Braun Silk Expert Pro 5 IPL models comparison

Pro 5 IPL spec & performance

Before we get into the differences between the Braun Silk expert Pro 5 IPL models, here’s a quick reminder of the Pro 5 IPL device key specification and performance data that applies to ALL the models. There’s more detailed testing feedback in the full review.

Safe on light to dark skin:

Works on darker hair:

See also: the latest Braun Pro 7 IPL review and the Pro 7 IPL models comparison

Braun Pro 5 IPL models: What’s the difference?

As shown above, all the Pro 5 IPL models have exactly the same shape and weight, IPL power range, gentle modes, lamp lifetime, speed of sessions, treatment schedules and clever tech which matches every IPL flash to your skin tone. 

The differences between the Braun Pro 5 IPL models are:

• The number of flash heads with each
• Storage bag style, materials & colour
• Type of Venus shaving razor
• Some come with bonus extras such as a mini facial shaver
• Some models are country specific
• The price: the cost varies by country, and also models with more heads, a fancier storage bag, and any extras generally cost more

Some models also have slightly different button markings on top, although they do exactly the same thing.

The latest models have improved controls on top for choosing standard, gentle or extra gentle mode. They have a clear ‘+/-‘ button to cycle through the modes along a scale from ‘feather’ icon on the left to ‘bright sun’ on the right. The three modes are indicated by three white lights; extra gentle (1), gentle (2) to standard (3).

The older models have a single feather button which cycles through the same modes, with the same three white lights to show which is selected. Here are the two buttons compared…

Braun has given the skin tone sensor a new, fresher name – SkinPro 2.0. But it’s still the same SensoAdapt™ tech as in the older models. They select the best match IPL intensity for your skin tone, before every flash. Gentle mode lowers the range selected a couple of notches, and extra gentle lowers it to the lowest IPL intensity (level 1).

The older models are the PL5014, PL5124, PL5137, PL5223 and PL5117.

The new models are the PL5347, PL5387, PL5257, PL5223, PL5149.

However, some of the older models now have updated buttons. So, if it bothers you, it’s worth double checking before you buy.

And now a bit more detail about the differences…

Different flash heads

There are up to four flash heads with the Pro 5 IPL models. They are varied sizes and shapes to better fit and flash different body areas, and to cover a larger surface area per flash for faster sessions.  

First, there’s the gold-coloured medium-sized standard flash head which you get with all models. This flash head is a super allrounder size and shape for zapping legs, arms, underarms, torso, bikini line, neck and jawline. It takes a little practise flash your upper lip, ankles, shins and knees.

Next, there are the small, white precision windows. You get one of these with all models. This size flash window gets easier flashes your small upper lip area, fingers, toes, and gives extra precision around the delicate bkini area. The top of the range models come with two of these attachments. Unlike the later Pro 7 model, there are no markings on either head. Therefore, if you want to reserve one just for your face, you could make a small mark on the head to tell them apart.

Finally, there’s also a white, wide flash window which comes with some models. This covers a slightly bigger surface area than the medium head, so Braun say it’s faster to cover larger areas such as your upper legs and torso.

See the Pro 5 models comparison table towards the end to see which models have which heads.

Do you need all the flash heads?

Nope.

You get everything you need with the standard head for all body areas and the precision head for face and uneven areas (and your bikini line if your need it)..

I’ve tested all four heads on the recommended body areas and I find the precision head is too small for the bikini area. That’s because it’s difficult to see what you’re doing down there, and the precision head requires such a small stamping motion. The medium head is far easier to position and control. And because the medium head is also twice as big, it takes half the flashes to cover the area, so it’s twice as fast versus the precision head.

The wide head isn’t all that helpful either. That’s because it’s just a few millimetres bigger than the medium head. And it’s difficult to gauge such a tiny difference when you’re gliding over your skin. It makes very little difference in practice. I prefer to stick with the medium head whose glide motion is easy to master, and stick with that to flash my entire body.

So, don’t feel you need all four heads. The second precision and the wide head don’t make it any easier or faster and none of the heads adapt the IPL energy for better comfort or results. So, you can save some pennies and go for the models with the medium and one precision head.

Storage pouches, razors & extras

The latest Pro 5 IPL models also have varied colour vegan leather storage pouches which come in different colours (grey, black and red). There’s even a fancy buff-coloured vanity case with one model. The older models have woven fabric and suedette bags. And they all come with either the Venus Extra Smooth or Venus Extra Smooth Swirl razor.

Below are the different styles, materials and some of the colours of the storage bags. The leatherette bag also comes in black and red.

All the storage bags do a good job of protecting the Pro 5 IPL device and keeping the flash windows and power cable together. For extra protection from knocks, keep it in a draw. And both razors are rather splendid at getting a close shave.

A few models (PL5149, PL5347 for Face, PL5137 for face) also come with a Braun Facial Mini shaver, which is a nice touch to avoid shaving your face before your sessions. Or you could try an inexpensive dermaplaning tool.

See the models comparison table in the final section to see which models have which storage options and extras.

Price and availability

Not all models are available in every country. The UK has several options, whereas the US has just three, and Australia only one.

The recommended retail price of the Pro 5 is also much higher in the UK at around £600 (versus around $400 in the US). However, you will find decent and consistent discounts of 40% or 50% off, so you can pick it up for under £300.

The Pro 5 IPL is an excellent choice, and prices are dropping because the Pro 7 IPL is now out. So, here’s a helpful tip…Both the Pro 5 and Pro 7IPL devices are identical in features, performance and results. The key difference is the Pro 7 IPL connects via bluetooth to the Braun IPL app, whereas the Pro 5 has no bluetooth connection. This means the Pro 7 app experience is more comprehensive and complete.

You can learn more about that in this comparison review. But in summary, if you don’t care about apps, opt for the much more affordabe Pro 5, before they all sell out.

Braun Pro 5 IPL models comparison table

Here’s a summary of the Pro 5 IPL different heads, storage cases, razors and extras by model.

Prices checked December 2024.

I hope you’ve found this comparison review helpful. If you spot something that’s out of date, or if there’s a new model available, please let me know!

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