Whether you’re looking to improve definition, sculpt contours or just want to reduce puffiness, the best at-home body sculpting devices can help. Working in a similar way to many of the at-home facial tools out there, body sculpting devices are a good option if you want results but don’t want to commit to regular clinic visits or the associated costs.
Vogue’s pick of the best at-home body sculpting devices at a glance:
Ranging from gadgets that use microcurrent to tighten muscles and firm skin to those that help streamline by targeting stubborn fat cells, the best at-home body sculpting devices can help you achieve your body goals, whatever they may be. Below we have road-tested the best at-home body sculpting devices to find the ones worth the investment.
How we tested the best at-home body sculpting devices
When it comes to testing devices that promise tightening and toning, it’s key that each tool is put to the same test in terms of time used and frequency of use. We also looked at several different modalities of treatment, ranging from the most basic to those that promised similar results to professional treatment, ensuring that we can give a broad review of the options out there.
Best for improving the texture of skin: FOREO FAQ 411 Microcurrent & Red Light Body Toning Device
Foreo
FAQ 411 Microcurrent & Red Light Body Toning Device
- Device type: Microcurrent, LED and massaging tool
- Why it’s Vogue-approved: The size of this smart piece of tech belies its ability to target several key issues at once, like improving the appearance of cellulite, reducing wrinkles and tightening skin. It does this by using a host of technologies like LED therapy to promote collagen stimulation, microcurrent to tighten muscles and sonic massage, which helps improve skin firmness and boost blood flow.
- Specs: 2 types of microcurrent, Red LED light therapy, T-Sonic™ massage with 6,000 pulsations per minute
Pros
- Several treatments in one machine
- Lightweight
- Compact
- Portable
Cons
- Not moulded, so can be tricky to get into certain contours of the body
Best for affordability: ARTAH Body Sculpting Gua Sha
ARTAH
Body Sculpting Gua Sha
- Device type: Wooden gua sha
- Why it’s Vogue-approved: If you’re looking to dip a toe in the world of body contouring, then a good-quality body gua sha is a good place to start. Beautifully crafted to be ergonomic in the hand and trace over areas of the body with ease, this light wooden tool helps encourage healthy lymphatic flow, boost circulation and reduce puffiness. It’s easy to use and requires no space, manuals or instructions. Simply use with an oil of your choice and start sweeping in upward strokes.
Pros
- Affordable
- Simple to use
- Great for beginners
- Great for puffiness
Cons
- Limited in usage
- Wood needs to be kept clean and dry
Best for post-training recovery: HigherDOSE Body Sculptor Ritual Set
HigherDOSE
Body Sculptor Ritual Set
- Device type: Microcurrent and LED toning device
- Why it’s Vogue-approved: The great thing about this device is that you can choose your level of microcurrent based on whether you want to lift, tone, activate or release the skin and muscles on your body, which means it’s a nicely individualised tool. Inbuilt LED and near infra-red light therapy work synergistically with the microcurrent to enhance lymphatic flow and recovery, which is especially great if you’re using it for fascia release or to combat sore muscles after exercise.
- Specs: 4 microcurrent levels, red and NIR LED
Pros
- Neat and compact tool
- Conductor gel and magnesium spray included
Cons
- Some users report a tingling sensation
Best for toning skin: NUFACE NUBODY
- Device type: Microcurrent device
- Why it’s Vogue-approved: If you’re looking for straightforward toning and skin texture refinement, this is a sleek option. Suitable for use on upper arms, abs, thighs and buttocks, the device uses low-level microcurrent to encourage muscles to contract and relax, which helps tighten skin. The electrical currents also boost collagen and elastin production for improved firmness and help kickstart cellular energy and lymphatic flow.
- Specs: FDA-approved microcurrent with four nodules and three levels of intensity
Pros
- Conductor gel is included
- Easy to use
- Comfortable in the hand
Cons
- Lacks any added LED or massage elements
Best for deep tissue massage: Magnitone Diablo Pro Body Sculpting Device
Magnitone
Diablo Pro Body Sculpting Device
- Device type: Microcurrent, radiofrequency, mechanical massage
- Why it’s Vogue-approved: A great 3-in-1 tool for helping to refine skin texture, improve muscle definition and boost overall skin health, this handheld device uses microcurrent to stimulate muscles, radiofrequency to boost collagen production and deep mechanical massage to increase circulation. It’s suitable for use all over the body, but larger areas like the stomach, buttocks and thighs will see the best results.
- Specs: Microcurrent 500–1000μA, radiofrequency 1MHz, mechanical massage 120–170rpm
Pros
- Three targeted technologies in one
- More affordable than other similar models
- Always-on massage mode available
Cons
- Not all three technologies can be used at once
Best for professional results: TriPollar POSE VX
- Device type: Radiofrequency
- Why it’s Vogue-approved: Billing itself as a professional style clinic treatment from the comfort of your own home, this sleek handheld device is good for anyone serious about getting sculpted results. While this uses radiofrequency to heat the skin to stimulate collagen and elastin, the difference between this and other models is that it combines it with Dynamic Muscle Activation (DMA), which works in motion, not statically, to define, tighten and tone muscles.
- Specs: Four electrodes with 1MHz frequency
Pros
- Penetrates deep into the dermis to create structural skin changes
- Better value for money if considering similar in-clinic treatments
Cons
Best for improving skin tone: Dr Dennis Gross Spectralite Bodyware Pro
Dr Dennis Gross
Spectralite Bodyware Pro
- Device type: LED body device
- Why it’s Vogue-approved: While this isn’t strictly speaking a toning device, the smart LED therapy used in this compact piece of kit does have added skin smoothing benefits alongside its ability to relieve muscle aches, eliminate bacteria that cause breakouts and soothe redness and inflammation. Although it won’t get you snatched and sculpted like other targeted toning devices, it’s worth considering if you are looking for all the benefits of LED and want to boost collagen and elasticity so that skin becomes smoother and more supple.
- Specs: 148 red LED lights for collagen stimulation/anti-ageing, 68 blue LED lights for acne treatment, combined red and blue treatment, two treatment levels
Pros
- Great for improved overall skin health
- Portable and practical
Cons
- Not ideal for those looking for deeper toning and tightening
Best for reshaping: BodySculpt LED RF Beauty System
Project E
LED RF Beauty System
- Device type: Radiofrequency, ultrasonic and red light therapy device
- Why it’s Vogue-approved: Like many other modes, this device uses radiofrequency and LED therapy to tone and tighten the skin, but where it differs is with its use of ultrasonic cavitation therapy, which targets excess body fat. It does so by using low-frequency sound waves to break down stubborn, localised fat cells, therefore offering a more intensive treatment with longer-lasting results. Because of this, it also helps minimise the appearance of cellulite and promote a smoother, more even skin tone.
- Specs: Red LED light 630nm, ultrasound frequency 330KHz, radio frequency 500KHz
Pros
- Dissolves stubborn fat
- Improves skin tone
- 10-minute treatment sessions
Cons
FAQs
What are body sculpting devices?
Body sculpting devices use different technologies to help tighten and tone the muscles and skin to achieve a more sculpted, shaped appearance. Although not limited to electrical devices, most at-home options use technologies like radiofrequency to tighten skin and microcurrent to tone and contract muscles. Many use a combination of several treatments to achieve even better results.
What’s the difference between the different technologies?
The main technologies used in at-home body sculpting devices tend to be one of around three or four, with some devices combining several at a time. Microcurrent uses low-level electrical currents that mimic the body’s natural signals, helping stimulate muscles to contract and lift and become tighter over time. Radiofrequency, on the other hand, heats the skin using electrical energy, which triggers the body’s own collagen and elastic production, promising a firmer, more toned appearance. Other devices use mechanical or sonic massage modes to boost blood flow and lymphatic flow, which helps to keep tissues healthy. Meanwhile, ultrasonic cavitation is used to help dissolve stubborn fat cells and create a more streamlined silhouette.
Do I have to use an electrical device to get results?
No, not all body sculpting devices are mechanical, and gua shas for the body are a great manual massage option if you only want minimal commitment. Body gua shas work in the same way as facial ones, but are bigger to ensure they can cover more surface area and work with the body’s contours. Body gua shas are a good option if things like puffiness and lymphatic drainage are a primary concern.
How often do I have to use at-home body sculpting devices?
While each device will come with its own specific instructions for you to follow, you do need to use the tool you choose consistently if you want to see genuine results. That might be once a day or a few times a week, but compliance is key.
How long will it take to see results?
Results will be specific to each individual device, as they all work in slightly different ways and even on different layers of the skin. That said, most devices will take at least 4-6 weeks of regular, consistent use before you begin to see any visible changes.
