These Electric Razors Will Change How You Shave Forever

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EVEN THOUGH my grooming routine is extensive, I’m a minimalist at heart. I like nothing more than an easy-to-use, no-fuss-no-muss product that can cut down my grooming time. The outlier, however, was always my shaving routine. I was still stuck on the pre-shave, shaving cream, razor, aftershave hamster wheel and couldn’t seem to get off. What changed was my razor bumps. No matter what I did, and no matter what product I tried, I couldn’t seem to get rid of them. That is, until I tried an electric razor.

There are many reasons a guy might switch to an electric razor. Like me, it could be the razor bump issue. Also like me, it could be to save time. Electric razors are also easy to travel with (no extra products!), intuitive to use (especially newer versions that incorporate sensing technology and even AI), and less expensive in the long run. Many can be used in or out of the shower, with or without shaving cream, and even on other parts of your body like your head or below the neck. Plus, and this is a big plus, a single electric razor can replace your entire shaving routine and declutter your bathroom shelf—who doesn’t like that extra space?

No matter your reason for using an electric razor, the biggest thing is finding the right one. The good news is that no matter what your budget, skin or hair type, or grooming acumen, there's an electric razor that will suit your lifestyle. After spending a year testing over 25 electric razors spanning all the top-reviewed brands (Braun, Gillette, and Panasonic among them), we were able to narrow this down to the seven absolute best electric shavers worth spending your hard-earned money on.

Read more: How Men's Health Tests Products

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What to Look for

There are a ton of specs to consider when looking for the right electric shaver. That's why we enlisted the help of Calvin Quallis, founder of grooming brand Scotch Porter, and Dr. Corey L. Hartman, founder of Skin Wellness Dermatology, to break it down.

Blade type: The most important thing to consider, according to Quallis, is the blade type. The best electric razors for longer stubble or if you tend to shave less frequently is a rotary blade. "It's designed to move in a circular motion and adjust to the contours of your face," says Quallis.

Dr. Hartman says, "Rotary electric razors suit men with regular to tough skin types, and with a medium to coarse beard density."

The best electric razors for shorter facial hair, or for an ultra-close shave is a foil blade, which has oscillating blades that also cuts stubble as it pokes through, Quallis says.

Dr. Hartman also agrees. While foil blades are louder than rotary blades, and also says, "foil shavers are best used moving in a straight, long back-and-forth movement of the face and neck" for the closest shave possible.

Cleaning: "Something I always look for in an electric razor is that it's easy to clean," says Quallis. "Cleaning your razor is so important, because if you don’t, it can get clogged with excess hair which can cause it to break down faster." Most of our higher-end models come with a cleaning systems. Quallis says that cleaning your electric razor regularly will help reduce razor bumps.

Corded vs. cordless: "Corded razors limit the availability to use them without a power source, but can save on batteries and last longer in general," says Dr. Hartman. "Cordless razors provide more flexibility in travel whether they utilize replaceable or rechargeable batteries."

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Series 9 Pro

After conducting our Series 9 Pro review, we found the razor cuts shaving time into a fraction of what other electric razors typically put out. It has all the bells and whistles you want from a high-end razor (even a self-cleaning charging station) and even ones you didn’t know you needed like AutoSense technology that automatically adjusts power based on the density of your beard allowing it to plow through even 7 days-worth of stubble with ease. There’s even Sonic Technology that lifts hair to deliver a closer shave in less time.

What Else to consider: Ergonomically, this razor is hefty and easy to hold without feeling like you’re going to drop it. But it is fairly large so it requires a good amount of storage space. The motor cuts at 40,000 cuts per minute which is powerful, and while it is quiet compared to other electric razors, it is not silent. It is a wet/dry razor so can be used with shaving creams, gels and lotions if you prefer (but we like the dry shave for added efficiency). You’ll have to replace the shaver head about once a year depending on how often you use it and replacements can be expensive - about $60. There is also a two-year limited warranty from the manufacturer.

Why we chose it: The biggest draw of the Braun Series 9 Pro 9456cc is the efficiency. In terms of speed and shaving power combined, it blew every other razor we’ve tried out of the water, including its own previous models like the Series 7 and 8. A few days of growth does not change how quickly and closely it can shave a face - which is great news if you sometimes wait a couple of days between shaves. The powerful motor achieves 40,000 cuts per minute but paired with Braun’s prolift trimmer paired with sonic technology to help lift hairs and autosense technology to automatically adjust to the thickness of your facial hair, it seems much more powerful than even that. The one downside we can possibly think of is that the cleaning station takes up a lot of room in your bathroom, and must be near a plug, so you may opt to not use it. If that’s the case, it can be a slightly costly waste.

Long term results: After using the Braun Series 9 Pro 9456cc for over a year, we can say that it shaves just as well today as it did right out of the box. Overall performance has not changed, though there was a slight decline in cutting power when the blade dulled. Replacing the head was easy and brought the shaver back to business immediately.

What do buyers say? "It’s actually a step up from their last model, surprisingly," wrote one amazon.com reviewer. "I no longer have stray hairs on my neck and it’s a really close shave, all while not giving me red bumps."

Read more: Braun Series 9 Pro Review

Arc5 Electric Razor

For as close as this razor can shave (5-blades close!) you’d think that it could make sensitive skin angry, but somehow it doesn’t. The ultra-sharp blades trim hair as close as any razor/cream combo we’ve tried and the pivoting head ensures you don’t miss a spot - even around hard-to-reach areas like your jawline and neck. The body is lightweight and almost whisper-quiet. Other (more expensive) versions of this razor also feature things like Intelligent Shave Sensor that automatically adjusts to your hair thickness, but this version still delivers a great shave without as many bells and whistles.

What else to consider: With a wider head and a strong motor, this shaver is powerful. Even if you don’t have sensitive skin, go easy until you get the hang of how much to press the foil against your face. In comparison to many other electric razors, it cuts quickly and can leave irritation and cuts if you’re not careful. Once you get the hang of it though, it minimizes the amount of time you have to shave the same area. It’s also very quiet, more quiet than most of the other razors on this list, so if noise matters to you, this is a good bet.

Why we chose it: Many electric razor users (including us) like them because they reduce post-shave irritation and razor bumps—usually by not shaving as close to the skin as a traditional razor. This razor gets as close as you can possibly get to a wet razor shave while still minimizing the amount of irritation. Once we got past a few uses to allow our skin to adjust, we barely had any razor bumps or irritation at all. It’s efficient, powerful and incredibly intuitive to use without a lot of extraneous bells and whistles that could muddy the shaving experience. If you have sensitive skin, this electric razor is a no brainer as it’s the most gentle on this list.

Long term results: Even after the initial testing phase, the Panasonic Arc5 continues to impress. Cutting power did not decrease even after months of use and there was no increase in post-shave irritation.

What do buyers say? "This is a great shaver for the inexperienced, but you still need regular razors and you should keep a trimmer around, too," wrote one Amazon.com reviewer.

9800 Wet & Dry Shaver

If you're someone who's constantly fighting those pesky neck hairs, then this powerful new shaver brings AI into your bathroom and harnesses it to deliver an epic close shave. The rotary heads make it easy to move with you skin, and the pressure sensors alert you when you’re pressing too hard or not enough. The Dual Steel Precision blades cut at a whopping 150,000 cuts per minute so no errant hair is left behind no matter how quickly you have to get ready. And if that’s not smart enough for you, the accompanying app tracks your shaves and offers you tips to improve.

What else to consider: Using a rotary head shaver versus a foil-style shaver is a personal choice. The benefit here is that there are three heads in one, so you theoretically can cover a larger area of your face in less time. Some users who are used to a foil shaver might find a learning curve when adjusting to how the head pivots and flexes hug your face and some might find that detail work like around the lips and nose is more difficult with this style of electric razor. The light up rings around the head that are meant to guide your pressure can feel slightly gimmicky if you don’t pay close attention to them and while it does take a little bit of time for it to adjust to your style of shaving, you can use the companion app to easily change the settings (like if you use it wet or dry). Adjusting those settings without the app can be difficult.

Why we chose it: If it’s features you want, this electric razor is chock full of them. We love the technological innovation of AI to help guide your shaving to create the best shave you can possibly get—as long as you use those features to their full advantage. If you don’t, you’ll still get a good, close shave but this thing really sings when everything works together. It’s for the type of guy who likes to tinker and customize and we appreciate that. We also found that of all the rotary-head razors we tested, this one flexed and pivoted to the shape of our faces the best without missing too many spots. Furthermore, the cleaning and charging station is the sleekest and simplest on the market and we always appreciate space saving.

What do buyers say? "Even the hard spots below my chin / side of neck are smooth as silk," wrote one amazon.com reviewer. "I also notice that it shaves so close, without burning or cuts, that the next day, stubble is barely visible."

OneBlade Hybrid

If you’re looking for the closest trim without completely shaving your beard (like a slight five-o’clock shadow), this easy-to-use electric shaver is a top choice—and Amazon shoppers agree. It's great for trimming hair on your head, face, neck, and basically any other area without worrying about nicks and cuts. You can easily achieve the perfect length of scruff with three combs and a contoured head that moves to the shape of your face. Those who are trying to grow the perfect mustache will also find value in the OneBlade Hybrid.

What else to consider: Unlike the other electric razors on this list, the Philips Norelco OneBlade is more of a multi-use gadget. It shaves and it trims. It’s ideal for cutting any length of hair, so if you’re the type of guy who likes to vary up his facial hair, you can use this razor to keep it in check without needing to switch tools. It handles like a traditional razor thanks to its ergonomic design and innovative razor head, but you can’t treat it exactly the same as your typical razor. It still has a bit of learning curve to understand how hard to press it and how to move it around your face to get a shave. It also won’t ever completely shave as close as a more typical electric razor. It always leaves a very slight amount of stubble, so if you’re looking for a baby-smooth shave, it might not be for you.

Why we chose it: In the record books for most innovative grooming gadgets, the Philips Norelco OneBlade is definitely in the top ten, maybe even top five. Thanks to its design, like that of a traditional razor, it’s intuitive to use for anyone who has shaved with one before. It’s sleek, super lightweight and cuts like a dream. It’s also the only razor on this list that comes with length comb attachments, so even if you’re not a clean shave guy, you can still use it to trim and detail your facial hair - even your body (just make sure to use a different blade for your body to avoid cross contamination). Most of all, we love that it fits easily into our dopp kits so we don’t need a separate travel case or to save room in our carry-ons just to keep up our shave on the road.

Long term results: In terms of sheer versatility, the Philips Norelco OneBlade can’t be beat. We take it everywhere with us and it’s earned a permanent place in our grooming routines. It may not be the most powerful or closest shaver on the market, but if you know that going in and use it accordingly it exceeds expectations in terms of function. We use it on our faces, necks, bodies and anywhere else we need to trim or shave.

What do buyers say? "If you want baby smooth skin this isn't for you," said one amazon.com reviewer. "But, if you are ok with a very close shave, this is a great option!"

Read more: Philips Norelco OneBlade Review

Travel Men's Shaver with Close-Cut Technology

For guys on the go, this travel electric shaver is perfect for keeping yourself well-groomed anywhere, anytime. In a compact size that's perfect for storing in a dopp kit, you’ll get up to 60 minutes of use with floating heads that automatically adapt to the contours of your face.

During testing, we noticed this travel razor provides exceptional power when compared to other smaller portable electric razors largely due to the fact it's battery-powered. We probably wouldn't recommend a battery-powered razor for everyday use, but when you consider how often a travel razor gets used (less frequently) and its overall purpose (quick, on-the-go touch-ups) it makes perfect sense. You also don't have to worry about carrying your charging cord around on trips, plus if your batteries die out at the hotel you can call the front desk and ask for fresh ones.

Norelco 3800 Electric Shaver

If you're looking for an affordable rotary shaver under $100 that can tackle just about any hair, you're in luck. Philips The 3800 will grasp hairs in hard-to-reach areas (like your neck) and take on hairs of different lengths. Consider that a challenge accepted.

What else to consider: When you’re shopping on a budget, you often have to compromise between function and cost. The Philips Norelco 3800 does its absolute best to give you the most bang for your buck, and it’s almost perfect. The pivoting rotary blades hug your face pretty well (but not perfectly) and the ComfortCut blades do a good job of protecting against razor burn and nicking, but there is still something to be desired in the closeness of the shave it an achieve. You may find yourself doing multiple passes over the same areas before it gets all the hairs you’d like it to. The basic features it does have, like a built-in sideburn trimmer and battery indicator, are good but basic.

Why we chose it: Sometimes you don’t need all the top-of-the-line bells and whistles and that’s okay. We were still impressed by the functionality of this razor compared to other electric razors at a similar price point. It’s not going to wow you with AI or apps, but it gets the job done quickly and well. Out of all the razors on this list, we found it the easiest to clean thanks to the pop-off head that is easy to rinse under water without taking the whole device apart—and that in itself is deserving of high praise.

What do buyers say? "It is the easiest razor to clean that I have ever had, and the interior parts are well-sealed," says one amazon.com reviewer. "I know it's brand new, but it's the best shave I've gotten in quite a while.

The Lawn Mower 4.0

Let’s be honest, you probably don’t just shave or trim on your face. The SkinSafe ceramic blades on this upgraded shaver minimize nicks and cuts and make body grooming a much less harrowing experience. Use it wet or dry and with or without the adjustable guards for a truly customizable and comfortable manscaping experience.

What do buyers say? "It's a game changer," one amazon.com reviewer said. "Gone are the days of hacking away at my nether regions with a regular razor, leaving behind a trail of nicks and cuts."

Intimate Men’s Pubic Trimmer

Trimming or shaving your pubic area is always a harrowing experience, but this specially designed shaver/trimmer combo makes it a little more palatable (and way less painful). The blades are closely spaced together to help prevent sensitive skin from getting caught leading to nicks and cuts and they stay sharp longer to help deliver a smooth, pull-free shave. It also comes with length guards, including a sensitive comb to help further protect your skin when you’re shaving close.

What do buyers say? "Shaved the entire forrest down trees and boulders and all," wrote one amazon.com reviewer. "Worked like a champ. Feels like I got a new car!"

PQ208/40 Travel Electric Razor

For guys-on-the-go, this travel electric shaver is perfect for keeping yourself well-groomed anywhere, anytime. In a compact size that's perfect for storing in a dopp kit, you’ll get up to 60 minutes of use with floating heads that automatically adapt to the contours of your face.

F5-5800 Foil Shaver

This top-rated affordable shaver gets high marks for its 60-minute battery life and stellar three-stage cutting system that pre-trims longer hairs. Amazon reviewers say the model has lasted for 2-3 years, so you know you're getting the most bang for your buck with this electric gem.

Arc5 Electric Razor

The Arc5 from Panasonic has a motor that can deliver 14,000 cuts per minute and a shaving head that moves in 16 directions. The result? A surprisingly close shave that requires only a few passes if you're using on a day-to-day basis. We're talking the kind of close shave where you will barely feel your stubble.

What do buyers say? "Its dry-shave closeness is so fine that I see nothing to be gained by using it to do a wet shave," says one amazon.com reviewer. "I cannot see myself ever returning to a blade of any kind after using this electric razor."

5-in-1 Bald Head Shaver

For less than $30, you can get a smooth-as-silk dome, thanks to this alien-looking shaver. Sure, it looks intimidating. But this electric razor makes shaving your head a breeze with its five flexible shaver heads working simultaneously. The device also comes with attachments for beard outlining, facial cleansing, and nose-hair trimming.

What do buyers say? "It's not quite as close as with a razor, but I was honestly wanting just a trace of a shadow which is about how much it left, so it works well for my purposes," says one amazon.com reviewer.

Read more: Best Beard Styles for Bald Men

Profoil Foil Shaver