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6 best epilators for easy at-home hair removal in 2025
Psst...some of these tried and tested tools are over £150 off right now
Tested by Maria KumarBeauty and Grooming Testing Manager
Hair removal isn’t the most glamorous – or enjoyable – part of our beauty regimes, so the less you have to do it (if that’s what you choose to do), the better. Enter our best epilators, which can offer you up to four weeks hair-free – enough to get you through a holiday (or a party season) without a top-up.
Ready to start shopping? The Good Housekeeping Institute has tested a range of epilators to find the very best on the market – here are our standout picks at a glance, but scroll on for more detailed reviews.
Best epilators 2025
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We’ve tried and tested all the best hair removal products on the market, so make sure to check out our best IPL devices and best shaving subscriptions too.
How we test
Our experts recruited a team of at-home panellists to try a range of epilators over a period of eight weeks. Testers were given the choice to trial the device in either wet and/or dry conditions (if suitable for both), and were provided with all the attachments that come with the device, so they had the option to use it on all or specific areas of the body.
They were asked to give detailed feedback on the design, ease of set-up, how simple it was to manoeuvre, as well as pain levels. They fed back at different points in the process – four and eight weeks – to assess the hair regrowth over time and report on any ingrown hairs. These are their top-rated tools.
Pros
- Sensitive settings
- Hair regrowth is much finer
Cons
- Only comes with a two-pin plug
Score: 91/100
This ‘Flex Epilator’ from Braun has a pivoting head to make it easier to get right into those hard-to-reach areas, and the brand claims it will help keep visible hairs at bay for up to four weeks. It works wet or dry, so you can use it while you luxuriate in the bath – which can help to reduce discomfort – or while you wait for your phone to charge before you leave the house. Nothing like some last-minute beauty admin.
Our panellists were impressed. They loved the interchangeable attachments, with one praising the “lovely case”, while another told us the rotating head moved easily over their knees and ankles.
Other comments included: “I was able to use it more often than my existing epilator, because it was just so easy to pick up and tidy up stray hairs”, and “it’s very effective at removing underarm hair, I’m only just seeing regrowth after more than two weeks, which is unheard of for me!”
It charges in minutes and left many panellists’ skin feeling softer, without any nasty razor bumps or irritation.
Key specifications
| Able to use both wet and dry | Yes |
|---|---|
| Type | Cordless |
| Included | Spare head for different areas, charger, travel case |
Braun Silk-épil 9 9-561 Wet and Dry Cordless Epilator
Pros
- Pain levels were tolerable
- Features a smart light to help illuminate hairs
Cons
- Vague instructions
Score: 85/100
If you want to remove all unwanted hair in one go, it’s important not to race through the epilating process, which means you could be there a while. Thankfully, this epilator is lightweight, helping you avoid any arm ache, while the built-in light helps you get every last hair.
It performed well on both wet and dry skin, with most testers finding the pain tolerable. They did report some discomfort around the bikini and underarm area (as to be expected) but overall, it scored well across the board.
Key specifications
| Able to use both wet and dry | Yes |
|---|---|
| Type | Cordless |
| Included | 6 head attachments (shaver head, trimmer cap, efficiency cap, precision cap, massage pad, exfoliating brush) and charging stand. |
Braun Silk-épil 9 Flex 9100 BS 40 Tweezers Gold, White
Pros
- Comes with multiple attachments for different areas
- Suitable for wet and dry use
Cons
- Vague instructions make it less beginner-friendly
Score 82/100
Testers loved how effectively this epilator removed hair and found it slowed and lessened growth after eight weeks. They also noted how quick removal was, even on shorter hairs, which are notoriously tricky to get rid of, and reported an even finish thanks to the in-built light.
This epilator can be used in the shower – even underwater – which testers said was a real bonus, adding that it was “easier to use on wet skin than dry.”
Some said it wasn't the simplest to use on underarms, reporting some discomfort. The battery didn't last as long as they would have liked either.
However, this is a real multitasker. It comes with a shaver head, a deep cleansing brush and a beauty sponge, so you can also use it to shave, exfoliate and moisturise.
Key specifications
| Able to use both wet and dry | Yes |
|---|---|
| Type | Cordless |
| Included | 10 head attachments (FaceSpa, Shaver Head, Exfoliator, 4 Facial Brushes and 3 Caps) |
Pros
- Has a pivoting head to reach more awkward areas
- Compact and lightweight
Cons
- Painful on underarms
Score: 82/100
While it isn’t cordless, this Braun model does come with a wide array of attachments to keep you hair-free from head to toe.
Our panel found it was more effective than their usual hair-removal method and said the pain was tolerable (except on the underarms, which are more sensitive). Overall, it’s a reliable and affordable option.
Key specifications
| Able to use both wet and dry | No, dry only. |
|---|---|
| Type | Corded |
| Included | 6 head attachments (shaver head, trimmer cap, sensitive area cap, facial cap, massage cap and skin contact cap) and cooling glove. |
Braun Silk-épil 9 9/980 SkinSpa SensoSmart Epilator
Pros
- Easy to use
- Lightweight to hold
Cons
- Uncomfortable when used on dry skin
Score: 79/100
With an impressive selection of accessories, this epilator is the brand’s most advanced option yet. It features a “smart” sensor, which helps you apply the right level of pressure. We found if you pressed too hard, a red light appeared to warn you to ease off, making it ideal for beginners.
Testers said it immediately removed hair and they noticed a reduction in regrowth over the testing period. The exfoliating brush head also helped to avoid any ingrown hairs, which was a big plus point.
Key specifications
| Able to use both wet and dry | Yes |
|---|---|
| Type | Cordless |
| Included | 7 head attachments (razor, trimmer, massager, optimal skin contact attachment, facial epilator attachment, peeling brush, gentle peeling brush), bikini trimmer with 2 attachments, 1 x AAA battery and a storage bag. |
Pros
- Attachment heads are easy to change and use
- Worked effectively on both dry and wet skin
Cons
- Some testers had to go over areas multiple times for complete hair removal
Score: 74/100
Claiming to leave you with smooth legs in just 10 minutes, most of our panel found this epilator reduced hair regrowth after eight weeks of use. One tester told us: “Hair growth has reduced and almost disappeared in some places on my legs, underarms and bikini line.”
Others also noted how effective the hair removal process was, reporting a “lasting finish.” Overall, almost all were satisfied with the product after just four weeks, and found it to be effective when used wet or dry.
Key specifications
| Able to use both wet and dry | Yes |
|---|---|
| Type | Cordless |
| Included | 8 head attachments (shaving head, trimming comb, bikini trimmer head, bikini trimmer comb, body exfoliation brush, pedicure foot file, delicate area cap, optimal contact cap,), pouch and cleaning brush. |
What is epilating?
Epilators contain rotating tweezers, which remove hair straight from the follicle to prevent any tugging or pulling on the skin. They can also remove smaller hairs compared to your average wax, leaving you with smoother, better results.
Epilating is known for being slightly painful (you are pulling hair right from the root, after all) but the good news is any pain normally decreases each time you epilate.
To minimise discomfort, make sure you apply warm water to the skin before you start, which helps to open up the pores. Alternatively, choose one of the epilators from our list that can be used wet when bathing or showering, so you can thoroughly soak skin beforehand.
Is it better to shave or epilate?
It ultimately comes down to personal preference but the main difference between the two is that hair will start growing back straight away with shaving, while epilating can give you as long as four weeks hair-free.
An epilator won’t catch every single hair though (like a high-quality razor would), so if you’re looking for perfection, epilating may not be the right choice. Shaving is also pain-free, whereas epilating pulls hair from the root, which can cause slight discomfort.
Do epilators permanently remove hair?
Unlike some other hair removal methods, epilating does provide long-term results, leaving you hair-free for up to four weeks. It won’t banish hair for good, but it will give you significantly more time in between treatments than shaving would.
An added bonus is that new hair will likely grow back lighter and finer too, so even if you do leave it longer than four weeks, regrowth should be less noticeable.
You can buy epilators with heads specifically designed for different areas of the body too – such as arms, bikini lines and underarms – to really get your money’s worth.
Is it better to epilate long or short hair?
Most epilators work best on hairs that are between 3-5mm long. You may prefer to start epilating as soon as hair is visible though, as this is less painful and should avoid ingrown hairs.
How do I prepare my skin for epilation?
There are a number of ways you can prep skin before epilating. Exfoliating with the best body scrubs will help avoid ingrown hairs and bathing in warm water will open up the pores – just make sure the water isn’t too hot, as this could lead to skin irritation.
Some epilators are waterproof, which can also help with keeping pain to a minimum. If that’s a priority, be sure to check if your chosen model can be used in the bath or shower before you buy.
Verdict: Which epilator should I buy?
If you’re after something that does exactly what it says on the tin, and does it really well (without any extra gadgets or gimmicks), our winning Braun Silk-épil 9 Epilator is a top buy, thanks to its flexible pivoting head and range of adjustable attachments.
If you fancy investing in a one-stop-shop tool that has it all, our best multi-use epilator, the Braun Silk-épil 9-980 is for you. It epilates effectively for a smooth finish and helps massage cleanser deep into pores before bed with the face brush attachment, plus any bearded companions can borrow it for the electric razor attachment. Talk about bang for your buck.
If you want to dip your toe in epilating but don't want to spend a fortune, the Braun Silk-épil 5 is a reliable buy (and currently under £60).
Why trust the Good Housekeeping Institute
The Good Housekeeping Institute has been testing products for over 100 years, from the best rowing machines and best mattress to the best LED face masks.
Our beauty testers are also experts in the field. They use their specialist industry knowledge and chemical science background to develop the rigorous protocols we review every product again. We also use our extensive at-home panel to try all the gadgets and tools in real life, to ensure they really live up to their claims.
Senior Beauty Writer, Florence Reeves-White, has been writing about skincare and makeup products for several years and loves to try out all the latest beauty releases. She gets hands on with many of the products herself before she writes these reviews, to make sure we’re recommending the very best for every need and budget.
Florence is our Senior Beauty Writer, specialising in expert-tested beauty and grooming reviews — from toothbrushes to the latest skincare launches. She’s committed to sharing recommendations for products that truly work and make people feel confident and healthy. Prior to this she was at Tropic Skincare, where she worked closely with biochemists in the lab, delving into the functions of each fresh, natural ingredient and conveying its efficacy to her audience in easy-to-digest terms.
With over five years’ experience in beauty and health journalism, Florence has written for ELLE, Women’s Fitness, Sister Magazine, National Geographic Traveller and many more, with a strong sustainability angle thread through much of her work.
When she isn’t packing for a trip away, working out, eating out or reading up on retinol serums, you’ll probably find her experimenting with her film camera and building her portfolio of portraits. Florence’s photography can be found at florencereeves-white.com, her Instagram is @florencereeveswhite and her twitter is @floreadsnwrites
Maria is our Beauty and Grooming Testing Manager, and since joining in mid-2022, she has managed the testing for mutiple categories including scalp scrubs, collagen supplements and retinol serums. In addition to her master's degree in chemical engineering and a diploma in cosmetic science, she recently received her MBA from the London College of Fashion, focusing on case studies within the beauty industry. Prior to joining the company, she worked within the global technical team at the Estee Lauder Companies for over six years, collaborating with the chemists and engineers to launch luxury beauty products at scale and to quality. She has also worked as a formulation scientist within the pharmaceutical industry and takes this evidence based approach into all her product testing.
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