Philips Lumea 9900 IPL vs Braun Silk-épil 9 Flex
Get the Philips Lumea 9900 if IPL suits you. Get the Braun epilator if you want instant removal or a device that works on more hair colours.
Philips Lumea 9900 IPL
The premium IPL alternative: cordless or corded use, four attachments and a helpful app.
Not sold in the US
Braun Silk-épil 9 Flex
The premium epilator pick: a flexible head, wet-and-dry use and strong short-hair pickup.
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The Philips is a premium IPL system with app guidance and shaped attachments. The Braun epilator is more universal and gives immediate results, but it does not reduce regrowth the way IPL can.
- —You want a guided IPL routine.
- —You are patient about results.
- —Your hair and skin tone are IPL-suitable.
- —You need results today.
- —Your hair is light, red or grey.
- —You want to spend less.
Key differences
Pros and cons
- +Corded or cordless use
- +Four smart attachments
- +App guidance and reminders
- −Cordless mode is handy but not the fastest way to do legs.
- −The handle is bulkier than Braun's.
- +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 Philips Lumea 9900 worth it?
- Is the Silk-épil 9 Flex worth it?
- Silk-épil 9 Flex vs Philips 8000
- Braun Pro 5 IPL 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.