Compare · Updated 10 Oct 2026
Braun Silk-expert Pro 5 IPL vs Braun Silk-épil 9 Flex
Get the Braun Pro 5 IPL for long-term reduction. Get the Silk-épil 9 Flex if you need hair removed immediately or IPL does not suit your hair and skin tone.
Our pickBraun Silk-expert Pro 5 IPL
The IPL pick for most people: fast flashes, automatic skin-tone sensing and compact handling.
We earn a commission from these links.
The short answer
These devices solve different problems. IPL reduces regrowth over repeated sessions when hair and skin tone are suitable; an epilator pulls hair out now and works on more hair colours.
Get the Braun Pro 5 IPL if
- —You want less regrowth over time.
- —You have dark hair and a suitable skin tone.
- —You can follow a treatment schedule.
Get the Silk-épil 9 Flex if
- —You want hair gone today.
- —Your hair is blonde, red, grey or white.
- —You do not want to shave before sessions.
Key differences
Result today
No — gradual
Braun Pro 5 IPL
Yes
Silk-épil 9 Flex
Long-term reduction
Better
Braun Pro 5 IPL
No, repeated epilation
Silk-épil 9 Flex
Light, red or grey hair
Poor fit
Braun Pro 5 IPL
Works
Silk-épil 9 Flex
Pain
Warm/prickly
Braun Pro 5 IPL
Pulling pain
Silk-épil 9 Flex
Prep
Shave first
Braun Pro 5 IPL
Grow hair slightly
Silk-épil 9 Flex
Pros and cons
Braun Silk-expert Pro 5 IPL
- +Automatic skin-tone sensing
- +Fast for legs and larger areas
- +Multiple caps for body, face and bikini line
- −You must shave before treatments.
- −You need a schedule for the first weeks, then maintenance sessions.
- −It can feel warm or prickly at higher settings.
Braun Silk-épil 9 Flex
- +Flexible head for curves
- +Wet and dry cordless use
- +Catches very short hair
- −The first sessions are the most uncomfortable.
- −You need to exfoliate and clean the head to reduce ingrown hairs.
Ready to choose?
- Is the Braun Pro 5 IPL worth it?
- Is the Silk-épil 9 Flex worth it?
- Braun Pro 5 IPL vs Philips Lumea 9900
- Silk-épil 9 Flex vs Philips 8000
- Philips Lumea 9900 vs Silk-épil 9 Flex
- Best hair removal devices
How we reached this verdict
We compared independent expert reviews with the manufacturer's specifications, then checked it's sold at a major retailer where you live. We don't test products ourselves.
Sources: Good Housekeeping, ELLE, Which?, Philips Lumea 9900, Braun Pro 5, manufacturer specifications.
Updated 10 Oct 2026How we decide
