Is there an electric shaver that shaves as close as a blade

The best electric razors for men are designed to glide swiftly over skin without breaking the surface, thus eliminating all the downsides to manual shaving (like redness, ingrown hairs, razor burn and more). They may not cut as close as a blade version, but that’s the point. Whether you shave frequently or experiment with varying lengths on your facial hair, an electric shaver is an essential grooming tool (for stubble or fuller looks, check out our best beard trimmers). Plus, it’s great for cleaning up your neckline on a regular basis. If you’re looking for a truly top-of-the-line pick, the Braun Series 9 Electric Shaver is unparalleled for its powerful motor and versatility.

With options ranging from Braun to Panasonic to Wahl, these are the best electric razors for men.

ILLUSTRATION: FORBES/ PHOTO: RETAILERS

While these models will require you to re-shave a few days earlier than with a bare-razor shave, their speed makes for an expedited step in the once- or twice-weekly regimen. Whether you’re looking for one for daily use or for periodic necessity, these are the best electric razors to cover all your shaving needs. (And if you’re in the market for more useful grooming devices, find our favorite hair clippers here.)

  • Best Electric Razor Overall: Braun Series 9 Electric Shaver
  • Most Powerful Electric Razor: Panasonic Arc5 Electric Shaver
  • Best Affordable Electric Razor: Wahl Lifeproof Lithium Ion Foil Shaver
  • Best Electric Razor For Heads: Telfun 5-in-1 Electric Rotary Razor
  • Best Rotary Razor For Thick, Coarse Hair: Philips Norelco Series 9000 Electric Shaver
  • Best Razor-Shaver Hybrid: Barbasol Single Blade Electric Shaver
  • Best Electric Razor For Sensitive Skin: Remington F5-5800 Electric Foil Shaver with Trimmer

Best Electric Razor Overall

A Do-It-All Smart Shaving Tool

Amazon

Braun Series 9 Electric Shaver

Attachments: None | Waterproof: Yes | Cordless: Yes | Type: Foil |Battery life: 60 minutes (up to a month of shaves) | Weight: 2.14 lbs

Braun is the leader in the electric razor, and its wet/dry Series 9 is the best yet. It can mow through three-day beards, so you know it can tackle any other shave job you throw its way. It’s a smart device too, and can sense your beard’s density and then adjust its power and force for the task at hand. It shaves with as many as 10,000 micro-vibrations per second, confirming with a soothing hum as you round the contours of your face.

This model includes a cleaning-and-charging station, so that you can display it like the trophy it is. There’s a travel-friendly carrying case and a pop-up trimming and detailing head on the shaver itself for your neckline, mustache, sideburns and anything more. It holds an hour charge on its lithium ion battery, and an LED display showcases the remaining time on that battery life.

What the reviews say: “I’ve been a straight-edge/safety razor shaver for ten years. I’ve reached a point in my life where I don’t have 45 minutes daily to shave, so I picked this up. [The] battery life is incredible. The pivoting head is very smooth and makes the technique easy to get used to.”

Pros:

  • Quiet despite powerful motor
  • Handles slightly overgrown stubble

Cons:

  • Expensive


Most Powerful Electric Razor

A Shaving Powerhouse That Stands The Test Of Time

Amazon

Panasonic Arc5 Electric Shaver

Attachments: None | Waterproof: Yes | Cordless: Yes | Type: Foil | Battery life: 40 minutes | Weight: 7.4 ounces

Panasonic is another innovator in the electric shave game. The Arc5’s motor spins an impressive 14,000 cycles per minute, making this foil shaver one of the sturdiest and most durable electric razors. Its sensor scans the density of your beard while it shaves, and adjusts its power accordingly.

The shaver competes handsomely against rotary razors as the best option for guys with thick or coarse beards. The brand’s prized device is easy to clean and disinfect with the included dual charging-flushing unit. Its foil head flexes along with the angles of your face, gifting you a comfortable, efficient, hygienic and ultra-close shave.

What the reviews say: One five-star Amazon reviewer wrote that “after 23 years (not a typo), my Panasonic linear 3D finally quit. After purchasing the new Arc5, I understand and believe that the superior motor speed and five blades do matter! It’s awfully impressive to think that I will most likely have to own only two razors that are flawless machines for more than half my life. Bravo Panasonic!”

Pros:

  • Senses density of beard and adjusts power
  • Motor is quiet despite immense power

Cons:

  • May not be necessary for infrequent shavers


Best Affordable Electric Razor

A Budget-Friendly Option That Stands Up To The Competition

Amazon

Wahl Lifeproof Lithium Ion Foil Shaver

Attachments: None | Waterproof: Yes | Cordless: Yes | Type: Foil | Battery life: 90 minutes | Weight: 1.03 lbs

Wahl’s wet-dry shaver is one of the more color-by-numbers options, but that’s great for most guys. It has two foil heads that can be rinsed clean, and together with an intercept cutting bar they deliver a smooth and consistent shave. And perhaps best of all, the device’s lithium battery holds a 90-minute charge, giving it a leg up on most of the competition.

What the reviews say: One reviewer says, “The Wahl Model 7061-100 is one of the best non-rotary shavers I have tried. Fairly quiet as compared to others, great close shave, easy to clean, very well built and has replacement heads/screens available. I have never owned a Wahl Razor, only clippers, all of which were outstanding. I don’t know why there are a few negative reviews, but to me, it is one of the best razors I have owned.”

Pros:

  • Holds a 90-minute charge
  • Travel-friendly

Cons:

  • Less powerful than the competition
  • May require multiple passes for a smooth finish


Best Electric Razor For Heads

A Rotary Razor For Head-To-Toe Maintenance

Amazon

Telfun 5-in-1 Electric Rotary Razor

Attachments: 5 swappable heads for shaving, nose/ear trimming, facial cleansing, pre-shave massage, beard/body trimmings | Waterproof: Yes | Cordless: Yes | Type: Rotary | Battery life: 45 minutes | Weight: 2.82 ounces

Any guy who shaves his head bare knows two things to be true: First, that those angles and blind spots are tough to tackle. Second, the ergonomics of the shaver matter a lot. These two things are what make Telfun’s palm-held electric razor such a terrific pick for head shavers. It glides over the head like a planet orbiting the sun, and it eliminates unsightly and painful nicks, since it won’t break the skin’s surface. Plus, this one works wet or dry, which is especially a perk for bald-head shavers, since so many choose to clean up in the shower. Lastly, it has the necessary trimming and detailing attachments—even a pulsating pre-shave massage attachment and facial cleansing brush head. With the trimming devices, you can spot check or zap away at any fuzz on the rest of your body, like overgrown nostril hairs or unwanted back hair.

What the reviews say: “I love this razor,” one five-star reviewer says. “I shave my head every morning, and this razor does the job quickly and effortlessly. The razor head is very flexible and gets every nook and bump on my head with ease. I love how the head comes off the main body to allow you to clean it under the sink. It lasts over a week on a charge with daily use.”

Pros:

  • Ergo-smart design for clean no-look shaves
  • Great for small detailing around the body (with additional trimming heads)

Cons:

  • Questionable warranty
  • Lack of customer service


Best Rotary Razor For Thick, Coarse Hair

A High-Powered Device For Even The Thickest Of Beards

Amazon

Philips Norelco Series 9000 Electric Shaver

Attachments: Detailing trimmer head | Waterproof: Yes | Cordless: Yes | Type: Rotary | Battery life: 60 minutes | Weight: 1.68 lbs

The S9000 senses your beard’s density (reassessing it an incredible 15 times per second, no less) so that it whacks whiskers through thick and thin. This gives you a smooth, safe shave, assisted by a rotary head that moves eight different directions while adjusting to the contours of your face. Philips Norelco’s high-powered device lasts an hour and can be used wet or dry, and its LED display keeps you updated on the remaining lithium-ion charge. This set also comes with a trimming head and travel-friendly carrying case.

What the reviews say: This model may be expensive, but over 2,300 reviewers deem it worthy of the price point. “I am closing in on 80 years of age, and over the nearly seven decades of shaving, I have tried pretty much all blade razors and many electric razors,” says one user. “Until this razor, all electric razors either caused ingrown hairs, left too much stubble or missed areas that were difficult to shave. The S9000 Prestige gives me a relatively close shave. Not a blade close shave, but a very acceptable, smooth shave.”

Pros:

  • Sensor adjusts according to task
  • Especially useful for thick or coarse beards

Con:

  • Expensive for infrequent shavers


Best Razor-Shaver Hybrid

A Value Pick That Closely Mimics A Cartridge Shave

Best Buy

Barbasol Single Blade Electric Shaver

Attachments: Body blade and beard trimer guard (trimming 0.5 to 10mm in 0.5mm intervals) | Waterproof: Yes | Cordless: Yes | Type: Foil | Battery life: 60 minutes | Weight: 0.4 lbs

While Barbasol may be a staple shaving brand, it’s not known for its electric razors. However, this device deserves attention, thanks to its three interchangeable heads (close shaving, trimming and detailing). These options make it great for customizing whiskers as well as body hair. As for the electric shaving, a razor-replica foil head never breaks the surface of the skin and gives you barely-there stubble. Lastly, it takes just two hours for a full charge, and then delivers 60 minutes of power.

What the reviews say: “This is my first time using this brand shaver, but I must say that it’s a very good quality shaver so far. Add a little shaving cream, and it works like magic! It’s a very easy product to use and should last many years. I would definitely recommend it to anybody that wants the job done well,” one fan of the product says.

Pros:

  • Multifunctional use
  • Closely mimics a cartridge shave

Con:

  • Not as powerful as competitors


Best Electric Razor For Sensitive Skin

A Gentle Shaver That’s Travel-Friendly

Amazon

Remington F5-5800 Electric Foil Shaver With Trimmer

Attachments: None | Waterproof: No, but safe to rinse c Cordless: Yes | Type: Foil | Battery life: 60 minutes | Weight: 0.92 lbs

Remington’s gentle, washable foil razor checks all the right boxes, especially for anyone who shaves infrequently—also if sensitive skin is to blame for that. There are two pivoting foil heads that carefully mow hair to a barely-there skin-safe stubble. It’s also got an intercept cutting bar to keep things smooth, as well as a detailing head that pops out and cleans your edges. A full charge gives you 60 minutes of runtime that lasts 20 days, which means you’ve got plenty of juice for a long week away. Or, you can trim while it’s plugged in and charging, though it requires just a few minutes’ boost before you can unplug and go.

What the reviews say: If you scan the 14,743 five-star ratings, it’s clear that this affordable shaver is a favorite among shoppers. “This is the best $42 I ever spent. An incredible foil head razor that gives an amazingly close, smooth, comfortable shave,” one user says. “No irritation or razor rash, at all. Nearly as close as I can get with gel and a traditional bladed razor. I’ve tried many electric men’s razors. This one is far and away the best one, and the best value in one that I’ve ever tried. Cannot recommend it highly enough.”

Pros:

  • Two-hour charge holds for three weeks
  • Detailing trimmer for edge work
  • Travel-friendly

Con:

  • No wet usage


How We Chose The Best Hair Electric Razors For Men

We’ve done extensive research: delving deep into reviews by consumers, testing countless models ourselves and tapping experts and professionals who use the tools regularly. For specific shopping advice and details on the category, we interviewed a longtime barber, Eric Becker of Blind Barber.

This article is routinely updated so that availability, new models, prices and reviewer quotes stay up to date. We also re-evaluate our electric razor picks to ensure that they’re still some of the best in their categories. This story was last updated in October 2022.


What To Consider When Buying An Electric Razor

There are a few things that separate the best electric razors from the pack. Here are the standards you should hold them to, with insights from Becker.

Foil vs. Rotary Shavers

There’s a general preference for foil shavers over rotary ones, since foil versions tend to cut even closer to the skin. “A foil razor can usually deliver a closer shave than even a traditional razor,” says Becker. However, not everyone will want a foil option. “Rotary razors tend to be best for contouring the face and dealing with hair that grows in all different directions,” he says. “You use it in circular motions. It isn’t the best for sensitive skin, however. Foil shavers tend to get closer to the skin. They work best on very short stubble though, so either shave daily or take it down with a trimmer first. Make sure to use it in an up-and-down motion.”

Attachments

Your electric razor doesn’t need to have any attachments unless you want it to perform multiple functions. For example, some have swappable heads for trimming or detailing longer hairs. But that’s secondary, and even the top performers skip out on attachments in favor of the primary task at hand—shaving.

Cordless

No excuses here. Your electric razor should absolutely have cordless use. These aren’t barbershop hair clippers (which are usually cordless these days, too). Even the most powerful electric shavers can hold a good charge (30-60 minutes) without needing to be plugged in.

Battery Life

Look for 30-plus minutes, minimum, but ideally upwards of 60-90 minutes. The best ones will also retain their battery life for weeks or months on end without needing a re-up. Our top affordable pick, the Wahl Lifeproof Lithium Ion Foil Shaver, holds an ample 90 minute charge and maintains it over time, even through sporadic use.

Waterproofness

“If your shaver can handle a wet shave, you’ll get a much better result,” says Becker. “Shaving cream helps pre-soften the hair and allows the blades to cut more easily. Usually people with coarse hair or difficult growth patterns fall into this category.” At the absolute least, make sure yours can be rinsed clean, which prevents bacterial buildup from errant hair clippings.


What Is The No. 1 Rated Men’s Electric Shaver?

According to our research, testing and expert intel, Braun’s Series 9 Electric Shaver is the best yet. The waterproof, cordless foil razor uses proprietary technology to sense beard density and adjust its power accordingly. The versatile tool also has a pop-up trimming and detailing head to cover all your hair cleanup bases.

Which Is Better, An Electric Razor Or Manual Blade?

Depending on your needs, it can be beneficial to keep both an electric and manual blade on hand. Becker recommends the former especially for those concerned about ingrown hairs. “It’s easier and tends to be faster. Plus, if you are looking to maintain your beard and neckline, you are less likely to cut the wrong hair,” he says. If what you want is a speedy cleanup—and a nick-, bump- and irritation-free shave at that—then you need an electric razor. However, if you find that you shave infrequently or prefer a closer shave, opt for a manual blade.

Can You Get A Close Shave With An Electric Razor?

There are a few ways to get a close shave, and the method is a matter of preference. After you select your razor, you have the option to shave wet or dry. According to Becker, a wet shave yields the most benefits. “The biggest rule would be to make sure the shaver is approved for wet use. The heat from the shower will open your pores and give you a nice close shave. And the cleanup is easy,” he says. Sometimes a dry shave can cause skin irritation and leave stubble behind.

Not only are there skincare benefits when you opt for a wet shave, but you can also take care of other areas where you want to remove hair. The Telfun 5-in-1 Electric Rotary Razor is our favorite pick for wet shaving—you can use it on your body and for nose and ear trimmings. If you like to shave dry, make sure you have a razor that won’t leave burns and nicks on your skin.

What Is The Best Type Of Men’s Electric Razor, Rotary Or Foil?

Rotary and foil shavers both provide an exceptional shave, but each has its own characteristics. If you have longer and thicker hair or like to go days in between shaves, a rotary razor is best. It’s also good for those with coarser beard hair, thanks to the circular heads that easily maneuver tougher hair patterns seamlessly. Foil shavers add a precise method of hair removal that’s especially ideal if you have fine to medium strands.

Can electric razors shave as close as a blade?

The foils and circular heads of electric razors keep your skin and the cutting mechanism from achieving contact, making it impossible for them to “shave as close as a blade.” No matter how thin those barriers are, you'll never get the cutting part of an electric shaver as close to your face as a standard razor blade.

How do I get more close shaves?

Tips for a closer shave.
Never dry shave. Dry shaving increases the risk of cuts and irritation. ... .
Exfoliate. ... .
Use cooler water. ... .
Use shaving cream instead of soap. ... .
Pay attention to the direction of hair growth. ... .
Close your pores. ... .
Ignore myths about thicker hair regrowth. ... .
Protect skin from the sun..

Does a foil shaver cut as close as a razor?

The foil captures the hair with its holes, cutting it close to the skin and offering a close shave. Foil shavers offer the closest shave due to its micro-foil which aligns skin without feeling the shift of skin, like when using a rotary shaver.