The best Electric razors for men are designed to glide swiftly over skin without breaking the surface, thus eliminating all the downsides to manual shaving (like redness, ingrown hairs, razor burn and more). They may not cut as close as a blade version, but that’s the point. Whether you shave frequently or experiment with varying lengths on your facial hair, an electric shaver is an essential grooming tool (for stubble or fuller looks, check out our best beard trimmers). Plus, it’s great for cleaning up your neckline on a regular basis. If you’re looking for a truly top-of-the-line pick, the Braun Series 9 Electric Shaver is unparalleled for its powerful motor and versatility.
With options ranging from Braun to Panasonic to Wahl, these are the best electric razors for men.
ILLUSTRATION: FORBES/ PHOTO: RETAILERSWhile these models will require you to re-shave a few days earlier than with a bare-razor shave, their speed makes for an expedited step in the once- or twice-weekly regimen. Whether you’re looking for one for daily use or for periodic necessity, these are the best electric razors to cover all your shaving needs. (And if you’re in the market for more useful grooming devices, find our favorite hair clippers here.)
- Best Electric Razor Overall: Braun Series 9 Electric Shaver
- Most Powerful Electric Razor: Panasonic Arc5 Electric Shaver
- Best Affordable Electric Razor: Wahl Lifeproof Lithium Ion Foil Shaver
- Best Electric Razor For Heads: Telfun 5-in-1 Electric Rotary Razor
- Best Rotary Razor For Thick, Coarse Hair: Philips Norelco Series 9000 Electric Shaver
- Best Razor-Shaver Hybrid: Barbasol Single Blade Electric Shaver with Beard Trimmer
- Best Electric Razor For Sensitive Skin: Remington F5-5800 Electric Foil Shaver with Trimmer
Best Electric Razor Overall
A Do-It-All Smart Shaving Tool
Amazon
Braun Series 9 Electric Shaver
Attachments: None | Waterproof: Yes | Cordless: Yes | Type: Foil
Braun is the leader in the electric razor, and its wet/dry Series 9 is the best yet. It can mow through three-day beards, so you know it can tackle any other shave job you throw its way. It’s a smart device too, and can sense your beard’s density and then adjust its power and force for the task at hand. It shaves with as many as 10,000 micro-vibrations per second, confirming with a soothing hum as you round the contours of your face.
This model includes a cleaning-and-charging station, so that you can display it like the trophy it is. There’s a travel-friendly carrying case and a pop-up trimming and detailing head on the shaver itself for your neckline, mustache, sideburns and anything more. It holds an hour charge on its lithium ion battery, and an LED display showcases the remaining time on that battery life.
What the reviews say: “There is nothing to dislike about this Braun Electric razor,” one reviewer says. “For a long time, I had tried a couple of brands, but never before had I tried an electric razor like this one. It can take my heaviest beard days of seven to eight days of growth, or my shortest day of beard growth, and turn it into a quick and irritation-free day of shaving—whether I use pre-shave lotion or not. This shaver is well worth the money.”
Pros:
- Quiet despite powerful motor
- Handles slightly overgrown stubble
Cons:
- Expensive
Most Powerful Electric Razor
A Shaving Powerhouse That Stands The Test Of Time
Amazon
Panasonic Arc5 Electric Shaver
Attachments: None | Waterproof: Yes | Cordless: Yes | Type: Foil
Panasonic is another innovator in the electric shave game. The Arc5’s motor spins an impressive 14,000 cycles per minute, making this foil shaver one of the sturdiest and most durable electric razors. Its sensor scans the density of your beard while it shaves, and adjusts its power accordingly.
The shaver competes handsomely against rotary razors as the best option for guys with thick or coarse beards. The brand’s prized device is easy to clean and disinfect with the included dual charging-flushing unit. Its foil head flexes along with the angles of your face, gifting you a comfortable, efficient, hygienic and ultra-close shave.
What the reviews say: One five-star Amazon reviewer wrote that he’s waited 50 years for an electric razor like this. “I had planned on using this shaver dry on my three-day beard but tried it wet (with regular soap), as the included paperwork suggested. Wow, was I impressed. This thing shaves as close as a blade and even gets the tough spots, like under the nose,” he says. “I’ve used blades and played with Brauns and Norelcos a little, but this will be my shaver from now on.”
Pros:
- Senses density of beard and adjusts power
- Motor is quiet despite immense power
Cons:
- May not be necessary for infrequent shavers
Best Affordable Electric Razor
A Budget-Friendly Option That Stands Up To The Competition
Amazon
Wahl Lifeproof Lithium Ion Foil Shaver
Attachments: None | Waterproof: Yes | Cordless: Yes | Type: Foil
Wahl’s wet-dry shaver is one of the more color-by-numbers options, but that’s great for most guys. It has two foil heads that can be rinsed clean, and together with an intercept cutting bar they deliver a smooth and consistent shave. And perhaps best of all, the device’s lithium battery holds a 90-minute charge, giving it a leg up on most of the competition.
What the reviews say: One reviewer who has used electric razors his whole life says, “I charged it once, dry shave only, and got four complete, super smooth shaves. And the battery is still chugging away on that first charge. Has yet to ‘burn’ my neck.”
Pros:
- Holds a 90-minute charge
- Travel-friendly
Cons:
- Less powerful than the competition
- May require multiple passes for a smooth finish
Best Electric Razor For Heads
A Rotary Razor For Head-To-Toe Maintenance
Amazon
Telfun 5-in-1 Electric Rotary Razor
Attachments: 5 swappable heads for shaving, nose/ear trimming, facial cleansing, pre-shave massage, beard/body trimmings | Waterproof: Yes | Cordless: Yes | Type: Rotary
Any guy who shaves his head bare knows two things to be true: First, that those angles and blind spots are tough to tackle. Second, the ergonomics of the shaver matter a lot. These two things are what make Telfun’s palm-held electric razor such a terrific pick for head shavers. It glides over the head like a planet orbiting the sun, and it eliminates unsightly and painful nicks, since it won’t break the skin’s surface. Plus, this one works wet or dry, which is especially a perk for bald-head shavers, since so many choose to clean up in the shower. Lastly, it has the necessary trimming and detailing attachments—even a pulsating pre-shave massage attachment and facial cleansing brush head. With the trimming devices, you can spot check or zap away at any fuzz on the rest of your body, like overgrown nostril hairs or unwanted back hair.
What the reviews say: One reviewer who has been shaving his head with bare clippers for years says this tool has “absolutely exceeded” his expectations. “The shave is very close; I can hardly feel any stubble,” he says. “I don’t have to make multiple passes except on very few areas like above my temple and at the base of my skull. It’s super quick. I can get my whole head done in under two minutes. It’s also very pleasant; it does a great job at keeping the hair inside the razor and not on my head or straight onto the counter. The whole thing butterflies open and rinses very easily.”
Pros:
- Ergo-smart design for clean no-look shaves
- Great for small detailing around the body (with additional trimming heads)
Cons:
- Questionable warranty
- Lack of customer service
Best Rotary Razor For Thick, Coarse Hair
A High-Powered Device For Even The Thickest Of Beards
Amazon
Philips Norelco Series 9000 Electric Shaver
Attachments: Detailing trimmer head | Waterproof: Yes | Cordless: Yes | Type: Rotary
The S9000 senses your beard’s density (reassessing it an incredible 15 times per second, no less) so that it whacks whiskers through thick and thin. This gives you a smooth, safe shave, assisted by a rotary head that moves eight different directions while adjusting to the contours of your face. Philips Norelco’s high-powered device lasts an hour and can be used wet or dry, and its LED display keeps you updated on the remaining lithium-ion charge. This set also comes with a trimming head and travel-friendly carrying case.
What the reviews say: This model may be expensive but over 2,300 reviewers deem it worthy of the price point. “I experienced the best shave I have ever had—close, comfortable, convenient, able to reach all the nooks and contours effortlessly,” says one user. “I knew it was a keeper but still, $280? Then I read the manual and discovered the travel lock, the intensity setting, the battery minder and all the monitoring and safety features that had been thoughtfully provided. This is the best engineered and designed product I have purchased in a long time.”
Pros:
- Sensor adjusts according to task
- Especially useful for thick or coarse beards
Con:
- Expensive for infrequent shavers
Best Razor-Shaver Hybrid
A Value Pick That Closely Mimics A Cartridge Shave
Best Buy
Barbasol Single Blade Electric Shaver with Beard Trimmer
Attachments: Body blade and beard trimer guard (trimming 0.5 to 10mm in 0.5mm intervals) | Waterproof: Yes | Cordless: Yes | Type: Foil
While Barbasol may be a staple shaving brand, it’s not known for its electric razors. However, this device deserves attention, thanks to its three interchangeable heads (close shaving, trimming and detailing). These options make it great for customizing whiskers as well as body hair. As for the electric shaving, a razor-replica foil head never breaks the surface of the skin and gives you barely-there stubble. Lastly, it takes just two hours for a full charge, and then delivers 60 minutes of power.
What the reviews say: “This is a compact trimmer and shaver. It works great with small-haired beards (I don’t let my beard grow to a full one). It trims well, and cleanup is easy,” one fan of the product says. Another reviewer writes, “This works like a gem. I can never find the combs in my bag for the other types of shavers I own. The dial is exactly what I was looking for simple and easy to use, perfect for exact cuts to any length I like. The value for this kind of shaver is unreal—not to mention you can also use this in the shower and can also do some body grooming.”
Pros:
- Multifunctional use
- Closely mimics a cartridge shave
Con:
- Not as powerful as competitors
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Best Electric Razor For Sensitive Skin
A Gentle Shaver That’s Travel-Friendly
Amazon
Remington F5-5800 Electric Foil Shaver With Trimmer
Attachments: None | Waterproof: No, but safe to rinse | Cordless: Yes | Type: Foil
Remington’s gentle, washable foil razor checks all the right boxes, especially for anyone who shaves infrequently—also if sensitive skin is to blame for that. There are two pivoting foil heads that carefully mow hair to a barely-there skin-safe stubble. It’s also got an intercept cutting bar to keep things smooth, as well as a detailing head that pops out and cleans your edges. A full charge gives you 60 minutes of runtime that lasts 20 days, which means you’ve got plenty of juice for a long week away. Or, you can trim while it’s plugged in and charging, though it requires just a few minutes’ boost before you can unplug and go.
What the reviews say: As you read the 14,743 five-star ratings, it’s clear that this affordable shaver is a favorite among shoppers. “I didn’t realize what a poor job my previous razor was doing until I charged this Remington up and used it,” one user says. “Shaving time was cut in half or more with fewer return passes. It gets whiskers under my nose that the other electric razor missed. The trimmer actually does a good job, which means I can leave my electric trimmer at home. This razor does it all.”
Pros:
- Two-hour charge holds for three weeks
- Detailing trimmer for edge work
- Travel-friendly
Con:
- No wet usage
How We Chose The Best Hair Electric Razors For Men
We’ve done extensive research, tapping testers and professionals who use the tools regularly and sorting through firsthand reviews from consumers. For specific shopping advice and details on the category, we interviewed a longtime expert in the field, Eric Becker, barber at Blind Barber. Several on our staff have also tested (and loved) many of these electric shavers ourselves.
This article is routinely updated so that availability, prices and reviewer ratings and quotes stay up to date. We also re-evaluate our electric razor picks to ensure that they’re still some of the best models in their categories. This story was last updated in September 2022.
What To Consider When Buying An Electric Razor
There are a few things that separate the best electric razors from the pack. Here are the standards you should hold them to, with insights from Becker.
Foil vs. Rotary Shavers
There’s a general preference for foil shavers over rotary ones, since foil versions tend to cut even closer to the skin. “A foil razor can usually deliver a closer shave than even a traditional razor,” says Becker. However, not everyone will want a foil option. “Rotary razors tend to be best for contouring the face and dealing with hair that grows in all different directions,” he says. “You use it in circular motions. It isn’t the best for sensitive skin, however. Foil shavers tend to get closer to the skin. They work best on very short stubble though, so either shave daily or take it down with a trimmer first. Make sure to use it in an up-and-down motion.”
Attachments
Your electric razor doesn’t need to have any attachments unless you want it to perform multiple functions. For example, some have swappable heads for trimming or detailing longer hairs. But that’s secondary, and even the top performers skip out on attachments in favor of the primary task at hand—shaving.
Cordless
No excuses here. Your electric razor should absolutely have cordless use. These aren’t barbershop hair clippers (which are usually cordless these days, too). Even the most powerful electric shavers can hold a good charge (30-60 minutes) without needing to be plugged in.
Battery Life
Look for 30-plus minutes, minimum, but ideally upwards of 60-90 minutes. The best ones will also retain their battery life for weeks or months on end without needing a re-up. Our top affordable pick, the Wahl Lifeproof Lithium Ion Foil Shaver, holds an ample 90 minute charge and maintains it over time, even through sporadic use.
Waterproofness
“If your shaver can handle a wet shave, you’ll get a much better result,” says Becker. “Shaving cream helps pre-soften the hair and allows the blades to cut more easily. Usually people with coarse hair or difficult growth patterns fall into this category.” At the absolute least, make sure yours can be rinsed clean, which prevents bacterial buildup from errant hair clippings.
What Is The Number One-Rated Men’s Electric Shaver?
According to our research, testing and expert intel, Braun’s Series 9 Electric Shaver is the best yet. The waterproof, cordless foil razor uses proprietary technology to sense beard density and adjust its power accordingly. The versatile tool also has a pop-up trimming and detailing head to cover all your hair cleanup and removal bases.
Are Electric Razors Better Than Blades?
It depends on your needs, but it can be useful to have one on hand even if you’re an infrequent user or like a closer shave that a blade razor can provide. “Most of my clients who are concerned about ingrown hairs tend to benefit the most from an electric shaver,” says Becker. “It’s easier and tends to be faster. Plus if you are looking to maintain your beard and neckline, you are less likely to cut the wrong hair.” In other words, these handy grooming gadgets are worth it. If what you want is a speedy cleanup—and a nick-, bump- and irritation-free shave at that—then you need an electric razor.
Is It Better To Shave Wet Or Dry With An Electric Razor?
Again, it’s a matter of preference. However, having the option to shave wet is terrific. Here’s why, according to Becker: “The biggest rule would be to make sure the shaver is approved for wet use. The heat from the shower will open your pores and give you a nice close shave. And the cleanup is easy.”
What Is The Difference Between An Electric Razor And A Beard Trimmer?
An electric razor shaves hair down to the skin, for a smooth finish. However, it won’t be as close of a shave as one you’d get from a manual razor. A beard trimmer features interchangeable guard heads and allows for different levels of facial hair trimming, including everything from a hint of stubble to a full-on beard and mustache. Some gadgets have enough attachments to make them versatile enough for all levels of facial hair maintenance. If you prefer a clean-shaven look and are prone to ingrown hairs, you might find more use out of an electric razor. Overall it’s easier to use than a blade razor, and works more quickly and efficiently—even if it doesn’t give the closest shave.
