12 Best Electric Shavers 2023 – Buyer’s Guide

Panasonic Arc 5 ES-LV65-S – Award-Winning Tech Comes to the Fore

The Arc 5 is probably the best Panasonic electric shaver available today. It features award-winning advanced technology rivaled only by high-end shavers like Braun Series 9. If we pitch the Panasonic Arc 5 vs Braun Series 9, the Arc 5 might easily come out a winner. So let’s dig a little deeper to find out what makes this electric shaver so special.

The ES-LV65-S features 5 shaver blades with a slanted 30° head that should ensure you get the closest possible shave. The shaver head works well together with the flexible outer foil. When you use this electric shaver, it will pivot and contour to your face with minimal pressure required even around difficult neck and chin areas.

You may think that this technology is similar to Series 9. And it is, but besides the 5 blades, the Arc 5 also comes with a shaving sensor that automatically adjusts the cutting to your beard density. Such an advanced sensor is rarely seen in electric shavers, though it detects hair type and shape in a way similar to Braun’s AutoSense technology.

The sensor works really well in combination with the flexible foil. The foil features micro-patterns designed to lift even the smallest hair regardless of its direction or type. And the reverse-tapered edges allow the foil to easily pick up the hair even if it’s flat on your face.

Underneath the foil, you can find extra-thin blades featuring Nanotech technology. The blades don’t come with titanium or any other coating like the ones in the Braun Series 9. But when it comes to cutting power and precision, both electric shavers do an excellent job without the need to make multiple runs over a single area.

The Arc 5 is equipped with a motor that runs at 14,000 cycles per minute to deliver up to 70,000 cross-cuts per minute (since there are 5 blades). If we combine this power with the pivoting shaver head and multi-fit foil that gently contours to your face, it should be clear why this device stands out from the competition.

Another feature on the Panasonic that you won’t find in the Braun Series 9 is the pop-up trimmer. This addition to the Panasonic Arc 5 is great for cutting your beard to length before you shave, or for a quick groom of your whiskers and sideburns.

Both the Arc 5 and Braun Series 9 come with a carry case, power cord, and a small brush to clean the shaver head. However, the Arc 5 ES-LV65-S doesn’t feature a charging station, though if you need one you should check out the Panasonic ES-LV95-S.

This other model is basically the same electric shaver except for the addition of a smart charging station. The ES-LV95-S station is similar to the one that comes with the Braun Series 9. It cleans and charges the device but there is no alcohol-based sanitation or lubrication.

Braun Series 7 790cc – A Powerful Shaver for Sensitive Skin

The Braun Series 7 790cc-4 is one of the most popular and sought-after electric shaver in the market. The popularity shouldn’t come as a surprise since this electric shaver delivers a premium, high-tech shaving experience without burning a hole in your pocket.

The 790cc-4 comes with a flexible shaver head featuring 4 shaving elements that work in unison to give you a smooth shave. There is one SkinGuard that is synchronized with the 3 cutting elements to allow the device to pick up all of the hair in a single stroke. Even if your beard is up to 3 days old you shouldn’t have any problems getting the single-stroke shave with this electric shaver.

The shaving elements are covered in Braun’s OptiFoil designed to effortlessly cut the hair and minimize any potential irritation even if you use the device dry. The OptiFoil works together with the SkinGuard to offer additional protection and smooth glides along your face.

Both the shaver head and the shaving elements are multi-flex. They have the ability to move in 8 different directions which should be more than enough to reach even the most difficult parts of your face and neck. The shaver head has the ability to pivot at a 40° angle and all of the cutting elements are individually suspended to increase its contouring and cutting properties.

But, if you don’t want the shaver head to flex, there is a button to lock it at an optimal shaving angle. When the head is locked in place, the shaving elements will still retain their individual flexibility.

To extend the shaving performance, the Series 7 comes with Sonic technology delivering up to 10,000 micro-vibrations per minute. The micro-vibrations are designed to work together with the AutoSense technology that adjusts the cutting power based on your beard.

Similar to some other premium electric shavers, the Series 7 comes with a Clean & Charge station. The station is one of the signature features of the high-end Braun electric shavers and it automatically lubes and charges the device. On top of that, the cleaning is alcohol-based so your Braun Series 7 will be sanitized as well as clean.

This electric shaver will be fully charged in one hour. On a single charge, the lithium-ion battery should give you up to 50 minutes of cordless use. And if you are in a hurry there is also a quick-charge option that allows you to have a quick shave after a 5-minute charge.

The Braun Series 7 is not exactly a small device but it’s well balanced and the ergonomic design allows you to easily maneuver the device while shaving. This electric shaver also comes with a pop-up trimmer for use around your whiskers or sideburns.

Philips Norelco Electric Shaver 8900 – V-Track Technology for a Comfortable Shave

The Norelco 8900 is a rotary electric shaver that sports an outstanding ergonomic body and advanced shaving performance suitable for any type of beard. Considering the premium build quality and high-end design, it’s not surprising that this device might be the best rotary shaver currently available.

The Philips Norelco 8900 shaver comes in two styles. The Norelco S8950/90 is slightly more expensive since it features a smart cleaning and charging stand. The stand charges up and cleans the device using a special alcohol-free formula that’s designed to minimize any potential irritation of your skin.

Besides cleaning, the smart station also lubricates the electric shaver, optimizing its performance for each new shave. Regardless of which style you choose, the actual electric shaver sports the same features.

The 8900 model we reviewed comes with 3 articulating rotary blades that do a great job of following the contours of your face. The rotary head is designed to bring the blades as close to your skin as possible. The so-called V-Track Precision technology incorporated in the blades should allow you to reach even the most stubborn hair more efficiently compared to some other rotary shavers.

The shaver head has the ability to recognize the contours of your face and adjust accordingly. The 3 shavers are multi-flex, allowing them to move independently in 8 different directions. This delivers a much closer shave in every pass.

On top of that, the V-Track technology combined with enhanced articulation translates to a more comfortable shave. Since the cutting angle follows the lines of your face at all times there is no need to struggle while trying to reach some tricky-to-shave spots.

The Norelco fully charges in one hour and you get 50 minutes of juice on a single charge. We love that it comes with an adjustable trimmer that has 5 different settings for styling your beard or cutting it to length before you start shaving. The trimmer easily clicks onto the shaver body and utilizes the power of the oscillating motor.

Finally, there’s an LED display that indicates battery status and shows if the device is in lock mode.

Panasonic Arc 4 ES8243A – Four Nanotech Blades for a Close Shave

The Panasonic Arc 4 is one of the most affordable premium electric shavers that you can currently find in the market. But don’t let the relatively low price fool you, since this device is able to deliver a shaving experience comparable to its pricier counterparts.

The signature Panasonic technology coupled with a great portable design makes this device one of the best electric shavers we have reviewed. The Arc 4 comes with 4 razor-sharp blades housed in an ergonomic shaver head.

The blades feature Panasonic’s Nanotech technology that ensures a clean and quick shave even if you choose to use this electric shaver dry. Similar to other premium Panasonic electric shavers, the Arc 4 blades are slanted at a 30° angle to optimize contouring. On top of that, the shaver head is able to pivot to the lines of your face, though you can’t lock the head in one position.

A very thin shaver foil helps the Arc 4 to pick up even the most minute or stubborn hair. The foil is made of stainless steel featuring multi-flex technology that should minimize irritation and enhance the cutting performance.

The blades are powered by a high-end linear motor that works at 13,000 cycles per minute. What’s more, this electric shaver keeps the high cutting power even if the battery is about to run dry, but that’s mainly due to the quality of the battery.

The sonic vibrations operate on a very simple principle. Once you clean the electric shaver underwater, turn on the sonic vibrations and all the residual hair and shaving cream should be gone in a matter of seconds. Remember to do this after each shave to extend the life and durability of the blades.

There is a sizable LED display that provides a bunch of information about the device. The power indicator is very precise since it shows 10 battery stages. Also, the display features replacement and cleaning reminders to help you with the maintenance.

The AC adapter you get with Panasonic Arc 4 features universal voltage so you should be able to have a hassle-free charge in most places you visit. It also comes with a travel case to protect the device while on the move

Braun Series 5 5190cc – A High-Tech Shaver for Black Men

This electric shaver is yet another example of a top-of-the-line electric shaver from Braun. The overall design and characteristics of this device are very similar to the famous Braun Series 7 but the Braun Series 5 does come with a few distinguishing traits.

If we are to compare Braun Series 5 vs 7, there are a few high-tech features in common. First of all, the AutoSense technology allows the blades on both models to adjust the cutting power according to your beard type. Also, the shaver head on each device has the ability to flex in 8 different directions to offer a comfortable and close shave even if you choose to shave dry.

Series 5 and Series 7 come with similar charging and cleaning stations with alcohol-based sanitation. However, the Series 5 charging station features 3 actions instead of 4. It basically cleans, lubricates, and dries the device after each use.

The Series 5 fully charges in one hour and you also get 50 minutes of shaving on a single charge. The rechargeable lithium-ion battery is standard to Braun and the entire set comes with the Low Voltage Safety system. This should ensure there are no problems if you decide to take the Series 5 on the road.

Of course, both electric shavers include a fluid/lubrication dispenser that is installed in the charging station.

But the Braun Series 5 shaver head has fewer elements than the Series 7’s. But this doesn’t mean your shaving experience will be impaired in any way. What the Series 5 lacks in the number of shaving elements it compensates for it with intelligent construction that may give you the same results with fewer shaving elements.

There are 2 cutting elements in the Braun Series 5, not counting the ActiLift trimmer. There are 2 SensoFoil blades with 899 apertures each tailored to pick up even the smallest hair. The ActiLift trimmer is very similar to the one found in Series 7 as it is also very good at dealing with flat or difficult hair.

Both devices are completely waterproof up to 16 feet and work great under the shower. Also, they come with a pop-up trimmer and an LED power indicator. It might be worth mentioning that we liked the trimmer on the Braun Series 5 better than the Series 7’s since it pops out more naturally and feels more comfortable to use.

Even though Series 5 is not actually smaller than Series 7, it is a fraction lighter. Braun shaved off the excess weight by introducing a more ergonomic design with this model. The Series 5 shaver has more contours in its body and a perforated grip that sits really well in your hand.

The LED display is just under the power button and although it is small we might agree that it’s positioned more conveniently compared to the Series 7. Some people speculate that the Braun Series 5 is the best electric shaver for black men.

Philips Norelco Shaver 4500 AT830 – A Rotary Shaver for People on a Budget

The Philips Norelco 4500 is another great example of a budget-friendly compact rotary shaver from this renowned manufacturer. On top of that, the Norelco AT830 is one of the most affordable rotary shavers that we liked. The combination of portability, price, and great shaving performance makes this electric shaver a good choice for beginner and veteran shavers.

This electric shaver comes with three flexible shaver heads. Each of the shaver heads is suspended individually so they can flex and pivot easily while closely following the contours of your face. What’s more, the Norelco 4500 comes with DualPrecision technology designed to deal with both very long and very short hair.

Like all other shavers on this list, the AT830 is a wet and dry shaver, but it comes with one extra convenience if you want to use it in dry mode. This electric shaver features the so-called AquaTec system that provides a convenient seal when you use the device dry. On the other hand, the AquaTec helps the shaver glide even more smoothly even if you decide to use it with your favorite shaving cream or lotion.

This shaver also features the Philips-patented Super Lift and Dual-blade action. The technology enables the blades to reach below skin level and cut the hair more efficiently.

There is no need to press hard onto your face when you use the Norelco 4500. The Dual Precision technology works in tandem with the rounded low-friction shaver heads which have the ability to pick up otherwise inaccessible hair.

The shaver heads should last you up to a year if you use this electric shaver on a daily basis, though you shouldn’t worry because the replacement ones are easily accessible and inexpensive. There is a 2-year warranty from the manufacturer and you may even return the device after 45 days in case you are not satisfied.

The Norelco 4500 also features a small pop-up trimmer and a battery indicator which only shows low or full battery. You shouldn’t run out of battery in the middle of a shave but it pays off to take a glimpse at the LED indicator before actually start shaving.

As with most other electric shavers here, the Philips Norelco can be fully charged in one hour. Once it’s fully charged it should give you up to 50 minutes of shaving time. But if you need to shave in the nick of time, this shaver features a quick-charge mode – in about 3 minutes you should have enough juice for one shave.

Some of the best features of this electric shaver are its compactness and ergonomic design. The entire device measures 2.2 x 2.2 x 5.8 inches and weighs 0.6 pounds. The Norelco 4500 handle sits well in your hand and you shouldn’t struggle to reach any area on your face.

Panasonic ES8103S Arc 3 – Speed and Power Combine for Great Results

The Panasonic ES8103S is a fast and powerful electric shaver with the ability to deliver premium shaving experience worthy of higher-end Panasonic models. The optimal balance between price and well-known Panasonic shaving technology could potentially make this device the best foil shaver if you are on a tight budget.

This Arc 3 comes with 3 ultra-sharp blades that are housed in an articulating shaver head. Similar to some other Panasonic models the blades are positioned at a 30° angle which should ensure you get the closest possible shave. Also, the Arc 3 blades have the Nanotech technology common in other Panasonic Arc series of electric shavers.

The shaver head has ample room to pivot so you shouldn’t have any problems reaching the areas around your neck or jawline. It can move from left to right as well as up and down, delivering the same precision no matter how you use this electric shaver.

Each of the blades has the ability to float independently, further enhancing the contouring properties of this shaver. This enables the blades to reach very close to your face and deal with curly or otherwise difficult hair. The blades are made of hypoallergenic stainless steel to minimize any potential irritation, which makes this electric shaver quite suitable for those with sensitive skin.

The Arc 3 is powered by a fast linear motor that reaches up to 13,000 cycles per minute. With the 3 blades, this should give you a shave that’s free from any tugging or pulling that may cause skin irritation or ingrown hair.

The Panasonic ES8103S is completely waterproof so you don’t need to worry when you use it in the shower. Cleaning is also super easy. All you need to do is take off the foil, put the device in turbo mode, and wash the blades under running water.

This should get rid of all residual hair and excess shaving cream. What’s more, you can use the sonic vibration mode to remove any hair that might have gotten stuck. The sonic vibrations pass through the blades to clean any stubborn leftovers.

This electric shaver also comes with a pop-up trimmer and an LCD display. The trimmer may not be the Arc 3’s strongest suit because it’s a bit too small but it can do a decent job of grooming your sideburns or mustache.

The LCD displays all the information you need: battery power, cleaning reminder, and sonic vibration mode. Unlike with some other electric shavers, you know the exact percentage of the battery power and the display also notifies you when the blade needs to be changed.

The body is also ergonomically designed so you can hold it easily in your hand. This electric shaver comes with its own travel pouch and a protective cap for the shaver head.

The power adapter is multi-voltage but you may need a socket adapter when you travel.

Remington F5-5800 – A Simple and Versatile Foil Shaver

If you have been searching for the best electric shaver that can fit any budget, you’ve probably come across Remington. The Remington F5-5800 is the least expensive of all the ones we liked. It’s its versatility and usability that earned this electric shaver a place on our list.

However, you should know that this is a simple and straightforward shaver without too many frills. What you see is what you get. A couple of blades packed in a compact body with decent cutting power. This might not be enough for everybody but Remington F5 delivers quite a good shave anyway.

The shaver head has only two blades but they perform with the agility and precision of more expensive models. The blades are made of surgical stainless steel which offers exceptional cutting performance. The surgical-grade steel is also hypoallergenic.

Also, the shaver head is slightly slanted to optimize traction while you shave. The flexible shaver foils feature independent suspension that allows the Remington F5 to easily follow the contours of your face. The foils pivot along your jawline and neck to ensure you remove all the hair from the difficult areas.

On top of that, the F5 foils come with the so-called Intercept Shaving Technology. Remington designed the intercepting technology to optimize the amount of hair the foils can pick up. Basically, a small trimmer in front of the shaver foil intercepts long or curly hair and cuts it to size before the hair comes in contact with the foil.

There is another pop-up trimmer on this electric shaver. Although it’s very small, the trimmer does a decent job of cutting down very long or thick hair since it utilizes all the power from the oscillating motor. You can also groom your whiskers and sideburns with this trimmer.

Overall, the Remington F5 is compact and portable. However, the model we have reviewed doesn’t come with a carrying case or travel pouch.

What you do get is a power adapter, cleaning brush, and a protective cap for the shaver head. This electric shaver fully charges in a couple of hours and you should have up to an hour of cordless use between charges. This is easily more than a couple of weeks of juice on one charge for the average guy.

The battery power level is indicated by a small LED display located just under the power button.

Braun Series 3 ProSkin 3040S – A Compact Shaver for a Close Shave

This electric shaver is the most affordable Braun electric shaver in this write-up. But besides the low price point, the Braun Series 3 ProSkin 3040S is jam-packed with advanced technology and premium features that we have come to expect from Braun electric shavers.

The Braun Series 3 comes with 3 shaving elements that are perfectly synchronized to give you the shaving experience you’d expect from such a renowned manufacturer. There are two extra sharp blades and a micro comb designed to pick up the most amount of hair. The comb features the so-called ProSkin technology which should enable you to shave off even the most stubborn hair in a single stroke.

The shaver blades are protected by a soft flexible foil. Similar to some other Braun models, the Series 3 sports the patented SensoFoil technology. SensoFoil delivers the closest possible shave for an electric shaver with minimal effort, while at the same time it does a great job of protecting your skin from irritation.

On top of that, each of the blades has the ability to automatically retract while you shave. The blades will adapt independently to follow the lines on your face or neck. This feature allows you to easily reach otherwise difficult areas around your chin or neck without the need to shave against the grain.

The Series 3 shaver head sports a smart and thin design to maximize precision. However, you should know that it doesn’t pivot or move in any other way. Even though this might be a downside for some users, the shaver head is well-made and you shouldn’t have any problems finding the optimal shaving angle.

Similar to other Braun electric shavers, the Series 3 is completely waterproof. You can use it under the shower or rinse it clean all you want without jeopardizing the shaver’s integrity.

Also, there is a precision trimmer that conveniently pops up from the top of the device. The trimmer is really well designed and easy to use. What’s more, it is bigger than the trimmers on some other devices for grooming your sideburns or mustache.

The Braun Series 3 comes with a NiMH battery. The battery charges up in 1 hour and you get 45 minutes of shaving time on a single charge. That’s more than enough to get a clean shave no matter how thick your beard might be.

There is also a quick-charge mode that should give you enough juice for one shave after a 5-minute charge. The battery life is indicated on a small LED display in the middle of the device.

Overall this electric shaver is compact and lightweight. On top of that, the Series 3 sports a beautiful ergonomic design with an easy-grip handle so you’ll hardly feel the device in your hand.

Panasonic ES-LT41-K – A Great Choice If You Have Sensitive Skin

The Panasonic ES-LT41-K Arc 3 is yet another excellent electric shaver from this well-known manufacturer. It features the design and characteristics of other Panasonic electric shavers except the Arc 3 is quite affordable so it should fit most budgets.

The Panasonic Arc 3 comes with 3 shaver blades housed in an articulating shaver head. The blades are slanted at a 30° angle and utilize Panasonic’s Nanotech technology to ensure the smooth shave that all of us wish to get.

Each of the blades is individually suspended, allowing them to effortlessly glide along your face. On top of that, the blades are made of stainless steel suitable for sensitive skin. The stainless steel is also hypoallergenic to prevent breakouts.

The blades are protected by the strong ARC foil that does a great job of protecting your skin from razor-sharp blades. What’s more, the foil is very flexible so it will follow the lines on your face with minimal pressure required. Both the foil and the blades work in perfect unison so you don’t need to worry about irritation or nicks.

The contouring properties of this electric shaver are enhanced by the articulating head. The shaver head features a multi-directional pivoting motion. When you use it, the Arc 3 head will move up and down or left and right to maximize cutting efficiency no matter how you hold it.

The articulating head combined with a well-designed ergonomic body ensures this electric shaver is quite easy to use. It sits really well in your hand with a slight curve on the sides to improve the grip.

The beating heart of the Panasonic Arc 3 is a highly efficient linear motor. This motor delivers up to 13,000 micro-vibrations per minute. This kind of speed is retained at all battery levels.

The Arc 3 ESLT-41K electric shaver comes with an LCD display similar to the ones on other Panasonic models. But it features less information about the device. The Arc 3 LCD shows you the battery capacity and status but there is no information regarding cleaning or blade condition.

One of the best features of the Panasonic Arc 3 might be its compactness. The entire shaver measures 1.7 x 2.5 x 6.2 inches and weighs only 0.4 pounds, making it one of the most portable electric shavers that we liked. The device comes with its own travel pouch and a protective cap for the shaver head which makes it even more travel-friendly.

Wahl 5 Star Shaver – A Vintage Look With No-Frills Performance

The Wahl Professional 8061 is a very unique breed of electric shaver since it looks like something your grandpa might have used back in the day. But don’t underestimate the vintage style since this little guy is designed to give you a different shaving experience from Braun, Remington, or Panasonic.

Once you open the box you realize that this is a shaver and not much more than that. No thrills, no frills just an oversized on/ off button in the middle and a simple dark brown case. The Wahl has a dual blade head equipped with coated hypoallergenic foil.

This hypoallergenic foil and simple dual blades seem unassuming but they are actually one of the most outstanding features of this electric shaver. The Wahl has gained a place on our list because it does an excellent job of shaving sensitive skin.

When you use this electric shaver it contours to your skin effortlessly, cutting every hair without pulling or snagging on it. This minimizes skin irritation and ingrown hair, which is especially important if you shave every day.

The motor inside this little guy is quite powerful, offering a swift shave with minimal pressure required. And it may be quite surprising to see how much agility this electric shaver has to offer if we are to consider its brick-like design. You should have no problems maneuvering the Wahl 5 star around your face to get the closest possible shave.

What’s more, the foil and blades are quite wide to cover a large area of your face and give you a super close shave as Wahl proudly displays on the shaver head. Another interesting thing about this electric shaver is that there is no way to tell the battery status.

The Wahl 5 Star will run until it stops but if you are near a power socket you can plug it in and continue shaving. And you shouldn’t use this electric shaver in the shower because you might get electrocuted – this is, of course, the drawback of using any corded shaver. Also, after washing the foil, blades, and shaver head, you should dry it thoroughly before putting the device back together because it’s not waterproof.

What goes in favor of this electric shaver is its compactness. It measures 2.5 x 1.25 x 5 inches and weighs only 0.5 pounds. These dimensions give the Wahl 5 Star excellent travel capabilities, though you should probably bring a power socket adapter.

Electric Shavers That Didn’t Make to our List

Don’t get us wrong, each of these models is an excellent electric shaver with a bunch of premium features and outstanding build quality. But we felt that the models on our list offer the same or nearly the same shaving experience at a more reasonable price point.

Buyer’s Guide:

This section of our article is designed to answer all of your questions or doubts regarding electric shavers. What’s more, it should help you understand the features that define the best electric shavers.

Rotary vs Foil Electric Shavers – Which one Should You Choose

Either type should give you a nice shave but it’s helpful to understand how they operate to make sure you get the right one for your beard.

Foil electric shavers are designed to follow the contours of your face. Oscillating cutters are housed underneath the foil and when your hair pokes through the mesh the cutters remove it.

Most foil shavers come with a single, double or triple foil. If your beard grows really quickly you should choose a model with double or triple foil. These electric shavers have faster blades with enough cutting power even if your beard is really tough.

They feature up to four round shaver heads, usually made of aluminum. The rotating cutters are housed under the shaver heads and the aluminum heads are designed to direct your hair into the cutters. Most models come with slightly elevated heads to help you easily move the shaver across your face.

Check out our short list highlighting things that each type is very good for: