Every electric shaver is different and finding one that gives you a close, comfortable shave can feel like a lot of trial and error.
As electric shavers can be expensive, we want to take some of the guess-work out of this search and help you find the best option for you.
There are a couple of different types of electric shavers and there is a range of features to consider.
The reviews and buyer’s guide below will help you decide which features you need and find the best shaver for your needs.
1. Braun Series 7 Wet & Dry Electric Shaver (Top Pick)
The Series 7 electric shaver is a high quality, durable shaver that can be used wet or dry to deliver a close, comfortable and convenient shaving experience. The battery lasts 50 minutes and takes an hour to fully charge.
The sonic technology adapts to your beard and senses density to provide more power where needed. The five shaving modes include sensitive and turbo so there’ll be an option to suit your need and skin sensitivity.
The flexible head and four shaving elements are designed to adapt to your face and capture more hair, providing a close shave without causing irritation. This razor is lightweight, easy to use and has an LCD shaving indicator. Although the Braun Series 7 is pricey, it is high quality and long-lasting.
What We Like:
- Excellent quality
- Lightweight and easy to use
- Provides a close shave
What We Don’t Like:
- High price
2. Philips OneBlade Electric Shaver
The OneBlade offers an affordable complete solution for all your shaving needs. Whether you want an even trim, a clean shave or edgy lines this electric razor can do it all. There are 12 length settings and the OneBlade is water resistant so can be used both wet and dry.
This lightweight shaver is easy and comfortable to use, even on longer hair. It lasts 60 minutes when fully charged, comes with 4 stubble combs of various lengths and the razor moves with the contours of your face.
The dual sided blade gives you a smooth shave in either direction. This blade is designed to protect your skin by not shaving as close while still giving smooth results. After use, simply rinse under water to clean.
What We Like:
- Convenient
- Does not irritate skin
- Works in either direction
What We Don’t Like:
- Short battery life with long charge time
3. Braun Series 9 Electric Shaver
If you’re looking for a quick, comfortable shave the powerful Braun Series 9 is a popular choice. As this model is advanced it comes with a considerable price tag. It’s considered one of the best electric razors and it certainly looks the part.
There are 5 cutting elements and SyncroSonic technology adjusts the power of the electric razor according to the density of your beard. The clean & charge station automatically cleans, dries and lubricates the shaving head.
The flexing head of this foil shaver gives excellent range of motion, it is simple but effective and can also be locked in place when you need more precision. You can even use this electric shaver in the shower thanks to its wet suitability.
What We Like:
- Great performance on all hair lengths
- Automatic cleaning station
- Comfortable and lightweight
What We Don’t Like:
- Pricey option
4. Philips Series 9000 Prestige Shaver
The Philips Series 9000 is a top of the range electric rotary shaver that offers a closer shave with minimal fuss and maximum efficiency.
It features a time-saving design that cuts 20% more hair in one stroke (compared to the older SensoTouch model) and the contour system provides maximum coverage. The V-track precision blade helps guide hair into the best position for cutting so you always get great results.
The SmartClean station cleans and lubricates the shaver while charging and if the shaver has run down but you need to use it, a three minute quick charge can give enough power for one use. The set also comes with a SmartClick precision trimmer for trimming side burns or maintaining your moustache.
What We Like:
- Gives a close shave with ease
- Efficient
- Automatic cleaning
What We Don’t Like:
- Trimmer is an add-on
5. Remington F5-5800 Electric Shaver
The Remington F5-5800 is a well designed, no frill electric shaver available for a great price. The basic shape is easy to hold and manoeuvre so you can shave quickly without missing any areas.
Even if you haven’t shaved for a few days, the integrated intercept trimmer, adjustable head and two foil blades will give you a quick, smooth shave. The pop up trimmer is perfect for trimming your beard, moustache or side burns.
There is an LED gauge to let you know when the shaver needs charging and it can be used while it’s plugged in.
What We Like:
- Great value for money
- Efficient
- Can be used plugged in or cordless
What We Don’t Like:
- More basic than other models
Electric Shaver Buyer’s Guide
Electric shavers are convenient, easy to use and are durable so you can use them time and time again.
There are lots of options available, each model offers different features to suit different shaving needs. The best electric shaver will be able to give you a close shave without leaving any marks or blemishes behind.
As everyone’s face is different, one shaver might work great for someone else but won’t be the best device for you.
Finding a shaver that works for you makes shaving a more comfortable and enjoyable experience. In this buying guide, we trim it back to the basics so you can find the best option for you.
Key Differences
When you begin shopping for electric shavers, you will see there are lots of options to choose from.
This is not just about cost and style, different types of electric shavers are best suited to certain situations. Below are the main types of electric shaver you will come across:
Rotary vs Foil
Rotary shaver – a rotary shaver uses circular heads that rotate to lift and cut stubble. The design is ideal for people who don’t shave every day or have stronger growth.
Rotary is also a good option for people who’s beard hair grows in different directions.
This shaver is designed to be moved in a circular motion and it gently follows the contours of your face, this means manoeuvring around difficult areas is made easy. The Philips Series 9000 is a good example of a rotary shaver.
Foil Shaver – A foil shaver has straight heads and use blades under a thin foil cover. The holes in the foil sheet catch the hairs that are then cut by the blades. A foil shaver tends to be a good option for daily shaving and for those with sensitive skin. Generally, a foil electric shaver is recommended for people who want to get a close shave, a precise or straight shave and for people with fine facial hair. Braun Series 9 and the Remington f5 5800 are both good examples of foil shavers.
Corded vs cordless
Corded – a corded, mains-only model can only be used while plugged into a power source, these tend to be low price, entry-level models. The main benefit of a corded option is that it has a constant flow of power so you don’t have to worry about rushing to shave before the battery runs out. This means there is no time restraint but you will be more restricted in movement due to the cord, however, if the cord is long enough it should not be too much of an issue. Some shavers can be used as corded or cordless which gives greater convenience and flexibility.
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Cordless – many electric shavers, particularly waterproof ones, are rechargeable and need to be used cordless. This gives you the freedom to use them anywhere and move around how ever feels comfortable when you are shaving. The downside to this is that you need to be mindful of battery life (you can’t use them while they are charging). The battery life offered will depend on the model you choose but it is likely to be in the region of 30-60 minutes, it may be higher or lower than this so check the specifications of the shaver you are considering. If you decide a cordless electric razor is the best option for you, make sure you check the battery life span, how long it takes to fully charge and how long it takes to drain from one full charge – the longer the battery life is the better.
Wet vs Dry
Generally, an electric shave has always been thought of as a dry shave. However, some of the latest electric shavers are fully waterproof meaning they can be used for wet shaving. Not all razors can be used with water, some are dry-only while there are a few that offer the freedom of both wet and dry shaving.
Wet shavers can be used with shaving foam and in the shower and can be rinsed clean too. Wet shaving tends to give a closer shave but dry shaving is quicker and more convenient.
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Models that offer both wet and dry shaving are the best option if you are not really sure as they give you the freedom to choose depending on how you feel, it is less restrictive too as the razor will also be waterproof and cordless. If you are used to wet shaving and you decide to start dry shaving (or vice versa) your skin may need a bit of time to get used to the new routine. If you can, give it about a month or so to give your skin time to adjust and to really see and feel whether you like the new shaving routine you are trying.
Cleaning Method
Keeping electric razors clean is very important for both performance and hygiene. Using an unclean razor can increase the risk of infection and can make it even harder to get the results you are looking for.
However, you don’t want the cleaning routine to take more time than your grooming routine so find an option that is easy to clean.
The method used for cleaning the blades and head will depend on the type of model you choose. There are two key cleaning methods when it comes to electric shavers:
- Manual – Most shavers will come with a cleaning brush so you can manually clean the blades after use. Sometimes you can rinse the blades under running water to clean off any hair or skin particles (not all shavers can be rinsed like this so check what the recommended cleaning technique is for the electric razor you buy).
- Self-cleaning – Some higher-priced options come with a self-cleaning unit. This is usually built into the charging station and will automatically clean the razor for you. All you need to do is place the electric razor into the unit and then select the required cleaning level. The razor will then be cleaned automatically using sanitizing liquid so you don’t need to worry about doing anything else. To keep the self-cleaning station working well, you will need to replace the cleaning cartridges every so often. Check the product information to find out how often this needs to happen.
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Razor Maintenance
Even the best electric razors will perform poorly if they are not properly maintained. After a shave, the razor needs to be immediately cleaned but there are other things you need to do to keep it well maintained. You can spend a lot of money on the very best electric razor you can find but if you don’t look after it you will begin to experience problems after a while, use these tips to keep your new razor in tip-top condition:
- Lubricate your razor – whether your razor has one blade of five blades, they need to be lubricated before use. Lubricating the razor helps to prevent friction and premature wear. It also helps to make shaving a more pleasant experience by reducing heat caused by friction.
- Replace the blades as necessary – blades can become worn, low price razors tend to have lower-quality blades that wear out quicker. If you are noticing the shaver is less effective than it used to be, try swapping out the old blades for new ones. It is generally recommended that you replace the blades at least once a year. Foils will also need replacing so don’t neglect them when doing routine maintenance.
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Other Features
- Pivoting head – an electric razor with a pivoting head will adjust to the natural curves of your face making it easier to achieve a close, even shave.
- LCD/ LED interface – a charge display is featured on some electric razors and it lets you know the status of the battery so you can charge it when needed. Ideally, the interface should include a low battery warning.
- Beard comb – a beard comb attachment can help you maintain your beard to the desired length.
- Quick charge – some cordless shavers offer a quick charge feature that allows you to charge the unit for just a few minutes to get enough power for one shave. This can be a really useful feature in case you forget to recharge after your last shave and find yourself in a rush to get ready.
- Automatic shut-off – this is a useful feature that will help to conserve battery life when the shaver is not in use.
- Travel case – a travel case can be useful for keeping your electric razor and any accessories neatly stored away. It is a handy option just to put into the bathroom cabinet or to pack away in your weekend bag or suitcase.
- Warranty – as with all electrical items, even the best electric shavers can experience unexpected faults. The industry standard for an electric razor is a 2 year warranty. A warranty will come in handy if you ever experience a fault and need to get the shaver fixed or swapped for a new one.
Electric Shaver FAQs
This comes down to personal preference; foils are gentle, precise, efficient and are good for close shaves and daily use but they are noisy and have limited pivoting. Rotary shavers are best for cutting thicker/ longer hair, they can handle hair growing in different directions and are quiet but they aren’t as close or precise and can cause irritation.
No. While many high-quality electric razors can achieve a very close shave while still providing comfort and convenience, they still don’t cut quite as close as a blade.
