8 Best Electric Shavers for Men – Tested, Used and Reviewed
What is the Best Electric Shaver for Men? That’s a question I have frequently found in the e-mail box, even though we have a page full of electric shaver reviews, including the best of the latest models this year.
I understand, and I get it. Most of the time, after further inquiries, I discover the person might have sensitive skin, be concerned about the cost, or have some confusion about the differences between shavers and other concerns. After further discussion, they can then be guided toward the right option that gets the best electric razor based on their personal needs and budget.
No Fluff Shaver Recommendations
I have used all these products and tested the best electric shavers on the market, including some of the worst. These shaver suggestions are experience-based, with no axes to grind with any companies, just honest independent reviews, and a good understanding after many years of dealing with gentleman’s grooming requirements.
Factors I Consider – What do I look for when testing an electric shaver?
With any of our roundups, I have a set of criteria to compare each model based on what’s most essential and the various needs of a buyer.
I look for the following qualities when choosing from the numerous electric razors on the market today, and I suggest that you consider the same qualities.
- Cutting Power: Each shaver has a certain amount of cutting power which is often measured in cutting actions per minute. The higher the cutting actions, the faster it will shave and the more efficient the shaver can be. Don’t worry; this is shown within the specs of many of the best shavers and brands.
- Build quality and ergonomics: How the shaver is handled and whether its shape is comfortable to hold and use are very important. We want to see that the build quality is not flimsy and could last.
- Blade Replacement and Costs: Consider how easy or functional the blade changing action is, and how much and how often the blades should be replaced.
- Type of Shaver: The two types are rotary and foil. Rotary shavers usually have three heads, and a foil shaver has a straight head and blades. The type is something a buyer should decide before choosing from a best electric shaver list or roundup, or at least understand the differences.
- Power, Charging, and Battery: Electric razors all have to be powered, and most are now battery-operated and can be recharged. Some can now be charged with a cleaning station; others can be used with and without the power cord, while other shavers will not operate while charging. There are differences to consider.
- Cleaning and Maintenance: I also look at how easily the shaver cleans and maintenance, including blade costs. Many modern shaver models come with a cleaning station; however, you don’t need them, although they are very convenient.
- Skin and Beard: Everyone’s skin and beard hair or stubble is different. Men with sensitive skin may need a shaver that causes less irritation, while another guy with tougher skin just wants the best cutting tool available and has no skin concerns.
- Accessories and Attachments: While not an essential factor to consider, accessories and attachments have a place when choosing a shaver.
- Budget: What electric shaver we can buy will also depend on our budget. Many guys are delighted with a $30 – $40 shaver; even if it does not give the closest shave, they are happy not spending $200 + on a top-of-the-range model.
That covers the fundamentals of what I look at and what buyers will find very useful when considering buying a shaver.
Top 8 – Quick Links
1. Panasonic Arc 5 (3rd generation)- Best Electric Shaver for the Closest Shave
The Panasonic Arc 5, now in its 3rd generation, is a force to be reckoned with. When it comes to getting a close shave, the Arc 5 electric shaver rises above the rest, even above the Braun Series 9, in my experience.
It’s a mean cutting machine.
Pros
Cons
Description and Features
Named the Arc 5 because of its five cutting elements, this razor is a power horse that offers 70,000 cross-cutting actions per minute. Its multi-flex head enables users to move the shaver over the changing contours of the face with ease, and built-in Shave Sensor Technology adjusts the speed of the cutters to the beard or stubble density of a user’s face.
The Japanese are always a cut above the rest for blades, which makes a big difference with any shaving tool or device.
Performance & Shaving –
While every electric shaver has its selling points and some are just gimmicky, we all want to know how it performs, and shaves.
The Panasonic Arc 5 is first on the best electric shavers roundup list because of how close it can shave and how powerful it is. It’s at the top of the charts in this department.
This may not be the best shaver in one area, and that’s for those with sensitive skin. Because it can cut so well and fast, this may cause irritation for some men.
The ergonomics help make the shave more comfortable, and compared to many others I have tested and used, the whole unit feels solid.
Panasonic Arc 5 Final Thoughts
There is no doubt that the Panasonic Arc 5 is one of (or) the most powerful electric razors in the top range on the market today. Its precision blades and power are hard to beat, making this a great choice for those with a couple of days’ dense beard growth and for daily shaving gents who want the best possible close shave an electric shaver can give.
A Panasonic Arc 5 costs $150 + (£130 + €150+). Prices go up based on the accessories the shaver comes with and the latest revised/upgraded model.
2. Braun Series 9 Pro – Best Electric Razor for a Comfortable Close Shave
The Braun Series 9 Pro is the top-of-the-range shaver from Braun and excels in comfort while shaving, which is essential for those with sensitive skin or prone to razor burn.
Of course, the higher the series within Braun’s shaver range, the higher the price tag. However, a buyer can keep the cost down when excluding models with a cleaning station and accessories within the Series 9 Pro range.
Pros
Cons
Description and Features –
The Braun Series 9 Pro has five cutting elements to assist with cutting through facial hairs and at various angles, including picking up the low and flat-laying hairs.
This shaver head offers flexible movement back and forth that can be locked, and it’s a feature that supports shaving along the various contours of the face. It also offers 40,000 cross-cutting actions per minute, which is plenty enough for any shaver, to be fair.
The Series 9 Pro also has SyncroSonic™ technology. This feature enables the shaver to adapt its cutting intensity based on hair density. It is hard to know if this type of technology functions or not, although I have heard sound increases and decreases, which could be the SyncroSonic™ technology.
The Series 9 was upgraded to the Series 9 Pro, and Braun supplied an additional Power Case with the shaver. This Power Case is like a mobile phone power bank for the shaver. Other changes made are within the blade cassette (the trimmer element was changed), and the locking switch for the head is now a proper switch rather than part of the thumb section.
Performance & Shaving –
While shaving with the latest Braun Series 9 Pro shaver, it excels in comfort, which is one of the reasons it ranks among the best electric shavers. The Panasonic Arc 5 mentioned in this review does have that extra power and cutting action above this razor, but it does not quite have the comfort factor.
Manouvabity around the various contours of the face is very important, and the Series 9’s flexible head system caters to this.
Overall a very comfortable shave without irritation and as close as I could expect from an electric shaver.
Braun Series 9 Pro Final Thoughts
There is no doubt that the Series 9 Pro is a cut above the rest of the Braun range and most other foil shavers in closeness and comfort. However, the price hikes quite a bit from the Series 7, which performs well enough for many men and costs less.
The Braun Series 9 costs anything from $249 USD + (£240 + €239 +). Models that come with the Power Case and other accessories are naturally more expensive.
It’s undoubtedly an electric shaver to consider if you’re looking at the higher-range shaver models and brands.
3. Philips 7000 Series (7700, 7100 & 7500) – Best Rotary Shaver on Price & Performance
The Philips 7000 Series Shaver (Philips Norelco 7000 in the US) including models 7100, 7500, and 7700 are added to this roundup based on a good balance of price and performance.
Any of the model numbers with 71**, 75**, and 77** are the same shaver, and the various number changes are for models that are different in color or come with accessories. Numbers also differ in various countries, and in the US, they are named Philips Norelco (rather than just Philips). They are the same shavers.
Pros
Cons
Description and Features –
The 7000 Series is an electric rotary shaver with three shaving heads. These heads have channels to guide hair easier while shaving. They also feature a protective SkinGlide coating that reduces irritation for users.
SteelPrecision blades offer up to 90,000 cutting actions per minute, and Philips states they are self-sharpening. That is plenty of cutting action for any shaving need.
Another feature is SkinIQ, which is a facial-hair sensor that reads hair density and auto adapts the cutting speed based on beard density. This is the same type of feature mentioned in the Braun Series 9 and Panasonic Arc 5 previously.
The shaving head is a 360° Flexible Head that enables a user to move the shaver easily over the various contours of the face, especially around the chin and jaw area.
This 7000 series has a lot going for it, based on price. Let’s see how it performs and shaves, though.
Performance & Shaving –
While the performance of this shaver is not quite what a user gets from the higher-end models it’s very efficient, comfortable, and gives every good shave.
Quietness is an added benefit of this shaver while a lot of cutting action is going on. It was also exceptionally good when wet shaving using shaving cream.
There is not much going on in terms of ergonomics. The body of the Philips 7000 Series is long and slim without and real comfort or handle design made for the hand, although it is rubberized on the sides.
The hexagon-shaped heads may not be what every user likes but many guys do not find these are a negative.
Philips (Norelco) 7000 Final Thoughts
A very efficient shaver that deserves to join the best electric shavers list which shaves with high enough standards and close enough for most gentlemen. If you are considering a rotary type shaver that is neither at top of the range nor the lowest then the 7000 series from Philips is well worth considering.
The Philips (Norelco) 7000 costs around $130+ (£150+ 180€+). Above these prices will include various accessories.
4. Philips (Norelco) S9000 Prestige – Best Top of the Range Rotary Electric Shaver
The Philips (Norelco) S9000 Prestige is the top-of-the-range model from Philips that are above the 9000 models. Although this is one of the most pricey razors on the list it does shine on performance, and in other areas, it ramps the cost up though, obviously.
Pros
Cons
The S9000 Prestige model numbers include SP9820/87, SP9862/14, SP9863/14, SP9860/86, and SP9860/86. The differences include what accessories they come with and with or without the QI Pad
Description and Features
This rotary-style electric razor boasts 150,000 cutting actions per minute of NanoTech Precision blades with three shaving heads. This translates to a lot of cutting power that is fast, and high-quality blades.
Unique to the S9000 Prestige is the QI Pad, which is a wireless charging pad that charges up the shaver when it is placed on the pad. This QI Pad seems quite gimmicky at first, however, after using this shaver for a short while I found it extremely useful and convenient. The QI Pad is optional and does hike the overall price up.
Philips states that this shaver has an intelligent facial-hair sensor that reads hair density 500 times per second. Like others mentioned in this review, this adapts to the density of the beard. The 360-D+ Flexing heads work with the various contours of the face while also picking up on flat-lying hairs.
Performance & Shaving –
The S9000’s performance is extremely good, providing a very comfortable and close shave. It is surprising how quiet the razor is despite how well it cuts (it sounds like hair is not being removed, but it sure is).
The S9000 does very well when shaving heavier growth, more than many other electric shavers. Philips state this shaver can shave up to 7 days of growth which is a bit of an exaggeration, however, it is good on 3 days of growth.
The Prestige is one of the best, if not the best, in comfort, which makes it a good option for sensitive skin guys. It also has good ergonomics that make holding the shaver comfortable while shaving.
While the QI Pad seemed unnecessary at first and hiked up the cost of the razor considerably, it became something that was very convenient. When shaving was finished, I just popped it on the pad and never thought about recharging or battery power.
S9000 Prestige Final Thoughts
The S9000 Prestige deserves more recognition than many other shavers in providing comfort with such a close shave, and that quietness is remarkable compared to any foil shaver.
The Philips (Norelco) S9000 Prestige is priced at around $290+ (£245+ – 290€+) and considerably more if the QI Pad for charging is included.
5. Braun Series 7 360° Flex Head – Best Affordable All-Rounder Shaver
The Braun Series 7 360° joins the best electric shaver roundup based on its performance and the balance of what it costs compared with other electric razors on the market and included here. It’s a very good all-rounder that’s affordable.
This latest generation Series 7 model is known as the 360° Flex Head. It is just above the mid-range or just below the high-end shavers from the company Braun.
Pros
Cons
Description and Features-
Unlike the top of the range shavers mentioned including the Panasonic Arc 5 which has five cutting elements, the 7 Series has only three of these elements. It has 2 foils and the mid element which is a cutter to pick up flat-laying hairs and hair that grows in various directions.
The motor on this shaver powers 24’000 cutting actions per minute which is plenty enough for most users. And the 360° Flex Head is a big feature change in this generation of Series 7 shavers which offers improved movement of the shaver along the various contours of the face.
This is another shaver sold with or without a cleaning station and various accessories or attachments. Purchasing just the shaver keeps the costs down.
Performance & Shaving –
I am very impressed with this shaver and how well it performs and shaves. It provides a much closer shave than the cheaper, less powerful shavers, and the flex head makes all the difference when shaving around tricky areas of the face, like under the nose and around the chin and jaw.
The ergonomics and feel of this shaver in the hand are very comfortable, although it is quite noisy. Foil shavers are generally noisier than rotary types, and when the motor is running at high speeds, they, of course, get a bit noisy.
This razor gives a speedy shave when needed.
Braun Series 7 360° Final Thoughts
The Braun Series 7 is a shaver I would recommend for those who don’t want to spend the money a top-of-the-range shaver costs and also don’t want a low-powered and low-quality shaver. It has what most guys need for a quick daily or every other day shave routine.
The Series 7 Flex Head costs around $120+ (£130+ – €140+). Bought without the cleaning and charging station and with fewer attachments will save costs.
6. Philips S3233/52 & Norelco S3212/82 – Best Lowest Price Rotary Shaver
Within the best electric shavers category, I have had to search high and low to find the best option at the cheapest price, and while others we tested are cheaper they don’t quite perform as well as the Philips 3000 Series (S3233/52 & Norelco S3212/82) included here.
Philips S3233/52 vs Philips Norelco S3212/82—The only difference between the S3233 and S3212 is that the S3233 is the European model number, while the S3212 is the USA model number. The European model is also full black, while the US model has a storm gray (more blueish) front section.
Pros
Cons
Description and Features-
The 3000 Series from Philips is a rotary-style razor with three 5D Pivot & Flex Heads that offer flexible movement when shaving along the uneven contours of the face. This shaver also features ComfortCut Blades that enable the comfortable cutting of facial hair.
Although this is an inexpensive shaver, it may still be used wet or dry and gives a good 60 minutes of shaving with a fully charged battery. Its blades should also last for up to 2 years before needing replacing, and a nice feature is the press button that flips open the top to clean within the blade area.
This shaver is a much stouter and shorter shaver unit than many others; however, a firm grip is available with the rubberized sides and underneath section.
The Philips has all the basics needed to be a decent rotary shaver and more.
Performance & Shaving –
After using the likes of a Panasonic Arc 5, Braun Series 9, or Philips S9000 Prestige it’s hard to imagine getting a very good shave and much performance to shout about when using a much cheaper razor.
However, when putting those expensive models aside and comparing this series 3 with other shavers, it’s a very good shaver. It’s very comfortable to hold, moves along the contours of the face easily, and shaves close, although more effort and skin stretching are required to get anywhere near the close results higher-priced shavers provide.
Some irritation was caused by this shaver when shaving daily. This means sensitive skin type men may not find this the best suited shaver.
Philips 3000 Series S3233/52 & Norelco S3212/82 Final Thoughts
This is a great rotary shaver option for guys with normal to tough skin who do not need the highest-performance shaver with all the technology that these higher-priced razors come with. Sensitive skin-type gents may have to look elsewhere and even spend a little more cash.
The Philips 3000 Series costs around $60 (£55 – €60).
7. Braun Series 5 (EasyClean) – Best Lowest Price Foil Shaver
We’ve had the best electric shaver at the lowest price available that will perform very well—a rotary-type razor. Now, for the foil type, the Braun Series 5 is the most suitable recommendation you may wish to consider.
It’s possible the Braun Series 5 could be a good choice for those new to shaving with an electric razor. It’s not the cheapest nor the least powerful, and it also does not cost an arm and a leg to see if electric shavers are suited for the person new to using them.
Pros
Cons
Description and Features
This generation of the Braun Series 5 is known as the EasyClean because of the design of the shaver head’s underneath section. This section allows water to flow through the head easily without removing it.
The trimmer on this shaver, unlike many others, is an attachment and not built it. This, on the one hand, is a positive because it keeps the razor slightly smaller, compact, and simple, which might favor those who do not use the trimmer very often. However, those who use it frequently could find this clipping on and off inconvenient.
This Series 5 is ergonomically friendly and has rubberized sections, which help users keep a good grip while they are shaving.
The motor and cutting actions per minute are nothing like the top-end models. However, it is still a powerful razor and offers more power and cutting action than models that are cheaper.
This razor can be used wet or dry and has a battery runtime of around 50 minutes when fully charged.
Performance & Shaving –
The Braun Series 5 performed and shaved better than anticipated. Because of its fairly low price tag, expectations were quite low, and it exceeded them nicely.
This is a nice shaver for those who do not want all the features and complexity of the technology the expensive models offer. Some guys only want simple indicators, three shaving elements, good ergonomics, and a close shave, which this shaver offers.
It was not as close or as comfortable as other more expensive models tested. However, based on price, there is nothing much to complain about.
Braun Series 5 (EasyClean) Final Thoughts
The Series 5 EasyClean for one of the lower-priced foil shavers compared with others we have tested and reviewed. For those that do not wish to spend 100’s on a razor but do want a quality product, it’s worth considering.
This shaver is proof that you don’t need the most powerful motor and a lot of cutting elements to get the job done.
The Braun Series 5 costs around $70+ (£60+ – €73+). The price may go up somewhat when bought with extra attachments.
8. Skull Shaver Pitbull Gold PRO – Best Dedicated Head Shaver
I’ve tested and used many of the best electric shavers dedicated to head shaving and standard facial shavers to find the razor that will provide a comfortable, quick, and close shave. The Skull Shavers have remained my top choice in this department.
The Skull Shaver Pitbull Gold PRO from the Skull Shavers range is the perfect option based on a balance of performance, features, and cost. A buyer gets a better-performing shaver than the Skull Shaver Palm while saving extra costs of some slight additional benefits of owning the Platinum model.
Pros
Cons
Description and Features
Skull Shavers was one of the first companies to design a head shaver with a body that fits perfectly in a person’s hand and is ideal for holding while shaving around the various areas and contours of the head. Skull Shavers went one up with their patented design, which allows a user to use the shaver with their hand cupped between the blades and head, making the job of head shaving so much easier.
The four rotary-type blades are easily detached from this razor, and it can be used to shave wet or dry. Debris from shaving is collected within the inner rotary blade section that can be emptied and cleaned out after use.
On the front of the shaver, there is an indicator that shows, in percentage, how much power the battery has left. The battery should provide up to 90 minutes of runtime.
Performance & Shaving –
Without a doubt, Skull Shavers are at the top of the charts when it comes to head shaving with ease and having a shaver that can get the job done quickly wherever a person is. They have the edge over others at this very time.
The body or handle design is the real selling point, and it’s great to have the option of switching from holding the shaver unit at the sides and then cupping the blades. The Pitbull Gold PRO moves along and around the head as best as it possibly can, and I cannot see how it could ever be improved.
I have used the Pitbull wet and dry shaving methods; both work well. Dry shaving is obviously the most convenient, as there is no mess to deal with, and the job is done fast.
Skull Shaver Pitbull Gold PRO Final Thoughts
The Skull Shavers are the best electric razors dedicated to head-shaving in my experience, and as mentioned the Pitbull Pro has the perfect balance of performance with costs. They might be quite costly compared to many of the copied-type models found on Amazon; however, after testing this shaver, I have found it is better.
The Gold PRO currently costs around $90 (£120 – €129). This shaver has no variation in models with and without accessories.
That’s just about it for the Best Electic Shavers roundup. We always keep these roundups up-to-date, like the Best Head Shavers list, while testing new products to add, and we remove those that get outperformed.
