With so many different models of electric shavers for sale on the market, trying to pick just one out of the bunch is no easy task for shoppers. Most consumers simply don’t have the time nor the inclination to read hundreds of reviews. So to make your buying decision easier, we did the research for you.
After thoroughly reviewing and comparing over thirty different electric shaver models, we eventually narrowed the field down to just three units. We based our selections on a number of different factors, including overall performance, features, design, build quality and price.
Best Overall: Braun Series 9-9095cc Wet/Dry Electric Shaver
We think the best electric shaver currently on the market is the Braun Series 9-9095cc. This is Braun’s top-of-the-line electric shaver and, along with the Panasonic Arc5, is one of the most technologically advanced shavers on the market. This electric shaver utilizes four unique cutting elements that oscillate at a rate of 40,000 cycles per minute. This rapid cross-cutting action helps to deliver a closer and quicker shave while virtually eliminating the tugging/pulling that most people experience with slower shavers.
The shaver’s 4 cutting elements have different patterns, as each of them have been designed to perform a specific cutting task. The HyperLift & Cut Trimmer cuts hairs that lie flat, while the Direct & Cut Trimmer deals with hair follicles that grow in at odd angles, and the two OptiFoil cutters finish the job, leaving your skin as smooth as a baby’s bottom. And what’s great is that the 4 shaving elements all float independently, which allows them to follow the natural contours of your face, thereby giving you a very smooth, close shave with very little irritation.
Additionally, the electric shaver’s highly flexible pivoting head also helps to deliver a smooth and comfortable shave, as it will bend and contort itself around your chin, jaw and neck area. The Braun Series 9-9095cc also has an LED display, a “pop-up” trimmer and is 100{88454e838380835437410b8dd4980e42836d50c1d7c06d32c28ecbc57e5157a9} waterproof, meaning you can use it with shaving gel/cream or in the shower or bath. But perhaps this electric razor’s best feature is that it’s self cleaning – the charging port doubles as a cleaning system. When you’re done shaving, you simply set it in the charging port and it will automatically clean the shaver with an alcohol-based cleaning solution, removing hair and stubble from the shaver’s foil and blades. It will even dry the unit automatically so that it will be ready to go the next time you need to use it. If you’re a busy professional or someone who just hates the hassle of having to clean your electric shaver after every use, then this is a must have feature that will save you invaluable time.
Best Value: Braun Series 7-790cc Pulsonic Men’s Electric Shaver
If you’re looking to get the best “bang for your buck,” then the Braun Series 7-790cc Pulsonic is the one you want. The Braun Pulsonic, as its name suggests, uses an advanced pulsonic technology that creates 10,000 vibrations per minute, giving it the ability to easilly cut through even the most stubborn hairs without tugging or irritation. It also has a highly maneuverable and flexible head that can bend and twist in multiple directions, giving it an exceptional ability to adapt to the contours of your face. Additionally, its 3 personalization modes give you even more flexibility, allowing you to customize and adjust your shaver’s intensity level. If you have extra sensitive skin, you can set it so that it causes minimal irritation.
The Braun Pulsonic allows you to do both dry and wet shaving, as the unit is 100{88454e838380835437410b8dd4980e42836d50c1d7c06d32c28ecbc57e5157a9} waterproof, and can be easilly cleaned by running water over it under your faucet. However, it also comes with a self-cleaning system which Braun calls the “Clean & Renew” system, which will automatically clean and lubricate the head of your shaver with the use of an alcohol based disinfecting solution and is built into the charging base. The Braun Series 7-790cc is extremely well built and designed, and has a very solid and durable feel and look to it. And if you’re looking to get the most value for money spent, then it’s a pretty easy choice – the Braun Series 7-790cc handily beats every other shaver on the market in that department.
Best Budget Model: Philips Norelco 6100 Men’s Electric Razor
If you’re looking for a decent quality electric shaver that’s fairly cheap, then the Philips Norelco 6100 (1150X/46) should be one of your top choices. This model is very affordable at under $100, and it was designed for people who just require a basic, reliable electric razor for every day use.
And while the Philips Norelco 6100 doesn’t have all the latest and greatest features of the most advanced electric shaver models on the market, it’s still a good shaver, especially when you factor in its low cost. This sleek electric rotary shaver by Philips uses what the company calls “GyroFlex 2D” contouring technology to give you a very close and comfortable shave. The shaving head can move in two different directions – it can pivot 360 degrees and it can flex inwards.
Additionally, its DualPrecision heads have both holes and slots; holes are better at cutting short stubble and the slots are better at dealing with longer hairs. This cordless electric razor is also completely waterproof as well, so you can safely use it with your favorite shaving cream or gel. All in all, it’s a quality electric shaver, and if you can’t or don’t want to shell out more to get either of the two units above, then this is good choice as well.
How To Choose The Best Electric Shaver
Type: Foil vs. Rotary
Electric shavers come in two basic styles: foil and rotary. Electric foil shavers (like the Panasonic Arc5 and the Braun Pulsonic) use small rounded blades that oscillate back and forth under a foil comb to cut hairs like scissors. Rotary shavers, on the other hand, use spinning, circular blades that rotate under a foil to shear hairs off. Neither type is really “better” than the other, however, and which one you should choose really just comes down to personal taste. Some people prefer the circular motions required when using a rotary shaver and others prefer the side to side motion required for foil shavers.
Features
One thing you’ll want to consider when purchasing an electric razor is what extra features it comes with. Some electric shavers are water proof and others are not, so if you’re someone who likes to shave while taking a shower, you’ll definitely want to get one that is waterproof. Also, some come with built-in trimmers that are ideal for cutting beards and mustaches, eliminating the need for a separate trimmer. Other advanced features that you would typically find on higher end models include self-cleaning systems, personalized shaving modes and LCD/LED displays.
Price
While the least expensive model may save you a few bucks initially, you may end up paying more in the long run for a shoddily built shaver that won’t last you very long and which you’ll have to replace in a few months. Prices of electric shavers can range from $30 on the very low end to well over $200. Because of this huge price range, it’s a good idea to determine how much you are willing to pay, so that you can narrow down your options to only the models that are within your budget.
Comparison Chart
Our Top Pick
Braun Series 9-9095cc
Foil
Yes
Yes
Yes
2 Years
$200-$300
Best Value
Braun Series 7-790cc Pulsonic
Foil
Yes
Yes
Yes
2 Years
$100-$200
Best Budget Model
Philips Norelco 6100
Rotary
Yes
No
Charger Only
2 Years
Under $100
Best Rotary Shaver
Philips Norelco 9300
Rotary
Yes
Yes
Yes
2 Years
$150-$250
Top Rated Foil Shaver
Panasonic ES-LV81-K Arc5
Foil
Yes
Yes
Yes
1 Year
$200-$300