For years, the Tria 4X has held the title of the "heavy hitter" in the world of at-home hair removal. As the first FDA-cleared diode laser for home use, it set a high bar for power. But as we move into 2026, the technology landscape is shifting.
The ViQure S-LD has emerged as a formidable challenger, introducing "Super-LED" technology that claims to match—and even exceed—the results of traditional lasers without the typical drawbacks. If you’re looking to invest in a device that actually works, here is the factual breakdown of how these two giants compare.
Technical Specifications at a Glance
Wavelength and Depth: How They Work
The Tria 4X uses a 810nm diode laser. This wavelength is specifically chosen because it targets the melanin in the hair follicle with high precision. It is incredibly effective but requires a very small treatment window to maintain that intensity.
The ViQure S-LD utilizes a broader spectrum (780-850nm) via Super-LED technology. While many people confuse LED with low-power light therapy, the S-LD is a medical-grade light source designed for high-energy hair destruction. The benefit here is the Planar Light Source, which provides more uniform energy distribution across the skin compared to the "hot spots" sometimes found in traditional lasers.
The "Ouch" Factor: Cooling Tech vs. Raw Power
The biggest hurdle for Tria users has always been comfort. Because the Tria 4X lacks an internal cooling mechanism, the 20 J/cm² of energy can feel like a sharp sting. It’s effective, but it requires stamina.
ViQure addresses this with 360° Surround Cooling. The device head maintains a temperature between 0°C and 10°C, numbing the skin on contact. This allows the S-LD to output 25 J/cm²—more raw power than the Tria—while remaining virtually painless.
Efficiency and Usability
If you are planning to treat large areas like legs or back, the differences in design become very apparent:
Tria 4X: The cordless design offers freedom, but the battery life (approx. 30 mins) and the small treatment head make full-body sessions a multi-day project.
ViQure S-LD: Being corded means it never loses power mid-session. Combined with a "Flash" mode that triggers every 0.3 to 0.5 seconds, it can cover a full leg in a fraction of the time it takes the Tria.
Longevity: A Lifetime Investment?
The Tria 4X is a "finite" device. Once the internal battery degrades or the flashes are used up (around 90,000), the device cannot be recharged or refilled.
The ViQure S-LD is built for industrial-level longevity. With a rating of 100 million flashes, it is essentially a lifetime device that can be shared among family members or used for years of maintenance without the fear of it "dying."
The Verdict
Choose the Tria 4X if: You prefer a cordless, compact device for small, targeted areas (like the face or underarms) and don't mind a slower treatment pace.
Choose the ViQure S-LD if: You want the highest energy density available, a painless experience via cooling technology, and a device capable of fast, full-body treatments that will last a lifetime.
