Best Electric Shaver: Get a Close Shave Without the Irritation

Razor burn, ingrown hairs, nicks, and the daily ritual of lathering up—traditional shaving has its downsides. Electric shavers offer a faster, gentler alternative that many men find more convenient.

Modern electric shavers have closed the gap with blade razors significantly. The best models deliver impressively close shaves while being gentler on sensitive skin. They're faster, require no consumables beyond occasional blade replacement, and work great for maintaining stubble or going clean-shaven.

Let's find the shaver that matches your skin, beard, and lifestyle.

Foil vs Rotary: The Two Types

Foil Shavers

Thin, perforated metal foil covers oscillating blades.

• Best for: Sensitive skin, fine to medium hair, daily shavers
• Shave style: Linear strokes, like a blade razor
• Closeness: Generally closer shave
• Brands: Braun, Panasonic

Rotary Shavers

Three circular heads with spinning blades underneath.

• Best for: Coarse hair, longer stubble, contoured faces
• Shave style: Circular motions, follows face contours
• Closeness: Good but typically not as close as foil
• Brands: Philips Norelco

If you shave daily and want the closest shave, go foil. If you shave every few days and have a contoured face, consider rotary.

Top Electric Shavers for 2026

Best Overall: Braun Series 9 Pro+

The pinnacle of foil shaving technology.

• Technology: 5 shaving elements, ProLift trimmer
• Features: Cleaning station, wet/dry, travel lock
• Battery: 60 minutes (1 hour charge)
• Closeness: Exceptional
• Price: ~$350

Braun's flagship captures more hair in fewer strokes. The cleaning station keeps it hygienic and performing like new.

Best Value: Braun Series 5

Premium performance at mid-range price.

• Technology: 3 flexible blades, AutoSense motor
• Features: Wet/dry, EasyClean system
• Battery: 50 minutes
• Closeness: Very good
• Price: ~$100

The sweet spot for most users. 90% of the Series 9 performance at a third of the price.

Best Rotary: Philips Norelco 9000 Prestige

Top-tier rotary with premium features.

• Technology: NanoTech precision blades, 360° heads
• Features: Cleaning pod, wet/dry, beard styler attachment
• Battery: 60 minutes
• Closeness: Excellent for rotary
• Price: ~$280

The heads flex in every direction, following facial contours perfectly. Great for neck and jawline.

Best for Sensitive Skin: Panasonic Arc5

Gentle yet effective foil shaving.

• Technology: 5 ultra-thin blades, linear motor
• Features: Wet/dry, pop-up trimmer, sensor mode
• Battery: 45 minutes
• Closeness: Exceptional
• Price: ~$200

Panasonic's blades are thinner than competitors, reducing irritation while maintaining closeness.

Best Budget: Philips Norelco 3000

Solid performance at entry-level price.

• Technology: ComfortCut blades, 4-direction heads
• Features: Pop-up trimmer, cordless
• Battery: 55 minutes
• Closeness: Good
• Price: ~$35

Won't match premium shavers but delivers a comfortable shave at an unbeatable price.

Electric Shaver Comparison

Electric vs Blade Razors

Electric Shaver Advantages

• Faster shaving (2-3 minutes vs 5-10)
• No shaving cream required
• Less irritation for sensitive skin
• No nicks or cuts
• Lower long-term cost (no cartridge replacements)
• Can shave anywhere (no water needed)

Blade Razor Advantages

• Closer shave (still true, though gap has narrowed)
• Lower upfront cost
• No charging required
• Exfoliates skin
• Traditional shaving ritual

The Closeness Question

Blade razors still provide the closest possible shave. However, premium electric shavers now get close enough that most people can't tell the difference by end of day. If baby-smooth skin is essential, blades win. For everyone else, electric is close enough.

Features That Matter

Essential Features

• Wet/dry capability: Flexibility to use with or without shaving cream
• Battery life: 45+ minutes for travel convenience
• Pop-up trimmer: For sideburns and mustache edges

Nice-to-Have Features

• Cleaning station: Automatic cleaning, lubricating, and charging
• Travel lock: Prevents accidental activation
• Battery indicator: Know when to charge
• Quick charge: 5-minute charge for one shave

Features You Might Not Need

• Smartphone app: Rarely provides useful information
• Multiple cleaning modes: One mode is usually sufficient
• Premium travel case: Basic pouch works fine

Shaving Technique for Electric

Foil Shaver Technique

1. Stretch skin taut with free hand
2. Use short, straight strokes
3. Move against grain for closest shave
4. Light pressure—let the shaver do the work
5. Go over each area 2-3 times maximum

Rotary Shaver Technique

1. Use small circular motions
2. Let heads follow face contours
3. Don't press hard
4. Work systematically across face
5. Use trimmer for tight spots

Wet vs Dry Shaving

• Dry: Faster, convenient, good for quick touch-ups
• Wet: Closer shave, less irritation, better for sensitive skin

Give your skin 2-3 weeks to adjust to electric shaving. Initial irritation is normal as skin adapts.

Maintenance and Longevity

Daily Care

• Brush out hair after each use
• Rinse under water (if wet/dry capable)
• Let dry before storing

Weekly/Monthly Care

• Deep clean with cleaning station or brush
• Apply lubricant to blades (if not using cleaning station)
• Check for worn blades

Blade Replacement

• Foil shavers: Replace foil and cutter every 12-18 months
• Rotary shavers: Replace heads every 12-24 months
• Cost: $30-60 per replacement

Choosing the Right Shaver

Choose Braun Series 9 If:

• You want the absolute best foil shave
• Budget isn't a concern
• You appreciate the cleaning station convenience
• You have medium to coarse beard

Choose Braun Series 5 If:

• You want excellent value
• You're okay cleaning manually
• You shave daily or every other day
• You want foil performance without premium price

Choose Philips Rotary If:

• You have a contoured face (strong jawline, prominent chin)
• You shave every 2-3 days
• You prefer circular shaving motion
• You have coarse or thick beard

Choose Panasonic If:

• You have sensitive skin
• Closeness is your top priority
• You prefer wet shaving with cream
• You want Japanese engineering quality

Got Questions About Electric Shavers? Let's Clear Things Up.

How close can electric shavers get?

Premium electric shavers get within 0.05mm of the skin—close enough that most people can't feel stubble until evening. Blade razors still get slightly closer, but the difference is minimal with modern electrics.

Do electric shavers cause less irritation?

Generally yes. Electric shavers don't cut as close to the skin surface, reducing razor burn and ingrown hairs. Foil shavers are typically gentler than rotary. Wet shaving with an electric further reduces irritation.

How long do electric shavers last?

The motor and body typically last 5-7 years or more. Blades/foils need replacement every 12-18 months ($30-60). With proper maintenance, a quality electric shaver is a long-term investment.

Can I use shaving cream with an electric shaver?

Only with wet/dry models. Using cream with a dry-only shaver will damage it. Wet shaving provides a closer, more comfortable shave but takes longer and requires cleanup.

Foil or rotary for beginners?

Foil shavers are easier to learn—the technique is similar to blade razors. Rotary shavers have a learning curve with the circular motion. Start with foil unless you have specific reasons to choose rotary.

An electric shaver simplifies your morning routine while being gentler on your skin. The Braun Series 5 offers the best value for most users, while the Series 9 Pro+ delivers the ultimate foil shaving experience. For complete grooming, pair with a quality electric toothbrush and hair dryer.