Which is the Best Epilator? Full Epilator Roundup Review
There are so many different epilators on the market today with such a huge variance in cost and accessories that it is very difficult to make a choice.
Here I have tried to look at epilators towards the top of mid-range (all under $90) and at the bottom ($45 or less) in terms of cost, and picked out those which I think offer the best value for money to review.
Short Version: Which Epilator Should You Buy?
Epilator | Quality | Price | Rating |
---|---|---|---|
A+ | $$$ | Best Buy | |
A | $$$ | ||
A | $$$ | ||
A | $$$ | ||
B | $$ | ||
B | $$ | ||
B | $$ |
Epilator Best Buy
My "best buy" is the Satinelle Advanced Wet/Dry Epilator from Philips. Whilst it doesn't have as many tweezer points as the Panasonic or Emjoi models, it does have a good, wide head and 32 tweezers.
I like the fact that it has a shaver head and can be used wet or dry, but the major selling point for me is the design of the handle, which I found to be the most comfortable and easy to maneouvre.
Coupled with the fact that it has the versatility of use on body and face, I think you get a good, value for money product for your $70.
The Panasonic ES-ED90-p runs a very close second, in my book, with all the main features of the Philips Satinelle, and a larger (so quicker) pivoting 48 tweezer head.
If you want to epilate your body and are not looking to use your epilator on your face, but would like the option of the foot buffer and don't mind paying a few extra dollars, then this would be a good choice.
If speed and efficiency over large areas is your priority, the 72 tweezer Emjoi AP-18 Emagine is your best bet, providing you are happy to epilate dry only. It is for corded use, which has the advantage that you know you will never run out of charge before you are finished.
The main advantage that the Epilady Legend has, is that it can be used either cordless or corded, whilst charging. The epilator head has only 20 tweezers, so it will take longer, but if you are happy to sacrifice speed for the knowledge that you can use it even when the batteries are low, this could be the one for you.
If you want a good quality but basic epilator just for use on your legs, the Philips Satinelle HP6401 is a pretty good choice at less than $30.
Although the 20 tweezer head is comparatively small, the epilator is corded for dry use, so running low on power will not be a problem and the head is detachable and can be rinsed under water for easy, thorough cleaning.
Alternatively, for an extra $15 or so, the Braun Silk-Epil 3 (3170 model) also for legs only and with 20 tweezers, has the addition of an integral light and massage attachment.
The rollers of the massage attachment does help with gliding across the skin and I like the addition of the light to help with seeing those pesky fine, flat hairs that are easily missed.
Finally, the basic Remington Smooth & Silky Epilator (EP7010) offers a lot for the $27 asking price, having 40 tweezers for faster epilation, it is recommended for arms, legs, underarms and bikini-line.
It really is a value for money device, and even has a detachable head that can be rinsed to clean. For me, it just lacks the quality "feel" of the Philips alternative at around the same price.
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Full Review of Each Epilator Listed Above
Philips Satinelle Advanced Wet/Dry Epilator
I think, of the more expensive epilators that I have reviewed, this is my pick of the crop. Currently retailing at around $70, it is fully rechargeable and suitable for wet or dry cordless use.
It is very comfortable to hold with its unique, S-shaped ergonomically designed handle, and its wide 30 mm epilation head makes it quick and efficient for covering larger areas.
The epilation head has 32 catching points and features ceramic discs with a rough surface to help them to grip the hairs firmly and prevent slipping.
The integral light set in the epilator head helps to ensure that any particularly fine or difficult to see hairs are not missed.
It can be used on legs, arms, underarms, bikini-line and face (cheeks, chin and upper lip) and comes with interchangeable facial, delicate area and massage caps, specially designed for each area being epilated.
The device comes with a shaver head and shaver comb attachment, giving it dual purpose and convenience especially when travelling.
Things we Liked
- Value for money - you get a fair few features for your dollar
- Wet or Dry use - cordless and convenient to use anywhere
- Ergonomic Design - comfortable and easier to use in harder to reach areas
- Efficient - wide epilator head with 32 tweezer points
- Shaver Head - versatile especially when travelling
- Integral Light - easier to see those extra fine hairs
- Facial Cap - for gentler and more precise epilation
- Short Recharge - fully charged in 1 1/2 hours and quick charge option for short touch-ups
- 2 Year Guarantee
Things we didn't Like
- Cordless only - Cannot be used whilst being charged
Panasonic ES-ED90-p Wet/Dry Epilator
I found a lot to admire in this product, not least the 60 degree flexible feature of the main epilation head, making it easier to fit against the contours of the skin at all times.
This product currently retails at around $85, for which you get quite a lot in one device for your money.
The main head is large, with 48 tweezers on 2 rollers, providing wide skin coverage for larger areas and has the option of 2 caps, the fast (efficiency) cap or gentle (sensitive) cap.
There are also 3 additional, easily interchangeable heads:
The first is a narrower, gentle epilator head with 18 tweezers which is designed for use on the more sensitive areas such as underarm and bikini-line
The next is a shaver head with pop-up trimmer and a bikini comb attachment.
Finally, there is a foot care head, for filing calluses and hardened skin on the feet.
It has a light integrated into the main device, positioned to illuminate the area being epilated or shaved which comes on automatically when the device is switched on.
The Panasonic ES-ED90-p is fully rechargeable for cordless wet or dry use on legs, arms, underarms and bikini-line.
Things we Liked
- Pivoting 48 Tweezer Head - Easy to keep angled correctly against the skin
- Compact Head - option for comfortable and precise epilating
- Wet or Dry Use
- Cordless - for convenient use anywhere
- Shaver Head - complete with pop up trimmer
- Foot Buffer - works well
- Integral Light - avoids missing harder to see, fine hairs
- Versatile
Things we didn't Like
- Limited Battery Time - Full charge lasts 30 minutes - cannot be used whilst charging
- No Facial Cap Option
Emjoi AP-18 Emagine Dual Opposed Epilator
This device is designed for dry use only and is corded (6ft +) to be used only whilst plugged into a mains electricity supply.
If you prefer the rechargeable, cordless option the same device is available with this added feature, at a slightly higher price - the Emjoi AP-18R (also dry use only)
It has the biggest epilator head of all those that we have found, with an impressive 72 tweezers on dual-opposed, staggered heads for quick, efficient epilation of larger areas.
The centre of the head features a series of "fingers" which lift the hair to help avoid missing any flattened hairs and further minimise the number of passes required to fully epilate the area.
This device currently retails at around $75, and whilst it lacks the added extras of the previous 2 epilators at a similar price-point, it is a good quality, efficient epilator with the largest number of tweezers currently available.
It can be used on all parts of the body; arms, legs, underarms, bikini-line and is also suitable for use on the chin and upper lip.
For more information see our article: Emjoi AP-18 Emagine Dual Opposed Epilator Review
If you are in the market for a good quality, quick and efficient epilator only, without the added extras but with some of the latest technological features, this could be for you.
There is a shaver head for this device available for purchase separately.
Things we Liked
- 72 Tweezer Head - The biggest we have found - quick and efficient
- Lifting "Fingers" - helps to avoid missing flattened, fine hairs
- Corded Use - no need to worry about recharging batteries
- Silver Ion Technology - to reduce risk of infection
- Ergonomic Design - comfortable to use
- One Year Warranty - and 30 day money back guarantee
Things we didn't Like
- Need Power Socket to Use - cordless model available
- No Shaver Head Included - available as optional extra
- Noisy
Epilady Legend 4th Generation Epilator
This epilator, from one of the most well-known epilator Brands, is ergonomically designed with soft-grip edges and a 20-tweezer epilating head.
It is rechargeable and unusually, can be used either cordless or when plugged directly into the mains, so you never need to worry about the batteries running down.
This model is for dry use only and is suitable for use on legs, arms, underarms, chest, back and bikini-line as well as on the face; upper lip, chin and neck.
It comes complete with a perfect angle guide attachment to help you hold the epilator at the correct angle to achieve optimum results and a zipped mesh carrying/storage bag.
Currently retailing at around $70, this is an epilator which lacks the added extras of the others I reviewed in this price bracket, and has less tweezers so will take more time to use.
However, the fact that you can use it whilst plugged in does mean that you will not need to worry about running out of charge before you finish.
Things we Liked
- Silicone Bars - hold skin down whilst epilating for more comfortable use
- Ergonomic Design - comforatable to hold and guide
- Corded or Cordless - versatility of use
- One Year Guarantee
Things we didn't Like
- Dry Use Only - no option to use in the shower
- Non-Detachable Head - more difficult to clean and cannot be rinsed under the tap
- Only 20 Tweezers - slower epilation
Braun Silk-epil 3 3170 Epilator
Currently retailing at just $45 this is a basic, entry level epilator from Braun, designed for corded, dry use only.
It features a 20 tweezer epilation head with massaging rollers attachment to stimulate the skin in order to make the epilation process more comfortable.
The head is detachable to make cleaning easier, although it is not designed to be cleaned with water, but with the brush provided.
It also has the addition of an integral light at the top of the power button to illuminate the epilation area, a good added bonus for a low-cost epilator.
The mains cord is a lengthy 7ft (2.25m) so should be sufficient for comfortable use in just about all circumstances.
The biggest down-side of this epilator is that it is recommended for use on the legs only. (For other more versatile models with added features, see the Silk-Epil 5, Silk-Epil 7 or the top-range Silk-Epil 9)
This is a good, value-for-money option if you are on a budget and just want an epilator to remove hair on your legs.
Things we Liked
- Low Cost - at just $45
- No Recharging - just plug in and off you go
- Detachable Head - easier to clean
- Integral Light - avoid missing difficult to see hairs
- Massaging Rollers Cap - easy to glide across the skin
- 2 Year Guarantee
Things we didn't Like
- Legs only - Lacks versatility
- Corded - restricted use
- Dry Only - no option to use in the shower
Philips HP6401 Satinelle Epilator
This is a good value for money, basic epilator from a big Brand, which currently retails at less than $30.
It features a 21 disc, detachable epilating head with 20 catching points, complete with efficiency cap attachment to help gain the correct positioning to achieve the best results.
Designed for corded, dry use and recommended for epilation of the legs only, it is a no-frills, low cost epilator which would be ideal for a first time user wanting to try out epilating without breaking the budget.
Having said this, it is ergonomically shaped to fit nicely in the hand and the hypoallergenic discs help to make it suitable for sensitive skin.
The numerous positive online reviews cannot be ignored; there are many happy users of this device.
Things we Liked
- Very Low Cost - Retailing at less than $30
- Detachable Head - can be rinsed under water, easier to clean
- Efficiency Cap - to help with correct positioning for optimum results
- 2 Year Warranty
- Good Feedback - many positive reviews available
Things we didn't Like
- Corded - Restricted to using by power source
- Dry Only - no in-shower option
- Legs Only - restricted use
Remington Smooth & Silky Epilator
The Remington EP7010 Smooth & Silky Epilator is currently available at around $27 and, as you would expect for the price, is a pretty basic, functional model.
However, it does feature a good sized, 40 tweezer head for quick, efficient epilation on larger areas.
It is suitable for use on arms, legs, underarms and bikini-line, and includes a perfect angle cap to help position the epilator correctly in use.
Although it is recommended for bikini area, I would just caution that there is no separate cap for this and maneuvering the device to epilate this area may be somewhat tricky!
It is mains only operated for dry, corded use - the cord is just over 6ft long (1.8m) so fairly lengthy to be comfortable in most situations.
The head is detachable for cleaning, and can be rinsed under water.
Things we Liked
- Low Cost - at around $28, very inexpensive
- Mains Operation - no recharging or loss of power, just plug in and use
- Detachable Head - can be rinsed under water
- Perfect Angle Cap - easy to keep device correctly positioned
- 2 Year Guarantee
Things we didn't Like
- Corded Use -- Given the small head size, it can take quite a long time to treat larger treatment areas
- Dry Only