Similar to LED light therapy or microneedling, microcurrent therapy is a non-invasive skin treatment that many use to improve facial skin health and slow aging.
While microcurrent treatments at a spa are pricey, a few exceptional DIY at-home microcurrent facial devices offer compelling results for a lot less. They are often just as effective, and thus have become a mainstay in my own self-care regimen.
Today we review three of the best microcurrent anti-aging devices in-depth – SolaWave vs NuFace vs ZIIP. We’ll compare these leading brands head-to-head to help you decide which hand-held microcurrent anti-aging device is safe, effective, affordable, and ultimately worthwhile to use at home.
SolaWave vs NuFace vs ZIIP: Which is Best for Anti-Aging?
Quickly compare these three popular microcurrent device brands at a glance before we go deeper on each:
SolaWave vs NuFace vs ZIIP - Which Microcurrent Device is Best? | |||
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| Price | $149 (15% off with code FINVFIN15) | - $339 for Trinity Facial Toning Device - $209 for Mini Facial Toning Device - $149 for Fix Line Smoothing Device - $159 for ELE Attachment - $159 for Wrinkle Reducer - $399 for NuBody | $495 for ZIIP GX Series $480 for ZIIP OX Series |
| Models | Rose gold, ombre, matte black or sunset wand color | Trinity, Mini, Fix, Body, ELE & Wrinkle attachments | GX and OX Series |
| Technology | - Microcurrent - Red light therapy - Heat | - Microcurrent - Lip & Eye and Wrinkle Reducer attachment (sold separately) | - Nanocurrent |
| Rechargeable + Portable? | ✅ | ✅ | ✅ |
| Battery life? | ~1 week | ~2 weeks | 3-4 weeks |
| Warranty | 1 year | 1 year | 2 years |
| Return Policy | 30 days | 60 days | 30 days |
| FDA-Cleared? | ❌ | ✅ | ✅ |
| Mobile App? | ❌ | ✅ | ✅ |
| Free shipping? | ✅ | ✅ | ✅ |
| Delivery areas | Worldwide | Contiguous US | Contiguous US |
| Website |
As you can see, all three companies – Solawave, NuFace, and ZIIP – offer microcurrent devices that are portable, rechargeable, and easy to use. They all offer warranties and return policies if you are dissatisfied, too, lowering the risk of giving them a try.
Solawave Wand Review
Whether you’re conservative with your skin care routine or you have a regular at-home facial routine, including SolaWave’s skincare wand into your regimen has an added benefit. The product was invented in 2020 as the first-of-its-kind affordable device that employs red-light therapy microcurrents with vibration.
In one slim, lightweight, USB-charged wand, the device offers four types of treatments:
- red light therapy
- microcurrent
- massage
- heat
Effects include an improved radiance, less acne and fine lines, more toned facial muscles, reduced puffiness, and improved product absorption. Solawave reports that you can see improvements if you use it as little as five minutes every day for two weeks, and that 93% of users experienced “more bright and elevated skin”.
How to use the SolaWave wand
The SolaWave wand is activated by touch and turns off automatically. It includes a head that rotates 90 degrees so you can take care of all the intricacies, curves, and dips of your distinctive face.
When the wand is placed on the skin, it begins to radiate light, heat, and vibration due to the 5 LEDs (which emit 660nm of red light) inserted in the center bar. The wand not only emits red light but also vibrates and softly warms when in contact with the skin. The vibration stimulates blood circulation, which minimizes the appearance of dull skin, dark circles, and redness for a short period, while the warmth aids in the absorption of topical products.
Begin with a clean face (be sure to dry it after washing), and then use your favorite serum as desired to keep skin moisturized throughout the treatment. Pick up your tool and begin by moving it outward from the center of the forehead down the temples on both sides after applying serum to the forehead, cheeks, and neck.
Place the device in the corner of the under-eye area and work your way outwards to treat under-eye bags. Then, continue to the cheekbones and contour with the wand, keeping it tight against your skin. Do the smile line after the cheeks, starting at your lips and softly dragging your skin up towards the cheeks. Finally, brush the wand over your jawline and then up your neck.
🚨 Safety Note:
The Solawave wand is not recommended for pregnant women, those with cancer, pacemakers, or under the age of 18. It should also be avoided on injured or bruised skin, as well as the chest, breasts, center of the throat, crotch, or over the eyes.
Review of NuFace Microcurrent Devices
Thousands of happy customers claim that NuFace helps smoothen their forehead, tighten skin around the jawline, and lift cheeks enough to hide smile wrinkles. With promising results, NuFace will hopefully not end up in the graveyard beneath the sink, where it will join a face cleansing brush, loofahs, a dermaroller, a tooth-whitening system, and a tangled mess of cords.
Which NuFace device is Best?
NuFace offers a variety of microcurrent devices developed by aestheticians so that you can give much-needed love to every inch of your skin, and the FDA has cleared them all. Our favorite is the NuFace Trinity, and to help you remain on top of your skincare routine, the myNuFace app offers step-by-step videos, tailored treatments, and reminders.
NuFace Trinity
The NuFace Trinity priced at $339 is a cutting-edge microcurrent facial toning system. It improves facial contour and tone, as well as the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles. It is ergonomically built to use gentle microcurrent to stimulate the bigger surface regions of the face and neck.
NuFace Trinity ELE Attachment
NuFace’s ELE attachment lifts, tones, and improves the appearance of difficult-to-reach fine lines and wrinkles around the eyes and lips. The twin wand of the ELE distributes precise microcurrent to areas such as brow furrows, crow’s feet, and smile lines. It retails for $159.
NuFace Trinity Wrinkle Reducer
NuFace’s wrinkle reducer helps eliminate fine lines and wrinkles around the eyes, mouth, and forehead. This NuFace Trinity red light therapy attachment, priced at $159, is a cutting-edge, full-face treatment. It treats signs of age on the upper face with a precise blend of red, amber, and infrared lights.
NuFace Fix
With a gentle microcurrent, the NuFace Fix is a mascara-sized cosmetic device immediately smoothes the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles around the eyes, mouth, and forehead. It uses a “feathering” approach to provide a mild microcurrent dose to the skin’s surface layers. In approximately 3 minutes per treatment area, the quick-erase motion smoothes away the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles. The NuFace is priced at $149.
NuBody
The NuBody is microcurrent skin toning gadget provides a 5-minute body sculpting regimen that tones, firms, smooths dimples, and eliminates the appearance of cellulite for a sleek silhouette. The NuBody costs $399.
How to use NuFace Microcurrent Devices
The NuFace devices are compact and smooth to the touch, fitting nicely into the palm of your hand. They come with a charging cradle that allows you to keep the gadget charged at all times and have a battery life of around two weeks.
The NuFace microcurrent devices are simple to use: three glides on one side of the neck, three glides on one cheek, three swipes up one side of the forehead—then repeat on the other side of your face. Each swipe lasts a few seconds and is accompanied by an automatic beep.
The NuFace Gel Primer, a gooey primer that aids in the conductivity of microcurrents, is included with the devices. It has the consistency of a thick gel, but it distributes readily across the face. The 59ml/2oz gels last just about a month when used five times per week on the neck and face.
The gel primer is required for the treatment since it transfers the NuFace’s microcurrents to your face. The gel, it appears, is vital not just for performance but also for minimizing any accidental sensations. After that, you can either massage the gel into your skin or rinse it off and continue with your skincare routine. For the best effects, use it every day for five minutes for the first 60 days.
NuFace proves that it can perform things that injectables cannot, such as smoothing and lifting without the use of needles or an hour in a waiting room. And if that isn’t a strong selling point for you, we don’t know what is.
ZIIP Microcurrent Device Review
ZIIP, partially known for having the first and most effective app-connected skincare device in the world, offers professional facials on demand, anytime and anywhere. The device resembles an extraordinarily sleek computer mouse that you activate by rubbing in circles over your skin. When activated, it sends nano-sized electrical currents deep into your skin’s cellular level to zap microorganisms and promote younger-looking skin.
The ZIIP comes in two variants: the ZIIP GX and the ZIIP OX. The only variation between the two types is the sort of conductive gel (a mandatory complement to any electrotherapy skincare gadget) that each comes with. The GX includes Golden Gel, which is infused with real gold, and the OX contains Crystal Gel, which is manufactured with organic materials.
One of their newest improvements is the app functionality to include on-demand facial treatments, giving device users a full menu of options in the palm(s) of your hand.
What Makes ZIIP Different?
In addition to microcurrent technology, ZIIP includes nanocurrent technology. Microcurrent has been popular in the cosmetic industry for a while, but it’s a higher frequency that usually causes some irritation. Nanocurrent, on the other hand, has a lower frequency but is more effective. Nonetheless, the ZIIP device incorporates some microcurrent; it is simply not the primary focus of the treatment.
ZIIP’s nanocurrent has the following benefits:
- Heals tissue
- Accelerates wound healing
- Decreases acne
- Increases circulation
- Stimulates the production of collagen and elastin
Another feature that stacks ZIIP against the competition is the ZIIP APP. Every ZIIP user has access to full facials and targeted treatments that are categorized by duration and intensity level. Not only can you have single-session facials, but the app offers multi-day or week routines to improve your skin over time.
How does ZIIP nanocurrent work?
Aside from priming the skin with conductive gel, you must select the treatment you want to receive from the ZIIP device and app. Apart from the results-driven nano-technology, the best, trendiest, and most clever element is that ZIIP offers a choice of programs through the app suited to individual skincare needs and the time you have for a facial. It was designed to send the program you choose to the device through Bluetooth, eliminating the need for you to think about any buttons or levels.
Depending on your individual circumstances, each program provides a unique electrical cocktail of wavelengths and currents. The options for the ZIIP facials include:
- 7 full facials: 4-14 minutes each, treatment of entire face, each with distinct a focus
- 7 targeted treatments: 2-3 minutes, fast treatment focusing on one area or improvement for those last-minute skin saves
- 4 treatment plans: 6-30 days, require long-term commitment to the regimens to see results over time for the most effective skin improvements
To get an idea of what each facial is, here are examples of each:
- The Works: ZIIP’s longest full facial (14 mins, intensity 3) to tighten, brighten, firm, smooth, sculpt, and glow before a big event
- Brow Lift: a 3-minute targeted treatment that refines and lifts above the eyes and between the brows at an intensity 3
- Best Skin of your Life in 30 Days: the longest treatment plan that ZIIP offers, 3 sessions a week for 1 month with varying waveforms in both nano & microcurrent ranges. The progression is thoughtfully charted over the assigned days.
You just need to change the gel with ZIIP facials. It takes roughly 6 months of daily facials to finish a bottle. When you first begin doing the facials, you should use it at least 5 times per week for the first 6 weeks to observe benefits. The ZIIP device can be used to do facials for as little as 4 minutes and as long as an hour.
🚨 Safety Note:
Do not use ZIIP if you are pregnant, have a pacemaker, use blood thinning drugs, or regularly take aspirin.
SolaWave vs NuFace vs ZIIP: What do customers say?
With overwhelmingly positive reviews and scientific data to back up the devices’ claims, the Solawave wand works for thousands, and customers have shared really positive results online.
The majority of buyers indicated satisfaction with NuFace microcurrent devices as well, citing quick results, efficacy, and ease of use.
Customers also love ZIIP for its ability to customize treatment programs based on your schedule and individual needs. Below are a few online reviews of microcurrent devices that we found helpful.
The Verdict: Which Microcurrent Device is Best – ZIIP, Solawave, or NuFace?
The sticker shock for most at-home microcurrent devices may be a surprise at first, but consider this: a single out-of-pocket visit to a dermatologist or esthetician costs roughly half the price of the gadget. When you consider that you can use it every day and that it pays for itself after just two sessions, a couple hundred dollars is actually quite reasonable.
That said, given the similarities in SolaWave, NuFace, and ZIIP, how do you choose between them? Here are our final thoughts.
The Verdict: What's the Best Microcurrent Device - Solawave, NuFace, or ZIIP?
Solawave is our #1 pick overall. |
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If your budget is tight, Solawave offers the most affordable option, especially if you use code FINVSFIN15 at checkout for an additional 15% off. It’s also the most portable of the three, and is thus ideal for travelers.
The NuFace Fix cost about the same, but offers a more limited functionality that only targets lines and wrinkles.
The NuFace Mini is an excellent alternative because it provides the same powerful benefits as the flagship Trinity device, except at a lower price and in a more portable design. |
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Which device is likely to yield the best results? |
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In addition to microcurrent technology, the SolaWave offers red light, therapeutic warmth, and massage in the same device. You can choose attachments for the NuFace Trinity to receive additional benefits, but you must pay a premium for them. The ZIIP incorporates nanocurrent technology, which offers its own set of advantages, as well as curated treatment plans (anywhere from 6 to 30 days) through their app that focus on long-term benefits. |
Which microcurrent device is the safest? |
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While Solawave has a lot to offer, it’s microcurrent wand hasn’t been cleared by the FDA like NuFace and ZIIP.
Given ZIIP’s nanocurrent (vs microcurrent) technology, it’s likely the safest of the three devices, although all pose very low risk of side effects in general.
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Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
What is microcurrent treatment?
Microcurrent skincare treatment employs microcurrents of electricity (low-voltage electricity) to stimulate cell development and other anti-aging advantages in your skin.
A microcurrent anti-aging device offers the following benefits:
- Giving the facial muscles exercise
- Tightening the appearance of the skin
- Encouraging collagen and adenosine triphosphate (ATP) cell growth
- Boosting cellular activity to smooth and tighten facial muscle and connective tissue
- Reducing wrinkles, especially forehead ones
Microcurrent treatments are entirely painless and eliminate the need for injections or surgery. This technology is mild, similar to washing your face with one of those battery-powered cleansing brushes. Best of all, we know the technology is safe because it has been used on the face in physical therapy since the 1970s. I guess it’s not all that new after all…
That said, individuals with severe acne or other open sores, pregnant or nursing women, those with pacemakers or metal implants, and those who have had a considerable quantity of Botox injections should avoid using microcurrent devices. There may be additional circumstances in which it is not the best option for you, so consult your doctor first if you have a health condition that you believe may conflict with it.
Microcurrent Spa Treatments vs At-Home Device - Which is Better?
While you can visit salons and spas that offer microcurrent treatments to acquire this anti-aging technology, you can also buy your own device and use it at home on a regular basis whenever you choose. SolaWave, NuFace, and ZIIP all manufacture DIY microcurrent wands that are much more affordable.
Using your own microcurent device gives you more control over the process, allows you to perform the treatments on a regular basis, and saves you a significant amount of money when compared to the prospect of continuous spa visits for overpriced treatments, which typically range from $250 to $500 per treatment (although keep in mind that this price may include added services in a package).
Because at-home versions lack the power of those used by professionals in spas, they may not produce benefits as rapidly. Nonetheless, you can readily utilize them frequently, which may help to balance things out. This is good because microcurrent anti-aging works best when done regularly.
Which microcurrent device has the best technology?
In addition to microcurrent technology, the SolaWave offers red light, therapeutic warmth, and massage in the same device. You can choose attachments for the NuFace Trinity to receive additional benefits, but you must pay a premium for them. The ZIIP incorporates nanocurrent technology, which offers its own set of advantages, as well as curated treatment plans (anywhere from 6 to 30 days) through their app that focus on long-term benefits.
Ultimately we think ZIIP’s technology is the most impressive, but it’s less portable and cost-effective than Solawave.
What's the most portable microcurrent device?
The SolaWave is the smallest and easiest to use, with a wand that resembles a shaving razor in size and design. The NuFace Fix is also relatively compact as well, although significantly larger than the Solawave wand.
Following that, the NuFace Mini and ZIIP series has a medium size that roughly fits in the palm of your hand, while the Nuface Trinity is the least portable.
What's the most affordable microcurrent device?
SolaWave offers the most affordable pricing, especially if you use code FINVSFIN15 at checkout for 15% off. It also contains three additional technologies. It’s also sold on amazon — check the price here:
The NuFace Fix comes in around the same price, but it’s a more limited device that’s designed to just target lines and wrinkles. The NuFace Mini is an excellent buy because it provides the same benefits as the main Trinity device at a lower cost – simply because it is smaller in size, which makes it easier to store and transport. Otherwise, the Trinity costs more than $300, while the ZIIP costs close to $500. Nonetheless, compared to the expense of spa or salon microcurrent treatments, all three are priced reasonably.
What’s the SolaWave renew complex serum?
The SolaWave is intended to be used immediately after using a conductive product, an ingredient that works well with microcurrent to massage your face muscles.
The SolaWave Renew Complex Serum is designed to be used in conjunction with your wand. Aloe vera is the conductive ingredient in the Renew Complex Serum. This serum, which also contains blue tansy plant and hyaluronic acid, is specifically designed to enhance the effects of your SolaWave wand extravaganza. It can be used alone to hydrate your skin or towards the end of your skincare routine, as suggested.
The SolaWave Wand & Renew Complex Kit costs $170. If you’re purchasing the wand individually, you might as well get the serum to go with it for an extra $20.
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Methodology
We conduct extensive research to evaluate the pricing, effectiveness, accessibility, overall quality, and user experience of every telehealth service we review. This also includes examining and comparing each provider to comparable telemedicine alternatives. We also evaluate usability, treatments, prescription delivery time, and more to determine the best value for those seeking fast and reliable telehealth services.
| Review Process | Key Metrics | Weighting |
|---|---|---|
| Sign up online | – ease to complete intake form – affordability – upfront commitment or subscription required? – money back guarantee or refund policy? | 0.5 |
| Vitual consult with provider / determine eligibility | – ease to get appointment to determine eligibility – need to leave house for labs or other in-person care? | 1 |
| Shipping + unboxing | – shipping cost – time from order to treatment delivery – discreet packaging to maintain privacy | 0.5 |
| Test + journal for 1-3 months | – ease of application – transition into habitual use – taste / smell / feel / pain | 1.5 |
| Results after 3 months of use | – efficacy / results – lack of side effects – ease of refill / reordering – quality of ongoing clinical support – responsive customer support – willingness to recommend to a friend | 1.5 |
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