The Best Epilators for At-Home Hair Removal in 2026, According to Experts
Here's why they're better than waxing, shaving, or a laser.
Expert consulted: Dr. Hadley KingDermatologist
Women's Health may earn commission from the links on this page, but we only feature products we believe in. Why Trust Us?
SUMMER’S SIGNATURE HOT temperatures have me reevaluating more than just my wardrobe. My skincare routine is due for a seasonal refresh—but one beauty ritual that I won’t skip is body hair removal. There’s nothing wrong with body hair, of course. But if you’re like me and prefer smooth, dolphin-like skin brushing against your matching linen sets and breezy frocks, then chances are that you’ve tried a slew of hair removal methods.
Shaving is cheap and easy, but it requires daily maintenance. Depilatory hair removal creams are convenient, but they can easily irritate sensitive skin. Waxing results last up to six weeks, but the discomfort can also be unpleasant for those with sensitive skin. Some of our editors adore laser hair removal devices, but they’ll set you back at least $300. Many aren’t designed with Brown and Black skin tones like mine.
Best Epilators
- Best Overall: Braun Epilator Silk-épil 9 Epilator
- Best Value: Remington Smooth and Silky Facial Epilator
- Best Bikini Epilator: Philips Epilator Series 2000
- Most Attachments: Philips Epilator Series 9000
- Best for Face: Braun Face Epilator Facespa Pro 911
However, we’re all in on one hair removal technique: epilators. They resemble electric razors, but instead of trimming hairs at the surface, they pluck them from the root for long-lasting, smooth skin. Because the hair-free results last for two to four weeks, epilators are a great alternative to shaving and hair removal creams. Repeated sessions slow down hair growth, and your unwanted strands will be finer when they regrow, says dermatologist Hadley King, MD. They’re also gentler than laser hair removal devices, which is why Dr. King recommends them for anyone with sensitive skin or who isn't a good fit for laser hair removal.
My favorites start at just $9, so you can enjoy hair-free skin without putting a major dent in your beauty budget this summer. Plus, many of our recommendations are sold on Amazon, meaning you can take full advantage of the retailer’s signature two-day Prime shipping and enjoy hair-free legs before your upcoming weekend plans.
Best Deal
Braun Silk-épil 9 Epilator
Braun Silk-épil 9 Epilator
Pros
- Waterproof, meaning it can be used wet or dry
- Waterproof, meaning it can be used wet or dry
- Waterproof, meaning it can be used wet or dry
- Cordless
Cons
- Waterproof, meaning it can be used wet or dry
WH editors haven’t met a Braun device we don’t love—and this top-rated epilator is no exception. I love that it’s equipped with a wide, flexible head that flawlessly bends along the curves of my kneecaps, underarms, and my bikini line. Even better? It features an impressive amount of micro-grip tweezers which are much slimmer than traditional tweezers in the motor to ensure I get the closest hair removal possible. While it sounds intimidating, the sheer number of tweezers sped up my hair removal process.
This wet-dry device has an impressive 50-minute runtime which allows me to remove unwanted body hair over several sessions without worrying about it dying mid-epilating. It also has a relatively quick charging time of just an hour, which is shorter than other epilators I’ve come across in my research and testing process.
Despite the lightweight feel, I like how sturdy this device is and that it doesn’t easily slip out of my grip. Plus, it's waterproof so you can use your new epilator in the shower without worrying about it cranking out mid-shave.
And while a small detail, this device has a built-in “smartlight” that illuminates your skin while epilating, solidifying it as a must-have for women who like dimmer lighting while showering but still want to see what they're doing.
Truthfully, the only bummer about this device is that it’s the most expensive recommendation. However, we think its performance makes it worth it.
Read more: Best At-Home Laser Hair Removal Devices
Features at a Glance
| # of tweezers | 40 MicroGrip tweezers |
| Head size | Large |
| Your hair length | 0.5 mm |
| Power source | Electric; cordless |
| Water resistance | Wet and dry |
Pros
- Compact design is great for your upper lip, chin, and jawline
- Includes a protective cap and cleaning brush
- Affordable price
Cons
- Can only be used dry
Love the idea of a facial epilator but you don’t need the face cleansing brush or facial toning attachments? Reach for this $21 find from Remington. The brand’s suite of affordable hair tools were a staple in my childhood, so I have a certain level of trust in the quality of their products to confidently recommend this pick. (It earned more than 2,640 5-star Amazon ratings, which doesn't hurt either.)
It features a narrow head that allows you to pay attention to small areas, like your eyebrows. Lightly use slow, circular motions and allow six automatic tweezers to gently pluck unwanted facial hair as short as 0.5 mm from the root across your upper lip, chin, cheeks, and sideburns. (To achieve the best results, your facial hair should be no longer than 5 mm.)
It also includes a protective cap to guard the tweezers against damage when not in use, while the cleaning brush removes any hair buildup that can cause your device to temporarily stop working. It’s also portable and compact enough to toss into your purse or toiletry bag. Plus, we appreciate that it’s completely cordless and battery operated (it includes 1 AA battery), making it easy to maneuver for tight spots.
The only downside with this device is that it can only be used dry, so it’s best to use after cleansing your face.
| # of tweezers | 6 |
| Head size | Large |
| Your hair length | 0.5-5 mm |
| Power source | Battery; cordless |
| Water resistance | Dry |
Philips Epilator Series 2000
Philips Epilator Series 2000
Pros
- Ergonomic grip
- Detachable head
- Massage cap is great for beginners
Cons
- 1 speed setting
When you need a small-yet-mighty epilator that cleans up targeted areas like your bikini line, this palm-sized power tool is your girl. And it's only $40!
While it’s recommended to wax hair that’s at least 0.25-inches long (6.35 mm), this Philips device is designed to remove hairs as short as 0.5 mm from the root, so it’s much easier to remain hair-free with this tool. This is especially noteworthy given the fantastic price point. Despite its small size (a mere 4.72 x 2.36 inches), it can be used on your entire body, including your sensitive bikini line.
Epilating newbies will also love that this pretty pink device is gentler than other alternatives because it includes a massage cap that minimizes pain while in use. So bikini epilating won’t be as painful when you use this device.
Beyond the incredible price, we also appreciate how quickly this device works. It took McMahon only 10 minutes to remove unwanted hair from both of her lower legs. Cleaning up your bikini line can be done in under five minutes even if you go slowly. It is also equipped with a washable stainless steel head that ensures it remains clean and hair-free in between sessions. And like our best overall pick, the Philips has a non-slip grip that provides a steady hair removal process.
The only downside with this top-rated Amazon find is that it’s corded, meaning it’s not water-resistant. However, if you want a popular device for the mere price of $40 then this is definitely a worthy option to incorporate into your routine.
| # of tweezers | 20 |
| Head size | Precise |
| Your hair length | 0.5 mm |
| Power source | Electric; corded |
| Water resistance | Not water resistant |
Philips Epilator Series 9000
Philips Epilator Series 9000
Pros
- Wide head
- Can use it for different body parts
- Built-in light
Cons
- Curved head may miss some hairs
We originally highlighted the more affordable $80 version of this device, then the upgraded 8000 model. And while we still stand behind their efficacy, why settle for an epilator with just two attachments when you can use one with three attachments, plus a ProGuide, body exfoliation glove, and more? For only $30 more you have greater flexibility with the device.
This cordless wet/dry epilator features a wide head that’s equally effective on larger body parts, such as your legs and stomach as it is on your arms. While it’s too big for your face, it works on sensitive spots like your bikini line and your underarms. The bikini trimmer minimizes discomfort for your bikini area, while the epilator head ensures it works nimbly along tighter areas that require the utmost precision. This kit also includes a shaving head, bikini trimming comb, and trimming comb–the most attachments on our list so you can get your body hairs down before they’re plucked away with the epilator. Plus, it comes with a body exfoliating glove to help prep your skin and minimize the risk of ingrown hairs before hair removal. Genius!
And while a small detail, this is the only option that includes a soft storage pouch for travel, so you have no excuses to upkeep your body hair removal during vacation.
| # of tweezers | 32 |
| Head size | Large |
| Your hair length | 0.5 mm |
| Power source | Electric; cordless |
| Water resistance | Wet and dry |
Braun Face Epilator Facespa Pro 911
Braun Face Epilator Facespa Pro 911
Pros
- Helps your skincare penetrate
- Doubles as a face brush
- Can be used wet and dry
Cons
- Exclusively for the face
I promise this story isn’t sponsored by Braun, we just really trust their products. And so do nearly 1,200 Amazon reviewers who bestowed it with a perfect 5-star rating. So what makes it unique? Most epilators are strictly for your body—some are exclusively for your bikini line, while others work from your chest down. However the battery-powered Braun Facespa Pro 911 is designed exclusively for your face so if you’re dealing with pesky chin hairs or vellus hair aka the fine, short peach fuzz above your lips or on your cheeks and sideburns, then this is for you.
A combination of a precise tip and tiny tweezers help gently remove facial hair from the root for a long-lasting smooth shave. It also works as a cleansing brush and vibrating head (swap in the silver-tipped attachment) that helps your facial toner easily penetrate into your skin. The micro-vibration head also works with your face moisturizer or facial serum. And thanks to the automatic smart head detection you don’t have to fuss around changing any settings.
It can also be used wet and dry, so you can use it in the shower if you desire or in front of your vanity mirror when it suits you (note that it is water-resistant, not waterproof, however).
The biggest downside is that you’re paying $140 for a tool that’s exclusively for your face. However, because it combines three modalities, it’s not that pricey when you think about it. Hear me out: the reader-favorite Foreo Luna 4 Facial Cleansing Brush that doubles as a face massager is $200. Face massage wand prices can greatly vary. I adore the splurge-worthy $399 Shani Darden Facial Sculpting Wand, but you can find the Hailey Bieber-approved Medicube device for just under-$205. Ultimately, if you’re maxing out at $150 opt for this device to enjoy the massaging and hair removal benefits.
| # of tweezers | 10 micro-openings |
| Head size | Precise |
| Your hair length | 0.02 mm |
| Power source | Rechargeable battery; cordless |
| Water resistance | It's water-resistant, but it's best to use the epilator attachment dry |
Colordiary Eyebrow Hair Remover
Colordiary Eyebrow Hair Remover
Pros
- Narrow head
- LED light
- Cordless
Cons
- Not great for large areas
If you need razor-sharp precision, this device has the smallest head on the list. It’s designed to quickly, safely, and easily pluck away multiple stray hairs in your eyebrow area. You can still use this on your face, lips, chin, and even nose, but it’ll just take a little longer because the tip is so small. And whether you’ve got a few stray hairs, bushy brows, or even a unibrow, this device has you covered.
We’re impressed that such an affordable device doesn’t cut corners. Instead, it has hypoallergenic stainless steel blades that minimizes the risk of redness, irritation, and scratches. Like pricier alternatives, this just under-$9 find also has a built-in LED light light to illuminate your eyebrows so you can ensure even the tiniest, lightest strands are found and eliminated. It’s also the most affordable waterproof hair removal device on our list, though only the shaver head is waterproof, so it’s best to use in a dry setting.
This device comes with a USB cord that you can plug into your laptop, along with a single replacement blade that can last between three to six months, depending on usage. Even if you use this tool twice a month, it’s like you’re spending $1.50 per month over the course of half a year. Not too shabby!
| # of tweezers | N/A |
| Head size | Precise |
| Your hair length | N/A |
| Power source | Rechargeable battery; cordless |
| Water resistance | Dry (only the shaver head is waterproof) |
What to Consider
Number of Tweezers
Epilators are unique because they’re equipped with built-in tweezers to pluck hairs from the root.
For Precise Areas
The smaller heads have less tweezers, but they're fantastic for targeted areas like the face, underarms, and bikini line.
For Larger Areas
While larger epilator heads are better for covering bigger areas like your legs. Having a lot of tweezers helps speed up your hair removal routine, but it also means you’ll have a more painful experience because it’s plucking dozens of hairs at a time. But like ripping a bandage off a hairy arm, it’s uncomfortable at first, but not too rough. And FWIW, Dr. King promises the pain level noticeably improves after multiple sessions. So be brave and patient, and it’ll all be over before you know it.
Your Hair Length
For the most effective hair removal, your body hair should be about the length of a sprinkle or grain of rice (about 0.25 inches or 6.35 mm). This standard for epilators is the same as waxing, sugaring, and laser hair removal. When your hair is too short, it's challenging for the epilator to grasp and remove the strands. You also don't want them to be longer than about two rice grains to help prevent hairs from getting tangled and minimize pain. Everyone's hair regrowth is different, but for most people, it typically occurs within one to two weeks.
Power Source
It sounds like a small detail, but also consider the power source.
Battery-Operated
If you have minimal outlets in your home, then battery-powered makes sense. However, the hidden cost of replacing batteries can start to add up within the year. That said, all of the featured battery-operated devices in this story include a battery to help offset the long-term cost.
Electric Powered
These devices are great because you won’t have to worry about them cranking out mid-epilating, but honestly the cords can get in the way. If you’ve got the extra funds, it’s best to invest in a cordless device so you can remove your unwanted body hair without stretching in odd positions or sitting on your bedroom floor. That said, there are some stellar corded options, including the relatively affordable $40 Philips Epilator Series 2000.
Water Resistance
Water-resistant devices can be used wet or dry, so the cordless option can be used in your shower and the corded version works on your damp body if you prefer. Most aren’t waterproof, except the Braun Epilator Silk-épil 9 Flex 9-481 Beauty Set and the shaver head on the Colordiary Eyebrow Hair Remover.
How We Chose
As our beauty editor, I’m constantly on the hunt for the best products, and spend the vast majority of my time testing and reviewing the latest drops. I also regularly consult dermatologists about all things beauty, which is exactly what I did to kick off the selection process for our best epilators story. After talking with Dr. King (she’s one of my most-trusted dermatological experts), I asked about her recommendations and insights into shopping for epilators. Then, our team tested several of her picks and compared them to some of the other epilators in our beauty closet.
We've been testing epilators since March 2021, and over time we've evaluated dozens of newer models with various features until we settled on these six winners. In the years since, we've kept a close eye on the latest launches across all price points and have updated this story at least yearly to share our honest thoughts. For our most recent update, we tried 12 epilators and determined these six are worthy of a place in our routine—and we're confident they'll equally impress you as well.
Over the last six weeks we've been trying a slew of options and kept the number of tweezers, power source, and water resistance in mind. Next, we paid attention to the number of attachments. We prioritized accessories that helped alleviate discomfort to ensure we have less intimidating options for beginners. Next, we considered each epilator's ease of use, noise level, grip strength, comfort, and efficacy at removing hair. Our team used these devices in our real lives and ahead of important events, like weddings, birthdays, and after exercises.
To narrow down the list even further, I recruited Women's Health colleagues, including Assistant Social Media Editor Isabel McMahon, to join the testing process. I also carefully vetted all of the top-rated picks across Amazon, Ulta, and Sephora. I also considered pricing. While yes, the top pick is over $250, it’s from Braun, one of the most-trusted names in the hair removal game. It also earned major snaps from McMahon and I. And FWIW, our other picks are $140 and under, with some in the sweet $10-$40 range.
If you’re interested in giving epilating a shot, the above are some highly reviewed options that will get you on your way to smooth, bare skin.
Do Epilators Hurt?
These devices look like chunky electric razors and are either manual like a traditional women’s razor or powered by batteries or an electrical outlet. When you run the device across your body, tiny tweezers pluck away unwanted body hair. So yes, the initial hair removal process will be a tad uncomfy, but the smooth results are so worth it, says Dr. King.
How to Use an Epilator
Like all other hair removal techniques, using an epilator is all about skin prep. Dr. King recommends a gentle physical exfoliation, such as a body scrub, gloves, mitt, loofah, or brush, before epilation. (Psst: I’ve been using Nécessaire The Body Exfoliant since 2019 and haven’t looked back since.) "This will help to expose hairs so they can be picked up by the epilator, and it also helps decrease the risk of ingrown hairs," says Dr. King.
Additional reporting by Brittany Loggins and Emily J. Shiffer.
Meet the Expert
- Hadley King, MD, is a board-certified dermatologist practicing in New York City.
Shop More of Our Expert-Tested Beauty Products
Body Washes for Women | At-Home Laser Hair Removal Devices | LED Face Masks | At-Home Waxing Kits | Red Light Therapy Tools | Dermaplaning Tools | Spray Sunscreens
Nicole Saunders is the beauty editor at Women's Health and has nine years of experience researching, writing, and editing lifestyle content. She specializes in breaking down complicated topics, like red light therapy for hair growth and LED face masks, into easy-to-understand guides. Saunders takes great pride in heavily researching and testing featured beauty products, such as strengthening shampoos and body washes for dry skin on our site.
Previously, she was the beauty editor at Best Products where she tested quite literally thousands of launches for her quarterly column and the Best New Beauty Awards package. She also launched the beauty and wellness coverage at NBC News and contributed to CNN, Cosmopolitan, Billboard, The Hollywood Reporter, and Harper's BAZAAR.
You can follow her on Instagram to stay in the loop on her product testing adventures.
<p>Hadley King, MD is a board-certified dermatologist who specializes in medical and cosmetic dermatology. She is also a Clinical Instructor of Dermatology at the Weill Medical College of Cornell University.</p>
<p>Dr. King graduated magna cum laude from Harvard College with a degree in biochemistry. She received her MD from Columbia University. She trained in medicine at Greenwich Hospital, affiliated with the Yale University School of Medicine, and completed her dermatology residency at the Weill Medical College of Cornell University.</p>
Derm-Approved Face Washes That Editors Actually Use
Hilary Duff Drops Reebok Activewear at Walmart
Shop Kerry Washington’s Exact Vuori Cover Look
The 9 Best Cooling Sheets, Tested by Editors
