Best At-Home IPL Devices on a Budget

The budget photoepilator is not a very bulky device, conveniently fits in hand and does not take up much space in storage, as indicated by the Compact prefix in the name. It is positioned as a unisex model for men and women. The equipment includes only one attachment with a window size of 3 cm². But it is universal and designed for the treatment of the entire body, including the bikini area and face (except for male stubble).

The device's longevity is ensured by a non-removable lamp with a limited flash resource. Nonetheless, this resource is quite large — 300 thousand impulses.

Given the low price, you should not expect advanced features from the device — it simply performs its primary job well. The lamp flashes every 1.5 seconds, so you won't need to move the device too quickly to avoid missed areas. The choice between two operating modes significantly facilitates use: manual is intended for spot hair removal and hard-to-reach areas (e.g., under knees, on elbows, above the upper lip), while in automatic mode, flashes activate at equal intervals, which is convenient for processing large zones. Additionally, 5 power levels are available for different skin types and hair.

The model has received a small display on the body for easier management. It shows information about readiness for operation, the selected mode, and power. The auto shut-off function is also useful: if you forget to unplug the cord after the procedure, the device will turn off automatically after 10 minutes.

The NEOR photoepilator combines a low price, flexible settings, versatility, and ease of use. It is not a very bulky model weighing just over 200 g, which fits in hand, is powered by the network, and equipped with a lamp with a lifespan of 500 thousand flashes. The package includes dark glasses that protect the eyes from bright flashes of light during the procedure.

Otherwise, the model's equipment is minimal — it comes only with one attachment. But, according to the manufacturer, it can be used for processing the entire body, including the underarms, face, and bikini area.

NEOR Inshine XQ55 WT does not have advanced capabilities like a skin type sensor, but it copes well with its duties. The interval between flashes is slightly more than 1 second, with a choice between automatic mode for fast processing of large areas and manual for spot and thorough hair removal, especially on sensitive zones. And the whole 8 power levels allow finding the optimal parameters specifically for your skin type.

For clear and convenient management, a large display is provided, which shows information about the selected settings and the operation of the photoepilator.

The photoepilator from the German manufacturer of health and comfort devices Beurer distinguishes itself from its famous competitors primarily by its design: it is simpler and more minimalist but very lightweight and compact, so it can fit in a bag and travel with you. It's also universal, suitable for both women and men, and intended for processing legs, underarms, bikinis, chest, stomach, back, and faces below the cheekbones (but only for women). When turned on, the fan starts — the device certainly cannot be called completely silent. Beurer IPL 5500 is powered by the network, so no cords or outlets can be avoided. Fortunately, the cord here is quite long, so you can position yourself comfortably.

The epilator uses IPL technology (intense pulsed light) with a fairly powerful flash of 5 joules per square centimeter, and when all recommendations are followed, hair will become less — up to 50% after just 3-4 procedures, as promised by the manufacturer. And the duration of one session is small — about 30 minutes to process different body parts. As a result, you will get smooth skin without unwanted hair, although procedures, of course, need to be repeated periodically for a long-lasting effect. But keep in mind that the device lives as long as its lamp, and its lifespan is limited to 100 thousand light impulses, which is not a high number. It's certainly not enough for decades, but resources should last at least 3-5 years.

Such a beauty aide is also safe: the model has built-in protection blocking dangerous ultraviolet radiation. A special sensor recognizes the skin tone and is responsible for the density of window contact. If the device does not adhere sufficiently to the skin — the flash will not work, and your eyes will be protected from quite a bright color.

Beurer IPL 5500 is simple and easy to operate too. There are only a few buttons on the body responsible for turning on/off and mode settings, and a light indication, signaling readiness for work and malfunctions. There are three levels of intensity to choose from depending on the skin type and two flash modes. You can either press the button to start each impulse yourself, or choose automatic flash triggering at certain intervals (a few seconds). The first option is recommended for spot treatment of difficult areas (e.g., knees and ankles), and the second — for larger areas — legs, arms, etc. However, accidental presses are possible during use, as the buttons are located under the hand, so it's better to periodically check the settings.

The entry-level SC 1994 photoepilator is cheaper than its brethren from the Philips Lumea series. To reduce costs, the manufacturer had to sacrifice equipment and versatility, but at the same time, the model works just as effectively as more expensive devices.

So, the device comes with only one attachment, the size of whose window is 4 cm². The company recommends using it for processing arms, legs, abdomen, and underarms, but not the face and bikini area. Keep in mind that additional attachments cannot be purchased later, so if you need a universal model for the whole body — it is better to choose another option.

The photoepilator is powered by the network and has a lamp with a lifespan of 250 thousand flashes — Philips assures that if you stick to the schedule of procedures, the device will serve you for up to 20 years. A pleasant bonus is the presence of a storage case in the package.

Philips Lumea Advanced SC 1994 pays special attention to safety issues. The IPL technology does not lead to skin injury, and bright flashes are completely harmless to the eyes — there is no need to wear dark glasses during the procedure. 5 power levels are suitable for different skin types and hair. A special Skin Tone sensor reads the skin tone at the beginning and during the session and stops the supply of impulses if the skin color is too dark. The UV filter protects the skin from ultraviolet rays, and the safety system blocks the implementation of flashes if the attachment is not close to the skin.

Also, although the photoepilator does not belong to the category of smart equipment and does not allow for remote control, Philips offers a free app with recommendations, procedure reminders, and detailed information on how the device works, who it suits and how to use it properly.

The photoepilator cannot be called a budget option, but it is a high-quality, durable, and effective model from the renowned German manufacturer Braun. Furthermore, it is versatile, intended for processing any body parts: legs, arms, underarms, abdomen, face, and bikini area. For this, the device comes with two attachments. The primary one has a window size of 3 cm² and is designed for the depilation of large zones. The attachment with a reduced working area (1.5 cm²) will help conduct photoepilation in zones where maximum precision and accuracy are required — primarily on the face.

Additionally, the kit includes a fabric bag for storing the device and a regular Venus Smooth razor, as it is recommended to shave the hair before the session.

The photoepilator offers 3 power levels and 2 modes: normal and GentleMode for especially sensitive zones. Flashes occur every few seconds, but there is also a multi-flash mode — in this case, the lamp delivers a series of short impulses, which is convenient for processing large areas and reduces the likelihood of missed hairs.

The procedure’s safety is ensured by a UV filter that protects against ultraviolet radiation, and the SensoAdapt sensor, which scans the skin, determines its tone, and depending on this, adjusts the power of the flashes. If the sensor does not recognize the skin (i.e., the attachment does not contact the body, and there is a risk of accidental flashes), the device blocks the supply of impulses.

The device is convenient to use (powered by the network, ensuring continuous operation, and has a sufficiently long cord) and is designed for a long service life. The lamp’s lifespan is 300 thousand flashes, and according to the manufacturer, it is enough for 15 – 16 years of use when processing the whole body.