The best electric shavers of 2023

In this age of beard love, shaving equipment may no longer be part of every guy’s daily bag of grooming tricks, but even those aiming for hirsute as a fashion statement could use an electric shaver to keep things tidy. The benefits of the electric shaver are numerous: It eliminates the need for water and shaving cream and lowers the risk of nicks and cuts caused by runaway blades. When you’re finished perfecting your beard and mustache, you can use electric shavers for the precise manscaping of other body parts, from the top of your head to your sideburns, hairline, back of your neck, and all the way down. Read on to see our recommendations for the best electric shavers.

• Best overall: Braun Series 9 Pro Electric Shaver with PowerCase
• Best wet/dry: Panasonic ARC6 Electric Wet Dry Razor for Men
• Best precision blades: Philips Norelco SP9820/87 Shaver 9000 Prestige
• Best easy-clean: Remington F5-5800 Foil Shaver
• Best budget: BALLS Trimmer Electric Ball Shaver

How we chose the best electric shavers

When rounding up the best electric shavers, we considered models from classic brands like Brain, Philips Norelco, and Remington. We also weighed a range of needs and preferences. If you’re ready to go electric, there are several different styles available. You can get a shaver that’s shaped like a disposable razor, which will make the transition a lot easier. If your hands are bigger or you have an awkward grasp, you can get a larger model that resembles a barber’s hair clippers. The one drawback of these is they might not be able to give you as close a shave.

For those with especially unruly facial fur, rotary shavers with spinning discs are better than one-direction foil blades at managing it but be prepared to spend more time cleaning them. Although you won’t have to replace the blades in electric shavers nearly as often as you toss disposable razors, straight razors, and razor cartridges, all good things must end, so don’t go more than a year before making a fresh start with your electric shaver. Now chin up and prepare to look your best.

The best electric shavers: Reviews & Recommendations

Finding the best razor depends on how you plan to use the device. Do you want a model that works for face, head, and body or specifically targets one region? Do you like to shave in the shower? We’ve rounded up our picks for a range of preferences.

Best overall: Braun Series 9 Pro Electric Shaver with PowerCase

Specs

• Power: Lithium-ion battery
• Battery life: Up to 90 minutes
• Weight: Two pounds
• Wet/Dry: Both

Pros

• Comes with four cutting elements, plus two specialized blades
• Blades made with surgical steel
• Pivots for closer reach

Cons

• Expensive

Braun’s Series 9 Pro electric razor is well-built for a firm grip—and close shave after 7 days of beard growth. At full charge, the battery will keep going up to 90 minutes, and a digital display counts down the time left, so you don’t have to worry about surprise turn-offs when you’ve only shaved half your face. For tricky, hard-to-cut hairs, two specialized titanium-coated trimmers use 40,000 micro-vibrations to catch them where they grow. And, Autosense tech adapters to your beard density to chop through even the coarsest hair. The Braun also comes with two specialized trimmers and works wet or dry. And when you’re done shaving, the five-in-one pronged self-cleaning system will clean, lubricate, and charge your shaver.

If you’re traveling, the included PowerCase charges your razor on the go and powers up to six weeks of shaving—that’s a lot of business trips and sleepovers at your paramour’s house. The shaver itself lasts up to seven years. Lucky for you, there’s a two-year warranty covering faults in materials or workmanship. Speaking of, the razor’s only fault is its $300-plus price tag. However, we think it’s a worthwhile investment for years of looking like you walked out of a barbershop.

Best wet/dry: Panasonic ARC6 with Automatic Cleaning and Charging Station

Specs

• Power: Lithium-ion battery
• Battery life: Up to 45 minutes
• Weight: 6.4 ounces
• Wet/Dry: Both

Pros

• Designed with six Japanese stainless steel blades
• Flexible shaving head pivots in 22 directions
• Can clean with or without charging station, no special soap required
• Hair density-sensing technology provides close shaves
• Pop-up detail trimmer

Cons

• Charging/cleaning station adds $100
• Replacement blades cost $120

History may never know whether it was DJ Khaled or a razor maker that first yelled, “Another one!” Memes and soundboards aside, it was definitely Panasonic that put another Japanese stainless steel blade, for a total of six, on a splurge-worthy electric shaver. Four foils and two trimmers, sharpened to 30 degrees—combined with a motor powering 84,000 cross-cutting actions and a beard-density sensor reading 220 times per second—deliver a face free of stubble in minutes. Able to be used in or out of the shower, the 22-direction articulation and shaving gel-friendly cutting head of this comfortable-to-grip razor make for a smooth mechanism and an even smoother end result. There’s also some flexibility in the price: If you want just the razor, you can pay $399 and charge via cord and manually clean it with a special oscillating mode under the facet. But if you want the cleaning/charging station seen in the background—which includes a tray for soap and water or special lubricating detergent (sold separately), plus a drying fan—it will set you back an extra $100.

If $399/$499 is too much of an investment, the Panasonic ARC5 Electric Wet Dry Razor for Men is a steal for under $200. The five-blade system pivots in 16 different directions, meaning you won’t have to worry that it won’t glide easily over the contours of your face. Plus, the pop-up trimmer makes your shave faster. A built-in sensor checks the density of your beard 220 times a second while adjusting the power 14 times a second—the result is smoother, even results.

Best precision blades: Philips Norelco SP9820/87 Shaver 9000 Prestige

Specs

• Power: Lithium-ion battery
• Battery life: Up to 60 minutes
• Weight: 1.57 pounds
• Wet/Dry:  Both

Pros

• Designed with sensor that detects hair density
• Shaving heads have skin-protective coating
• Comes with travel case

Cons

• May leave unshaven spots

This Philips electric razor is a bit pricey, but it’ll give you the most advanced blade system the brand offers. The built-in BeardAdapt sensor helps the shaver deliver an exceptionally close and precise cut, checking the density of your hair 15 times per second and automatically adapting to suit the needs of your face. A travel case is included for storing and protecting the electric shaver and its various working parts. Bonus: cleanup is simple—open the shaving head and rinse with water.

Best easy-clean: Remington F5-5800 Foil Shaver

Specs

• Power: Corded electric
• Battery life: N/A
• Weight: 1 pound 
• Wet/Dry: Dry

Pros

• Blades made of surgical steel
• Pivoting technology allows for a closer shave
• Easy to clean
• Pop-up detail trimmer lets users customize sideburns and facial hair

Cons

• Corded
• Doesn’t work in shower

A great shave is in the details, and in addition to a tool that clips away longer hairs before two foil blades dig deeper, this Remington electric shaver has a head that pivots and flexes to tackle your neck, jaw, and chin. There’s also a pop-up trimmer that allows you to shape your mustache, beard, and sideburns precisely. Cleaning it is even easier than shaving with it. Just hold it under the faucet and wash the excess hair away.

Best budget: BALLS Trimmer Electric Ball Shaver

Specs

• Power: NiMH battery
• Battery life: Up to 1 hour
• Weight: 15.17 ounces
• Wet/Dry: Both

Pros

• Designed specifically for groin hair
• Comes with blades designed for coarse hair
• Safety guard protects from nicks
• Online training series provides guidance

Cons

• Not designed for whole-body usage
• Yes

This BALLS shaver is a workhorse. Micro-trimming ceramic blades ensure precise trimming sans pulls, nicks, and snags. It’s also waterproof, shock-resistant, and wireless. An adjustable guard lets you control the length from 3 mm to 6 mm. A matte coating allows for an easier grip while in use. And a one-button control with a single blade makes shaving and trimming simple and easy.

Things to consider when shopping for the best electric shavers

Finding the best electric shaver can be more complicated than settling on Gillette or Schick. There are several pivotal things to consider: 1) Is it waterproof? You might want to pursue a closer shave in the shower. 2) What is the power source? 3) How close to your skin does it get? 4) How often do you need to replace the blades, and will that require an extensive, expensive search? 5) Can you clean it fairly easily and go about your day? Shaving, after all, will be taking up enough of your time.

Dry, wet, or both?

If time is typically of the essence in your morning, you might want to take care of cleaning up, brushing your teeth, and shaving in the same place: the shower. To that end, you can bring a waterproof electric shaver into the bathtub. Waterproof electric razors are particularly great if you’re not ready to give up wet shaves. H20 reaps myriad benefits when used with clippers. It softens the beard for more comfort and less likelihood of being left with razor burn and other skin irritation. Be sure to check that it’s charged before getting in, as shavers designed for use with water won’t work when plugged in since water and surges of electricity don’t mix.

The rotary and foil blades in waterproof models may not get as close to the skin as regular disposable razors, but they will get you smoother than most dry electric shavers. Whether you opt for wet or dry may be a matter of preference, but it’s worth noting a few cons of shaving in the bath. It tends to be more time-consuming, and you’ll have to splurge on a few ingredients to get the most out of it. Dry shaving, in comparison, requires only the machine, and you can do it outside of the bathroom, even in the backyard, if you prefer to groom while getting your fresh-air fix.

How do you want to charge your razor?

Unlike traditional razors, most electric shavers are powered in one of three ways: plugging into an electric outlet with a cord, inserting batteries, or connecting to a charging station. Corded shavers are probably the least convenient because they need to be plugged in when they’re in use, which limits where you can use them—and practically guarantees the cord will get in the way while you’re shaving.

Batteries eliminate the need for a cord, but the shaver may quickly drain them of power, producing a less-than-ideal—and possibly incomplete—experience. If you go the chargeable route, which we recommend, make sure the electric shaver is fully charged before each use. If it runs out of power mid-shave, you’ll have to charge it up before you finish the job. Most will give you around one hour at full charge, but some will keep buzzing for longer.

How frequently do the blades need to be changed?

Relax—you won’t be buying replacement blades weekly. The foil and rotary blades in electric shavers do eventually wear out, though, so it is recommended that you change them at least once a year. Before getting a new machine, find out how and where you can buy any necessary replacement parts you’ll need in the future. And let the buyer beware: Expensive electric shavers may require pricier replacement parts.

As with traditional razors, shaving with worn-out blades will be less effective at nicking away hair. Don’t wait until you can barely move the blade across your beard before changing it. Spray cleaners and lubricants are available to extend the lifespan of a shaver’s cutting parts and may be especially useful if you have coarse, thick hair that more quickly erodes the blades.

How much maintenance does it need?

With electric shavers, cleaning is not optional. In fact, you’ll probably need to do a bit of tidying up after every use—even if it’s just removing excess hair—to get closer shaves and prevent potential infections. Waterproof electric shavers can be cleaned with water and liquid soap, but dry shavers can be irreversibly damaged by excess moisture.

Rotary shavers require a cleaning process that’s a bit more complicated than their foil-blade counterparts. Once a month, you’ll need to disassemble them and clean each of the individual rotary shaving heads. Just be careful not to mix and match the cutters and combs when you put them back together since they are arranged in matching pairs by the manufacturer.

For those who would rather not deal with regular cleaning, some modern models come with charging stations that also clean the electric shaver. A number of them will even disinfect the blades for you.

Related: The best beard trimmer: Shape your facial hair with ease

FAQs

Related: What to buy for a better shave

Final thoughts on the best electric shavers

• Best overall: Braun Series 9 Pro Electric Shaver with PowerCase
• Best wet/dry: Panasonic ARC6 Electric Wet Dry Razor for Men
• Best precision blades: Philips Norelco SP9820/87 Shaver 9000 Prestige
• Best easy-clean: Remington F5-5800 Foil Shaver
• Best budget: BALLS Trimmer Electric Ball Shaver

Electric razors may not leave you as baby-faced as disposable ones, but if that’s not a deal breaker, they offer various benefits. If you get a waterproof one, you can use it pretty much anywhere, and you won’t have to worry about blades with severely limited life spans. The best electric shaver may require more regular upkeep, but if you get one that’s self-cleaning, the shaver will do most of the work for you.

Why trust us

Popular Science started writing about technology more than 150 years ago. There was no such thing as “gadget writing” when we published our first issue in 1872, but if there was, our mission to demystify the world of innovation for everyday readers means we would have been all over it. Here in the present, PopSci is fully committed to helping readers navigate the increasingly intimidating array of devices on the market right now.

Our writers and editors have combined decades of experience covering and reviewing consumer electronics. We each have our own obsessive specialties—from high-end audio, to video games, to cameras, and beyond—but when we’re reviewing devices outside of our immediate wheelhouses, we do our best to seek out trustworthy voices and opinions to help guide people to the very best recommendations. We know we don’t know everything, but we’re excited to live through the analysis paralysis that internet shopping can spur so readers don’t have to.