Razor burn every morning? These 4 electric shavers are gentler on your skin
We compared 20 electric shavers from Braun, Panasonic, Philips Norelco and Remington. These four suit different beards and budgets.
BuyWithVoltTop Pick2026Photo: Colin / Wikimedia Commons, CC BY-SA 4.0
Shaving with a blade gives a close result, but for many men it also means nicks, ingrown hairs and red, irritated skin. A good electric shaver trades a touch of closeness for speed, comfort and the ability to shave dry in two minutes before work.
We compared 20 electric shavers from the major brands, including foil, rotary and hybrid designs. We looked at cutting system, wet and dry use, battery and charging, cleaning options, replacement head costs and price. We analyzed owner feedback and independent reviews for closeness, skin comfort and long-term durability. These four stood out for different beards, skin types and budgets.
Our top picks
-
Best electric shaver overall
Braun Series 9 Pro+
$330 at AmazonJump to details -
Best for thick beards
Panasonic Arc5 ES-LV67-K
$180 at AmazonJump to details -
Best hybrid shaver and trimmer
Philips Norelco OneBlade 360
$50 at AmazonJump to details -
Best budget electric shaver
Remington F5-5800 Foil Shaver
$50 at AmazonJump to details
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Best electric shaver overall
The Braun Series 9 Pro+ is the shaver most often described by reviewers as the closest electric shave you can get. Its foil head uses multiple cutting elements, including a trimmer designed to lift flat-lying hairs, and the head pivots to follow the jawline. It works wet with foam or gel, or dry for a quick shave.
Owners with dense beards and sensitive skin praise both closeness and comfort, and the build feels solid. Many bundles include Braun's cleaning center. The trade-offs are price and ongoing costs: replacement heads are expensive, and you'll want to replace them periodically for best results.
Pros
- Exceptionally close shave
- Comfortable on sensitive skin
- Wet and dry use
Cons
- Expensive
- Costly replacement heads
Specs
| Type | Foil |
|---|---|
| Wet/dry | Yes |
| Head | Pivoting, multiple cutting elements |
| Cleaning | Cleaning center in many bundles |
Best for thick beards
Panasonic's Arc5 is a long-running favorite for men with thick, fast-growing beards. Its linear motor runs at 14,000 cycles per minute, driving five blades that cut quickly with fewer passes. A beard sensor adjusts power based on beard density.
Owners frequently say it's the fastest shaver they've owned and that it handles a few days of growth well. It's wet and dry capable. The trade-offs: the fast motor can feel aggressive on very sensitive skin, and some owners find it louder than Braun's shavers. Need a tidy-up in other areas? See our best nose hair trimmers.
Pros
- Very fast cutting
- Beard sensor adjusts power
- Handles longer stubble
Cons
- Can feel aggressive on sensitive skin
- Louder than some rivals
Specs
| Type | Foil, five blades |
|---|---|
| Motor | Linear, 14,000 cpm |
| Wet/dry | Yes |
| Feature | Beard sensor |
Best hybrid shaver and trimmer
The OneBlade 360 sits between a trimmer and a shaver. It won't shave as close as a foil shaver, but it's gentle on skin and can trim, edge and shave with one tool. The flexible blade moves in all directions to follow the face, and an adjustable comb sets multiple stubble lengths.
Owners love it for maintaining a short beard or a stubble look and for its comfort on sensitive skin. It's wet and dry capable. The trade-offs are a less close shave than foil shavers and replacement blades that need changing regularly.
Pros
- Gentle on skin
- Trims, edges and shaves
- Affordable
Cons
- Not as close as foil shavers
- Regular blade replacements
Specs
| Type | Hybrid trimmer-shaver |
|---|---|
| Wet/dry | Yes |
| Comb | Adjustable stubble comb |
| Blade | Replaceable |
Best budget electric shaver
If you want an electric shaver without spending much, the Remington F5-5800 is a solid start. Its foil head is designed to capture and cut hair with fewer passes, and a pop-up trimmer handles sideburns and mustache lines.
Owners say it gives a close enough shave for daily use, especially if you shave every day. The trade-offs are durability and closeness: it's not as refined as Braun or Panasonic, and longer stubble takes more passes. It makes a practical gift; see our best gifts for men for more ideas.
Pros
- Low price
- Pop-up trimmer
- Good for daily shaving
Cons
- Less close than premium models
- Struggles with longer stubble
Specs
| Type | Foil |
|---|---|
| Trimmer | Pop-up |
| Power | Rechargeable |
| Price tier | Budget |
How we chose
We compared 20 electric shavers from Braun, Panasonic, Philips Norelco and Remington. We looked at cutting system (foil, rotary or hybrid), wet and dry capability, battery and charging, cleaning options, replacement head costs and price. We analyzed owner feedback and independent reviews for closeness, comfort on sensitive skin, noise and long-term durability, and checked price history so you know when to buy.
How to get a better electric shave
Most complaints about electric shavers come from technique. Shave before you shower, when skin is dry and hairs stand up, or use a shaving gel if your model is wet/dry. Hold the head flat against your skin and use light pressure; pressing hard causes irritation without a closer result. Stretch skin on the neck and jawline with your free hand, and move against the grain slowly. Clean the head after each shave, either with the brush, a rinse or a cleaning station, since built-up hair and oil make cutting less efficient. Finally, replace foils and cutters on schedule. A dull head is one of the most common reasons a once-great shaver starts pulling.
What to look for when buying an electric shaver
Foil, rotary or hybrid
Foil shavers excel at straight passes and close shaves. Rotary shavers follow contours and handle longer hair. Hybrids are best for stubble and styling.
Wet and dry use
Shaving with gel or foam can reduce irritation for sensitive skin.
Ongoing costs
Replacement heads and cleaning cartridges add up. Factor them into the total price.
Adjustment period
Skin often needs a few weeks to adjust to a new electric shaver. Keep at it before deciding. Looking for something to wear while you upgrade your routine? See our best men's T-shirts.
Frequently asked questions
Are electric shavers as close as razors?
Usually not quite, but premium foil shavers come close. Many people trade a little closeness for less irritation and faster shaving.
How often should I replace shaver heads?
Manufacturers commonly suggest about every 12 to 18 months, depending on the model and how often you shave.
Should I shave wet or dry with an electric shaver?
Both work with wet/dry models. Dry is faster; wet with gel may feel more comfortable for sensitive skin.
