Gone are the days of using a single blade and blade holder to shave. In today’s age, we have even modernised our razors.
However, many men and women still struggle with razor bumps and painful razor burns. They can’t shave every day, yet they love the feel of a close shave. If you can relate to this, an electric shaver may be the best choice for you.
Electric shavers shave hair so close to the skin that you can maintain a bare face if you shave every 1-3 days. If done consistently, you won’t ever break the surface of the skin. This is how you can avoid nasty in-grown hairs, bumps, and burns.
Convinced you need an electric shaver, but don’t know how to start the buying process? Keep reading for our buying guide and an overview of the best shavers of 2024.
How to Choose an Electric Shaver
Electric shavers have many features and most function wet or dry. This means you can rinse them in the sink or even shave in the shower if that’s more convenient for you.
Some electric shavers work well with oil or gel, but a dry shave will usually provide great results without it.
Most shavers are rechargeable and travel friendly and easy to clean, but they all differ. It’s important to decide what you’re shopping for before you narrow down your selection.
Determine Your Purpose of Shaving
Knowing your purpose of shaving will help you choose between a foil blade razor, rotary shaver, or a trimmer.
Ask yourself a few questions. Do you want to shave daily so that your face stays baby smooth? Do you just want to trim so that your facial hair doesn’t overgrow?
If you’re okay with shaving every day and have sensitive skin, you should choose a foil blade razor. The thin metal foil prevents irritation by providing a barrier between the blade and your skin. However, it’s hard to trim long hair with a foil blade.
If you need a shaver that will handle hairs in hard-to-reach places, you should consider a rotary shaver. These shavers have spinning discs and floating heads that adjust to your facial contours. Rotary shavers are effective at trimming long hair and facial hair that grows in opposite directions.
Cost
If you’re choosing an electric shaver based on price, a cheaper razor may disappoint you.
Cheaper razors lack in quality and efficiency, and it’s likely you’ll get what you pay for with a high-quality model. A good electric shaver will cost you about the same as a pair of high-end wireless headphones. These shavers will last longer, so it’s worth it to invest in a good one from the beginning.
It’s important to determine a budget that works for you and stick to it because there are excellent options at every price point.
Power Supply
Electric shavers draw power from batteries, plug-in charging units or cords.
Which you choose will depend on your power needs. If you’re someone who travels a lot, you might prefer one with a plug-in charging unit. This is the most popular choice for modern shavers. It’s important to make sure these devices are fully charged before using them, so if you’re short on time maybe a battery-powered shaver is the choice for you.
Battery-powered shavers have low efficiency when it comes to power consumption, so they’re not good for everyday use. Corded shavers are considered old school, but do still exist.
Wet vs. Dry
Do you like to use an electric shaver in the shower to save time in the morning? Or do you prefer the moisture or shaving gels or creams because you have sensitive skin? If the answer to either of these is yes, you would prefer a wet/dry shaver.
If you enjoy creams and gels, pay attention when selecting a shaver. Not all models will work with shaving products because they can harm the charging units.
Most wet/dry shavers will not run while plugged-in, for safety reasons, so also keep this in mind if you’re someone who forgets to charge devices.
Determine the Perfect Fit
If you will hold an electric shaver every day, it should feel good in your hand. They make shavers in every shape, weight, and size. Always try out a shaver before you buy if you can.
Make sure whichever model you choose can reach all parts of your face (or other body parts) easily. Don’t forget about sensitive areas like below the nose and dimples!
Ease of Cleaning
If you’re using a blade close to your skin, it’s important that you clean your shaver adequately to avoid infections caused by unhygienic conditions. You must clean your shaver after each use, but the method will vary by type.
The easiest shaver to clean is by far a foil razor, but you must protect the thin foil during the process. More expensive varieties have their own cleaning stations that allow you to adjust the level of cleaning based on your needs. Some modern models can disinfect themselves.
Replacement Blades
Once you buy an electric shaver, don’t think the process is over.
Over time, you will need to buy replacement blades for your shaver. The industry standard is to replace your blades at least once a year.
When you compare models, determine whether the shavers you’re interested in come with an extra set of foils, blades, or rotary heads. Also, expensive razors have expensive parts. You may have to replace more than just the blades. This could be a determining factor if cost is an issue.
The Best Electric Shavers on the Market
You will base the electric shaver you choose on preference. We’ve put together a list of ones you should consider during your search.
Philips Norelco “OneBlade”
MSRP: $34.95
The OneBlade is a face and body shaver that works like a T-blade. This creates clean edges on your sideburns, neckline, and moustache. It doesn’t shave as close as a traditional razor, leaving your skin comfortable. You can also shave against the grain without irritation.
The shaver is rechargeable and comes with additional heads so you can practise good hygiene and not have to clean it every day.
Gamma+ Absolute Zero
MSRP: $49.95
The Absolute Zero by Gamma+ is lightweight and compact, making it a perfect precision trimmer for tight spots.
It’s rechargeable using a USB cable, which makes it one of the more modern models on this list. You can store the cable with your computer accessories. The shaver can fully charge within 30 minutes. Plus, the 2-hour runtime makes it an excellent shaver for travel.
The Bevel Electric Trimmer
MSRP: $200
The Bevel’s T-head provides a close-enough shave for those prone to razor burn who prefer a bit of stubble. It creates clean lines across the neck, head, and face, but also cleans everything else up without causing irritation.
The Bevel is a fan-favourite with its modern hardware and all black aesthetic.
Panasonic Single Blade Wet/Dry Travel Shaver
MSRP: $14.99
If you need a quick trim, Panasonic’s portable shaver is good to have around even when you’re sitting around the house.
It’s a no-frills shaver that gets the job done with a single blade. It’s waterproof, easy to clean, and super light and small. This shaver runs on batteries, which accounts for the low cost. It’s reliable enough that everyone should have one, regardless of facial hair type.
Andis ProFoil Lithium Titanium Foil Shaver
MSRP: $72.30
The Andis brand is a barbershop favourite, known for creating shavers that provide bump-free shaves. They create the ProFoil Lithium Titanium Foil Shaver with gold-titanium foil great for cleaning up fresh fades. Its tiered heads are ideal for closer shaves and the device holds a charge for 80 minutes.
This shaver is only for those who prefer a dry shave, as gels and creams can ruin the device.
Also, keep in mind that you must oil the blade after every use to keep it in perfect condition. It comes with a full 1-year warranty.
MANGROOMER LITHIUM MAX PLUS+
MSRP: $69.99
This body trimmer is for those who want to groom their bodies (even the most intimate parts).
The LITHIUM MAX PLUS+ is a double-headed wet-dry shaver with several length settings. These options allow you to groom whatever you want, however you want.
The foil shaving head can handle the contours of your body, gliding smoothly without nicking your skin. This is true even in the most sensitive areas.
Braun Series 7 Wet/Dry Electric Shaver
MSRP: $229.99
The Braun Series 7 wet/dry shaver has its own cleansing and charging bases and five speed options. It lasts almost an hour on a full charge. Its technology adapts automatically to your facial hair’s density so you can have a personalised shaving experience every time.
Its silver design offers a manly, classic look, while its foil blade provides an ultra-close shave.
Philips Norelco Series 9000 Prestige Electric Razor
MSRP: $299.99
We’re talking about shavers with hefty price tags, but they have impressive features to back them up. The Philips Norelco Series 9000 shaver can last for an hour on a single charge and has a digital display to let you know how much battery is remaining.
This wet/dry shaver has three heads that rotate in opposite directions, gliding over your skin without getting caught. You can not only get a clean shave on your face, but on your shoulders, back, and upper back as well!
Control the speed to your liking and use the cleansing brush before shaving to help lift your hairs, or to clean up stubble and dead skin afterwards.
This shaver is easy to clean but also comes with its own self-cleansing base. All you do to clean is fill the tank with a cleaning solution, click the shaver in upright, and turn it on.
Panasonic Arc5 5-Blade Wet Dry Electric Shaver
MSRP: $199.99
Panasonic unveiled a “16-D flexible pivoting head” with this electric shaver. It five blades pivot in 16 different directions while adjusting to the thickness of your facial hair. It’s smart enough to know how fast and forceful it needs to be to trim stubble.
While it only lasts 45 minutes on one charge, it will give you enough power for a quick shave after only three minutes of charging. It comes with a cleaning and charging station in a package, or you can purchase the shaver and charger alone for less.
Panasonic Close Curves
MSRP: $19.99
If you’re a woman looking for an affordable electric shaver option, consider the Panasonic Close Curves shaver. It’s casing is easy to hold, as it gently tapers upwards.
This shaver is cordless and can be used wet or dry. It’s rechargeable, so you don’t need to worry about cords getting in the way or replacing batteries too often.
The Close Curves device has three internal blades that will cut most hair in one pass, decreasing your shave time. The head floats along your skin, making shaving easier and reducing the chances of breaking the skin.
Which Electric Shaver Will You Choose?
If you don’t mind spending more money for quality, electric shavers will give you a clean shave and the ability to groom your facial and body hair. It won’t give you the look your barber can, but it’s a lot safer than using a straight razor.
We strive to provide honest and informational content about the latest technology products. Do you have an electric shaver you love that didn’t make this list? Contact us and let us know!/