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We bought the 16 best men's electric shaving razors and rigorously tested them side-by-side on beards, mustaches, and stubble, assessing each one on critical metrics like the quality of the shave, runtime, and ease of cleaning.
We recommend most people buy the Braun Series 8 as it has great shave quality, run time, and ease of cleaning. If you want to save a lot of money and are okay with slightly lower shave quality and run time, get the Braun Series 3.
Editor's Note: On October 23, 2024, we incorporated additional product details, new media, and expanded product comparisons across award winners, making it easier for you to hone in on the perfect electric razor for your needs.
The Braun Series 8 with PowerCase is our favorite because of its superior shaving performance and versatility. It can be used wet or dry, and based on reports from our lead tester Jason Wanlass, “leaves a super smooth shave with minimal irritation, making it one of my favorite choices to start the day.” It comes with a self-cleaner base and a travel case that doubles as a charger, so there's no need to pack a cord and adapter, even on long trips. We found that it has a powerful motor that dispatches with stubble quickly, and our timed tests proved the rechargeable battery can run for over two hours. At 132 minutes, 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. Three other models, the Philips Norelco OneBlade Face and Body Hybrid, Skull Shaver Pitbull Gold Pro, and the Wahl LifeProof, all ran longer overall (at 198, 152, and 151 minutes, respectively). Yet their performance results just did not stand up to what we saw in Braun Series 8 when it came to recharge time and shave experience, so they presented little competition when it came time to select our top award winner.
Unsurprisingly, a device built with such a robust set of features comes at a higher cost. In addition to carrying a hefty price tag upon purchase, you will also 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 also think it's important to note the Series 8 is the smaller sibling of the high-power Braun Series 9 Pro, which actually scored slightly higher in testing and generally impressed our team most with its high-caliber features and best-in-class performance. Yet when it came down to picking award winners, our test team was quick to point out, “The Series 8 is the most appealing option - it's nearly identical in most ways and sells for 20%+ less.” Of course, 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 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, making it that much more impressive in service. If you want something similar in quality to the Series 8 but can't justify the high-end price tag, the Braun Series 7 sells for half the price and performs admirably, albeit not quite as well as the costlier options in the lineup. We also loved the Philips Norelco S9000 Prestige for users with coarser facial hair or perhaps unruly growth patterns that may respond better to a rotary design. It scores nearly just as well as the Series 8 and sells for about the same cost.
In addition to a smooth shave and impressive battery life, we loved the tough, self-cleaning base and highly functional travel-charging case the Series 8 comes with.
The Braun Series 3 ProSkin performs above average at a very reasonable price. Despite being a low-cost model among the Braun Series options we tested, 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. This great bargain also has a no-slip grip, can be used wet or dry, and even tells you when it's time to replace the cutting assembly. It's built with 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, even if less impressive with particularly dense facial hair. It's also super easy to clean, making it an easy option to add to your daily routine. Our team was quick to point out that upgraded models may score higher, but for most users of average needs, “The minimally better experience you may get from one of the higher cost models may not be worth the far more substantial price.” For example, while the Braun Series 7 grabbed one more point for Ease and Versatility than the Series 3 ProSkin, the two devices received nearly the same score in every other metric. Yet the sales price of the Series 7 is 2.6 times higher than that of the Series 3 ProSkin. Many may find this slight reduction in ease of use is a tradeoff worth making to save a few bucks. Similarly, our Editor's Choice model, the Braun Series 8 series, scored slightly better across every metric, but at a cost of 5x more, testers question whether that extra bump in convenience and quality will really matter in the scheme of things for average users.
After months of using the Series 3 ProSkin, there were very few negatives. It simply performs well and offers reliable, solid construction. The few complaints we did have were nitpicky at best: 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. 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 really loved the Philips Norelco OneBlade Face and Body Hybrid for its high-quality precision work and body grooming capabilities at a very accessible price.
There are a surprising number of features of the budget-friendly Braun Series 3 ProSkin, but we especially love the two independently pivoting foil heads that can easily take out a day's worth of stubble and its really comfortable grip.
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 is the Prestige's attachable hair trimmer. It completely replaces the razor's main cutting head, making it much more stable, unobstructed, and precise. Our fave rotary also offers three adjustable speeds, a self-cleaning pod, and a sturdy travel case. That all said, 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. But with its five pivoting rotary heads, we found the Balder Pro to be better suited to managing a bald head than to everyday facial manicuring, for which our testers regularly selected the S9000 Prestige.
Generally, every product has a few flaws, and our testing crew noted one or two with the S9000Prestige. Although we loved using the trimmer, some users may not like having to attach it for each use. Additionally, we liked this razor's cleaning pod and noted it 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 and will require recharging with more frequency. 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. We also realize that this razor's price tag is higher than some would-be buyers will want to pay. If you're in the market for a rotary razor but don't want to break the bank, you may want to read up on the Philips Norelco 2300 or Philips Norelco 2400. Both are very reasonably priced, even if they are also very basic. But for some shoppers, that will be the right balance.
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. The Remington is 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 head shaver electric razors do not possess. 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. Although you may notice the Philips Norelco 9500 came in with nearly the same total score, tester 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.
The Remington Balder Pro only has a couple of shortcomings. We weren't thrilled to find out it requires a special product-specific cord to charge. Most brands have stuck to an industry-standard plug or switched to the ever more widely used USB-C for simplified use and travel. 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 when compared to its run time, at 201 minutes to full charge, versus only 76 minutes once in use. That's an unusually skewed ratio and one that may become a headache if you are not someone accustomed to planning ahead. For a razor that requires less time to charge and head out the door, take a look at the Philips Norelco 9500 or the Skull Shaver Pitbull Gold Pro. The Pitbull Gold Pro, in particular, gets a whopping 151 minutes of work out of only 78 minutes on the recharger. The 9500 achieves a respectable 96 minutes in battery life and requires just under an hour to get back to full power. But, if recharge time is not a concern, we think the cost-value ratio is most impressive on the Balder Pro, and that's the first stop we would suggest to anyone in the market for a close head shave.
For anyone who shaves their head regularly, the Remington Balder Pro is the way to go - quick, easy, and responsive to the unique contours of the head.
The Wahl LifeProof can run nonstop from a single charge for a whopping 2.5 hours. That's more than nearly every other product in the current lineup, except for one rotary head-shaver, the Skull Shaver Pitbull Gold Pro, and the uniquely designed OneBlade Face and Body Hybrid by Philips Norelco, which is specifically meant for precision, beard, and body-grooming work rather than a close shave. To put it another way, the LifeProof is an everyday foil razor that has one of the most persistent batteries we've ever examined, offering nearly 40 more minutes of shave time than the next longest-lasting foil battery in the lineup and more than double the total run time of many other models in this review. In addition to its impressive endurance, the LifeProof is also waterproof and protected by a drop-proof external shell (which really works). It is also easy to clean, and its power button offers a travel lock feature. As for its shave quality, we give it a solid B- grade, which our team thinks is not so bad, considering its lower price tag. For a simple, get-it-done shave that may require a few extra passes but won't break the bank or require consistent recharging, the LifeProof is an option worth considering.
On the downside, the entire device - and most notably, the shaving head — is too wide. The larger design of the LifeProof makes the unit harder to aim and position and simply takes up more space on the face and neck than is needed. The hair trimmer's teeth also feel a bit too sharp and aggressive, and the trimmer itself sits way too low. Even when fully extended, it rests a 1/4-inch below the foil cutting screen, making it more challenging to trim sideburns. We were also annoyed that the LifeProof does not have a low-battery indicator, so you must guess when it's time to charge it, and once you do plug it in, you will have to wait just as long to recharge it back to full as you did to run down the battery. That's an odd ratio, even if the quick charge feature can get you back into a shave-ready position within a mere 5 minutes. Then again, once fully charged, it does run forever. So, if you need impressive battery life, this model may be your best choice. Another option that will ensure you are rarely without a charge is the Remington F5 Foil, which enables you to switch over to a corded power source if you happen to work through its 42 minutes of cordless battery life. We also suggest the Andis ProFoil Lithium Titanium Foil and the Braun Series 3 ProSkin. Both have solid run times and reasonable price tags for shoppers who are looking to balance the two priorities. Or, for just under double the cost, you could pick up the Wahl Professional Vanish Shaver, which scores equally as well in most metrics, runs nearly two hours on a single charge, and can fully recharge in slightly more than another.
The Philips Norelco OneBlade Face and Body Hybrid is a sturdy, full-featured precision shaver and body groomer that offers versatility and longevity at a low price. Its dual-edge cutter is more akin to a foil than a rotary blade head but distinguishes itself with a particularly unique vibrating one-blade design that is unseen in any other model we've tested. Small in size and claiming movement at over 200 times per second, the head allows you to easily place it at desired trim angles against your skin, making it adept at touching up sideburns, mustaches, or beards. It can be used wet or dry and has a battery indicator light to let you know when it needs a charge or has a full battery (though if only used every three days, we found that it can last well over three hours straight or up to a month between charges). No other razor of any style has a battery that came even close to matching the extensive lifespan of the OneBlade, even if several - the Braun Series 9 Pro,Braun Series 8, and Philips Norelco S9000 Prestige among them - showed excellent run time results with far more impressive recharge capabilities (about an hour each). The OneBlade also comes with several attachments — 1mm, 2mm, 3mm, and 5mm for stubble on your face, plus two comfort guards for body grooming - making it a versatile choice for users of all sorts of beard and body needs.
For those seeking a close shave, it's important to note that this blade complements a traditional razor, but it's not a replacement. This is an inexpensive option for touchups around a fresh shave or regular body grooming. It won't provide a baby-smooth shave like you would get from a classic single or multi-blade manual razor or other well-designed electric razors like the Braun Series 8 or Philips Norelco S9000 Prestige. But that's not what it's designed to do, and it does its primary job quite well. We recommend assessing your needs for a daily razor and choosing a model that will deliver the results you require. If you like to wear a bit of stubble, a mustache, or a full-on beard, the OneBlade could be a handy tool to keep nearby, and it won't set you back a tremendous amount. Just one significant complaint from our testers, “While it has a run time of more than three hours from a full charge, if you forget to plug it in and run it dry, it takes forever to recharge again.” We found it can take up to four and a half hours to recharge it fully once it runs to zero (several times longer than the average electric razor in this review). So be sure to keep it on a periodic recharge schedule to avoid any headaches. If you're looking for a close shave for a similar price, we like the Braun Series 3 ProSkin.
The OneBlade is also sold as a beard trimmer under a very similar name, the Philips Norelco OneBlade 360 Face + Body, which includes a few additional attachments that make it ideal for precision grooming.
The Philips Norelco OneBlade Hybrid repeatedly impressed us with its easy-to-use design and the clean, groomed edges and well-manicured beard lengths it produced.
Credit: GearLab Staff
Compare Products
Our side-by-side testing looks at each product individually and then compares it against the other models in our review lineup in an effort to narrow down which is best.
Credit: Jason Wanlass
How We Test Electric Razors
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, and 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)
The manufacturer said this razor has a drop-proof protective shell, so we conducted a separate test if their claims were valid -- they were.
Credit: Jason Wanlass
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 bathroom 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 nearly seven years. A former journalist and an avid adventurist, 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. 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).
The blades in a rotary razor are a little more involved than a model with a foil cassette.
An ergonomic handle goes a long way for a shaving experience.
This model has a pivoting head which makes it easier to get under the neck -- a notoriously tricky area to shave.
From features to function to ease of use — we took everything into account during our testing and scoring.
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.
Here is an up-close shot of a foil razor, which helps depict the use of the foil to pull in hair for a closer shave.
Credit: Ben Applebaum-Bauch
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 shaves are more comfortable for beginners and are 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.
Whether you use water or shaving cream, a wet shave offers a clean, easy shave.
Credit: Ben Applebaum-Bauch
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?
In addition to the metrics that make up product scores, we also look at value. For this review, value is the relationship between each model'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. The Braun Series 9 Pro costs a lot but offers one of the closest shaves around, as well as the bells and whistles of a top-of-the-line device. However, the Braun Series 8 with PowerCase performs nearly as well and at a lower price than the Series 9. The Braun Series 3 ProSkin and Remington Balder Pro are less expensive and punch above their class, making them a great value.
For the cost, the Braun Series 3 ProSkin offers a very decent shave, making it a great value.
Credit: Jason Wanlass
Shave Quality
The quality of the shave is what matters most. This metric covers 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 is one of the top performers in this metric. It has a powerful motor, and the device took the least time with the fewest passes to execute a close shave. However, its somewhat awkward pop-up trimmer keeps it from a perfect score; the shaver head contours exceptionally to the jawline and neck.
One of our testers putting the Series 9 Pro through a gamut of shaving tests.
Credit: Ben Applebaum-Bauch
The main foil cassette doesn't quite have the same pivoting prowess as the Series 9 Pro, but its wet/dry versatility and powerful trimmer attachment keep it at the top of the list. The Panasonic Arc5 Cordless also shares many of the same qualities. Though it doesn't quite have the same power as the Series 9 Pro, its head has some of the same pivot points and proved particularly effective under the chin, where other electric razors falter.
Two of our favorite razors with three different configurations for their auxiliary trimmers. The Panasonic Arc5 (left) with a perpendicular pop-up trimmer, and the Braun Series 9 Pro (right) with a vertical slide trimmer.
Credit: Ben Applebaum-Bauch
The next tier of razors includes 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. These razors bring plenty of power for a close shave on 3-day stubble. They have multi-direction-free pivoting heads and flexible foils. The Philips Norelco OneBlade offers the best shave quality of the body grooming razors we tested. Though these blades aren't meant for baby-smooth results, we didn't experience any tug during dry shaving with a two-week beard, and the process actually goes faster than with a traditional cassette shaver.
A close-up look at the multi-directional, free-pivoting head and flexible foil of the Braun Series 8.
Credit: Jason Wanlass
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.
The Pitbull Gold Pro is a head shaver with a design that is conducive to high-quality results.
Credit: Ross Patton
Run Time and Charge Time
Run and charge times are essential metrics for electric razors. Here, we are concerned with 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.
Measured Run and Charge Times
Run Time On Full Charge (Measured)
Time to Full Charge (Measured)
Time to Fast Charge (Measured)
Philips Norelco OneBlade
198 min
273 min
15 min
Wahl LifeProof
152 min
150 min
5 min
Skull Shaver Pitbull
151 min
78 min
5 min
Braun Series 8
132 min
59 min
5 min
Philips Norelco S9000
129 min
59 min
5 min
Wahl Prof. Vanish
115 min
66 min
5 min
Braun Series 9 Pro
103 min
62 min
5 min
Philips Norelco 9500
96 min
56 min
5 min
Panasonic Arc5
84 min
51 min
5 min
Andis ProFoil
80 min
131 min
5 min
Braun Series 3 ProSkin
79 min
110 min
5 min
Remington Balder Pro
76 min
201 min
10 min
Braun Series 7
71 min
48 min
5 min
Philips Norelco 2400
67 min
71 min
5 min
Philips Norelco 2300
45 min
401 min
20 min
Remington F5 Foil
42 min
88 min
10 min
If we were to consider run time alone (as seen in the chart below), the Wahl LifeProof crushed the competition, with a lifespan of just over 2.5 hours. Yet you'll note the Philips Norelco OneBlade Face and Body Hybrid is the model that actually sits at the top of the list for best run time performance, edging out all of the razors in our lineup when it comes to longevity, including the Wahl Lifeproof, with a continuous run time of just over 3.25 hours. So, why doesn't it deserve top recognition in this metric? The OneBlade is not a traditional rotary or foil electric razor and is not designed to deliver a smooth, clean shave. It's meant for precision trimming and grooming. As such, our testers did not feel it was a contender for a top award associated with this metric, even given such impressive numbers. Similarly, while the Skull Shaver Pitbull Gold Pro matches the LifeProof when it comes to run time, it is designed for a more targeted purpose on the top and backside of the head. This makes it ideal for some shoppers but not the reliable everyday shaver many seek. For a close facial shave and the longest lifespan on a single charge, the Wahl is the clear winner.
While we were blown away by the run time on the Wahl LifeProof, our team was far less impressed with it when it came time to charge it back up. In fact, at 150 minutes, it takes equally as long to recharge the LifeProof as it allows time for you to enjoy its use on a single charge. This is more than three times as long as the fastest model in the lineup, the Braun Series 7, which only needs 48 minutes to get back up to a full charge. The Panasonic Arc5 Cordless and Philips Norelco 9500 come in close behind, recharging at 51 and 56 minutes each, with several other models showing they can get the job done in just around one hour or slightly more. In fact, two-thirds of the collection can recharge faster than the Wahl LifeProof. So, when it comes to establishing personal value, it's important to assess both sets of times to ensure the features available meet your needs.
The Braun Series 8 with PowerCase and Braun Series 9 Pro sit toward the top of both of these lists, each catching our attention with their above-average total shave time and below-average charge time. 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.
Examining the process of charging our Series Pro 9 in its impressive carrying case. The Series 8 also offers an identical charging case.
Credit: Jason Wanlass
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 juice back up fully in only 1.25 hours, making it a great choice for those looking for the best of both worlds.
The Wahl LifeProof surprised us all with its outstanding charging and run times.
Credit: Jason Wanlass
You'll note our final scores reflect a balanced assessment of all three priorities: run time in consideration of how long it takes to achieve a full charge plus 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 in 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.
Other decent performers include the Panasonic Arc5, Braun Series 7, and Philips Norelco 9500. These models achieved solid run times above the one-hour range on a single charge, and each can charge to 100% capacity within reasonable times as well.
The Panasonic Arc5 Shows you how long the razor has been on and flashes the battery charge percentage so you aren't caught off guard.
Credit: Ben Applebaum-Bauch
Ease of Use & Versatility
As with almost any other product, if it's not easy to use, you are just less likely to use it. For this metric, 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. Models that can be used wet (in the shower or with shaving cream) include the Braun Series 9 Pro, Braun Series 8 with PowerCase, Philips Norelco OneBlade, Panasonic Arc5, Remington Balder Pro, Pitbull Gold Pro, Braun Series 3 ProSkin, and Wahl LifeProof . This feature is essential because it makes shaving more efficient if you opt to do it in the shower or more flexible if it is more comfortable for you to shave with shaving cream.
A well-labeled slider like the one on the Panasonic Arc5 Electric can make it clear how to lock the main head and deploy the trimmer.
Credit: Ben Applebaum-Bauch
Though you can rinse many of these models underwater, the following claim to be dry-only for shaving: Remington F5 Foil, Philips Norelco 2300, and Andis ProFoil. Some models, like the Remington Balder Pro and Panasonic Arc4 Electric, have solid auxiliary trimmers.
The Remington Balder Pro includes a blade head cover and a convenient carrying case.
Credit: Ross Patton
The Braun Series 7 not only has trimmer heads but comes with an exceptional array of attachments to go along with it. The Philips Norelco OneBlade is exclusively a (high-performance) trimmer. We were surprised that the Series 9 Pro has a less-than-impressive trimmer, as does the Philips Norelco 2300. Some models like the Andis ProFoil don't have any trimmer. We also liked the Philips Norelco 2400 for its flip-top head assembly and concave pivoting system.
The Philips Norelco 2400 has a very convenient flip top that stays put during cleaning. It also has three great pivoting rotary heads.
Credit: Jason Wanlass
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.
The Pitbull Gold Pro shows battery levels with a digital display.
Credit: Ross Patton
In terms of user interfaces, the Philips Norelco 2300, the Andis ProFoil, and OneBlade are straightforward. The Brauns Series 7 and Series 9 Pro both have basic battery indicators, and the Philips Norelco 9500 also comes with a pressure sensor light that indicates whether or not you are shaving with the right amount of force. Circling back to another one of our top performers in this metric, we think 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.
We didn't like having an extra loose accessory to keep track of, but we did like how this attachable hair trimmer performed -- kudos to the Philips Norelco S9000 Prestige.
Credit: Jason Wanlass
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. In this metric, we consider features that specifically facilitate cleaning. These include 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 cleaning stations for the Series 8 and Series 9 Pro better than that of the Series 7. Both stations are identical.
A very brief tutorial on how the Braun Series 8 and Series 9 Pro cleaning stations work.
Credit: Jason Wanlass
The Philips Norelco 9500 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.
Power up. Rinse. Power down. Dry -- simple and easy.
Credit: Jason Wanlass
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 Remington Balder Pro is extremely easy to clean. The razor head pops right off; just rinse it and clip it back in place.
Credit: Ross Patton
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.
In order to fully clean the Pitbull Gold Pro, the shaver heads must be disassembled.
Credit: Ross Patton
The Philips Norelco OneBlade, Philips Norelco 2300, and Remington F5 Foil can all 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.
There are several high-quality electric razors on the market for a variety of shaving needs.
Credit: Ben Applebaum-Bauch
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!
—Jason Wanlass, Ben Applebaum-Bauch, and Ross Patton
