Grooming
9 Best Electric Razors For Men in 2022
If you’re looking for more power and precision in your shaving routine, a solid electric razor is a must-have addition to your grooming arsenal. With that in mind, narrowing down the best electric razor for men can be an intimidating task – there are countless models available and prices can vary wildly, from $20 for an entry-level electric razor to over $300 for some of the most powerful and feature-heavy models.
In addition to the cost, it’s important to understand the differences between the main styles of electric razors (rotary vs. foil), and which is the best match for your skin and hair type.
To help guide you on your quest to securing the best electric razor, we’ve highlighted some of our favorite models below. We’ve also included a breakdown of the benefits and drawbacks of both rotary and foil razors to help you determine which type will get you the closest and smoothest shave.
Table of Contents
Rotary Shavers
Made up of three circular heads containing a number of small blades, a rotary razor is made to be flexible enough to closely follow the contours of your face, ensuring a close shave. Rotary razors tend to work best on long hair, and are recommended for occasional shaving, as they are extremely powerful and can cause irritation for those with sensitive skin. They can be used for both wet and dry shaves, and also excel at cutting the flat surfaces of your face (like your cheeks).
Philips Norelco 9300 Shaver
If your budget allows it, you can’t go wrong with the Philips Norelco 9300 shaver. Available for $220, each of the shaver’s three heads moves in eight directions, delivering the ultimate close shave without the need for repeatedly passing over the same areas. This is also one of the most customizable rotary shavers you can buy. The unit features three cutting speed controls (slow, medium, and fast), allowing you to experiment with different levels of intensity to see which is best for your skin and hair type. The SmartClean System even does most of the unit’s upkeep for you, cleaning and lubricating the device so that it’s always ready for your next shave. The shaver packs a lithium-ion battery that boasts 50 minutes of shaving time on a one-hour charge, and a convenient LED display on the handle lets you quickly monitor just how much juice is left before your next charge.
Philips Norelco 6800 Rechargeable Cordless Wet/Dry Electric Shaver
The Philips Norelco 6800 does it all. This is the rare electric razor that works on both wet and dry skin, so you can either lather up with shaving cream or simply get shaving on dry skin without any hassle. The razor’s three ComfortGlide rings reduce skin irritation by requiring less passes, and the MultiFlex heads can be moved in eight directions, allowing you to easily reach places like the contours of your neckline. The rechargeable lithium-ion battery also packs a serious punch, delivering 50 minutes of shaving time before needing a recharge. With a price tag of just under $100, this is a great electric razor for men that won’t break the bank.
MAX-T 8101 Rotary Electric Shaver
The Max-T 8101 is 100% waterproof, making this an excellent option for those multi-taskers who prefer shaving in the shower. With three floating heads that can cut in four directions, you’ll be able to get a close shave all across your face and neck. The MAX-T features self-sharpening blades to ensure you never get a dull cut, along with a pop-up trimmer for sideburns and line detailing. What truly makes the MAX-T unique is its charging system, which includes an option to charge via USB. You can pop this razor right into your laptop while you’re getting work done for a quick charge (a one-hour charge delivers a whopping two hours of shaving time). Available for under $40 online, the MAX-T is an incredible bargain for a waterproof rotary razor.
SweetLF 3D IPX7 Electric Shaver
With over 25,000 reviews on Amazon, the SweetLF 3D is one of the most popular electric rotary shavers on the market today. Available for just over $40, the device is 100% waterproof, and features four directional cutting heads to ensure maximum coverage. The USB charging system delivers up to two hours of shaving time on a 60-minute charge, and includes a handy battery indicator LED right on the handle so you’re never caught off-guard with a depleted battery. Best of all, the SweetLF boasts a very quiet high-speed motor that won’t leave your ears ringing after each use (unlike many of its competitors).
Foil Shavers
As opposed to the circular cutting pattern of a rotary shaver, a foil shaver consists of a straight line of oscillating blades, with a perforated “foil” metal overlay to catch the cut hair. They are designed for a close cut that emulates the effect of shaving with a traditional razor. Foil shavers are extremely convenient, and can be used on dry skin without the need for shaving cream (certain models can also be used for wet shaving.) They tend to work best on short hair, and are a smart choice for those looking for a daily electric shaver.
Braun Series 9290CC Foil Electric Razor
Made in Germany, this is Braun’s top-tier foil shaver. Retailing at $300, it’s a pricey proposition, but if you’re looking for the closest possible shave from an electric razor, the Braun Series 9 might be your best bet. Packed with features, Braun’s patented SyncroSonic system scans your beard 160 times per second and adjusts its power accordingly, resulting in a hassle-free shave. Best of all, the Braun Series 9 features an automatic self-cleaning base to disinfect the unit between uses, which helps to avoid breakouts and bacteria from forming. Combining the efficiency of a straight razor with state-of-the-art shaving technology, this is one of the best electrical razors for men on the market.
Remington F5-5800 Foil Shaver
Available for just over $40, this Remington model is a great entry-level foil razor. The pocket-sized razor features Remington’s “intercept shaving technology,” which pre-trims longer hairs, eliminating the need for repeatedly shaving the same area. A pop-up detail trimmer allows you to work on your sideburns or hard-to-reach areas, and the unit packs a rechargeable battery good for 60 minutes of shaving time. The handle includes LED indicators showing the current battery level so there are no mid-shave surprises. Note that this model is for dry shaves only, and won’t work with shaving cream or foam (you’ll need to splurge a bit more for a foil razor that does both).
Wahl Lifeproof Lithium-Ion Foil Shaver
Every barber has a Wahl trimmer on-hand for a reason. Wahl makes incredibly powerful and reliable professional trimmers, and that same quality is also available in their compact electric foil shaver. The travel-sized unit features flexible foil cutters and a pivoting head to ensure it follows the contours of your face, and can be used for either dry or wet shaving. (This model is waterproof for up to one meter). You’ll get 90 minutes of cutting time after a one-hour charge, and if you’re in a hurry, there’s even a five-minute quick charge option to get you cleaned up in a jiffy. With a $50 price tag, this is a convenient and efficient foil shaver from one of the most respected brands in the business.
Panasonic ARC5 ES-LV67 Wet/Dry Shaver
With 70,000 cross-cutting actions per minute, the Panasonic ARC5 is an incredibly powerful shaver best suited for coarse and thick hair. The five blades ensure a thorough and close shave, and the flexible head can move in 16 directions, allowing for maximum coverage of your face and neck. The unit’s sensors scan your hair density 220 times a second and automatically adjusts the shaver’s power flow, delivering extra power when you need it most while avoiding skin irritation. Retailing for $200, the ARC5 can be used for both wet and dry shaving, and comes complete with an ultra-sharp stainless steel pop-up trimmer for detailing.
Below the Waist
Manscaped Lawn Mower 3.0 Trimmer
Let’s face it, many guys have been known to use their electrical razors on areas a little further south than their neckline. If you’re going to be trimming your groin area with an electrical razor, why not use a device explicitly made for that sensitive area? The Manscaped Lawn Mower 3.0 features efficient SkinSafe blades to ensure you’ll avoid any potential nicks or cuts, along with an adjustable cutting length guard, and an 600mAh Lithium-ion rechargeable battery. The unit is also fully waterproof, for those who want to get their manscaping done in the shower. Available for $70, your privates will thank you for your wise investment.
FAQs
Foil and rotary shavers each have their pros and cons – it really comes down to personal preference and your skin and hair type. Foil shavers are recommended for those who shave frequently, and work best on short hair. Rotary shavers work best on long hair, and are ideally suited for infrequent shaving in order to avoid skin irritation.
Considering the fact that you can get a solid electric razor for $40 these days, it’s definitely worth having an electric razor as part of your grooming arsenal. While disposable razors are cheap and convenient, they can’t match the precision and cutting power of a good electric razor. An electric razor is also essential if you’re trying to maintain a beard or sideburns, offering adjustable shaving lengths that straight razors or cartridge razors can’t replicate.
This will vary by the type of razor you purchase and how you care for it, but a good electric razor that has been properly maintained should last for years. If you don’t splurge for a self-cleaning model, be sure to clean the hair-catching mechanism often to ensure it doesn’t become clogged, which can negatively impact its performance. It’s also important to keep the blades clean, which will ensure your electric razor will stay in great shape for years to come.