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You want a fast, close shave without overpaying, but the sheer number of electric razors makes choosing difficult. We've spent five years testing nearly 40 models to find the absolute best in shave quality, battery life, and ease of cleanup.
For a consistently smooth and comfortable shave, the Braun Series 8 is our absolute favorite. It pairs exceptional cutting power with top-tier convenience, boasting a self-cleaning station and over two hours of battery life.
If you are shopping on a tight budget, the Braun Series 3 offers outstanding value without completely compromising on performance. While it lacks the premium perks of our top pick, it still delivers a reliable, easy-to-clean shave for a fraction of the price.
For head shaving, our top recommendation is the Remington Balder Pro, which has 5 razor heads and contours the head nicely.
Editor's Note: On March 27, 2026, we updated our top picks and simplified this guide for first-time buyers.
The Braun Series 8 with PowerCase is our favorite razor because it delivers an incredibly close, smooth shave without causing skin irritation. You can shave dry, with foam, or even in the shower. This model is exceptionally convenient, featuring a powerful battery that lasts over two hours on a single charge and a solid, self-cleaning base that automatically washes and dries the razor for you at the press of a button. It also includes a unique travel case that stores and charges the razor simultaneously, meaning you rarely have to deal with loose charging cords when you're away from home.
The biggest downside to the Series 8 is its high price, both upfront and over time. In addition to the initial cost, you will need to budget for the specialized cleaning fluid refills, which must be replaced about every eight weeks, as well as new cutting blades every year or so. Finally, while it includes a small, pop-up trimmer for sideburns, we found it wasn't very effective, so if you already have a separate grooming tool you like, you won't be able to replace it with this razor.
The Series 8 is the smaller sibling of the high-power Braun Series 9 Pro, which scored slightly higher but costs an extra $100. We think most people will love the value of the 8, but for the ultimate premium razor, go with the 9.
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. Credit: Jason Wanlass
The Braun Series 3 ProSkin delivers a reliable, high-quality shave and saves you hundreds of dollars. It provides a comfortable, easy-to-manage experience: the flexible shaving head conforms to your face, a built-in central trimmer helps with longer hair, and the ergonomic, no-slip grip feels secure in your hand. It's also completely shower-safe and works with shaving foam or gel to reduce skin irritation. The battery lasts over an hour on a full charge—long enough to go weeks between recharges—and a quick five-minute charge provides enough power for a single shave if you're in a hurry.
While the Series 3 ProSkin is a fantastic bargain, you will inevitably sacrifice some performance and polish compared to more expensive models. The actual closeness of the shave is slightly lower than what you'll get from a high-end razor, and it may require extra effort to cut very thick facial hair. We also found some annoying design quirks: the sideburn trimmer is difficult to slide into place, the plastic safety cap fits loosely and often falls off, and there is no travel lock on the power button to keep the razor from turning on accidentally in your luggage. Furthermore, while the long runtime is impressive, it does require a proprietary charging cord rather than a standard USB cable, adding one more specific wire to keep track of.
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. Credit: Jason Wanlass
The Braun Series 9 Pro is the most powerful and effective electric razor we've tested, making it an ideal choice if you want the closest shave possible with the least amount of effort. Its specialized shaving head features five cutting elements that work together to capture flat-lying hairs and thick stubble in a single pass, significantly reducing the time you spend in front of the mirror. Despite its raw power, it is remarkably gentle on the skin; our testers found it caused almost zero redness or irritation, even on the sensitive skin of the neck. This model is also highly convenient for travelers, as it comes with a unique “PowerCase” that has a built-in battery to keep the razor charged for up to six weeks without needing a wall outlet. To top it off, the included cleaning station handles all the maintenance by automatically washing, drying, and lubricating the blades at the touch of a button.
However, these premium features come at a steep price, making this one of the most expensive grooming tools on the market. Beyond the high upfront cost, you will need to budget for ongoing maintenance, including specialized cleaning fluid refills every few months and a relatively expensive replacement cutting head about every year and a half. The cleaning station itself is also quite bulky so that it will take up a significant amount of permanent “real estate” on your bathroom counter. Finally, while the razor excels at shaving your face smoothly, the built-in pop-up trimmer is poorly positioned. It lacks the precision needed to detail sideburns or shape a mustache. For most people, the high cost of entry and the size of the base might be hard to justify when compared to slightly more affordable, compact alternatives.
The razor glides smoothly along the jaw and neck, but the integrated trimmer is frustrating to use because the sliding mechanism frequently jams. Credit: Jason Wanlass
The Philips Norelco S9000 Prestige is the best high-end rotary razor we've tested, delivering a close, smooth shave that clearly leads the pack. What we like is that it is exceptionally quiet, with a powerful motor and three adjustable speeds to plow through stubborn, multi-day stubble easily. Its key feature is a comprehensive pivoting system that allows the entire head to flex to match every curve of your face, which makes it far more comfortable and effective than cheaper alternatives. We also found the clear digital interface, with its simple alerts, to be a top-tier feature, and the included hair trimmer is excellent, snapping securely into place on the main shaving head for stable, precise trimming. The battery life is also impressive, lasting for over two hours on a single charge.
The main downside to this premium razor is the design of its specialized cleaning pod. While it does a good job, our testers found it messy and inconvenient due to its lack of a power cord. It relies on the razor's own battery to run, shortening its overall life, and unlike many other premium razors, it does not charge the razor while it deep-cleans. We also found that having to physically swap the main shaving head for the trimmer attachment each time can be tedious for some users. This is a very expensive tool, so if you are on a tighter budget but still want a high-quality rotary option, we recommend checking out the Philips Norelco 2400 as a more affordable alternative.
The Philips Norelco S9000 Prestige is one of our top performers because it has a very comprehensive pivoting and suspension system. Credit: Jason Wanlass
Want to ditch traditional razors and shave your head? The Remington Balder Pro is the best dedicated tool for the job. It features five flexible shaving heads that effortlessly hug the unique curves and contours of your skull for an exceptionally close and smooth shave that mimics a traditional blade. The compact, rubberized design fits comfortably in the palm of your hand, making it easy to grip and navigate tricky areas like the back of your head without straining. It's fully waterproof, so you can shave with cream or use it in the shower, and the internal chamber cleverly captures hair clippings as you go, allowing you to unclip the top and rinse it clean under the tap. Unlike many competing models, it also includes a convenient built-in trimmer that folds out to quickly touch up sideburns or neck hair, all at a very reasonable price point.
While the Balder Pro is an excellent value, first-time users should be aware of a few minor usability drawbacks regarding its power system. It relies on an older battery technology that is relatively slow to charge, so you will need to plan to ensure it is ready for your next shave. Furthermore, unlike many modern devices that use standard USB-C cables, this shaver requires a bulky, proprietary Remington charging cord, so you will need to be extra careful not to misplace it, particularly when traveling.
While the Skull Shaver Pitbull Gold Pro charges faster and lasts longer than the Remington Balder Pro, it isn't as efficient. Testers still prefer the Remington for its superior shave quality, better ergonomics, and lower price.
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. Credit: Ross Patton
The Panasonic Arc5 Palm-Sized is an exceptionally compact and simple razor that prioritizes performance in a travel-friendly package. Despite its small size, it delivers a fantastic, close shave with minimal irritation, utilizing the same high-powered internal components found in larger premium models. It feels very natural to hold once you get used to it, and it provides excellent control. It won't overcomplicate your routine or clutter your counter, and it packs easily without adding bulk. While the single control button lacks an electronic travel lock, the included rigid plastic cap smartly doubles as a physical lock to keep it from turning on in your bag.
However, this specialized design comes with a very high price tag, costing significantly more than many other top-rated options. The ultra-compact shape also means it lacks some standard features that beginners might expect, most notably a built-in trimmer. You will need a separate tool if you plan on detailing sideburns or a mustache. Furthermore, its unique size dictates a non-traditional grip that requires only fingertips and thumbs, which may present a learning curve for someone new to electric shaving before it feels completely natural.
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 Tested
We assembled a veteran team of GearLab experts who have a knack for scrutinizing all things gadget-related to identify 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 to be suitable for both wet and dry use, we lathered up and patted down. After scoring each product individually, we compared these scores directly with those of every other model on our list. Our side-by-side testing process assessed overall shaving quality, 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)
Wahl said the LifeProof has a drop-proof protective shell, so we conducted a separate test to see 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 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 about.
Jason Wanlass has been part of the GearLab team for eight years. A former journalist and avid adventurer, he has written numerous reviews of camping gear, as well as many of home gadgets and kitchen appliances. As a daily shaver, Jason knows the importance of a good razor. He studied each product on our list through the eyes of the average consumer. He loves examining the details and finding 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).
From features to function to ease of use — we took everything into account during our testing and scoring.
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, runtime, and charging time, ease of use, and ease of cleaning for each device. Below, we define each metric and summarize how each model compares to the rest in the category.
Worse Value
Better Value
What's the Best Value?
The Braun Series 3 ProSkin is the best overall value. It delivers a reliable, comfortable shave with two independently pivoting foil heads and a central trimmer. It boasts a fully waterproof design for shower use and an impressive 70-plus minute battery life at a very reasonable price.
If you want an even lower upfront cost and don't need a waterproof design, the Remington F5 Foil is a fantastic alternative to the Braun. It offers excellent versatility, a comfortable grip, and a surprisingly close dry shave, making it a highly practical option for budget-conscious buyers.
For those who prefer a rotary blade to a foil system, the Philips Norelco 2400 is an affordable, dependable choice. While it lacks the premium suspension of high-end rotary models, it still offers decent value and solid performance without breaking the bank for your standard daily grooming routine.
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. We consider the closeness of the shave — that is, how smooth it leaves our faces feeling afterward. We also look at factors like shave speed, 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., cheeks) and contours (e.g., jaw and under the chin).
The Braun Series 9 Pro offers one of our favorite shaves. It has a powerful motor, and the device took the least time and fewest passes to deliver 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.
We love how the Braun Series 9 Pro contours the face. However, we found the slide-up trimmer to stick sometimes. Credit: Jason Wanlass
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.
Examining the Braun Series 8's three-stage cutting head. 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. 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 Skull Shaver Pitbull (a dedicated head shaver) just behind, both just over 2.5 hours. However, the LifeProof takes nearly as long to recharge fully.
Measured Run and Charge Times
Run Time On Full Charge (Measured)
Time to Full Charge (Measured)
Time to Fast Charge (Measured)
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
Freebird FlexSeries
93 min
91 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
Panasonic Arc5 Palm-Sized
76 min
102 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
Remington F5 Foil
42 min
88 min
10 min
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 recharge. We recognize that not everyone will prioritize recharge time, but runtime may matter to many, so it's important to assess both to ensure the features meet your needs.
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
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 also each come with a heavy-duty hard case that doubles as a travel charger, so you can fully recharge the razor without bringing the 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 at the high end of the price spectrum, while the Braun Series 3 ProSkin and Andis ProFoil are at the lower end. Still, each also has impressive run times and manages incredible capabilities on a single charge. The Pitbull Gold Pro is the longest-running head shaver we've tested, lasting just over 2.5 hours and fully recharging 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: runtime, how long it takes to reach a full charge, and the option to quick-charge the 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 runtime alone, but it performs so well in that arena that it cannot be denied its rightful place near the top.
The Wahl LifeProof has a blue light that turns on when it's charging. When it's fully charged, the light goes off. Credit: Jason Wanlass
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 dry-only are the Remington F5 Foil, Wahl Professional Vanish Shaver, and Andis ProFoil.
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
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.
Showing off the Freebird's box of options.
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.
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 features a robust set of indicator lights that provide 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 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 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 cutting through longer hair and adds incredible 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
Although its overall score for this metric isn't impressive, we feel it's important to mention the Panasonic Arc5 Palm-Sized for its ability to fit in any bag or piece of luggage. Its lower score was due to its being very basic. However, when it comes to travel, its compact size and decent shave give it some serious brownie points for versatility.
The Arc Palm-Sized is one of our favorite travel partners. It's super small, has a travel-locking power button, and zips up into a solid carrying case. 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. We assessed features that specifically facilitate cleaning, including rinsing, drainage ports, and release buttons for easy removal or opening of 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 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 preferred the identical cleaning stations for the Series 8 and Series 9 Pro to those of the Series 7.
A very brief tutorial on how the Braun Series 8 and Series 9 Pro cleaning stations work. Credit: Jason Wanlass
The Philips Norelco 9000 also has a cleaning base, but it doesn't charge the razor, unlike the Braun models. The Braun Series 3 ProSkin was also a fan favorite for its quick,d easy cleaning.
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 with even but firm pressure on the base of the shaver head housing. Because everything is waterproof, you can rinse it after 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 cleaning process similar to the Remington Balder Pro, except it requires periodic disassembly of the blades. It would be easy to lose a piece during this process accidentally. 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 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 an 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 use a foil with small holes to grab hair so the blade can 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.
Rotary vs foil blades.
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 may want to ensure their razor comes with a travel case for a work trip. Regardless, it's a good idea to take a little time to review each manufacturer's specifications to make sure it offers features that suit your lifestyle.
What About Charging?
Electric razors can vary in charging time, battery life, and runtime. Consider long-lasting battery options if you plan to spend significant time away from a charger. 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, and choosing between wet and dry shaving is another part of the equation. Wet shaving offers a close, clean shave, but dry shaving is more comfortable for beginners and more convenient. Traditionally, electric razors were designed to handle dry hair, but many are now available in wet or dry models. The type of shaving you do is a personal preference, but buying a razor with wet- or dry-shaving capabilities gives you the flexibility to try new routines.
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 there are seemingly endless options when it comes to electric razors, but knowledge is power. Happy shaving!
—Jason Wanlass, Ben Applebaum-Bauch, and Ross Patton
