The 10 Best Electric Shavers
Updated by · How we research
Foil, rotary, head and barber shavers compared on closeness, skin comfort and upkeep cost. The Braun Series 9 PRO+ leads for close, gentle daily shaving. When users buy our independently chosen editorial selections, we may earn commissions to help fund the Wiki.
No electric shaver matches a fresh blade on every beard, and skin often needs a few weeks to settle after the switch, so don't judge a new one in the first week. Foils cut closest on short daily growth, while rotary heads tend to be kinder to sensitive necks and longer stubble. Our picks cover daily face shaving, tight budgets, bald heads and barber work.
Editor's Notes
October 23, 2026, by Ezvid Wiki Editors:
The Braun Series 9 PRO+ now leads this list. Three independent shaver reviewers, one of whom shaves with each model for two to three weeks, put it at or near the top for a close shave that stays gentle, and it replaces the older Braun Series 9 9390cc. The Philips Norelco i9000 likewise takes over from the Philips Norelco 9000 Prestige, which is no longer sold.
The Panasonic Arc5, Braun Series 3 ProSkin 3040s, Philips Norelco OneBlade 360 and BaBylissPRO MetalFX carry on in their current versions. We dropped the Wahl Smart and the Max-T Quick Charge because of availability and quality concerns, the Andis Pro Foil because its successor wasn't available, and the Wahl LifeProof because it scored below the other budget foils. New picks add a cheap rotary, a cheap foil, a mid-range Braun and a head shaver for bald readers.
The evidence here is unusually good for a grooming category: lab scores from TechGearLab, multi-week shave reviews from Gentleman Glow and ShaverCheck, the makers' warranty and runtime figures, and a recall search with the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission, which turned up no current shaver recalls.
Earlier notes
May 13, 2021, by Will Rhoda:
After taking some time to review our existing choices for this category and seeing what else that the market had to offer, we determined that all of our previous picks were still ripe for another year on this list, and so moved through this round of updates without making any changes. We felt like the last editor for this page did a nice job of putting together a solid list of options that will continue to serve our users well for the foreseeable future — although we’ll certainly continue to keep our eyes peeled during future updates to see if any exciting new models are released.
If you’re looking for a premium model and you’re not afraid to put some money on the table, then our top-ranked Philips Norelco 9000 Prestige and Panasonic ARC5 are both likely to serve you well. On a budget, give some thought to the shock-resistant and waterproof Wahl Lifeproof 7061-100, and for light travel you might be interested in the BaBylissPro Barberology, which is powered by AA batteries and offers exceptionally long runtime, although it isn’t rated to cut stubble longer than 1/32 inch, so you’ll need to stay on top of your grooming.
Electric shavers like the ones on this list are great for anybody looking for a close shave, but if you’re looking to sculpt your facial hair, rather than just extirpate it, then you’ll likely be better off browsing our list of beard trimmers.
May 7, 2021, by Luke Mitchell:
While it's true that electric shavers are not for everyone, they also differ from model to model and finding the ideally compatible option that suits your skin type, hair type, and hair density can be a challenge in itself. In our experience, it is often a case of getting what you pay for, and while it's a safe bet that the more expensive models are more likely to garner better results, there are some value shavers that are generally well-received.
These include the Andis 17150 Pro Foil, which is an affordable option from a company that has been making shavers since 1922. If this isn't encouragement enough, they are highly rated by those with sensitive skin and are notably robust. In a similar price range is the BaBylissPro Barberology, which makes a refreshing change to the many plastic models on offer, with its shiny metal or matte gunmetal finish. While its overall performance is well-regarded, bear in mind that it uses AA batteries, and cannot be recharged or powered by an adapter.
At the budget end of the scale, we liked the Wahl Lifeproof, as it still manages to cram in a precision trimmer, a waterproof and wash proof casing and foil, and a carry case and cleaning kit into this affordable package. If you are willing to splash out a little extra, then you may consider the Braun Series 3 3040s, as this upgrade on our previously-listed Braun ProSkin Series 3 has Micro Comb technology, which directs hairs towards the foil more effectively, meaning fewer passes with the shaver and therefore less irritation.
February 12, 2020, by Daniel Imperiale:
While a majority of the best shavers on the market are built to withstand use in the shower, and even to operate with or without a lather on the face, we made sure to include some more traditional, barber-quality options. For those, we turned to Andis and Wahl, two of the most acclaimed companies behind hair trimmers and clippers, and each of which makes some very fine shavers that are less expensive, but not necessarily less efficient, than their waterproof counterparts like the Panasonic Arc 5.
Most of the models we saw leave the ranking this time around were upgraded by their companies, like the Panasonic Arc 3 and the Braun Series 7. The Braun ProSkin Series 3, however, remains a viable option from the company, especially thanks to its grippy sides and integrated comb. When traveling over your skin, that comb helps stand up hairs just as they encounter its blades, ensuring a close shave, even if your stubble tends to lie flat against your face.
Special Honors
Braun Replacement Heads Braun sells replacement foil and cutter cassettes for each shaver series, plus refill cartridges for its cleaning docks, through its own website. The cassette number has to match your shaver, so check the model before ordering. Buying from the maker also avoids the look-alike heads that turn up from unknown sellers. braun.com
Foil Or Rotary: Start With Your Beard
You move it in small circles, it follows curves well, and it copes better with longer growth and hair that grows in several directions, though it takes some practice.
A foil shaver runs a thin, perforated metal sheet over a blade that moves side to side. It cuts closest on short, flat growth, so it suits people who shave every day, and you use it in straight strokes. A rotary shaver has three or four round heads that spin and float. You move it in small circles, it follows curves well, and it copes better with longer growth and hair that grows in several directions, though it takes some practice. ShaverCheck and Gentleman Glow both favor foils for outright closeness and rotaries for comfort on curly hair and uneven necks.
Three other designs solve narrower problems. A trimmer-shaver hybrid such as the Philips Norelco OneBlade 360 keeps a short stubble and crisp edges but won't leave skin smooth. Barber finishing foils, like the BaBylissPRO MetalFX, are dry-only tools for necklines and heads after clippers. People who shave their heads usually prefer a palm-held head shaver such as the Norelco Head Shaver Pro 9000, whose heads sit flat against the skull and reach the back without a mirror.
Sensitive Skin And The First Few Weeks
Expect a learning period. Shaver reviewers advise giving a new electric two to four weeks before judging it, because skin used to blades often reacts at first. Gentleman Glow suggests judging by bumps and redness the next morning rather than by how the shave feels in the moment. Press lightly, let the head do the work, and keep the shaver clean and dry between uses.
How your skin responds matters more than any comfort claim on the box. ShaverCheck rates Braun's foil range among the gentlest, while the Panasonic Arc5 cuts very close but can feel aggressive on tender skin. Rotary heads such as the Philips Norelco i9000 suit many people whose necks redden with a foil. A worn or dented foil causes irritation too, so replace it when it's damaged instead of pressing harder.
Wet Or Dry, And What It Costs To Keep
Most shavers here are waterproof and can go in the shower with gel or foam. Panasonic models do their best work with shaving cream, while Braun foils gain little from it, according to ShaverCheck. The Remington F5 is meant for dry shaving, and barber foils such as the BaBylissPRO MetalFX are dry only. A waterproof rating covers the shaver itself, never its charger or cleaning dock, so keep those away from water.
The price on the box is only the start. Foils and cutters wear out, and the makers' own schedules vary widely: Braun suggests a new head about every 18 months, Philips about every two years for its rotary heads, and Remington about every six months. The OneBlade's blade lasts about four months. Cleaning docks add refill cartridges. TechGearLab scored its budget Braun foil within a few points of the premium Series 9, so a costly shaver buys refinement and extras more than a different result. Check the power supply too: several Philips models ship with only a USB cord.
How we researched this
We compared 19 electric shavers across foil, rotary, head-shaver, hybrid and barber designs. We read the makers' specs and warranty terms, weighed lab scores from TechGearLab against multi-week shave reviews from Gentleman Glow and ShaverCheck, looked at owner feedback patterns, and checked every brand for recalls with the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission. Where a pick has no independent test yet, its write-up says so.
Frequently asked questions
Is a foil or a rotary shaver better?
Foil shavers usually cut closer on short, daily growth. Rotary shavers tend to be gentler on curved areas, curly hair and growth that's a few days old. If a foil leaves your neck red, try a rotary.
What is the best electric shaver for sensitive skin?
It depends on your skin, so judge by next-day redness. Braun's foil shavers are rated among the gentlest, and the Philips Norelco i9000 is a strong rotary choice. Give any new shaver a few weeks before deciding.
Can you use an electric shaver in the shower?
Only if it's rated waterproof, as most of the shavers on this list are. The Remington F5 is meant for dry shaving, and barber foils like the BaBylissPRO MetalFX are dry only. Chargers and cleaning docks must stay dry.
How often should you replace shaver heads?
Follow the maker's schedule: about every 18 months for Braun, about two years for Philips rotary heads, about six months for Remington and about four months for a OneBlade blade. Replace a damaged foil right away.
Can an electric shaver shave your head?
Yes. A palm-held head shaver such as the Norelco Head Shaver Pro 9000 is the easiest choice, and barbers use finishing foils for necklines. Trim long hair with a clipper first.
Is an expensive electric shaver worth it?
Sometimes. In TechGearLab's scoring, a budget Braun foil landed within a few points of the premium Series 9. Paying more buys a slightly closer, gentler shave, a cleaning dock and a longer warranty.
