The 22 best electric shavers for a clean-shaven dream: Tried and tested by GQ's grooming editors
Looking for the best electric shaver? We’ve picked out the best top models from Braun, Philips and more
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Spend any time perusing the wide variety of men's grooming tools – like the best electric shavers, for example – and you'll quickly be overwhelmed with the sheer volume of products on offer. Just like buying a new car, there's a dizzying choice of brand, design and additional features to wrap your head around, and none of it is particularly easy to navigate. You might even be tempted to check out the best manual razors to rid your jawline of unwanted hair, just to avoid the headache of choosing from a top-tier motorised one. But don't fret, our grooming experts are on hand to guide you through to a shaving nirvana.
The best electric shaver series will get you a closer shave, if not the closest shave, without subjecting your skin to the wrath of razor burn. They’re not all made equal, though. You’ll want to take certain things into account. Durability. Run time. Accessories like cleaning brushes. All these things and much more can factor into which electric shaver is best for you.
But don’t just take our word for it. Jordan Armstrong, stylist and barber at hot London barbershop, Supply 91, has also helped us out with some tips and tricks to help ensure that you pick the right grooming methods for your needs.
What is the best electric razor UK?
A wireless charger and super-sharp NanoTech blades help contribute to this Philips model's wallet-busting price point. If you want all the bells and whistles in a formidable package, though, this is one of the best options out there.
The Panasonic ES-LS9A is one of the best electric shavers for sensitive skin, as it's clever enough to automatically adjust its power according to the density of your beard. Combined with a powerful motor that provides an impressive 84,000 cutting motions per minute, it helps ensure each shave is perfectly suited to your face.
For more versatility, we recommend Panasonic's Multishape, which has multiple heads that include a toothbrush, beard trimmer, hair clipper and nose hair trimmer.
Braun's latest electric shaver is by far one of the best and most complete options we've ever seen, though it is also mighty expensive. Whether you're on top of your daily shaving routine or you've left it a few days, the Series 9 Pro treats your skin with kindness but decimates your unwanted hair with all the precision and efficiency of Pep Guardiola's best 11.
| Product specs | Philips Series 9000 | Panasonic ES-LS9A | Braun Series 9 Pro |
|---|---|---|---|
| Shaving system | Rotary | Foil | Foil |
| Battery life | 60 minutes | 50 minutes | 60 minutes |
| Waterproof | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Charging stand included | Yes | Yes | Yes |
- Best premium electric shaver: Philips Series 9000 Prestige,
£550£280 at amazon.co.uk - Best overall electric shaver: Braun Series 9 Pro,
£540£293 at amazon.co.uk - Best electric shaver for most people: Braun Series 9,
£650£290 at amazon.co.uk - Best rotary electric shaver: Philips Series 5000, £115 at amazon.co.uk
- Best foil electric shaver: Braun Series 5,
£170£85 at amazon.co.uk - Best electric shaver for sensitive skin: Panasonic ES-LS9A, £160 at amazon.co.uk
- Best budget electric shaver: Philips OneBlade, £50 at amazon.co.uk
- Best waterproof electric shaver: Wahl Aqua Blade 10-in-1,
£105£70 at amazon.co.uk - Best multitool electric shaver: Panasonic Multishape, £72 at amazon.co.uk
Skip to: How we test the best electric shavers | Which electric shaver brand is rated the best? | Is an electric shaver better than a razor? | Which is better a foil or rotary electric shaver? | How do you use an electric shaver? | Do you use shaving cream with an electric shaver? | How often should you shave with an electric razor? | Do I need to clean an electric shaver? | Can I use an electric shaver on my body? | Can I use an electric shaver on my head? | How much should you pay for a good electric shaver? | How often should I replace an electric shaver? | GQ's pick of the best grooming guides
How we test the best electric shavers
Keen to enjoy a silky-smooth, hairless jawline? Our grooming editors also love that feeling, so it goes without saying that, in all cases, we've endeavoured to thoroughly test out every single product on this list to see just how good they are. Our resident men's grooming expert, Owen Gough, has seven years of grooming journalism under his belt, testing out dozens of different trimming tools on his own beard to assess the quality of shave, value for money and any additional features that are found on each device.
Key to any electric shaver scoring our recommendation is each model's balancing of ergonomics, aesthetics and ease of use whether its owner happens to be a trimming pro or an absolute beginner. Elsewhere, we've looked at a combination of user reviews, specs, and features – combined with those years of grooming expertise – to pick the cream of the electric shaver crop.
Which electric shaver brand is rated the best?
There are a fair few electric shaver brands out there which are widely regarded to be some of the best around. And you’ve probably come across all of them multiple times in your search for the best electric shaver. Braun is one of the top contenders, as are Philips shavers, Panasonic, and Wahl.
Overall, the best shaving kits will mostly depend on your budget, which brands you’re familiar with, and/or which ones have the best features. These brands tend to be highly rated across all manner of grooming product categories, as well. If you fancy shaving your head, for example, then feel free to check out our roundup of the best bald head shavers to help you nail that super-smooth look.
Which is better a foil or rotary electric shaver?
Rotary shavers are your traditional-looking trimmers with three pivoting heads that move in a circular motion and roll with the contours of your jawline, meaning you can quickly zip around your face and keep stubble to a minimum without much fuss. The larger surface area makes rotary heads a little tougher to reach areas around your ears and under your nose, but you can cut through the rest of your facial fuzz in no time at all.
Foil shavers, on the other hand, have a solid block of blades in a line and are worth considering if you have shorter beard hair that requires regular cutting down or you want to keep stubble around your neck or on your cheeks down to a minimum, replacing that dry shaver or trimmer you might be using to tackle edges. They’re also regarded to be better for sensitive skin, as they’re less likely to cause irritation or razor burn.
So which is better? Jordan says, “Both are great, but for home use, I would recommend a rotary shaver. They feel slightly easier on the skin but are best suitable for hair between 00 to 0 (1 day-old stubble) in length. Foil shavers work well, able to cut as close as a hot towel shave, but require a little more skill to use.”
Is an electric shaver better than a razor?
The age-old battle between traditionalists and modernists: is an electric shaver better than a manual or straight razor? There are pros and cons to both, but if you're after a quick job without the faff or you lack the dexterity to use a sharp blade around your neck, an electric shaver is your best option. Why? A motorised device covers a greater surface area and is specifically designed to trim down hairs as close to the skin as possible while reducing razor rash or nicks. Sure, a straight razor might give you a cleaner cut that lasts longer, but it requires a steady hand that's far from convenient.
Top models from the likes of Braun or Philips are purpose-built to offer speed and comfort in your daily routines, with some premium models unlocking self-cleaning stations and huge batteries to cut down on maintenance time.
How do you use an electric shaver?
Still not sure how to actually use the best electric razors? It's ok, we all need to learn somehow. And learning from the best is probably a good way to avoid mistakes and skin irritation further down the line. “First off, you need to ensure your skin and stubble are clean,” says Mills. "Then apply a small amount of electric shaver skin prep cream and rub it into the skin and stubble you are trimming.
“Then start shaving from one side of the face and work your way around the neck and cheeks removing the stubble. Clean the blades during the process and allow the shaver to work. Don’t rush though, as this can cause irritation and pull your hair, causing you more grief the next time you shave. Once you have done those areas and are happy with how close the shave is, start working around the chin and around the mouth making sure you have shaved all the areas and got any small hairs. After you have shaved cleanse the face again and moisturise. Job done.”
If you're sporting a particular facial style like a goatee or something similar, you might need to grab a beard trimmer to keep the hairy bits tidy. We've got a rundown of the best beard trimmers, which you should definitely pay attention to if you're planning on experimenting with a new look.
As for Jordan, he suggests, “If the hair is longer than stubble, you’ll need to start by using your beard trimmer or clipper on the lowest setting to get the hair as short as possible. This will ensure your rotary or foil shaver won’t pull and irritate the skin. There’s no one way of using an electric shaver, but a good technique for a rotary machine is to use it in small, circular motions until the face is fully shaven.
Then, repeat this action until the face is smooth. When using a foil shaver, an up-and-down motion is best, starting slowly to ensure all the hair is picked up. From there, repeat this action in different directions to clear up any remaining stubble.”
Do you use shaving cream with an electric shaver?
Most electric shavers are waterproof, rechargeable and cordless, which also means they can be used in the shower and easily cleaned — and yes, that means they pair nicely with shaving cream too. We actually recommend using shaving cream or shaving foam with your razor, even if you’re shaving in the shower, as you can shave and wash off all in one go to reduce nicks and burn for irritated skin types, and we’re sure we don’t need to talk about how much easier it is to wash hair away in the shower drain than the bathroom sink.
Having said that, the main appeal of electric shaving over a traditional razor is that it’s quicker and more convenient, so unless you have particularly sensitive skin, you might be able to get away with a dry shave that requires little to no lubricating or cleanup.
How often should you shave with an electric razor?
It can be tempting to whip the shaver around your jaw several times a week, but Mills advised us that the type of skin that you have will dictate how often you should shave. He told us, "It is down to how 'clean' you want your skin to look. Ideally, you want to shave every day but it depends on the rate of your facial hair growth. I wouldn’t use one on more than two days of growth as most shavers are not designed for much more than that. If you have sensitive skin, you might want to wait at least a few days in between shaves to give yourself time to recover.”
Do I need to clean an electric shaver?
Absolutely, says Jordan, “but this is easy to do! Most shavers out there, whether a rotary or foil shaver, have a detachable head that allows you to easily empty the hair out for disposal. I'd recommend using an old toothbrush to remove any remaining hair stuck inside. Once you've done that, pop the head back on and spray some skin-safe disinfectant on your machine (Clippercide or Andis Cool Care will do the job, and help keep your machine lubricated so that it runs well and lasts longer).”
You might be hoping that shaving in the shower will help clean the blades, but you definitely want to check out ones with dedicated cleaning stations, as the blades will need regular lubricating to keep a keen edge.
We’d also recommend slapping on some high-quality moisturiser once you’ve shaved, as the skin can quickly dry out through regular shaving. Facial cleansing and maintaining a solid skin-care routine are paramount to looking fresh and younger, but if you’re unsure where to start, check out our guide to the best moisturisers.
Can I use an electric shaver on my body?
We shouldn't have to talk about the hygiene issues with using the same device you use on your body as your face, but in case we do, you definitely shouldn't use the same electric shaver all over your body. In fact, we'd happily point you towards our best body hair trimmers article to learn about the best tools for that job. Unless you've already got stubble all over your body, these razors aren't well-equipped for a total groom where the sun doesn't shine, and you should definitely invest in the right tools if that's what you're keen on.
Can I use an electric shaver on my head?
Of course, most people are hunting for versatility when they buy their grooming tools, so you’ll likely want a model that can tackle head hair as well as body and jawline hair. Trimmers for shaving head hair can usually be transferred across your entire body, so you’ve got no issue there, but there are, of course, dedicated hair clippers and shavers that are purpose-built for this task. We’ve got a roundup of the best bald head shavers if you’re looking for new ways to keep the wisps off your bonce, but you can certainly get the job done with the usual shavers.
Premium options might have attachments or specific designs that open up the option to shave multiple areas of your body, such as trimmer attachments or independently moving shaver heads that can move and flex over the ridges and bumps of your head.
How much should you pay for a good electric shaver?
Again, this is all down to your own personal financial situation and how much you really care about the top-tier aspects of electric shaving, but there are a few key things to keep in mind when buying. First off, we'd recommend spending at least £20-£40 if you're working on a budget, as anything cheaper will be scratchy, low quality and will likely require an upgrade in the near future. The best-placed product in this category is the Philips OneBlade. It's affordably priced, packed full of useful guiding combs and does a decent job of managing your stubble or shaping up beards, but by no means arrived armed to tackle your every follicle-related need.
If you're after a mid-tier option, anything between £40 and £120 is a solid option for keeping on top of stubble with long-lasting batteries, self-sharpening blades and a few extra features to improve the experience. Here, we'd point you in the direction of the Panasonic Multishape, a versatile shaver that can also double up as a toothbrush, beard trimmer and body hair groomer. If it's a dedicated shaving experience you're after, you can't go wrong with the Wahl Aqua Blade for value.
However, shavers can get pricey if you want the very best of men's grooming, so if it's the pinnacle of shavers you're after, anything upwards of £200 is what you should expect to pay. For this price, you'll get a kinder experience for sensitive skin, more robust, hair-decimating blades and extra utility like wireless charging stations, travel bags and replacement heads. Up in the heady heights of this price point, the top options will be the likes of the Philips Series 9000 Prestige, the Braun Series 9 or the Panasonic ES-LS9A. All three are top picks and are worthy of your cash, but your budget needs to be able to cope with the large burden of such a costly device.
As for the professional opinion? Jordan suggests, “For a decent electric shaver, anywhere from £60 to £200 will give you an amazing cut. The more you're willing to spend, the more powerful the shaver will likely be (essential for avoiding skin flare-ups or irritation), and the easier your at-home job. Investing in a quality shaver will both physically and mentally help take the edge off.”
How often should I replace an electric shaver?
As with all grooming tools, it's worth investing in a new blade reasonably often to ensure they stay sharp and reduce irritation. That's not to say every shaver needs to be thrown in the bin for a new one every month, though. In fact, most are well-equipped with their own personal blade-sharpening equipment to extend the life of the shaver. It's worth buying some blade oil to further push the longevity beyond a couple of years (in some cases), but inevitably, it will need replacing eventually.
When exactly you need to that will be down to how often you shave. Some shavers allow you to simply purchase new blade heads, which should be switched up every six to eight months if you want to keep them supremely efficient and sharp. In most cases, you can sign up for a subscription package to get new blades when you need them, which can keep costs down and it means you don't have to remember that it needs doing.
Otherwise, it's mostly down to you figuring out when you should be putting your shaver out to rest. A dull blade will certainly be felt on your cheeks, and if you find it tugging at your whiskers and scratching along your jaw, you'll know it's probably time to bite the bullet and buy something new.
GQ's pick of the best grooming guides
So now you know everything you should ever need to know about shaving, what makes a quality blade, and how to use it efficiently, but what do you do if that's now scratched an itch in you to expand your grooming repertoire? How well stocked is your bathroom cupboard with moisturisers, deodorants and other knickknacks that you'll need to make yourself look and feel at your best? If it's not that well stocked, then check out our collection of dedicated guides to help you become a grooming king.
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