Best Electric Shaver – Buyer’s Guide + Top 10

The Braun Series 7 790CC is the best electric shaver which provides a close and smooth shave, but it also offers more features than most of the others on our list. I measured that it shaved about a 1/2 mm closer than all of its competitors. The face of the shaver features three trimmers: Two are “OptiFoil” and the other one is “ActiveLift”. When it comes to bathroom essentials, a great shaver is undoubtedly a must on the list.

Top 10 Electric Shavers Compared

 #1 

Braun Series 7 790CC – Best Electric Shaver

WHY WE LIKE IT:

The “OptiFoil” and “ActiveLift” trimmers are a big plus for this electric shaver. They make shaving easy and give you a comfortable smooth shave that is fast.Pros

  • Best shaving experience
  • Automatic cleaning
  • Affordable

Cons

  • No wet and dry technology
  • Build quality could be better

The “OptiFoil” and “ActiveLift” trimmers are a big plus for this electric shaver. They make shaving easy and give you a comfortable smooth shave that is fast.

The head of the Braun electric shaver series 7 790CC is flexible and moved smoothly over my skin during testing. Aside from providing a great shave, this model also helps to take care of your skin, because it comes with an alcohol-based cleaning and charging dock that can kill 99% of the bacteria on the skin in just one use.

If that isn’t enough, this shaver also features three custom modes: Normal, Intensive, and Extra Sensitive. A pop-up trimmer for trimming your beard and mustache is also included. Nearly every feature of this shaver is designed for the best shave possible while making the job quick, and it doesn’t disappoint.

Add in the fact that it is an affordable shaver and you can see why I chose this one as the best of the year. It is simply one of the best razors you can buy.

Comfortable Shave 9.6/10
The Braun Series 7 790CC is comfortable to use and felt great on my face. It also feeels great in the hand.

Speed 9.6/10
The Braun Series 7 790CC makes shaving quick and easy. So no matter how rushed you are, you are going to look great

Close Shave 9.5/10
This model delivered the closest shave, beating the competition by a mile. My face has honestly never felt so smooth. The “OptiFoil” and “ActiveLift” trimmers make a huge difference.

Value 9.5/10
Given the extra features and the fact that it is so pleasant to use, while also giving a smoth shave, this is a fantastic value. You might also want to check out 14 high tech gloves for men.

 #2 

Braun Series 9 9095CC – Smoothest Shave Electric Shaver

WHY WE LIKE IT:

It’s no surprise that our #2 spot for the best electric shaver also goes to a Braun electric shaver. The Braun Series 9 9095CC is very similar to the model in our #1 pick, but the Braun Series 9 9095CC comes with an extra “Direct & Cut” trimmer.Pros

  • Comes with Direct and Cut trimmer
  • Close shave
  • Includes Wet and Dry technology

Cons

  • Poor build quality
  • Expensive
  • Hard to find and expensive replacement cartridges

It’s no surprise that our #2 spot for the best electric shaver also goes to a Braun electric shaver. The Braun Series 9 9095CC is very similar to the model in our #1 pick, but the Braun Series 9 9095CC comes with an extra “Direct & Cut” trimmer.

This trimmer aligns randomly growing facial hairs and trims them down evenly. The other difference is that the ActiveLift trimmer from the 790cc is replaced with a HyperLift trimmer which is more powerful. It should be on our 7 gadgets for the ultimate football tailgating experience list just because it makes you look so manly.

The Braun Series 9 9095CC is more expensive and so are the replacement cartridges, which customers seem to have a hard time finding. Nevertheless, this model gives an even smoother shave than our #1 pick.

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It is worth the extra money to those who absolutely need the best closest and smoothest shave. The build quality is very poor however and made of plastic. This could have easily been my #1 pick if not for the cons mentioned.

Comfort 9/10
The Braun Series 9 9095CC is similar to our #1 pick and it is just as comfortable to use. It feels just right in your hand and glides over your face nicely.

Speed 9.4/10
Another fast shave that won’t take forever. Whether you are in a hurry or not, this shaver gets the job done quick.

Close Shave 8.9/10
It provides a very close shave just like our top pick. In fact, it would have ranked at #1 were it not for other factors listed below.

Value 9.5/10
Thanks to the superior performance, wet and dry technology and comfort, this shaver is a great value, outclassing other competitors.

 

 #3 

Panasonic Arc5 Electric Razor – Best Wet and Dry Electric Shaver

WHY WE LIKE IT:

Panasonic is another big name in the electric shaver world, so it is no surprise to find one near the top of our buying guide. Panasonics arc is a great example of a fine shaver.Pros

  • Pivoting head with 5 trimmers
  • Great for thick hair
  • Includes wet and dry technology

Cons

  • Not comfortable
  • Not for sensitive skin

Panasonic is another big name in the electric shaver world, so it is no surprise to find one near the top of our buying guide. Panasonics arc is a great example of a fine shaver.

The Panasonic Arc5 Electric Razor will provide a close shave thanks to 5 powerful trimmers in the pivoting head. This is the perfect choice for men with thick beards who have to shave more often than the rest of us.

It comes with a cleaning and charging dock, to automatically clean your shaver, ensuring that you will always have power and that your shaver is ready to go when you are. It also sports an LED panel that displays battery life.

One reason that it is great for thick hair is that the Panasonic Arc5 Electric Razor has built-in Arc5 sensors that automatically detect differences in beard density, making this model a great choice and one of the best electric razors for beards. As the electric razor moves across your face, power flow is continually adjusted, giving it extra power when needed.

It has a 14,000 CPM linear motor, which means that you won’t have to deal with the painful pulling and tugging that other electric shavers are known for. This model does feel a bit bulky in your hand and it should be noted that it made me feel itchy, but I also have sensitive skin. Despite this, it is a solid performer.

Comfort 8/10
It feels a bit bulky in the hand. Not terrible, but not the best fit. It feels great on your skin in general, but is not for those with sensitive skin.

Speed 9.4/10
5 powerful trimmers in the pivoting head make your shave quick and easy. Just the way we like it.

Close Shave 9.2/10
It offers a very decent close shave thanks to the aforementioned trimmers and pivoting head. It’s especially good if you have thick beard hair.​

Value 9.4/10
This is an excellent value considering the price. You get a close shave with wet and dry technology as well as other nice features. The only thing better to a man than a shave like this is the best charcoal grill.

 #4 

Philips Norelco Electric Shaver 2100 – Best Rotary Electric Shaver

WHY WE LIKE IT:

The Philips Norelco Electric Shaver 2100 is one of the most basic electric shavers that you can buy. That’s a good thing. It does the job admirably with a great price point.Pros

  • Affordable
  • Pop-Up trimmer for detailed grooming
  • Easy to use

Cons

  • No wet and dry technology
  • 8 hour charge time
  • Not for heavy beards

The Philips Norelco Electric Shaver 2100 is one of the most basic electric shavers that you can buy. That’s a good thing. It does the job admirably with a great price point.

If you are looking for an affordable shaver without sacrificing quality, this Shaver Philips Norelco is my pick for value for money. These qualities are what earned it a spot on this list. It’s perfect if you travel and need a dependable shaver at the ready. The 8 hour charge time gives you about 35 minutes of shaving time.

This model features 4-direction Flex Heads that easily shave every curve of your face and neck. It also has a one-touch open feature so that you can rinse it clean under the faucet. The Philips Norelco Electric Shaver 2100 may not have all of the features of other shavers, but it is a classic design that still earns it high marks..

Comfort 8/10
You can’t go wrong with this shaver. It offers a comfortable shave, feel comfortable in the hand and offers a pleasant shave all around.

Speed 9.2/10
The 8 hour charge time gives you 35 minutes of shave time, which is more than you need, even with beards.

Close Shave 9.1/10
Those 4-direction Flex Heads do an admirable job, getting all the curves of your face. The end result is a smooth shave that feels great.

Value 9.7/10
The low price combined with a great shave and great features make this one of the best values out there. You men may also want to read about the best portable grill.

 #5 

Panasonic ES-LA63-S Arc4 – Best Electric Shaver For Sensitive Skin

WHY WE LIKE IT:

Those with sensitive skin who want to avoid razor burn, will love the Panasonic ES-LA63-S Arc4 electric shaver series. I can attest to this as I myself have sensitive skin.Pros

  • Has Wet or dry technology
  • Perfect for those with sensitive skin
  • LCD screen displays battery capacity

Cons

  • A bit expensive

Those with sensitive skin who want to avoid razor burn, will love the Panasonic ES-LA63-S Arc4 electric shaver series. I can attest to this as I myself have sensitive skin.

This 4-blade, dual-motor shaving system has 30° angle Nanotech blades for maximum durability and sharpness. It also features a linear drive that shaves at 14,000 cuts per minute. I liked how the pivoting head gave a smooth shave, gliding over my skin.

This model features a pop-up trimmer for detailing the sideburns and mustache as well. It will deliver about 14 shaves per charge at 3 minutes per shave, which is more than I needed. Another nice feature is the 10-stage LCD in the handle, which allows you to easily check the power status, charge indicator and cleaning and replacement reminders so that it is always ready.

This wetdry shaver is a great value, even though it is on the expensive side and lacks some of the features of higher-end shavers. I liked this Panasonic electric shaver a lot and that is why its a top pick. It was a really nice shaving experience.

Comfort 9/10
If you have sensitive skin, it doesn’t get much better than this. The pivoting head feels soft against your skin.

Speed 9.4/10
I loved that even with sensitive skin, this shaver provided a quick shave. With stubble it takes about 5 minutes and I can’t imagine it taking much longer with a well trimmed beard.

Close Shave 8.9/10
You can expect a very close shave that makes your skin feel silky smooth.

Value 9.5/10
Excellent value for the price. You get a lot for your money with this model. It cuts your hair like the best riding lawn mower cuts grass.

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 #6 

Wahl Professional 8061-100 – Best Electric Shaver For Stubble

WHY WE LIKE IT:

The Wahl Professional 8061-100 electric shaver is reasonably priced, and offers a nice close shave. Dynaflex cutting technology helps to trim down the hair more efficiently.Pros

  • Affordable
  • Hypoallergenic foils
  • Good build quality

Cons

  • No wet or dry technology
  • Good for stubble length hairs only
  • Uncomfortable to hold

The Wahl Professional 8061-100 electric shaver is reasonably priced, and offers a nice close shave. Dynaflex cutting technology helps to trim down the hair more efficiently.

Its hypoallergenic foils are also great for sensitive skin. One drawback to this model is that it will not shave longer hairs, only stubble or short coarse hair. If you shave daily, only trimming down your stubble for a clean shaven look, this is the perfect razor for you and one of the best electric shavers on the market for stubble.

The build quality is also excellent on this model. It feels solid and durable. It vibrates in your hand enough that it could be annoying though, and while it isn’t very comfortable to hold in the hand either, at least as far as my tests were concerned, this is a quality shaver at a great price.

It is easy to use, provides an excellent shave and is reliable.

Comfort 8/10
While comfortable enough on your face, it vibrates strongly enough that it might be uncomfortable for some to hold.
Speed 8.7/10
While it isn’t the fastest shave around, since this shavers excels mainly at cutting stubble and short hair, it does provide a quick shave under those circumstances.

Close Shave 9/10
It delivers a close shave daily that is comparable to higher priced models. It earns it’s place as one of the best gadgets for men.

Value 9.1/10
Excellent value and priced just right for the daily stubble eradicator.

 #7 

Remington PG6025 All-In-1 Grooming Kit – Best Electric Shaver Kit

WHY WE LIKE IT:

The best grooming kit of 2019 is clearly the Remington PG6025 All-In-1 Grooming Kit. This is the shaver for you if you prefer a dry shave.Pros

  • Very affordable
  • 50-60 minutes of shaving on a full charge
  • 8 attachments

Cons

  • Lacks the features of more expensive shavers
  • Not waterproof

The best grooming kit of 2019 is clearly the Remington PG6025 All-In-1 Grooming Kit. This is the shaver for you if you prefer a dry shave.

The kit has eight attachments so that you can use it as a hair trimmer and for detail, taking care of all of your grooming needs. The price is cheap, making it ideal for anyone looking for the ultimate budget electric shaver. For your hair grooming needs, take a look at the best hair gel for men.

This model is a perfect travel shaver and even comes with its own travel pouch. It features 10 speed settings, a lithium-ion battery with a charging time of 4 hours, a shaving time of 1 hour on a full charge and a 2-year warranty.

The Remington PG6025 All-In-1 Grooming Kit is a solid shaver with nice accessories. One of the best beard trimmers out there.

Comfort 8/10
This kit is comfortable and easy to use for your daily dry shave.
Speed 8.5/10
Your grooming will be fast thanks to a variety of attachments.

Close Shave 8.6/10
While not the closest shave, for the money, you get a very nice smooth shave that will look great.

Value 9.3/10
Excellent value all around. It will please just about anyone for the price.

 #8 

Panasonic ER-GB40-S 19 – Best Value Electric Shaver

WHY WE LIKE IT:

I found the Panasonic ER-GB40-S 19 to be a very dependable shaver, but it lacks many of the features that other shavers in its price range have. One thing that it does have is a lot of settings.Pros

  • 19 precision settings
  • Has wet and dry technology
  • Shave time of 50 minutes

Cons

  • 15 hour charge time
  • No indicator to tell you when it is fully charged

I found the Panasonic ER-GB40-S 19 to be a very dependable shaver, but it lacks many of the features that other shavers in its price range have. One thing that it does have is a lot of settings.

It features an adjustable dial with 19 settings so you don’t need multiple clipper comb attachments. This model is also 100% washable and waterproof. You can use this in the shower if you like. To clean it, just flip it open and run water over it. That cleans your shaver.

The charger stand lights up red while charging, but sadly there is no way to tell when your charge is complete. That charge time will take 15 hours if your shaver is completely depleted. A full charge will give you 50 minutes of use, however, which is not bad at all.

Despite lacking some features that other shavers in this price range have, and despite the heavy charging time, this is a dependable shaver that I am happy to have made our list.

Comfort 8/10
Average comfort. It felt pretty good to use, but not exceptional.
Speed 8.3/10
Shave time is not as fast as some others, but quick enough for most men in a hurry.

Close Shave 8.6/10
It gives a pretty close shave for the money. Not the closest, but you’ll be very satisfied.

Value 9/10
Excellent value.

 #9 

Philips Norelco AT830 – Best All-Around Electric Shaver

WHY WE LIKE IT:

The Philips Norelco AT830 is great for men with sensitive skin thanks to DualPrecision heads that are designed with slots and holes to quickly and comfortably shave both long and short hair at the same time.Pros

  • Has wet and dry technology
  • No vibration/quiet
  • Affordable

Cons

  • Limited pivot action
  • Lacks features for the price point

The Philips Norelco AT830 is great for men with sensitive skin thanks to DualPrecision heads that are designed with slots and holes to quickly and comfortably shave both long and short hair at the same time.

It also has wet and dry technology that you expect from most shavers on the market today, allowing you to shave wet with gel or foam for extra skin protection or dry. The integrated pop-up trimmer is great for your sideburns and mustache.

The Philips Norelco AT830 has no vibration and sound, so it is perfect for when you want to keep things quiet, like when the wife is asleep and you need a quick shave. It also sports a fully washable design for easy and fast cleaning.

You will always know how full the battery is thanks to the LED Charge, Battery Low and Battery Full Indicator. This shaver fully charges in about eight hours for up to 50 minutes of shaving time and it also has a 3-Minute quick-charge for 1 cordless shave. I love how easy to clean it is.

Comfort 8/10
Very comfortable to use and feels good on the skin.
Speed 8.3/10
Shave time is again decent here. It gets the job done fairly quick.

Close Shave 8.5/10
Like the other models on our list, this one delivers a nice close shave that will satisfy you.

Value 8.8/10
Excellent value thanks to a great price and decent features.

 #10 

Panasonic ES8103S Arc3 – Best Electric Shaver For Thick Beards

WHY WE LIKE IT:

The Panasonic ES8103S Arc3 is basically a typical electric shaver that will get the job done. If you are looking for a decently priced shaver with middle of the road features, this is your choice.Pros

  • Close shave
  • Wet and Dry Technology
  • Built-in LCD shows battery status

Cons

  • Noisy
  • Not good for thick beards

The Panasonic ES8103S Arc3 is basically a typical electric shaver that will get the job done. If you are looking for a decently priced shaver with middle of the road features, this is your choice.

It offers a clean and close shave, an efficient pivoting head, Wet and Dry Technology, an LED indicator for battery status and sharp blades. It also packs in a linear motor drive which delivers 13,000 cuts per minute.

It doesn’t come with a charging station or cleaning stations, however. It’s also a bit noisy compared to similar models. While the Panasonic ES8103S Arc3 will offer most users a nice close shave, it is not good for thick beards. Despite a few drawbacks, with this model, you get decent features for a decent price. It’s among the best Panasonic shavers you can buy.

Comfort 8/10
Very comfortable to use and feels good on the skin.
Speed 8.3/10
Shave time is again decent here. It gets the job done fairly quick.

Close Shave 8.5/10
Like the other models on our list, this one delivers a nice close shave that will satisfy you.

Value 8.7/10
Excellent value thanks to a great price and decent features.

Nothing Feels Better Than a Smooth Shave

These days most men are too busy to go to a barber and get the royal treatment. No worries. Our buyer’s guide will help you to choose the right electric shaver for you, so that you can feel like a barber shaved you, even though you did it yourself.

How We Reviewed Electric Shavers

  1. Comfort – Should Feel Good
    We want our electric shavers to be comfortable to hold and comfortable on our faces. It should be easy to use and feel good.
  2. Shaving Time – The Quicker The Better
    Most of us are in a hurry, so we want a shaver that is dependable, ready when we are and quick to do it’s job so we can get to work.
  3. Close Shave – Silky Smooth
    What’s the point of shaving if you don’t get a close shave and get it all? How close an electric shaver shaves is an important consideration.
  4. Value – Price Sweetspot
    We want a great value for our money spent. The more features and better performance you can get for a lower price, the better.

Top 10 Electric Shavers Compared

Device Name – Wet/Dry Shaving/Razor Type

  1. Braun Series 7 790CC – No/Foil
  2. Braun Series 9 9095CC – Yes/Foil
  3. Panasonic Arc5 Electric Razor – Yes/Foil
  4. Philips Norelco Electric Shaver 2100 – No/Rotary
  5. Panasonic ES-LA63-S Arc4 – Yes/Foil
  6. Wahl Professional 8061-100 – No/Foil
  7. Remington PG6025 All-In-1 Grooming – No/NA
  8. Panasonic ER-GB40-S 19 – Yes/45-Degree Blades
  9. Philips Norelco AT830 – Yes/Rotary
  10. Panasonic ES8103S Arc3 – Yes/Foil

Frequently Asked Questions

Shaving is an art almost as old as man himself. But today we have more choices than a sharp rock or a rough knife. Too many choices in fact. Do you choose Philips, Panasonic? Rotary or foil blades? Which is right for your skin?

How long of a charge is good for you? V.S. how much shave time a charge gives you.
Electric shavers have varied charging times. Typically anything from 30 minutes to 8 hours. Your lifestyle is going to determine what kind of charge time is good for you. If you shave often, you will want something with short charge time, whereas if you shave once a week, you may not mind longer charge times. Your next consideration is how much shaving time a charge gives you. If you only shave stubble every day you may only need a few minutes and again, if you have more to shave you will want a longer shaving time.

Your electric shaver should be comfortable in the hand.
Some shavers vibrate more than others so it is important to find a model that will be steady in your hand. You don’t want something that feels like you are fighting a weed whacker. If the electric shaver has vibration, you want it to be gentle. You also want a shaver that feels comfortable in your hand while shaving.

Find the correct shaver for your skin.
Some guys have sensitive skin, others not so much. If you have sensitive skin, you don’t want a shaver that treats you rough. Electric shaver companies have gone out of their way in recent years to offer more models that cater to folks with sensitive skin. Hypo-allergenic blades will be gentle on your skin and any shaver that has wet and dry technology will give you more options as well. Being able to lather up with gel first is all some guys need after all.

What is wet and dry technology?
Ideally, you want a shaver with wet and dry technology. The term simply means that you can use shaving gel with your electric razor. To some, this feels better than a dry shave. This is an important consideration. Especially for those with sensitive skin. Shaving cream or gel will reduce your skin irritation. Wet shaving also gives you a better and closer shave.

Should you choose a foil electric razor or rotary shaver?
To figure out the best type of electric shaver for you, we have to explain how an electric shaver works. In order to choose between a shaver that has foil blades or rotary blades, you need to understand how an electric shaver works. Both types of shavers have cutting elements that operate in a similar way. Each is a type of metal grating that grabs the hair. A foil razor uses straight heads with oscillating blades beneath a ‘foil’ to cut hair. The Foil is a thin grate mesh that covers the cutters. The foil captures the hair with its holes, cutting it close to the skin and offering a close shave with superior hair removal. Foil electric shavers are the closest shaves you can get.

Rotary electric razors have circular heads with an internally spinning cutter that cuts the stubble captured by the outer guard. These circular heads will follow the contours of your face so that as you move it, hairs fall into the grooves and are cut by the blades. Rotary shavers are great for some difficult areas like the neck and chin. The Norelco series is well known for pioneering this rotary razors design.

Both can give you a close shave, but Rotary shavers are better for stubble, so if you shave often, a Rotary shaver lets you do the job quickly and as mentioned, works great with the angles on your face. A Foil shaver is will deliver a much closer shave no matter how often you shave. Some popular electric shavers today include the esla63s arc, Norelco Sensotouch 3D, Panasonic eslt41k Arc, Panasonic eslv95s Arc5, the Panasonic esla63s Arc, Proskin 3040s, Remington f55800, Panasonic eslv95s, Panasonic es8243a, and the Sensotouch 3d to name a few. Choosing an electric shaver is easy when you take all of the factors above into consideration. When you need a quality electric razor, this buyer’s guide will help you to choose the right one.