If shaving or waxing isn’t giving you the results you want, you may be considering laser hair removal. This method damages hair follicles to reduce hair growth over time, generally providing longer-term results. As the deputy editor overseeing Forbes Vetted’s beauty vertical, I’ve kept a close eye on the market—spending hours researching the latest, innovative models and gathering insights from testers to identify the best laser hair removal devices to use at home. My top pick is the Braun Silk Expert Pro 5, which is equipped with 10 intensity levels and comes with additional attachments for full-body treatment.

Devices designed for home use are typically IPL (intense pulsed light) tools—many of which are featured in our roundup—that work to achieve similar results as a diode laser would; we also feature a diode option from Tria. Though comparable to in-office laser treatments, the energy level of gadgets for home use is much lower, according to dermatologist Dr. Ramya Garlapati. In addition to leaning on our beauty expertise, we interviewed experts and sought out firsthand product experience to recommend the most effective laser hair removal devices.

The 2026 Forbes Vetted Best Product Awards are here: Explore our 150 top-recommended items across categories after extensive research and testing.

When compiling this list of the best laser hair removal devices, we considered the top options on the market at different price points and capabilities.

We combed through customer reviews and examined the most efficient tools. Our team researched each one to learn about its features, attachments, modes and number of flashes, evaluating key factors such as:

• Energy levels and modes: Identifying adjustable pulse settings and auto-glide functions for different body areas.
• Safety features: Checking for skin-tone sensors, UV filters, and integrated cooling mechanisms.

We verified that all eight models on our list are cleared by the FDA as safe tools for at-home hair reduction. To ensure we provided the most accurate information, our team considered expert advice from cosmetic dermatologist Dr. Ava Shamban and Garlapati while researching recommendations.

We also incorporated insights from former beauty writer Molly Calhoun, who tested the Nood The Flasher 2.0 and the Tria 4X, as well as managing editor Emmy Favilla and beauty writer Claire Epting, who both tested the SmoothSkin Pure Adapt. Their firsthand experience allowed us to measure hair-growth reduction and overall ease of use.

If you’re looking for an at-home laser hair removal device that provides results on par with a professional treatment, there are several factors to consider. Here’s what to consider.

Most at-home laser hair removal devices use intense pulsed light (IPL) therapy to remove unwanted body hair by permanently destroying the follicles in the treated area. However, some devices, such as the Jovs Venus Pro II, use optimal pulse technology (OPT), which is an enhanced version of IPL that can penetrate the skin more deeply and therefore may be more effective. A select few devices (including the Iluminage Touch) combine IPL with radio frequency (RF) heat energy, which reduces IPL intensity so it can be used across a wider range of skin tones.

You can think of the number of flashes (also known as pulses) as the lifespan of the laser. It determines how long you can use the tool before it wears out. In many cases, you can achieve the results you want with one device. According to Shamban, areas such as the lip and face generally need about 25 to 50 flashes; the underarm or bikini line might need up to 200 flashes; larger areas like the legs may need 500 to 600 flashes each; the chest or back may require 700 or even 800 flashes.

Laser hair removal devices aren’t one size fits all. “Some may not be advisable for darker skin tones, which have a higher chance for issues such as burning or hyperpigmentation,” says Shamban. “Usually, lighter skin with darker hair is the best combination, but some can be used on all skin tones and types.” (See the Iluminage Touch, our pick for dark skin tones.) Most devices have multiple intensity levels as well; a higher intensity level will deliver faster results, but it may aggravate sensitive skin. Opting for a device with a skin-cooling feature can remedy some of the pain and irritation caused by more powerful treatments.

It’s a good idea to keep your desired treatment area in mind when selecting an at-home laser hair removal device, especially if you want to cover larger parts on the body. An automatic flashing feature (like the one found on the Ulike Air 10) allows you to cover more surface area without having to hold down a button. Some devices, like the Braun Silk Expert Pro 5, include different detachable laser heads that allow you to target specific places that are hard to reach, like the bikini line.

For those who are just starting laser hair removal at home, we’ve gathered a few tips to make the process easier. Here’s what to keep in mind, according to Shamban.

• Start with clean, hydrated skin. “Whether you’re doing laser hair removal at home or in the [dermatologist’s] office, the first thing is to make sure that the area is clean and moisturized,” says Shamban. Ideally, you should shave skin two days before treatment. “If the hair is too long, it will absorb too much energy from the laser and will burn the surrounding skin.”
• Moisturize your skin following each treatment. “More than prep, it’s important to take care of the skin afterward with a very mild hydrocortisone cream, such as is available over the counter, and perhaps some aloe and ice,” says Shamban.
• Keep an eye out for irritation and ingrown hairs. As you continue to shave the new hair that grows in, watch for any signs of irritation and blocked hair follicles. Shamban notes that you can treat these skin conditions with a salicylic acid wash followed by a lightweight moisturizer.
• Don’t expect to see results right away. Since at-home devices aren’t as strong as the equipment found in a professional setting, you have to have a bit of patience when using them. Even with consistent treatments, Shamban says that it takes anywhere from four to eight weeks to begin seeing a difference in hair growth.

The Forbes Vetted team has researched, written and published dozens of beauty and grooming stories, relying on our personal expertise, as well as thorough insight from qualified professionals.

• Every iteration of this story has been reviewed by deputy editor Jane Sung, who has over two decades of beauty industry and product testing experience. Sung has overseen the publication of multiple Forbes Vetted roundups of hair removal products, including the best electric razors for women and the best body hair trimmers.
• Beauty updates writer Claire Epting regularly refreshes this story to keep it current. She has covered a variety of grooming topics, including the best body scrubs and the best eyebrow growth serums. This article was last updated in August 2026.

• Dr. Ramya Garlapati, board-certified dermatologist
• Dr. Ava Shamban, a cosmetic dermatologist who works out of her LA-based practice, Ava MD