With summer in full swing and mini dresses back in style, if you want smooth legs and underarms without the mess of waxing – or the scrapes and nicks of shaving – an epilator may be a smart investment.
In simplest terms, an epilator is an electronic device that uses rotating discs to grip and pull out hairs from the root. This gives longer-lasting results than shaving or depilatory creams – up to four weeks, depending on how fast your body hair grows. Epilators are also better at catching shorter hairs than waxing. Best of all, once you’ve bought your epilator, you’re all set – there’s no need to stock up on razor blades or wax strips, and no last-minute emergency salon appointments.
I put six of the best epilators through their paces. Find out which left me smooth and party-ready with a minimum of fuss and pain.
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At a glance
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Best epilator overall:
Philips 8000
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Best compact epilator:
Philips 4000
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Best luxury epilator:
Braun Silk-épil 9 Flex
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Best epilator for speed:
Panasonic ES-EY30
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Best epilator for face:
Panasonic ES-EF10
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Why you should trust me
Epilation isn’t new to me – as well as having tested numerous devices as a beauty journalist, I first used an at-home epilator in the mid-1990s and have had at least one in the house ever since. I’m also well-positioned to compare epilation with a wide range of other hair-removal methods, having tried many options, from sugaring to intense pulsed light (IPL) therapy at least once.
How I tested
I tested six epilators, including corded and battery-operated devices, those for wet and dry use, plus epilators designed for the face and delicate areas, as well as the legs. To ensure an even comparison, I allowed hair to grow to about 3mm in the treated areas, and in each case I followed the recommended practices of warming and exfoliating my skin before epilating (see more tips on how to get the best results from your epilator at the bottom of the article). Where an epilator is designed for wet and dry use, I tried it in both modes, as I did for any models stating they can be used corded or battery-powered.
For each device, I timed how long it took to fully epilate a similar-size body area; noted how comfortable the device felt in use and how the area felt afterwards; and recorded any issues after epilating, such as missed spots, ingrown hairs or prolonged pain or redness. I also checked the weight and dimensions of each device and noted how easy each felt to use. In the interests of science and thoroughness, I also used a home wax strip on a patch of leg to compare the results of electronic epilation and traditional waxing.
In general, regrowth from all devices was similar – about three to four weeks – but I checked each tested area after a few days for signs of early regrowth from missed spots. I also checked for bumps, dryness or skin soreness a day after use, and I attended a series of gatherings to check the party-readiness of all devices.
Any devices not returned to the manufacturer after testing were donated to the homelessness charity Crisis for resale.
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The best epilators
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Best epilator overall:Philips 8000
Philips 8000 Series BRE710/01 epilator none-selected- What we love: Fast and almost pain-free epilation
- What we don’t love: Fixed head is tricky to use on curved areas of the body
My notes say “this one goes like the clappers” – and while that may sound terrifying if you’re new to the world of epilation, it really is a good thing.
Why we love it
In tests the Philips 8000 took just three minutes to strip the front half of my lower leg. Even better, the process was relatively pain-free and left little in the way of redness or bumps. The epilator head with 32 tweezer discs is shaped with a slight contour that cleaves close to the body to grip and remove unwanted hairs in just one pass. When I inspected my handiwork the next day, I found no missed spots. There’s an LED light in the head that helps you see even the shortest, palest hairs – and yank them out.
In general, I prefer epilating on dry skin, just after a bath or shower, but the Philips 8000 is a cordless wet/dry model that can be used underwater for cleanliness and to further reduce pain. The rechargeable lithium-ion battery lasts about 40 minutes, and takes up to two hours to fully recharge. There are two speed settings, selected by tapping the power button. I found the lower speed perfect for quick and clean removal, but the fast option might be more efficient if you’re in a hurry.
In the box you get a delicate area attachment for use on underarms, bikini area and lip/chin; a shaving head and trimming comb, if you prefer to depilate; a cleaning brush, and a carry pouch.
It’s a shame that … the epilator head doesn’t rotate or flex, so compared with some other models here, it feels more clunky to use around ankles, backs of knees or underarms. That’s a small drawback, however; this is a great epilator – especially at the price.
Speed settings: two
Tweezer count: 32
Warranty: two years
Corded/cordless: cordless (rechargeable)
Wet/dry: both
Time to treat one half leg: approx 6mins
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Best compact epilator:Philips 4000
Philips 4000 Series BRE247 epilator none-selected- What we love: Neat, compact and simple to use
- What we don’t love: It’s the only model on our list that isn’t cordless
This is a fantastically compact basic epilator that’s ideal for travel, and simple to use.
Why we love it
The Philips 4000 is much smaller than the 8000 above, fitting neatly into the palm of my hand. Its curved shape makes it easy to manoeuvre over the legs and underarms, plus being a corded model, with no built-in battery, it’s lightweight.
Compared with the other epilators here, its head is relatively small with only 20 tweezers, which means it takes longer to cover larger areas, such as the legs. The 4000 took about seven minutes to do one half of my lower leg, making it noticeably slower than the 8000. That said, the smaller head allows better control around the ankles, for example.
As with the 8000, the Philips 4000 features an integrated LED light to avoid missed spots, and I liked the pretty cornflower blue colour of the device. Extras include a shaver head; a massage head that helps keep the skin taut for extra comfort; an exfoliating glove; a cleaning brush; and a carry pouch.
It’s a shame that … the 4000 is corded, so it can’t be used in the bath. It’s a great compact model, but its size means hair removal takes longer, and it’s also one of the noisier models in this list.
Speed settings: two
Tweezer count: 20
Warranty: two years
Corded/cordless: corded
Wet/dry: dry only
Time to treat one half leg: approx 12-14mins
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Best luxury epilator:Braun Silk-épil 9 Flex
Braun Silk-épil 9 Flex 3D SE9-041 wet & dry epilator none-selected- What we love: Flexible head and 40 tweezers make it fast and effective
- What we don’t love: Most expensive on our list; needs a UK plug adapter
The Braun Silk-épil’s 40 rotating tweezers and flexible tilting head are great for treating large areas and getting into nooks and crannies.
Why we love it
Braun has been in the epilation game for a long time – the first Silk-épil was launched in 1989. This version was introduced in 2020, and includes a wide epilation head to make fast work of de-fuzzing. The head comes with a tiny built-in massage roller to help hold the skin taut for smoother and less painful treatments – other models provide this feature but as a separate attachment rather than built in. Not surprisingly with all that tweezer power, this was one of the fastest in my tests, clearing the back half of my lower leg in just over four minutes.
The flexible head tilts to allow closer contact with skin and more efficient plucking, especially around knees and ankles. It’s a cordless epilator that can be used wet and dry, and when testing the Silk-épil 9 in the bath, I appreciated its non-slip, soft-grip handle. A two-hour battery charge lasted 50 minutes in my test. In the box you’ll also find a shaver head and trimming comb; a cleaning brush; plus a generously sized carry case to store your epilator and accessories neatly. The Silk-épil 9 is suitable for legs, underarms and bikini areas, but manufacturer guidelines advise against use on the face; the Braun link above includes a separate facial trimmer.
It’s a shame that … while fast and effective, the Silk-épil is also by far the most expensive here – and for the price, I found it looked and felt rather shiny and plasticky. Note, too, that it comes with a German two-pin plug, so you’ll need a UK adapter (not provided).
Speed settings: two
Tweezer count: 40
Warranty: two
Corded/cordless: cordless (rechargeable)
Wet/dry: both
Time to treat one half leg: approx 8mins
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Best epilator for speed:Panasonic ES-EY30
Panasonic Epilator pink ES-EY30 none-selected- What we love: Two rows of tweezers for superfast treatments
- What we don’t love: Powerful – but not the most attractive tool
If you want to epilate a lot of body in as short a time as possible, this double-decker device from Panasonic is the tool for the job.
Why we love it
Featuring a wide head with two rows of tweezer heads, along with three speed settings (the third being terrifyingly fast), the Panasonic ES-EY30 means business. Boasting 60 tweezers, you’ll be smooth in mere minutes. The Panasonic took just under four minutes to clear the back of my lower leg at the lowest speed, with its built-in massage rollers to help keep the skin taut, and it did so with little discomfort. A sensitive cap attachment is included for use on underarms and bikini areas – but Panasonic does not recommend use on the face.
As with other cordless models on our list, the ES-EY30 works wet or dry, there’s an LED light on the head to help you see what you’re doing, and the main unit has a handy display that lights up blue to show which speed you’re using. It also comes with a small cleaning brush and a carry pouch. Overall, this is a good epilator, especially if you like the job done fast.
It’s a shame that … while this is definitely a powerful and effective device, it looks faintly terrifying. A small drawback, but it definitely isn’t a beautiful gadget, so not one you’ll likely want out on show.
Speed settings: three
Tweezer count: 60
Warranty: one year
Corded/cordless: cordless (rechargeable)
Wet/dry: both
Time to treat one half leg: approx 8mins
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Best epilator for face:Panasonic ES-EF10
Panasonic ES-EF10 none-selected- What we love: Perfect for treating eyebrows and chin
- What we don’t love: Suitable for very small areas only
A neat little battery-operated device designed for stray chin, lip and eyebrow hairs.
Why we love it
Small but surprisingly capable, the Panasonic ES-EF10 has just four tweezers and is designed as a precision tool for eyebrows, upper lip, chin, baby hairs and general peach fuzz. I liked the rotating wheel, which you can swizzle around to work against the direction of hair growth. With its pretty lilac casing in a matt finish, the ES-EF10 is also more stylish than most epilators.
This was my first time using a facial epilator, and it was far less terrifying than expected. The Panasonic quietly and efficiently tackled a couple of wayward chin hairs that had resisted all other removal methods – a definite result – and while delicate areas of the face definitely sting more to treat than the legs, it was all quite bearable pain-wise.
It’s a shame that … the ES-EF10 is only suitable for small areas – but if that’s what you need, this is the tool to have.
Speed settings: one
Tweezer count: four
Warranty: one year
Corded/cordless: cordless (1 x AA battery)
Wet/dry: dry only
Time to treat one half leg: not applicable (it takes seconds to do small areas of face)
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The best of the rest
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Braun Silk-épil 5
Braun Silk-épil 5 5-041 wet & dry epilator none-selected- What we love: A simple epilator that does what it says on the box
- What we don’t love: Rivals on our list are faster, better value, or both
Best for: basic hair removal with no frills
Braun’s Silk-épil 5 is more of an entry-level model than its 9 series sibling (above), and although none of the models here state exact rotations per minute (RPM), the Silk-épil 5 felt slower than either the Silk-épil 9 or the Philips 8000. The epilator head features just 28 tweezers, and it’s flat rather than contoured, so it doesn’t sit so closely to the body. The combined result is that it took longer to clear a similar patch of lower leg.
The 5 is recommended for legs and underarms only – you’ll need a separate bikini trimmer or epilator for sensitive areas.
It didn’t make the final cut because … it’s not especially impressive – for a similar price the Philips 8000 is faster and more effective on contours. As with the other Braun model, you’ll need a two-pin plug adapter, which is an annoyance.
Speed settings: two; tweezer count: 28; warranty: two years; corded/cordless: cordless (rechargeable); wet/dry: both; time to treat one half leg: approx 10-12mins
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What you need to know
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What is an epilator?
An epilator is an electronic device that removes hair using rotating discs that open and close like tiny tweezers, gripping hairs and pulling them from the root. Since the hair is removed entirely, regrowth takes longer (usually three to four weeks, depending on your hair growth cycle) than with shaving. The results are similar to waxing, but with less mess.
What should I look for when choosing an epilator?
There are a few features that can increase the speed and comfort of your epilation routine. A wider head with more tweezers will cover more skin in a single pass for faster treatments, while smaller attachments are useful for underarms and around the bikini area. A swivel head makes it easier to move around contours such as the knees and ankles.
Epilators with multiple speed settings allow you to go faster on areas you want to treat quickly, and slower on more delicate areas. Epilators suitable for wet or dry use can be used in the bath or shower; warm water softens the follicles, so this can make the process cleaner and less painful.
Does epilation hurt?
Compared with depilation methods that remove hair from the surface of the skin, plucking the hair from the root is more painful – but if you’re already used to waxing, the pain levels should be comparable.
There are several things you can do to reduce the pain of epilating, however. The first concerns hair length. Hairs longer than about 5mm can be more painful to treat, so use an epilator on hairs 1-2mm long for a more comfortable removal. If hair is already beyond this length, give it a light trim before you epilate.
Prep the skin by exfoliating with a scrub or mitt the day before, to soften the skin and expose the hairs you want to remove. When you’re ready to epilate, take a warm bath to soften the hairs and skin, making epilation more comfortable. If your epilator is a wet/dry model, you might find epilating in the bath is more comfortable (although epilating dry hairs tends to get the job done quicker). It’s best to epilate just before bedtime to allow the skin time to recover overnight.
As with waxing, keep the skin taut, then move the device slowly against the direction of growth, and start on a lower speed until you get used to the sensation. Fleshier areas like the backs of the calves are easier to begin with than bony shins or ankles. Always use a slower setting and the correct attachment on sensitive areas such as the bikini line, underarms or face – and never use your epilator on an area it’s not designed for.
Finish with a cream or lotion to hydrate and soothe the skin – aloe vera is especially calming. Any redness or soreness should settle within a couple of hours.
If you’re looking for a less painful route to longer-term hair removal, consider IPL – I’ve already tested the best IPL and laser hair removal devices for the Filter.
How should I look after my epilator?
Your epilator should be cleaned after each use. Most epilator heads pop off for easy cleaning: simply hold the head upside down and brush out loose hairs. If your epilator is a wet/dry model, you can also give it a good rinse under the tap – make sure the head is dry before you reattach it and pack it away. With good care, an epilator should last about five years, making it a cost-effective alternative to regular waxing or five years of razor refills.
For more:
• The best IPL hair removal devices, tested
• The best fake tan, for a sunkissed, streak-free glow
• The best body moisturisers for smooth, hydrated skin
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Lise Smith is a beauty and lifestyle journalist with a lifelong passion for the latest beauty tech. She’s usually found styling the hair on her head, but she’s equally enthusiastic about anything that helps remove the hair you don’t want on your body. She once tried to count up how many years she’s spent shaving, waxing and epilating, but somewhere around the mid-30s decided it was better not to know
