The Best Electric Shavers for Every Beard and Budget
Foil or rotary? Wet or dry? The electric shavers worth buying for close shaves, coarse beards, sensitive necks and tight budgets.
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In this guide
A good electric shaver saves you time and money on blades, and it can end razor burn for good. But the "best" one depends on your beard and your skin. Here's how to pick.
Foil vs. rotary: the big decision
| Foil (Braun, Panasonic) | Rotary (Philips Norelco) | |
|---|---|---|
| Motion | Straight, back-and-forth strokes | Small circular motions |
| Strengths | Closest shave, crisp edges around sideburns | Follows jaw and neck contours, handles hair growing in different directions |
| Best for | Daily shavers, straight jawlines, the closest result | Curvy jaws, necks with swirly growth, people who shave every few days |
Neither is better for everyone. If you've used one style and hated it, try the other.
Other things to consider
- Wet/dry: using foam or gel usually gives a closer, more comfortable shave, which is especially helpful for sensitive skin. All our picks can be used wet.
- Cleaning station: convenient, but the cleaning cartridges are an ongoing cost. Rinsing under the tap works fine for most people.
- Replacement heads: foils and cutters wear out, typically every 12–18 months depending on the brand. Factor that in.
- Give it three weeks: skin often needs a few weeks to adjust to any new shaver. Don't judge it on day one.
The best electric shavers
Closest shave
Braun Series 9 Pro+
Best for The closest electric shave, even on multi-day stubble
Braun's flagship foil shaver regularly tops reviewers' "closest shave" lists. It handles several days of growth without tugging, works wet or dry, and some bundles include an automatic cleaning station. It's expensive, but it's built to last for years.
Why we like it
- Exceptionally close shave
- Handles longer stubble well
- Wet or dry use
Worth knowing
- Premium price
- Cleaning-station cartridges are an ongoing cost
If you shave daily and want the closest possible result from an electric, this is the benchmark. It's an investment, but a well-maintained high-end shaver can last for many years.
Best for thick beards
Panasonic Arc5
Best for Thick, coarse or fast-growing beards
A five-blade foil shaver with a fast linear motor that's a long-time favorite for dense beards. It shaves quickly and works wet or dry, and it usually costs less than Braun's top model.
Why we like it
- Fast, powerful motor
- Great for coarse beards
- Wet or dry
Worth knowing
- Can feel aggressive on very sensitive skin
- Louder than some rivals
Best rotary
Philips Norelco 9000 Prestige
Best for Curvy jawlines, necks and people who prefer rotary shavers
Philips' premium rotary shaver. Its heads flex in multiple directions to follow your jaw and neck, which many people find more comfortable than a foil shaver, especially if their neck hair grows in different directions.
Why we like it
- Rotary heads follow contours well
- Comfortable on the neck
- Wet or dry
Worth knowing
- Not quite as close as the best foil shavers
- Expensive
Best budget
Braun Series 5
Best for A great shave on a budget
Braun's affordable foil shaver delivers most of the comfort of its pricier siblings for a fraction of the cost. It's a good pick if you shave daily and don't need a cleaning station.
Why we like it
- Affordable
- Wet or dry
- Easy to clean under the tap
Worth knowing
- Struggles more with multi-day growth
- Fewer extras
You don't need a flagship to get a comfortable, quick daily shave. If you shave every day, you'll get excellent results from this for far less.
How to get a closer electric shave
- Shave against the grain, using light pressure. Let the shaver do the work.
- Stretch the skin with your free hand on the neck and jawline.
- For dry shaving, make sure your face is completely dry. A pre-shave powder or lotion can help.
- Clean the shaver after every use and replace the head when results decline.
FAQ
Is a foil or rotary shaver better?
Foil shavers generally give the closest shave and are great for daily shaving. Rotary shavers follow contours better and suit people with curvy jawlines or hair that grows in different directions.
Can electric shavers prevent razor burn?
Many people get less irritation from electric shavers than from blades because the foil or guard keeps blades from touching skin directly. Expect a few weeks of adjustment.
How often should I replace my shaver head?
Typically every 12–18 months, depending on the brand and how often you shave. Check your manufacturer's recommendation.