Whether you're clean-shaven, rocking a stylish beard or trendy stubble, a quality electric shaver for men is a must. But all men are different. Some of us have sensitive skin, or we’re buying a shaver for the first time. Or maybe it’s just about finding a shaver reliable and compact enough to pop in a wash bag when on the move.
Whatever your situation, we’ll explain the different shavers available and the features worth keeping an eye out for. From budget-friendly options to high-end shaving machines, we've trimmed down a list to find you the best electric shavers.
Say goodbye to nicks, cuts and skin irritation, and say hi to a smooth, comfortable shave.
Best electric shaver for a close shave
When you really want to scrub up well, nothing beats a close shave. The best electric shaver for a close shave needs to have sharp blades to get in really close, but to take special care of your face too. Nobody wants a nasty nick!
Electric foil shavers target fine hairs in particular and so are great if you don’t get thick and wiry facial hair – which is better removed with a rotary shaver. When shopping for the best electric foil shaver for men, go for one which has tech to help the blade flex. That way you won’t irritate your skin when you need to get close.
Why not try: BRAUN Series 9 Pro+ Wet & Dry Electric Shaver - Black
Why we love it: A set of ultra-thin precision blades glide smoothly across your face, giving you a clean, close shave every time. And for those tricky spots? Use the 40° head to get at your neck, jawline and chin a lot more easily.
Best electric shaver for sensitive skin
Sensitive skin requires extra care. The best electric shaver for sensitive skin should have features like hypoallergenic blades and skin-friendly technology to prevent irritation and redness.
Why not try: PHILIPS i9000 Prestige Ultra Wet & Dry Rotary Shaver - Dark Slate
Why we love it: The Triple Lift and Cut system is, well, a cut above. It’ll gently lift up any hairs first before shaving them at skin level. This helps to stop your skin from getting irritated. And it keeps every shave comfortable.
If you’re in a rush, it’s 100% waterproof too. So, shave in the shower and speed up your morning routine. Now you won’t be late for work!
Best electric shaver for your head
For those who rock the bald look or simply prefer a clean-shaven head, the best electric shaver for heads is a rotary shaver with a pivoting head. That way you don’t have to have eyes in the back of your head to make sure that you’re getting an even length – as the razor will stick closely to the shape of your head. Waterproof electric shavers are also a must – shaving your head can be a messy job so it’s a good idea to do it in the shower. Rotary razors are also great when you’re trying to maintain that trendy stubble.
Why not try: REMINGTON XR1500 Wet & Dry Rotary Head Shaver - Black
Why we love it: You won’t nick your scalp here. Its flexible neck and blades adapt to the contours and shape of your head, giving you a super smooth shave. Oh, and with 5 different cutting heads, you can easily shave your whole head in under two minutes. Beat that, barbers!
Best budget electric shaver
For those looking for even more wallet-friendly options, the best budget electric shaver doesn’t mean trimming back on great features – like loads of different length settings and cordless power so you don’t get tangled up. Big brands offer affordable electric shavers as entry-level models, so you still get a smooth shave while spending what you’re comfortable with.
Why not try: BRAUN Series 3+ 3000s Electric Shaver - Grey
Why we love it: A good shaver doesn’t have to cost an arm and a leg. Braun’s Series 3+ 3000s will only cost you around 50 quid. And just because it’s affordable, that doesn’t mean it’s not going to last. Its rugged German design is built for years of regular shaving.
Best electric shaver for beginners
If you're new to shaving, electric shavers are a great choice. Unlike shaving manually, it’s a lot less likely that you’ll cut yourself while you’re getting your technique down. At this point, it will be all about getting used to shaving – so a grooming kit will let you experiment with lots of lengths and attachments.
Why not try: BRAUN Series 5 52-N1200s Electric Shaver - Black
Why we love it: Your first shaver needs to be simple to use. And there’s only a couple of modes you’ll need to get to grips with here. Standard Mode strikes a balance between being gentle and quick. While the Turbo Mode does exactly what it sounds like – giving you an even speedier shave when you need to get out the door sharpish.
Best rotary shaver
Rotary shavers are great since they adapt to the shape of your face and neck. Since their heads rotate it means they’re easy to use and glide comfortably across your face. They’re the go-to shavers for the clean shaven or stubble look. Look for self-sharpening blades, so you don’t have to worry about changing your razor’s head regularly.
Why not try: PHILIPS i9000 Prestige Ultra Wet & Dry Rotary Shaver - Dark Slate
Why we love it: After seven days of beard growth, it’s probably time for a trim. The DualNano Tech blades move about in every direction, making 8 million movements per second. Woah. This means you’ll get a super close shave without missing a hair.
And if you need to tackle the bushiest of beards, you won’t have to rush. On a single charge, you get up to 60 minutes of use.
Best face shaver
The best face shavers need plenty of protection for a smooth, sensitive shave with no cuts. While a traditional razor blade is great for a close shave, electric shavers give you much more control over how much you want to cut off – from close stubble to a well-maintained beard. So look for a shaver that has plenty of attachments for different options.
Why not try: BRAUN Series 7 72-G1200S Wet & Dry Foil Shaver - Grey
Why we love it: You can leave the thinking to your shaver. Smart AutoSense tech tweaks every stroke to suit how thick your beard is. This is far gentler and makes it so much easier to tackle particularly dense facial hair. Then, when it comes to adding definition, switch to the precision trimmer attachment and tidy up your neckline.
FAQs
Are foil or rotary shavers better?
The choice between foil and rotary shavers often comes down to what you want to use your shaver for. Foil shavers, with their oscillating blades beneath a thin metal foil, are great for close, precise shaves – especially if you have sensitive skin. Rotary shavers feature circular heads with spinning blades – so are better at adapting to facial contours and can be more efficient for those with thicker or longer facial hair.
How to choose a men's electric shaver?
Start by thinking about how you shave. Is it a close shave, do you need it for your head or want a versatile option for your face and body? Next, what’s your skin type? Sensitive skin may require shavers with protective features. Battery life and wet/dry capabilities can be important if you travel a lot or prefer to shave in the shower. Finally, work out how much you want to spend and find the shaver to match.
How to get the best shave with an electric shaver?
Make sure your shaver is clean and well-maintained with plenty of battery. Follow the manufacturer's instructions for cleaning and replacing blades or foils regularly.
Wash your face or the area you plan to shave to remove excess oil and dirt.
Use a pre-shave lotion or cream to soften the hair and provide a smoother glide.
While shaving, move the shaver against the direction of hair growth for the closest shave. Stretch your skin taut to create a smooth surface.
Finish with a moisturising aftershave or lotion to soothe the skin and prevent irritation.
Now you have more of an idea of what electric shaver you need, start looking at our great selection of men’s shavers. You’ll find Philips men’s shavers, Braun men’s shavers and lots of other top brands too.
