NuFace Alternatives: 3 Microcurrent Devices Compared
Updated
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Short answer
This page is for anyone weighing NuFace against the other microcurrent tools they keep seeing. My pick is still the NuFace MINI+: it costs less than the full-size Trinity+, needs no app, and comes with 2 gels. The Foreo BEAR 2 is the pick if you want more intensity levels, and the medicube Booster Pro if you want several tools in one.
The three
NuFACE
NuFACE MINI+ Smart Petite Microcurrent Starter Kit
- 5-minute daily routine
- Kit includes Aqua Gel (1.69 oz) and Silk Crème (0.5 oz)
- Widely sold, with hundreds of reviews at Ulta and Amazon
- Some reviewers say the device stopped working within 2 to 3 months
- What it does
- Microcurrent only
- Intensity
- Not listed on Ulta
- Gel
- 2 activators included
- Price
- $$$
FOREO
FOREO BEAR 2 Advanced Microcurrent Facial Toning Device
- 10 intensity levels, split into beginner (1 to 5) and pro (6 to 10)
- Up to 300 minutes of use per charge
- Works with any water-based gel or serum
- Ships locked: to activate it you need the FOREO app, an account and Bluetooth for first use
- What it does
- Microcurrent only
- Intensity
- 10 levels, up to 680 µA
- Gel
- Not included, any water-based gel
- Price
- $$$
medicube
medicube AGE-R Booster Pro
- The cheapest of the three
- Microcurrent is 1 of several modes
- LED colors and vibration built in
- Some reviewers find it has a learning curve
- What it does
- Microcurrent plus Booster, EMS, Air Shot, LED
- Intensity
- Not listed on Ulta
- Gel
- Not listed
- Price
- $$$
Ratings from the source shown, checked October 26, 2026. Price tiers compare the three; Amazon shows today's price.
Side by side
Swipe to compare →
| Best overallNuFACE MINI+ Smart Petite Microcurrent Starter Kit | Most adjustableFOREO BEAR 2 Advanced Microcurrent Facial Toning Device | Best multi-toolmedicube AGE-R Booster Pro | For referenceNuFACE TRINITY+ Starter Kit | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Best for | First-time microcurrent users who want a simple 5-minute routine | People who want fine control over intensity and a long battery | Gadget fans who want microcurrent plus other modes in one device | The full-size NuFace most alternatives are measured against |
| What it does | Microcurrent only | Microcurrent only | Microcurrent plus Booster, EMS, Air Shot, LED | Microcurrent only |
| Intensity | Not listed on Ulta | 10 levels, up to 680 µA | Not listed on Ulta | Not listed on Ulta |
| Gel | 2 activators included | Not included, any water-based gel | Not listed | 2 activators included |
| App | Not needed to start | Required for first use | Needed for some features | Not listed on Ulta |
| Routine | 5 min daily | 5 days a week for 60 days, then 2 to 3 | Varies by mode | 5 min |
| Common complaint | Device failures, gel cost | App activation step | Skin reactions, learning curve | 4.2 on Ulta from 40 reviews |
| Price | $$$ | $$$ | $$$ | Premium |
The fine print
Watch out for
The most common catch with each, from reviews and specs.
- NuFACE MINI+ Smart Petite Microcurrent Starter KitSome reviewers say the device stopped working within 2 to 3 months
- FOREO BEAR 2 Advanced Microcurrent Facial Toning DeviceShips locked: to activate it you need the FOREO app, an account and Bluetooth for first use
- medicube AGE-R Booster ProSome reviewers find it has a learning curve
Skip it if
Who each one is wrong for
Saves you a return.
- NuFACE MINI+ Smart Petite Microcurrent Starter KitYou won't use it most days. Reviewers agree results fade when you stop.
- FOREO BEAR 2 Advanced Microcurrent Facial Toning DeviceYou don't want to set up an app or an account for a beauty tool.
- medicube AGE-R Booster ProYou have sensitive skin or only want microcurrent. A single-purpose device is simpler.
The details
-
What separates them
The NuFace MINI+ and Foreo BEAR 2 do one job: microcurrent. NuFace keeps it simple, with gels in the box and no app. Foreo gives you 10 intensity levels and a long battery, but makes you register and activate it in the app.
The medicube Booster Pro is a multi-tool. Microcurrent is one mode. The rest add sensations some people like and some find too strong.
-
What buyers complain about
NuFace reviewers on Ulta mention devices that quit after a few months and gel that runs out fast. One says NuFace wouldn't honor the warranty for a retailer purchase, so keep your receipt.
medicube's reviews are mostly positive, but the low ones are specific: one Ulta reviewer describes a burn and dark spots, and another says Derma Shot hurts at the lowest level. Foreo's main friction is the app activation before first use.
-
Who should skip all three
Microcurrent asks for steady use. Foreo's own plan is 5 sessions a week for 60 days. If you know you'll use it twice and stop, skip it.
Brands list exclusions too, including pacemakers, metal implants and epilepsy. Check the manual before you buy.
So which is yours?
NuFACE MINI+ Smart Petite Microcurrent Starter Kit
Pick it if you want: first-time microcurrent users who want a simple 5-minute routine.
Skip it if you won't use it most days. Reviewers agree results fade when you stop.
FOREO BEAR 2 Advanced Microcurrent Facial Toning Device
Pick it if you want: people who want fine control over intensity and a long battery.
Skip it if you don't want to set up an app or an account for a beauty tool.
medicube AGE-R Booster Pro
Pick it if you want: gadget fans who want microcurrent plus other modes in one device.
Skip it if you have sensitive skin or only want microcurrent. A single-purpose device is simpler.
My pick
NuFACE MINI+ Smart Petite Microcurrent Starter Kit
A smaller NuFace with the same 5-minute routine, sold as a kit with 2 activator gels.
Also considered
Good options that didn't make the top three.
How I compared
- Checked prices, kit contents and ratings on Ulta and ZIIP pages on 2026-10-26.
- Used independent spec write-ups for the Foreo BEAR 2, since Foreo's own page didn't load.
- Read Ulta 1- to 3-star reviews for repeated complaints.
- Used the NuFace Trinity+ as the reference most shoppers start from.
Sources: NuFACE MINI+ Smart Petite Microcurrent Starter Kit (Ulta) · NuFACE TRINITY+ Smart Microcurrent Starter Kit (Ulta) · FOREO BEAR 2 review (Celliara) · FOREO BEAR 2 review (Perks with Pink) · FOREO BEAR 2 go (Ulta) · medicube Booster Pro (Ulta) · ZIIP HALO (ZIIP) · Solawave 4-in-1 Radiant Renewal Skincare Wand (Ulta)
Questions
Is the NuFace MINI+ as good as the Trinity+?
It runs the same 5-minute routine with a smaller head. The Trinity+ kit costs more and adds a separate facial trainer attachment.
Do I have to use NuFace gel?
NuFace sells its own activators. The Foreo BEAR 2 works with any water-based gel or serum.
How long until I see a difference?
Brands talk about weeks of near-daily use. Foreo's plan is 5 sessions a week for 60 days.
Which one makes the best gift?
The NuFace MINI+ kit. It comes with gels, needs no app, and works out of the box.