The 8 Best Electric Razors That Make Shaving Fool-Proof

You can’t talk top-of-the-line electric razors without talking about the Braun Series 9 shavers. The 9 Pro+ featured here is the best electric shaver we’ve found on the market. That’s thanks to the perfect balance of features you actually need and want, plus the ability to cut through a few days of growth as easily as it does a five o’clock shadow. It has what the brand calls “AutoSense technology” that automatically detects your beard’s density and adjusts the razor’s power appropriately. This model even has an attached ProTrimmer for details around sideburns or the mustache area. This is equipped with lifetime blades that will never need replacing in the lifetime of the shaver, which Braun says is seven years.In addition to the best-in-class shaving capability, which is the most important thing in a razor, you’ll also get an hour of run time and a fully waterproof design. When the job is done, a five-in-one cleaning/charging station keeps your razor clean and powered, always ready for the next use.The general thought is that more blades equal more irritation, but Arc5 proves that wrong. Even with five blades, it’s ideal for sensitive skin because it delivers a close, smooth shave with hardly any irritation. You get around 70,000 cuts per minute (that’s a lot), and the pivoting head allows you to follow the curves and planes of your face and neck easily, with minimal need to go back over the same area twice. It also features technology that senses your beard density and adjusts the cutting power, so it’s never too harsh or light for your skin and whiskers.The head itself is on the larger side, which may take some getting used to if you generally opt for a smaller razor, but we love it because it takes fewer strokes to get the same shave, which not only further helps reduce irritation but also helps cut down on shaving time. With the included cleaning/charging station to keep it clean, this razor will last for years without losing its power.Advertisement - Continue Reading BelowMuch of the same tech that is packed into higher-priced Braun shavers makes an appearance down the product line. This Series 7 packs most of what we love about the Series 9 into a slightly less elegant framework. But for under $200, this becomes our most recommended of this list because of the price. When friends and family ask, we are real with them. This does the job.The brand’s proprietary AutoSense technology makes another appearance here to automatically adjust cutting power, and really that’s the reason we come to Braun. The long-lasting battery holds up to 60 minutes of charge, so you get a few weeks of use from a single charge, depending on how long it takes you to shave. Since it’s also waterproof, you can shave in the shower if that’s your bag. It even comes with a handy cleaning/charging station.The downside to this one versus the Series 9 comes down to efficiency and raw power. The Series 9 is better in both departments. But if you’re cutting regularly enough, or don’t have a ton of facial hair, you’d be dumb to pay more for the overpowered model. This is all you need.The razors featured on this list so far have been foil shavers, but that’s not your only option in this category. Many electric razors have rotary heads, which are good at plowing through thick hair, adjusting easily to the contours of your face, and covering larger areas quickly. This high-end razor uses three powerful rotary heads that provide 150,000 cuts per minute to really deliver a baby-smooth shave. On the innovation front, it features tech that knows when you’re pressing too hard or too soft and alerts you with a green light when the pressure is just right. Plus, it has SenseIQ, which is the Philips Norelco equivalent of AutoSense, adjusting over time to your personal shaving style and ensuring you get the best shave every single day.This razor is also capable of shaving wet or dry, which means you can use shaving cream with it, if that’s what you’re into. The long-lasting battery and the smallish, well-designed cleaning pod are welcome features that are just icing on an already great cake.Advertisement - Continue Reading BelowYes, we know this is a head shaver. The reality is that not all guys use razors to shave only their face. If you’re rocking a bald look, you don’t want to be using something that’s made for stubble. That’s why this device exists—with five rotary heads, it plows through hair in record time. Those five heads are housed on a flexible neck that allows it to easily conform to the unique contours of your head, reducing the need to go back over the same area multiple times and letting you shave the back of your head with ease. The brand claims it can shave an entire head in about two minutes, but most first-time users will take a lot longer than that.Depending on your personal preference, you can use this shaver dry or wet and with or without products, which is great for guys who want a little extra protection for their scalp. The innovative design enables you to grip the entire shaver in the palm of your hand, offering better dexterity, particularly when it comes to shaving areas you can’t see easily. And the pop-up trimmer allows you to trim sideburns and other details with the same device.At the risk of sounding hyperbolic, the OneBlade might be one of the best grooming tools ever created. It’s uniquely designed to look and feel just like a traditional razor, but it’s motorized and uses a special dual-sided cutting blade that lies flush against your skin (like a razor) but somehow is almost impossible to cut yourself with. You can use it to shave or trim (there are stubble guards included), so whether you’re into a clean shave or a perma-shadow, this tool will come in handy. It’s also a convenient detailer for facial hair, sideburns, necks, and just about anything else on your face.In addition to it being waterproof and easy to clean (just run it under the tap), you can use it with or without shaving cream, which you can’t say about many other electric razors. Thanks to its small size, it’s easy to hold, making it an essential tool for anyone who wants to travel with an electric razor. The one downside is that you need to replace the blades more frequently than with other electric razors (about every four months). But that’s still less often than you should change a traditional razor, so it’s a win in our book.Battery Life45 MinutesWaterproofYesIncludes1 360 Blade, 1 5-in-1 Comb, 1 Protective Cap, 1 USB-A Charging CordBlade TypeOneBlade Dual-Sided BladeNumber of Blades1CordlessYesKey FeaturesDual-Sided Blade, Waterproof, 5-in-1 CombAdvertisement - Continue Reading BelowWhen they call this thing indestructible, they really mean it. Think of it as an electric razor crossed with an Otterbox. Housed in a durable rubber casing, this shaver is hefty and easy to hold but also shock resistant. So if you’re prone to dropping your razor, especially if you like to use it in the shower, it’s a wise choice. (We actually put this through the wringer, doing everything short of throwing it through a window, and it held up.)In terms of shaving power, it’s a solid performer. With three dual-track blades for maximum skin contact, it delivers a very close shave. It’s not quite as smooth as some others on this list, but if you’re used to shaving every day, you probably won’t notice much of a difference. A long-lasting battery charge (up to 60 minutes) and a completely waterproof design make this a worthy investment—especially for those who tend to break their devices (by accident, of course).If you want cheap, Braun is still your best bet. You’ll get some of the features of its higher-priced models, the industry-leading technology inside, and the superior blades and cutting power. This powerful shaver doesn’t have the fancy AutoSense technology, but it does have three blades housed on a flexible head that moves with the contours of your face and a powerful motor generating 18,000 cutting motions per minute. With one charge, you get about 30 minutes of power. It’s also fully waterproof and features a pop-up trimmer for sideburns and facial hair. The most important thing, of course, is that thanks to those Braun guts, this shaver feels a lot like the more expensive ones.Advertisement - Continue Reading BelowOther Razors We Tested and LikedPanasonic Arc5 Palm-Sized Electric Razor ($260): Picture this—the exact same five-blade shaver head as the Arc5 we talked about above but in a casing that can literally fit in the palm of your hand. It has all the shaving power of the original version, but it’s about a third of the size. We’ve been using it as our travel razor and have found no difference in the shave it delivers compared with the original and no difference in power either. (We’ve had to charge it only twice in the three months we’ve had it, and that’s with frequent travel.) If space is a precious commodity in your carry-on, this version of the Arc5 is an essential travel tool. Philips Norelco Compact Shaver ($70): Another small, travel-friendly razor, this one is much less expensive than the Arc5 above and features two rotary razor heads, so if you prefer a rotary razor, this one is a better choice for you. It’s slightly larger but shaped like a stick of deodorant, so it fits into your carry-on or gym bag without taking up much space at all. Performance-wise, it’s comparable to your typical rotary-head razor, though the two heads are spaced a little farther apart, so you may need to go over the same area a couple times to make sure you get enough shaving coverage. Manscaped the Chairman Pro ($136): We’re fans of the Manscaped Lawnmower for our body-trimming needs, and this shaver feels similar in your hand (though it’s slightly bigger). There are four blades, including two SkinSafe blades that help protect your skin from nicks and cuts, that cut through beards effectively and quickly. If you’re into the stubble look, there are even two length combs that keep a bit of length to your facial hair, something that other electric razors don’t have, and allow you to use this to shave instead of a trimmer. We’re also fans of additional features like the LED spotlight (great for seeing under your chin) and the fact that it’s compatible with wireless charging pads. What Is the Benefit of Using an Electric Razor?Using an electric razor versus a traditional razor and shaving cream is ultimately a personal choice, but there are a few benefits of the electric version. They tend not to cut whiskers quite as close as a traditional razor does, so if you struggle with post-shaving irritation or ingrown hairs, using an electric razor may help prevent those issues. They can also be a little bit faster, since you are able to shave dry instead of applying products like shaving cream.Advertisement - Continue Reading BelowHow Do You Use an Electric Razor?Most electric razors are designed to be best used on dry skin when stubble is stiff and devoid of moisture. Some people like to apply a little bit of pre-shave oil before shaving, but it’s not necessary. When you’re using an electric razor, you want to apply enough pressure that you get the razor as close to your skin as possible. If your shaver has linear blades, you’ll want to generally move it up and down on your face, whereas if it has rotary blades, you can use it in a circular motion. The style of shaving with an electric razor can take some time to get used to, and your skin will likely take a week or two to adjust, but once you understand how to do it, it becomes second nature. After you finish shaving, it’s good to clean the head of the razor and empty out any hair shavings that linger inside. (Check your razor’s manual for how to do this, as all of them are different.)Can You Use Shaving Cream with an Electric Razor?Most electric razors are designed to be used without shaving cream, but if your razor offers wet/dry capabilities, you generally can use shaving cream or even use it in the shower. Just make sure to not use too much product to avoid clogging the razor and always clean it after each use.Advertisement - Continue Reading BelowIs Using an Electric Razor Faster Than a Traditional Razor?It ultimately depends on what razor you use and how often you need to go over the same area of your face to get the shave you want, but in general, electric razors are a little bit faster and more efficient (fewer steps) than a traditional razor and cream.