Buying guide for best electric razors
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Whether you have a full beard you need to maintain or you simply want a close-to-the-skin shave, an electric razor can be an invaluable tool. Using traditional razors can get wasteful and expensive, and you're more prone to nicks or cuts.
Finding the right electric razor means determining your needs first. If you want the absolute closest shave possible, you'll want a different tool than those who want to clean up their beard's edges or body hair. The prices can vary greatly, depending on features and reliability, anywhere from $30 to $500 or more. Ensuring you get the electric razor that fits your needs is paramount.
We've taken the guesswork off of your hands and dove into what makes each razor great, or not so great. At the end of the day, we loved the Braun Series 9 PRO+ Electric Razor. It handles everything you need, whether you want the closest shave or just beard management. It's a bit pricey, but for the features and the Braun brand, it's worth the investment.
Editors' picks
Braun Series 9 Pro+
Best of the Best
Type: Foil | Weight: 7.3 oz | Cordless: Yes | Runtime: 60 min | Wet or Dry: Both | Accessories: Travel case, cleaning brush, cleaning center, charging cable
The Braun Series 9 Pro+ is our pick for the best electric shaver available right now. It combines intelligence, power and portability in one convenient cordless package, and it comes with a bundle of accessories for upkeep.
The Pro+ is a foil shaver that runs at an estimated 40,000 cuts per minute and adds micro-vibrations for even more effectiveness, with auto-sensing that allows it to adapt to the thickness and growth of beard on your face. It has five shaving elements including a gold-colored lift blade for raising hairs into optimum shaving position.
It can cut as close as 0.05 millimeters from the skin for all-day smoothness, and it can also tackle up to a seven-day old beard. It weighs just over 7 ounces, and its shaving head swivels up to 40 degrees to follow the contours of your face. An included pre-shave attachment lifts and preps facial hair even more prior to shaving, and a built-in trimmer helps you get that sharp-edge look.
Fully cordless, the Braun Pro+ lasts 60 minutes on a full charge and works wet and dry. An included maintenance station helps keep it working at its best, and a travel case keeps it protected while on the road. Made in Germany, it’s not a cheap option, but for the best shave day in and day out, we think the Braun Series 9 Pro+ is the best electric shaver around.
Philips Norelco Shaver Series 9000 Prestige
Best Rotary Shaver
Type: Rotary | Weight: 6.9 oz | Cordless: Yes | Runtime: 60 min | Wet or Dry: Both | Accessories: Pouch, trimmer, brush, deep cleaning pod
The best rotary electric shaver available is, in our opinion, the Philips Norelco Series 9000 Prestige. With three dual-cutting rotary elements, an impressively adaptable swiveling head and auto-sensing, it delivers as close a shave as possible.
The 72 total blades in the Prestige boast nano-particle technology that keeps them sharper longer. The Prestige manages a staggering 165,000 cuts per minute, more than four times that of our top pick, ensuring a clean shave. To protect your skin, the Prestige’s shave head is coated in hydrophilic microbeads that improve glide and reduce irritation.
The Series 9000 Prestige is cordless, works wet and dry, and runs for up to 60 minutes. Its suspension system allows its shave head and individual rotary elements to freely adjust to the contours of the face and neck. It comes with a deep-cleaning system, cleaning bush, built-in trimmer and carry pouch. For buyers looking for a rotary shaver, we think the Philips Norelco Series 9000 Prestige is the best you can buy.
Philips Norelco OneBlade 360
Type: Blade | Weight: 5.43 oz | Cordless: Yes | Runtime: 45 min | Wet or Dry: Both | Accessories: USB-A cable, cap, adjustable guard
The Philips Norelco OneBlade 360 isn’t a traditional electric razor. Slim and light with an innovative blade and an appealing price tag, it’s an excellent choice for anyone looking for a simple but effective facial hair grooming system.
The OneBlade 360 uses a removable, replaceable blade that can cut at around 12,000 cuts per minute. It’s not designed to cut totally against the skin, but customers report it works well against even five o’clock shadow, and it’s effective in shaving off beards or trimming mustaches, goatees and other facial hair. The blade flexes in all directions to follow facial and neck contours, and the included trim guard can be adjusted from as long as 9 millimeters to as short as 0.5 millimeters.
The OneBlade 360 has a runtime of 45 minutes, not surprising considering its diminutive thickness, but it does take eight hours to charge. Its low price is offset by the price of its replacement blades, which have a lifespan of about four months, indicated by an icon that appears on the blade as it ages. Still, the Philips Norelco OneBlade 360 is a simple, flexible electric razor for anyone who doesn’t need a skin-tight shave.
Braun Electric Series 3 Razor
Trusted Brand
Type: Foil | Weight: 11.5 oz | Cordless: Yes | Runtime: 45 min | Wet or Dry: Both | Accessories: Cap, charger, cleaning brush
The Braun Electric Series 3 is another simple, low-cost and effective electric razor. It has few of the bells and whistles of our top pick, the Braun Series 9 Pro+, but it provides a solid shave experience in a convenient package for a fraction of the price.
The Braun Series 3 is a foil razor with three blades delivering 18,000 cuts per minute. Each blade can adjust to follow facial contours, and a toothed microcomb on the central element helps guide facial hair into the proper position for removal. We appreciate its clean styling and comfortable grip, and the easy-to-understand battery level indicator. It has a built-in beard and sideburns trimmer and works wet or dry, with shaving cream or gel or without.
The German-made Series 3 lasts about seven years, and the blades have a life of around 18 months before removal. It comes with a cleaning brush, blade guard and charging cable. It lasts up to 45 minutes on a full charge, but a five-minute quick charge gives you enough power for a single shave if you’re pressed for time.
Panasonic Arc5 Electric Razor
Feature-Packed
Type: Foil | Weight: 6.88 oz | Cordless: Yes | Runtime: 45 min | Wet or Dry: Both | Accessories: Case, cap, charger
The Panasonic Arc 5 isn’t the newest Arc model, but it’s still one of the most feature-packed. Active shave sensor technology, finely angled blades, multi-patterned foils and a handy travel lock mode are some of the features you’ll get from the Arc 5.
The Arc 5 has five blades in total, with a motor delivering 14,000 cuts per minute. Each blade and foil is made of hypoallergenic stainless steel — the blades angled at 30 degrees for optimal cutting, the foils with multiple patterns to capture a variety of facial hair types and lengths. Active sensors adjust shaving action to the length and stiffness of your facial hair while the head and shaving elements adjust in multiple directions to follow the facial surface.
The Arc 5 is wet-and-dry compatible. It has a runtime of 45 minutes and charges in an hour. An informative display lets you know how much charge you have left. Made in Japan, it comes with a blade cover, charging cord and travel pouch, and you can lock it to prevent it from operating while stowed away.
Manscaped The Lawn Mower 3.0 Plus Groin and Body Hair Trimmer
Bargain Pick
Type: Ceramic | Weight: 14.1 oz | Cordless: Yes | Runtime: 60 min | Wet or Dry: Both | Accessories: 2 guards, USB-C cable
The face isn’t the only place where an electric razor comes in handy. The Manscaped Lawn Mower 3.0 Plus is a body hair trimmer and electric razor designed specifically for chest, back, body, groin and leg hair.
The Lawn Mower 3.0 Plus has a ceramic blade that’s been rounded for comfort while trimming sensitive areas, and it’s protected by a built-in safety guard. The Mower also has a built-in LED light that illuminates hard-to-reach and hard-to-see areas for precise control and minimized risk. Its motor is designed to supply constant RPMs even if running down to avoid loss of accuracy. It runs for up to 60 minutes on a single charge and charges conveniently via USB-C.
The Lawn Mower 3.0 Plus isn’t meant for facial shaving. You won’t get bare-skin smoothness from it, but for what it’s designed to do, perfect smoothness isn’t usually required. For safely trimming body hair, the Manscaped Lawn Mower 3.0 Plus is an attractive buy.
Remington XR7000A Balder Pro Electric Razor
Excellent Value
Type: Rotary | Weight: 7.94 oz | Cordless: Yes | Runtime: 60 min | Wet or Dry: Both | Accessories: Head guard, lubricant, brush, travel pouch
Another part of the body that sometimes requires shaving, and close shaving at that, is the top of the head. The Remington Balder Pro is an electric razor designed expressly for trimming or removing hair atop the head, down to the scalp if desired.
The Balder Pro is a rotary shaver with five dual-track cutting heads spread for maximum scalp contact. It’s mounted to an ergonomic palm grip designed for comfortable control for head shaving. The stainless steel rotary blades and swivel neck safely shave the scalp in less than 90 seconds, and hair is captured in a chamber beneath the blades to empty later, making it neater to maintain a bald look.
The Balder Pro runs for 50 to 60 minutes with a four-hour charge time. It has a built-in trimmer for sideburns and beards. It’s waterproof, works both wet and dry, and its charger supports worldwide voltage if you’re traveling.
Philips Bodygroom Series 5000 Showerproof Body & Manscaping Trimmer
Safe & Effective
Type: Foil | Weight: 1.06 lb | Cordless: Yes | Runtime: 60 min | Wet or Dry: Both | Accessories: Trimmer, back attachment, body guards
The Philips Norelco Bodygroom Series 5000, as its name implies, is an electric razor meant for all-over grooming. It’s particularly useful for trimming or shaving back hair, thanks to its included extra-long back handle attachment.
The Bodygroom Series 5000 has a foil shaver head with hypoallergenic steel construction and rounded tips for added safety in sensitive areas. It’s designed for use with three combs that cut body hair down to 7-, 5- or 3-millimeter lengths. It works wet or dry, and its shave head is detachable for easy rinsing under running water. It has a 60-minute runtime and needs only an hour to fully recharge.
As a body razor, the Bodygroom Series 5000 isn’t meant to be used to shave facial hair smooth, and it lacks the light of the Manscaped shaver. But its back attachment and brand reputation make it an excellent choice for all-over body grooming.
Panasonic ARC5 Palm-Sized Electric Shaver
Compact & Portable
Type: Foil | Weight: 10.86 oz | Cordless: Yes| Runtime: 50 min | Wet or Dry: Both | Accessories: Cleaning brush, travel case
While a lot of the electric razors on our list are small enough to travel with, and come with pouches or cases, none of them have the compact size of the Panasonic Arc5 Palm-Sized Electric Shaver. It’s the ideal choice if you want the luxury of a premium electric shaver but want to stash it in a toiletry kit.
The Palm-Sized Arc 5, like its full-size sibling, offers five cutting elements, including four stainless steel foil rollers and expertly sharpened blades. And its linear motor provides 13,000 cuts per minute. Its body allows for full five-finger control, allowing you to precisely move it along your face and jaw. It’s fully waterproof, can be used wet or dry, and has a grippy surface for your hand.
The Palm-Sized Arc 5 lasts 50 minutes on a single charge, and it can connect to any USB-C cable for charging. Whether or not you find its design superior to a handle-based razor, you have to admit the Panasonic Arc5 Palm-Sized Electric Shaver is as compact as a five-blade electric razor can get.
Wahl Professional 5 Star Vanish Shaver
Easy to Use
Type: Foil | Weight: 6.35 oz | Cordless: Yes | Runtime: 100 min | Wet or Dry: Dry | Accessories: Pre-shave brush, cleaning brush
Wahl is a mainstay brand for professional barbers and stylists. Its clippers and grooming equipment can be found in shops and salons all over the world. Its Wahl Professional 5 Star Vanish Shaver puts that legacy of professional performance in your hand for home use.
The Vanish is a foil shaver with two pop-out gold foil cutting elements that can move independently of each other thanks to Wahl’s suspension system, providing a close, face-hugging shave. The foil features careful cutouts for a smooth, controlled shave, and is suitable for the face, neck or head. The body’s boxy shape offers grooves for grip.
Notably, the Wahl Vanish is for dry shaving only, so don’t use it on a wet face or with lather or foam. While this makes it more limited than the competition, its 100-minute runtime is the best of our picks, and its brand reputation among professionals can’t be beat.
How we analyzed
Our team pored over the available options on the market to assemble this list of the best electric razors. We consulted professional and customer reviews and researched the factors that make an electric razor stand above the competition. We noted special features, special uses, innovative designs and brand reputation to select the best and most useful electric razors. Finally, we ranked each pick according to performance, utility and particular focus or specialization.
Typical features of electric razors
Electric razors vary greatly, from providing just a basic shave to offering significant bells and whistles. Along with the quality of manufacture and durability, the features included with an electric razor drive the price and value.
Blades
There are two common types of electric razor blades: foil and rotary.
Foil razors use straight blades under a strong, thin metal sheet. They generally cut closer than rotary shavers but require more deliberate, straight movements when using. They’re also more expensive, and the cutting head is more delicate, requiring better protection if carried in your luggage or gym bag. Some foil shavers we recommend include the Braun Series 9 PRO+ Electric Razor, Philips Norelco OneBlade 360, Braun Electric Series 3 Razor and Panasonic ARC5 Electric Razor.
Rotary shavers employ rotating cutting heads topped by mesh disks. Rotary shavers can move in any direction and can be a boon to people with thick, unruly or oddly textured facial hair. Rotary shavers don’t quite get as close as foil shavers, however, so multiple passes are more often necessary. We recommend the Philips Norelco Shaver Series 9000 Prestige.
Wet vs. dry
Not all electric razors are waterproof. If you plan on using your shaver in the shower, look for one that clearly states it can be used wet or dry. Another benefit to wet shavers is that they can usually be cleaned simply by rinsing, while dry shavers require some disassembly and brushing. Wet shavers we love include the Braun Series 9 PRO+ Electric Razor, Philips Norelco Shaver Series 9000 Prestige, Braun Electric Series 3 Razor and Panasonic ARC5 Electric Razor.
Handle
Each razor is equipped with a handle, often a combination of metal and plastic, for controlling the movement of the device across the skin. Although traditional razors tend to have a pencil-thin handle topped by a blade, electric razors normally have a thick handle. You can choose more ergonomic handles, such as the Braun Series 9 PRO+ Electric Razor or Philips Norelco Shaver Series 9000 Prestige, which are designed to fit the shape of your palm, or handles with a uniform thickness from top to bottom that provide plenty of surface area for gripping, such as the Braun Electric Series 3 Razor.
Charger
Some razors come with a charging station, while others are outfitted with a simpler cord that plugs directly into an outlet. Our top pick, the Braun Series 9 Pro+, comes with a simple, compact cord, as does the low-cost Philips Norelco OneBlade 360. Razors with USB-C charging come with compact chargers and can also use third-party USB-C power sources as well.
Charge life is an important consideration because some razors can last for hours on a single charge, while others require a recharge after just 30 minutes. The Braun Electric Series 3 Razor has a quick charge feature that lets you get a complete shave out of five minutes of charging. Evaluate whether the charger is bulky or portable and whether the razor has a quick-charge option for convenient use on the go.
Accessories
Razors come with an array of bonus features to evaluate. Consider whether it would be helpful to have a model with an extra blade for trimming facial hair and sideburns or components that collect cut hair so it doesn’t spill onto surrounding surfaces.
Simpler models consist of the razor and a charger, while more advanced razors also come with grooming kits, including brushes that can be used for cleaning and maintenance of the razor after each shave.
Carrying cases vary widely. There are plastic pouches that snap closed, simple bags with zippers, and even higher-end cases with specialized protection for the delicate foil of expensive foil razors.
Here are the accessories that come with some of our favorite models:
- Braun Series 9 PRO+ Electric Razor: travel case, deep-cleaning station, cleaning brush
- Philips Norelco Shaver Series 9000 Prestige: travel pouch, deep-cleaning pod, cleaning brush
- Philips Norelco OneBlade 360: razor cap, five-height adjustable skin guard, charging cable
- Braun Electric Series 3 Razor: razor cap, cleaning brush
- Panasonic ARC5 Electric Razor: storage case, razor cap
How electric razors work
Electric razors have blades controlled by an electric motor. When the razor is turned on, the blades spin at a preset rate; unlike your woodworking tools or food processor, electric razors don’t allow manual control of blade speed. As you move the blades over the surface of the skin, the rapid movement of the blades cuts the hairs close to the skin, leaving it smooth.
You don’t usually have to worry about cutting yourself with an electric razor. The foil in foil shavers or the mesh in rotary shavers are designed to keep your skin from direct contact with the blades, and the razors often include or integrate combs and guides for additional distance. They’re very safe to use, as long as the cutting mechanism isn’t damaged or broken. Read the owner’s manual to understand whether specific skin conditions affect the way you use an electric razor.
Most cordless electric razors run on rechargeable battery power. When the battery begins to lose its charge, an indicator alerts you that the device needs to be recharged once again.
If the razor has a separate blade for trimming, the blade can be extended away from the razor or otherwise engaged to ensure only that component is in motion. When trimming is complete, you simply fold the component back into the razor to return the razor to its regular motion.
Electric razor lifespan
A good razor should last several years with regular cleaning and care. Blades, foils and other cutting elements may have shorter lifespans, especially if they’re designed to be replaceable. Replaceable blades extend the life of an electric razor but, as with manual razors, may end up costing more over time.
Cleaning and lubrication helps keep electric razors functioning smoothly. Many high-end electric razors offer or include one-stop deep-clean and maintenance stations that clean and lubricate the cleaning heads with a minimum of mess and fuss. Still, it’s wise to use the cleaning brush, usually included, to go over the blades or foils after every use. If your electric razor includes a component that collects loose hairs, empty it frequently to avoid gumming up the moving parts.
Electric razor price ranges
The cost of electric razors varies widely. More expensive razors typically include additional features or accessories not found in cheaper models.
Under $40
Low-cost razors are perfect for a quick shave, or as a travel razor if you’d like to leave a more expensive version at home. The Philips Norelco OneBlade 360 is an example in this price range, though its replaceable blades add to its lifetime costs.
$40 to $99
The next step up from a budget electric razor, these razors tend to have quick charge times with battery life lasting for a couple of hours, or are specialist razors for head and body. Many have LED displays and charging stations, including our low-cost pick, the Braun Electric Series 3 Razor.
$100 to $250
These razors feature much greater flexibility in the way the head of the razor moves across the contours of your face.
Special features include anti-friction coatings, specialized technology that makes a wet or drive shave more comfortable, longer-lasting blades, and multi-year warranties. The Panasonic Arc 5 is a good example at this price level.
$250 and higher
Higher-end razor models have specialized features, such as the ability to add more power to shave thicker hair at key points during the shave. Other components include charging stations that lubricate and sanitize razor blades between each shave.
Our top two picks, the Braun Series 9 Pro+ and the Philips Norelco Series 9000 Prestige, are premium electric razors that represent significant investments.
Getting the most from an electric razor
Maximize your investment in an electric razor with routine maintenance. Here are some tips that can help.
Keep it charged
Razors tend to provide a closer and more thorough shave when they are fully charged. If hair remains scruffy after a shave, try recharging or simply plugging the razor into the wall and shaving this way, if your model permits. Look for models with motors that promise to maintain RPM even at low power levels.
Replace blades as needed
Many razors come with blades that should last one year or more.
Consistently dull shaves suggest a blade needs to be replaced, particularly if the charging trick has failed. This can be done affordably, without the need to replace the entire razor.
Ensure it is clean
Hair can quickly build up in the cracks and crevices of an electric razor. Use the brush that comes with the razor, or even an unused toothbrush, to gently sweep out any unwanted hairs.
Lubricate the razor as needed
More expensive razors, such as the Braun Series 9 PRO+ Electric Razor, come with self-lubricating stations. Some come with oil you can use to ensure the blades function properly. Rarely, some razors require only water.
FAQ
Q. How long can electric razors run without needing a charge?
A. It depends entirely on the model. Most rechargeable razors last between 45 to 60 minutes, which is enough for several days of facial shaving. Typically, the more expensive the razor, the longer its charge will last.
Q. What’s the most important factor to consider when purchasing a razor?
A. Your decision really ties back to how you intend to use the razor. If you travel frequently and simply want a reliable model for your shower bag, a less expensive model with minimalist features should do just fine. But if you savor the shaving experience, appreciate today’s many shaving amenities, or simply have really thick facial hair, an especially durable (and generally pricier) model is likely the best buy.
Our expertise
Jmar Gambol has been a writer for BestRevies since 2021. He’s authored or co-written over a hundred articles, from electronics to kitchenware to household appliances, and has conducted hands-on testing on all kinds of products, from laptops to coffee makers to vacuums. He has been shaving regularly since college and is ready to pick an electric razor thanks to this article.
Jordan Hutchinson has been at BestReviews since 2021, and he now manages people and products for the testing lab. While he specializes in testing, Jordan also writes about trending tech topics. He has extensive knowledge of computers, TVs, speakers and other handheld electronics as well as products for the home that make life better.
