Head to head

GentleLase vs Elite iQ (2026)

Compare purchase costs, running costs and the evidence behind each device.

Read the comparison overview

Purchase cost: The catalog lists $85k–$115k for Elite iQ. No new-price range is on file for GentleLase. Check the source notes and request current quotes.
Practice fit: GentleLase: alexandrite laser. Elite iQ: dual-wavelength platform. Check each model’s US regulatory status and labeled indications for your intended use.

Device A

Alexandrite laser

View full device profile →

Device B

Dual-wavelength platform

View full device profile →

Price comparison

Price comparison: Candela GentleLase vs Cynosure Elite iQ
Attribute	Candela GentleLase	Cynosure Elite iQ
New price range	Not published	$85k–$115kSource not documented
Used asking range	$8k–$18kSource not documented	$45k–$70kSource not documented
Payback calculator	View ROI calculator	View ROI calculator
Next step	Explore this model’s specs and owner reviews. For new-equipment inquiries, browse current models. Browse current models

New price range

Candela GentleLase: Not published
Cynosure Elite iQ: $85k–$115kSource not documented

Used asking range

Candela GentleLase: $8k–$18kSource not documented
Cynosure Elite iQ: $45k–$70kSource not documented

Payback calculator

Candela GentleLase: View ROI calculator
Cynosure Elite iQ: View ROI calculator

Next step

Candela GentleLase

Explore this model’s specs and owner reviews. For new-equipment inquiries, browse current models.

Browse current models

Cynosure Elite iQ

Consumable economics

Consumable economics: Candela GentleLase vs Cynosure Elite iQ
Attribute	Candela GentleLase	Cynosure Elite iQ
Consumable cost / lock-in	—	Supply pricing is not documented with a dated source yet. Request an itemized supply quote.
Service cost	Not published	Not published

Consumable cost / lock-in

Candela GentleLase: —
Cynosure Elite iQ: Supply pricing is not documented with a dated source yet. Request an itemized supply quote.

Service cost

Candela GentleLase: Not published
Cynosure Elite iQ: Not published

FDA clearance

FDA clearance: Candela GentleLase vs Cynosure Elite iQ
Attribute	Candela GentleLase	Cynosure Elite iQ
FDA status & indication	FDA ClearedK972767, K981351, K024335 Read FDA indication wording “The Candela GentleLase GL Dermatology Laser is indicated for the following uses: 1. the Photocoagulation of Dermatological vascular lesions. 2. the removal of hair.”	FDA ClearedK193426, K240396 Read FDA indication wording “755nm: The Elite iQ laser is indicated for stable long-term or permanent hair reduction. Permanent hair reduction is defined as long-term stable reduction in the number of hairs regrowing when measured at 6, 9 or 12 months after the completion of a treatment regime. It is used for skin types (Fitzpatrick I-VI) including tanned skin. It is also indicated for the treatment of vascular lesions, benign pigmented lesions, and wrinkles. 1064nm: The Elite iQ laser is intended for the coagulation and hemostasis of benign vascular lesions such as, but not limited to, port wine stains, hemangiomas, warts, telangiectasia, rosacea, venous lakes, leg veins, spider veins and poikiloderma of Civatte; and treatment of benign cutaneous lesions such as warts, scars, striae and psoriasis. The laser is also intended for the treatment of benign pigmented lesions such as, but not limited to, lentigines (age spots), solar lentigines (sunspots), cafe au lait macules, seborrheic keratoses, nevi, chloasma, 755 nm: The Cynosure Elite+ Laser is indicated for stable long-term, or permanent hair reduction. Permanent hair reduction is defined as long-term stable reduction in the number of hairs regrowting when measured 6, 9, or 12 months after the completion of a treatment regime. It is used for all skin types (Fitzpatrick I-VI) including tanned skin. It is also indicated for the treatment of vascular lesions, benign pigmented lesions, and wrinkles. 1064 nm: The Cynosure Elite+ Laser is intended for the coagulation and hemostasis of benign vascular lesions such as, but not limited to, port wine stains, hemangiomas, warts, telangectasia, rosacea, venus lake, leg veins, spider veins and poikiloderma of civatte; and treatment of benign cutaneous lesions such as warts, scars, striae and psoriasis. The laser is also intended for the treatment of benign pigmented lesions such as, but not limited to, lentigos (age spots), solar lentigos (sun spots), cafe au lait macules, seborrheic 755mn laser: Temporary hair reduction. Stable long-term or permanent hair reduction through selective targeting of melanin in hair follicles. Permanent hair reduction is defined as the long-term, stable reduction in the number of hairs regrowing when measured at 6,9, and 12 months after the completion of a treatment regime. On all skin types (Fitzpatrick I - VI) including tanned skin. Treatment of benign pigmented lesions. Treatment of wrinkles.”

FDA status & indication

Candela GentleLase: FDA ClearedK972767, K981351, K024335
Read FDA indication wording
“The Candela GentleLase GL Dermatology Laser is indicated for the following uses: 1. the Photocoagulation of Dermatological vascular lesions. 2. the removal of hair.”
Cynosure Elite iQ: FDA ClearedK193426, K240396
Read FDA indication wording
“755nm: The Elite iQ laser is indicated for stable long-term or permanent hair reduction. Permanent hair reduction is defined as long-term stable reduction in the number of hairs regrowing when measured at 6, 9 or 12 months after the completion of a treatment regime. It is used for skin types (Fitzpatrick I-VI) including tanned skin. It is also indicated for the treatment of vascular lesions, benign pigmented lesions, and wrinkles. 1064nm: The Elite iQ laser is intended for the coagulation and hemostasis of benign vascular lesions such as, but not limited to, port wine stains, hemangiomas, warts, telangiectasia, rosacea, venous lakes, leg veins, spider veins and poikiloderma of Civatte; and treatment of benign cutaneous lesions such as warts, scars, striae and psoriasis. The laser is also intended for the treatment of benign pigmented lesions such as, but not limited to, lentigines (age spots), solar lentigines (sunspots), cafe au lait macules, seborrheic keratoses, nevi, chloasma, 755 nm: The Cynosure Elite+ Laser is indicated for stable long-term, or permanent hair reduction. Permanent hair reduction is defined as long-term stable reduction in the number of hairs regrowting when measured 6, 9, or 12 months after the completion of a treatment regime. It is used for all skin types (Fitzpatrick I-VI) including tanned skin. It is also indicated for the treatment of vascular lesions, benign pigmented lesions, and wrinkles. 1064 nm: The Cynosure Elite+ Laser is intended for the coagulation and hemostasis of benign vascular lesions such as, but not limited to, port wine stains, hemangiomas, warts, telangectasia, rosacea, venus lake, leg veins, spider veins and poikiloderma of civatte; and treatment of benign cutaneous lesions such as warts, scars, striae and psoriasis. The laser is also intended for the treatment of benign pigmented lesions such as, but not limited to, lentigos (age spots), solar lentigos (sun spots), cafe au lait macules, seborrheic 755mn laser: Temporary hair reduction. Stable long-term or permanent hair reduction through selective targeting of melanin in hair follicles. Permanent hair reduction is defined as the long-term, stable reduction in the number of hairs regrowing when measured at 6,9, and 12 months after the completion of a treatment regime. On all skin types (Fitzpatrick I - VI) including tanned skin. Treatment of benign pigmented lesions. Treatment of wrinkles.”

Which chains run each

Which chains run each: Candela GentleLase vs Cynosure Elite iQ
Attribute	Candela GentleLase	Cynosure Elite iQ
Chain adoption	1 recorded pairing	2 recorded pairings
Chains using it	European Wax Center(Confirmed)	SEV Laser(Confirmed) Foxy Box Laser + Wax Bar(Confirmed)
Approved reviews	0	0

Chain adoption

Candela GentleLase: 1 recorded pairing
Cynosure Elite iQ: 2 recorded pairings

Chains using it

Candela GentleLase: European Wax Center(Confirmed)
Cynosure Elite iQ: SEV Laser(Confirmed)
Foxy Box Laser + Wax Bar(Confirmed)

Approved reviews

Candela GentleLase: 0
Cynosure Elite iQ: 0

Specs and platform

Specs and platform: Candela GentleLase vs Cynosure Elite iQ
Attribute	Candela GentleLase	Cynosure Elite iQ
Manufacturer	Candela	Cynosure
Built by (OEM)	Candela Corporation	Cynosure LLC
Category	Alexandrite laser	Dual-wavelength platform
Technology	755nm alexandrite + DCD cooling (Alexandrite)	755/1064nm + Skintel melanin reader (Alexandrite)
Launch year	1998	2020
Status	Legacy-used-market	Current
Manufacturer source record	No linked source on file.	No linked source on file.

Manufacturer

Candela GentleLase: Candela
Cynosure Elite iQ: Cynosure

Built by (OEM)

Candela GentleLase: Candela Corporation
Cynosure Elite iQ: Cynosure LLC

Current alternatives

Current catalog models in related categories. Confirm availability and configuration with the supplier.

Lumenis OptiLIGHT

IPL platform

New: —

Cutera Xeo

Multi-app platform

New: $80k–$120k

Cutera Excel HR

Dual-wavelength laser

New: $95k–$135k

InMode Triton

Triple-wavelength diode

New: $100k–$135k

Get a free recommendation Browse by goal

Device and company names are trademarks of their respective owners. The Aesthetic Index is not affiliated with or endorsed by any manufacturer, distributor or lender named here, except as disclosed. Price figures are references, not current offers. Check each device’s source notes. Not medical, legal or regulatory advice.