The Best Electric Razors and Shavers, According to Barbers
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Traditional wet shaving simply isn’t for everyone. Whether that’s due to time constraints or never-ending bad experiences resulting in razor burn, bumps, and skin irritation, the best electric razors and shavers could be the solution. “Electric razors can be used anywhere, anytime, and are particularly handy for quick touch-ups,” says Dr. Anna Chacon, a Miami-based board-certified dermatologist. “Electric razors are also designed to be gentle on the skin, reducing the risk of cuts, nicks, and razor burn that can occur with manual razors.”
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Though having history can be a benefit to design, as is the case with many safety razors, it can also be baggage — baggage that most electric razors don’t carry because they were developed more recently. Instead, today’s best electric razors get to capitalize on all the accumulated shaving knowledge and technology from the last 100+ years to approach something closer to a technological solution instead of a mere shaving tool.
Unfortunately, that usually means that even middle-of-the-road electric razors will still cost more than any other kinds of razors upfront. At the same time, the price range is wide, roughly running between $50 and $300, with $75 to $150 being closer to the sweet spot for most electric razors.
What the Experts Say
SPY spoke with five experts for this piece, including Sunny Kambo, professional barber and barber instructor at WiseBarber; Tom Yates, director of Cut Throat Club; grooming specialist and makeup artist Merrell Hollis; Dr. Anna Chacon, a board-certified dermatologist at MyPsoriasisTeam; and Patrick Butler, senior director of creative and technical education at Floyd’s 99 Barbershop. The experts easily achieved consensus on a few factors.
First, electric razors and shavers are by far the most convenient — they’re general time-savers and ideal for sensitive skin because of how they cut hair. “Electric shavers are the best alternative if you have sensitive skin or if you have any type of curly hair or any problems with ingrown hair,” Hollis says. “They cut just close enough to the skin, which prevents razor bumps and irritation.”
Second, most electric razors work in more or less the same way, so they only majorly diverge in quality at the high and low ends. Kambo recommends going with a “trusted brand” and spending around $100 to $150 for a professional-quality shaver with a good warranty and replaceable heads. Though, for what it’s worth, blades, heads and foils don’t need to be replaced nearly as often with electric razors. “Blades never really need to be replaced,” Yates says. “They tend to last for years.”
Third, every electric razor also comes with a bit of a learning curve and must be used daily, as designed and intended, to keep beard hair in check. “The most important thing to remember is that the electric shaver is a 1-2 combination along with a trimmer,” Kambo says. “You need to use it daily so that your hair doesn’t grow too long because the shaver is only capable of shaving shorter-length hair.”
BEST OVERALL
Panasonic Arc5 Electric Razor for Men
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A great shave doesn’t have to cost an arm and a leg, but that doesn’t mean there’s nothing to gain by spending a bit more. For guys who want only the best and are prepared to pay for it, the Panasonic Arc5 Electric Razor comes with all the bells and whistles necessary for a high-performance tool and an excellent shave.
“This shaver stands out for its high-performance motor with linear drive, delivering 70,000 cuts per minute,” Chacon says. “The built-in shaving sensor monitors beard density to adjust cutting power, ensuring a gentle yet effective shave.”
Kambo is also a big fan. “This electric shaver works really well and has multiple foil heads, along with a trimmer-like function, as well, to get the best of both worlds,” he says. (Sure, guys don’t need five sharp inner blades, extra-thin outer foils and wet/dry capabilities to achieve a top-notch shave, but they certainly help.)
The bottom line? This has been one of the best electric razors for years because its combination of features and design helps it impart a fast, even, and minimally irritating shave.
RUNNER UP
Braun Series 7 7071cc Flex Electric Razor
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Why It Stands Out: The next model down from the Braun Series 9, the Braun Series 7 Electric Razor offers many of the same benefits as its top-of-the-line counterpart. It can cut up to three day-old beards, it features AutoSense technology that adapts its power to beard density, it has both wet and dry capabilities, and it delivers thousands of close cuts per minute. Unlike the Series 9, it features a 360-degree flexible head, which can help some guys with contouring.
ROI: If guys want a premium electric razor without spending damn near $300, the Braun Series 7 delivers excellent value for its $150 price.
Hot Take: “This is also very good and functions very well,” Kambo says. “Braun makes exceptional shavers, and this one is no exception.”
BEST ROTARY SHAVER
Phillips Norelco Shaver 3800
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Why It Stands Out: The Philips Norelco Shaver 3800 is one of the most popular electric razors on Amazon, rotary or otherwise. That’s no coincidence, as the 3800 packs a lot of useful features into a bargain-priced shaver, including five-directional pivoting on the head for improved contouring, self-sharpening blades to minimize irritation, wet and a dry capabilities, a 60-minute runtime, and a five-minute quick-charge for a single shave in a pinch.
ROI: At well under $100, the 3800 offers a strong return on investment and can serve as an all-around solid first rotary shaver before splurging on a pricier option.
Hot Take: “Norelco definitely leads the way with its electric rotary razors,” Butler says. “I love the versatility of the 3800. There are times where I’m in a hurry and will shave quickly while my face and beard are dry.”
BEST BUDGET
Remington Foil Shaver
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Why It Stands Out: The Remington Foil Shaver is the epitome of cheap but effective. The battery lasts 60 around minutes, which is more than enough time to deliver multiple quick shaves from the two foil shavers. The inclusion of a pop-out detailer is really going above and beyond and entirely welcome, too.
ROI: Guys can buy like six of these electric razors for the price of the top options from Braun and Panasonic, so even if it doesn’t last as long, it’s easily replaceable.
Hot Take: “It feels somewhat cheap but it works effectively,” Kambo says. “It’s what I used over 18 years ago as a teenager before becoming a barber. It works really well and is always priced right.”
EASIEST TO USE
Wahl Professional 5 Star Vanish Shaver
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Why It Stands Out: Braun and Panasonic have led the way with shavers and trimmers over the last decade or so, but historically, Wahl was the king of clippers and electric shaving products. The Wahl Professional 5 Star Vanish Shaver takes a classic foil shaver design and optimizes it with ultra-thin foils, independent pop-out foil bars for easy swaps, a 100-minute runtime, and an updated suspension system that delivers a close shave on curves and jawlines.
ROI: Costing just over $100, the Wahl electric razor is fairly priced, though guys who want more features could seek them elsewhere for less money.
Hot Take: “My favorite shaver would be the Wahl 5 Star Vanish Shaver,” Kambo says. “It has a very long battery life and an interchangeable charging cord with all other tools. It can be used worldwide, is super powerful with no irritation, and has been perfected over 100 years. It’s currently what I use.”
BEST TRIMMER
Phillips Norelco OneBlade Hybrid Electric Trimmer and Shaver
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Why It Stands Out: Of all the products here, the Philips Norelco OneBlade is the only one that can reasonably claim to have changed the casual shaving game. It massively popularized the idea that a trimmer could be cheap, compact, portable, and still effective at cutting everything from light scruff on down. “This hybrid tool can trim, edge, and shave any length of hair,” Chacon says. “It’s cost-effective, easy to use, and ideal for those who prefer a stubble look.”
ROI: At under $40, the upfront cost of this shaving tool is crazy cheap. However, the OneBlade — that is, the actual blade that cuts — does need to be replaced every few months depending on usage, which will raise the cost over time.
Hot Take: Talk to professionals and they’ll generally lean toward high-end tools; it’s only logical for them to seek out the absolute best. But talk to the average Joe, and he probably owns the OneBlade because it’s so damn easy to use. The included guards make trimming easy, the shape of the head makes edging easy, and the razor will actually easily shave if applied without the guards. It’s also 100% waterproof. Yes, shaving really can be that simple and low-cost.
BEST TRIMMER
King C. Gillette Men's All-in-One Styler Cordless Stubble Trimmer
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Why It Stands Out: The King C. Gillette Stubble Trimmer is very similar to the Philips Norelco OneBlade in most regards — it’s waterproof, portable, and great for touch-ups and trims — only it’s produced by Braun and looks cooler, or at least less goofy. Unlike other options, it’s primarily meant for trimming and styling as opposed to delivering a super-close shave.
ROI: This offers an excellent ROI at just under $40, though the cost of replacement blades will add up over time. It’ll still take years to equal the cost of one of the $300 electric razors.
Hot Take: This razor will not handle heavy scruff — at least not efficiently — or leave faces with that baby butt-level of smoothness. But what it does do (namely, trimming and styling), it does really well. “This is a good little trimmer-type razor,” Kambo says. “It doesn’t necessarily get as close but does a great job, similar to the Philips OneBlade. It’s good for light-duty trims, but FYI, it wouldn’t be able to handle heavier beards unless used with the guard or attachment that comes with it.”
BEST DESIGN
Bevel Electric Shaver
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Why It Stands Out: Bevel is all about shaving products that cut above the skin line, typically resulting in less irritation and razor bumps. That’s especially true with the brand’s Electric Shaver. “Bevel’s technology is top-tier,” Hollis says. “It adapts to different textures and densities to ensure an even, flawless shave. It also has three unique blades that adapt to the contours of the face, which allow it to glide across the skin without error because of the advanced auto sensory technology. It’s so important to have this feature for those who have sensitive skin or issues with ingrown hairs.”
ROI: The Bevel is fairly priced around $100, offering a solid ROI. However, as a newer brand, its replacement components could be more difficult to find and expensive.
Hot Take: “I’ve used so many electric shavers and they are carbon copies of basically the same tool,” Hollis says. “Bevel tools and products are made to solve solutions and the new Bevel Electric Shaver is just that — and it’s affordable.”
Frequently Asked Questions About Electric Shavers
Why should guys consider using an electric razor?
Chacon hits the nail on the head here. “Electric razors can be a good choice for a variety of men, including those who are always on the go and value convenience, those with sensitive skin that’s prone to irritation, or those who prefer not to deal with the mess and time commitment of traditional wet shaving,” he says. “They’re also beneficial for men who need to shave daily, as they can make the process quicker and more comfortable.”
In short, electric razors take a lot of time and effort out of the shave for busy guys and they don’t cut as closely as traditional razors, which is great for guys with sensitive skin.
What’s the difference between foil shavers and rotary shavers? Why use one or the other?
Rotary shavers use three or four circular rotating blades on a base meant to follow the contours of the face, Hollis says. In contrast, foil shavers rely on folded, perforated foil to cover the blades, allowing them to cut hair but not skin.
Though both rotary and foil shavers are great for sensitive skin, rotary shavers often don’t cut quite as close to the skin as foil shavers, so they could be preferable to frequent sufferers of ingrown hairs and skin irritation, Yates says.
Ultimately, though, these are generalizations and can’t account for personal preference, so neither foil nor rotary is best; the best electric razor will depend on a particular man’s shaving needs, hair type, and skin sensitivity, Chacon says.
What are some tips for best results using and maintaining an electric razor?
Kambo recommends being extra gentle for first-time users and allowing the razor to do the work. Electric razors already work great on dry hair without any prep, but if using one wet, beard hair shouldn’t be dripping because the water can cause hair to get stuck on the razor and mess with the hair uptake.
For upkeep, rinse the razor clean if it’s water-resistant, patting it dry with a cloth or letting it air-dry and opening up the pop-out trimmer, if present. Without water, open up the razor and gently dust out the hair before placing it in a dry, clean place and/or a charging station for next time.
How much should I expect to spend for a decent electric razor?
Multiple experts recommended spending between $75 and $150 for a good electric shaver. “Go above that and you’re usually just paying for the name,” Yates says.
Chacon agrees. “While the higher-priced electric shavers often offer a better shaving experience and more features, there can be a point of diminishing returns,” he adds.
Of course, spending less than $75 doesn’t necessarily mean a poor electric razor — only that it might not offer as many features or work as effectively as others.
How often do I need to replace the blades and/or foils on my electric razor?
Unlike safety razor blades, guys don’t need to change the heads for their rotary shavers or the cutters and foils for foil shavers often. Because these components are designed for months-long use and will degrade differently based on shave routines and individual skin and hair, the common sense rule of thumb is to replace the parts when they don’t feel like they’re cutting cleanly anymore or they’re leaving skin irritated.
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1. Braun Series 9
This electric razor can practically be considered the premium sports car of foil shavers with the design, specs and performance to justify its high price tag. Hidden behind its beautiful and 100% waterproof aluminum casing is a super-powerful motor that generates 40,000 “cross-cutting actions per minute” to execute the smoothest dry and wet shaves possible. The motor also has autosensing capabilities that determine the density of hair to optimize strokes and catch more hair without tugging. Braun even bundles the Series 9 with its handsome Clean & Charging Station to dock the machine, proudly displaying it as a bathroom centerpiece.
Pros: Includes convenient charging dock and carry case. Powerful cross-cutting motor for a smoother shave. Automatically adjusts pressure depending on hair density.
Cons: Some may prefer a more economical option.
Braun Series 9
2. Philips Norelco 9500 Electric Shaver, S9985/84
This shaver from Philips brings high-tech performance to a rotary design in the shaver to detect the amount of pressure you’re using and alert you with a light to tell you if you’re using too much or too little pressure. Meanwhile, the sensors also measure your facial hair density and adjust the cutting power for an optimal shave. With wet/dry capabilities, 72 blades and 150,000 cutting actions per minute, this is one electric razor that takes the effort out of shaving while still delivering a clean, comfortable cut.
Pros: Sensors adjust cutting power for an optimal shave. Works wet or dry. Includes pop-up trimmer, carrying case and charging stand.
Cons: Some may prefer a more economical model.
Philips Norelco 9500 Electric Shaver, S9985/84
3. Braun Series 7
The Series 9 is more of an investment, but if you're looking for the next best thing from Braun at a relatively affordable price, then it’s the Series 7. This critically acclaimed shaver comes with numerous features tailored for men with sensitive skin. Included is a console that automatically cleans and charges the shaver when not in use. It's also fully waterproof, so you can quickly rinse it off or shave in the shower when time isn’t on your side. What’s cool is that the Series 7 carries the same intelligent sonic and auto-sense technology as its successor, automatically adjusting power based on where you're shaving for a closer and more precise shave. We love how nimble and flexible the shaving head feels, which provides relief shaving around fragile areas.
Pros: Fully waterproof for easy cleaning. Auto-sense technology. Includes travel case.
Cons: Includes wall adapter for charging, but doesn't come with a convenient dock.
Braun Series 7
4. Philips Norelco OneBlade Hybrid Electric Trimmer and Shaver
If multifunctionality was the biggest selling point for an electric shaver, then the OneBlade would be considered the Leatherman of the category. An all-in-one device that can shave, trim, edge and style facial hair is the best way to describe this amazing creation from Philips. The dual-sided blade system is well-engineered and seamlessly mows through dense hair to create the ideal five-o’clock shadow look. You won’t achieve the same clean-cut shave as a straight razor, but its precision allows for better and more creative styling; it’s a breeze to line up your forehead and sideburns. The 45-minute battery and portable design also make the OneBlade a great travel companion.
Pros: Versatile and compact tool for a variety of shaving needs. Works for trimming, edging and shaving.
Cons: Not as powerful as other options.
Philips Norelco OneBlade Hybrid Electric Trimmer and Shaver
5. Remington F5-5800 Electric Razor
Remington is right up there with Philips Norelco, Braun and Panasonic as one of the top purveyors of the best electric razors. The Remington F5-5800 Electric Razor is effective for its price and includes the basic essential features you’d want out of an electric razor at this price point. The head pivots to maintain close skin contact, the razor runs for 60 minutes on a two-hour charge time, the detail trimmer takes care of the small stuff and you can rinse the razor under the faucet. Plus, it just works. At the end of the day, that’s all you can ask for out of a moderately priced electric razor.
Pros: Economical option. Pivoting head for close contact. Can run for up to an hour on a short two-hour charge.
Cons: Not as many high-tech features.
Remington F5-5800 Electric Razor
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