The Best Electric Razor for Men

Our Picks of Electric Razors

Best Overall Shaver

Braun Series 8 with PowerCase

The Braun Series 8 with PowerCase is our favorite because of its superior shaving performance and versatility. It comes with a self-cleaning base and can be used wet or dry, featuring a powerful motor that quickly dispatches with stubble. Jason Wanlass, our lead tester, said, “The Series 8 leaves a super smooth shave with minimal irritation, making it one of my favorite choices to start the day.”

The rechargeable battery can run for over two hours (132 minutes, to be exact). That's longer than the battery life of nearly every other model we tested. It also means the Series 8 could only require a recharge every few weeks, depending on use, and would be an excellent choice for travel. Its travel case doubles as a charger, so you don't have to pack a cord and adapter.

Blade Head Type	Foil
Run Time On Full Charge (Measured)	132 min
Time to Full Charge (Measured)	59 min
Time to Fast Charge (Measured)	5 min
Usage Options	Wet/dry

Unsurprisingly, a device built with such a robust set of features comes at a higher cost. Along with the up-front cost, you'll need to budget for self-cleaner fluid, which requires replacement about every eight weeks. This is secondary to the blade cassette and will also need to be periodically swapped out, creating moderate maintenance costs.

The slide-up trimmer is workable but wasn't the best of the bunch in our testing. We should note that the Series 8 is the smaller sibling of the high-power Braun Series 9 Pro, which actually scored slightly higher in testing. If your budget allows and you want a top-of-the-line daily electric razor that offers a close shave, there is no question the Series 9 Pro deserves recognition as a premium upgrade. Its cutting head has a more intricate blade system than the 8, and the razor is just a little more powerful overall. Yet when it came down to picking award winners, one of our testers was quick to point out, “The Series 8 is very similar to the Series 9 Pro, but it sells for 20% less.”

Read more: Braun Series 8 with PowerCase review

Best Bang for the Buck

Braun Series 3 ProSkin

The Braun Series 3 ProSkin performs above average at a very reasonable price. This unit is built well, provides an adequate shave, and charges with a USB cable, so it can draw power from any device that accepts USB. We are also particularly impressed with ProSkin's run time, which is more than 70 minutes continuous on a single charge.

The minimally better experience you get from one of the higher-cost models may not be worth the significantly higher price. We think the average user doesn't necessarily need to pay 5x more for one of the premium shavers. “I think this model is a great bargain. It has a great no-slip grip, can be used wet or dry, and even tells you when it's time to replace the cutting assembly. I really like all of its useful features,” said lead tester Jason Wanlass. There are two independently pivoting foil heads plus a middle trimmer to take on longer hair, which we found works quite well for many facial hair types (though it's less impressive with particularly dense facial hair). It's also super easy to clean.

Blade Head Type	Foil
Run Time On Full Charge (Measured)	79 min
Time to Full Charge (Measured)	110 min
Time to Fast Charge (Measured)	5 min
Usage Options	Wet/dry

After months of using the Series 3 ProSkin, we had very few negative things to say about it. We'd note that the trimmer arm doesn't slide well, the safety cap fits loosely and sometimes falls off, and the power button lacks a travel-lock function, but these are nitpicks. Overall, this shaver performs well and offers reliable, solid construction.

In short, the ProSkin is a good razor at a great price. If you are looking for an even higher-quality razor at a reasonable price point, we also liked the Remington F5 Foil for its versatility, comfort in hand, and lower cost. However, we can only recommend it to those who don't need the extra waterproofing for shower shaves. We also think the Philips Norelco 2400 and the Wahl LifeProof offer decent value.

Read more: Braun Series 3 ProSkin review

Our Favorite Rotary Blade Option

Philips Norelco S9000 Prestige

Although our most-liked rotary razor is whisper quiet, it surprisingly has plenty of horsepower to plow through stubborn stubble - even a few days' worth. We love the Philips Norelco S9000 Prestige for its unique shape, 72 self-sharpening blades, and extensive control panel that has more alerting icons than we ever imagined.

Another top feature of the Prestige is its attachable hair trimmer. “I love that it snaps on and completely replaces the razor's main cutting head,” said one of our testers. “This makes it much more stable, unobstructed, and precise.” Our fave rotary also offers three adjustable speeds, a self-cleaning pod, and a sturdy travel case.

Blade Head Type	Rotary
Run Time On Full Charge (Measured)	129 min
Time to Full Charge (Measured)	59 min
Time to Fast Charge (Measured)	5 min
Usage Options	Wet/dry

We think the principal trademark of the Prestige is its shave quality due to its multi-blade design and comprehensive pivoting and suspension system. When directly compared against the other models in our lineup, it was clearly the leader of the pack. The only other option that came especially close was the Remington Balder Pro, which scored better in all metrics except run time and delivered an impressively close shave, especially suited for maintaining a bald head.

Although we loved using the trimmer, some users may not like having to attach it for each use. The razor's cleaning pod cleans well, but our test team found it a little messy and disliked that it lacks its own power supply. The razor's own motor is the driving force for the entire process, which uses up battery life. While this isn't a deal breaker, most of our testers preferred stand-alone cleaning stations that charge the razor while they deep clean, like what you would find on the similarly priced Braun Series 8. If you're in the market for a rotary razor but don't want to break the bank, check out the Philips Norelco 2400.

Read more: Philips Norelco S9000 Prestige review

Best Head Shaver

Remington Balder Pro

If you regularly shave your head and you're ready to ditch the traditional razor, the Remington Balder Pro is the way to go. This model has five individual oversized razor heads that flex and articulate around contours perfectly. The rubberized grip is designed to fit in the palm of your hand, allowing the shaver to be held upside down when it's out of sight. It's also fully waterproof, so it can be used in front of the mirror or in the shower. The chamber beneath the blades captures hair as you shave and effortlessly unclips for a quick rinse when you're done.

A clever bonus: the top of the handle has a fold-out clipper for touching up sideburns — a feature that most other electric head shavers lack. The Remington also includes a blade cover, a cleaning brush, and blade oil, which all fit in the high-quality case along with its charging cord.

Testers who regularly shave their heads compared the Remington to the Philips Norelco 9000, and Ross Patton notes, “It just didn't shave the contours of the head nearly as well as the Remington Balder Pro, and it costs nearly 3.5x more.” Testers also call attention to the Skull Shaver Pitbull Gold Pro, giving it credit for a pretty great head shave and impressive run and charging times (which both proved longer and faster than the Balder Pro). However, they noted that the Skull Shaver just doesn't shave quite as efficiently as the Remington, so they still preferred the in-hand experience and excellent price of the Balder Pro when given the choice.

Blade Head Type	Rotary
Run Time On Full Charge (Measured)	76 min
Time to Full Charge (Measured)	201 min
Time to Fast Charge (Measured)	10 min
Usage Options	Wet/dry

The Remington Balder Pro only has a couple of shortcomings. We weren't thrilled to find out it requires a proprietary cord to charge. Most brands have stuck to an industry-standard plug or switched to USB-C. If you misplace or forget your cord, you're out of luck until you order a replacement from Remington.

Also, this particular model has an unusually long charge time (201 minutes) when compared to its run time (76 minutes). If recharge time is not a concern, we think the cost-value ratio is most impressive on the Balder Pro, and this is our unequivocal top choice for a close head shave.

Read more: Remington Balder Pro review

Our Favorite Compact Travel Buddy

Panasonic Arc5 Palm-Sized

There's not much to the Panasonic Arc5 Palm-Sized, but that's the whole point. Just like the name states, this palm-sized little guy really fits the bill when it comes to being on the road for work or pleasure. “I like to be on the go, and when I travel, this razor is my new go-to option,” said our lead tester, Jason Wanlass. “It doesn't have a lot of extras, but it shaves well and is the perfect size for carry-on luggage.” We also threw it into laptop backpacks, gloveboxes, and briefcases.

Blade Head Type	Foil
Run Time On Full Charge (Measured)	76 min
Time to Full Charge (Measured)	102 min
Time to Fast Charge (Measured)	5 min
Usage Options	Wet/dry

The ceramic-like shell of the Palm-Sized is smooth and comfortable to grip. It is also made from NAGORI, a proprietary upcycled substance that comes from sea minerals. These minerals are a byproduct of water purification — pretty cool. The Palm-Sized's five cutting blades contour the face, neck, and chin well, and are decent at slicing through whiskers, even a few days' worth of growth.

We don't like that it doesn't offer a pop-up precision trimmer, and we think its compact size makes it a little awkward to hold, especially if you have larger hands, but the motor is powerful, it's made from solid construction, and it's easy to clean. It also has a travel-locking power button and a great travel case.

This is certainly the smallest foil shaver we tested, but if you want something that is a bit easier to hold, the Wahl Professional Vanish Shaver is a decent option — and more affordable, too.

Read more: Panasonic Arc5 Palm-Sized review

How We Tested

We assembled a veteran team of GearLab experts who have the knack for scrutinizing all things gadgets to find each razor's best and worst features. We purchased all the products in our review at retail prices and ran them through a series of side-by-side tests. To deliver our findings, we spent over ten hours with these blades on our faces and dozens more charging, discharging, cleaning them, and assessing their features. For models that claim both wet and dry use, we lathered up and patted down. After scoring each product individually, we compared these scores directly against every other model on our list. Our side-by-side testing process assessed overall shaving quality, as well as battery life, user-friendliness, and the cleaning and maintenance each razor requires. Our end goal was to determine which razor is best so that you can narrow your shortlist and eventually pick the right product for you.

Our electric razor testing is divided into four different metrics:

• Shave Quality (35% of overall score weighting)

• Run & Charge Times (25% weighting)

• Ease of Use & Versatility (20% weighting)

• Ease of Cleaning (20% weighting)

Why Trust GearLab

With a background in both business and social science, including a BA in Anthropology from Boston University and an MBA from the University of Michigan, Ben Applebaum-Bauch has been applying his practical, user-focused approach to GearLab's testing and reviews in outdoor and tech gear for many years, researching and evaluating hundreds of home goods and personal care products in that time. He has made a habit of hiking some of America's most iconic long trails and always returns from an adventure with gnarly facial hair that no one seems to care for.

Jason Wanlass has been part of the GearLab team for eight years. A former journalist and an avid adventurer, he has written numerous reviews on camping gear, as well as many reviews on home gadgets and kitchen appliances. As a daily shaver, Jason knows the importance of a good razor. He studied each of the products on our list through the eyes of the average consumer. He loves examining the details and likes to find the little things that make a product particularly great.

Senior Review Editor Ross Patton also lends his expertise to this category. During his years at GearLab, Ross has tackled an array of projects ranging from tools to office gadgets and everything in between. With a BS in Environmental Science from the University of Nevada and more than ten years of experience in product research and development within the snowboard industry, he has developed a well-honed ability to create objective testing models through which he can identify the subtle details that separate good products from great ones (or those that are headed straight for the trash).

Analysis and Test Results

We use four primary criteria, each with several specific considerations, to assess the electric razors in this review. We looked at shave quality, run time and charge time, ease of use, and ease of cleaning for each device. Below, we define each metric and summarize how each model compared to the rest in the category.

What's the Best Value?

We consider value as the relationship between each electric razor's total score and price. Some are expensive but perform well enough to justify the price tag. Others are economical purchases that deliver above-average performance. For example, the Braun Series 9 Pro is expensive, but it offers one of the closest shaves around, along with all the bells and whistles of a top-of-the-line device. However, the Braun Series 8 with PowerCase performs nearly as well for a lower price than the Series 9. We think the best values overall are the Braun Series 3 ProSkin and Remington Balder Pro, which are less expensive and punch above their class.

Shave Quality

The quality of the shave is what matters most. We consider the closeness of the shave — that is, how smooth it leaves our faces feeling afterward. We also look at facets like the speed of the shave, how many passes it takes to finish, and the power of any included trimmers. Where applicable, we ensure that razors perform well, wet and dry, and compare performance across flesh (e.g., on cheeks) and contours (e.g., jaw and under chin).

The Braun Series 9 Pro offers one of our favorite shaves. It has a powerful motor, and the device took the least time with the fewest passes to execute a close shave. The shaver head contours the jawline and neck exceptionally well. However, its somewhat awkward pop-up trimmer keeps it from a perfect score.

The Panasonic Arc5 Cordless doesn't quite have the same power as the Series 9 Pro, but its head has some of the same pivot points and proved particularly effective under the chin, where other electric razors falter.

Razors like the Remington F5 Foil, Braun Series 8 with PowerCase, Philips Norelco S9000 Prestige, Braun Series 7, Braun Series 3 ProSkin, Wahl Professional Vanish Shaver, and Andis ProFoil bring plenty of power for a close shave on 3-day stubble. They have multi-directional, free-pivoting heads and flexible foils.

The two head shaver models we tested, the Remington Balder Pro and the Skull Shaver Pitbull Gold Pro, deliver near skin-close shaves, with the Remington producing slightly better results.

Run Time and Charge Time

Run and charge times are essential metrics for electric razors. We test how long it takes to charge them fully, how long the devices can run after charging to capacity, and how long it takes to quick-charge them to get enough juice for a single shave. We assessed each measured time before scoring the products in our lineup, weighing run time as the most important of the three factors when considering what sets a user up for success while still taking into account the importance of a reasonable recharge time and quick-charge capabilities.

The Wahl LifeProof had the longest runtime in our tests, with the and Skull Shaver Pitbull (a dedicated head shaver) just behind, both just over 2.5 hours. However, the LifeProof takes nearly as long to fully charge back up.

The fastest charging models, the Braun Series 7 and Series 8, Panasonic Arc5 Cordless, and Philips Norelco 9000 and S9000 Prestige, took under an hour to rejuice. We recognize that not everyone will place importance on recharge time, but runtime may matter to many, so it's important to assess both sets of times to ensure the features meet your needs.

The Braun Series 8 with PowerCase and Braun Series 9 Pro have admirable runtime and recharge times. Not only do these shavers perform well in these two areas, but they each also come with a heavy-duty hard case that doubles as a travel charger, so you can completely recharge the razor without bringing along the actual cord. This is a very handy feature for people who often need to shave outside the home.

The Philips Norelco S9000 Prestige and Wahl Professional Vanish Shaver are on the high end of the pricing spectrum, with the Braun Series 3 ProSkin and Andis ProFoil on the lower end, but each also has impressive run times and manages incredible capabilities on a single charge. The Pitbull Gold Pro is the longest-running head shaver model we've tested, lasting for just over 2.5 hours, and it can recharge fully in only 1.25 hours, making it a great choice for those seeking the best of both worlds.

Our final scores reflect a balanced assessment of all three priorities: run time, how long it takes to achieve a full charge, and the option to quick-charge that same device. After evaluating these ratios carefully, the Skull Shaver Pitbull Gold Pro, Braun Series 8, and Philips Norelco S9000 Prestige settled easily into scoring positions at the top of the list, each managing a long-lasting, powerful performance with an easy recharge. In comparison, the Wahl LifeProof earns its dominant position based on run time alone, but performs so well that in that arena, it cannot be denied its rightful place near the top.

Ease of Use & Versatility

If it's not easy to use, you're less likely to use it, so we look at whether a razor claims it can be used safely wet and dry (bonus points for both) and whether the entire unit is waterproof and can be used in the shower. Many of these products come with indicator lights for battery levels, travel locks, and blade replacement. We also assessed included trimmers, how comfortable or awkward they are to angle correctly, and additional features. Some models also have adaptive power modes and ergonomic designs, which help boost scores.

These electric razors are easy to use, with some variability in their versatility. Most of the models that we tested can be used wet, which allows more flexibility for those who want to shave in the shower or use shaving cream. The shavers we tested that claim to be for dry-only shaving are the Remington F5 Foil, Wahl Professional Vanish Shaver, and the Andis ProFoil.

It received just average scores for shave quality and ease of cleaning, but we really loved the versatility of the Freebird FlexSeries. While primarily a head shaver, it also comes with tons of attachments that allow it to trim, groom, exfoliate, and polish.

The Braun Series 7 has trimmer heads and an exceptional array of attachments. We were surprised that the Series 9 Pro, for its high price, has a less-than-impressive trimmer. Some models, like the Andis ProFoil, don't have a trimmer at all. We liked the Philips Norelco 2400 for its flip-top head assembly and concave pivoting system.

For those looking for a full-featured display, the Panasonic Arc5 has a robust set of indicator lights that give you insight into the status of your electric razor. The Pitbull Gold Pro has a battery level indicator, which we found particularly useful.

In terms of user interfaces, the Andis ProFoil is straightforward. The Braun Series 7 and Series 9 Pro both have basic battery indicators, and the Philips Norelco 9000 also comes with a pressure sensor light that indicates whether or not you are shaving with the right amount of force. The Philips Norelco S9000 Prestige is worthy of specific mention for its top-notch attachable hair trimmer. It is very effective at mowing down longer hair and brings an incredible amount of versatility to this razor.

Although its overall score for this metric doesn't look impressive, we feel it's important to mention the Panasonic Arc5 Palm-Sized for its ability to be thrown into any bag or luggage. Its lower score was based on the fact that it is very basic. However, when it comes to travel, its compact size and decent shave give it some serious brownie points for versatility.

Ease of Cleaning

Cleaning can be an afterthought with a razor, so the easier it is to clean, the more likely we will use it. We assessed features that specifically facilitate cleaning, including rinsing, drainage ports, and release buttons for easily removing/opening the foil cassette. A couple of our contenders even come with self-cleaning bases. We analyze whether they make the job easier or are just a lot of hype.

Most of these models are relatively easy to clean and low-maintenance. The Braun Series 7, Braun Series 8 with PowerCase, and Braun Series 9 Pro all come with self-cleaning stations that make the task a literal set and forget (though they do lose some points because of the periodic maintenance required on the cleaning units themselves). More specifically, we liked the identical cleaning stations for the Series 8 and Series 9 Pro better than those of the Series 7.

The Philips Norelco 9000 also has a cleaning base, but it doesn't charge the razor as the Braun models do. The Braun Series 3 ProSkin was also a fan favorite for its quick and easy cleanup process.

We found the Remington Balder Pro exceptionally easy to clean — the top pops off by applying even but firm pressure to the base of the shaver head housing. Because everything is waterproof, you can rinse it at the end of each shave.

The Skull Shaver Pitbull Gold Pro has a similar cleaning process to the Remington Balder Pro, except that it requires periodically disassembling the blades. It would be easy to accidentally lose a piece during this process. Our research analyst accidentally opened the locking mechanism during testing, and we were lucky that none of the small parts went down the drain. We docked this model a point for this reason.

The Remington F5 Foil and Panasonic Arc5 Palm-Sized can be rinsed under water and left to dry — easy enough. The Andis ProFoil recommends only dry cleaning the blades with the included brush, which is more tedious and time-consuming. The Arc5 suggests the added step of running hand soap through the cassette and rinsing it — again, extra steps that take more time.

How to Pick the Best Electric Razor

Dialing in your shaving routine can take some time. To help you with this process, we compiled four important buying considerations, including hair type, blade type, and important features, to narrow down your selection.

Foil vs Rotary

A rotary blade uses circular blades that spin beneath a perforated guard, making them ideal for tackling odd angles and unruly hair. As the name suggests, foil razors utilize a foil with small holes to grab hair for the blade to cut. Foils are great for precise cuts and detailed facial hair, as well as those with sensitive skin. A rotary might be best suited if you value quick, efficient shaving. Deciding between the two will come down to some personal preference as well as your hair type and skin sensitivity.

What Features are Worth Considering?

With so many options, deciding on a razor, let alone the features of each one, can feel overwhelming. Prioritizing the features that matter most to you is the best way to narrow down your selection. Some folks may value the added trimmer feature for their beard, while others will want to ensure their razor comes with a travel case while on a work trip. Regardless, it's a good idea to take a little bit of time to look through each manufacturer's specifications to make sure it comes with useful features for your lifestyle.

What About Charging?

Electric razors can vary in charge time, battery life, and run time. Consider long-lasting battery options if you plan on spending significant time away from charger access. For those who value a faster charge time, consider options that can fully charge in under an hour. Nobody wants to end up with a dead razor right before a big meeting or event, so it's best to put some thought into the battery life of your next razor.

Wet vs Dry

Dialing in your shaving routine can take some time, which makes the decision between wet or dry another part of the equation. Wet shaving offers a close, clean shave, but dry shaving is more comfortable for beginners and is the most convenient. Traditionally, electric razors were meant to tackle hair dry, but many are now offered in wet or dry options. The type of shaving you do is totally a personal preference, but buying a razor with wet or dry capabilities gives you the flexibility to try new routines.

Conclusion

Whether you are looking for a close shave or something that can trim, self-clean, or quick charge, we hope our comprehensive expert review gives you the information you need to make the right purchase for you. We know that there are seemingly endless options out there as far as electric razors are concerned, but knowledge is power. Happy shaving!