There are plenty of reasons why men switch to electric shavers. There's the convenience, since many electric razors don't require the sometimes lengthy lathering ritual of a traditional shave. There's the efficiency, as these mechanical marvels can deliver a close shave without one needing to hone their handiwork through years of practice ... plus all the bumps and razor burns that come with that. And of course, there's also the safety element, since electric shavers eliminate any risk of nicks or other injuries that can be painful and unsightly.
While there are certainly factors to consider when shopping for an electric shaver, the key thing to keep in mind is that it’s largely a matter of personal preference. Now, of course, you probably know guys who will swear up and down that there’s one proper “right” way to shave, because as men, we get real attached to our particular rituals. But when you're faced with that level of shaving certainty from someone, just remember that the inventor of the electric shaver allegedly believed that properly shaving would keep a man alive for 120 years, and then promptly kicked the proverbial shaving basin at 60. So, you know, take it all with a grain of salt.
The biggest thing to consider is the type of shaver you prefer. Contemporary electric shavers most commonly come in two styles: foil and rotary. Foil shavers feature blades that move either side to side or top to bottom, and are protected by a perforated foil cover.
Rotary shavers often sport three or four small round shavers, underneath which blades move in a circular fashion. In both cases, the idea is to allow the razors to be able to properly remove the hairs without making harsh contact with the skin. Foil shavers, by virtue of their shape, can cover larger swaths of the face in a single stroke, while rotary shavers require circular motions across the face to ensure a smooth shave. However, the bar-like shape of foil shavers can limit their flexibility, while most modern rotary shavers can better adjust to the contours of the user's face. So it really does remain mostly a matter of personal preference.
Likewise, whether you prefer a wet or dry shave can play a role in which electric shaver to choose. While originally introduced as dry shave-only — it may indeed seem counter-intuitive to mix an electric appliance with water — many electric razors today are designed with a wet shave in mind. If you’re the type who prefers some lather with your shave (or even takes care of business right in your shower), there are electric shavers suited to that. Just be sure these instructions are clearly stated on the appliance: Otherwise, you might end up ruining a perfectly good “dry shave-only” appliance.
Lastly, it's important to note that we're talking about primarily shavers here, which aim for a full, clean shave. If you're the type of person who sometimes enjoys sporting a well-sculpted beard, you'll want to ensure that you also have a reliable trimmer to pair with that smooth-face shaver. Many models actually sport a built in trimmer as well, giving you plenty of shaving options in a single device.
The price tag of this option might make some hesitant. After all, there are plenty of Philips Norelco models in the 3000 and 7000 series that all fall under $100. But this impressive piece of shaving tech merits its price, thanks to an array of impressive features that deliver a powerfully close shave.
The 9000 Prestige offers one of the most customizable electric shaving experiences on the market, with adjustable speeds to accommodate various skin sensitivity, eight-direction contouring heads that allow it to cover almost any face shape evenly, and most impressively, the BeardAdapt Sensor, which automatically detects your hair density and adjusts itself accordingly to accommodate.
The 9000 Prestige boasts the ability to deliver a smooth shave even with 7 days of beard growth to battle, and it features an attachable trimmer head to tackle beards that go beyond that timeframe. It works for both dry and wet shaves, can be cleaned by simply running it under the tap, and even features a reminder on its LED screen whenever it needs a good cleaning.
The best foil shaver on the market and a strong runner-up for the Best Overall title, the Arc5 from Panasonic offers everything you could want from a foil shaver. Sporting a five-blade shaving system, beneath its micro-thin foil are powerful blades moving at 70,000 cross-cutting actions per minute.
Able to function dry, wet, and even directly in the shower thanks to its waterproof handle, the Arc5 comes with a charging station that cleans the shaver for you, ensuring it's in tip-top shape for every shave.
If you have sensitive facial skin, shaving can be a challenge. Many men choose to stick with a beard simply to avoid the bumps, burns, and irritation that come from shaving. But it doesn't have to be that way. Looking for things like sharp blades (dull blades tend to yank on hairs more, causing irritation) and shavers that don't heat up your skin while you shave can help spare you plenty of struggle.
We recommend the Remington F5-5800 for sensitive-skinned shavers, and we're not alone: We checked the reviews for several shavers, and those who have struggled with bumps and burns agree.
“This razor is the best electric razor I have used on my sensitive skin,” one reviewer shared, with another adding, “I have a soft beard and sensitive skin following radiation treatments, and this Remington gets them all and leaves my skin unscathed.”
Finding the right electric shaver for a beginner can be daunting, whether “beginner” means it’s their first electric razor after years of shaving manually, or whether it’s the shaver in question’s first time having to contend with facial hair at all. Too often, razors on the market today can perhaps offer too much in the way of features, making it difficult for inexperienced folks to feel comfortable.
This simple, inexpensive shaver from Braun is extremely easy to use, with just a simple power button and quick charging system —one hour of charging delivers a full 30 minutes of shaving. It can be used wet or dry, and sports a three-flex foil shaver to ensure comfort without the risk of injury or irritation.
It's a great starter shaver that's so simple, there's no fear of screwing up. But thankfully, it's inexpensive enough to easily replace ... just in case.
While most electric shavers are technically portable, they can take up a fair amount of space in your suitcase, especially with their cumbersome charging cables, carrying cases, and covers.
With this battery-powered Braun MobileShave, you can always manage a quick, clean shave or crucial touch-up anywhere, any time. It runs on two AA batteries, has a built-in cover with an auto-lock feature, can be cleaned with a simple run under any tap, and fits in any bag or even jacket pocket, since it stands at only 3.9 inches tall.
This handy little tool is extremely affordable and easy to use, and it works great for either a clean shave or for shaping your preferred facial hair style — whether that's keeping your beard trimmed or sculpting a goatee.
Replacement heads are readily available online and in most brick and mortar stores. It's easy to bring with you on the go, and works under both wet and dry shaving conditions. And yes, this is also the preferred electric shaver of Doctor Strange.
A precision fade can be hard to maintain, and the wrong buzz or sloppy shave can really “F-up” a fade like nothing else. That’s why the unique look of this Andis shaver might look familiar to fade-wearing readers: Odds are, it’s been a crucial tool in your barber’s arsenal for years.
Ideal for maintaining, tapering, and touching up bald fades, tidying up those tricky sideburns and spots on the back of the neck, or even straight-up shaving a bald head, this Andis Titanium shaver will always deliver a smooth surface without stubble or razor burns.
Michael NataleCommerce EditorMichael Natale is the commerce editor for Best Products, covering a wide range of topics like gift guides, kitchen appliances, lifestyle products, and more.
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