No, laser and IPL hair removal don’t hurt as much as other semi-permanent methods (i.e., waxing or epilating); it can be compared to a rubber band snapping on the skin. The pain intensity is mostly based on your pain tolerance and the area being lasered.
For example, some people find the armpits to be more uncomfortable than the legs, while others feel more pain around the bikini area. As opposed to beauty salon treatments, some at-home lasers have settings that allow you to personalize your treatment level, making it more or less intense.