I'm Trish, founder of Bondi Body. Buy the V2 if you want the higher-energy device with more intensity levels for full-body and facial use, plus skin rejuvenation. Buy the Mini if you want a compact device for hair reduction only.
Key facts
- Bondi Body V2: 600,000 flashes, 8 intensity levels, 7.81–15.31 J/cm², mains powered. Hair reduction and skin rejuvenation.
- Bondi Body Mini: 400,000 flashes, 5 intensity levels, 4.9–13.42 J/cm². Hair reduction only.
- Who they suit: Works best on light to medium skin tones with darker hair. Not suitable for very dark skin tones (Fitzpatrick V–VI) or for light blonde, grey or red hair.
- 50-day money-back guarantee. 12-month warranty.
What is the difference between the V2 and the Mini?
| V2 | Mini | |
| Flashes | 600,000 | 400,000 |
| Intensity levels | 8 | 5 |
| Energy | 7.81–15.31 J/cm² | 4.9–13.42 J/cm² |
| Use | Hair reduction and skin rejuvenation | Hair reduction only |
| Modes | Manual and automatic | Manual and automatic |
| Guarantee | 50-day money-back | 50-day money-back |
| Warranty | 12 months | 12 months |
Both are IPL devices, both plug in to operate, both have a skin sensor, and both come with safety glasses and a user guide in the box.
Who should buy the V2?
- You want to treat large areas. Legs, arms, back and chest use a lot of flashes. The V2 has 600,000.
- You have coarse, dark hair. The V2's top setting delivers more energy per flash (up to 15.31 J/cm²).
- You have sensitive skin or are new to IPL. Eight levels give you smaller steps, so you can start low and build up gradually. The Times named the V2 Best for sensitive skin, and The Telegraph named it Best IPL Hair Removal Device for Beginners, scoring 8/10.
- You want skin benefits too. The V2 is dual function. As well as hair reduction it can be used to even out skin tone, break down sun spots and reduce surface-level broken capillary veins. Read more in IPL for skin rejuvenation.
Who should buy the Mini?
- You mainly treat smaller areas. Underarms, bikini line and lower legs are well within its 400,000 flashes.
- You travel. It is compact and lightweight, and comes with global power plugs.
- You only want hair reduction. The Mini is not for skin rejuvenation.
Do they work on the same skin tones and hair colours?
Yes, the same rule applies to both. Works best on light to medium skin tones with darker hair. Not suitable for very dark skin tones (Fitzpatrick V–VI) or for light blonde, grey or red hair. IPL works by targeting pigment in the hair, so the limits are the same whichever device you choose. Check the hair and skin tone chart first.
Is one quicker to see results with?
The V2 delivers more energy, and our comparison page says results may take longer with the Mini than with the V2. The routine is the same for both: shave first, then treat up to once a week for 12 weeks on the face, neck and intimate areas, and up to twice a week for 12 weeks on legs, arms, underarms, stomach, chest and back. After 12 weeks, use it once a month to treat any new growth. Neither device removes hair overnight. Both give long-lasting hair reduction with consistent use, and results vary from person to person.
Is the V2 worth choosing over the Mini?
It is if you will use what it adds: 200,000 more flashes, three more intensity levels, a higher top energy and skin rejuvenation. If you only plan to treat underarms and bikini line and do not need the skin function, the Mini does the job.
Can men use them?
Men can use the V2 on the body, face and intimate areas. One warning: if you use it on your face, a beard may not grow back if you want one in future years. Never use any IPL device on or around the eyes. There is more in our IPL FAQs.
What if I choose the wrong one?
Both devices have a 50-day money-back guarantee and a 12-month warranty, so you have time to try it properly. You can also see the two side by side on our V2 vs Mini comparison page.
My honest recommendation
For whole-body use, the Bondi Body V2 is the one I would choose. If travel size or smaller areas are the priority, the Bondi Body Mini is a sensible start.
