Braun Silk Expert 5 vs Braun Pro 5 IPL

The Braun devices use intense pulsed light energy (IPL) to damage and disable your hair follicles, slowing and then stopping hair regrowth. Periodic top-up treatments keep your skin smooth. Learn more about how home IPL works here.

Here’s a quick roundup of the key differences between the Braun Silk Expert 5 vs Pro 5 IPL devices.

Size & weight

Both models have the same ergonomic shape and large flash button. But the Braun Pro 5 IPL is 15% smaller and 25% lighter than the previous model. This makes a big difference. It fits better in the hand, and so is more comfortable to hold and easier to manoeuvre.

Styling & cord

The Braun Pro 5 has updated styling. The colours change from white and bronze with silver accents to a soft white and matt-gold with gold accents.

Both models are mains-powered with a 2 metre long power-cord giving plenty of room to move around. However, the Braun Pro 5 power cord is fixed into the base of the handle. This stops the weight of the power pack pulling it out during your treatments.

The cord itself is better quality too on the Braun Pro 5 IPL. It’s thicker and more supple. There’s nothing wrong with the cord on the Braun 5 IPL (I don’t find it tangles). But on the Braun Pro 5 it’s just better!

Lamp lifetime

The older Braun 5 model comes with 300,000 flashes. This gives enough flashes for over 15 years of monthly whole-body sessions. The later Braun Pro 5 models come with more, at 400,000 flashes. So, you’ll get even more sessions from the IPL bulb.

However, the compound effect of at-home IPL means that after several top-up sessions you can go even longer between sessions. So, most people can eventually go several months without needing a top-up. Therefore, both the older and latest Braun models give way more flashes than you’re ever likely to use.

More flash windows

Most of the Braun Pro 5 IPL models also have a smaller face/precision flash window. You simply pull out and push on the different flash windows.

This is a very helpful addition to get good contact for easy flashes on the jawline and upper lip. (It’s also easier on fingers and toes too). The older model requires a bit of faffing and face-pulling to get a flash and cover all your skin. But, it’s still possible and gives the same results.

And the very latest Braun Pro 5 models also have a wide flash window. This is slightly larger than the standard flash window and so is faster to cover upper legs and torso in flashes. See how all the Braun Pro 5 models compare here.

The Braun Pro 5 is faster

Sessions with the Braun Pro 5 IPL are faster than with the older Braun 5.

• The Braun Pro 5 flashes come every 0.6 to 1.2 seconds
• The Braun 5 IPL flashes every 0.9 to 1.9 seconds

They’re fastest on the lowest intensities.

Both give fast treatments. I can do a full-body session in under 30 minutes with the Braun Pro 5 and around 45 minutes with the Braun 5. So, you’re done before you get bored or tired. But the Braun Pro 5 is super-quick. It’s one the fastest available. Therefore, it’s easier to fit in around a busy day and commit to the regimen.

Price

Both models promise the same hair reduction results. So the price of each is worth checking before you decide.

The Recommended Retail Price (RRP) of the Braun Pro 5 is £524.99 to £599.99. Today it’s on offer at around £250. That’s super value.

The RRP of the Braun 5 is £399.99 to £499.99. And you can get it on offer around £230. That too is a fine deal for a good device. Prices may drop further to sell leftover stock now that the Braun Pro 5 has arrived. You could pick up a bargain.

View Braun Silk Expert & Braun Pro 5 IPL deals

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