Our pick
iRestore Elite
The most light on our list and a 12-minute daily routine, at a flagship price.
9.0Excellent$1,799, checked Nov 11, 2026
Check price at iRestore Read the iRestore Elite reviewHead-to-head
iRestore Elite vs Capillus PRO
A helmet and a laser cap, $100 apart. Here is which one to buy, and for whom.
Short answer
It is close: both score 9.0/10, and the iRestore Elite edges ahead on the raw formula, mostly on money-back window and light sources; the Capillus PRO hits back on weekly time it asks of you. Pick the iRestore Elite for people who want the most light sources and the shortest helmet session, and can pay for it. Pick the Capillus PRO for a cordless 272-laser cap with 6-minute daily sessions and a 3-year warranty.
Capillus PRO
Six minutes a day under a cap that looks like a cap, from the brand that says it was first to FDA clearance.
9.0Excellent$1,699, checked Nov 11, 2026
Check price at Capillus Read the Capillus PRO reviewThe differences
What decides it
- Price: the Capillus PRO costs $1,699, the iRestore Elite $1,799, a $100 gap (checked Nov 11, 2026).
- Light: the iRestore Elite has 500 light sources (300 lasers + 200 LEDs), the Capillus PRO 272 (272 lasers), as each brand counts them.
- Routine: iRestore Elite 12 minutes daily, Capillus PRO 6 minutes daily. That is about 42 against 84 minutes a week, in favour of the Capillus PRO.
- Hands-free: iRestore Elite hands-free, plugs in; Capillus PRO hands-free, cordless.
- Guarantee: iRestore Elite 12-month money-back; Capillus PRO 6-month money-back. Warranty: iRestore Elite 3 years, Capillus PRO 3 years.
- FDA wording: iRestore writes: "Our devices are FDA 510(K)-cleared for safety and efficacy." Its stated indication is to promote hair growth in males with androgenetic alopecia (Norwood-Hamilton IIa to V) and females (Ludwig-Savin I to II), Fitzpatrick skin types I to IV. Capillus writes: "Capillus was the first laser therapy cap to be cleared by the US FDA for treatment of androgenetic alopecia."
Side by side
Every spec, compared
A tick marks the better figure in each row.
| Device | iRestore Elite9.0 | Capillus PRO9.0 |
|---|---|---|
| Price | $1,799 | $1,699 |
| Format | Helmet | Laser cap |
| Light sources | 300 lasers + 200 LEDs | 272 lasers |
| Wavelength | 625 / 655 / 680 nm | 650 nm |
| Total output (brand figure) | 2,500 mW | Not stated |
| Routine | 12 minutes daily | 6 minutes daily |
| Time per week | 84 min | 42 min |
| Hands-free | Hands-free, plugs in | Hands-free, cordless |
| Money-back window | 12 months | 6 months |
| Warranty | 3 years | 3 years |
| Weight | 1.2 lb | Not stated |
| FDA wording (brand) | "Our devices are FDA 510(K)-cleared for safety and efficacy" | "Capillus was the first laser therapy cap to be cleared by the US FDA for treatment of androgenetic alopecia" |
| Buy | See today's price | See today's price |
Your call
Which one fits you
Pick the iRestore Elite if
- You value time over money and want short daily sessions
- You want the longest warranty among the helmets
- You like the idea of a battery option
The catch: Price. $1,799 wired, $1,898 with the battery pack, and our formula weights price at 25%. You pay a lot for minutes saved.
Pick the Capillus PRO if
- You want the shortest full-coverage routine
- You like buying from an established brand with a physician network
- You want three years of warranty
The catch: You pay about $850 more than the illumiflow 272 Pro for the same laser count. What that buys is a shorter session and a longer warranty, not more light.
More head-to-heads
FAQ
iRestore Elite or Capillus PRO?
Which is better, the iRestore Elite or the Capillus PRO?
It is close: both score 9.0/10, and the iRestore Elite edges ahead on the raw formula, mostly on money-back window and light sources; the Capillus PRO hits back on weekly time it asks of you. Pick the iRestore Elite for people who want the most light sources and the shortest helmet session, and can pay for it. Pick the Capillus PRO for a cordless 272-laser cap with 6-minute daily sessions and a 3-year warranty.
Which is cheaper?
The Capillus PRO: $1,699 against $1,799, both checked November 11, 2026. iRestore Elite: Black Friday sale price, wired version; the battery pack upgrade is +$99. Total value listed at $2,699. Capillus PRO: Regular price on capillus.com; no sale shown on the day.
Which one asks for less time?
The Capillus PRO. iRestore says 12 minutes daily for the iRestore Elite; Capillus says 6 minutes daily for the Capillus PRO.
Are both FDA cleared?
iRestore writes: "Our devices are FDA 510(K)-cleared for safety and efficacy." Its stated indication is to promote hair growth in males with androgenetic alopecia (Norwood-Hamilton IIa to V) and females (Ludwig-Savin I to II), Fitzpatrick skin types I to IV. Capillus writes: "Capillus was the first laser therapy cap to be cleared by the US FDA for treatment of androgenetic alopecia." Ask your doctor which kind of device suits your hair loss.
What is the catch with each?
iRestore Elite: Price. $1,799 wired, $1,898 with the battery pack, and our formula weights price at 25%. You pay a lot for minutes saved. Capillus PRO: You pay about $850 more than the illumiflow 272 Pro for the same laser count. What that buys is a shorter session and a longer warranty, not more light.