I chose the NuFace Trinity Plus as the best microcurrent device overall because it is just as good as the Ziip Halo, but offers more manual customization with three levels and a boost button. Storage and charging were effortless thanks to its charging stand and direct-connect cable. While the Trinity Plus feels bulkier in hand, it’s still easy to use, and its rounded globes contour the face smoothly.

The Trinity Plus beeps every 5 seconds to help you keep track of time. You can also use it with the app, which has 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 with the lowest intensity to avoid sensitivity issues. I appreciated that the tutorials on the app have you turn your device off and on between steps, giving you time to reapply the gel activator. The app also allows you to take selfies to track progress and offers custom reminders.

While the Ziip Electric Complex Gel is my favorite because it lasts the entire treatment, I did appreciate the design of the NuFace Aqua Gel Activator. It comes in an airless pump jar that makes it easy to grab the gel with a finger and apply it in the middle of a treatment. However, it does not last throughout the entire treatment -- hence the pauses during tutorials for application.

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

Recommended use and cleaning

Use the device five times a week for the first 60 days; then two to three times a week to maintain results.

Slightly dampen a soft, lint-free cloth with water or rubbing alcohol to clean your device after every treatment.

I used this device after dealing with the stress of the Los Angeles fires, so I really put it to the test. As you can see from my "before" photo below (which I forgot to take in my bathroom), my face was much puffier prior to using the device. After five days, my cheekbones were more contoured, my eyebrows were more level, and there was less redness on my face. My face felt tighter and more lifted.

I loved using the Ziip Halo because it fits nicely in the hand and features vibrations and beeps to help 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 thorough, helpful tutorials. It also combines microcurrent with nanocurrent, which mimics the electric impulses sent from the brain to your skin cells, stimulating collagen, elastin and ATP production. If you choose not to use the app, the HALO comes programmed with a 4-minute nanocurrent and microcurrent facial called The Lift.

The included Electric Complex Gel lasts for the whole treatment and doesn't need to be reapplied, unlike the other conductive gels I tried. The same goes for the Silver Gel for hydration, which I was also sent and loved.

Of all the devices I tested, I found the Ziip Halo to be the easiest one to use, so I think it would be perfect for beginners or people who want a more straightforward microcurrent device that still gets the job done. The globes were nicely spaced, and I enjoyed their flatter surface, which made it easy to move around on the skin. To clean it, simply wipe it down with isopropyl alcohol and a soft cloth.

Regarding improvement, it would be great if the Ziip Halo came with its own stand. Plus, to charge it, you need a wall adapter with a maximum 5-volt output, so if you don't have that on hand (Apple ones won't work), you'll need to purchase one. When it needs to be charged, the band around the device's center will glow orange.

Recommended use and cleaning

For best results, we recommend using your Ziip three to five times per week, with a maximum of six times per week when following a short-term treatment plan.

Use isopropyl alcohol and a soft cloth to wipe down your Ziip, removing all gel after every use.

I also enjoyed using the Foreo Bear 2 and noticed a difference in both the feel and appearance of my face -- more contoured cheekbones, less puffiness and a slimmer jawline. I especially enjoyed the device's T-Sonic pulsations, which come in five types that provide massages with different benefits. Because of this feature, I felt even more relaxed while using the device.

It also offers four types of microcurrent: Advanced Microcurrent, Lifting Microcurrent, Tapping Microcurrent and Sculpting Microcurrent, which are easy to customize in the device's app. Bear 2’s default setting is in Beginner Mode (intensity levels 1-5), but you can access Pro Mode (intensity levels 6-10) on the app. I stuck with beginner mode since I found it intense enough for me. When I used it on my forehead, I often had to lower the intensity anyway because it felt extra tingly. As recommended by Foreo, you shouldn't use the device for more than 3 minutes on one area of the face.

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

As for the app, I thought the treatments were fun and easy to follow. I also like that the app provides even more personalization and Pro Mode. However, there were too many ads that took away from my experience.

While the Foreo Supercharged Serum 2.0 has a luxurious, lightweight feel, it absorbs fast, making it difficult to keep up with tutorials while reapplying. Since the tutorials don't pause for you to reapply like the NuFace ones, you'll have to do this manually.

The device came with a USB charging cable that plugged directly into the Bear 2, making charging easy. I also like that it came with a small stand and pouch for travel.

Recommended use and cleaning

Use five times a week for the first 60 days. After 60 days, use a few times per week. Don't spend more than 3 minutes on any one part of your face.

Wash the metallic spheres and silicone surface with water and soap, then rinse with warm water. Pat dry with a non-abrasive cloth or towel. Optional: Spray device with Foreo’s Silicone Cleaning Spray and rinse with warm water for optimal results.

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

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

Though I tried the app, I preferred doing my own thing. I wish the tutorials included more voice instructions to provide additional context on the treatments and guidance on what to do. This would also improve accessibility. I also found some treatments to be a bit long, like the 17-minute Ultimate Face Lift, which is microcurrent-specific. For the longer treatments, even though high intensity was recommended, I switched to low because I felt that the high setting was uncomfortable -- especially when you have to hold the device on certain parts of the face.

Though 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 has to lie flat and cannot stand upright while charging. Cleaning it was easy with a damp cloth, and I allowed it to dry completely in its stand on my bathroom countertop.

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

After finishing the microcurrent testing, I tried the LED light therapy and massage features. I enjoyed them both, and it was great having all these different treatment modalities in one device. On the app, some tutorials combine the different treatments, which will help create a more complete routine. You can also sort by the specific treatment you want, which I did for microcurrent.

Recommended use and cleaning

A microcurrent protocol of 5 to 8 minutes can be completed once per 24-hour period. There is a preset shut off time of 8 minutes

Wipe the TheraFace Pro and attachment rings with a damp cloth or alcohol-free cleansing wipe. The device is not waterproof, except for the cleansing ring. Allow the device and attachment rings to dry thoroughly before storing.

Though less powerful than professional treatments, microcurrent devices can provide 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 can also depend on your age, health status and lifestyle choices.

You may want to consult a professional if you're looking for a more immediate, intense treatment. However, this can require multiple treatments, which will add up in cost over time.

When used as directed, microcurrent devices are safe. However, if you have certain medical conditions like epilepsy or implanted electric devices like a pacemaker, you should avoid using a microcurrent device. Unless your doctor says it's OK, 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 recommended devices on this list have been FDA-approved.

Microcurrent devices emit low electric current levels into the skin. This can improve muscle tone, fine lines and wrinkles, tighten the skin and aid in lymphatic drainage.

Depending on your aim, a microcurrent device can be worth it. For me, personally, I want something easy and safe for at-home use and don't want to pay for multiple professional treatments. Since a microcurrent device doesn't require multiple payments across treatments and can be FDA-approved for safety, I found it to be worth it.

No, it is not okay 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. Make sure to follow the specific instructions for your device.

When you see results depends on your age, health and lifestyle choices, and whether you use the device consistently according to manufacturer instructions. I felt results immediately, but noticed them after a few days of use.

Microcurrent devices are safe when used as directed. However, some people may experience temporary redness or tingling during use. I personally noticed mild tingling, which was my signal to lower the intensity or apply more conductive gel.