Concur. The cheapest/fastest plan is to kill as many folicles with laser as possible, then electrolysis the rest. Those with dark skin can do laser but require a laser with a longer wavelength (e.g. Nd:YAG 1064nm).
My laser sessions are USD $180 for the whole face, and my electrolysis is $65/hour. I find electrolysis is much more painful. I manage it with over-the-counter lidocaine 5% topical for both laser and electrolysis, and an additional prescription hydrocodone bitartrate 7.5mg oral for electrolysis. I hear 6 sessions of laser is average, with 3-4 weeks between sessions for the hair to shed. I hear electrolysis takes 200-400 hours for a full beard.