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Best Men's Electric Shavers

  • A quality razor and a healthy skin care routine are important to maintaining a fresh, young face. Check out: 21 Skin Care Tips to Keep You Looking Young for Less

  • A quality razor and a healthy skin care routine are important to maintaining a fresh, young face. Check out: 21 Skin Care Tips to Keep You Looking Young for Less

  • When it comes to daily skin care, you want to be using the best products out there. Spend a little extra on your razor and these other 20 everyday items worth splurging on. 

  • When it comes to daily skin care, you want to be using the best products out there. Spend a little extra on your razor and these other 20 everyday items worth splurging on. 

  • When it comes to daily skin care, you want to be using the best products out there. Spend a little extra on your razor and these other 20 everyday items worth splurging on. 


About one-third of men in the U.S. who shave use an electric razor, and they're a perennial favorite for Father's Day and holiday gifts. As an everyday grooming staple, these razors offer convenience and, ideally, a close, comfortable shave. Not surprisingly, the models that earn the highest accolades from professional reviewers are often the most expensive, sometimes costing well above $200. The market is also awash with dozens of lesser quality models from little-known brands that bear low price tags but frequently get equally low ratings. Cheapism.com scoured major retail sites and consulted professional sources in order to identify the best men's electric shavers for under $100, zeroing in on a broad selection of razors from established brand names that deliver sought-after features and solid, reliable performance without cutting into your savings.


See full Buying Guide

Our Top Pick

Our Picks


Pros:

  • Dual layers of blade protection make this a good choice for sensitive skin.
  • 2 flexible foils with a trimmer blade in the middle to cut both long and short hairs.
  • Can be used for wet or dry shaves.
  • Charges fully in less than 2 hours; 5-minute quick-charge option.
  • Easy-to-read battery-life indicator.
  • Comes with a guard and cleaning brush.


Cons:

  • Users say it leaves stubble behind on thick or tough beards.
  • Some complaints that it doesn't shave as closely on dry skin as it does on wet.
  • A few users wish the head could be taken apart for more thorough cleaning.
  • Several say it doesn't stack up to other Braun models they've owned.


Takeaway: If you can't afford one of Braun's flagship Series 7 models, the Series 3 ProSkin 3040s might be the best substitute you can buy. Reviewers say this shaver is incredibly easy to use and doesn't irritate the skin. Clad in studded blue rubber, the Series 3 ProSkin is also easy to grasp with wet hands, and it can be fully immersed for easy cleaning. Although it may take a couple of passes to remove stubborn hair, this foil shaver is a top performer for the price.


Pros:

  • 4 high-speed floating blades, including a lifting foil, deliver an exceptionally close shave -- even on longer thicker hair -- according to reviews.
  • Both experts and consumers say this is a good choice for men with sensitive skin.
  • Charges fully in 1 hour, faster than most of the competition.
  • Shaves wet or dry and cleans under running water; special sonic-cleaning mode.
  • Large LCD display with a battery monitor, shave timer, and cleaning reminder.
  • Travel pouch and plastic cover for the head.


Cons:

  • Comparatively short 30-day refund policy.
  • Some users say the 4-foil head is too bulky.
  • Some complain of early demise, and others are disappointed by performance that doesn't seem significantly better than other models, like the Arc3.


Takeaway: The Panasonic Arc4 ES-LA63-S barely makes it under the Cheapism price limit, but satisfied owners say this men's electric shaver is worth the money. Earning an abundance of praise from experts, its powerful motor and four heads deliver a closeness that is said to rank on par with popular, and far pricier, premium Braun razors (yes, it's actually compared to the Series 7 and Series 9!). Another plus: This Panasonic model doesn't irritate sensitive skin like other foil razors can, reviewers say. On the downside, the larger head can make it a bit harder to handle on smaller faces. The trial period is also shorter than those offered by other brands, giving buyers less time to evaluate its performance and personal fit.


Pros:

  • Unique design fits comfortably in the palm of the hand.
  • Works for wet or dry shaving and comes with attachments for pre-shave brushing, cleansing, and exfoliation.
  • Snap-on mustache/beard trimmer, plus a built-in, pop-up detailer.
  • Incredibly flexible neck and floating rotary cutters make this a good choice for shaving the head, owners say.
  • 4-hour charge time isn't super quick, but it's shorter than much of the competition.


Cons:

  • Struggles with tough hairs, according to some reviews.
  • Bulky shave head may not reach tight places.
  • A handful of users complain of durability issues and batteries that won't hold a charge.
  • Charging indicator shows only whether the battery is charged, not how much life remains.


Takeaway: With its attachable cleansing brushes, the Remington HyperFlex Verso 5 (XR1410) does double duty as an electric shaver and a skin-care accessory. It comes with three cleansing brushes: one for gentle daily cleaning, a firmer one for weekly exfoliating, and a pre-shave brush designed to soften a beard. Most owners love the added versatility these attachments provide and also praise the ergonomic handle, saying the rubber trim makes it easy to grip with wet hands. On the downside, some users report that the Remington lacks the power to handle rough beards, while others say the rotary shaving heads don't provide a close shave on the neck.


Pros:

  • Foils on a pivoting head flex for closer contouring; pre-trimmer between the foils.
  • Can run for 60 minutes on a full charge (which takes 2 hours); 5-minute quick-charge option.
  • Can be used corded or cordless, unlike many other rechargeable models.
  • LED lights indicate when battery needs charging.
  • Users say it's quieter than other shavers they've owned.


Cons:

  • Doesn't shave as closely as some other models, according to reviews.
  • Made for dry shaving only, but can be rinsed under water for cleaning.
  • Pop-up trimmer is flimsy, owners gripe.
  • Some users with sensitive skin complain of irritation.


Takeaway: The Remington F5 PF7500 is the replacement for the discontinued F5-5800 (est. price: $37; buy it on Amazon), which got more positive reviews than nearly any other shaver under $100 that we found. Although the PF7500 hasn't yet accumulated the same critical mass of user feedback, consumers who have bought this Remington shaver praise it for the same reason as its predecessor: It provides a smooth, comfortable shave at a decent price. On the downside, we read some gripes from users who say this two-foil shaver doesn't cut quite as close as three-foil models they've owned in the past.


Pros:

  • 3 rotary heads flex in 4 directions for comfort and closeness.
  • Can be used corded or cordless, unlike many other rechargeable shavers.
  • Curved design is comfortable to hold, reviewers say.
  • Head pops open for rinsing.


Cons:

  • 8-hour charge time is much longer than most competitors', and the 45-minute run time is only average.
  • Can't be used for wet shaving.
  • Struggles with tough beard hair, users say.


Takeaway: The Philips Norelco 3100 (SS3310/81) is a good budget electric shaver, according to reviews. Although it likely won't shave as closely as more expensive razors, users say it does a good job of cutting long and flat hairs, particularly on the neckline. Its chunky handle is easy to hold and the rotary shaving heads glide smoothly over the face, something not all dry shavers do well. It's also the only rotary shaver that was a top pick among the expert sources we consulted.

Buying Guide

Choosing a Men's Electric Shaver

About one-third of men in the U.S. who shave use an electric razor, and they're a perennial favorite for Father's Day and holiday gifts. As an everyday grooming staple, these razors offer convenience and, ideally, a close, comfortable shave. Not surprisingly, the models that earn the highest accolades from professional reviewers are often the most expensive, sometimes costing well above $200. The market is also awash with dozens of lesser quality models from little-known brands that bear low price tags but frequently get equally low ratings. Cheapism.com scoured major retail sites and consulted professional sources in order to identify the best men's electric shavers for under $100, zeroing in on a broad selection of razors from established brand names that deliver sought-after features and solid, reliable performance without cutting into your savings.


Pricey vs. Cheap Electric Shavers

The most popular electric shavers come from top names such as Braun, Philips Norelco, Remington, Panasonic, and Wahl. You'll find all of these brands at major retailers like Amazon and Walmart, as well as electronics stores like Best Buy and Fry's and often at professional grooming and beauty supply stores. Most of these manufacturers offer dozens of models at a variety of price points.


You won't find the strongest motors or most precise blades on cheap electric shavers -- manufacturers reserve those features for their higher-end models -- but there are some features that even the cheapest razors share with their more expensive cousins. Among major brands, most shaver models are cordless and rechargeable, and all our top picks fall into this category. Only the most moderately priced models have cords. But some consumers who buy these budget shavers say they like not having to remember to charge them or dealing with batteries that run out too quickly. More expensive electric shavers often come equipped with convenient charging docks and have shorter charge-times, taking some of the hassle out of keeping them ready and running.


Finally, the cheapest shavers are usually only for dry shaving, meaning you can't use them in the shower or with lather, as with more expensive wet/dry men's electric razors. We've chosen a mix of wet/dry and dry-only models, with slight preference given to wet/dry shavers since they're more versatile. Finally, while all of our picks come equipped with a built-in trimmer to edge facial hair and nip other stray hairs, if you're looking for extras like self-cleaning systems, travel cases, and sometimes even blade covers, expect to pay a little more such luxuries.


Foil vs. Rotary Shavers

There are two types of men's electric razors: rotary and foil. The head on a rotary shaver typically contains two or three (occasionally four) disc-shaped shaving heads, each of which contains several small blades that revolve just beneath a protective screen at high speed. Foil shavers, by contrast, have one to five cutters that vibrate from side to side beneath oblong, mesh covers.


Which kind of electric razor is best? That depends on how frequently you shave, the kind of hair and skin you have, and personal preference. In general, foil razors provide a closer shave, making them ideal as daily shavers. But if you have sensitive skin, that close cut can cause irritation, making a rotary shaver a better choice. Both types are designed to handle all kinds of facial hair. However, the manufacturer Remington recommends choosing a rotary shaver for tough, thick beards where the hair grows in multiple directions, and using a foil shaver for finer or straight hairs.


Men's Electric Shaver Reviews: What We Considered


To get a sense of which electric shavers deliver the best shave and best value, we started by reading expert assessments on top product review sites. These sources take a big-picture view of the electric shaver market, comparing multiple models. The best of them, like Wirecutter, TopTenReviews, and Consumer Reports, subject each razor to hours of use, evaluating them not just on how well they shave, but also on factors like noise, charge time, and build quality.


We also combed through hundreds of online consumer reviews at major retail sites like Amazon and Walmart, as well as ratings on the websites of major brands like Philips Norelco and Remington. User comments, often accompanied by selfies, attest to an electric shaver's performance over the long run. As we discovered, professional testers and consumers alike prize three things: a smooth, close shave, durable construction, and ease of use. Beyond that, choosing the best men's electric shaver comes down to personal preference and budget.


Performance

As mentioned above, rotary shavers may be a preferred choice for beards, and their shape and blade setup make them easier for moving around the chin or getting into those tight spaces under the nose. That said, foil shavers have the edge over rotary models for the closeness of their cut, and they score higher with both consumers and experts; of the 10 professional review sites we consulted, only one made a rotary electric shaver a top pick.


Many foil shavers we looked at have heads that can pivot and flex to better follow the contours of the user's face or neck. While some users report that they experience less skin irritation with heads that adjust (also called floating heads), reviewers say they're not a must for a close shave. The number of blades on an electric shaver can, however, make a significant difference. Generally speaking, the more foils or heads, the better, as each additional blade added on top of the baseline of two is meant to further refine performance -- by targeting longer hairs, hairs growing in multiple directions, and hairs lying flat, or simply offering an additional swipe for the closest shave.


Some converts from manual razors caution that it can take time to adjust to using an electric razor, and finding the right amount of pressure to apply in order to get a close shave without accidentally pulling hairs or irritating sensitive skin can be tricky at first, no matter what model you choose.


Pop-Up Trimmers

Trimming the mustache, sideburns, nose, and ears is an essential part of grooming, so a pop-up trimmer is a must-have feature on a men's electric shaver, even a cheap one. All of our recommended shavers have a built-in trimmer; most lie flush on the back of the shaver, then pop up at the push of a switch or button. Pros say using a trimmer to cut down excess hair before shaving can also extend the life of an electric razor by helping prevent longer hair from getting tangled in foils.


Wet/Dry Shavers

Many (but not all) of the razors we reviewed have the option of shaving either dry or wet, with lather or in the shower. The advantage a wet shave offers is largely a matter of comfort, though it can also affect the closeness of the shave, depending on hair type. Using shaving cream can reduce the risk of razor burn for people with sensitive skin, and some men with tough beards find shower shaving easier because the steam softens their beard hairs. But pay close attention: Although some men's electric shavers are advertised as "waterproof," that simply means you can clean the shaving head under water -- after you're done shaving and the razor is turned off.


Charging

A majority of men's electric shavers sold today are cordless rechargeable models with lithium-ion batteries, although some have nickel metal hydride (NiMH) batteries. The advantage of a cordless shaver is obvious: You can use it anywhere. The chief drawback is that charging takes time -- anywhere from one to 16 hours based on the models we looked at. On average, a full charge gives you about 45 minutes of use or 15 shaves. Some have a quick-charge feature to let you eke out an extra shave in a pinch, but it's not recommended to use this function too often, as experts say it's one of many mistakes that can run down your shaver's batteries over time. Some others can be used both corded and cordless. Since keeping a close watch on charge levels can make a real difference in battery performance over time, many users appreciate shavers that come equipped with battery-level indicators.


Even with the best of care, electric shaver batteries don't last forever, and we found a number of complaints about rechargeable batteries losing the ability to hold a charge as they get older and shavers with batteries that cannot be replaced. Also, while some shavers boast charging docks -- which sometimes double as cleaning stations in more expensive models -- some users grumble over shavers that can only be recharged in the docks and can't use a cord, which somewhat limits their portability.


It's the lack of fuss that consumers like best with corded models. Plug it in, turn it on, and get consistent performance every time. But we found only a couple of corded men's electric shavers that earn decent reviews. Travel shavers, which are usually smaller, less powerful models, use AA batteries instead for convenience.


Replacement Heads

The wear and tear of daily use dulls shaver blades after a while. For the best shave, experts recommend replacing the head periodically, generally within six months to two years. The bad news for frugal consumers is that replacement heads typically cost at least half as much as the shaver itself. In fact, we noted while reading reviews that users often opt to buy a new shaver because it costs only slightly more than a new head.


Noise Level

All electric razors make some noise. Some reviewers, such as Consumer Reports, do take noise level into account when evaluating men's electric shavers, but in general this factor seems to be subjective. Among our recommended shavers, no model was lauded for being particularly quiet, and of course we saw some noise complaints.


Money-Back Trial Period and Warranty

Experts say it takes a good three weeks for your face to fully adjust to a new electric shaver, so a money-back trial period is essential for determining if an electric razor is right for you. Among the razors we recommend, that period ranges from a generous 60 days for Braun and Remington shavers to 30 days for Panasonic models. In general, most manufacturers offer a standard two-year limited warranty covering parts and labor. That applies to all the razors on our list.