Most people think that pulling hair from the root is a chore that requires an expensive salon trip. In reality, modern devices make this process surprisingly efficient and straightforward at home.
I put together this list of the Best Epilators 2020 because the technology has moved far beyond the basic, painful tools of the past. Keep reading to see which models actually hold their own for long-term grooming.
Key Takeaways
- Prioritize models with a wide head if you want to cover large surface areas like your legs in fewer passes.
- Look for wet and dry functionality if you prefer using the device in the shower where warm water can soften the skin.
- Check the tweezer count because a higher number typically grabs more hairs in a single motion for faster results.
- Ensure the device offers multiple speed settings so you can choose a gentle pace for sensitive zones like the bikini line.
- Confirm the power source suits your lifestyle, noting that corded versions provide unlimited run time while cordless ones offer better movement.
| The All Rounder |  |
Braun Silk-épil 7 Wet Dry | Effective wet and dry use | Wide head saves time | Versatile shaver attachment | View on Amazon | Read Review |
| Reliable Budget Entry |  |
Philips Series 2000 Corded Epilator | Consistent corded power | Simple operation | Durable build quality | View on Amazon | Read Review |
| The Luxury Choice |  |
Philips Series 9000 Cordless Epilator | Includes eight attachments | Useful ProGuide light | Long cordless runtime | View on Amazon | Read Review |
| Best For Beginners |  |
Braun Silk-épil 3 Starter | Gentle massage rollers | Built-in Smartlight | Great for beginners | View on Amazon | Read Review |
| Precision Grooming Tool |  |
Panasonic ES-EY30 Gentle Epilator | Gentle cap for sensitivity | Three speed settings | Easy to wash | View on Amazon | Read Review |
| Mid-Range Efficiency |  |
Braun Silk-épil 5 Grey | Comfortable wet use | Skin contact cap | Reliable mid-range power | View on Amazon | Read Review |
| Maximum Coverage Device |  |
Smooth Glide 36 Tweezer Epilator | 36 tweezers for speed | Bright LED light | Included massage pad | View on Amazon | Read Review |
| Best For Contours |  |
Braun Silk-épil 9 Pivoting Head | Adapts to body contours | Wide epilation head | Useful body trimmer | View on Amazon | Read Review |
| Complete Body Kit |  |
Philips Series 8000 5-in-1 | Includes pedicure tool | Exfoliation brush attachment | Wide epilation head | View on Amazon | Read Review |
| Best For Travel |  |
Compact Waterproof Ceramic Epilator | Convenient Type-C charging | Travel-friendly size | Gentle ceramic blade | View on Amazon | Read Review |
More Details on Our Top Picks
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Braun Silk-épil 7 Wet Dry
If you want one device that manages everything from your legs to your bikini line, this is your primary choice. It functions equally well in the shower or bath, which helps minimize the initial sting of hair removal. The wide head covers more surface area in a single pass, saving you significant time during your grooming routine.
You might find the motor noise a bit noticeable during quiet mornings. However, the inclusion of a shaver head and trimmer comb makes it a versatile tool for those who prefer options beyond just epilation.
- Brand:Braun
- Device Type:Wet and Dry Epilator
- Power Source:Cordless
- Accessory Count:3
- Additional Feature:Pivoting head for contours
- Additional Feature:Includes trimmer comb
- Additional Feature:Fully washable design
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Philips Series 2000 Corded Epilator
Sometimes simple is better, especially if you prefer a tool that is always ready to go without worrying about battery life. This corded model provides consistent power, meaning you never have to pause mid-session for a recharge. It is a fantastic option for those who want to start epilating without a complex setup.
It lacks the bells and whistles of high-end units, but it gets the job done efficiently on your legs. Just keep in mind that the power cord does tether you to a wall outlet, which limits where you can perform your routine.
- Brand:Philips
- Device Type:Corded Epilator
- Power Source:Corded
- Additional Feature:Two speed settings
- Additional Feature:Ergonomic grip
- Additional Feature:Washable epilation head
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Philips Series 9000 Cordless Epilator
This model feels like a professional spa tool right in your own bathroom. With 8 included accessories, you can customize your hair removal experience for different areas of your body, from your legs to your bikini line. The ProGuide light is a brilliant addition, helping you spot those fine, stray hairs that are usually easy to miss.
It provides a full hour of cordless runtime, which is plenty for a thorough session. The only downside is that the sheer number of attachments might feel overwhelming if you are looking for a strictly minimalist routine.
- Brand:Philips
- Device Type:Wet and Dry Epilator
- Power Source:Cordless
- Accessory Count:8
- Additional Feature:Wide epilation head
- Additional Feature:Ergonomic handle design
- Additional Feature:Suitable for wet use
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Braun Silk-épil 3 Starter
Starting with epilation can be intimidating, but this model makes it approachable with its 20 tweezer system designed for gentler hair removal. It features massage rollers that stimulate the skin, effectively distracting you from the sensation of the tweezers. It is a solid, straightforward entry point for anyone curious about long-lasting results.
Because it is a corded model, you are stuck near an outlet. Even so, the Smartlight technology is a helpful feature that highlights even the shortest hairs, ensuring you do not miss a spot.
- Brand:Braun
- Device Type:Corded Epilator
- Power Source:Corded
- Accessory Count:3
- Additional Feature:Includes shaver head
- Additional Feature:Simple two speed settings
- Additional Feature:Compact design
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Panasonic ES-EY30 Gentle Epilator
If you have sensitive skin, the gentle cap on this Panasonic unit is a true life saver. It limits the number of active tweezers, which reduces skin irritation during the hair removal process. The three speed settings allow you to adjust the intensity based on how your skin feels that day.
It is fully washable, making cleanup a breeze after you finish your session. You might find the design slightly different from other brands, but the consistent performance on both wet and dry skin makes it a very capable contender.
- Brand:Panasonic
- Device Type:Wet and Dry Epilator
- Power Source:Cordless
- Additional Feature:Ergonomic washable body
- Additional Feature:Gentle skin protection
- Additional Feature:Suitable for whole body
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Braun Silk-épil 5 Grey
This model strikes a balance between performance and ease of use, making it ideal for those who have mastered the basics. The skin contact cap ensures the device sits flush against your body, which helps maintain efficiency over curved areas like the knees. It is designed to be used in the shower, which helps keep the process comfortable.
While it lacks the massive accessory count of higher-end models, it excels at the core task of hair removal. It is a sturdy, dependable device that does not require constant maintenance.
- Brand:Braun
- Device Type:Wet and Dry Epilator
- Power Source:Cordless
- Additional Feature:Ergonomic non-slip grip
- Additional Feature:Two speed settings
- Additional Feature:Washable head
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Smooth Glide 36 Tweezer Epilator
With 36 tweezers working at once, this device is built for speed. It is a fantastic option if you want to clear large areas like your legs in the shortest time possible. The addition of an LED light is essential for precision, ensuring you see exactly what you are doing in lower lighting.
The inclusion of a massage pad helps soothe the skin as you glide over it. It is a highly functional tool, though the larger head size means you need to be a bit more careful when navigating delicate areas like the underarms.
- Brand:Smooth Glide
- Device Type:Rechargeable Epilator
- Speed Settings:2
- Power Source:Cordless
- Additional Feature:Face and bikini safe
- Additional Feature:Rechargeable battery
- Additional Feature:Ergonomic design
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Braun Silk-épil 9 Pivoting Head
The standout feature here is the pivoting head, which effortlessly follows the natural curves of your body. It is like having a device that knows exactly where your ankles and knees are, ensuring you do not have to struggle to reach tricky spots. The extra-wide head means you spend less time hovering over the same patch of skin.
It comes with a variety of attachments, including a body trimmer, which makes it a comprehensive grooming kit. You might need a moment to get used to the pivoting motion, but once you do, it feels entirely natural.
- Brand:Braun
- Device Type:Wet and Dry Epilator
- Power Source:Cordless
- Additional Feature:Pivoting head technology
- Additional Feature:Includes shaver head
- Additional Feature:Waterproof construction
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Philips Series 8000 5-in-1
Think of this as a total home salon in a box. It comes with 9 accessories, turning your epilator into a pedicure tool, a body exfoliator, and a trimmer all at once. This is the ultimate solution if you want to streamline your beauty cabinet by replacing multiple single-purpose devices with one powerhouse.
The design is sleek and the wide head ensures that your actual epilation sessions remain quick and effective. It is certainly more than just an epilator, so ensure you have the storage space for all those useful extra attachments.
- Brand:Philips
- Device Type:Multi-Function Epilator
- Power Source:Cordless
- Accessory Count:9
- Additional Feature:Wet and dry use
- Additional Feature:Ergonomic handle
- Additional Feature:High-speed performance
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Compact Waterproof Ceramic Epilator
This compact device is designed for life on the move. The ceramic blade is a thoughtful touch, providing a clean trim while remaining gentle on the skin. It features Type-C charging, which is a huge convenience since you can likely use the same cable you already carry for your phone.
It is smaller than the others on this list, making it perfect for your gym bag or carry-on luggage. While it might not handle long hair as fast as a full-sized unit, its portability and waterproof design make it a must-have for frequent travelers.
- Brand:Generic
- Device Type:Waterproof Epilator
- Power Source:Cordless
- Additional Feature:Compact ergonomic shape
- Additional Feature:Multi-area use
- Additional Feature:Easy to clean
Frequently Asked Questions
Does epilating hurt as much as people say?
It is essentially like pulling out multiple hairs at once, so it will certainly cause a sensation. However, most people find that the discomfort decreases significantly after the first few sessions. Your skin eventually adjusts to the process. Using a warm bath beforehand can also make the experience much more manageable.
How long should my hair be before I start?
Aim for hair that is roughly 2 to 3 millimeters long. This is about the length of a grain of sand. If the hair is too long, it might pull rather than snap cleanly at the root. If it is too short, the tweezers will simply glide over the skin without grabbing anything.
How often do I need to do this?
Most people find that their results last for three to four weeks because the hair is being removed from the root. This is the primary advantage over shaving, which only cuts hair at the surface. You will likely notice that the hair grows back finer and softer over time. Maintenance sessions become quicker the more consistent you are.
Can I use an epilator on my face?
Yes, but you must be careful and use the correct attachment. Always use a precision cap designed for facial use to protect your delicate skin. Never use a standard, wide-head epilator on your face. Start on a very low speed and proceed with gentle, steady movements to avoid irritation.
How do I prevent ingrown hairs?
The best defense is a regular exfoliation routine. Use a gentle scrub or a loofah a few times a week to keep dead skin cells from trapping new hair growth. Make sure you are not pressing the epilator too hard against your skin. You want to glide it lightly, letting the tweezers do the work rather than forcing the device against your body.
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