What’s the difference between Braun Skin i-expert models?

Pro 7 IPL spec & performance

Before we get into the differences per model, here’s a quick reminder of the Skin i-expert IPL device (also called the Pro 7 IPL) key specification and performance data that applies to ALL the models.

If you haven’t already, check out the full tried and tested review for my scores and detailed feedback on the Braun Skin i-expert device and smart app.

Safe for light to dark skin:

Works on darker hair:

What’s the difference between Braun Pro 7 IPL models?

The differences between the Braun Skin i-expert/ Pro 7 IPL models are:

• The number of flash heads with each
• Storage bag style & colour
• Some come with bonus extras such as a mini face hair remover or bikini exfoliation gel
• 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

And now a bit more detail about these differences…

Different flash heads

There are up to four flash heads with the Pro 7 IPL models. They are different sizes and shapes; the aim being to get easier flashes on different body areas, or to cover a larger surface area per flash for faster sessions.  

All models come with the gold medium head. The medium head is a super all-rounder size and shape for zapping everywhere from your legs, arms, underarms, torso, and bikini line, to your neck, and face. Small and bony uneven areas can be tricky because it’s harder to get close skin contact with the two sensors. So, it takes a little practice to flash areas such as feet, toes, fingers, ankles, shins, knees, jawline and upper lip. To make it easier, Braun added a small precision head..

All models come with this small white precision head. It’s half the size of the medium head to make it easier to flash your upper lip, fingers, toes, and aims to give extra precision around the delicate bikini area. Some models come with two of these precision heads. One has a ‘+’ marked on it so you can tell them apart. The idea is to reserve the precision+ for your face. 

Finally, some models also include the wide white head. It’s ever so slightly bigger than the medium head. The aim is to cover more of your skin with each flash for faster coverage on your upper legs and torso.

See the models comparison table towards the end to see which models have which heads. Go there now

Do you need all the heads?

Extra flash heads may seem like a good idea, especially if they’re as helpful as the rival Philips Lumea range.

The Lumea, like the Pro 7, has four targeted flash heads which are shaped and curved to match your contours for easy flashes. They also adapt the IPL energy to better target your hairs with less discomfort. They have targeted heads for legs and torso, bikini area, underarms and face. However, all four of the Braun Pro 7 heads are simply different sizes, and they don’t change the IPL light energy. 

See also: Pro 7 IPL vs Lumea 9000 Series review

So, how helpful are they, and is it worth paying extra for all four heads in the kit?

I’ve thoroughly tested the Braun Pro 7 IPL and all four heads on the suggested body areas and I think only the medium and one of precision heads are worth it. Here’s why…

The medium head is the most versatile, and gets easy and fast flashes in most body areas. In tricky areas you can angle the window to get closer skin contact, or push your skin towards the sensors – see my tips to learn how. If you get stuck and can’t get a flash, or if the medium head feels too big, then switch to the precision head. It’s helpful on the upper lip, but I can manage without it everywhere else.

And that includes the bikini line (where Braun says the precision head is helpful, too). On the bikini line, the precision head is simply too small to see or feel where you’re placing it, and it takes ages to do all those tiny flashes. Whereas the medium head is accurate and fast to cover your front bikini area in stamping flashes. And to do an extended bikini line between your legs and back to your bum, you must feel your way, which is much easier with the medium window. Therefore, you don’t need a second precision head for the bikini area.

And I don’t rate the wide head either. It’s just millimetres larger than the medium head, which is impossible to gauge by eye whilst flashing over your upper legs and torso. It’s easier and less faff to continue with the medium head rather than stopping, switching heads, and trying to adapt your motion to match a marginally bigger flash opening. There’s more on this in the full Pro 7 IPL review.

So, bear this in mind when comparing prices and deciding on your preferred model. There’s no benefit in paying considerably more for all four heads. The medium and one precision head give you everything you need.

Storage pouches, razors & extras

The latest Pro 7 IPL models either have a zip-around suedette storage pouch or a premium sturdy leatherette vanity case. And they all come with the Venus Extra Smooth razor, which is rather splendid for getting a close shave. It’s marketed for ladies, but it shaves men just as well.

The vanity case comes with the most expensive models, which include all four flash heads too. However, all the storage options do a good job of protecting the Pro 7 IPL device and keeping the flash windows and power cable together. For extra protection from knocks, keep the pouches in a draw. They fit in a standard depth draw. The vanity case is rigid and strong so you can alternatively store this on a shelf, or under your bed, or in a deep draw, too.

Two models (PL7249 and PL7219) also come with a battery powered Braun Face Mini hair remover, which is awesome to avoid shaving your face before your sessions. It retails separately at around £30. Or you could try an inexpensive dermaplaning tool.

See the models comparison table towards the end to see which models have which storage options and extras.

Price and availability

And finally, these different storage options, heads and bonus extras mean different prices. You’ll pay more for models with all the flash heads, bonus trimmers, and the premium vanity case. Each additional flash head in the kit costs between £50 to £100/$100 🤑.

But note, not all models are available in every country. The UK has several options where the US has just three, and Australia only one. Braun may also launch new models in the future which I’ll endeavour to update here.

It’s also noteworthy that the UK Braun Pro 7 IPL models are incredibly expensive, with an RRP of £999.99! That’s more than double the cost of similar IPL rivals, and what it costs for the identical Pro 7 device in the US. And that’s really rather unfair.

But since launch, prices in the UK are now 100s cheaper. So, compared to the crazy RRP, they can seem rather good value. However, even with 40% or 50% off, the Pro 7 is still the most expensive IPL out there.

Keep reading to the models comparison table below to see the retail prices, there are links after this to check the current prices!

Also consider, the Pro 7 is identical in specification, performance and results to the previous model Pro 5 IPL. The only difference is the Pro 7 IPL has bluetooth connectivity to work with the Braun smart app. So, if you don’t care for the app, you could spend less and get the same super results with the Pro 5 IPL. 

Braun Skin i-expert models comparison table

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!

If you’ve decided this is the device for you, please shop via my links below. These are affiliate links so I earn a small commission when you buy (but your price stays the same). And I really appreciate your support 🙏!