Philips Lumea Series vs. Braun Silk Expert Series

Philips Lumea Series

Long-life lamp, exceptional quality, effective

Deal Score+20

Braun Silk Expert Pro Series

More customization, wider skin color compatibility

Deal Score+20

Comparing the Philips Lumea and Braun Silk Expert resembles exploring a salon tech showcase, where each device flaunts its distinct capabilities for home hair removal. The Philips Lumea, spanning multiple models, offers effortless hair reduction features. Its cordless operation, adaptable intensity settings, and wider treatment areas cater to a diverse array of needs, ensuring convenience and effectiveness in each session.

Meanwhile, the Braun Silk Expert series showcases precision and adaptability, boasting features like specialized heads for different areas, multiple intensity levels, and advanced sensors that constantly adjust to skin tone. Both devices promise effective hair removal but offer distinct advantages tailored to individual preferences and skin types.

But which one of them provides higher services for personal hygiene? Let’s delve deeper to find out.

Compare Main Differences

Philips Lumea IPL 8000 Series vs 9000 vs Braun Silk Expert Pro 5Which is better?

Technology

IPL with SmartSkin sensor, 4 attachments, 5 energy levels

IPL with SenseIQ technology, 4 attachments, 5 energy levels

IPL with SensoAdapt technology, 12 attachments, 10 intensity levels

Treatment Time

1.5-8.5 minutes

Up to 5 minutes

Skin Tone Suitability

Light to dark skin tones, blonde to dark hair

Additional Features

Integrated UV filter, safety system, application modes

Skin sensor, gliding disc, precision head

Warranty

2 years global warranty + 1 extra year of warranty upon product registration within 90 days

2 years replacement warranty

Lamp Life

450,000 flashes

400,000 flashes

Attachments

Body, face, bikini, underarm

Body, legs, bikini, underarm, face, precision, upper lip, chin & jawline, chest & abdomen, underarms, bikini line, upper arms, light touch

Cordless

SmartSkin Sensor

Treatment Modes

Comparison of Philips Lumea Series vs. Braun Silk Expert

Specification Comparison and Reviews

High-End Technology

The Philips Lumea Series boasts various IPL technologies, each with distinct features. The Prestige model offers 4 attachments and 5 energy levels, while the IPL 9000 Series features SenseIQ technology for precision. Additionally, the IPL 8000 Series incorporates SmartSkin sensors.

However, the Braun Silk Expert Pro 5’s SensoAdapt technology stands out, offering 12 attachments and 10 intensity levels for highly customizable treatments. With its extensive options for intensity and attachments, the Braun Silk Expert Pro 5 excels in adaptability and customization, making it the top choice among dermatologists.

Philips Lumea Series

4 attachments with SenseIQ technology and SmartSkin Sensors 70%

Braun Silk Expert Pro 5

12 attachments with SensoAdapt and 10 intensity levels 85%

Winner: Braun Silk Series

Treatment Time

Treatment time is an important role in user convenience regarding hair removal accessories. The Philips Lumea Series features a treatment time range of 1 and half mins to 8 and half mins, meanwhile, the Braun Silk Expert Pro 5 outperforms them with a faster patch-up time of as much as 5 mins.

Philips Lumea Series

Up to 8.5 minutes 80%

Braun Silk Expert

Up to 5 minutes 95%

Winner: Braun Silk Expert

Lamp Life

Lamp life significantly impacts long-term costs. Philips Lumea series offers an extended lamp life of up to 450,000 flashes, as compared to the Braun Silk Expert Pro 3 which features 300,000.

Braun Silk Expert Pro 5 which features 400,000 flashes. The Philips Lumea series offers a better lifespan of lamp life.

Philips Lumea Series

450,000 95%

Braun Silk Expert Pro 3

300,000 60%

Braun Silk Expert Pro 5

400,000 85%

Winner: Philips Lumea Series

Precision and Coverage

The Philips Lumea and Braun Silk Expert provide a lot of attachments for exclusive body areas, the Braun Silk Expert Pro 5’s 12 attachments have a wider variety, presenting precise treatment for diverse body parts.

This wider attachment capability makes the Braun Silk Expert Pro 5 better than the Philips Lumea series, but only if you plan to use it on different parts of your body.

With that said, the Philips Lumea series will get the job done no matter the attachment. For example, the face attachment is good enough for your face’s sides, lips, or other parts that the Braun has a special attachment for.

Philips Lumea Series

4/5 Attachments 92%

Braun Silk Expert Pro 5

12/13 Attachments 97%

Winner: Tie with a Slight Edge to Braun Silk Expert Pro 5

Skin Tone Suitability

Tailoring to various skin tones and hair hues is pivotal for hair removal devices. Lumea IPL 9000 is powerful on clearly darkish blonde, brown, and black hair and on skin tones from very white to darkish brown.

As with other IPL-based total treatments Lumea cannot be used to treat white, grey, mild blonde, or purple hair and isn’t always suitable for extremely dark pores and skin.

The Philips Lumea Prestige can handle mild to medium skin tones with darkish hair efficiently, while the Lumea 8000 manages light to dark skin tones with blonde to darkish hair with ease.

Meanwhile, Braun Silk Expert Pro 5 can handle a broader range, covering mild to dark skin tones with blonde to darkish hair. The Braun Silk Expert Pro 5 is recommended by professionals offering a wider suitability range.

Philips Lumea Series

Suitable for light to medium skin tones 80%

Braun Silk Expert Pro 5

Broader Suitability covering light to dark skin tones 90%

Winner: Braun Silk Expert Pro 5

Adaptability and Customization

Customization alternatives play a pivotal role in catering to male or female’s choices and skin sensitivities. The Philips Lumea Prestige, and Philips Lumea IPL 9000, and 8000 offer a couple of intensity levels for customization according to one’s sensitivities.

However, the Braun Silk Expert Pro 5 surpasses them with 10 intensity levels, providing users with more precise control over treatment intensity.

In terms of effectiveness, they will both get the job done. They have the same power (from 2.4 to 6.5 J/cm²), however, the Braun Series have more customization due to higher range of intensity levels.

Philips Lumea Series

5 Intensity Levels 50%

Braun Silk Expert Pro 5

10 Intensity Levels 95%

Winner: Braun Silk Expert Pro 5

Adaptability and Customization

However, the Braun Silk Expert Pro 5 surpasses them with 10 intensity levels, providing users with more precise control over treatment intensity.

Philips Lumea Prestige and 9000

Cordless (no cable) - Yes 100%

Braun Silk Series

Cordless (no cable) - No 20%

Winner: Philips Lumea Prestige and 9000

Pros and Cons

9.2Expert Score

Philips Lumea Series

Reliable, high-quality, lower range of features

Technology

Additional Features

Skin Tone Options

Warrenty

Lamp Life

Positive

Multiple models catering to various needs
Offers cordless operation in some models
Positive
Diverse attachments and energy levels
Relatively quick treatment times

Negatives

Not all models offer cordless operation
Touch-ups needed more frequently compared to some other devices
Lower skin suitability options

9.3Expert Score

Braun Silk Expert Series

More additional features, good quality, more attachments

Technology

Skin Tone Suitability

Treatment Time

Additional Features

Lamp Life

Cordless Operation

Positive

Advanced SensoAdapt technology for precise treatment
Wide range of attachments and intensity levels for customization
Longer intervals between touch-ups
Quick treatment times for efficient hair removal sessions
Compatible with various skin tones and hair colors

Negatives

No wireless option
May have a higher price point compared to some competitors
Limited warranty compared to other brands

Our Pick

Braun Silk Expert Series

Upon thorough consideration, our preference leans toward the Braun Silk Expert Series. Its unparalleled SensoAdapt technology ensures precise and tailored hair removal experiences, adapting to a wide spectrum of skin tones and hair colors.

The array of attachments and intensity levels enhances customization, while the longer intervals between touch-ups provide added convenience, making it a top choice for those that seeking efficient and effective hair reduction.

Buy if...

Philips Lumea Series

You seek a more affordable option without compromising effectiveness. Each model caters to varying budgets while providing efficient hair removal.
Customization is the key with varying skin tones and hair colors. The range accommodates different skin tones and hair colors across models.
Cordless operation is not a top priority. Not all models offer cordless operation, making it suitable for those who prioritize other features.
You prefer a brand offering multiple models catering to diverse preferences. The Philips Lumea series provides a range of options with different features and attachments.
Frequent touch-ups aren't an issue for you. Although touch-ups may be needed more regularly, the effectiveness remains high.

Braun Silk Expert Series

You prioritize advanced technology for precise and tailored treatments. The SensoAdapt technology, with its extensive attachments and intensity levels, provides a highly adaptable hair removal experience.
Want a broad range of skin tones and hair colors is crucial. Braun Silk Expert accommodates various skin tones and hair colors effectively.
Cordless operation is not a deal-breaker
You prefer a series offering a more detailed and customizable hair removal experience.

Latest User Reviews

Check what other users on Amazon think about the products

Philips Lumea Series Reviews

I have been using this product since June 2023. From the first use, I noticed a dramatic reduction of hair growth on my face. My underarms and legs took around 3 treatments before I noticed significant changes but I’m so happy! The bikini line can take longer to see results as it is a very sensitive area; I tend to use a lower setting. You do get used to heat the sensation and I am now using a higher setting for all other areas. Make sure you stick to the treatment schedule as I believe my results would have been better if I hadn’t forgotten to do it (that’s how fine the hair grows back!). The app makes this much easier to track. You do have to put time aside to do it, especially for your legs. I would recommend scheduling the treatments for different weeks because if the device overheats it shuts down and you have to leave it for a while to cool. I don’t mind this though. The pictures you see are after 1 week of no shaving. I am from south Asian descent with thick, dark hair so this product has been a real godsend. I now have no dark shadow on my underarms and my hair is so much easier to manage. Worth the money.

R. Lucas

 5/5

I recently began using this product and wanted to share some initial observations. The construction of this item is solid, exuding a premium feel, although there's a minor issue with its design. It's top-heavy and the smooth plastic handle can make it easy to drop without careful handling. I've come across mentions of such products having a short lifespan, which might be due to accidental drops. I performed test patches yesterday without any problems, and successfully completed my first full run today. This task requires patience and a bit of common sense. It's advisable to slightly overlap the treatment areas, and ensure you've shaved beforehand. As someone with dark hairs, I noticed that even a few stray hairs can cause a noticeable increase in discomfort, especially on higher settings. Although I thought I had shaved thoroughly, I occasionally smelled burnt hair, leading to white marks on the lens - a concern I've seen echoed in other reviews. If this occurs, allow the lens to cool before wiping it clean. I discovered that setting 5 works well for most body parts. However, for areas with slight variations, like redder skin, it's sensible to lower the setting slightly. These are my initial thoughts and I plan to provide updates as I continue using this product. The primary takeaways so far are to handle it with care to prevent dropping, take your time during treatment, and ensure all areas are shaved to avoid burning stray hairs which can result in a smelly residue and marks on the lens.

C. Harrop

 4/5

I rarely write reviews but I know how helpful they are, especially when looking for and investing like this. I’ve had dark facial hair for years, thankfully mostly under the chin, but it has still bothered me and has gotten thicker and more wide spread over the years, despite having paid for laser and IPL treatment in the past. I I have wanted to buy one of these type of things for years, but was never sure if they were worth investing in as they are quite expensive and having bought a home laser kit years ago which did very little, I was sceptical. I’ve only performed one treatment so far with this, however I have noticed a significant slowing of the growth in the hair treated, which is synonymous with the clinic treatments I’ve had in the past. I was tempted to go over the area again at first, as it seemed to be less intense a feeling than the clinic treatments I’d had in the past (I’m using the second highest-highest setting as suggested by the skin tone test). But having waited a week I’m glad I’ve stuck to the instructions, I did cause myself some pigment discolouration with the laser kit years ago by doing this so I would suggest following the instructions fully with this. My hair is quite thick and I honestly wasn’t expecting to see results like that straight away, and of course it’s early days and I’ll have to see how the regrow things is affected, but I think the result so far is a promising sign that the device is doing what it’s meant to. I’m only one week after my first treatment so I’ll come back and update this review in a few weeks once more results are clear, but if you’re like me and wanting to get rid of or at least find a better way to manage unwanted facial hair, this could be a great option... as long as you have the right skin tone and hair colour etc. UPDATE: 2 weeks after my second treatment, most of the hair on my chin area has gone completely! I’m really quite surprised and impressed by the effectiveness of this device, I was expecting to have to wait longer for these kind of results. So far I’m very happy with it and would recommend it for those with similar problem facial hair, with the right colour and skin tone of course.

 5/5

I am three treatments in and have noticed a difference. I still need to keep going for complete smoothness but hair is definitely growing back slower and less. I have light skin with dark hair so according to the guideis the most suited so maybe this is why it is working well? Is time consuming and can get hot, so give yourself a good hour or more to complete a session. I tend to do my whole self and just put the telly or music on to help with the boredom. Hope this helps. It is big purchase so my advice is if you have blonde hair or dark skin beware it may not work for you.

Emma

 5/5

Braun Silk Expert Series Reviews

This product is good. I have tried it for the first session and it is quick and painless. Some slight discomfort as it’s my first time but so far This braun IPL device is worth purchasing.

Victoria S

 5/5

The new Braun IPL is the first smart IPL system according to the manufacturer and based on other IPLs I have seen or tested so far. I was impressed as soon as I opened the box and found a nice quality storage bag to hold the IPL and the three different heads that they include with it for different-sized treatment areas. I immediately saw the included information that led me to download the special Braun IPL application for the new Pro 7 series models. I set up the application and then followed the instructions to start testing various areas on my body for compatibility but already knew that my skin tone and hair color were ideal for effective treatment for the Braun IPL. I also liked that in the application you could create a treatment schedule to help speed up your treatment sessions depending on how often you need to treat the sources of hair growth on your body that you want eliminated. I was impressed with how easy the IPL was to operate and to move to different areas of the body with minimal interruptions since the device is quick to produce back-to-back IPL flashes to kill the hair follicles in treatment areas. I also liked that the device did not overheat or get too warm for a thorough session period. This is the ideal IPL to obtain on the market now since it has the latest technology and comes from a reputable brand with a history of making high-quality products for men and women.

BMWAT

 5/5

My wife really was surprised when this package arrived. Braun is a very well known consumer brand from Germany. I even have their top of the line shaver and love it. This laser removal kit is a premium product. There are so many accessories giving you options on the light path to be used. Please ensure you read the instructions first and ensure you are suitable to use laser maintenance tools. Yes, your hair color makes a difference! From the initial use, this handheld device lets you work on removing hair at your leisure. My wife admitted she was a little intimidated at first. After a few weeks, she has gotten comfortable using this and indicated she is seeing less hair growth or at least thinner hair on areas she was focusing the laser. Time will tell if this truly will keep you hair free for one year but it looks to have positive results so far. Great product - Expensive but saves you money as opposed to going to hair removal boutiques.

Jesus S

 4.5/5

I've had a lot of IPL laser hair removal devices. But nothing of this quality of amount of features! I'm lucky to have light skin with darker hair. So, I'm on the easier side for IPL laser hair removal to work. I've had some luck with the other devices. But I can tell right away, this one is going to work much better. I cannot even believe all the features. It has a smart sensor that adapts to your skin tone, it is gentle compared to any other device I've used, and it has all types of app features. The app will test your skin & has options for different body parts and also guides you through how to use the device and what laser head to use. It makes this really fun and easy to use. Basically if you want a IPL laser hair removal device, this is the one to get. Get the best and it will work the best and last for years and years.

Earhling

 5/5