Medically Reviewed by Dr. Lisa Hartford, MD
Lumo+ vs NuFACE Trinity+: An Honest Comparison
One device is a microcurrent specialist. The other leads with radiofrequency. Most people searching this comparison are really asking a different question, and it has a real answer.
The NuFACE Trinity+ is the better buy if you want dedicated, FDA-cleared true microcurrent with app coaching and a treatment you can barely feel. The EvenSkyn Lumo+ is the better buy if you want radiofrequency, which the Trinity+ does not offer in any configuration, plus EMS muscle stimulation and LED in one handset, with lower ongoing gel costs. The deciding question is not which brand is better. It is whether your skin needs a microcurrent specialist or a multi-technology routine led by RF.
The two-minute version
These devices are built on different core technologies. The Trinity+ is true microcurrent. The Lumo+ leads with radiofrequency and adds EMS and LED. They are not interchangeable, and any page treating them as the same category is being careless.
Radiofrequency is the dividing line. The Lumo+ has it; the Trinity+ does not, in any configuration. RF is the modality most associated in peer-reviewed research with the look of firmer skin, because it heats the dermis where collagen lives.
True microcurrent and EMS are different currents. The Trinity+ runs at 340 microamps, below what you can feel. The Lumo+ stimulation mode is EMS at 3 to 15 milliamps, several times stronger and clearly perceptible. Neither is automatically better; they suit different preferences.
Total cost is closer than the sticker prices suggest. Once you count proprietary activator gels and the LED attachment needed to match the Lumo+ feature set, the gap narrows, and over a year of consistent use the consumable math often favors the Lumo+.
If sub-sensory microcurrent with app coaching is exactly what you want, buy the Trinity+ with confidence. If skin laxity is your real concern, RF belongs in your routine, and the Lumo+ already has it.
EvenSkyn Lumo+ scorecard
Our own device, scored against the criteria below. The Trinity+ is rated in the comparison table and throughout the text, not on this badge, because scoring a competitor on our own card would not be fair to either of you.
Best for
- Skin laxity, a softening jawline, loose neck skin
- Wanting RF, EMS, and LED without buying attachments
- People who like a perceptible, active session
- Lower running costs over a year of use
Not the best fit for
- Buyers who specifically want sub-sensory true microcurrent
- People who want app-guided routines and tracking
- Anyone who prefers a treatment they cannot feel at all
- The lowest possible upfront price
Increase in facial muscle thickness in the treated group of a 108-person microcurrent trial
Clin Cosmet Investig Dermatol, 2024The dermal range a 2024 study found ideal for collagen restructuring under radiofrequency
J Cosmetic Dermatology, 2024In a split-face trial, a home RF device outperformed an anti-aging cosmetic across wrinkles, elasticity and skin thickness
Dermatology and Therapy, 2022Microcurrent versus EMS: the difference nobody explains properly
This is where most comparison pages go vague, so here it is in plain terms. The two devices stimulate muscle in fundamentally different ways, and the gap is not marketing. It is two orders of magnitude of electrical current.
What true microcurrent actually is
Microcurrent, the technology NuFACE built its name on, delivers current in the microamp range. The Trinity+ runs at 340 microamps, with a boost button adding 25 percent for stubborn areas. That sits below the threshold most people can feel, which is the entire point. It is designed to echo the body's own low-level bioelectric signals and is marketed as a workout for the muscles of the face and neck. A 2024 systematic review of at-home rejuvenation devices in Clinical, Cosmetic and Investigational Dermatology describes how microcurrent uses low-frequency pulsed currents to act on skin, subcutaneous tissue, and muscle, and notes a randomized controlled trial of a portable microcurrent device in which 108 participants were enrolled and the treated group showed measurable gains, including an 18.7 percent increase in muscle thickness by weeks five to six against no significant change in the controls. NuFACE essentially created the consumer microcurrent category, the Trinity+ carries an FDA clearance as a facial toning device, and two decades of esthetician heritage sit behind the brand. That track record is real, and it deserves stated credit rather than a competitor's shrug.
What the Lumo+ stimulation mode actually is
The Lumo+ muscle mode is EMS, and it runs at 3 to 15 milliamps. The Trinity+ microcurrent runs at 340 microamps, about a third of a single milliamp. The two sit in different measurement scales entirely, microamps against milliamps, and depending on the setting the Lumo+ delivers anywhere from several times to roughly forty times the current. You feel it. Facial muscles visibly respond during a session. Some people find that reassuring, because the sensation confirms something is happening. Others prefer the Trinity's barely-there touch. Neither preference is wrong. But the technologies are not the same, and the box for the Lumo+ says microcurrent (EMS) for exactly this reason. We say it the same way here: the Lumo+ stimulation is EMS, not sub-sensory microcurrent.
Microcurrent sends a tiny electrical current that stimulates facial muscles for tone and lift. Radiofrequency heats the deeper dermis to encourage collagen and the look of firmer skin. Microcurrent works on muscle; radiofrequency works on skin. The Trinity+ is a microcurrent device. The Lumo+ uses radiofrequency plus EMS muscle stimulation and LED, which is why the comparison is not like for like.
So why would anyone choose the Lumo+ for muscle work? Because muscle stimulation is only one of three things it does, and for many of the concerns that bring people to this comparison, it is not even the most important one.
The radiofrequency gap
Radiofrequency is the technology the Trinity+ simply does not have, in any model or attachment. The Lumo+ delivers 1 MHz bipolar RF with adjustable warming up to 60 degrees Celsius at the head, producing gentle dermal heating. This matters because of where skin laxity actually comes from.
Facial aging is driven largely by collagen breakdown and dermal thinning. RF works by a route unlike light-based treatments: as research on monopolar radiofrequency describes, it generates heat through the tissue's own resistance to an electrical current, converting that current to thermal energy in the dermis. A 2024 porcine-model study identified roughly 50 to 60 degrees Celsius as the ideal dermal range for collagen restructuring, within the broader window the literature associates with collagen remodeling, and it notes that the firming effect continues to develop over the months that follow as collagen reorganizes. Those figures come from clinical monopolar systems, which reach deeper and hotter than a home bipolar device like the Lumo+. The mechanism is shared; the intensity is not, which is the honest trade every at-home device makes. Crucially for a home device, a home-use RF unit was tested in a randomized split-face trial of 32 women aged 35 to 60 over 12 weeks, with each participant's treated side compared against an anti-aging cosmetic on the other side. The treated side showed significantly greater improvement in wrinkles, elasticity, and skin thickness, and the device was judged safe and effective. That device is not the Lumo+, but it is the same category of at-home RF tool.
This is the real fork in the road. Muscle stimulation, whether microamp or milliamp, works on the muscle layer and the lifted look that comes with toning it. RF works on the skin itself. If your main concerns are laxity, a softening jawline, loose neck skin, or crepey texture, RF belongs in your routine, and choosing the Trinity+ means buying a second device to add it. Choosing the Lumo+ means it is already in your hand, next to EMS and LED. If your main concern is contour and lift with maximum comfort and laxity is not high on your list, the Trinity+ covers your real need without paying for technologies you will not use.
The criteria that should decide this
Before the spec table, here are the five questions worth answering honestly about yourself. The right device falls out of the answers.
What is your primary concern?
Laxity and loose skin point to RF, which only the Lumo+ has. Contour and a toned look can be served by either, through different currents. Name the concern first; the technology follows.
Do you want to feel it?
The Trinity's microcurrent is sub-sensory by design. The Lumo+ EMS is clearly perceptible. This is pure preference, but it is a real and lasting one, so be honest about which camp you are in.
One device or a system?
The Lumo+ combines three modalities in one head. Matching that with NuFACE means the Complete Set plus its LED attachment. Decide whether you want simplicity or a modular kit.
How much hand-holding do you want?
The Trinity+ app with guided routines and a progress tracker is the best in the category. The Lumo+ has none of that. If coaching keeps you consistent, this is a point in NuFACE's favor.
What is the true cost over a year?
Look past the sticker to the gel. Proprietary activators in small sizes add up; a large bottle of third-party-compatible gel does not. Running cost can outweigh the upfront difference.
Side by side
| Specification | EvenSkyn Lumo+ | NuFACE Trinity+ |
|---|---|---|
| Core technologies | RF (1 MHz bipolar), EMS (3 to 15 mA), red LED (623 nm), blue LED (465 nm), warming to 60°C | True microcurrent (340 microamps, plus 25% boost); red, amber, and infrared LED via the Wrinkle Reducer attachment on the Complete Set |
| Radiofrequency | Yes, built in | No, not in any configuration |
| Muscle stimulation | EMS, milliamp range, a perceptible contraction | Microcurrent, microamp range, sub-sensory |
| Light therapy | Red and blue LED in the same head | Red, amber, infrared via a separate attachment (Complete Set) |
| Session time | About 5 minutes, 2 to 3 times per week | About 5 minutes per treatment area |
| Price (June 2026) | $499.99 | About $395 for starter configurations; $595 list for the Complete Set with all attachments |
| Conductive gel | Any water-based conductive gel; EvenSkyn's is $49.99 for 300 ml | NuFACE recommends its own activators; included sizes are small (1.69 oz and 0.5 oz); replacements from about $35 |
| App | None required | App-connected, guided routines, progress tracker |
| Regulatory status | General wellness beauty device | FDA-cleared facial toning device |
| Warranty | 2-year warranty, 60-day money-back guarantee | 1-year warranty per retail listings; confirm return terms at purchase |
Brand names belong to their respective owners and appear here for comparison only. Specifications and prices change; verify against the live listing before buying either device.
Putting the evidence together
Here is the honest inference, labeled as inference rather than proof. The research is clearest that radiofrequency can improve the look of firmer skin by heating dermal collagen, and that current-based muscle stimulation can increase muscle thickness and tone. Those are two different mechanisms acting on two different layers. A person over 40 noticing both looser skin and a less defined contour is experiencing both kinds of change at once. That is the case for a multi-modality device like the Lumo+: not that it beats a specialist at the specialist's one job, but that it addresses more of the picture from a single handset. If your change is concentrated in one layer, a focused tool can be the smarter, cheaper choice, and for pure sub-sensory microcurrent that focused tool is the Trinity+.
The ongoing cost nobody puts in the headline
Both technologies need a conductive medium. Dry skin does not transmit current or RF energy properly, so gel is not optional for either device, and gel economics quietly decide the real cost of ownership.
NuFACE recommends its proprietary activators. The included sizes are small: 1.69 ounces of Aqua Gel, about 50 millilitres, and half an ounce of Silk Creme, with replacement activators starting around 35 dollars. Used as directed for every session, frequent users replace them regularly, and the per-millilitre cost runs high. The Lumo+ works with any water-based conductive gel; EvenSkyn's own is 49.99 dollars for 300 millilitres, six times the volume of the included NuFACE Aqua Gel for a comparable price. Over a year of consistent use, the consumable gap can exceed the difference in device prices. Whichever device you pick, and whichever brand of gel you buy, budget for it honestly and never run sessions on bare skin or ordinary moisturizer.
| Cost over the first year | EvenSkyn Lumo+ | NuFACE Trinity+ Complete |
|---|---|---|
| Device price | $499.99 | $595.00 |
| Conductive medium | $49.99 for 300 ml | Activators from about $35; included sizes 1.69 oz and 0.5 oz |
| Volume per purchase | 300 ml | About 50 ml plus 15 ml |
| Suggested session frequency | 2 to 3 times per week | Up to 5 times per week |
| Illustrative year-one total | About $600 (device plus roughly two bottles of gel) | About $630 to $700 (set plus replacement activators) |
| Illustrative ongoing year (gel only) | About $50 to $100 | About $70 to $140 or more |
Illustrative only, not a quote. Gel use depends on how often you treat and how much skin you cover, and the two brands suggest different session frequencies, so your real figures will vary. Device prices were verified June 2026; confirm current pricing and judge gel consumption against your own routine. The point is the shape of the cost, not a promise of an exact number.
If you are buying this for a parent
Both devices land well as a gift for a parent in their 50s, 60s, or beyond who has mentioned wanting to do something for their skin at home. The Trinity+ app and guided routines can make the experience feel supported for someone less comfortable with gadgets. The Lumo+ keeps it to one device and a bottle of gel, with a long warranty behind it. Either way, frame it as a piece of self-care they might enjoy, not a comment on how they look.
A small tact note: pair it with a card about taking time for themselves, not with a before-and-after photo.
What it does, and what it will not
The honest pick box, because naming the limit is what makes the strengths believable.
What it does well
- Brings RF, EMS, and dual LED into one handset
- Targets skin laxity through real dermal-heating RF
- Lower running cost with cheap compatible gel
- 2-year warranty and a 60-day money-back window
- A perceptible session for those who want to feel it
What it will not do
- It will not deliver sub-sensory true microcurrent; that is EMS
- It will not coach you through an app or track progress
- It will not match clinic-depth energy; home RF is gentler by design
- It will not be the cheapest device at checkout
- It will not replace a dermatologist for significant laxity
For anyone shopping for a NuFACE alternative specifically because they want firming as well as toning, the Lumo+ is the more complete answer. For anyone who wants sub-sensory microcurrent and nothing more, it is not, and the Trinity+ is the better buy. That is the whole decision in two sentences.
See the Lumo+ in full
Full specifications, verified reviews, and the 60-day money-back guarantee that lets you judge results on your own skin.
View the EvenSkyn Lumo+Frequently asked questions
Does the NuFACE Trinity+ have radiofrequency?
No. The Trinity+ is a microcurrent device in every configuration. Its Complete Set adds an LED light attachment, but no NuFACE Trinity device offers RF. If radiofrequency is what you want, you would need a separate RF device alongside it.
What is the difference between microcurrent and radiofrequency?
Microcurrent delivers a tiny electrical current that stimulates the facial muscles to support tone and a lifted look. Radiofrequency heats the deeper layer of skin, the dermis, to encourage collagen and the look of firmer skin. In short, microcurrent works on the muscle and radiofrequency works on the skin itself. They address different signs of aging, which is why some devices combine them. The Trinity+ is microcurrent only; the Lumo+ includes radiofrequency along with EMS muscle stimulation and LED.
What is the difference between the NuFACE Trinity and the Trinity+?
The original Trinity is the older model. The Trinity+ is the newer, app-connected version with updated microcurrent output, the boost button, and progress tracking, and it accepts the current attachment range. This comparison uses the Trinity+, since it is the model NuFACE actively sells. Neither version offers radiofrequency, so the core comparison with the Lumo+ holds for both.
Which is better for sagging or loose skin?
Skin laxity is primarily a dermal-collagen concern, and radiofrequency is the technology most associated in research with the look of firmer, tighter skin, because it heats the dermis where collagen remodels. The Lumo+ includes RF; the Trinity+ does not. For contour and lift driven by the muscle layer, both devices apply, through different current types.
Is the NuFACE Trinity+ worth it?
If you specifically want dedicated true microcurrent with app coaching and a sensation-free treatment, yes, it is a well-made device from the brand that created the category, and it is worth its price for that purpose. Where it is not the right spend is if your main concern is skin laxity rather than muscle tone, because it has no radiofrequency, or if running cost matters to you, since its proprietary activators in small sizes add up over a year. Match the device to your actual concern and the answer becomes clear.
How much do the two devices really cost over a year?
As of June 2026, the Lumo+ is $499.99 plus roughly one to two 300 ml bottles of gel at $49.99 each for consistent use. The Trinity+ starts around $395, or $595 for the Complete Set, plus proprietary activators from about $35 in small sizes, replaced regularly. For frequent users, the Trinity+ often costs more across twelve months once consumables are counted.
Can I use EvenSkyn conductive gel with a NuFACE device?
EvenSkyn's gel is a water-based conductive gel designed to work with any microcurrent, EMS, RF, or ultrasound device. NuFACE recommends its own activators, so check your warranty terms before substituting any third-party gel on any brand's device.
Do these devices give the same results as an in-clinic treatment?
No, and any device claiming to would be overstating. At-home devices, both of these included, deliver energy at gentler levels than professional clinic systems, which reach depths home devices are not designed to match. The trade is convenience, comfort, and cost against the greater intensity of a clinic. Home devices suit maintenance and the look of gradual improvement, not the results of a medical procedure.
How long until I see a difference with either device?
Expect gradual change, not an overnight result. Muscle-stimulation effects in studies build over several weeks of consistent use, and the collagen remodeling behind RF firming develops over the first few months. Both brands assume a regular routine; occasional use will underdeliver for either device.
Is the stronger EMS current in the Lumo+ safe?
EMS at the levels used in consumer facial devices is widely used and considered low-risk for people without the contraindications above. The sensation is stronger than microcurrent because the current is higher, but the Lumo+ offers adjustable levels so you can start gently. As with any energy device, follow the manual and stop if anything feels uncomfortable.
Are there people who should not use either device?
Yes. Anyone who is pregnant, has a pacemaker or implanted electronic device, has a history of seizures, or has active cancer in the treatment area should not use microcurrent or EMS devices, and should speak with a doctor before using RF. This is standard guidance for both brands. If any of it might apply to you, ask your physician before buying either device, ours included.
Which should I buy if I am new to facial devices?
If you want guidance and a gentle, sensation-free start, the Trinity+ app makes it easy to build a habit. If you want to address skin firmness as well as tone from the outset and prefer one device over a kit, the Lumo+ covers more ground, and its 60-day money-back guarantee lets you test it on your own face with little risk. Match the choice to your primary concern and your appetite for coaching.
How we built this comparison
Specifications for the Lumo+ come from its current product page. Specifications, prices, and kit contents for the NuFACE Trinity+ were verified against mynuface.com, Amazon, and authorized NuFACE retailers on the review date shown above; prices and configurations change, so confirm against the live listing before purchase. Health and mechanism claims are grounded in the peer-reviewed sources listed below, each verified at the time of writing and cited for the specific claim it supports. Where a result comes from a manufacturer rather than independent research, we say so in the text. This article is published by EvenSkyn, maker of the Lumo+, and discloses that ownership openly rather than presenting itself as an independent third party.
References
- Bu P, Duan R, Luo J, Yang T, Liu N, Wen C. Development of Home Beauty Devices for Facial Rejuvenation: Establishment of Efficacy Evaluation System. Clinical, Cosmetic and Investigational Dermatology. 2024;17:553-563. doi:10.2147/CCID.S449599. PMID 38476342. pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC10929553
- Shu X, et al. Effectiveness of a Radiofrequency Device for Rejuvenation of Aged Skin at Home: A Randomized Split-Face Clinical Trial. Dermatology and Therapy. 2022. doi:10.1007/s13555-022-00697-y. pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC9021338
- Park C, Hong J, Ryu HG, et al. Monopolar Radiofrequency for Dermal Temperature Regulation and Remodeling: A Porcine Model Study. Journal of Cosmetic Dermatology. 2024. doi:10.1111/jocd.16495. PMID 39049551. pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC11626309
This article is for general education and is not medical advice. At-home beauty devices are not a substitute for professional medical treatment, and results vary between individuals. Consult a qualified healthcare professional before starting any device if you have a medical condition or any of the contraindications described above. NuFACE and Trinity+ are trademarks of their respective owner and are referenced here for comparison purposes only. Prices and specifications were accurate to the best of our research on the review date and are subject to change. Published by EvenSkyn, maker of the Lumo+.
Leave a comment
All comments are moderated before being published.
This site is protected by hCaptcha and the hCaptcha Privacy Policy and Terms of Service apply.