When it comes to facial hair management, there are a lot of options out there. One of the most popular shaving methods is with an electric razor. These razors can achieve the same smooth feeling as with a wet shave, but without the hassle of that setup.

Whether you're new to electric razors, or in search of an upgrade, one of these seven will be the best electric razor for you.

Premium pick

1. Panasonic ES-LV97

9.00 / 10
Read Reviews

The Panasonic ES-LV97 is an electric razor with five arched cutting blades, capable of enacting up to 70,000 cutting actions per minute. The central blade is enclosed underneath two lifting foils that help the hairs stand up. Then, the foil on the two outer blades enables most of the trimming. At just 42 microns thick, it should help you get a much closer shave than many other electric razors.

All of these blades and foils are atop a flexible head. This enables you to follow the contours of your face, an action mostly impossible on cheaper foil-based razors. This head can move in 16 directions, so it should help clear even those hard to reach areas. The ES-LV97 comes with a beard density sensor to adjust the blades according to your facial hair and polls for data 220 times per second.

The razor ships with a dedicated cleaning and charging dock. Once you've completed your shave, you only need to place the razor head-down into the dock. It'll start charging immediately, and you can use the control buttons to dry or clean the head. The razor lasts up to 50 minutes on a single charge and takes just an hour to recharge.

Key Features
  • 50-minute battery life
  • Charging dock doubles as a cleaning tool
  • Beard density sensor
Specifications
  • Brand: Panasonic
  • Head Type: Five-blade
  • Flexible Head: Yes
  • Battery: 50 minutes
  • Charging Dock: Yes
Pros
  • One-hour recharge
  • Flexible head moves in up to 16 directions
Cons
  • Button placement means you may accidentally hit the power while in use
Buy This Product
Panasonic ES-LV97
Editors choice

2. Panasonic Arc 5

9.00 / 10
Read Reviews

Instead of the Philips ComfortCut rounded blades, the Panasonic Arc 5 comes with five vertically aligned blades. The Arc 5 can achieve up to 14,000 cuts per minute with its 30-degree nanotech blades and ultra-thin Arc foil.

It's thanks to these blades that the razor achieves the closest shave at this price point. You may be thinking that five linearly arranged blades aren't going to be useful for the contours of your face. Panasonic has considered that too. The entire shaving head is able to pivot in line with your face.

There's even a pop-up precision trimmer for tidying up mustaches and sideburns. The Arc 5 also comes with Panasonic's Shave Sensor, which automatically adjusts power depending on the thickness of your hair. This wet and dry razor can last up to 40 minutes on a single charge.

Key Features
  • 40-minute battery life
  • Five vertically aligned blades
Specifications
  • Brand: Panasonic
  • Head Type: Five-blade
  • Flexible Head: Yes
  • Battery: 40 minutes
  • Charging Dock: No
Pros
  • Pop-up precision trimmer
  • Includes the Panasonic Shave Sensor
Cons
  • Manual cleaning required
  • No charging dock
Buy This Product
Panasonic Arc 5
Best value

3. Wahl 5622 Groomsman

8.60 / 10
Read Reviews

The Wahl 5622 Groomsman is a versatile facial hair grooming set. The razor is equipped with the company's stainless steel blades and comes with six position guides. Including the bare razor, this means you have an option of 14 lengths when shaving. The 5622 Groomsman is wireless, too, allowing you up to an hour's use before the device needs recharging.

There are plenty of accessories provided in the box, including a travel pouch, adjustable guide comb, three stubble combs, and four hair guides. The device supports both 110V and 220V inputs, so it is suitable for worldwide use. The razor works best when oiled using the included razor oil but will work without as well, although your shave might be less comfortable.

Key Features
  • Six position guides
  • Fixed position stainless steel blades
  • Full grooming set
Specifications
  • Brand: Wahl
  • Head Type: Fixed Stainless Steel Blades
  • Flexible Head: No
  • Battery: 60 minutes
  • Charging Dock: No
Pros
  • 60-minute battery life
  • Suitable for worldwide travel
Cons
  • Needs regular oiling
Buy This Product
Wahl 5622 Groomsman

Braun is a well-known name in the personal care market. The company has an established line of electric toothbrushes, personal hygiene, and health devices, alongside their electric razors. The Braun Series 9 9293 is the best electric razor on the market today. There's no denying it, though; this is an expensive device. However, you do get a premium razor packed with features for your money.

Instead of multiple identical blades, the Series 9 9293 has four cutting elements to give you the best shave possible. These are designed to capture every length and thickness of hair, with two specialized trimmers enclosing the other cutting elements. This is a wet and dry razor too, and is waterproof up to five meters, should you need to shave while deep-sea diving. The blades deliver 40,000 cross-cutting actions per minute, helped along by the motor's 10,000 micro-vibrations.

The head can move in 10 directions to adjust for the contours of your face, while each blade can also move independently of the others as well. Placing the Braun Series 9 9293 on the accompanying dock charges the device for a 50-minute battery life, with a nine-minute on-razor countdown. There's a travel lock to prevent the razor from suddenly turning on in your bag too.

Key Features
  • Four cutting elements
  • Wet and dry razor
  • Head can move in 10 directions
Specifications
  • Brand: Braun
  • Head Type: Five-blade
  • Flexible Head: Yes
  • Battery: 50 minutes
  • Charging Dock: Yes
Pros
  • Waterproof to five meters
  • 40,000 cross-cutting actions per minute
  • Travel lock
Cons
  • Head not as flexible as some other razors
Buy This Product
Braun Series 9 9293

The Remington PG6025 is not so much an electric razor as an entire grooming kit. The surgical steel clipper blades can be adjusted using one of the 14 included adaptors. There are eight length settings, a nose trimmer, detail clipper, and three lengths of stubble trimmer.

The Remington PG6025 is no slouch in battery life either; it can last up to 70 minutes on a single charge. All of the attachments can be washed in water for easy cleaning. Once dried, you can be collect them in the included storage pouch. While the PG6025 isn't the best performing electric razor, it is certainly the most versatile. This makes it ideal for anyone looking to keep their facial hair or beard neat and tidy.

Key Features
  • 14 adaptors
  • Surgical Steel blades
  • Eight length settings
Specifications
  • Brand: Remington
  • Head Type: Fixed Surgical Steel Blades
  • Flexible Head: No
  • Battery: 70 minutes
  • Charging Dock: No
Pros
  • 70-minute battery life
  • Can be easily cleaned in water
  • Ideal for a full shave or trimming
Cons
  • Plastic adaptors can break easily
Buy This Product
Remington PG6025

In a market dominated by expensive devices, the Philips Norelco 3600 is an affordable option that still packs in all the essential features. For those who like a bit of choice, there are two shave settings; close and three-day stubble.

The razors are designed for a close cut and come with Philips' ComfortCut blade system. This allows for rounded blades to minimize cuts and nicks. The razor comes with a stubble guard that clips onto the razor's head. This is perfect for those who aren't interested in a clean-shaven face, opting for a few days of well-groomed stubble instead.

The Lithium-Ion battery provides up to 50 minutes of shaving time, with a five-minute quick charge for a single shave. The Philips Norelco 3600 is a wet and dry razor, and comes with a pop-up trimmer too.

Key Features
  • Includes a stubble guard
  • Two shave settings
Specifications
  • Brand: Philips
  • Head Type: Flex Heads
  • Flexible Head: Yes
  • Battery: 50 minutes
  • Charging Dock: No
Pros
  • Budget-friendly
  • 50-minute battery life
Cons
  • Rotating heads don't achieve as close a shave
Buy This Product
Philips Norelco 3600

While some people prefer an electric razor, some use it for convenience. That's where the THJH Mini Electric Shaver comes in. This affordable electric razor isn't designed for the closest shave or the best battery life. However, the low price and small physical size make it perfect for throwing into your bag when traveling.

If you are away for just a few days, this razor is a great alternative to your regular shaving setup. Although there is an 8,500RPM motor alongside steel blades, it won't get as close as more expensive models. That said, it only weighs 88 grams, is USB rechargeable, and is IPX5 rated for waterproofing. It makes a great travel companion and may just be the best affordable electric razor out there.

Key Features
  • 8,500RPM motor
  • Weighs just 88 grams
  • USB-rechargeable
Specifications
  • Brand: THJH
  • Head Type: Foil
  • Flexible Head: No
  • Battery: 45 minutes
  • Charging Dock: No
Pros
  • Ideal for travel
  • IPX5-rated for water-resistance
Cons
  • Eight-hour recharge
  • Doesn't achieve the closest shave
Buy This Product
THJH Mini Electric Shaver

FAQ

Q: Do Foil Shavers Pull Hair?

Generally, foil shavers should not pull your facial hair. This type of razor has a blade underneath the outer foil. The holes in the foil guide your hairs into the blade. If a foil razor is pulling your hair, it could be that the hairs are too long and getting stuck in the blade or that the blade needs cleaning.

Q: Is It Better to Shave Dry or Wet with an Electric Razor?

One of the benefits of an electric razor over a traditional blade is the ability to shave without needing to prepare your skin. To shave with a standard blade, you must first wet your skin to add lubrication and soften the hairs. Electric razors don't require you to do any of that and are designed for dry use. However, some models are waterproof and can be used in the shower if you prefer, but they might not be as effective.

Q: Can You Cut Yourself with an Electric Razor?

Traditional shaving razors involve incredibly sharp pieces of metal. Consequently, a slight wrong movement or a dull blade can cause cuts as you shave. Electric razors rely on the rotating or pulsing mechanism to remove hair, rather than the blade to slice through the hair. As a result, you are unlikely to cut yourself while using an electric razor.