ZIIP vs NuFace: Why Nanocurrent Changes Everything (I switched to ZIIP Halo)

I used NuFace for years before I ever picked up a ZIIP–and for awhile, I thought they were doing the same thing. They’re not, and once you understand why, you won’t be comparing them at all.

For years, my beloved NuFace was my go-to beauty companion (after being sent to me for review) and when ZIIP arrived on the scene (also sent to me for review), I filed them together as the same tool, different branding. But the more I used them, the harder that comparison was to justify.

The simplest way to explain it is this: Both devices use microcurrent, so that’s not where the real difference lies. What separates them is ZIIP is built around nanocurrent. NuFace is built around attachments.

That distinction matters more than any feature list.

NuFace started to feel like a KitchenAid with too many add-ons—red light, eye attachments, lip attachments. It’s versatile on paper, but in practice, it doesn’t excel in one clear direction. ZIIP takes the opposite approach. It focuses on one system and refines it. Over time, that difference becomes obvious in how your skin responds.

Much of that comes down to nanocurrent.

While traditional microcurrent is typically used to stimulate facial muscles, nanocurrent operates at a much lower level—closer to the skin’s natural electrical signaling. That’s part of what makes it so interesting.

If you want to go deeper, Dr. Robert Becker studied how ultra-low level electrical currents interacted in the body in the book  The Body Electric and related studies. The low current levels had different biological results than the higher microcurrent ranges.

For me, that helps explain why nanocurrent feels different over time. The results don’t read as purely temporary—they feel more cumulative.

And, admittedly, it doesn’t hurt that ZIIP Halo microcurrent looks a lot prettier on my vanity without a lineup of attachments.

And it doesn’t hurt that it looks pretty on my vanity with no additional add-ons.

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If you’d like to see the differences at a glance, here’s how they compare:

This is the same comparison, just easier to see all at once:

Origin Stories

NuFace

Developed by Carol Cole in 2005, a licensed aesthetician for 30+ years, and her dynamic duo of daughters, Tera Peterson and Kim Morales. They were the first to see the need in the market for an at-home device. Particularly, their A-list clientele needed an at-home device (no board certified dermatologist is needed) in between treatments.

It’s not surprising that NuFace is so popular since it’s been around for a very long time! They have kept their original ‘classic’ feel (classic phased out this year in 2025), but updated to the NuFace Mini, the Fix, and the Trinity+, for even better results.

ZIIP Halo

In 2015, a new player, Ziip founder Melanie Simon entered the stage of beauty innovation, but Simon had already been a luminary in the world of electrical facials, tracing her journey back to 2000 with her own A-listers. Her visionary goal was nothing short of transforming a regular device into a gateway to a professional-grade facial experience, all within the sanctuary of your own home.

She accomplished this by introducing us to nanocurrent, working on both the skin and facial muscles with one device, which you can read about in the article I wrote here.

Common Sparks: What ZIIP and NuFace Have in Common

On the surface, these two microcurrent tools are very similar: Both devices provide a natural face lift; a skin gym. Both devices are beloved by many of the same A-listers, such as Jennifer Aniston. And both devices are made after 2 aestheticians saw a need for an at-home device (alternative to office treatments) that will maintain lifting results longer and better than if you just got a regular (wrinkle improving) facial. You could easily think these devices work the same way.

Just like working out, going to your trainer once a week or month will not cut it. This tool is a beauty routine device needed as much as any other workout to keep things perky and lifted

Extra points for being super easy to master: Simply glide up and out with your chosen device and a generous coat of conductive gel wherever you are lifting for a full facial.

Yes, there are alternatives, such as going under the knife, however, an electrical facial with microcurrent devices have zero side effects, unless you have a specific condition cautioning against electrical currents.

Different Sparks: Design, App Experience, Performance

DESIGN

NuFace

The main difference is the modular design with multiple attachments that can be switched out. The Nuface Trinity attachments themselves are a double-edged sword for me. You need the attachments to do the same job as the ZIIP in my opinion. However, red light therapy, which you know I love if you read my article here, is an upgrade the ZIIP simply can’t compete with while keeping the simplicity of design.

That said, I haven’t tried the red light TRINITY+ Wrinkle Reducer attachment  because I have so many other RLT devices that are frankly better, and the three star reviews don’t exactly make me feel like I’m missing out. However, if you don’t want a separate red light therapy device, you may be drawn to this system in the Ziip vs. Nuface battle.

The reason why I think the attachments are still in both the plus and the negative column is there is no end to attachments they can come up with, making it so one tool may, in fact, do it all…someday. While the other attachments, such as their effective lip and eye attachment, are effective, I didn’t find the results locked in as much as when I used nanocurrent with the ZIIP Halo device.

The downside is you don’t want to do red light therapy with anything on your skin, other than perhaps green tea (plain ole tea is prob best), so your microcurrent routine will be longer if you want the benefits of those skin food ingredients.

At its core, Nuface is a facial trainer, and I found I needed to do it more often to maintain results.

ZIIP

I love the design simplicity of the ZIIP Halo. It does one thing better than everyone but that one thing (nanocurrent) gives me amazing glow, lift, reduce the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles, and improves my skin color and texture in less than 10 minutes. Since I have rosacea (just look at my before/after s in my ZIIP Halo Review), I officially can’t live without my ZIIP.

I love that it’s one piece that won’t come apart. There is a two year warranty, and there are 26 waveforms (Nuface has just low, medium, and high). My skin looks so good and everything about my beauty device and skincare feels luxe.

1 Year ZIIP Halo before and after

Treatments on the App

Considering that both devices are microcurrent, it’s surprising to me how different the treatment plans are. Each aesthetician has a completely different style for their tutorials. You can no longer use the NuFace without the device. Though the ZIIP app will allow you to use their app without the device, the waveforms will not be customized properly without the device. Both apps are very user friendly.

 

NuFace App

Carol Cole’s daughter and CEO of NuFace, Tera Peterson, walks us through each treatment through audio, however, a model is on the screen for each treatment. It’s not as personal, but just as effective. In fact until this year, I found myself going back to my old NuFace app for variety even while using the ZIIP on the standard “lift” mode.

There are many treatment walkthroughs you can do, however, they aren’t all for the same device. To complete all the treatments, you would need the Fix, Trinity+, the red light therapy attachment, and the eye and lip attachment.  With just the Trinity+ model there are only 9 treatments you can do to stimulate facial muscles.

 

 

ZIIP App

This was an intimately curated experience. There’s comfort in Melanie Simon herself guide you through a virtual facial with her soothing voice alongside spa-like melodies. It’s a genuine electrical facial experience I enjoy in my PJs.

Given the exclusivity of the nanocurrent with this device, the app seamlessly aligns with the ZIIP, leaving little room for compatibility with NuFace Trinity device, except perhaps for a couple of the full face treatments. This bears repeating: you can’t get these routines anywhere else because no other at-home tool on the market offers nanocurrent to lock in your results. You can read more about why nanocurrent is so special in my ZIIP Halo Review.

But it gets better. Not only can you use the current ZIIP Halo treatments when you download the ZIIP app, but there’s also a secret menu of the old treatments from the original device. Just click “HALO” in the top right corner and select the ZIIP OX or ZIIP GX device to tailor your treatments even more. The device changes the wave form for each treatment for optimal skin rejuvenation.

In terms of style, the NuFace app exuded a medical aesthetic, positioning you as the professional administering the facial. In contrast, the ZIIP app beckoned for a cup of your favorite hot bevy and a fireplace, creating a cozy ambiance for your relaxing at-home facial experience.

Performance and Drawbacks

NuFace

My NuFace was great—while it lasted. Eventually, because of the multiple attachment style, the entire device split in two after about 3 years, making it unusable. Considering the price point and the attachments you have to pay for separately or upfront, I think it should’ve lasted way beyond the one year warranty. I now have an eye and lip attachment without a device to attach it to, despite how it smoothes fine lines. Now, because of the upgrades that don’t match the new design, I have to choose whether I will buy the classic or upgrade the entire thing. Their system reminds me of Apple technology–you can’t keep your old iPhone because the software doesn’t match the hardware. You have to upgrade the whole thing.

To compare, when you get a KitchenAid, it feels like you are getting your money’s worth because even if your appliance breaks, no matter what upgrade models are being made, your attachments will still fit like a glove to whatever upgrade you choose. Your investment is made to last.

ZIIP

I love that you can spend as much or as little time as you want doing a facial skincare routine. You could do all 12 treatments (each treatment has different intensity levels) on the app in one sitting if you have time or you could do just one. I also love that the nanocurrent locks in the results so that you can do this treatment just every other day (in fact, you should stick to every other day for best results at the cellular level), leaving time for other beneficial things like red light therapy, gua sha (to focus on lymphatic drainage), microblading, acid masks, etc. on your off days. I find this variety of routine encourages me to be very targeted with my skin needs on a daily basis.

I do wish there were manual controls with the waveforms because you must use the app to initiate nano current, but I also see that the reduced wrinkle, reduced age spots, acne, and overall versatility are based on which program you choose, which requires a bit of finesse that Simon trains you on when you follow her videos. However, once you sync the device, you could turn off the volume and do something else. You also can’t adjust the intensity, since each treatment is custom to do a specific thing.

I was weighing whether I wished it could do more things with attachments like NuFace, and the answer is NO. It’s amazing what you can accomplish with JUST electricity. Just look at Melanie Simon’s beautiful skin and you’ll believe it too.

The biggest fail for both of these devices is they aren’t waterproof. I’m not sure if it’s a bad idea to use these in the shower, perhaps they don’t make them waterproof on purpose, but I don’t love that I can’t wash the devices like I can with my other beauty devices.

You can use water or rubbing alcohol, but make sure the alcohol is able to quickly evaporate, or dilute it in a spray bottle so it doesn’t discolor your chosen device.

Conductive Gels

NuFace

Since the old NuFace formula caused me to break out, I do like that they’ve simplified their formula and created add-on ingredients, like Vitamin C, that you can use to customize your facials at home. Having fewer ingredients is helpful! Especially for my own problem skin. Admittedly, I don’t like the microplastics in their gel (though carbomer is really debated), so I have not tried their updated formula as of yet. If you prefer a specific device, you can use whichever company’s skin care you personally prefer.

Aside from that, the skincare products are pretty brilliant if you like to mix and match your ingredients for your own anti aging custom facials. The mixing and matching system is what makes a professional facial so special–your skin is inspected for what ‘skin food’ it needs that day and the recipe is customized for you.

ZIIP

I have enjoyed all the benefits of the gels from ZIIP (here’s why you need a gel and why you shouldn’t just use aloe vera). The Golden gel and Silver Gel (hyaluronic acid) were my favorite due to their calming, brightening, and wrinkle-reducing properties. I wasn’t a big fan of the electric complex gel since it was pretty basic with no active ingredients. I attribute this to the nanocurrent I do religiously with the ZIIP, which calms my skin after each microcurrent facial.

Melanie Simon has what she calls “problematic skin” which she talks about as she guides you through her favorite ‘problem skin’ facial. It works! Her formulations for conductive gel are as calming as you can get while still getting facial benefits from them. She truly had problem skin in mind when she developed her formulas.

Like Nuface, Melanie Simon also has a vitamin c, separate from the ZIIP, which you can find at Revolve.

Use code VANILLAZIIP and you’ll get 10% off ZIIP HALO and receive the new Discovery Gels set for free to try!

‘Charged’ Results: What I noticed over time

I can achieve comparable results as far as lifting my face, toning my facial muscles, creating better facial contours and lifting specific areas of my face. So which is better, ZIIP vs Nuface?

NuFace

I feel you would need quite a few of the Nuface Devices to get the same results as the ZIIP Halo microcurrent treatments: the NuFace Fix, the NuFace Trinity, and the attachments. This is due to each device having different wave form settings per device. The cost and clutter on your counter may not be worth it unless you travel a lot or have multiple homes you want to keep them in. Additionally, the wave form device offerings are set at 70 μA (low), 200 μA (medium) and 335 μA (high), which I believe is the reason they recommend treatments 5 times per week for consistent results. They say you don’t need the highest setting, but, despite what they say, the wave form intensity does matter depending what you’re treating.

ZIIP

The microcurrent technology of this device delivers unparalleled results because of the variations of wave form (micro and nano currents) for each treatment on the ZIIP device. The nanocurrent locks in the results long term, increases atp production, delivering an increase of collagen and elastin I can visibly see over time. The nanocurrent acts like ‘setting’ powder for the face so the microcurrent sinks in just a little bit deeper. I can get away with doing my treatments just 3-4 times a week, and Simon only recommends doing treatments every other day for best results.

UPDATE: I just wrote about how to use ZIIP as a lip plumping tool here.

Final Thoughts

At the end of the day, this isn’t really a question of which device is “better” in a general sense—it’s a question of what kind of technology you’re investing in.

NuFace is built around versatility. Attachments, add-ons, different ways to use it depending on what you’re targeting. For some people, that’s appealing.

ZIIP takes a different approach. It focuses on one system—microcurrent paired with nanocurrent—and refines it. There’s less to swap out, less to manage, and, in my experience, a clearer direction in how it performs over time.

If you’re someone who likes the idea of customizing with attachments, NuFace still makes sense. I love red light therapy (discount codes here), but I’d rather sit under my Dermalux (my first choice if I have 20 minutes. So relaxing and versatile!) for a half hour or use my CurrentBody mask (only 10 minutes and they’ve added deep infrared). Especially since red light therapy requires clean skin since gels can block microcurrent.

But if you’re more interested in the underlying technology—and you want something that feels like it’s working with your skin over time, not just on the surface—ZIIP is the one I keep reaching for.

It’s the device that replaced NuFace for me. And once you notice the difference, it’s surprisingly hard to go back.

Use VANILLAZIIP for 10% off ZIIP HALO and all ZIIP gels during checkout

FAQs

Does ZIIP work better than NuFace?

For me, it felt more noticeable more quickly, and I am very impressed with how nanocurrent locks in the results, which Nuface doesn’t offer.

Which is the best microcurrent device for sensitive skin?

I have sensitive skin and am careful with my skin care routine. The device itself won’t make a difference as far as making it more sensitive, but the ZIIP can actually target sensitive skin with some of the wave forms in the app (like the ‘problem solver’ facial)

The nanocurrent targets cellular repair and pimples–something the NuFace simply can’t compete with.

The ZIIP conductor gels have better formulations too since there aren’t a lot of chemicals or microplastics. I prefer the silver gel most, which is made for sensitive skin. On days when my skin is reactive in addition to sensitive, I DIY my formula with glycerin, salt, and doing a clay mask before I start my treatment–this DIY is appropriate for either device.

How often should I use Nuface Trinity vs ZIIP Halo?

About 4x a week seems to be the sweet spot for the ZIIP. Just like how we recharge in our sleep, our skin benefits from these devices in between use too. NuFace was 5x a week for me.

Can ZIIP gels work with NuFace?

Yeah! Any microcurrent gel can be used with any microcurrent device. But not all gels are created equal. Choose a gel with the actives you love since they absorb much better with the device. ZIIP advertises that their gel absorbs 109%.

Affordability: Which device gives more glow for your dollar?

With both devices priced around $399, the real question is about value and glow for your dollar. ZIIP Halo ($399): It’s a complete package with microcurrent and nanocurrent and 14 facial treatments guided by the founder herself. I’ve found it to be very helpful for my sensitive, rosacea-prone skin. I alternate with red light still.
NuFace ($395): Same price for the base, but attachments like the red light ($160) push the cost higher. If you’re like me, you’ll get sick of using a wand attachment fast. A face mask or panel is a better investment and more relaxing than having to hold your wand over your face the whole time–I have a wand from a different brand and rarely use it.

Can any skin tone use Microcurrent and nanocurrent?

As far as I know yes! But always test something to see how it works for you. And ask your doctor if you have any questions about Nuface or ZIIP side effects. Usually the contraindications are more about pacemakers, metals, etc.

Deep Dives on My Device Obsessions

How I Use Nanocurrent for Hydration

How I get rid of my 11’s without Botox

Why You Can’t Skip Microcurrent Gel

How I dealt with my Rosacea

Before/Afters when I used Currentbody’s Series 2 FaceMask for 30 Days

How to use Tools to Clear Acne

Why You should do Lymphatic Drainage to lift Your Face

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Editorial Note:
Navigating the fine line of impartiality when graced with sponsorship can pose quite the conundrum, a challenge I am well-acquainted with. In the spirit of transparency and FTC guidelines, it’s important to reiterate that I’ve had the pleasure of receiving complimentary products from BOTH companies (Nuface vs Ziip was not my original plan). After putting both products to the test, I asked ZIIP to sponsor this post. Please visit my Disclosure page for more information.

While compensation was received in exchange for coverage, all thoughts and opinions are always my own. Sponsored posts allow for the development of additional dynamic content to be produced, unsponsored. Thank you for supporting our partners!