Best Epilators UK (2026)
An epilator plucks hair from the root using rotating tweezers, so hair grows back finer and sparser over time, and you don't need to wait between sessions the way you do with waxing. This guide is based on Expert Reviews' tested roundup, comparing tweezer count, attachments, comfort features and versatility across full-body and facial epilators. Prices are as reviewed.
We have not hands-on tested these products. Our picks are based on published independent tests and reviews, listed at the bottom of this page. How we pick.
Our top pick
Braun Silk-épil 9 Beauty Set 5-in-1
Best overall
Expert Reviews' top pick and the priciest on the list: a five-in-one tool that exfoliates and massages as well as epilating, with a shaver head attachment so it also works as a full electric shaver. The pivoting head is especially effective at catching hairs on difficult areas like knees, and the Smartlight helps you see what you're doing in poorly lit rooms. The 12 included attachments verge on overkill.
- Five-in-one: epilates, shaves, exfoliates and more
- Pivoting head catches hairs in difficult areas
- Smartlight helps in badly lit rooms
Quick comparison
| Product | Best for | Key spec | Buy |
|---|---|---|---|
| Braun Silk-épil 9 Beauty Set 5-in-1 | Best overall | 40 tweezers, cordless, wet and dry, 2 speeds, pivoting head, Smartlight, shaver head attachment included | Check price |
| Philips Series 8000 Wet and Dry BRE740/11 | Best all-in-one | 32 tweezers, cordless, wet and dry, 48,200-bristle exfoliation head, rotating foot file, 9 accessories | Check price |
| Braun FaceSpa Pro 911 | Best facial | 10 tweezers, cordless, dry only, 4 speed/intensity settings, 20-second treatment timer, 100-day money-back guarantee | Check price |
| Braun Silk-épil 5 Power 5825 | Best corded | 40 tweezers, corded, wet and dry, high-frequency massage system, pivoting head, smart light | Check price |
Our picks in detail
Best overall
Braun Silk-épil 9 Beauty Set 5-in-1
Expert Reviews' top pick and the priciest on the list: a five-in-one tool that exfoliates and massages as well as epilating, with a shaver head attachment so it also works as a full electric shaver. The pivoting head is especially effective at catching hairs on difficult areas like knees, and the Smartlight helps you see what you're doing in poorly lit rooms. The 12 included attachments verge on overkill.
- Tweezers
- 40
- Power
- Cordless
- Wet/dry
- Wet and dry
- Price guide
- £142 (as reviewed)
Pros
- Five-in-one: epilates, shaves, exfoliates and more
- Pivoting head catches hairs in difficult areas
- Smartlight helps in badly lit rooms
Cons
- The 12 attachments can feel like overkill
- Pricier than other epilators tested
Best all-in-one
Philips Series 8000 Wet and Dry BRE740/11
Expert Reviews found a long handle and wide, curved head with a built-in light that's easy to steer and removes many hairs at once on curved areas. A body exfoliation head buffs dead skin and helps prevent ingrown hairs, a comb trims longer hair first to reduce pain, and a contact cap gently stretches skin so you don't need a second hand. It's noisier than some rivals, but nine easily swapped attachments make it quick to use.
- Tweezers
- 32
- Power
- Cordless
- Wet/dry
- Wet and dry
- Price guide
- £110 (as reviewed)
Pros
- Wide, curved head with built-in light
- Exfoliation head and foot file included
- Trimming comb and contact cap reduce discomfort
Cons
- Noisier than some other epilators
Best facial
Braun FaceSpa Pro 911
Expert Reviews notes it's wise to use a tool designed specifically for facial fuzz, and this Braun is much smaller than a regular epilator with a slim head for delicate areas. Four speed and intensity settings personalise the treatment, and a 20-second timer stops you overdoing it. It comes with a cleansing brush and toning attachment (though the toning benefit beyond a gentle vibration is unclear), plus a stand, travel pouch and 100-day guarantee.
- Tweezers
- 10
- Power
- Cordless
- Wet/dry
- Dry
- Price guide
- £103 (as reviewed)
Pros
- Slim head designed specifically for facial hair
- 4 speed and intensity settings, 20-second timer
- 100-day money-back guarantee
Cons
- Toning attachment's benefit beyond vibration is unclear
Best corded
Braun Silk-épil 5 Power 5825
Expert Reviews found proof that dry epilation doesn't have to be painful: a built-in high-frequency massage system stimulates the skin to minimise discomfort, making it much less painful than many wet and dry models. A pivoting head catches hairs in difficult places without going over the same area repeatedly, and a smart light helps in nooks and crannies. It comes with a shaver and trimmer attachment and doesn't cost a fortune.
- Tweezers
- 40
- Power
- Corded
- Wet/dry
- Wet and dry
- Price guide
- £62 (as reviewed)
Pros
- High-frequency massage system minimises discomfort
- Pivoting head for difficult-to-reach hairs
- Doesn't cost a fortune
Cons
- Corded, so less portable than cordless rivals
Buying guide
Will epilating hurt?
Because it plucks hair from the follicle, some discomfort is normal, but this varies by person and by epilator. Features that reduce pain include a trimming comb to shorten hair first (Philips Series 8000), a high-frequency massage system (Braun Silk-épil 5), and a contact cap that stretches skin for you (Philips Series 8000).
Corded or cordless?
Cordless epilators, like the Braun Silk-épil 9 and Philips Series 8000, are more portable and can be used almost anywhere, though battery-powered models tend to be less powerful. A corded model like the Braun Silk-épil 5 gives consistent power at a lower price, and a charged cordless model is also fairly portable.
Do I need a wet and dry epilator?
Wet and dry models can be used in the bath or shower, where heat opens pores and can reduce pain, but epilating in water is slower and less effective. Unless you have a low pain threshold, a dry-only epilator like the Braun FaceSpa Pro is fine for facial hair.
Should I buy a dedicated facial epilator?
Expert Reviews recommends a tool designed specifically for facial hair, like the Braun FaceSpa Pro, which has a smaller, slimmer head suited to the upper lip and chin, rather than using a full-size body epilator on delicate facial skin.
Sources
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