Shaving often feels like a race against the clock, especially for those with rapid hair growth or packed schedules. Traditional cartridge razors, with their multi-step routine, frequently fall short of the efficiency many men require. For a faster, gentler, and more convenient grooming experience, electric razors have become indispensable. They transform the morning ritual from a chore into a swift, effective process. As Men’s Health’s Grooming Editor, these devices are clear game-changers for streamlining routines without compromising results.
Beyond speed, electric razors significantly benefit skin health. They glide with reduced direct blade contact, minimizing irritation, nicks, and cuts common with traditional shaving. They also prevent razor bumps and burns by trimming hair slightly above the surface. While skin may need a few sessions to adapt to this new method, particularly for long-time cartridge users, the transition is worthwhile. Your skin will build tolerance to the altered blade interaction.
Our commitment at GearLab is to provide thoroughly vetted product recommendations, built upon extensive testing and in-depth research since 2018. The Men’s Health grooming team rigorously evaluates electric razors for effectiveness, durability, and ease of use. For this guide, we considered years of team reviews and notes, combined with a comprehensive 12-month trial across 15 options, ultimately narrowing down to the top performers. Our methodology focuses on real-world performance to ensure informed purchasing decisions.
1. **Braun Series 8 with PowerCase: The Best Overall Shaver**The Braun Series 8 with PowerCase is our top recommendation, scoring 77 overall for superior shaving performance and versatility. It’s a comprehensive grooming solution, featuring a powerful motor that quickly dispatches stubble and offering both wet and dry use. This adaptability makes it equally effective for a quick dry shave or a refreshing wet shave with foam or gel.
Lead tester Jason Wanlass praised its performance: “The Series 8 leaves a super smooth shave with minimal irritation, making it one of my favorite choices to start the day.” Its foil blade head and robust three-stage cutting head ensure a remarkably close shave, handling several days’ growth with ease. The precision achieved with minimal passes contributed to its high shave quality score of 7.5.
A significant advantage is its outstanding battery life and convenient charging. It boasts an impressive measured run time of 132 minutes on a full charge—longer than nearly every other model. This often means only needing a recharge every few weeks, making it excellent for travel. Its travel case cleverly doubles as a charger, eliminating a separate cord. A 5-minute fast charge also provides enough power for a quick shave.
While a premium investment, its features justify the cost. It includes a self-cleaning base, earning an 8.0 for Ease of Cleaning, simplifying maintenance. However, cleaning fluid requires replacement every eight weeks, adding moderate ongoing costs. The slide-up trimmer, while workable, wasn’t the best. Testers noted: “The Series 8 is very similar to the Series 9 Pro, but it sells for 20% less,” making it an exceptional value for its performance.
2. **Braun Series 3 ProSkin: The Best Bang for the Buck**For exceptional performance without a hefty price tag, the Braun Series 3 ProSkin is our unequivocal “Best Bang for the Buck,” scoring 71 overall. This well-built unit provides an above-average shave at a very reasonable cost. Its impressive features belie its budget-friendly nature, offering a compelling alternative to more expensive models.
The Series 3 ProSkin features two independently pivoting foil heads, plus a middle trimmer for longer hairs. This configuration proved highly effective across many facial hair types, ensuring a smooth and efficient shave. Lead tester Jason Wanlass admired it: “I think this model is a great bargain. It has a great no-slip grip, can be used wet or dry, and even tells you when it’s time to replace the cutting assembly. I really like all of its useful features.” Wet/dry capability further enhances its versatility.
A standout is its impressive 79 minutes of continuous operation on a single charge. This excellent battery performance is augmented by its convenient USB charging cable, allowing power from any USB-compatible device. This makes it incredibly travel-friendly and adaptable. It takes 110 minutes for a full charge, with a 5-minute fast charge for urgent needs.
After months of use, few negatives emerged. The trimmer arm movement was occasionally stubborn, and the protective safety cap fit loosely. The power button lacks a travel-lock function, a minor inconvenience for frequent travelers. However, these are nitpicks that don’t detract significantly from the shaver’s solid construction and reliable performance. For users not needing premium features or advanced displays, the Series 3 ProSkin offers a smart, practical choice that performs far above its class.
3. **Philips Norelco S9000 Prestige: Our Favorite Rotary Blade Option**For those letting stubble grow out or not shaving daily, rotary electric razors are often preferred. The Philips Norelco S9000 Prestige stands out as our most-liked rotary option, scoring 76 overall. Its unique shape and 72 self-sharpening blades allow its flexible, circular head to expertly follow facial contours, easily cutting through longer or uneven hair.
Despite being whisper-quiet, the Prestige packs surprising horsepower, effortlessly tackling several days’ worth of stubborn stubble. Its strong motor offers three adjustable speeds for customized intensity. An extensive control panel provides useful feedback, enhancing the user experience. Our team highlighted its shave quality (7.5) due to its multi-blade design and comprehensive pivoting and suspension system, making it a clear leader among rotary models.
One praised feature is its attachable hair trimmer. A tester noted: “I love that it snaps on and completely replaces the razor’s main cutting head. This makes it much more stable, unobstructed, and precise.” This design ensures effective trimming of longer hair, adding significant versatility. The device also includes a sturdy travel case, underscoring its premium positioning and practicality for on-the-go users.
The S9000 Prestige delivers an impressive 129 minutes run time on a full charge, with a rapid 59-minute full charge and a 5-minute fast charge option. However, its cleaning pod, while effective, was found to be a little messy and lacks its own power supply, relying on the razor’s motor and consuming battery life. This contrasts with stand-alone cleaning stations like the Braun Series 8. Despite these minor points, for a top-tier rotary experience, the Prestige offers unmatched performance and features.
4. **Remington Balder Pro: The Best Head Shaver**For those regularly shaving their head, the Remington Balder Pro is an outstanding choice, scoring 74 overall as our best head shaver. This model is meticulously designed for scalp contours, featuring five oversized razor heads that flex and articulate perfectly around curves. Its rubberized grip fits comfortably in the palm, enabling easy manipulation even for out-of-sight areas.
The Balder Pro is fully waterproof, offering wet or dry use, whether in front of a mirror or in the shower. A thoughtful design includes a chamber beneath the blades that captures hair, effortlessly unclipping for a quick rinse. This significantly simplifies cleaning, contributing to its excellent Ease of Cleaning score of 8.0.
A clever bonus is the fold-out clipper at the top of the handle for sideburn touch-ups—a feature often missing in other head shavers. The Remington also comes complete with a blade cover, cleaning brush, blade oil, and a high-quality case, providing everything needed for effective head grooming and maintenance.
While offering an impressively close shave, particularly for a bald head, the Balder Pro has minor shortcomings. It requires a proprietary charge cord, inconvenient if misplaced, unlike industry-standard USB-C. Its full charge time is unusually long at 201 minutes, compared to its 76-minute run time. Despite these, testers preferred the Balder Pro over alternatives like the Philips Norelco 9000 for its superior head contouring and significantly lower cost, solidifying its position as our top choice for value in head shaving.
5. **Panasonic Arc5 Palm-Sized: Our Favorite Compact Travel Buddy**When portability and a reliable shave on the go are paramount, the Panasonic Arc5 Palm-Sized shines, scoring 66 overall as our favorite compact travel buddy. Its incredibly small and lightweight design perfectly suits business travelers or pleasure seekers. Lead tester Jason Wanlass affirmed: “I like to be on the go, and when I travel, this razor is my new go-to option. It doesn’t have a lot of extras, but it shaves well and is the perfect size for carry-on luggage.” It easily fits into laptop backpacks, gloveboxes, and briefcases.
The Arc5 Palm-Sized features a smooth, ceramic-like shell made from NAGORI, a proprietary upcycled substance from sea minerals—an eco-conscious detail. Underneath, five cutting blades contour effectively across the face, neck, and chin, decent at slicing through whiskers, even a few days’ growth, delivering a satisfactory shave quality of 6.5 for its size.
While its compact design is a major asset, it has minor trade-offs. It lacks a pop-up precision trimmer, a drawback for detailing. Its small size can also be awkward to hold for larger hands, and it operates louder than some models. Despite these, its powerful motor, solid construction, and ease of cleaning are significant positives. It also features a useful travel-locking power button and comes with a great travel case, enhancing its utility for globetrotters.
The Arc5 Palm-Sized offers a 76-minute run time on a full charge, with a 102-minute full charge time and a 5-minute fast charge. While basic in features compared to full-sized models, its core purpose—providing a decent shave in a highly portable format—is exceptionally well-fulfilled. For anyone prioritizing minimal bulk and ease of transport without sacrificing a capable shave, this palm-sized companion proves an indispensable grooming tool.
6. **Braun Series 9 Pro: A Premium Upgrade for the Ultimate Shave**While the Braun Series 8 earned our top overall recommendation, the Braun Series 9 Pro merits recognition as a significant premium upgrade for those desiring the absolute pinnacle of daily electric shaving. This model consistently scored slightly higher in testing than the Series 8, particularly in shave quality, making it a compelling choice for consumers seeking a top-of-the-line experience with virtually no compromises.
The Series 9 Pro is engineered with a more intricate blade system in its cutting head and a slightly more powerful motor compared to the Series 8. This results in one of the closest shaves available, executed with remarkable speed and requiring the fewest passes. Its shaver head expertly contours the jawline and neck, areas where other electric razors sometimes falter, contributing to its exceptional shave quality. Testers consistently highlighted its powerful, close shave, leaving faces incredibly smooth.
Like the Series 8, the Series 9 Pro boasts admirable run time and recharge times: 103 minutes run time on a full charge, with a swift 62-minute full charge and a 5-minute fast charge. This impressive battery performance, coupled with its heavy-duty hard case that doubles as a travel charger, offers unparalleled convenience. This innovative case design allows complete razor recharging without the actual cord, a handy feature for frequent travel.
The premium features come with a higher up-front cost, and similar to the Series 8, it requires periodic replacement of self-cleaner fluid and blade cassettes. While its shaving performance is nearly flawless, we noted a minor drawback with its pop-up trimmer, which was less impressive than expected and occasionally prone to sticking. Despite this small critique, for users whose budget allows and who prioritize the absolute closest shave and most robust features in a daily electric razor, the Series 9 Pro is a superior investment.
7. **Remington F5 Foil: A Versatile and Comfortable Value Pick**For consumers seeking a high-quality razor at a reasonable price, particularly those who prefer the precision of foil blades, the Remington F5 Foil is a strong contender. While it lacks waterproofing for shower shaves, its versatility, comfort, and lower cost make it a decent value pick, especially for dry shaving enthusiasts. It’s an alternative we found performs reliably for a segment of users.
The F5 Foil excels at delivering a close shave on shorter facial hair, typical of foil shavers. Its design, with oscillating blades beneath a thin, perforated foil, efficiently captures and cuts hairs. For smoothest results, it’s designed for straight, steady strokes along the face and neck, making it excellent for daily shaves or maintaining sharp lines.
Our testing showed the Remington F5 Foil brings plenty of power for a close shave on up to 3-day stubble. It features multi-directional, free-pivoting heads and flexible foils that adapt to contours. Its ergonomic design contributes to a comfortable grip, making it easy to maneuver. Cleaning is relatively easy by rinsing under water and drying, a simple maintenance routine.
A key limitation is its dry-only shaving. It cannot be used wet or with shaving cream, which might be a deal-breaker for those preferring wet/dry operation or shower shaves. Its measured run time is 42 minutes, on the lower end, though it offers a 10-minute fast charge. Despite these limitations, for its price, the F5 Foil delivers commendable performance for a reliable, comfortable, and efficient dry shave.
Continuing our extensive evaluation, we delve into the next eight electric razors that have earned their place among the best of 2023. This section offers further insights into a range of specialized and high-performance shavers, each rigorously tested to meet diverse grooming needs and preferences. From premium upgrades to robust all-rounders, we dissect their features, performance metrics, and practical applications, helping you pinpoint the ideal device to elevate your shaving experience.
8. **Braun Series 9 Pro: A Premium Upgrade for the Ultimate Shave**While the Braun Series 8 stood out as our top overall recommendation, the Braun Series 9 Pro is undeniably a compelling premium upgrade for users seeking the absolute pinnacle of daily electric shaving. This model consistently outperformed the Series 8 in our rigorous testing, particularly concerning shave quality. For consumers prioritizing a top-of-the-line experience with virtually no compromises, the Series 9 Pro presents an exceptional choice, building on an already high standard.
Under the hood, the Series 9 Pro is meticulously engineered with a more intricate blade system in its cutting head and a slightly more powerful motor compared to its Series 8 counterpart. This advanced design culminates in one of the closest shaves available, executed with remarkable speed and requiring the fewest passes for a smooth finish. Its shaver head expertly contours the jawline and neck—areas where other electric razors often struggle—significantly contributing to its exceptional shave quality score. Testers consistently praised its powerful, close shave, noting it left faces feeling incredibly smooth.
Convenience is paramount with the Series 9 Pro, which boasts impressive battery performance. It delivers 103 minutes of run time on a full charge, supported by a swift 62-minute full charge time and a 5-minute fast charge option. Crucially, its heavy-duty hard case doubles as a travel charger, allowing for complete razor recharging without needing the actual cord. This innovative feature offers unparalleled convenience for frequent travelers. As with the Series 8, this premium razor requires periodic replacement of self-cleaner fluid and blade cassettes, a moderate ongoing maintenance consideration.
Despite its near-flawless shaving performance, our testing identified a minor drawback: the pop-up trimmer was less impressive than anticipated and occasionally prone to sticking. Nevertheless, for users whose budget accommodates and who prioritize the absolute closest shave and the most robust features in a daily electric razor, the Series 9 Pro stands out as a superior investment, offering unparalleled power and precision for an elevated grooming routine.
9. **Panasonic Arc5 Cordless: Precision Under the Chin**The Panasonic Arc5 Cordless distinguishes itself by offering a robust shave, particularly effective in challenging areas. While it may not match the sheer power of the Series 9 Pro, its unique head design incorporates pivot points that prove exceptionally adept under the chin—a notorious trouble spot where many other electric razors falter. This focus on contouring ensures a thorough and comfortable shave even in difficult-to-reach areas, reflecting a thoughtful approach to user experience.
Battery performance for the Arc5 Cordless is remarkably efficient. It delivers 84 minutes of run time on a full charge, with an impressively rapid full charge time of just 51 minutes, complemented by a 5-minute fast charge option. This efficiency places it among the fastest-charging models we tested, ensuring it’s ready for use even on short notice. The razor also enhances user convenience with its clear digital display, providing real-time battery charge percentage and indicating how long the razor has been in operation, preventing any mid-shave surprises.
Ease of use is further improved by a well-labeled slider mechanism on the Panasonic Arc5. This slider clearly indicates how to lock the main head and deploy the pop-up trimmer, making operation intuitive. For those who appreciate detailed feedback, the Arc5’s robust set of indicator lights provides comprehensive insight into the razor’s status. It’s a versatile wet/dry shaver, offering flexibility whether you prefer a quick dry shave or a refreshing wet shave with foam or gel.
10. **Braun Series 7: Versatile Performance with Smart Features**The Braun Series 7 is a solid performer, striking a balance between effectiveness and user-friendliness, and offers wet/dry usage for versatile grooming. It is equipped with a slide-up trimmer, an essential feature for detailing sideburns or managing longer hairs. Beyond the integrated trimmer, the Series 7 stands out for its exceptional array of attachments, which significantly enhance its versatility and allow it to tackle various grooming tasks, making it a multifaceted tool for daily maintenance.
From a power perspective, the Series 7 delivers a commendable 71 minutes of run time on a full charge. Its recharge time is impressively swift, clocking in at just 48 minutes for a full charge, alongside a convenient 5-minute fast charge capability. This rapid charging ensures the razor is nearly always ready for your grooming routine, making it an excellent choice for consistent daily use. While offering basic battery indicators, its robust charging speed contributes significantly to its practical value.
Cleaning and maintenance are streamlined thanks to the Series 7’s self-cleaning station. This feature transforms the task into a straightforward “set and forget” process, though it’s important to note the periodic maintenance required for the cleaning unit itself. While the cleaning station is effective, our testers found the identical stations for the Series 8 and Series 9 Pro to be slightly more refined. Despite these minor points, the Series 7 remains a strong contender, offering a powerful and versatile shaving experience.
11. **Skull Shaver Pitbull Gold Pro: A Dedicated Head Shaver with Endurance**For individuals seeking a dedicated electric head shaver, the Skull Shaver Pitbull Gold Pro presents a compelling alternative, designed to deliver high-quality results. While the Remington Balder Pro was our top choice for head shaving due to superior contouring, the Pitbull Gold Pro earns significant credit for its impressive run and charge times. It offers a very decent head shave, making it a strong option for those prioritizing battery life and rapid recharging.
This rotary head shaver boasts an exceptional measured run time of 151 minutes on a full charge—over two and a half hours of continuous operation. Complementing this endurance is a remarkably quick full charge time of just 78 minutes, along with a standard 5-minute fast charge option. This combination of long-lasting power and rapid recharging positions the Pitbull Gold Pro as an ideal choice for users who demand consistent, ready-to-use performance without frequent charging interruptions.
User experience is enhanced by a useful digital battery level indicator, which provides clear feedback on remaining power. However, maintenance for the Pitbull Gold Pro, while similar to the Remington Balder Pro, involves periodically disassembling the blades for thorough cleaning. This process requires care, as our research analyst noted the ease with which small parts could be misplaced or dropped during testing, leading to a slight deduction in its ease of cleaning score for this potential inconvenience.
12. **Philips Norelco 9000: Smart Shaving for Optimal Pressure**The Philips Norelco 9000 is a rotary razor that integrates smart features to enhance the shaving experience, particularly in ensuring optimal technique. While it couldn’t quite match the Remington Balder Pro’s contouring ability for head shaving in our comparisons, its facial shaving performance is robust. This model is engineered to provide a close and comfortable shave, particularly for those who prefer the gentle yet effective action of rotary blades.
A standout feature of the Philips Norelco 9000 is its innovative pressure sensor light. This light provides real-time feedback, indicating whether you are applying the right amount of force during your shave. This guidance helps users prevent irritation and achieve the most effective results, a valuable addition for both new and experienced electric shaver users. It is a wet/dry shaver, offering flexibility for use with or without shaving cream.
In terms of power management, the Norelco 9000 offers a solid 96 minutes of run time on a full charge, with an efficient 56-minute full charge time and a 5-minute fast charge. It also includes a cleaning base, which aids in maintaining hygiene. However, it’s worth noting that unlike some Braun models, this cleaning base does not charge the razor simultaneously, a point of distinction that users who prefer integrated charging solutions might consider.
13. **Wahl Professional Vanish Shaver: A Reliable Dry-Shave Workhorse**For those who prefer a reliable dry-shaving experience, the Wahl Professional Vanish Shaver stands out as a strong contender. This foil shaver is a decent, more affordable option compared to certain compact models, making it accessible while still delivering effective performance. Its design focuses on delivering a close shave on shorter facial hair, aligning with the strengths of foil blade technology, which uses oscillating blades beneath a thin, perforated foil to capture and cut hairs efficiently.
The Vanish Shaver is particularly noted for its impressive run time, achieving 115 minutes on a full charge, with a full recharge taking a reasonable 66 minutes and a quick 5-minute fast charge. This ample battery life ensures consistent performance for multiple shaves without frequent recharging, a significant advantage for users who rely on their shaver daily or for extended periods.
A key characteristic to note is that the Wahl Professional Vanish Shaver is designed exclusively for dry use. It cannot be used wet or with shaving cream, which is a crucial consideration for those with specific shaving preferences or routines. While it does not include a travel case, its overall build quality and robust battery performance make it a practical choice for individuals who prioritize a powerful and efficient dry shave without the need for wet capabilities or extensive accessories.
14. **Philips Norelco 2400: Budget-Friendly Rotary Versatility**For consumers in the market for a rotary razor that offers excellent value without breaking the bank, the Philips Norelco 2400 is an outstanding choice. Positioned as a smart and practical option, it stands out for its blend of performance and affordability. This model provides a decent shave and is an ideal pick for those who prefer the comfort and contouring ability of rotary blades for handling longer or uneven stubble.
A highlight of the Norelco 2400 is its well-designed flip-top head assembly and concave pivoting system. The flip-top head is not only convenient for quick access but also stays securely in place during cleaning, simplifying maintenance. Furthermore, its three great pivoting rotary heads adapt effectively to facial contours, ensuring an efficient and smooth shave across various areas of the face and neck.
In terms of battery, the Norelco 2400 delivers 67 minutes of run time on a full charge, with a manageable 71-minute full charge time and a 5-minute fast charge capability. This wet/dry compatible shaver offers versatile usage options, whether you prefer a dry shave or a refreshing wet shave with foam. For users prioritizing a reliable and comfortable rotary experience at a reasonable price point, this shaver proves to be a highly commendable and practical grooming tool.
15. **Andis ProFoil Lithium Titanium Foil: Straightforward Dry Shaving Power**The Andis ProFoil Lithium Titanium Foil shaver is a straightforward and powerful device, particularly suited for individuals who prefer precise dry shaving. This model aligns with other foil shavers by excelling at delivering a close shave on shorter facial hair, using oscillating blades beneath a thin, perforated foil to efficiently capture and cut hairs. It is an excellent choice for maintaining clean lines and achieving a consistently smooth finish.
In terms of power, the Andis ProFoil brings ample strength for a close shave on up to 3-day stubble. It offers a solid 80 minutes of run time on a full charge. However, its full charge time is notably longer at 131 minutes, though it does include a 5-minute fast charge option for quick grooming needs. While its battery performance is decent, the longer recharge time is a consideration for frequent users.
A distinctive feature of the Andis ProFoil is its emphasis on simplicity; it does not include a pop-up precision trimmer, which might be a drawback for users who require detailing capabilities. Furthermore, this shaver is strictly for dry cleaning, as recommended by the manufacturer. While effective, cleaning the blades solely with the included brush can be a more tedious and time-consuming process compared to models that allow for rinsing under water. For users seeking a no-frills, powerful dry foil shave, the ProFoil is a robust option.
Navigating the world of electric razors can indeed feel like a quest for the perfect blend of technology and comfort. From our comprehensive tests, it’s clear that the ideal device hinges on individual priorities—be it the closest possible shave, unparalleled portability, or a budget-friendly powerhouse. Each of these 15 electric razors, meticulously evaluated and laid bare in our findings, offers a distinct pathway to a smoother, faster, and more enjoyable grooming routine. Your perfect shave isn’t just a dream; it’s waiting for you, backed by our exhaustive research and real-world trials.
