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9 best epilators for easy and pain-free hair removal, starting at £34 – tried and tested
Plus, here's exactly how these smooth operators work
Hot take: Of all the hair-removal options, epilating is the one with the worst PR. Thanks to whispered horror stories and a general air of suspicion, it's been unfairly sidelined. Which is a shame, because the latest generation of epilators is far less medieval than you've been led to believe – and might just be the low-key hero your shaving routine has been crying out for!
Unlike laser hair removal (where you have to strictly avoid the sun after practice), there's no official epilating season. You can commit to smoothness whenever the mood strikes. But if you're planning a pre-summer de-fluff – ahead of bare-leg weather, micro hemlines and optimistic bikini shopping – now is the ideal moment to get acquainted with the gadget. Think of it as training for summer: mildly uncomfortable at first, deeply satisfying once mastered.
And yes, let's talk money. An epilator can feel like a rude upfront expense. But over time, it quietly claws back its worth, sparing you endless salon appointments and their suspiciously escalating prices. In other words, it hurts once, then saves you repeatedly. An investment, if you will!
The best epilators to buy now
What is epilating?
There are a multitude of hair-removal options out there, from shaving to creams, waxing to electrolysis. But we are here to make a case for the epilator. Trust us, once you start, you’ll never reach back for that rusty old razor.
Epilation is a method of hair removal that involves removing each hair, right from its root. The process is similar to waxing, only epilation doesn’t pull your skin. What’s more, the best epilators out there can grab even the tiniest of hairs, so you don’t have to endure that awkward growing-out phase in between waxes.
“An epilation device removes body hair directly from the follicle to give you smooth skin for up to four weeks,” explains Dr Anita Sturnham. As the hair is removed from the root, you can get rid of shorter hairs more effectively than other hair-removal methods.
How do we test epilators?
Just like IPL devices, epilators can be a pricey investment. Often reaching triple-figure price tags, it’s important to find the best gadgets out there to ensure your money is spent wisely – which is where we come in.
We’ve tested a bunch of tools on the market, examining everything from ease of use and value for money to speed and results. Of course, we’ve also paid attention to additional features, like multiple attachments and travel pouches.
As for the big questions – what exactly is epilation, is it something you want to give a go, are you more of an IPL kinda person – fret not! Scroll down as we share the best epilators and break down everything you need to know before making your purchase…
Pros
- Comes with many attachments to epilate all areas of the body
- The range of attachments allows you to get those hard-to-reach areas
- Doesn't leave a thin or rogue hair untouched
Cons
- It's a little noisy
A very advanced option indeed, the Philips 8000 wet and dry epilator uses unique, rounded tweezer heads to grab even the smallest of hairs, meaning you get the smoothest results possible.
There’s an in-built light, and it’s cordless, so it’s a cinch to use. It also comes with everything from a trimming head to a bikini trimmer and a special attachment for sensitive areas, so you can ensure that no hair goes untouched.
Key Specifications
| Able to use both wet and dry? | Yes |
|---|---|
| Type | Cordless |
| Includes | Epilator, shaving head, bikini trimmer head, pedicure foot file, body exfoliation brush |
Pros
- It's small and easy to use
- It comes with a light so you can ensure a smooth result
- The small head allows you to get into the hard-to-reach places
Cons
- It's not cordless, and the cord can feel quite limiting
- Can only be used in dry conditions
Philips’ hand-held gizmo is not just a cute face. The Corded Compact epilator is a powerful and speedy device that removes hair in no time.
It’s designed with two speed settings that grab even the most stubborn hairs, leaving skin smooth and stubble-free for weeks.
The slender head is equipped with a built-in light, which means no rogue hair will be left un-tweezed. Better yet, you can work your way into all the nooks and crannies that are usually hard to epilate (think: ankles and bikini line).
Small and compact, you can comfortably hold it in the palm of your hand, giving you full control over your shaving experience.
Key Specifications
| Able to use both wet and dry? | Only dry |
|---|---|
| Type | Corded |
| Includes | Corded epilator, shaving head, shaving head comb, trimming head, bikini trimmer comb, massage cap, exfoliation glove, basic pouch, cleaning brush, user manual. |
Pros
- It's compact and easy to use
- It only nips slightly, so it's pretty pain free
- It comes with a facial cleansing brush, tested by dermatologists
Cons
- It can leave the occasional rogue hair or bit of fluff
This is the most impressive face epilator on the market right now. The slender handle allows for precision tweezing, while the additional attachments mean you can perform an entire salon-standard facial at home.
Use the deep-cleansing brush head to sweep away dead skin cells and oil, before massaging in your favourite serum using the toning vibrational wand.
Key Specifications
| Able to use both wet and dry? | Yes |
|---|---|
| Type | Cordless |
| Includes | FaceSpa Pro facial hair removal epilator, Sensitive cleansing brush, toning head, stand, pouch, charger |
Pros
- It has a 360° flexible head to fit all the body contours
- Made with 40 tweezers to capture every last hair
- Can be used both wet or dry
Cons
- It may feel heavier compared to some models
We’re so impressed by the Braun Silk-épil 9 Flex SkinSpa – and maybe even more impressed that you can score this high-tech gadget at a decent price.
It’s the perfect all-in-one tool for anyone who is well into their epilation journey – it also features a lady shaver head for more intimate areas, a precise mini shaver, and two exfoliation brushes to encourage a clean, comfortable shave. You’ll also appreciate the flexible head that moves to all the curves and crevasses of your body, so no rogue hair will be left. Areas that are notoriously tricky to reach, like the ankles, won’t see what’s coming!
We also love that this tool is waterproof, so if you find it easier to epilate in the bath/shower, you can!
Key Specifications:
| Able to use both wet and dry? | Yes |
|---|---|
| Type | Cordless |
| Includes | Mini body hair remover, exfoliating brush, massage accessory, female shaver head |
Braun Silk-épil Series 3 3-202 Epilator
Pros
- It's compact and easy to pack
- It's affordable, perfect for before pay day
Cons
- It's not cordless
- It can only be used dry
For any gals on a budget, we get it: epilators are definitely an investment. But in the long run, they will probably work out cheaper than a lifetime of razors or pricey salon sessions. If you want to try epilating and are looking for a cheaper alternative, this Silk-épil 3-410 might be just the thing.
Ringing in at under £40 (on sale), this 20-tweezer epilator is ideal for beginners. Despite being on the cheaper side, it is still a well-established name, and it comes with a bikini trimmer for shaping and smoothing your bikini line – ideal now that summer is approaching.
There is one downside: it isn’t rechargeable, so it has to stay plugged into the wall. The bright side is that this means no charging breaks – so you can get it all over in one go.
Key Specifications
| Able to use both wet and dry? | Dry |
|---|---|
| Type | Corded |
| Includes | Bikini trimmer, brush |
Pros
- Catches even the smallest hair to ensure a clean shave
- Comes with a massage head for an enjoyable experience
- Can be used for epilating, shaving or trimming
Cons
- Can be sensitive for first-time users
With an epilator attachment, electric shaver head and cleansing facial brush attachment, Braun’s Silk-épil 5 is a great all-rounder for that Sunday-night self-care session.
The epilator has ‘micro-grip tweezer technology’ that allows for easy removal of hairs as short as a grain of sand (cool, huh?) Oh, and the kit comes with a treatment massage head and bikini trimmer, guaranteeing serious precision when it comes to preening your bikini line.
Key specifications
| Able to use both wet and dry? | Yes |
|---|---|
| Type | Cordless |
| Includes | Epilator, shaver head, trimmer head, skin contact cap, bikini styler, pouch, cleaning brush, charger |
Braun Silk-épil 9, Epilator with Pivoting Head
Pros
- Pivoting head allows for easy and precise hair removal
- It comes with a handy travel pouch
- It comes with a gentle mode designed for sensitive areas
- It's cordless
The Braun Silk-épil 9 is a brilliant option for beginners. The pivoting head means you can get into those hard-to-reach areas, while the row of 40 tweezers ensures a precise shave.
And, if you’re a sensitive soul, the device comes with a gentle mode to look after that delicate skin of yours.
Key Specifications
| Able to use both wet and dry? | Yes |
|---|---|
| Type | Yes |
| Includes | Shaver head, Trimmer comb, Skin contact cap, Cleaning brush |
Pros
- It comes with a handy facial trimmer and a range of attachments
- It's affordable compared to other epilators around
Cons
- As it's corded it's not ideal for travel
This epilator proves that silky-smooth skin needn’t cost half your monthly salary.
Equipped with two different attachments, this budget pocket rocket can be used to de-fuzz your underarms and legs – plus there’s a diddy detail head so no rogue hair survives. Better yet, there are two speed settings – including one for your, ahem, intimate area – which ensures a result that’ll give your go-to salon a run for its money.
There is one thing to note: unlike many on this edit, this is a corded gadget, which does come with pros and cons. Yay, it means non-stop hair removal while you catch up on Monsters. But, it may not be the best tool to invest in if you’re a hard-core jet setter.
Key Specifiications
| Able to use both wet and dry? | Only dry |
|---|---|
| Type | Corded |
| Includes | Epilator, shaver head, trimmer cap, bikini styler, cleaning brush, power supply, 1 X AAA battery, skin contact cap braun |
Does epilating hurt?
The number-one question: is epilating painful? When you think about it, you’re essentially pulling multiple hairs out simultaneously, right from the root. So depending on your pain threshold, there may be some discomfort. (Don’t panic though – you’re unlikely to be screaming into a pillow.)
What’s more, the pain tends to decrease each time you epilate. “It’s best advised to epilate in warm water to make it a more comfortable experience. The warmth of the water releases endorphins which helps to reduce any discomfort or irritation. If you’ve tweezed or waxed, it’s a similar feeling,” says Dr. Sturnham.
How long does epilating last?
“Epilation offers a long-term hair removal solution that, if used both regularly and correctly, can last up to four weeks,” says Dr. Sturnham. So, that’s a good deal longer than the rusty razor that’s lingering at the back of your shower, and around the same time as a good wax.
As a general rule, depilatory creams and razors will keep your legs stubble-free for the shortest amount of time, as they only remove the hair from above the skin. An epilator removes each hair right from the root, meaning you’ll have a couple more weeks before your legs begin to bristle.
After something even more long-lasting? You need to consider IPL hair removal. Sensitive soul? Maybe it’s the electric shaver for you.
What are the benefits of epilating?
Ok, apart from the obvious – super-smooth legs for weeks – there are so many benefits to epilating. Firstly, if you’re prone to shaving rashes, nicks and cuts, the epilator is your friend. You can kiss goodbye to those tiny paper-cut shaving wounds that never seem to stop bleeding.
Secondly, epilating is so much more cost-effective than a regular wax appointment. Sure, many of the best epilators sit in the triple-figure arena, but once you’ve cancelled a couple of intimate hours with your therapist, your new device will have paid for itself. So please, go forth and shop.
Clare Stephenson is the Senior Fashion and Beauty E-commerce Writer for Cosmopolitan, ELLE and Harper’s Bazaar. She has been an e-commerce writer since 2022, creating matter-of-fact reviews and shopping pages filled with her favourite products for every budget and need – whether that’s a glow-giving foundation, a high-tech LED face mask or the perfect wear-with-everything blazer.
Alongside writing, Clare loves to be in front of the camera creating shopping content, putting viral products to the test to see which ones are truly worth the hype. Through her work, she has interviewed leading dermatologists, makeup artists and industry experts to bring readers trusted advice and product recommendations.
Clare has contributed to titles across the Hearst UK portfolio, including Women’s Health, Good Housekeeping, Red and Prima. Prior to joining Hearst, she earned a BA in Multimedia Journalism from Bournemouth University, focusing her studies on magazines and editorial. She later worked as an editorial assistant at Voir Fashion Magazine, covering events including Fashion Week and interviewing notable brand founders.
Outside of work? You can find Clare strolling through London’s Columbia Road Market, pouring her fourth coffee of the day or heading to a Pilates class.
Follow Clare on Instagram @clarefrancesstephenson.
Lia Mappoura (she/her) is the Beauty Writer at Cosmopolitan UK, with over four years of experience reporting across the brand's print, social, video and digital platforms. Lia covers everything from emerging trend analysis to viral celebrity hair and makeup moments, making her an expert at spotting the season’s next big beauty look (before it takes over social media feeds).
In 2025, she was named The Rising Media Star at the Love Perfume Awards with The Perfume Shop, recognised for her outstanding digital fragrance content and for building genuine authority within the space. She is passionate about challenging outdated beauty stereotypes, championing inclusive representation in beauty, and educating readers on the trends, products and conversations shaping the industry today. Follow her on Instagram or find her on LinkedIn.
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