Comparison Guides
Pro 1 Pico vs Candela PicoWay
Both are 1064 nm picosecond platforms. The Pro 1 Pico leads on single-pulse peak power — ~1.6 GW (800 mJ ÷ 500 ps) vs the PicoWay's ~0.90 GW — and adds long-pulse 1064 nm vascular and hair-reduction modes the PicoWay does not have.
Closely matched picosecond platforms. The Pro 1 Pico differentiates on a double-pulse high-power mode and added vascular/hair-reduction versatility; the PicoWay's strength is its four native picosecond wavelengths.
- Single-pulse peak power ~1.6 GW (800 mJ ÷ 500 ps) vs ~0.90 GW; the Pro 1 Pico adds up to 1600 mJ cumulative PTP dual-pulse energy.
- Pro 1 Pico adds long-pulse 1064 nm vascular and hair-reduction modes; the PicoWay is picosecond-only.
- The PicoWay offers four native picosecond wavelengths (532/730/785/1064 nm).
Side-by-side specifications
| Specification | Pro 1 Pico | Candela PicoWay |
|---|---|---|
| Peak power (calculated) | ~1.6 GW single-pulse (800 mJ ÷ 500 ps) | ~0.90 GW (1064 nm, 400 mJ ÷ 450 ps) |
| Wavelengths | 1064 / 532 nm (+ optional 585/650 nm) | 532 / 730 / 785 / 1064 nm (four native) |
| Pulse width | 500 ps | 450 ps (1064 nm) |
| Max pulse energy | Up to 1600 mJ (double-pulse) | 400 mJ (1064 nm) |
| Long-pulse / vascular / hair-reduction mode | Yes — long-pulse 1064 nm | No (picosecond only) |
| Skin-type suitability | All Fitzpatrick types (I–VI) | Picosecond pigment/tattoo platform |
| Regulatory | Health Canada licensed (MDL 114765), FDA cleared | FDA cleared (Health Canada status not stated) |
| Condition | New — full warranty, training, support | New or used (see notes below) |
Candela PicoWay specifications per the manufacturer/retailer listing (source); items not published there are shown as “Not specified.”
Key differences
- Higher single-pulse peak power: ~1.6 GW (800 mJ ÷ 500 ps) vs ~0.90 GW — plus up to 1600 mJ cumulative PTP dual-pulse energy.
- The Pro 1 Pico adds long-pulse 1064 nm vascular and hair-reduction modes — the PicoWay is picosecond-only.
- The PicoWay's strength is breadth: four native picosecond wavelengths (532/730/785/1064 nm); the Pro 1 Pico uses 1064/532 with optional 585/650 nm handpieces.
- A new Pro 1 Pico includes warranty, training, and support; a used picosecond laser can carry recertification, parts, and service considerations.
Peak power, honestly
On calculated single-pulse peak power, the Pro 1 Pico leads: 800 mJ in a single 500 ps pulse calculates to ~1.6 GW, versus the PicoWay’s ~0.90 GW (400 mJ ÷ 450 ps). The Pro 1 Pico’s PTP dual-pulse mode adds further energy headroom — up to 1600 mJ of cumulative energy across two closely spaced picosecond pulses, rather than one larger pulse.
Wavelengths
This is where the PicoWay is strong: it offers four native picosecond wavelengths (532/730/785/1064 nm). The Pro 1 Pico uses 1064 and 532 nm with optional 585/650 nm pigment handpieces. If maximum native wavelength breadth is the priority, the PicoWay leads on that axis.
Versatility the PicoWay does not have
Both are picosecond pigment/tattoo platforms, but only the Pro 1 Pico adds a dedicated long-pulse 1064 nm mode for vascular protocols and hair-reduction — extending one platform across more of a clinic’s menu.
New vs used: what you’re really buying
A used picosecond laser can carry recertification, proprietary consumable/handpiece access, software and field-service, and out-of-warranty repair considerations. A new Pro 1 Pico includes a manufacturer warranty, training, and ongoing support.
Competitor specifications are taken from Candela’s published materials for a new device; used units may differ. This is a factual specification comparison, not a clinical-outcome claim.
Summary
The Pro 1 Pico and PicoWay are closely matched picosecond pigment/tattoo platforms. On calculated single-pulse peak power the Pro 1 Pico leads (~1.6 GW vs ~0.90 GW), and it adds up to 1600 mJ of cumulative PTP dual-pulse energy plus dedicated long-pulse 1064 nm vascular and hair-reduction modes the PicoWay does not offer, with new-device warranty and training. The PicoWay's strength is its four native picosecond wavelengths.
FAQs
Is the Pro 1 Pico more powerful than the PicoWay?
On calculated single-pulse peak power, yes — about ~1.6 GW for the Pro 1 Pico (800 mJ ÷ 500 ps) versus ~0.90 GW for the PicoWay's 1064 nm (400 mJ ÷ 450 ps), plus up to 1600 mJ of cumulative PTP dual-pulse energy.
Does the PicoWay have a vascular or hair-removal mode?
No — the PicoWay is a picosecond pigment/tattoo platform. The Pro 1 Pico adds a long-pulse 1064 nm mode used for vascular protocols and hair-reduction.
Which platform has more wavelengths?
The PicoWay has four native picosecond wavelengths (532/730/785/1064 nm). The Pro 1 Pico uses 1064 and 532 nm, with optional 585/650 nm pigment handpieces. The PicoWay's wavelength breadth is its main strength.
What is the pulse-width difference?
The Pro 1 Pico runs at 500 ps and the PicoWay's 1064 nm at 450 ps — both in the picosecond domain. The Pro 1 Pico pairs 500 ps with higher energy headroom (up to 1600 mJ double-pulse).
Which is better for darker skin tones?
Both offer a 1064 nm wavelength suited to deeper, lower-melanin-absorption treatment. The Pro 1 Pico is rated across Fitzpatrick I–VI with appropriate parameters.
Should I buy a used PicoWay?
A used picosecond laser can look cheaper upfront, but consider recertification, proprietary consumable/handpiece access, software and field service, and out-of-warranty repair exposure. A new Pro 1 Pico includes warranty, training, and support with no recertification fees.
Is the Pro 1 Pico licensed in Canada?
Yes — the Pro 1 Pico is licensed by Health Canada under Medical Device Licence 114765 and is FDA cleared. Confirm the PicoWay's current Health Canada status with its manufacturer.
What does the Pro 1 Pico add beyond tattoo and pigment?
Its long-pulse 1064 nm mode supports vascular and hair-reduction protocols, so one platform covers more of a clinic's service menu than a picosecond-only system.