Which electric shavers make the cut? Find out in our buyer’s guide…
Whether you want to keep your stubble looking sharp, or tame and shape a full beard, an electric shaver is a must-have for keeping on top of facial hair.
But it’s not always easy to choose the right one, especially if you’re new to shaving or you’re making the switch from manual razors to electric. From different blade types and extra attachments to battery life and wet or dry shavers, there’s lots to think about and so much choice out there.
That’s why we’re here to help with our round-up of eight of the best men’s electric shavers and their key benefits. Scroll on to find out what to look for in a shaver and which ones are a cut above the rest.
Are there different types of electric shavers?
Electric shavers fall into two main categories, and it’s all down to the blade type:
- Rotary shavers – these have three circular blades (rotary blades) which lift and cut hair, easily moving around the curves of the face and are a good option for a comfortable shave
- Foil shavers – these feature blades behind a sheet of perforated metal (a foil guard) which move back and forth to cut hair. They give a closer shave than rotary blades, but have to be moved in an up-and-down or side-to-side motion around the face
Some electric shavers feature extra attachments for different lengths of hair or different areas of the body, if it’s a multi-groomer. You’ll also notice some are labelled for ‘wet and dry’ use which means they can be used both for dry shaving and with a shaving foam or gel if you prefer some extra slip.
Although not technically a shaver, electric trimmers are also a great option for neatening up hair on your face and body, and you’ll often find that many shavers come with additional pop-up trimmers for precision areas like nose hair.
8 of the best electric shavers
Shavers aren’t one-size-fits-all. Whether you’re after a rotary or foil blade, a multi-groomer for the whole body, or a specialised beard trimmer, here are eight top picks to help you narrow down the decision making.
Best for sensitive skin
Try: Braun Series 6 Electric Shaver with Precision Trimmer – Blue 60-B1200s
• Blade type: foil
• 1 x Braun Series 6 Electric Razor – Blue
• 1 x precision trimmer attachment
• 1 x travel case
• 1 x smart plug for automatic 100-240 voltage adjustment
• 1 x cleaning brush
With Autosense Technology, this innovative shaver reads and adapts its power to stubble and beard density and features a precision trimmer attachment for a super close shave. Plus, the dermatologically-tested SensoFlex swivel head and SensoFoil blades enable low pressure adaptation making it gentle on sensitive skin.
Key benefits:
- 3 weeks' worth of shaving from 1 full charge
- 5-minute quick-charge option for 1 full shave
- 100% waterproof for wet and dry use
“A close shave every time. Smooth blades glide across the face, no snagging and no sore patches.”
Best for a quick shave
Try: Philips Wet & Dry Electric Shaver Series 5000 with Pop-up Trimmer, Travel Case, Nose Trimmer and Full LED Display – S5889/11
• Blade type: rotary
• 1 x Philips Series 5000 Electric Shaver
• 1 x integrated pop-up trimmer
• 1 x nose trimmer
• 1 x travel case
• 1 x USB-A cable
With a Power Adapt Sensor that reads hair density 250 times per second and SteelPrecision Blades that complete up to 90,000 cutting actions per minute, this rotary shaver from Philips is the one for a quick and effortless shave. Hair guiding channels help you get your desired shape, while the 360-D Flexing Heads follow the contours of your face with ultimate comfort.
Key benefits:
- LED display
- Includes nose trimmer
- Easy clean
- Use wet and dry
- 60 minutes of shaving from 1-hour charge
- 5-minute quick charge option for 1 full shave
“I purchased this razor on a whim, and I am so glad I did. It gives a super close shave and it is very comfortable.”
Best for a close shave
Try: Panasonic 5-Blade Wet & Dry Electric Shaver with Responsive Beard Sensor and Charging Stand ES-LV97-K811
• Blade type: foil
• 1 x Panasonic 5-Blade Shaver
• 1 x auto cleaning and charging stand
With an ultra-fast motor and multi-flex pivoting head, this electric shaver moves in 16 independent directions for a comfortable and even shave. The responsive beard sensor adjusts to your stubble thickness and density to minimise irritation, while the sharp Japanese steel blades cut even flat-lying hair for your closest shave yet.
Key benefits:
- 5-blades for a precise shave
- Stainless steel blades to stand the test of time
- Use wet and dry
- Auto cleaning and charging system
“What an incredible shave experience. Unbelievably close shave for an electric razor that exceeded my expectations.”
Best pubic hair trimmer
Try: MERIDIAN Trimmer Premium, Pubic & Body Hair Trimmer for Men & Women, Below-the-Belt Groomer, Bikini Trimmer, Sky
• 1 x MERIDIAN Trimmer Premium
• 1 x travel pouch
• 1 x USB-C charging
Say goodbye to nicks, cuts, ingrown hairs and razor burns thanks to this trimmer’s precision ceramic plates. It’s perfect for taming pubic hair in or out of the shower, with adjustable guards allowing you to trim to your preferred length. Plus, it’s versatile enough for a flawless grooming experience anywhere on your body.
Key benefits:
- No nicks, razor burns or ingrown hairs
- Use wet and dry
- Travel-friendly
- 90 minutes of grooming time from 1 full charge
- Trims to different lengths
“This is the best trimming machine I’ve ever used for my body and it’s so good and easy to use.”
Best rotary shaver
Try: Remington Limitless X9 Rotary Shaver
• Blade type: rotary
• 1 x Remington Limitless X9 Rotary Shaver
• 1 x click-on detail trimmer with adjustable comb
• 1 x travel case
• 1 x USB charging cable
This powerful rotary shaver adapts to every angle and curve of your face, with a 360° PivotBall allowing you to move effortlessly in any direction. Individual Flexing Blades adapt to your unique facial contours, comfortably capturing stubble with over 130,000 cutting actions per minute. You can also increase the power at the touch of a button with the Turbo Mode feature to glide through coarse hair and stubborn areas.
Key benefits:
- LED screen
- Up to 60 minutes of shaving from 90-minute charge
- 5-minutes quick-charge option for 3 minutes of shaving
- 100% waterproof for wet and dry use
- OneClick Head Release for easy cleaning
“This is a fantastic shaver. The head glides across the stubble and gives a really close and smooth cut. The rotating blades cut really close to the skin leaving you looking super fresh and stubble free.”
Best overall shaver
Try: Remington Limitless X9 Rotary Shaver
• Blade type: foil
• 1 x Remington ONE Head & Body Multi-Groomer
• 3 x full-size attachments
• 7 x combs
• 1 x full-size rotary nose and ear trimmer
The only ONE you need for top-to-toe grooming, this multi-tasking marvel has everything you need to help keep on top of your personal style at home or away. With an abundance of attachments and combs, it lets you create 10-in-1 different styles for both the face and body, offering a total shaving solution without compromising on results.
Key benefits:
- Multiple attachments
- Up to 60 minutes of shaving from 2-hour charge
- 5-minute quick charge option for 1 shave
- 3-stage LED indicators
- 100% waterproof for wet and dry use
“The Remington One Head and Body Multi Groomer is truly brilliant! Its versatile design makes grooming a breeze, effortlessly transitioning from facial hair to body grooming with just one head. The precision and ease of use make it a must-have for anyone seeking a reliable grooming tool.”
Best premium shaver
Try: Philips Series 9000 Wet & Dry Electric Shaver with Quick Clean Pod S9987/55
• Blade type: rotary
• 1 x Philips Series 9000 Shaver
• Quick Clean Pod including 1 cartridge
• Integrated pop-up trimmer
• Charging stand
Powered by A.I., this rotary shaver uses SkinIQ Technology to give feedback on shaving pressure and guide you to an improved technique. 360 D Flexing heads adapt to the contours of your face and the Protective SkinGlide coating is gentle on your skin for a close and comfortable shave. Plus, there’s an app with even more shaving tips to be found.
Key benefits:
- SkinIQ technology
- Protective SkinGlide coating
- Advanced OLED display
- Up to 60 minutes of shaving from 1-hour charge
- 5-minute quick-charge option for 1 shaving session
- Use wet and dry
“I have not had this close of a shave with an electric shaver. Having the changing light ring has taught me how to use the shaver correctly and the app adds more details about each shave and how to improve technique.”
Best for beards
Try: King C. Gillette Cordless Beard Trimmer Hair Clipper Kit with 3 Interchangeable Combs
• 1 x King C. Gillette Beard Trimmer
• 3 x interchangeable combs
• Charger
With long-lasting sharp blades and three interchangeable comb attachments for all beard styles, this trimmer is designed to help you trim stubble, short or long beard hair so you can look and feel your best every day. As a bonus, it can also be used for clipping and trimming head hair with ease.
Key benefits:
- Long-lasting sharp blades
- 3 comb attachments for stubble (1mm), short (3-11mm) and long (13-21mm) hair
- Up to 50 minutes of shaving from 1 full charge
- Can also be used to trim and clip head hair
“I found this product absolutely amazing. Being disabled, this lightweight, cordless beard trimmer is a life changer! The 3 interchangeable combs allowed me to create the perfect trim.”
How to care for your electric shaver
The best way to make your electric shaver stand the test of time? Clean it regularly! This is so it doesn’t get clogged up with hair and dead skin cells that can dull the blades and slow down the motor.
Every shaver needs cleaning differently, so make sure to refer to the manufacturer’s instructions, but here’s a general guide on how to clean an electric shaver:
- Unplug and switch off the shaver (or remove the batteries if it’s a battery-powered shaver)
- Remove the head and any attachments according to the manufacturer’s instructions (some parts of the shaver shouldn’t be cleaned, so make sure to double check this in the manual)
- Gently tap the shaver to help dislodge any hairs
- Brush the cutters and spinning parts inside the shaver (most models come with a cleaning brush to help with this, but you can use a small paintbrush if not)
- Clean the washable parts of the shaver under running water. You can use soap to help get rid of any grime (check the instruction manual to see which parts can be cleaned with water and which can’t)
- Let the parts dry fully before reassembling the shaver according to the instructions
Now that you’ve gotten to know our pick of the best electric shavers, why not take your grooming routine to the next level with our full range of grooming tools?
