I have never tried an at home hair removal laser before, and I honestly didn't have high expectations. Well, to really test this out I did an experiment lol. I only used it on my legs below the knee. I also taped off a strip of my right leg to really know if it was doing anything. After about 2 months of the recommended usage (minus a handful of days since I forgot) I let my hair grow to see if there was a difference. Sure enough, and to my surprise, there was! I included a pic so you can see the growth difference. There were random little parts where you can see I didn't get with the device, not on purpose but because I was doing the same direction each time I think.It has now been over a month since I last used it, and I didn't even finish the full routine, and my hair is growing back. So if you keep up with it, read the instructions, and your skin and natural hair colors match the recommendation for this device, I definitely think it's worth it. But you have to keep up on it! It's not a "zap once or twice" ordeal.I did start my first treatment at the lowest setting, upping it once each following time I used it. It can cause some pain, but it's seriously a very short sensation. I do tolerate pain fairly well, though, so it might be worse for you. Just start at the lowest setting and work your way up.I have only used this on my legs, for now, so I can't comment on how the pain may be in other locations.Overall I am very happy with this and love that I got it! I just wish I didn't stop my treatments because I'm lazy and have a hard time developing new habits, lol.