Best epilators 2024 - Which? (2024)

The best epilator will leave your skin smooth and hair-free, with no patches left behind. While epilating isn't a permanent hair removal solution, it's longer-lasting than shaving.

Our testers swapped their shaving and waxing routines to put a range of epilators to the test on their leg hair. We tested popular brands including Braun, Philips and Magnitone.

We discovered one Best Buy that impressed above the rest with superb and comfortable hair removal. Our Great Value recommendation also did a decent job and costs less than £70.

The best epilators

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The epilators we tested

All the epilators we tested are listed in alphabetical order below.

Only logged-in Which? members can view the best epilators from our tests.

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Braun Silk-épil Series 3 3-031

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AccessoriesCleaning brush, shaver head, trimmer cap

Need to knowTwo speed settings, two-pin plug included, for use on body only

Braun Silk-épil Series 7 7-241

See Also

Get the Skinny on Dermatologist-Approved EpilatorsThese Are The Best Epilators For Salon-Worthy Smooth Skin6 best epilators to slow hair growthSWG Eraser - 2 in 1 Epilator

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AccessoriesCleaning brush, mini precision trimmer, pouch, precision head, protection cap, shaping head, shaver head, skin contact cap, trimmer cap, trimming comb x2

Claimed battery lifeUp to40 minutes

Need to knowTwo speed settings, two-pin plug included, for use on body and face

Braun Silk-épil Series 9 Flex 9-481 3D

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AccessoriesCleaning brush, exfoliation brush, protection cap, massage pad, mini trimmer, shaver head, skin contact cap, trimmer cap

Claimed battery lifeUp to 50 minutes

Need to knowTwo speed settings, smart-touch mode (adjusts speed according to pressure applied), two-pin plug included, for use on body only

Eat well, live better and stay healthy.

Magnitone PluckIt 2 Super Glide Compact Epilator

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AccessoriesPrecision head, regular head, storage pouch

Claimed battery lifeUp to 1 hour

Need to knowTwo speed settings, USB charging cable included, for use on body only

Philips Satinelle Essential BRE285/00

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AccessoriesCleaning brush, bikini trimmer comb, exfoliation glove, massage cap, pouch, shaving head, shaving head comb, trimming head

Need to knowTwo speed settings, two-pin plug included, for use on body only

Philips Satinelle Wet & Dry Epilator Series 8000 BRE710/01

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AccessoriesCleaning brush, delicate area cap, optimal contact cap, pouch, shaving head, trimming comb

Claimed battery lifeUp to 40 minutes

Need to knowTwo speed settings, three-pin plug included, for use on body only

Looking for the best in hair care? See our pick of the best hair dryers and best hair straighteners.

How we test epilators

We choose the bestselling epilators at UK retailers, which are put through their paces by our diverse panel of 10 testers.

We regularly revisit the epilators on sale to see if there are any more popular models that need testing, and when we find them, we do so.

Each epilator is assessed for the following:

• Hair removalOur testers use each epilator on dry skin to remove the hair from their legs and assess how effective it is at plucking out the hairs. Hair is grown back to a suitable length (around 2 to 5mm) before each epilator is used to remove it. The best epilators remove all the hair (even short hairs) in one pass, whereas the worst require multiple passes over the same area to capture all the hairs.
• Ease of useEach epilator is rated for how easy it is to adjust its settings, attach the epilator head and clean. We also use a Cambridge Simulation Glove, which lets the wearer get a sense of how it feels to have conditions that affect dexterity, such as arthritis.
• ComfortEpilators can be slightly uncomfortable to use, but they don't have to be painful. Our testers rate each epilator on how comfortable it is to hold and how it feels against the skin.
• Battery lifeWe charge each cordless epilator, from empty, for five minutes and then time how long it runs for. The best epilator lasts more than six minutes, while the worst doesn't even last 30 seconds.
• Noise Our panel rates how noisy each epilator is while removing hair.

At the end of the test, each tester is asked to choose their favourite epilator.

Find out more about how Which? is not influenced by product manufacturers or retailers and how your support helps us to stay editorially independent.

How do epilators work?

So what is an epilator? In short, it's one of the many hair removal devices you can buy for home use – a corded or cordless handheld device with rotating discs that plucks out the hair from the root as you move it across your skin.

Because an epilator removes hair from the root, it can be a more painful process than other hair removal methods, such as shaving. Some epilators have features that manufacturers claim will help to alleviate the pain, such as massage rollers, but our tests found these varied in effectiveness.

How to use an epilator

Before you use an epilator, check which parts of the body it's suitable for. Most are designed to be used on the body, including legs, arms, underarms and bikini line. Some, but not all, can also be used on the face. Some epilators come with different attachments to use on different parts of the body, so read the instructions before you start.

Here are our top tips after months of testing epilators:

• Make sure the hair is a suitable length to epilate. Around 2 to 5mm should be enough for the rotating discs to capture the hair and pluck it out from the root. If the hairs are longer, you may find epilating them more painful.
• The day before you epilate, use an exfoliating scrub or mitt to get rid of any dead skin. This will help the epilator to grip the hairs and prevent ingrown hairs.
• Check if your epilator can be used in the shower, as epilating under running water can help to reduce discomfort. If you use your epilator on dry skin, make sure it's completely dry before you start.
• Hold the epilator at a 90-degree angle to the body part that you're epilating, and move it slowly against the direction of the hair growth to ensure it picks up as many hairs as possible. If you move it too fast, you'll risk missing hairs and will have to go over the area again.
• Once you've epilated the area, follow up with moisturiser. This can help to soothe any skin irritation or bumps.

How long does epilating last?

If you're thinking about buying an epilator and wondering if epilating is better than shaving, keep in mind that it's not a permanent hair-removal method. We found that hair typically grows back in around two to four weeks.

The length of time will depend on where you're removing the hair from, your hair type and even your hormones, so this will vary from person to person.

If you're wondering whether epilating is better than waxing, the answer is that it depends. Waxing also removes hairs from the root, but with epilating you don't have to deal with hot, sticky wax, which can get messy and uncomfortable. Waxing in a salon can be pricey, so although the initial outlay on an epilator can be higher, you may save money over time with regular use.

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