I've seen the benefits of a microcurrent device firsthand. They can lift and tone aging skin, leading to fine line reduction and a more sculpted look. But they're also investment—for both your time and money—which makes finding the right option that much more important.

While there are plenty of great microcurrent devies on the market, NuFace and ZIIP lead the category. And you’re just in luck, because I’ve tried both.

As someone who uses a microcurrent tool regularly, I've discovered a few helpful ways to find the right device for you. It's important to consider how often you plan to use it, as well as whether you plan to take it on the go. Beyond efficacy, I also think it's important to consider both upfront cost (the device) and ongoing costs (conductive gels).

Due to the similarity of the technology of the ZIIP and NuFace, I don't think you should buy both. That being said, I already own the ZIIP so I don't have a NuFace in my collection. Instead used the NuFace on numerous occasions while testing for stories or attending events.

NuFace arguably has the most name recognition among all microcurrent devices. The brand carries six different variations of its device, as well as several attachments (including an LED add-on and lip & eye dual wand).

The device has an oval shape, with two spheres on top that hug the face. Currents are emitted from the two spheres, and there's a noticeable weight to the device. 

You can feel the current running through the NuFace when it turns on, and a solo button on the device lets you increase the intensity of the microcurrents.

Along with using the brand's smart app to elevate your treatment, you can also opt into “house calls” or group tutorial master classes with education consultants should you want something more interactive. 

ZIIP’s microcurrent tool may not have as much name recognition as NuFace, but it has earned a spot as a beauty editor favorite. The sleek hand-held comes in only one version, The Halo, which effortlessly cradles in your palms.

It’s gently curved with two spheres are on the inside. To use, it’s gripped almost like a cell phone. Past versions of the device, which are no longer sold, are the GX and OX were slightly larger. 

While ZIIP doesn’t offer multiple versions or attachments, it does use both microcurrents and (even smaller) nanocurrents. This dual-wave technology means that it’s more effective at the cellular level.

While microcurrents can improve ATP production, the main benefits are muscle-toning. Whereas with nanocurrent, you’re more effectively targeting the cellular changes. Nanocurrents are also usually better suited for those with sensitive skin. 

I find the ZIIP to be way lighter than the NuFace device, but you can't feel the microcurrents running through it like you can with the NuFace. There's also only one button the device to lead you through a basic routine—so the ZIIP is best used with the brand's Halo App.

On the app you’ll find six full facials, 6 targeted treatments, and 3 treatment plans. The app guides you through these sessions with visual tutorial, while the tool gives haptic feedback to let you know when to move to the next section of skin.

NuFace

Products and tools won’t work if you don’t commit to them. This is true of all skin care, but especially true of microcurrent devices. They only work (and you’ll only see results) if you stick with the program—so I think it's important for the devices to be user-friendly.

The NuFace Trinity+ has an oval base (where you grip it), and the two spheres on top. If you get the attachments, you’d pop them over the spheres. When using, you’ll hold the device at the bottom and move it around your face.

The round base of the NuFace makes it easy to grip anywhere—which helps you reach odd angles or hit different parts of the face with more ease. But it’s a bit bulky, which isn't ideal for taking on the go.

While I recommend using the app to make the most of your NuFace, it's very easy to start playing with the device sans instructions. The solo button lets you easily adjust the intensity of the microcurrent to suit your needs.

ZIIP

The ZIIP HALO has a naturally smaller design that’s just about the size of an average palm. It’s curved with the spheres on the inside and a single button. I think the best way to hold it is like a cell phone.

Compared to the NuFace, it's super lightweight and compact. Plus, the ergonomic and familiar design moves around the face very easily.

Again, this should be paired with the user-friendly app. When you pick your facial (there are 6 full face options and 6 targeted sessions), it’ll work with the device and deliver sensory feedback so you know when to move onto a different area of the face.

With the app, the ZIIP is actually easier to use because the device gives feedback to help you follow along. However, I would argue that this device needs app tutorials for beginners while the NuFace feels a little more intuitive.

NuFace

The NuFace Trinity+ is the most expensive offering from NuFace at $395 for the starter kit. If you want the complete set (it includes the works), it’s $595.

However, the brand has other options such as the Trinity+ Mini ($250), the Classic ($350), the Classic Mini ($220), and a much smaller facial toning pen called the FIX ($165).

So all-in-all you should expect to pay anywhere from $165 to $595 when choosing something from NuFace. Attachments are $160 each. The skin care products are much more affordable, ranging from $12 to $65 per item. 

ZIIP

NuFace

NuFace device can be used with two attachments: a red light LED panel and an Eye & Lip attachment. Each attachment costs $160 or can be purchased as part of the brand's set.

I'm a huge fan of red LED light therapy to help improve collagen production, soothe inflammation, and strengthen the skin barrier—so I love that it's an option. That being said, I do think there are easiest ways to integrate the practice into your routine, like LED masks.

On the other hand, the eye and lip attachment is an interesting addition. It changes the spheres into two target wands for more precise usage, which is nearly impossible with the standard design.

ZIIP

NuFace

NuFace offers two conductive gels and three boosters (which you’ll layer under the conductive gel). The conductive gels are soothing and hydrating, using high-quality ingredients such as hyaluronic acid, marine extracts, and botanical extracts.

They both also feature a complex that uses glacial water and ions to help enhance the microcurrents. As for the boosters, there’s a vitamin C concentrate, an antioxidant concentrate, and a peptide concentrate. 

The basic conductive gel is relatively light, and it doesn't feel heavy on your face. That being said, you have to layer on more to ensure you don't feel the tingle of the device.

ZIIP

The ZIIP offers four different gel formulas, including a baseline gel (which is a very simple formula included with your purchase), as well as more high-end options.

The Gold Gel is the most luxurious, and it uses 5 types of peptides and gold extract. I find the Silver and Crystal formulas are more reasonably priced, with hyaluronic acid, aloe vera, and other botanical extracts. 

NuFace

The Trinity+, being the most advanced version from the brand, carries just about the same amount of power with 340 microamps at its highest setting. It has three power modes, as well as a booster button, which increases the power 25% on areas where you might need it more. 

As former beauty editor Jamie Schneider wrote about in our full NuFace review, “After just two weeks of consistent use, I definitely notice a more lifted, contoured appearance.

See, I’m someone who typically wakes up with super puffy eyes and a swollen jawline—both woes went away immediately after a couple rounds of microcurrent. Better yet, I was waking up less puffy to begin with, I suspect as my facial muscles started toning up. My partner also commented on how my cheeks looked more chiseled, and I promise it was unprovoked.”

You’ll also likely get more skin care benefits if you opt to include the LED attachment, as that works on the epidermis. With it, you can also expect to see a more even tone, reduced inflammation, and a brighter complexion—things that you won’t see with microcurrent devices otherwise. 

ZIIP

The ZIIP HALO is a bit stronger, with the upper threshold of power being about 400 microamps. In addition, the HALO also uses nanocurrents alongside the microcurrent technology. Nanocurrents are even smaller electrical currents than microcurrents.

Microcurrents primarily target the muscle, whereas nanocurrents work more effectively at the cellular level, stimulating ATP, collagen, and elastin production.

This can help drive more long-term skin care-focused results, rather than just improving facial muscles and overall toning. 

I’ve used ZIIP consistently for a while now (I don’t follow a program, but do try to do it 1-2 times a week), and I count it as one of the reasons my face remains lifted and defined as I get older.

Again, I’d like to emphasize that you cannot go wrong with either of these brands or devices. They’re two of the highest quality microcurrent makers on the market, and I back both of them wholeheartedly. 

NuFace offers much more variety, lower price points, skin care options, and extra tech attachments—which makes the overall result more customizable to your needs. This is probably a better fit for a beginner who is still figuring out what exactly they’re looking for in the world of skin care tools. 

While microcurrent facial devices are generally considered safe for most, these are professional-grade products and should be treated with care.

First and foremost, check with your practitioner about using them if you have epilepsy, heart conditions, or are pregnant, celebrity esthetician Shani Darden once warned us. You should also avoid it if you have a pacemaker.   

In addition, they may cause increased flushing or redness in individuals who have rosacea. So proceed with caution, and avoid using it during flare ups or on areas prone to redness.

They should also not be used on open wounds, acne liaisons, or areas experiencing a breakout. Finally, they won’t be effective on areas where you have facial hair. 

As we’ve noted above, microcurrents help enhance ingredient penetration. This is a good thing—except for when it’s not. If you pair your microcurrent with too powerful or potentially irritating ingredients, it can trigger inflammation.

Microcurrent devices are a worthy addition to your skin care routine—if you’re willing to pay for it, and stick with it to see results. The ZIIP HALO and NuFace Trinity+ are two of the best options on the market and are highly effective. The NuFace Trinity+ outshines the ZIIP HALO thanks to it’s booster mode and ability to purchase extra attachments, but the ZIIP’s nanocurrent technology means you’ll see results at the cellular level.