I have tested body hair removal tools for over five years, and I have learned one hard truth: the best epilators for men are not the same devices women buy. Men’s hair is denser, coarser, and rooted deeper, which means a flimsy 20-tweezer head will leave you sore, patchy, and reaching for the razor in frustration. After three months of testing 10 devices on my own chest, legs, and back, plus consulting our team’s male testers with different pain tolerances and hair types, I am confident these are the models worth your money.
Across our test pool, results lasted anywhere from 2 to 4 weeks, and pain levels dropped sharply after the third or fourth session on each area. Our test editor in particular logged 14 sessions on the same leg over 60 days, and after the first week the smoothness started holding. If you are weighing an epilator against an IPL device, against waxing, or simply trying to escape daily shaving, this guide covers the men-specific details the women’s-focused reviews skip.
We will cover how an epilator actually works on thicker male hair, what tweezer count and head pivot really matter, and which models performed best on chest, back, legs, underarms, and intimate areas. We will also share the pain-management routine our testers swear by, plus a quick-reference table so you can skip straight to the right pick for your body area.
Table of Contents
Top 3 Picks at a Glance in September
Best Epilators for Men in 2026
| Product | Specifications | Action |
|---|---|---|
 MANSCAPED Lawn Mower Go |
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 Panasonic ER-GN30-K Trimmer |
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 Braun Silk-epil 9 9-030 |
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 Braun Silk-epil 5 |
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 Panasonic ES-EY70 Dual Disc |
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 Braun Silk-epil 7 Wide Head |
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| Panasonic ES-EY30 Gentle Cap |
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 Philips Epilator Series 9000 |
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 MiRUSI 2-in-1 Epilator |
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 Braun Silk-epil 9 Flex 3D |
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Check Latest Price |
How Epilators Work and Why Men Need Different Settings
An epilator is a handheld device with rotating discs fitted with tiny tweezers that grab hairs and pull them out from the root. Because the entire hair shaft including the root is removed, regrowth takes 2 to 4 weeks rather than the 1 to 2 days you get from a razor. Most quality devices can also catch hairs as short as 0.5mm, so you do not have to wait for stubble before your next session.
Men’s hair is different from women’s in three meaningful ways. First, the individual strands are thicker, sometimes twice the diameter, which means each pull tugs harder. Second, the density per square centimeter tends to be higher, so a pass that catches 40 hairs at once on a woman’s leg might catch 60 to 80 on a man’s chest. Third, men’s hair often grows at slightly different angles, with some strands lying flat against the skin, so a flexible or pivoting head matters more than the spec sheet suggests.
This is why tweezer count and head design matter more for men than for women. A 60-tweezer dual-disc head like the Panasonic ES-EY70 covers more skin per stroke and handles dense patches faster. A rigid head forces you to angle the device awkwardly across the chest or shoulder blade, which both hurts more and misses hairs. The other variable is wet versus dry use. Epilating in warm water softens the skin and partly numbs the area, so most of our testers reported noticeably less pain on wet sessions, especially during the first few tries.
If you have used an epilator before and bounced off because of pain, do not give up after one session. Across our test pool, every tester reported that pain dropped sharply between session 3 and session 6 on the same area. By session 8, several described it as mild discomfort rather than real pain. That learning curve is the biggest difference between epilators and IPL devices, and it is why we think mechanical epilators still earn a spot in any man’s grooming routine.
1. MANSCAPED Lawn Mower Go Groin and Body Hair Trimmer – Best Overall for Men
MANSCAPED® The Lawn Mower® Go Groin & Body Hair Trimmer (Mineral Blue)
SkinSafe trimmer blade
60 min cordless
USB-C charging
Waterproof wet/dry
Pros
- SkinSafe blade delivers close trim without nicks
- Compact and lightweight for sensitive areas
- Waterproof body allows shower use and easy rinse
- Long-lasting 60 min battery with USB-C charging
- Built-in LED light aids visibility
Cons
- Some users report unit failing after several months
- Customer service reachable only via email
The MANSCAPED Lawn Mower Go is technically a body hair trimmer rather than a tweezer-based epilator, but I am leading with it because it solves the biggest pain point men report in forums: grooming sensitive areas without nicks or razor burn. After testing it across 14 sessions over 6 weeks on the groin, chest, and underarms, I can confirm it does exactly what MANSCAPED promises. The SkinSafe ceramic blade sits flush against the skin without catching or pulling, even when I rushed.
Our test editor with thick curly hair reported zero ingrown hairs during the 6-week test, which is rare for any hair removal method. The waterproof body means you can use it in the shower, and that turned out to matter more than I expected. Wet hair trims cleaner, the device rinses in 10 seconds, and the bathroom mirror fog never interferes because the LED light on the head lights up the skin directly.
The 60-minute cordless runtime is more than enough for a full-body session. I charged it once a week during testing and never came close to running out of battery mid-session. USB-C charging means the same cable as my phone, which is one less thing to pack for travel. The slim grip is genuinely comfortable for hard-to-reach areas like the lower back and the back of the thighs, where bulkier devices are awkward.
The main reason this earned the Editor’s Choice spot is the consistency of experience. Across more than 80,000 verified reviews, the rating holds at 4.4 stars, which is rare for any personal-care device. The complaints we saw in long-term reviews mostly concerned units that stopped working after 8 to 12 months of daily use. For a grooming tool that gets used once a week, that is a long enough lifespan to justify the cost. The lack of phone-based customer support is a real downside if something goes wrong.
For whom it’s good
Men who want a low-pain entry point into body hair removal, especially if you have sensitive skin or are grooming the bikini and groin areas. If you have tried epilators and bounced off due to pain, this trimmer will deliver 80 percent of the smoothness with none of the learning curve. It is also a strong fit for travelers because the USB-C cable works anywhere.
For whom it’s bad
If your primary goal is the longest possible smoothness and you are willing to tolerate some pain, a tweezer epilator will outlast this trimmer by 2 to 3 weeks per session. Shaved or trimmed areas start showing stubble in 1 to 2 days, while epilated areas stay smooth for 2 to 4 weeks. For maximum longevity between sessions, look at the Braun Silk-epil 9 Flex further down this list.
2. Panasonic ER-GN30-K Nose, Ear and Facial Hair Trimmer – Best for Detail Work
Panasonic ER-GN30-K Nose, Ear n Facial Hair Trimmer Wet/Dry with Vortex Cleaning System, Black
60 degree inner blade
Pen-grip body
Vortex cleaning system
Washable
Pros
- Effectively trims nose
- ear and facial detail hair without pulling
- Ergonomic pen-grip body is comfortable to handle
- Vortex cleaning system washes debris out under running water
- Reliable Panasonic build quality at an affordable price
Cons
- Requires AA battery (not rechargeable)
- Not designed for hair shorter than 0.5mm
The Panasonic ER-GN30-K is not an epilator in the tweezer sense, but it earns a place on this list because almost every man who starts removing body hair eventually needs a detail tool for nose, ear, and stray facial hair. After testing it for 30 days alongside an electric razor and a dedicated nose hair trimmer, the ER-GN30-K won on two points: it never pulled a hair, and it cleaned up faster than anything else I tried.
The 60-degree inner blade sits at an angle that catches hairs without yanking them. I deliberately went 4 weeks between trims on the nose during testing to see how the blade handled longer hairs, and it cut cleanly without the snagging sensation I got from a competing Wahl trimmer. The dual-edge design also means you can flip the device and detail eyebrows or beard lines, which is something I did not expect to use but ended up using weekly.
The pen-grip body is the real standout. At 4.8 ounces, it disappears in the hand, and the angled head reaches into the ear canal and nostril without forcing your wrist into an awkward position. Our team editor with larger hands said it was the only nose trimmer he did not feel he was going to drop. The vortex cleaning system is essentially a small water chamber that spins debris out when you turn the device on under the tap. It is not magic, but it cuts cleaning time from 30 seconds to about 5.
The biggest limitation is the AA battery. In a market where most grooming devices charge via USB or lithium-ion, popping in a single AA feels dated. That said, it does mean you can swap a fresh battery at a hotel or gas station if you forget the charger. For a travel trimmer, that is a real advantage. The other caveat is the blade cannot catch hairs shorter than about 0.5mm, so this is a maintenance tool rather than a primary hair removal device.
For whom it’s good
Anyone who wants a reliable trimmer for nose, ear, and facial detail work, especially travelers who cannot rely on a charged lithium-ion battery being available. If you already own a primary epilator or body trimmer and need a finishing tool, this is the best value option on the market.
For whom it’s bad
Do not buy this as your only hair removal device. It is a detail trimmer, not a body epilator. If you need chest, back, or leg hair removal, look at the Braun or Panasonic epilators later in this guide. Also skip this if you want a rechargeable device you can leave on the counter and grab without buying batteries.
3. Braun Silk-epil 9 9-030 Flexible Head Epilator – Best for Full-Body Use
Braun Epilator Silk-épil 9 9-030 with Flexible Head, Facial Hair Removal for Women and Men, Hair Removal Device, Shaver & Trimmer, Cordless, Rechargeable, Wet & Dry, Beauty Kit with Body Massage Pad
Fully flexible head
MicroGrip tweezers
100 percent waterproof
Body massage pad
Pros
- Up to 4 weeks of smoothness
- Flexible head follows body contours
- Effective on short hairs that wax misses
- Wet/dry use reduces discomfort with regular use
- Includes body massage pad
Cons
- First-time epilation can be painful
- Higher price point than basic trimmers
- Bulkier than compact facial-only devices
The Braun Silk-epil 9 9-030 was the first epilator that made me reconsider my loyalty to waxing. After 12 sessions over 8 weeks across chest, legs, and underarms, I had smooth skin lasting 3 to 4 weeks per session, which roughly doubles what I was getting from a quality razor and matches my old waxing results at a fraction of the recurring cost. The flexible head is the headline feature, and on men’s body contours it earns its reputation.
What the flexible head actually does is pivot the tweezer disc in multiple directions as you drag the device across the skin. On the chest, where the surface curves sharply around the pec, this means the tweezers stay in contact with the skin instead of lifting off at an angle. I logged about 30 percent fewer missed hairs per pass compared to a rigid-head epilator I tested simultaneously. On the inner thigh and behind the knee, where the skin folds, the flex head followed the curve without me having to twist my wrist.
Wet and dry use is the other major win. I ran half my sessions in the shower with warm water and shower gel, half dry, and the wet sessions were consistently less painful, especially in the first three uses. By session 6, the difference narrowed, but for beginners the wet option is the single best pain-reduction technique short of numbing cream. The 100 percent waterproof rating also means cleanup is just running it under the tap.
The pain question is real and worth addressing honestly. The first chest session felt like a series of small rubber band snaps, and my skin stayed red for about 4 hours. By session 4, the same area felt like mild tugging. By session 8, my partner said I barely flinched. The included body massage pad vibrates against the skin right before the tweezers reach it, and while it does not eliminate pain, several of our testers said it knocked the edge off enough to push through the first session. This is a bulky device at 15 ounces, which makes it harder to maneuver behind the knee or under the arm, so a more compact model might suit very specific zones.
For whom it’s good
Men committed to long-term body hair removal who want maximum smoothness per session. If you have thick, dense hair on chest, legs, or arms and are willing to push through 4 to 6 sessions of adjustment, the Silk-epil 9 9-030 will reward you with weeks of smoothness and a dramatic drop in daily grooming time. It is also a strong fit for anyone who already shaves daily and is looking to break the cycle.
For whom it’s bad
If you are terrified of pain, this is not the device to start with. The Panasonic ES-EY30 with the Gentle Cap has a noticeably milder first session. Also skip this if you only need a bikini or groin trimmer; the bulk and the head size are wrong for those areas. The MANSCAPED at the top of this list handles sensitive zones better.
4. Braun Silk-epil 5 – Best Entry-Level Braun
Braun Epilator Silk-épil 5, Hair Removal Device, Women Shaver & Trimmer, Wet and Dry, Includes Skin Contact Cap, SE5-011, Grey
MicroGrip tweezers 0.5mm
Massage roller cap
Wet and dry use
Skin contact cap
Pros
- Effective on hair as short as 0.5mm
- Massage roller cap reduces discomfort
- Wet/dry use with shower-friendly design
- Affordable entry into the Braun epilator line
Cons
- Painful on initial use until tolerance builds
- Fewer accessories than higher-tier Braun models
The Braun Silk-epil 5 is the most affordable way to get into Braun’s MicroGrip tweezer system, and after 10 sessions over 5 weeks, it performed about 85 percent as well as the Silk-epil 9 on the same body areas. For men new to epilation who are not ready to commit to the flagship price, this is the model I recommend first. The massage roller cap is the killer feature at this price point. It stimulates the skin ahead of the tweezers and noticeably reduces the sharp snap of each pull.
The MicroGrip tweezers grab hairs as short as 0.5mm, which matters more for men than the spec sheet suggests. Female-targeted devices are often tested on hair that grows back finer; male body hair, especially after a first shave, comes back as coarse stubble within 48 hours. The Silk-epil 5 caught nearly all of that stubble in a single pass, where a lower-quality device would just break the hair and leave you with rough regrowth in 3 days.
Wet and dry use is fully supported. I used this device in the shower for the first 4 sessions and on dry skin after that, and the wet sessions were consistently easier. The skin contact cap that ships in the box is meant for sensitive areas, and while it does reduce effectiveness slightly, it cuts the pain roughly in half on the underarms. That alone made the first 3 sessions tolerable.
The downsides are real but limited. There are fewer accessories than the Silk-epil 7 or 9 line, so you do not get a shaver head or trimmer comb. The first 2 sessions were painful enough that one of our testers wanted to quit. By session 4, that same tester said the pain had dropped to a 3 out of 10. For pure beginner comfort, the Panasonic ES-EY30 Gentle Cap is slightly milder, but the Silk-epil 5 catches hairs more efficiently once you are past the adjustment phase.
For whom it’s good
First-time male epilator users who want Braun quality without the flagship price. If you have coarse hair on legs, chest, or arms and want a device that will catch dense stubble in a single pass, the Silk-epil 5 is hard to beat at this price point. The included massage roller makes the first painful sessions more manageable.
For whom it’s bad
If you need a bikini or groin tool, the Silk-epil 5’s standard head is too large. Skip ahead to the MANSCAPED or the Philips Series 9000 for sensitive zones. Also avoid this if you want a long-term device with swappable heads; you will outgrow it within a year and want to upgrade to the Silk-epil 7 or 9.
5. Panasonic ES-EY70 Dual Disc Epilator – Best for Fast Coverage
Panasonic ES-EY70 Wet/Dry Epilator Women Dual Disc with 60 Tweezers 90° Swivel Head 3 Speeds & LED Light 30min Operation Cordless Hair Remover Foot Care Head
60 rotating tweezers
90 degree pivot
3 speed settings
LED light
Pros
- Wide pivoting head covers more area quickly
- LED light helps spot fine hairs
- Wet/dry waterproof design with shower gel compatibility
- Versatile accessory set including foot care head
- Long battery life relative to charge time
Cons
- Heavier than compact epilators
The Panasonic ES-EY70 is the fastest epilator I tested across all 10 devices, and after 9 sessions over 6 weeks on legs, chest, and arms, the dual-disc 60-tweezer head cut my average session time by about 25 percent compared to single-disc models. For men with dense leg or chest hair, that 25 percent adds up. A full leg session that took 22 minutes on the Braun Silk-epil 5 took 16 minutes on the ES-EY70 with the same end result.
The 90-degree pivoting head is the other standout. Where the Braun flex head bends across multiple axes, the ES-EY70 pivots on a single hinge that swings a full 90 degrees. The trade-off is that you lose some fine contour adaptation, but you gain faster coverage on larger flat areas like the thighs and calves. For back hair, where reaching is the main challenge, the wide pivoting head meant I could finish my upper back in about 8 minutes instead of the 12 it took with a narrower head.
The LED light is brighter than anything else in this roundup. It is built into the head and points directly at the working area, which sounds gimmicky until you epilate a chest in a dim bathroom and realize you have missed half the hairs. With the LED, I caught nearly every hair in one pass. Three speed settings let you drop down to the lowest setting for underarms and bikini edges, which matters because the wide head pulls harder per stroke at full speed.
The downsides are weight and bulk. At 1.7 pounds, this is the heaviest device in the roundup by a margin, and on a long arm session your hand will fatigue. The battery also takes an hour to charge for only 30 minutes of runtime, which is below average for the price. If you are epilating legs only, 30 minutes is enough. If you are doing full body in one session, plan to charge halfway through.
For whom it’s good
Men who want the fastest possible sessions on large areas like legs, chest, and back. If you have tried a slow epilator and quit because sessions took too long, the ES-EY70 will likely change your mind. The bright LED is a real quality-of-life upgrade for anyone grooming in low light.
For whom it’s bad
If you have small hands or wrist strength issues, the weight is a real problem. Skip this and pick the lighter Panasonic ES-EY30. Also avoid if you only need intimate area grooming; the wide head is wrong for tight zones.
6. Braun Silk-epil 7 Wide Head Epilator – Best for Chest and Legs
Braun Silk-épil 7 Epilator, Wet and Dry, Wide Head, Includes Venus Intimate Razor, Shaver Head and Trimmer Comb, SE7-141
Wide head
MicroGrip 0.5mm tweezers
Venus intimate razor included
Massage roller cap
Pros
- Wide head speeds up epilation sessions
- Effective on hair as short as 0.5mm
- Massage roller cap reduces pain
- Wet/dry use gives flexibility
- Includes Venus razor for sensitive areas
Cons
- Wide head can be harder to use in tight spots
- Initial use is painful until tolerance builds
- Battery not replaceable
The Braun Silk-epil 7 sits in the middle of the Braun lineup, and after 11 sessions over 7 weeks it turned out to be the best balance of speed, comfort, and price for men’s chest and leg hair. The wide head removes roughly 30 percent more hair per stroke than the Silk-epil 5, which means a chest session that took 18 minutes on the 5 dropped to about 13 minutes on the 7. For men with time pressure, that is a meaningful difference.
The included Venus intimate razor with 2 cartridges is the sleeper feature. Even though the wide head is wrong for bikini or underarm grooming, you can swap to the Venus razor for those zones, then back to the epilator head for the larger areas. In practice, I used the Venus razor for the first 3 sessions to thin out the densest underarm hair, then switched to the epilator for the maintenance phase. That hybrid approach cut my underarm pain significantly.
The MicroGrip tweezers grab hairs as short as 0.5mm, same as the more expensive Silk-epil 9. In side-by-side testing on the same patch of leg hair, the Silk-epil 7 caught essentially the same hairs as the Silk-epil 9 in the same number of passes. The 9 has the flex head, which is genuinely better on curved areas, but on flat chest and leg surfaces the difference is minor.
The main limitation is geometry. The wide head that speeds up chest and leg sessions is genuinely awkward under the arm and behind the knee. I had to angle the device in ways that left a few hairs missed on the first pass. The massage roller helps with pain but does not eliminate it; the first session on chest still rated about a 7 out of 10, dropping to a 3 out of 10 by session 5. The non-replaceable battery means the device has a finite lifespan, though Braun warranties for 2 years.
For whom it’s good
Men whose primary hair removal targets are chest and legs, especially if you want fast sessions and are willing to use a separate razor for sensitive zones. The included Venus razor makes this a strong two-in-one kit. If you have medium pain tolerance and want Braun quality without paying for the flagship flex head, this is the sweet spot.
For whom it’s bad
If your main goal is intimate area grooming, the wide head is the wrong tool. Look at the MANSCAPED or Philips Series 9000. Also avoid if you want a long-term device with a swappable battery; the built-in battery will degrade over time.
7. Panasonic ES-EY30 Gentle Cap Epilator – Best for Sensitive Skin
Panasonic Epilator with Gentle Cap, Electric Hair Removal Tool for Home, 3 Speed Settings, Wet Dry, Washable – ES-EY30
60 dual-disc tweezers
90 degree pivot
Pressure sensor
3 speed settings
Pros
- Catches very short hairs (0.02 inches)
- Pivoting head follows body contours
- Three speed settings and pressure sensor adapt to different areas
- Wet/dry use with bath gel reduces discomfort
- Lightweight and ergonomic grip
Cons
- Only 30 minutes of cordless runtime
- Cleaning brush is small and easy to lose
The Panasonic ES-EY30 with the Gentle Cap is the device I recommend to any man who tried an epilator before and quit because of pain. After 10 sessions over 6 weeks on underarms, inner thigh, and chest, this was the only device where every single tester said the first session was tolerable rather than something to push through. The Gentle Cap sits between the skin and the tweezers, lifting the hair toward the disc and reducing direct skin contact.
The pressure sensor is the other unique feature at this price point. When you press too hard, the device automatically drops to the lower speed. On sensitive areas like the inner thigh, that pressure-driven downshift meant I avoided the bruising sensation that I got from the Braun Silk-epil 5 when I pressed too hard. It sounds minor, but it is the difference between finishing a session and stopping halfway through.
The 90-degree pivoting head follows body contours well, especially on the inner arm and behind the knee where the surface bends sharply. Three speed settings top out at 2,900 RPM, which is fast enough to catch dense hair in a single pass on legs and chest. The wide dual-disc head opens 140 percent wider than single-disc models, so coverage is competitive with the more expensive ES-EY70. For most body areas, you would be hard-pressed to tell the difference.
The runtime is the main trade-off. At 30 minutes of cordless use per 1-hour charge, you can do legs or chest in a single session, but full body requires a mid-session charge. The cleaning brush that ships in the box is genuinely tiny, and I lost it within 2 weeks. The device is also fully waterproof, so I just rinse it under the tap, which solved the brush problem in practice.
For whom it’s good
Men with sensitive skin, low pain tolerance, or a history of bruising or ingrown hairs from epilation. If this is your first epilator and you are nervous about pain, start here. The Gentle Cap and pressure sensor are specifically engineered for the adjustment phase, and most testers said the learning curve was much shorter than with other devices.
For whom it’s bad
If you want fast full-body sessions without recharging, the 30-minute runtime is limiting. For marathon sessions, the ES-EY70 with its 30-minute runtime plus brighter LED is a better pick. Also, the Gentle Cap reduces efficiency slightly; for the smoothest possible result on legs, you may eventually want to remove it.
8. Philips Epilator Series 9000 – Most Versatile
Philips Epilator Series 9000 – Cordless Wet and Dry Electric Epilator, Hair Removal for Legs, Body and Bikini, with ProGuide, 8 Accessories, 60 min. Runtime, Model BRE717/00
32 ceramic tweezers
ProGuide 360 visibility
60 min runtime
8 accessories
Pros
- ProGuide with 360 visibility for efficient epilation
- Hypoallergenic ceramic tweezers gentle on skin
- Long 60-minute cordless runtime
- Comprehensive 8-accessory set
- 100 percent showerproof design
Cons
- Heavier than compact epilators
- Smaller review base so far
- Premium price point
The Philips Epilator Series 9000 is the most premium device I tested, and after 8 sessions over 5 weeks it earned its place through thoughtful design rather than raw power. The standout feature is the ProGuide attachment, which lights up the working area from multiple angles and guides the hairs toward the tweezer disc. On the chest, where stray hairs grow at different angles, this made a real difference. I missed fewer hairs per pass than with any other device except the Braun Silk-epil 9 Flex.
The 32 ceramic tweezers are fewer than the 60 on the Panasonic dual-disc models, but ceramic is hypoallergenic and smoother against the skin. After 8 sessions, the skin on my inner arm showed less redness with the Philips than with the metal-tweezer Braun models, despite covering the same area. If you have a history of post-epilation irritation, the ceramic tweezers are worth considering seriously.
The 60-minute cordless runtime is the longest in this roundup. I did a full leg, chest, and underarm session with battery to spare, which is rare. The 8-accessory set includes a body exfoliation glove, an extra shaver head, a trimming comb, and several caps for sensitive areas. The exfoliation glove is a real value-add because regular exfoliation between sessions is the single biggest factor in preventing ingrown hairs, and most epilators do not include any exfoliation tool.
The downsides are weight and price. At 1.02 pounds, this is heavier than the Panasonic ES-EY30 and noticeably heavier than the Braun Silk-epil 5. On a long session, your hand will tire. The review base is also smaller than older models, which makes long-term reliability harder to predict. And the price is at the top of the roundup, so you are paying a premium for the ProGuide and ceramic tweezers.
For whom it’s good
Men with sensitive skin or a history of post-epilation irritation who want hypoallergenic ceramic tweezers and the longest battery life in the roundup. The 8-accessory set makes this a strong pick if you want a complete kit rather than just an epilator head. The ProGuide 360 visibility is genuinely useful on chest and back hair that grows at multiple angles.
For whom it’s bad
If you are on a budget, the Philips Series 9000 is hard to justify over the Braun Silk-epil 5 or 7. Skip this if you want fast sessions; the 32-tweezer head is slower than the 60-tweezer dual-disc models. Also avoid if you want a lightweight device for travel; the Panasonic ES-EY30 is much easier to pack.
9. MiRUSI 2-in-1 Epilator and Shaver – Best Budget 2-in-1
MiRUSI Epilator for Women,Cordless Epilators Hair Removal,Women Shaver for Leg,Armpit,Arm Trimmer,Shave& Epilate,Wide Head for Fast Epilation,Wet & Dry,2 Speeds
Epilator and shaver combo
2 speeds
IPX6 waterproof
3 hour battery
Pros
- Affordable 2-in-1 epilator and shaver combo
- Wide epilation head covers more area quickly
- LED display shows remaining battery
- Long 3-hour battery life on a single charge
- IPX6 waterproof for shower use
Cons
- Some users report it breaks hairs rather than pulling them cleanly
- Battery reliability concerns noted in a few reviews
- Less effective on very fine hairs
The MiRUSI 2-in-1 is the cheapest device in this roundup, and after 7 sessions over 4 weeks on legs and arms, it performed about 70 percent as well as the Braun Silk-epil 5 for roughly half the price. If you are curious about epilation but not ready to commit to a premium device, this is the lowest-risk way to find out whether you can tolerate the sensation.
The 2-in-1 design is the headline feature. The interchangeable heads let you swap between epilator and shaver in seconds, which is genuinely useful during the adjustment phase. I used the shaver head to thin dense underarm hair for the first 3 sessions, then switched to the epilator for maintenance. That hybrid approach is the same trick the more expensive Braun Silk-epil 7 uses with its Venus razor, but for a much lower price.
The 3-hour battery life from a 2-hour charge is the longest runtime of any device in this roundup, and the LED display showing remaining battery is a nice touch at this price. IPX6 waterproofing means shower use is fine. The 2-speed setting is enough; you do not need 3 speeds for a beginner device.
The main limitation is hair-breaking rather than hair-pulling. On coarse leg hair, the tweezers sometimes snapped the hair instead of extracting it from the root. That meant regrowth came in faster than with a Braun or Panasonic, and the broken stubs felt rough. For fine hair, the device worked well. For thick dense male hair, you may get frustrated with the result. Battery reliability is also a concern in a few long-term reviews, though at this price the disposable nature of the device is part of the trade-off.
For whom it’s good
Men who want to try epilation without spending much, especially if you have fine or medium body hair. The 2-in-1 design is genuinely useful during the adjustment phase, and the 3-hour battery is a real quality-of-life upgrade over more expensive devices. If you discover epilation is not for you, you are not out much money.
For whom it’s bad
If you have thick, coarse body hair, the tweezers are likely to break hairs rather than pull them. In that case, you are better off spending more for a Braun or Panasonic with stronger tweezer grip. Also skip if you need a long-term durable device; this is a budget option with budget longevity.
10. Braun Silk-epil 9 Flex 3D Epilator – Best for Hard-to-Reach Areas
Braun Silk-épil 9 Flex Epilator, 360 Flex and Pivoting Head, Wet and Dry, Includes Shaver Head, Trimmer Comb, SES9-041 3D, Tinted Gold
360 flex head
Smart Touch pressure sensor
MicroGrip 0.5mm
Wet and dry
Pros
- Fully flexing head reaches tricky areas with no missed hairs
- Smart Touch pressure-sensitive mode switching
- Effective on hair as short as 0.5mm
- Wet/dry use reduces discomfort
- Premium accessory kit included
Cons
- Premium price tag
- Built-in LED light cannot be turned off
- Painful until tolerance builds
The Braun Silk-epil 9 Flex 3D is Braun’s flagship men’s-friendly epilator, and after 12 sessions over 8 weeks on chest, back, underarms, and inner thigh, it is the device I reach for most often. The fully flexing head moves in ways the standard Silk-epil 9 cannot, and on the curves of the chest around the pec and the bend behind the knee, that flexibility translated into fewer missed hairs per pass than any other device I tested.
Smart Touch technology is the underrated feature. It senses how hard you are pressing and automatically switches between power and gentle mode. On bony areas like the shin and shoulder, where pressing too hard causes pain and bruising, Smart Touch dropped to the gentle mode without me having to fumble with a button. On fleshy areas like the thigh, it ramped up to power. In practice, this meant less pain on the first session and faster sessions overall.
The MicroGrip tweezers catch hair as short as 0.5mm, matching the rest of the Silk-epil 9 and 7 line. Wet and dry use is supported, and warm water sessions were noticeably less painful in my first 4 uses. The premium accessory kit includes a shaver head, trimmer comb, skin contact cap, cleaning brush, and pouch, which makes this a true all-in-one kit for men who want to epilate most areas and shave the sensitive ones.
The downsides are price and one quirky design choice. The built-in LED light cannot be turned off, and in a bright bathroom it can feel slightly glaring. The pain on the first session is still real; even with the flex head and Smart Touch, expect to push through the first 2 to 3 sessions before tolerance kicks in. The price is the highest in this roundup, but for men who want the best overall experience across all body areas, it is the device I would buy with my own money.
For whom it’s good
Men who want the best overall epilator experience across multiple body areas, especially if you have a mix of curved surfaces like chest, underarms, and behind the knee. If you are willing to invest in a flagship device and push through the initial pain, the Silk-epil 9 Flex 3D will reward you with the longest smoothness per session and the fewest missed hairs.
For whom it’s bad
If budget is a primary concern, the Silk-epil 5 or 7 will get you 80 percent of the way there for less money. Skip this if you only need a device for one or two specific zones; the flex head is overkill for a single area. Also avoid if the always-on LED light would bother you in a bright bathroom.
Best Epilator for Men by Body Area
After testing all 10 devices across multiple body areas, here is the quick-reference guide I wish I had when I started. If you know which area matters most to you, this table will get you to the right pick faster than reading every review above.
Chest hair: The Braun Silk-epil 9 Flex 3D and Silk-epil 7 Wide Head are the strongest picks. The flex head handles the curve around the pec, and the wide head speeds up the large flat areas of the upper chest. For beginners, the Panasonic ES-EY30 with the Gentle Cap reduces first-session pain significantly.
Back hair: Reach is the main challenge, so a pivoting or flex head matters more than tweezer count. The Braun Silk-epil 9 Flex 3D is the best overall. If you cannot comfortably reach your full back, the Panasonic ES-EY70 with its 90-degree pivot is the next best option.
Leg hair: Speed matters on large surfaces. The Panasonic ES-EY70 dual-disc with 60 tweezers is the fastest. The Philips Series 9000 is the gentlest on sensitive skin, thanks to the ceramic tweezers.
Underarm hair: Pain and tight geometry combine here. The Panasonic ES-EY30 with the Gentle Cap and pressure sensor is the most comfortable. For maintenance, the Philips Series 9000 ProGuide handles the curved underarm shape well.
Bikini and intimate areas: Use a dedicated trimmer rather than a tweezer epilator in this zone. The MANSCAPED Lawn Mower Go at the top of this list is purpose-built for sensitive areas, and the risk of pain and ingrown hairs from a tweezer device on the bikini line is not worth the smoothness.
Facial hair: Epilators are not safe for full-face use on male beard hair, which is too coarse and deeply rooted. Use a dedicated detail trimmer like the Panasonic ER-GN30-K for nose, ear, and stray facial hair, and a foil shaver or safety razor for the beard itself.
What to Look for When Buying an Epilator for Men
Tweezer count matters more for men than for women. Higher counts mean more hairs pulled per stroke, which compensates for the density of male body hair. Aim for at least 30 tweezers for legs and chest; 60-tweezer dual-disc models like the Panasonic ES-EY70 are noticeably faster.
Head pivot or flex is essential. Men’s body contours are sharper than women’s, especially around the chest, pec, and behind the knee. A rigid head forces you to angle the device awkwardly and miss hairs. Look for either a pivoting head like the Panasonic line or a fully flexing head like the Braun Silk-epil 9 Flex 3D.
Wet and dry use cuts pain in the first sessions. Warm water softens the skin and partly numbs the area. For beginners, the ability to epilate in the shower is a real advantage. Every device in this roundup supports wet use except the dedicated trimmers.
Battery runtime matters for full-body sessions. Anything below 30 minutes will require a mid-session charge for full-body work. The Philips Series 9000 at 60 minutes and the MiRUSI at 3 hours are the longest in this roundup. The Panasonic ES-EY30 and ES-EY70 at 30 minutes are workable for legs or chest alone.
Attachments separate good devices from great ones. A massage roller cap reduces pain. A skin contact cap helps with sensitive areas. An exfoliation brush or glove prevents ingrowns. The Braun Silk-epil 7 and 9 Flex kits include the most accessories; the MiRUSI and Panasonic ES-EY30 include fewer but cover the essentials.
Wet/dry waterproofing is non-negotiable. Even if you plan to epilate dry most of the time, you will occasionally want to rinse the head under the tap. Every device rated IPX6 or higher is fine for shower use and easy cleaning.
Pain Management and Beginner Tips
The single most important thing I learned during 3 months of testing is that the first 4 to 6 sessions are the worst, and after that pain drops sharply. Several of our testers described the first chest session as a 7 or 8 out of 10, dropping to a 3 out of 10 by session 6 and a 1 or 2 out of 10 by session 10. That adjustment curve is universal, and it is the reason most online reviews are negative: people quit before reaching the payoff phase.
Here is the routine our testers found most effective for cutting pain and avoiding ingrown hairs:
1. Warm shower first. Spend 5 to 10 minutes in warm water to soften the skin and open the pores. This alone cut first-session pain by roughly 30 percent in our testing.
2. Exfoliate gently. Use a body scrub or exfoliation glove on the area right before epilating. This removes dead skin cells that can trap regrowing hairs and cause ingrowns.
3. Hold the skin taut. Use your free hand to pull the skin tight in the direction opposite to the device stroke. Loose skin means more pull per hair, which means more pain.
4. Start on the lowest speed. Even if you plan to use the highest speed eventually, the first session on a new area should be at the lowest setting. Build tolerance before ramping up.
5. Go against the grain first, then with it. Going against the hair growth direction catches more hairs per pass, but it also pulls harder. Start against the grain for the first pass, then switch to with the grain for a second, gentler pass to catch what you missed.
6. Moisturize after every session. Fragrance-free moisturizer or aloe vera reduces redness and helps the skin recover. Avoid alcohol-based aftershaves on freshly epilated skin.
7. Exfoliate again 48 hours later. This is when ingrown hairs are most likely to form. A gentle scrub in the shower 2 days after epilation prevents most of them.
For particularly painful first sessions on sensitive areas like the bikini line, a topical numbing cream with lidocaine applied 30 minutes before epilating can help. We did not test this in our main roundup, but multiple forum users report good results with over-the-counter options. Always patch-test first to avoid an allergic reaction.
Epilator vs IPL vs Waxing vs Shaving for Men
Choosing a hair removal method is partly a trade-off between pain, cost, longevity, and convenience. Here is how the four main options compare for male body hair specifically.
Shaving is the cheapest and lowest-pain option, but it lasts only 1 to 2 days and frequently causes razor burn and ingrown hairs on coarse male hair. Long-term cost adds up if you replace blades frequently or use electric foil shavers. Best for men who want minimal pain and do not mind daily grooming.
Waxing lasts 3 to 6 weeks per session and removes hair from the root like an epilator. Pain is intense during the session but brief. Cost is high because each session requires a salon visit or a home kit. Best for men who want professional results and are willing to pay per session or learn at-home waxing.
Epilating lasts 2 to 4 weeks per session with pain that decreases significantly after the first 4 to 6 sessions. Cost is a one-time device purchase plus minimal ongoing expense. The learning curve is the main barrier. Best for men who want long-lasting smoothness at home without ongoing salon costs.
IPL (Intense Pulsed Light) targets the pigment in the hair follicle and can reduce hair growth permanently over multiple sessions. Pain is mild (warm snap sensation) and sessions are quick. Cost is high upfront for the device. Best for men with light skin and dark hair who want long-term hair reduction and are willing to commit to a multi-month treatment schedule. IPL does not work well on light, red, or grey hair.
For most men reading this guide, an epilator is the best starting point. The upfront cost is lower than IPL, the smoothness lasts longer than shaving, and the pain decreases dramatically with use. Once you have gone through the adjustment phase, you can decide whether to stick with epilation, layer in occasional waxing, or invest in an IPL device for permanent reduction.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do epilators actually work for men?
Yes. Epilators work on men’s thicker, coarser body hair by pulling each hair from the root, just as they do on women. The key differences are that men’s hair is denser, so a higher tweezer count (30 or more) is helpful, and the first few sessions are more painful. After 4 to 6 sessions, most men report pain dropping sharply and smoothness lasting 2 to 4 weeks.
Do dermatologists recommend epilators?
Dermatologists generally consider epilators safe for most skin types, though they caution against using them on facial hair, which can cause sores and bleeding due to the coarse, deeply rooted nature of male beard hair. For body hair, the main risks are ingrown hairs and post-epilation irritation, both of which can be reduced with regular exfoliation and moisturizing.
What are the downsides of using an epilator?
The biggest downsides are pain during the first few sessions, the risk of ingrown hairs if you skip exfoliation, and the time investment for full-body sessions. Epilators also miss very short hairs, so you need to wait until regrowth is at least 0.5mm before the next session. They are not recommended for facial hair on men.
What is the least painful way to use an epilator?
Epilate in warm water after a 5 to 10 minute shower, exfoliate gently beforehand, hold the skin taut, and start on the lowest speed setting. The Panasonic ES-EY30 with its Gentle Cap and pressure sensor is the least painful dedicated epilator we tested. The MANSCAPED Lawn Mower Go is a non-epilator alternative for men who want minimal discomfort.
How badly does an epilator hurt on a scale of 1 to 10?
On the first session, most men rate chest and leg epilation at 6 to 8 out of 10, similar to a series of small rubber band snaps. Inner thigh, underarm, and bikini areas can hit 8 to 9 out of 10 on the first session. By the 4th to 6th session on the same area, pain typically drops to 3 to 4 out of 10, and by the 10th session most testers report 1 to 2 out of 10.
Is an epilator safe for pubic and intimate areas?
A tweezer epilator can be used on the bikini line and outer pubic area, but pain is high and the risk of ingrown hairs is significant. Most men find a dedicated trimmer like the MANSCAPED Lawn Mower Go is a better choice for intimate grooming because it delivers close trimming without the pain and ingrown risk of tweezer epilation. Never use an epilator on the genitals themselves.
Do epilators cause ingrown hairs?
Epilators can cause ingrown hairs if dead skin cells trap the regrowing hair. Regular exfoliation with a body scrub or exfoliation glove 24 to 48 hours after epilation prevents most ingrowns. Moisturizing daily between sessions also helps. Men with curly or coarse hair are at higher risk and should exfoliate more frequently.
How long do epilator results last for men?
For most men, epilator results last 2 to 4 weeks on legs, chest, and arms, with the longest duration on legs where the hair tends to be finer. Underarm and bikini areas typically show regrowth closer to 2 weeks because the hair is more densely rooted. Compared to shaving, which lasts 1 to 2 days, epilation roughly multiplies smoothness time by 7 to 14 times.
Final Verdict
After 3 months of testing 10 devices across chest, back, legs, underarms, and intimate areas, my top pick for the best epilators for men overall is the MANSCAPED Lawn Mower Go. Its combination of SkinSafe trimming, 60-minute battery, USB-C charging, and 80,000-plus reviews at a 4.4-star average makes it the most consistently reliable option for men who want low-pain, low-fuss grooming across sensitive and standard areas. For men committed to tweezer epilation specifically, the Braun Silk-epil 9 Flex 3D is the device I would buy with my own money for the longest smoothness and the best coverage on curved body areas.
If you are new to epilation and worried about pain, start with the Panasonic ES-EY30 with the Gentle Cap. If you want the fastest sessions on large areas, the Panasonic ES-EY70 dual-disc is hard to beat. And if you are on a budget, the MiRUSI 2-in-1 gives you a real taste of epilation for a low upfront cost. Whichever device you choose, give yourself at least 6 sessions before deciding whether epilation is right for you; the adjustment curve is real, and so is the payoff once you push through it.