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The value pick at GH and InStyle: light, simple, with a wide window for legs and a 90-day refund. It has no precision head for small or bony spots, and GH warns light can escape at the sides. Note that Wirecutter tested the newer Flasher Pro and found it irritating with little effect.
Top complaints
- No precision head; light can escape
One GH tester found bright light escaping from the sides on small, bony areas because there is no precision attachment, which she said could make it less effective and unsafe for eyes. InStyle and Women's Health also say the wide head is tricky for small spots like the bikini area or upper lip.
- Can sting
Byrdie notes it can sting when too close to the skin. InStyle's tester felt an occasional, very minimal burn.
- Short cord
GH lists the shorter cord as a con.
Source: Good Housekeeping
What owners love
- Quick sessions on large areas
InStyle's tester did both legs in about 15 minutes and saw a difference at two weeks. Forbes says sessions take around 10 minutes, and WH says legs take 15-20.
- Light and easy
GH testers raved about the easy device and instructions, and liked having an on-off button. Forbes' tester found it light enough that long sessions don't feel like a chore.
Source: Good Housekeeping, Forbes Vetted - Refund and replacement policy
Nood offers a full refund within 90 days and will replace the device if you ever run out of its 600,000 flashes (GH).
Source: Good Housekeeping
- You mainly want to treat the face or small spots
- You have very dark skin (Forbes)
- You want results in under six weeks (Forbes)
- Legs and other large areas
- A lower-cost first device with a 90-day refund
- Coarse hair (Forbes)
Scores (tap for why)
What experts say
- Good Housekeeping: Best value (updated 2026-07-15): easy, light, 600,000 flashes, FDA-cleared, very fair to olive light-brown skin; skip for small spots.
- InStyle: Best budget (updated 2026-09-17): fast on legs, results at two weeks, tricky in tight spots.
- Forbes Vetted: Best for coarse hair (2026-10-02): skip if you have very dark skin or want results in under six weeks.