The Best Electric Razors to Invest in for 2023 | Esquire UK

We’ve become well acquainted with dealing with our facial hair over the years. After making the best of what we’ve got during lockdown, we’ve picked up some skills. But we’d be nowhere without a decent electric razor.

Whether you favour a Tom Selleck moustache, or a smooth, fresh face, today’s ultra-precise blades can sculpt them all. Electric razors do the job quicker than a traditional razor, giving a cleaner cut with less irritation, which is why they’re an essential on any man’s bathroom sink.

At least, the good ones are, which is why we tested them all to find the nine best electric razors that you can buy right now.

What’s the difference between an electric razor and a beard trimmer?

This one’s all a question of length. A beard, by definition, is hair that sits beyond your skin. As a result, a beard trimmer doesn’t need to cut as close, because the shortest you’d ever want to go is stubble. A razor, however, needs to be able to cut your beard hair flush with your face, which is a much trickier job that involves pulling the hairs away from your face, slicing them with a razor without shredding your skin, and then soothing your mug so it’s not left red and raw.

That’s why electric razors tend to be more expensive than beard trimmers, and why they also tend to be less multifunctional – they’re designed to do one (fairly complicated) job as well as possible. (It bears noting that you should not be shaving your face with hair clippers, fyi. Nor trying to cut your hair with an electric razor).

Foil vs rotary: which electric razor is best?

There are two different types of electric razor, which use different approaches to shave your face. One prioritises precision, the other flexibility. Both offer a close shave, so really it’s a matter of personal preference.

Foil:

This is a long, thin strip of oscillating blades that shift in a straight line to lift hairs away from the skin and cut them cleanly. They’re good for getting a really close shave, but it can be hard to get into the ridges and contours of your jawline as the cutting surface is less flexible.

Rotary:

These have two or three rotating blades that depress and shift around your face. The blades pull the hair in a circular motion and cut it close, which gives you more freedom to just move the razor around your chin and jaw, but does mean you sacrifice a little closeness.

How we tested electric razors

For six weeks, 152 men with varying stubble length and hair types tried a range of electric razors. They assessed how close and smooth the shave was, as well as how each manoeuvred around the jawline and chin area. They also scored each on how easy it was to use, and if they noticed any skin irritation.

We also conducted a lab test using a noise meter to determine how loud each razor was whilst in action.

Best foil razor

Braun Series 9 9390cc Electric Shaver

Braun

amazon.co.uk

£499.99

£222.99 (55% off)

All of our testers were left satisfied with the close finish this premium razor gave. The pivoting head allows for closer contact to the skin, while a built-in sensor adapts the power according to your beard density.

Our testers appreciated how soft and gentle it was on skin while still giving smooth results – some even said it was like getting a wet shave. It was also easy to operate around the jawline and chin area, and worked well on longer hair. There’s an automated cleaning unit that cleans, lubricates, dries and charges the razor, too, meaning it’s ready to use when you need it.

  • Type: Foil
  • Able to use wet and dry: Yes
  • Cordless: Yes
  • Run time: 60 minutes
  • Quick charge: Yes
  • Accessories: Clean and charge station, one cleaning cartridge, leather travel case, smart plug, cleaning brush

    Best rotary razor

    Philips Series 9000 Prestige Wet & Dry Electric Shaver

    Philips

    amazon.co.uk

    £349.99

    £299.99 (14% off)

    This sleek razor has a clear LCD screen that displays useful information, such as the battery level. There’s also wireless charging and a number of attachments that are designed to give a close shave, while sensors pick up on beard density and auto adjust the settings accordingly. The blades are also recyclable via the brand’s recycling scheme.

    It’s performance matches its impressive features, too. Testers were pleased with how well the high-tech razor handled longer stubble, particularly around the jawline and other tricky areas. Those with sensitive skin also appreciated the gentle shave it provided, which still managed to catch those tiny whiskers. Comfortable to hold and use, it’s also fully waterproof.

    • Type: Rotary
    • Able to use wet and dry: Yes
    • Cordless: Yes
    • Run time: 60 minutes
    • Quick charge: Yes
    • Accessories: Charging pad, pouch, precision styler

      Best for long stubble

      .

      ES-LV97 5-Blade Wet & Dry Electric Shaver with Responsive Beard Sensor and Charging Stand

      Panasonic

      £329.99

      £124.99 (62% off)

      The more days you’ve left it, the more stubborn stubble will be. However, Panasonic’s powerful razor claims to be able to tackle everything from thick hair to dense beards with its razor-sharp blades, and F1-esque motor.

      Of our testers, 82% agreed this was an expert at handling longer stubble, providing a close smooth shave for 93%. Everyone found it easy to control, with 93% pleased with their final look. The high-quality finish and power of the device got a thumbs up from all our testers, too.

      • Type: Foil
      • Able to use wet and dry: Yes
      • Cordless: Yes
      • Run time: 50 mins
      • Quick charge: No
      • Accessories: Travel case, blade oil, cleaning brush, charging system, detergent for charging system

        Best for long-lasting battery

        Lifeproof Plus Shaver

        Wahl

        very.co.uk

        £89.99

        If you like to take your leisurely time, this device offers up to 90 minutes of shaving time and features an LED power meter, so you can easily keep track of battery life and charge level. It proved gentle to use for 92%, and was fuss-free tackling trickier areas such as around the moustache and chin regions.

        • Type: Foil
        • Able to use wet and dry: Yes
        • Cordless: Yes
        • Run time: 90 mins
        • Quick charge: No
        • Accessories: Storage bag, cleaning brush, blade oil, foil guard

          Best compact razor

          R6 Style Series Aqua Rotary Shaver

          remington

          boots.com

          £109.99

          A perfect match for minimalists, this device comes with a handy travel pouch to help keep clutter to a minimum. Easy to use, lightweight and coming with a convenient USB charging cable, 87% of testers were happy with their finished shave. It was easy to control for all too, while also being comfortable to hold (thanks to its ergonomic grip).

          • Type: Rotary
          • Able to use wet and dry: Yes
          • Cordless: Yes
          • Run time: 60 mins
          • Quick charge: No
          • Accessories: Stubble styler head guard, travel pouch, cleaning brush

            Best luxury razor

            .

            S9000 Electric Shaver

            Philips

            boots.com

            £449.99

            £240.00 (47% off)

            If you’d rather invest in a luxe razor, it doesn’t get better than this rotary option. Powered by A.I tech, this intuitive razor claims to adapt to your skin and hair to give you the ultimate customised shaving experience when linked to the brand’s app.

            The shave itself left 92% of testers’ skin smooth, with an impressive final look and feel, while 83% agreed it effectively removed all hair. It did come up as ‘relatively loud’ in our lab test, but 92% of tester said it wasn’t an issue.

            • Type: Rotary
            • Able to use wet and dry: Yes
            • Cordless: Yes
            • Run time: 60 mins
            • Quick charge: No
            • Accessories: Precision trimmer, premium pouch, charging pad

              Best irritation-free razor

              .

              Series 9 Pro 9477cc Electric Shaver

              Braun

              £559.99

              Featuring a mode designed for sensitive skin, even on an ultra-close shave this sleek bit of kit delivered a gentle shave – and smooth skin – for all testers. Everyone was happy with their final look too, with 90% saying it tackled seven-day beard hair brilliantly.

              Powerful and with a luxe feel, it was quiet to use, with one tester claiming it was “the best dry shave I have had with an electric razor”. Impressive.

              • Type: Foil
              • Able to use wet and dry: Yes
              • Cordless: Yes
              • Run time: 60 mins
              • Quick charge: No
              • Accessories: Power case, cleaning cartridge, cleaning brush, cleaning station

                Best corded razor

                Remington R3 Rotary Shaver

                remington

                boots.com

                £29.99

                Featuring an antimicrobial head, this corded razor aims to reduce sensitivity and irritation. There are no fancy features or accessories – which is what you’d expect at this price – but testers appreciated how intuitive it was to use and clean.

                The pop-up trimmer was precise, with testers loving how well it shaped the edges of their moustaches and sideburns. Skin was left looking clean and sleek after use, although it didn’t produce as close a shave as the more expensive models here.

                The corded design is great for anyone who forgets to charge their devices but does limit its manoeuvrability. There is a three-day stubble guard for those who prefer a bit of stubble, too.

                • Type: Rotary
                • Able to use wet and dry: No
                • Cordless: No
                • Run time: N/A
                • Quick charge: N/A
                • Accessories: Three-day stubble styler, cleaning brush

                  Best for durability

                  .

                  Electric Razor/Shaver Lifeproof Foil Shaver

                  WAHL

                  amazon.co.uk

                  £69.99

                  £49.99 (29% off)

                  With ‘lifeproof’ in the name, you’d expect this razor to be pretty indestructible no matter how accident-prone you are. It’s designed to be able to survive all those bumps against your bathroom mirror and drops down the side of the sink, and our testers were impressed with its hardy, waterproof design.

                  The movable head provides a comfortable, close shave, while it also handles longer stubble well. Our testers appreciated the pop-up trimmer’s ability to shape moustaches and sideburns too, and you get an impressive 90-minute run time. It would make the ideal travel buddy, or a great gift for anyone entering the world of shaving.

                  • Type: Foil
                  • Able to use wet and dry: Yes
                  • Cordless: Yes
                  • Run time: 90 minutes
                  • Quick charge: Yes
                  • Accessories: Travel pouch, cleaning brush, charger plug and cable, foil guard and blade oil