I tested 6 microcurrent devices over 2 months. It’s the best for firmer skin in 2026

I chose the NuFACE Trinity Plus as the best microcurrent device overall because it’s just as good as the ZIIP Halo, but offers more manual customization with three levels and a boost button. Storage and charging was effortless thanks to its charging stand and direct-connect cable. Even though the Trinity Plus feels bulkier in the hand, it remains easy to use and its rounded globes fit the face smoothly.

The Trinity Plus beeps every 5 seconds to help you keep track of the time. You can also use it with the app, which offers tutorials with easy-to-follow instructions. While doing the tutorials you can adjust the intensity, but since some of them are longer, I tended to stick to the lowest intensity to avoid sensitivity issues. I liked that the app’s tutorials let you turn your device off and on between steps, giving you time to reapply the gel activator. The app also lets you take selfies to track progress and offers personalized reminders.

Although the ZIIP Electric Complex Gel is my favorite because it lasts the entire treatment, I liked the design of the NuFACE Aqua Gel Activator. It comes in an airless pump pot that makes it easy to pick up the gel with a finger and apply it mid-treatment. However, this does not last for the entire treatment, hence the breaks during application tutorials.

Cleanup is also a breeze. After each treatment, I simply used a reusable cotton round and rubbing alcohol to clean the globes.

I used this device after dealing with the stress of the LA fires, so I really put it to the test. As you can see in my “before” photo below (which I forgot to take in my bathroom), my face was much more puffy before using the device. After five days, my cheekbones were more shapely, my eyebrows more even, and there was less redness on my face. My face was tighter and more lifted.

I loved using the ZIIP Halo because it fits well in the hand and has vibrations and beeps to help you time your treatment. It also glows to indicate when a treatment has started upon contact with your skin. There’s no need to tinker with different modes, and its app – created by founder and leading electrical esthetician Melanie Simon – offers comprehensive and helpful tutorials. It also combines microcurrent with nanocurrent, which mimics electrical impulses sent from the brain to your skin cells, stimulating the production of collagen, elastin and ATP. If you choose not to use the app, the HALO is programmed with a four-minute nanocurrent and microcurrent facial treatment called The Lift.

The included Electric Complex Gel lasts throughout the entire treatment and does not need to be reapplied, unlike other conductive gels I have tried. The same goes for the Silver Gel for hydration, which was also sent to me and loved.

Of all the devices I tested, I found the ZIIP Halo to be the easiest to use, so I think it would be perfect for beginners or people who want a simpler microcurrent device that still gets the job done. The globes were well spaced and I appreciated their flatter surface, which made it easier to move across the skin. To clean, simply wipe with isopropyl alcohol and a soft cloth.

Regarding improvement, it would be great if the ZIIP Halo came with its own stand. Also, to charge it you need a wall adapter with a maximum output of 5V, so if you don’t have that on hand (Apple’s won’t work) you’ll need to buy one. When it needs to be recharged, the strip around the center of the device lights up orange.

I also enjoyed using the FOREO Bear 2 and noticed a difference in the feel and appearance of my face: more contoured cheekbones, less puffiness, and a thinner jawline. I particularly appreciated the device’s T-Sonic pulsations, of which there are five types that provide massages with different benefits. Thanks to this feature, I felt very relaxed while using the device.

It also has four different types of microcurrent: advanced microcurrent, lifting microcurrent, tapping microcurrent, and sculpting microcurrent, which are easy to customize on the device’s app. Bear 2’s default setting is Beginner mode (intensity levels 1-5), but you can access Pro mode (intensity levels 6-10) on the app. I stuck with beginner mode because I found it intense enough for me. When I used it on my forehead, I often had to lower the intensity anyway because it made me really tingle. As FOREO recommends, you should not use the device for more than three minutes on one area of ​​the face.

In terms of design, I like how it fits well in the hand and would be easy to carry. It also has a one-button interface, making it simple to use without an app. Since Bear 2 is waterproof, you can wash it with soap and water, which made it easier because I didn’t need to use an alcohol wipe or prepare one with a reusable cotton swab.

As for application, I found the treatments fun and easy to follow. I also like that the app offers even more customization and Pro mode. However, there were too many advertisements which detracted from my experience.

Although the FOREO SUPERCHARGED Serum 2.0 has a luxurious, lightweight feel, it absorbs quickly, making it difficult to follow the tutorials when reapplying. Since the tutorials don’t stop so you can reapply like NuFace’s, you’ll have to do it manually.

The device comes with a USB charging cable, which plugs directly into the Bear 2 and makes charging easy. I also like that it comes with a little stand and pouch for travel.

If you’re looking for a device that combines multiple treatments into one, the TheraFace PRO is a great option. Like the FOREO Bear 2, it offers massage but has three different attachments for minor facial muscle pain in the head, face, jaw and neck areas. It also comes with a cleansing ring and an LED light therapy ring with red, blue and infrared light. For microcurrent, there are three intensity levels.

Although the TheraFace feels slightly heavier than other devices I’ve tested, it’s still easy to use and maneuver around the face. The globes were also larger, but not as large as those on the NuFACE. It beeps every 15 seconds for all treatments, but I wish it was customized to beep when the device needs to switch to microcurrent. However, I understand that the 15 seconds makes it more universal, since it’s used for all the different attachments.

Although I tried the app, I preferred to do my own thing. I wish the tutorials included more voice instructions to provide additional context about treatments and advice on what to do. This would also improve accessibility. I also found some treatments a little long, like the 17-minute Ultimate Face Lift, which is specific to microcurrents. For longer treatments, although high intensity was recommended, I switched to low intensity ca r I felt that the high setting was uncomfortable, especially when having to hold the device to certain parts of the face.

While I like the TheraFace stand, I wish it had a built-in charging port like the NuFACE. Instead, the charging port is on the bottom of the TheraFace, so it must lay flat and cannot stand upright while charging. Cleaning it was easy with a damp cloth and I let it dry completely on its stand on my bathroom counter.

Similar to some of the other gels I’ve tested, TheraOne Conductive Gel absorbed quickly and had to be reapplied throughout the treatment.

After completing the microcurrent testing, I tried the LED light therapy and massage functions. I enjoyed them both and it was great to have all these different treatment modalities in one device. On the application, certain tutorials combine the different treatments, which will allow you to create a complete routine. You can also sort by the specific treatment you want, which is what I did for microcurrent.

Although less powerful than professional treatments, microcurrent devices can have noticeable differences if you use them consistently and according to the manufacturer’s instructions. During my testing, I noticed and felt my skin tighten and lift, giving me more contoured cheekbones and a more defined jawline. However, the effects may also depend on your age, health and lifestyle choices.

You may want to consult a professional if you are looking for more immediate and intense treatment. However, this may require multiple treatments, the cost of which will add up over time.

When used as directed, microcurrent devices are safe. However, if you have certain medical conditions like epilepsy or implanted electrical devices like a pacemaker, you should avoid using a microcurrent device. Unless your doctor allows it, you should also avoid using a microcurrent device during pregnancy.

To ensure the safety of a microcurrent device, make sure it is FDA approved. All devices recommended on this list have been approved by the FDA.

Microcurrent devices emit low levels of electrical current into the skin. This can improve muscle tone, fine lines and wrinkles, firm the skin and facilitate lymphatic drainage.

Depending on your goal, a microcurrent device may be worth it. For me personally, I want something easy and safe for use at home and I don’t want to pay for multiple professional treatments. Since a microcurrent device does not require multiple payments for multiple treatments and can be FDA approved for safety, I have found it to be worth it.

No, it is not acceptable to use microcurrent every day. This can cause muscle fatigue, skin irritation and swelling. In my experience, most manufacturers recommend using a microcurrent device once a day for five days a week. Be sure to follow the instructions specific to your device.

Achieving results depends on your age, health and lifestyle choices, as well as your consistent use of the device according to the manufacturer’s instructions. For my part, I felt results immediately but I noticed them after a few days of use.

Microcurrent devices are safe when used according to instructions. However, some people may experience temporary redness or tingling during use. I personally noticed slight tingling, which was my cue to decrease the intensity or apply a more conductive gel.