However, one member of our test panel has been using a 4000-series model for years, and they still love it, even after trying much more expensive models. We found that using shaving cream made for a foil-clogging, extra-gooey experience. These 12 razors are highly acclaimed, each able to fill a spot in your bathroom without needing help from extra blades or unnecessary trimmings. All major shaver makers offer a 30- to 60-day money-back guarantee, and we recommend that you give your new shaver time to reach peak performance—but if it doesn’t, don’t be shy about requesting that refund.3. Dan has dabbled with electric razors most of his adult life, and his technique is based mostly on saving time. These cheapies showed us that technology and craftsmanship do matter and that there’s a limit to how low in price a shaver should go. No matter when you shave, be sure to follow some basic-technique tips. Whether you choose to manscape wet or dry, SkinSafe blades assure you won’t butcher the most precious parts of your manhood. (We’ve generally considered two days’ worth of typical growth to be as much as a typical electric shaver can handle well.) Because its trimmer is separate, the Philips Norelco shaver is a three-piece affair rather than a single unit like the Braun Series 9 and Remington razors. Some have digital readouts showing how much battery is left in the shaver or whether it needs to be cleaned; others offer simpler LED displays. If you find manual shaving too rough on your skin, try electric. Some see them as newfangled, despite the fact that the first patent for an electric-powered razor was filed in 1898.Others complain that even the best electric shavers don’t offer as close a shave as some disposable razors or safety razors.. First, testers used the razors at whatever their standard “I need a shave” interval was. The Braun Series 7’s cleaning and charging system is typical of those available for our other picks. (We especially loved the built-in mirror—what a great idea, we thought, except, of course, that you can’t actually look into it while you’re shaving.). Inserting the shaver and pressing the power button starts a process that includes charging and evaluating how much cleaning the shaver needs. Buy From Amazon. We all find ourselves needing to shave once or twice a year, even if clean … If you can’t find the 9300, get whichever 9000-series model is cheapest. Instead, gently pull the skin taut with one hand and let the razor glide over your face in slow, steady strokes; experiment with circular motions and straight strokes, and going with or against the grain (you’re looking for the perfect balance of closeness and post-shave comfort). We didn’t test battery life, specifically; all of the models we picked were capable of running for about an hour on a full charge. We also tested the sub-$10 Aokai T01 and the sub-$10 Kemei Classical Multifunction Model 5600. While the Series 7 is powerful enough for most shaving situations, Braun’s Series 9 is the top-performing shaver we’ve tried that we find worth the additional expense—at least for certain situations. At first glance, the biggest difference between the Series 9 and the Series 7 is size. Based on our research and testing, we believe a foil shaver produces a better shave for most facial hair. We found that this razor was as good as its marketing, with an important asterisk: The Series 9 set a standard for performance and speed that most of our testers agreed exceeded that of every other shaver we tried, but most people who shave their facial hair—whether they’re five-o’clock-shadow-by-noon types or light-and-wispy-bearded—don’t need the performance boost. “It will eat you alive.” A couple of our testers really liked the basic look and feel of the Wahl and found that the shaver cut powerfully and smoothly. Braun has revamped its Series 7 line. Braun - Series 6 Wet/Dry Electric Shaver - Blue. With an electric shaver. A new, high-end manual razor is meant to duplicate the old school, hot-towel-shave experience. Philips Electric Razor Norelco Series 8900. One thing that makes choosing an electric shaver confusing: Nearly all manufacturers offer their razors in accessory- and feature-laden (or not) “Series” sales schemes. *At the time of publishing, the price was $45. We asked testers to shave one side of their face with one razor and the other side with another so that they could perform direct closeness comparisons (compensating, of course, for problem areas; many people find that one side or portion of their face is tougher to shave than another). Quiet. Both of these models dip significantly beneath that waterline, though the Kemei gets a few goofball style points because it 1) has a fake, stitched-leather finish; 2) looks like an oversize cigarette lighter; and 3) has a built-in mirror. Finally, simply for style—they’re gorgeous—we bought a couple of vintage shavers on eBay: an original Schick from the 1930s, as well as Ronson and Remington models from the 1960s. This razor … For that kind of money, it’s important to decide what’s worth it to you—and what isn’t. We couldn’t figure out exactly why this break-in period is necessary. (In practice, we’ve found that shavers with higher pulse rates do tend to smooth the face a little more efficiently, and they reduce the amount of pressure needed to get a clean shave.). Remington’s replacement foils are around half the price of Braun’s and Panasonic’s (though you may have to replace them more often—not because they’re any less durable, but because the Remington comes only with a cheap plastic head protector that’s easily lost). (“We recommend that you shave before you wash, since the skin tends to be slightly swollen after washing.”) Philips Norelco says to wash but not shower (“…otherwise your skin will be hot, puffy…”). Remington’s center bar design isn’t as sophisticated as Braun’s, but our testers found the shaver to work almost as well. It was a “fingerprint magnet,” one tester reported, adding that “it looked undesirably dirty after use.” Our testers found, however, that manually cleaning the Panasonic models—without a cleaning system—was much easier than manually cleaning the Braun models. The Arc5 from Panasonic has a motor that can deliver 14,000 cuts per minute—who knew you even had that much hair? Braun is the underdog of electric razors; they don’t get a lot of the … But unlike the Braun Series 7 foil block, which pivots along two axes, this less-expensive shaver pivots only up and down. The foil and heads of the Panasonic units pop off with an easy button push, exposing the cutting blocks for quick rinsing. The Series 9 is similar but has an additional trimmer between the foils. The Remington offers generally good performance, but you’ll likely find the shaving experience to be buzzier and potentially more irritating if you don’t maintain a very light touch. The foils and circular heads of electric razors keep your skin and the cutting mechanism from achieving contact, making it impossible for them to “shave as close as a blade.” No matter how thin those barriers are, you’ll never get the cutting part of an electric shaver as close to your face as a standard razor blade. But no matter how many blades your manual razor boasts, the fundamental mechanics—a knife-like slicing—remain the same. Is it an electric razor or an electric shaver? An electric shaver is an essential grooming item, even for the guys who prefer razor shaves or full facial hair. Uh, turns out Amazon's favorite razor is from a brand you've likely never heard of. Braun recommends replacement every 18 months (the block and foil come as a single unit, running about $30 for the Series 7 and $50 for the Series 9); Philips Norelco and Remington recommend annual replacement. Most electric shaver makers offer advice on how to get the optimal shave. You’ll have to decide whether the convenience is worth it; maintaining your shaver manually with the included cleaning brush is certainly easy enough. The top-notch travel case ensures the shaver and also its … Series 9 razors are notably bulkier than Series 7 razors, and some testers found the Series 9 razors tough to maneuver in tight spots (like the equally ginormous Panasonic Arc5, which this Braun line somewhat mimics). A solid foil shaver, the F5-5800 is durable, and it performs well for its low price. In a compact size that's perfect for weekend luggage, you’ll get up to 60 minutes of use with floating heads that automatically adapt to the contours of your face. A good electric razor can do so many jobs at once. Although no cleaning system is available, you can easily rinse the shaver under running water. That’s because ultimately it’s the most important thing—and because nearly all of the shaver makers offer versions of their various devices with and without bells and whistles. One warning for those on the go: The foil heads found on most electric units are fragile, and if you dent or bend one, you’ll need to replace it. You may be able to find more information about this and similar content at piano.io, This Guy Is Transformed by First Haircut in a Year, The Best Tattoo Ideas to Get Inked on Your Hands, The Most Annoying Requests Tattoo Artists Get, Save Big on Anti-Aging Skincare With This MVP Deal, Experts Weigh In On Tattoo Myths for Darker Skin, Men See What They'd Look Like Without Gang Tattoos, Philips Norelco OneBlade Hybrid Electric Trimmer and Shaver, Philips Norelco PQ208/40 Travel Electric Razor, Panasonic Electric Body Groomer and Trimmer. Dan has been using this razor near-daily since 2018, and it still performs well. Once that’s determined, the docking unit immerses the shaver in cleaning fluid—this comes in consumable cartridges, each of which lasts about three months—and then cleans the shaver and conditions the blades. Less is still more, even when it comes to shaving. Its shave has remained close and comfortable and is still strong enough to mow through multiple days of growth when needed. Several of our testers said they used a manual razor to get those hairs at the end of the shave, which to us felt kind of like a “what’s the point?” proposition. Like all of our picks, the F5-5800 includes a battery indicator. But how come so many men's bathroom cabinets and drawers are filled to the brim with different razors, blades, creams, and gels? It comes with a trio of interchangeable foils: one for standard closeness, one for sensitive skin, and another for “ultra closeness.” The foils are visibly different—smaller holes mean a less-aggressive shave. Each of our testers said it gave a sufficiently close shave. For most people, foil-style electric razors typically provide a closer shave. You can easily achieve the perfect length of scruff with three combs and a contour head that moves to the shape of your face. Combined, the two provide lubrication (the substance is also a key ingredient in Liquid Wrench) without a greasy feeling, so claims that they help an electric razor to glide are probably credible. These 2 Incredible Razors Are Both On Sale, This SweetLF Razor Electric Razor Is On Sale Now, This Philips Norelco Shaver Is Over 30% Off, Tristan Walker Is Changing the Grooming Industry, This Popular Philips Norelco Razor Is Now 30% Off. Model: 6020S. His preferred pre-shave, Kyoku for Men Electric Pre-Shave Optimizer, contains that key ingredient, which he says does make his skin feel smoother and more taut for shaving. Norelco Shaver 2300, Rechargeable Electric Shaver with Pop-Up Trimmer, S1211/81 Great for trimming hair on your head, face, neck, and basically any other area with no need to worry about nicks and cuts. They're also expensive to maintain. Like Braun, Panasonic offers razors in series with and without cleaning units. The 7085cc and the 7020s provide the same high-quality shave as our pick, but they each come with different sets of accoutrements. If a close shave is your top priority, you may find that an electric razor simply cannot compare to a manual one. The action is more like what you’d get from a pair of scissors than from a knife. Though the razors weigh the same—about 7.6 ounces each—the Series 9 is longer, has more girth, and is more top-heavy, all due to its quadruple-headed shaving mechanism. Owners should “never begin with the ultra head,” Wahl spokesperson Steven Yde warns. Unfortunately, that advice sometimes conflicts. If the 9300 is unavailable or you’re shopping for an even-more-budget rotary, we recommend opting for any Philips Norelco model rather than one of the many inexpensive—and face-mangling—three- or four-headed knockoffs popular on Amazon and eBay. Five shaving elements work together to cut through even the most difficult hairs with a 10-direction flexible head and special microvibration technology. For travel, Philips Norelco offers a hard case that’s considerably bulkier than those that come with the foil razors we tested. In addition to including multiple heads, foil shaver makers add jagged guide blocks that are designed to capture longer, tougher hairs; the variable patterns are intended to act as whisker-trapping labyrinths. Electric shavers aren't cheap. Braun claims that the Series 9 can tackle three days’ worth of heavy beard growth. Some can work in the shower with shaving cream; some can’t. We did a literature search and found no independent, non-industry-supported research on the topic, though judging from our experience, the break-in period is real. The Custom Shave is about as generic-looking an electric shaver as you can find—a tapered hunk of black plastic with a non-floating head and an on/off switch. Multiple-blade systems add a theoretical second action (razor makers call this “hysteresis”) in which the first blade pulls your whisker outward and subsequent blades—a second, third, fourth, onward to infinity—cut that pulled follicle even closer. Series 7 foils have traditionally run about $40. Although we appreciate that the Series 7 comes with a trimmer attachment—a device meant for maintaining sideburns or other smaller, more precise hair-cutting tasks—it’s now a separate piece that is easy to misplace and a hassle to use compared with the built-in attachments on our other picks. He has reviewed everything from board games to umbrellas and has participated in a number of test panels since joining Wirecutter in 2015. The Philips Norelco Multigroom 3000 is the best powered tool for grooming pubic hair. … Remington F5-5800 Rechargeable Foil Shaver. That four-way head sticks to Braun’s traditional two-foil design but adds a pair of cutting mechanisms—a “direct & cut” trimmer and a “hyper-lift & cut” trimmer—that better snag wiry, unruly whiskers, the company claims. Remington (60 days): Mail in a form. Braun’s Series 7 razors have been around in various forms for more than a decade, and they have built a reputation for producing close shaves, being durable, and providing convenience and value. For starters, the trimmer is a separate attachment that requires removing the floating head. All Braun Series 7 models give consistently close, comfortable shaves.The 7071cc comes with the accessories we think most people want or need, including a cleaning system and carrying case. James Austin has used our budget pick daily since 2018 and many other razors—both electric and manual—before that. For an update to this guide in early 2020, James tested the revamped Braun Series 5, 6, and 7 models for a month. His books include Banana: The Fate of the Fruit that Changed the World, and he received a James Beard Award for his writing on bananas. But with an electric shaver, he waits to shave during a calmer moment midmorning. And because the triple-headed shaver isn’t as compact as a foil shaver, it needs a larger case, which takes up more space in luggage. Manual razors (whether an old-fashioned, single-blade straight edge or an ain’t-this-ridiculous seven-blade modern non-marvel) all operate under a simple principle: A sharp blade glides across your face and slices your whiskers close to the skin. Don’t press those cutting blades into your skin. A large docking station holds the shaver, head down. that he found in the deepest, darkest corners of eBay. Unlike our picks, the lightweight Andis 17150 ProFoil Lithium Titanium Foil Shaver is not waterproof, and it is warrantied for only one year (whereas all of our picks are covered for two). Modern electric razors can deliver impressively close shaves, but they can’t quite match the closeness of manual razors. When Dan tried it on his three-day beard, he found that it worked better than any electric shaver he had ever used—though it paled in comparison to a standard blade when confronted with his iron curtain of a half-week’s whiskers. *At the time of publishing, the price was $120. This electric razor comes from the brand Max-T, and it is one of the best corded electric razors … You’ll need to replace the foil on your shaver more or less annually, depending on use. In addition, we weighed each model and measured the noise (decibel level) of each razor during operation. And overall, we found that despite the extra shaving heads each of them comes with, neither the Arc5 nor the Panasonic Arc4—basically the same shaver, but with one fewer foil—shaved as well as the comparable Braun models. Men's Health participates in various affiliate marketing programs, which means we may get paid commissions on editorially chosen products purchased through our links to retailer sites. Two of the reasons you may prefer using an electric razor on your face instead of a manual razor are convenience (being able to shave anytime, anywhere without water) and safety (no risk of nicks). Using shaving cream is likely to increase the amount of time you spend shaving, if you want to reach the closeness you’d get going dry. Considered the Bentley of shavers, this series 9 model is a top-of-the-line, premium electric razor that’ll provide men with the most luxe and efficient shaving experience. We examined customer reviews at Amazon and other retailers to find the top-rated, best-selling electric razors. Skull Shaver Palm 3 Head Electric Razor for Men Face and Head Smooth 9.7 9.2 9.8 2: Panasonic Electric Shaver for Women, Cordless 3 Blade Razor, Pop-Up Trimmer, Close Curves 9.5 There are plenty of men (we’d guess it’s the majority) … Among electric razors under $50, the Remington F5-5800 outperformed lower-end Braun and Panasonic models in our testing. We may earn a commission through links on our site. Our writers don’t regularly use Lectric Shave—for Dan it smells too much like his Uncle Larry’s bathroom. Rotary shavers use similar perforated surfaces to guide whiskers toward their cutters, but instead of snipping, hundreds of tiny blades slice hairs with a circular motion. The best razor for. While we looked at a variety of features, we decided early on that our judgment of the winning shaver would be based almost exclusively on the closeness of the shave. Most shavers are rinsable, and you can easily clean them under water with a quick brush of the foils. It shaves wet or dry, charges quickly, and uses U-type blades to shave closely and smoothly. One way shaver makers have tried to improve closeness, to compensate for the barrier layer between shaver and user, is by employing mechanisms that lift, cut, and guide facial hair into the cutter. Lasts for 4000 miles. Every man needs an electric shaver for his grooming routine. SKU: 6394061. And manufacturers prefer the term shaver—every model we tested for this guide is described as such on its packaging. Top electric shavers can cost a pretty penny, but if you’re looking for an affordable option to hold you over until you save up for a luxe shaver, this is your best option. It’s a rebadged Series 5 with a larger battery. It’s a good idea to use that. Like the Braun models, these shavers are marketed in series. The Series 7 has been a perennial pick in many customer reviews and publications, including here at Wirecutter since 2015. This best-selling electric razor on Amazon has received hundreds of five-star reviews for getting the job done for an unbelievable low price. Replacement cartridges last about three months and cost about $25 for a four-pack. I cannot stress this enough, electric shavers are NOT hair trimmers and are only intended to work on short facial hair. Braun, for example, suggests shaving first thing in the morning. Panasonic’s wet-dry Arc5 electric foil shaver is our top pick for several reasons, but the biggest is its ergonomic flexible head. As lovely as these vintage shavers are, electric shavers require regular maintenance, so buying a used one is generally a dead end because replacement parts simply aren’t available. He also visited one of the last surviving brick-and-mortar electric shaver shops in North America: Canada’s Centre du Rasoir chain still has more than 30 outlets, mostly in Quebec. Avoid irritation, bumps, or discoloration with the help of this smooth, precise blade and its seamless, easy cutting power. My original razor scooter I've had since 2009 has reached around 4000 MILES! Some, like the Braun Series 7 models we recommend, come with cleaning stations. Below we’re reviewing some of our most popular electric rides by Razor. Here’s the thing: The razors within a given line all provide the same shave. Wirecutter is reader-supported. Expect to pay at least $60 for most models and $150 or more for some. © 2021 Wirecutter, Inc., A New York Times Company. All of the razors we recommend have pivoting heads, so maintaining a proper angle is easy, but if you’re using a shaver with a fixed head (such as a Wahl), make sure to hold the head at a right angle to your skin. After testing the new 7071cc and considering lesser Braun models and other competitors, we still think this Series 7 shaver is the best. In the time he has been writing about razors for Wirecutter—since 2015—he has personally tested more than 30 models: the full lines from Braun, Panasonic, and Philips Norelco, as well as one-off brands and used shavers (don’t do it!) Each is fundamentally a double-foil shaver with a trimmer mechanism located between the foils. But neither outperformed our budget pick. All of our electric motor engine models are made with built-in safety features while still providing a punch of power in every ride. Foil-based systems use one or more cutting blocks mounted beneath the thin metal head. Stick With It. Nearly every shaver manufacturer—in a tacit admission that these devices don’t really shave as close as a blade—recommends that you snag your longest, toughest facial hairs first, using the shaver’s built-in trimmer. Following the same procedures as the original panel of testers, he compared each new Braun’s performance against that of the others as well as our budget pick. We’ve recruited people with diverse facial hair types and shaving preferences to test our picks long term. And the Series 7 offers the best mix of effectiveness, features, and affordability of the line. An electric razor can be a very powerful thing, which means it can—and ideally should—stand on its own. 4 Skull Crusher Progressions for Stronger Triceps, Getting Covid Gave Us a New Outlook on Marriage, I Spent a Year Trying To Find My New Favorite Tee, Why Male Friendships Are So Hard to Maintain, 9 Expert-Approved Lotions for New Tattoos, This content is created and maintained by a third party, and imported onto this page to help users provide their email addresses. We believe the Braun Series 7 is worth its higher price, but the Remington F5-5800 is a surprisingly competent budget alternative. Electric shavers work on a totally different principle. Building on the research and testing we’ve done for five years, we’ve looked into new models from competing brands that have been released, and we’re confident that the Braun line of foil shavers is the best available. It’s still our favorite razor, and it has become an even better choice because it’s significantly less expensive than it used to be. The Braun 790cc features four synchronized shaving elements that can cut in one stroke what other razors do in two. Panasonic ES-RT37 3 Blade Electric Foil Shaver Wet & Dry. Though most manufacturers insist that their electric devices can smooth your face as well as a traditional blade (and this may be true for some people), the physical mechanics—how electric shavers actually remove your stubble—create a closeness limit that some owners will certainly notice. Your shaving style? Hair Tattoo Trim Hair Razor Pen For Hair Design Stainless Steel Face Shaping Device, Engraved Pen/ 10 Blades/Tweezer Hair Styling Eyebrows Beards Razor Tool 3.2 out of 5 stars 415 $12.99 $ 12 . The Series 5 remains fixed, the Series 6 pivots up and down, and the Series 7 pivots up and down and left and right, keeping the cutting block in contact with facial curves more of the time. Our electric … You should also follow the manufacturer’s instructions for replacing foils and cutting blocks. Patience is a virtue with any kind of shaving technique but it’s especially important if … It provides credible stubble-leveling results at an affordable price. If you’re looking for ways to avoid the bus or subway, we recommend Segway Ninebot’s KickScooter Max G30LP, which is great for short commutes as well as errands. If you look at the lower four Braun series offerings—the 3, 5, 6, and 7—you’ll notice that they use fairly similar designs when it comes to the foils. Braun (60 days): Mail in a form (PDF). Since he has two kids, he’s always in a rush first thing in the morning; when using a manual razor, he shaves in the shower. But if you prefer a rotary-style shaver, we recommend the Philips Norelco Shaver 9300, which includes a cleaning system. Less is more. can work in the shower with shaving cream, Andis 17150 ProFoil Lithium Titanium Foil Shaver. Rotary shavers operate differently than foil shavers, using floating heads that grasp and remove hair, which some people find more comfortable. The 9300 can be unwieldy. Beyond the closeness of the shave, we considered: For the first iteration of this guide, we enlisted a panel of 12 to test a dozen electric razors each. Your first electric shaves will be patchy and probably painful, and you shouldn’t touch things up with a manual razor (which defeats the purpose of the break-in period). For a consistently close shave, plus the convenience of an included automatic cleaning system at a reasonable price, we recommend the Braun Series 7. Braun’s Series 9 clean-and-charge base uses the same cartridges as the Series 7 base (and those of all other Braun shavers) and is functionally identical. The Series 7 razors consistently produce close, comfortable shaves and are easy to use and maintain. He prefers manual cleaning, though, so he doesn’t use the cleaning system. It trims the hair on your scalp , defines and cuts your beard, gets rid of those pesky nose hairs, and ultimately, it completely changes your face. Those with especially coarse or curly facial hair can be particularly predisposed to ingrown hairs and razor bumps, and the less-close shave of an electric razor, or shaver, can help.1. Featuring Philips Norelco … Grabbing an electric shaver … Our physically and ethnically diverse panel included people with heavy beards who shaved daily, people with light beards who shaved as little as once or twice a week, and people who had tight, inward-curling facial hair, which frequently leads to razor bumps.