Razors, despite the evolution in technology, still carry the risk of nicks and cuts. It compels you to shave carefully which takes time and eats up a decent chunk of your mornings. Foil shavers offer solutions to both these problems.
Not only do they promise a close shave comparable to razors but also take significantly less time in the process. Not to mention, nicks and cuts are rare occurrences.
So, let’s take a look at some of the best foil shavers on the market that can improve your shaving experience manyfold.
Foil Shavers – How Do They Work?
Foil shaver employs oscillating blades underneath a thin perforated metallic screen to offer a clean but comfortable shave. Hairs are subjected to the super-fast-moving blades as they poke through tiny perforations in metallic foils.
The closeness of the shave depends on the thickness of the foils. A thinner foil is able to reduce the distance between blades and hair to deliver a closer shave and vice versa.
Foil shavers were introduced as an improvement over the first electric shaver design patented by Jacob Schick. Since then, several brands have launched their own designs while maintaining the fundamental principle.
Newer models have specialized elements that capture and cut tangled and flat-lying hair to offer a cleaner shave. Some other components are also available to make shaving even more comfortable.
Comparing Best Foil Shavers in 2022
The following list has been compiled after comprehensive screening and rigorous testing by our team. Let’s take a look at it.
| Shaver | Battery Life (Minutes) | Cutting Elements |
| Braun 9370cc | 50 | 4 |
| Panasonic Arc5 ES-LV65 | 45 | 5 |
| Braun 5190cc | 50 | 3 |
| Panasonic Arc3 ES8103S | 45 | 3 |
1. Braun’s 9370cc Electric Razor – Makes Your Shaving Experience Premium
Braun’s 9370 cc is one of the premium electric razors that users can get their hands on. Although it comes with a hefty price tag, the performance justifies it. It is probably why the shaver is Amazon’s choice with over 8 thousand ratings. Braun’s has taken not a single step wrong with their 9370cc.
The shaver packs five shaving elements including two specialized trimmers in an ergonomic design. Titanium blades underneath these foils are super-sharp to ensure no strand is left uncut. Because of the varying pattern on the foils even the trickiest hairs are captured. Among these five elements, there is a ‘SkinGuard’ that protects the skin from getting into contact with blades.
Hence, the shaver not only offers a closer shave but also prevents the users from nicks, cuts, and razor burns. The adaptive motor that can produce 10,000 micro-vibrations also contributes to it by adjusting the power as per beard density.
The standout feature in the 9370cc is its 10-D contour adaptation which lets you shave stubble in the tricky areas. Besides these, the shaver also includes an LED display, cleaning and charging dock, ability to wet shave. The cleaning station is advanced as it can also dry and lubricate the shaver after each use.
Pros
- Advanced cleaning dock
- Long battery life
- Specialized component for skin protection
- Ergonomic design
- Adaptive motor
Cons
- Expensive
2. Panasonic Arc5 ES-LV65-S Electric Razor – Offers a Sweet Spot Between Cost & Performance
Shaver’s in Panasonic’s Arc5 line-up have five ultrasharp shaving elements. Four of them are traditional foils while the fifth, one in the middle, is a specialized cutter. The cutter captures flat-lying hairs and transports them to blades for effective cutting. We would have liked it if the patterns on the other four foils were also varying but the system is effective nonetheless.
With a motor that offers 14,000 cuts per minute the shaver can offer 70,000 (14,000 x 5) cross=cutting actions per minute. Because of this super-fast speed, users would not have to stroke over the same area over and over. The shaver will capture all of the stubble in a single pass.
Furthermore, the shaving head of the shaver is flexible and can glide effortlessly on the face contours. You would not have to get in uncomfortable positions to capture stubble in areas like the chin, neck, and jaws. Plus, the motor in the shaver is pressure sensitive which adjusts to beard density to prevent nicks and cuts.
The shaver also allows wet shaving and is waterproof. You can not only use shaving creams or oils but also shave under the shower. Besides that, a pop-up trimmer is also available to detail sideburns, mustaches or to trim down stubble before shaving.
Pros
- Pivoting head that adjusts according to contours of the face
- Power adjustability according to beard density
- Pop-up trimmer
- Waterproof
- Wet shaving enabled
Cons
- Same pattern on foils
3. Braun’s 5190cc Electric Shaver – Comfortable Yet Fast Option For Sensitive Skin
Most users enjoy extra cutting elements on their shavers as it cuts down shaving time. But those that have sensitive skin find themselves at higher risk of cuts, nicks, and razor burns. Braun’s 5190cc is the ideal shaver for such users as it comes with an optimal number of elements to ensure comfort while maintaining fast speed.
It offers three cutting elements including a specialized trimmer for tricky hairs. The ‘SensoFoils’ shave as close as 0.058mm while protecting the skin from blades. Plus, the motor also adjusts its speed as per hair density to ensure maximum comfort without compromising the efficiency of the shaver. Furthermore, wet shaving capability serves as icing on the cake.
The 5190cc also features an excellent battery that lasts up to 50 minutes but the best part is it takes just 1 hour to get fully charged. Hence, even if users forget to charge it overnight, it would not take much time to get it up and running.
Furthermore, the shaver includes a pop-out precision trimmer, 8-D comfort head, and a cleaning & charging dock. All that at a price less than 200 bucks. Not sure if a shaver can get more appealing.
Pros
- Excellent for sensitive skins
- Includes specialized trimmer
- Offers close shave
- 8-D comfort head
- A clean dock is included
Cons
- The charging cable is flimsy
4. Panasonic ES8103S – Faster and Comfortable Shave Without Breaking The Bank
Switching to electric shavers does not necessarily have to be expensive and ES8103S is the quintessential example of that. Under 100$, the shaver offers all the basic features that users require for a clean, close, and, comfortable shave. The design seems flimsy but with some care, it should offer decent longevity.
ES8103S offers three cutting elements including a specialized trimmer for stubborn, flat-lying hairs. The system is powered by a motor capable of delivering 13,000 cuts per minute. Thanks to this super-fast speed you would not have to make multiple passes on a single area. Plus, the shaver also has a flexible head that adjusts according to the contours of the face.
What makes this shaver standout is the water resistance and wet shave capability which is not common at this price tag. Hence, people with sensitive skins can use all sorts of shaving creams and oil they want to make it comfortable.
Furthermore, its battery offers up to 45 minutes of operation and also charges up very quickly. The only downside to this shaver does not come with accessories which we guess is a smart move to bring the cost down. Because otherwise, the company would have to compromise on the essential features which, fortunately, they have not done.
Pros
- Affordable price
- Reliable battery
- Fast and comfortable shave
- Wet shaving compatible
- Replacement parts are readily available
Cons
- Does not come with accessories
- Flimsy design
Benefits of Foil Shavers
Foil shavers offer several advantages not just over traditional razors but also over their electric counterparts. Let’s take a look at them.
Comfort
When our skin comes in direct contact with something as sharp as a blade it can get irritated, commonly known as razor burn. With the foil shaver, it does not happen as a foil separates the skin from the blades and only hairs are subjected to sharp objects.
Higher Speed
It is obvious that foil shavers are much faster than traditional razors. But a lesser-known fact is they are also faster than their electric counterparts. With up to 14,000 cycles per minute, foil shavers have higher vibration rates which cut more hair in one pass. Consequently, users get a faster shave than rotary shavers.
Multiple Foil Patterns
Modern foil shavers come with multiple foils that have varying patterns of perforation on them. These patterns help the shaver capture all sorts of hairs to deliver a closer and cleaner shave. Plus, specialized shaving components are also present in most modern foil shavers. Some of these improve the overall comfort while others specialize in capturing stubborn stubble like flat-lying hair.
More Precision
Thanks to the straight-line design of foil shavers’ users are always aware of the whereabouts of blades. It offers more control and precision over the shavers which can be used to shape sideburns and mustaches.
Ease of Maintenance
The design of the foil shaver is effective but it is not complex which makes it super-easy to maintain and clean. Foils can be removed to expose blades and with cleaning, brush users can remove all debris. Spare parts are also easily accessible and require no professional help for their installation.
Buyer’s Guide for Selecting Best Foil Shaver
The market offers a ton of foil shavers and amidst this fierce competition marketing gimmicks are in abundance. It can be confusing for users stepping into the market for the first time. So, in this section, we would address some features new users should consider before selecting a foil shaver.
Shaving Quality
The general rule of thumb is that newer shavers offer a closer and more comfortable shave than their predecessor. Companies have devised several technologies including ‘AutoSense’, ‘OptiFoil’, and ‘NanoTech’ among others. All of them essentially translate into a closer or comfortable shave.
If you can spare a few bucks, it is better to opt for a shaver that has one of such technologies. If not, try to go for a product that has at least one specialized component dedicated to capturing stubborn hair.
Wet/Dry Shaving
New users should be mindful that not all foil shavers offer wet shaving that involves the use of shaving oils and creams. Also, it is different from water resistance. Shaver that is water-resistant can be used in the shower or rinsed under the running water. Wet shaving enabled, on the other hand, lets you use creams and oils for the shave.
Users that have sensitive skin should look for wet shaving compatibility, not for waterproofing. That said, if a shaver has waterproofing as well, it is an added bonus.
Battery Life
Too much time taken by traditional razors is the reason why most people switch to electric shavers. And if the shaver runs out of battery during the shave it moots its purpose. Hence, it is very important to consider the battery of the shaver while making the purchase.
You should hunt a shaver that offers at least 40-60 minutes of operation on a single charge. Anything below that will be a nuisance and a source of inconvenience. And while you are at it, also look for the charging time and ensure it is between 3-4 hours. Those that charge in less time is even better.
Added Accessories
Modern shavers come with all sorts of accessories; some are built-in while others are external. The pop-up trimmer is probably the most useful as it can be used to trim mustaches and sideburns. It also comes in handy when a beard is too long for a shaver to cut. You can use it to trim down the stubble and then use the shavers to clean it all off.
Other accessories include a charging dock, cleaning station, lubricating oil, and hairbrush. Spend a few extra bucks if you have to but get a shaver that comes with all these accessories. Otherwise, you would have to explore the market to find compatible accessories which can be taxing.
Verdict
Foil shavers deliver comparable shave to traditional razors while protecting you from nicks and cuts. They also take less time in the process. We have enlisted some of the best shavers that are available to help you make an informed decision.
In a nutshell, users looking for a premium experience should go for Braun’s 9370cc while those trying to balance the cost and performance should try Panasonic’s ArC5 LV65.
No single shaver would fit all the users as personal preference plays a vital role in it. But knowing how certain features impact performance can put users on the right track.
And it was exactly the goal of our buying guide. We hope that our piece on the best foil shavers has helped. Thank you!
