Tired of the back-and-forth with waxing appointments or the endless cycle of razors and creams? We get it. Sometimes, you’re heading out on a last-minute trip or trying to squeeze in self-care between work, kids, and life — and hair removal ends up being a hassle. That’s when IPL devices came in to save us time, money, and a lot of frustration. But once you decide to invest in one, another question pops up: which one is actually worth your money?
The Braun Silk-expert Pro 5 and the Braun Silk-expert Pro 3 are probably the two models you’ve seen recommended the most. Both come from Braun, a brand that’s built a strong reputation in personal care, and both promise a silky finish that rivals salon results. But they’re not the same — not in power, not in performance, and certainly not in speed. On paper, they look similar. But in real-life use, the gap is more than just technical specs.
We’ve spent time comparing them down to the details that matter — from light pulses to usage time, from precision modes to accessories — and now it’s time to clear up which one gives more for what you’re paying.
Light pulses and power: where everything begins
If there’s one thing that determines how well and how long an IPL device will serve you, it’s this: the number of flashes and the energy of each pulse. And here, the difference is already hard to ignore.
The Braun Silk-expert Pro 5 delivers up to 400,000 flashes, while the Pro 3 stops at 300,000. Sure, that’s already a lot for both, but if you’re planning to use it over several months — or even years — that extra 100,000 is more than just a number. It means you can go longer without having to think about replacing the device.
But what’s even more relevant is power. The Pro 5 reaches 6 J/cm², and the Pro 3 only goes up to 4.2 J/cm². That extra energy makes a real difference, especially for coarse hair or stubborn areas. More energy equals more impact on the hair follicle, which translates into fewer repetitions and quicker results.
Let’s not kid ourselves — no one has time to be zapping the same area over and over. The higher the intensity, the faster we can move on with our lives.
Speed and usage rhythm: who wants to waste time?
There’s nothing worse than sitting with your leg half done, waiting for the device to be ready for the next flash. That sluggish rhythm can turn a quick self-care moment into a boring task.
The Pro 5 fires pulses every 0.5 to 0.9 seconds, depending on the area and mode. The Pro 3, on the other hand, takes 1 to 1.35 seconds between flashes. Doesn’t seem like a big deal? Wait until you’re doing both legs.
Braun estimates it takes about 5 minutes to treat both legs with the Pro 5, while the Pro 3 stretches that time to 9 minutes. That’s four minutes more. And when you’re rushing out of the shower, every minute counts.
It’s not just about being fast for the sake of it — it’s about creating a routine you’ll stick to. Because let’s face it: if something takes too long, it ends up sitting at the back of the drawer.
Adjustability: finding the perfect intensity
If you’ve got sensitive skin, you know the fear: that zap that’s just a bit too strong, or worse, a patch of redness that won’t go away. That’s why intensity settings matter more than they seem.
The Pro 5 offers 10 different intensity levels. The Pro 3? Just 3. That’s a huge difference in control and customization, especially if you’re using the device across different body parts, where skin thickness varies.
Yes, both models include Braun’s SensoAdapt skin tone sensor, which scans your skin and adapts the energy level accordingly. But having more steps allows finer adjustments, especially when the sensor gives you a range to choose from.
It’s like having a volume knob versus just a low, medium, and high setting. You can get the feel exactly how you want it — whether it’s your bikini line or your forearm.
Usage modes: flexibility vs limitation
Here’s where things get even more specific. Because not all skin feels the same every day, and not every body part tolerates the same power. That’s why usage modes — not just intensity — matter.
The Pro 5 offers three use modes: standard, gentle, and extra gentle, which lets you decide how soft or strong you want each session. The Pro 3, in comparison, only has two: standard and gentle.
It’s not that the Pro 3 is uncomfortable — it’s just less refined. That third mode on the Pro 5 makes a difference, especially for sensitive spots or for first-timers who need to ease into IPL treatment.
And let’s be honest: sometimes, you just don’t want full power near your bikini line. Having that extra step down feels like a small luxury — but it’s more about confidence and comfort than pampering.
Safety: no compromises on either
Here’s one area where Braun didn’t play favorites. Both models are equally safe when it comes to light protection and accidental use.
They each come with a built-in UV filter, so you’re not risking sun-type damage to the skin. And both include a contact sensor that only allows the pulse to fire when the device is placed correctly — no random flashes, no mistakes.
So in terms of peace of mind, you’ll get the same level of protection whether you go for the Pro 3 or the Pro 5. That’s good news — at least we don’t have to worry about safety cutting corners in the lower model.
What’s in the box: more than just extras
It may look like a footnote, but the accessories included make a real difference in how easy the whole process becomes. Especially when we’re dealing with tricky areas.
The Pro 5 includes four attachments, among them a precision head for the face and bikini area, plus a Venus Swirl razor, which is better at contouring around curves.
The Pro 3 comes with two accessories, also including a precision head, but this time paired with a Venus Smooth razor, which is more basic.
Yes, both come with what you need to get started. But if you’re serious about making IPL a part of your regular beauty routine, having more specialized heads helps avoid awkward angles, missed patches, or skin irritation from repeated passes.
It’s those details that turn an annoying chore into something you don’t mind doing every couple of weeks.
Time to see results: how long until you’re hair-free?
This might be the dealbreaker for a lot of us. Because let’s face it, we all want to see results fast — especially if we’re putting in the effort.
With the Pro 5, visible hair reduction often shows up within just 4 weeks. For the Pro 3, it can take up to 12 weeks to reach similar outcomes.
That’s not just about patience. It’s about how much time and energy you’ll spend before feeling like it’s working. If you need faster feedback to stay motivated, the Pro 5 keeps you going with quicker wins.
And maintenance is easier too. The Pro 5 requires fewer touch-up sessions over time, which again means less time spent and less skin exposure overall.
IPL isn’t magic — but if one model gets you there in a month and the other in three, it’s not a minor difference.
So… which one would we choose, and why?
Alright, let’s stop pretending this was ever going to be a close tie. After testing both and putting them through their paces, we’ve got to say it: the Braun Silk-expert Pro 5 is miles ahead.
It’s not just that it’s more powerful — although, yes, 6 J/cm² vs 4.2 J/cm² is a big deal. It’s also the speed of sessions, the variety of intensity levels, the added usage modes, and the better included accessories. Everything about the Pro 5 feels a little more polished, a little more intuitive — and a lot more efficient.
We didn’t expect the time difference to matter that much. But after using them side by side, saving 4 minutes on each session adds up. Especially if you’re doing multiple areas.
The Pro 3? It’s fine. Safe, decent, functional. But it’s also slower, less adaptable, and takes longer to deliver results. And when you’re investing in a device you’ll be using for months, maybe years, those gaps start to widen.
Using the Pro 3 feels like commuting with an old GPS that takes a while to find the signal. The Pro 5 is like jumping into a car that already knows where you’re going and gets you there faster — with less effort.
Honestly? If you can stretch the budget a bit, the Pro 5 won’t just deliver better results. It’ll make the whole process feel easier, faster, and less of a chore. And that, in our book, makes all the difference.