option on our list, the Braun Silk Epil 1 Legs and Body Epilator comes highly reviewed and rated. An easy-to-use epilator that provides long-lasting results, reviewers were left impressed by how smooth their legs felt. It is a corded model, so this is something to be considered. But at such an affordable price point, we may just be willing to overlook this...
Customer review: "I'd never dared to epilate before (although I have had my legs waxed sometimes.) Yes - it's a bit painful and takes time if like me you've grown a lot of leg hair, but for me, this is definitely the best hair removal method - lasts well, is cheaper, and you don't have to book appointments - why didn't I try this before?"
Pros
- Handy for travelling
- Two adaptable settings for speed
- An affordable price for quality
Cons
- It must be plugged in to use it
Best compact epilator
Best compact epilator
For such an affordable price, you can get yourself this handy compact epilator that's easy to store and take with you on your travels. The Philips Satinelle Essential Corded Compact Epilator tweezers are even small enough to use on facial hair. We've included this model as the best compact epilator on our list due to raving reviews across Amazon.
Customer review: "About 10 years ago I had an epilator. I used it once. It felt like it was ripping my skin off. It ended up being binned. This epilator is different. Although ripping your hair out by the roots will never be a pleasant sensation, the roller on this model definitely helps to lessen the pain. I find it bearable even though my pain threshold is relatively low. The cord is quite long and not restrictive if you are near a plug socket."
Pros
- Handy for travelling
- Two adaptable settings for thin and thick hair
- Suitable for use on the face
Cons
- It must be plugged in to use it
Best facial epilator
Best facial epilator
Without a doubt, the Braun FaceSpa Face Epilator is easily one of the best face epilators on the market currently. With three different attachments, the combination of them all helps you to achieve radiant and glowing skin. It comes with a facial cleansing brush head, toning head and hair removal epilator head so you can recreate a salon experience from home.
Customer review: "I am an almost 30 year old with a busy work and home life, time is precious (I don't know how people with families pack everything in!) and this device is a god send. I have tried everything, plucking, waxing, hair removal, bleaching and other epilators. This product is fantastic. I must admit that when it starts up the noise and the spinning speed intimidate me, but once I plucked up the courage to use it, it was fantastic. It's quick, and doesn't hurt too much - although right under the nose takes some nerves of steel."
Pros
- Handy for travelling
- Cordless with a rechargeable battery
- Three handy attachments
Cons
- Battery life may not last all that long
Best epilator deal
Best epilator deal
We have to say, having noticed the Panasonic ES-EL9A Wet and Dry Cordless Epilator is now 61 per cent off on Amazon, we can't help but snap up this bargain. Featuring eight different attachments at such an affordable price, this is the best epilator deal out there. It's cordless, can be used wet or dry and features three different speed settings to boot. There are other models available to buy with varying levels of attachments if you find eight is a bit too much.
Customer review: "When I saw that this epilator has no less than 60 pairs of tweezers, I assumed that it would be far-and-away the most painful of all that I have tried. I couldn't have been more wrong! I don't know if it's the twin roller epilating head, the three speeds, the swivel head, or a combination of them all, but it's actually the most comfortable epilator I've used."
Pros
- Currently on offer
- Three different models available
- Eight handy attachments
Cons
- Manual instructions may be complicated
Best Philips epilator
Best Philips epilator
The Philips BRE710/01 Series 8000 Wet and Dry Epilator is Philips' cordless epilator, able to glide over both wet and dry skin alike. As it's a cordless model, there's no worry about getting tangled in wires or being restricted to a plug socket, unlike other competitors. It comes with five accessories, an ergonomically shaped handle and a built-in light so those pesky hairs are more visible.
Customer review: "Replacement for a previous epilator. This is so much smoother and efficient. Angled so that it contours to your body, making it easier to catch hairs. Have found it very good for very short hairs. Definitely recommend."
Pros
- Can be used wet and dry
- Cordless with a rechargeable battery
- Five handy accessories
Cons
- May not be as effective on finer hairs
Best budget epilator
Best budget epilator
As the cheapest option on the list, the Hangsun 2-in-1 Cordless Epilator has to be the best budget option. There are a few features we love here, such as the built-in LED light to make seeing fine hairs easier, and the adaptable two-speed setting. A cheap and cheerful option, customers found this epilator a solid choice for removing hair and giving you that smooth feeling.
Customer review: "I decided to try epilating after the frustration over buying disposable razor after disposable razor. When I searched for an epilator on Amazon, many were outwith my budget, so I decided to try this one, at a far lower price. It works very efficiently, with two speed settings and two different heads. Overall, I was very impressed. Some epilators on this site cost £70-£100+ and to be totally honest I'm not sure what features they have that would make them so much more expensive. This does a great job and leaves your skin super smooth."
Pros
- Built-in LED lighting
- Two handy attachments
- Great budget option
Cons
- LED light not all that strong
Best Remington epilator
Best Remington epilator
The Remington EP7300 3-in-1 Corded Epilator is a great compact epilator with three different attachments that can be used across the body to target unwanted hair. It has two-speed settings as well as a massage cap with aloe vera attachment designed to soothe the skin after use. It removes 60 per cent more hair in one pass compared to previous models and offers up to four weeks of silky smooth skin.
Customer review: "I like Remington epilators always been pleased with them. Also corded epilators in general are better as they last much longer and have more power. I usually use my epilator without an attachment on it just cause I prefer it, it's easier and goes closer to the skin. Tried it with an attachment this time to see and it caught my skin on my armpit so be careful if you use it with an attachment. Overall it's a really good epilator, I use it pretty much on my whole body."
Pros
- Handy for travelling
- Three handy attachments
- 2 Year Guarantee
Cons
- It must be plugged in to use it
Best luxury epilator
Best luxury epilator
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If you're really wanting to splash out, the Braun Silk-épil 9 Flex 9100 Beauty Set is the ideal treat for yourself or someone close to you. Allowing you to recreate a spa experience from home, it also comes with a handy travel case to take with you wherever you go. Not only can it be used on wet or dry skin, but the epilator and face spa brush can also be completely submerged underwater. With more than enough attachments, the epilator head is also flexible so it's able to adapt to your body so you can enjoy a close shave.
Pros
- Flexible epilator head
- Can be used wet and dry
- Eight handy attachments
Cons
- A more premium product but worth it
Best Magnitone epilator
Best Magnitone epilator
From Magnitone, the PluckIt 2 Super Glide Compact Epilator comes at an affordable price point and is great for taking with you on holiday due to the compact size and handy travel pouch. Unlike similar competitors, such as the Philips Satinelle Essential Corded Compact Epilator, it doesn't need to be plugged in during use, so definitely something to note.
Customer review: "So easy to use and compact. Removed even super short hairs - really impressed! Love the pouch - will be taking this on holiday with me for touch-ups!"
Pros
- Handy for travelling
- Uncorded with a rechargeable battery
- Two handy attachments
Cons
- Battery life may not last all that long
Best epilator FAQs
Will epilators remove hair permanently?
While they don't necessarily have a permanent effect like a laser hair removal device, they do typically provide smooth skin for up to four weeks after use. They work by removing hair by using small discs that grasp the hairs and plucking them out. This is why using an epilator tends to last a little bit longer than other methods of hair removal.
Are epilators better than shaving?
Despite the uncomfortable feeling much like hair removal wax, we love that an epilator offers smoother feeling skin for longer. This method of hair removal has lots of benefits, like extracting hair from the root, as well as potentially reducing the amount of body hair you have over time. According to Healthline, "With this method, hair grows back softer and finer. Hair may even regrow at a slower rate. The longer you epilate, the less hair you'll notice on certain parts of your body."
Does using an epilator hurt?
Unfortunately, like most methods of hair removal, there is some level of pain involved. This especially depends on where you're using it, as some areas of the body are more sensitive than others. Particularly the face, underarms or bikini line. If the idea of an epilator seems daunting but you still want the lasting effect that shaving can't offer, you may want to consider a painless option such as a hair removal cream instead.
How to use an epilator?
If you're a beginner when it comes to using an epilator, it may be a daunting concept. Not to worry, along with Braun's guide on how to epilate and video tutorials from YouTube, you'll be an expert in no time.
Here are some top tips on how to use an epilator:
Samantha' Sam' Price is a Beauty, Fashion & Wellness Products Writer at Yours magazine. In 2021, Sam began her journey as a Storytelling Executive at Closer and heatworld on an internship, creating beauty and fashion content across these brands. It was 2022 when Sam was employed as a Commercial Content Writer writing about Family Life on Yours, Mother & Baby and Spirit & Destiny. Now, she specialises in beauty, fashion and wellness content across many brands.