These 10 Electric Shavers Are the Key to Unlocking Your Grooming-God Status (2024)

When we’re talking top-of-the-line electric razors, we’re basically talking about the Braun Series 9. It may just be the best electric razor on the market—at least in our testing—thanks to the perfect balance of features you actually need and want, plus highly efficient shaving. The brand calls it the “world’s most efficient electric razor” because it can power through three days’ worth of growth like butter thanks to sonic technology that helps lift whiskers away from your skin and AutoSense technology that automatically detects your beard’s density and adjusts the razor’s power appropriately. We can confirm that these features make for a very fast, and very effective, shaving experience.

In addition to the shaving capability, which is the most important thing in a razor, this high-end tool has essential features like a long-lasting rechargeable battery (nearly an hour of run time), a fully waterproof design, and a five-in-one cleaning/charging station that, while bulky, is a dream to use—and keeps your razor clean and the blades sharp.

Testing Notes: In our electric-razor testing, the Braun Series 9 came out on top in both efficiency and ease of use. We really mean it when we say this thing is efficient. It easily cut down on our shaving time by at least a minute, maybe more, because it reduced the need to go over the same spot multiple times and was able to cut through a few days of growth with the same ease as it would your typical one-day shadow. It’s also one of the quieter ones we tested, which is always a welcome surprise, and while we prefer to shave dry, we like the waterproof aspect, because it makes it easier to run it under water for cleaning.

The general thought is that more blades equal more irritation, but this electric razor is here to prove that idea wrong. Even with five blades, it’s ideal for sensitive skin because it delivers a close, smooth shave with hardly any irritation. You get around 70,000 cuts per minute (that’s a lot), and the pivoting head allows you to follow the curves and planes of your face and neck easily, with minimal need to go back over the same area twice. It also features technology that senses your beard density and adjusts the cutting power, so it’s never too harsh or light for your skin and whiskers.

The head itself is on the larger side, which may take some getting used to if you generally opt for a smaller razor, but we love it because it takes fewer strokes to get the same shave, which not only further helps reduce irritation but also helps cut down on shaving time. With the included cleaning/charging station to keep it clean, this razor will last for years without losing its power.

Testing Notes: While this isn’t the most efficient razor we tried, it’s definitely in second place. The large head and five foil blades allow it to cover a huge surface area in hardly any time; once you get the hang of it, it’s a dream. Plus, for those of us who struggle with post-shave irritation no matter what kind of razor we use, this one had a surprisingly gentle touch that left our faces smooth without a hint of irritation.

With the risk of sounding hyperbolic, the OneBlade might be one of the best grooming tools ever created. It’s uniquely designed to look and feel just like a traditional razor, but it’s motorized and uses a special dual-sided cutting blade that lies flush against your skin (like a razor) but somehow is almost impossible to cut yourself with. You can use it to shave or trim (there are stubble guards included), so whether you’re into a clean shave or a perma-shadow, this tool will come in handy. It’s also a convenient detailer for facial hair, sideburns, necks, and just about anything else on your face.

In addition to it being waterproof and easy to clean (just run it under the tap), you can use it with or without shaving cream, which you can’t say about many other electric razors. Thanks to its small size, it’s easy to hold, making it an essential tool for anyone who wants to travel with an electric razor. The one downside is that you need to replace the blades more frequently than with other electric razors (about every four months). But that’s still less often than you should change a traditional razor, so it’s a win in our book.

Testing Notes: Honestly, we could write a dissertation on the finer points and benefits of this razor, but we’ll just say this: In terms of convenience, it can’t be beat. No matter what your facial-hair style, this electric razor can execute it—from a clean shave to stubble to beard or mustache detailing. One caveat: It won’t cut as close as a traditional razor, or even some other electric razors on this list, so even though it gives a clean shave, it’s not baby smooth. But it’s still smooth enough, and the benefits of this razor make that easy to overlook.

Much of the same tech that is packed into higher-priced Braun shavers is featured in this less expensive one as well, which means you get a lot of bang for your buck. There are three foil razors housed on the swiveling head, which allow for a close shave even with a few days of growth (three, to be exact). The brand’s proprietary AutoSense technology determines the density of your beard and automatically adjusts cutting power to make sure you get the best shave you can without irritation. And even in this mid-priced model, the motor is powerful, offering 24,000 cuts per minute.

As far as other features go, this has some good ones. The long-lasting battery holds up to 50 minutes of charge, so you get a few weeks of use from a single charge, depending on how long it takes you to shave. Since it’s also waterproof, you can shave in the shower if that’s your bag. It even comes with a handy cleaning/charging station.

Testing Notes: We’re just going to go ahead and say it: We are fans of Braun. Though this one isn’t quite as quick and efficient as the Series 9 (it features three blades instead of five, after all), it matches it in power and the ability to cut through a few days of stubble. It’s a comparable option if the Series 9 is a bit out of your price range and you’re not willing to sacrifice cutting power or ease of use (or your skin).

Look, we get it: Spending a few hundred dollars on an electric shaver isn’t something everyone can do (or wants to do). When you’re looking for a more budget-friendly option, Braun is still your best bet. You’ll get some of the features of its higher-priced models, the industry-leading technology inside, and the superior blades and cutting power. This powerful shaver doesn’t have the fancy AutoSense technology, but it does have three blades housed on a flexible head that moves with the contours of your face and a powerful motor generating 18,000 cutting motions per minute.

With one charge, you get about 30 minutes of power. It’s also fully waterproof and features a pop-up trimmer for sideburns and facial hair. The most important thing, of course, is that this shaver gets the job done well with very little irritation.

Testing Notes: Of course, inexpensive shavers are going to be missing lots of the bells and whistles that those on the higher end of the spectrum have, but what this one lacks in extras it makes up for in cutting ability. Compared with other electric razors at similar price points, we found that this one shaves the best and was the most comfortable on our faces.

When they call this thing indestructible, they really mean it. Think of it as an electric razor crossed with an Otterbox. Housed in a durable rubber casing, this shaver is hefty and easy to hold but also shock resistant. So if you’re prone to dropping your razor, especially if you like to use it in the shower, it’s a wise choice. (We actually put this through the wringer, doing everything short of throwing it through a window, and it held up.)

In terms of shaving power, it’s a solid performer. With four blades— and what the brand calls Intercept shaving technology, which pre-cuts longer hair before the foils shave it off—it delivers a very close shave. It’s not quite as smooth as some others on this list, but if you’re used to shaving every day, you probably won’t notice much of a difference. A long-lasting battery charge (up to 60 minutes) and a completely waterproof design make this a worthy investment—especially for those who tend to break their devices (by accident, of course).

Testing Notes: Like we said, we actually did try to break this thing, and we stand by the indestructible claim—though we can’t help you if you drop it from several stories. The shaving capability itself is good, and while it didn’t deliver a baby-smooth shave like some of the others, we were okay with that, because the difference was barely noticeable unless we touched our faces with our hands. If you’re in the habit of shaving every day, you’ll barely be able to tell.

The reality is that not all guys use razors to shave only their face. If you’re rocking a bald look, you know that using a razor on your head comes with its own set of issues. That’s why this device exists—and if you’re looking to use an electric razor on your chrome dome, you won’t find one much better than this. With five rotary heads, it plows through hair in record time. (The brand claims it can shave an entire head in about two minutes.) Those five heads are housed on a flexible neck that allows it to easily conform to the unique contours of your head, reducing the need to go back over the same area multiple times and letting you shave the back of your head with ease.

Depending on your personal preference, you can use this shaver dry or wet and with or without products, which is great for guys who want a little extra protection for their scalp. The innovative design enables you to grip the entire shaver in the palm of your hand, offering better dexterity, particularly when it comes to shaving areas you can’t see easily. And the pop-up trimmer allows you to trim sideburns and other details with the same device.

Testing Notes: Not many guys in our testing pool do the completely bald thing, but those who do found this razor to be easy to use and confirmed that it lived up to the hype. Yes, it is fast—though the two-minute claim really depends on how experienced you are with using it. One you get in the swing of things and set up a good routine, you very well may beat that claim. The ability to use creams and products was also a plus, since many guys like the extra protection on their head even if they don’t use it on their faces.

When we talk about razors, we mostly talk about achieving a smooth, close shave. But the reality is that plenty of guys don’t want that. Lots of us like that perma-shadow, always leaving a little bit of stubble. That is where this razor/trimmer hybrid really shines. It’s not really designed to completely shave you—and that’s okay, because what it does do is give you that perfect shadowy look. It comes with several length combs so you can customize your stubble, but even if you use it with no combs at all, you’ll be left with the right amount of lived-in length.

The long-lasting blade needs to be replaced about every six months (it lasts twice as long as your traditional razor), and thanks to its 4D design, it can be used in all directions, even side to side. The entire device is waterproof, which not only makes it easy to clean but also means you can use it in the shower, and one single charge will give you up to 45 minutes of battery life in this small package.

Testing Notes: In most cases, we do prefer a smooth shave, but not always! Testing out this razor/trimmer allowed us to play around with the stubbly look, and not only did we find that we like it, but this tool also makes it very easy to achieve. In practice, it’s similar to a Philips OneBlade in that it feels and acts like a traditional razor, so using it comes with very little learning curve. The blade is effective and easy on the skin. And since it doesn’t cut super close, there’s less irritation, which is another welcome benefit of stubble.

When you’re constantly on the go, like so many of us are, you don’t always want to carry all of your fancy tools with you. In that case, having a travel-specific razor comes in handy, and this one is a great option. It’s tiny enough to take up minimal space in your Dopp kit, and while it doesn’t have a lot of the features that higher-end electric razors have, it makes up for that fact with its cutting ability. What’s more, it’s so damn cheap that you won’t care if you leave it behind in a hotel room.

With two foil blades, it’s a pretty classic shaver that effectively shaves to a smooth finish. You’re not going to get any attachments with this one, so it’s really only for those out there who want to get a smooth shave or to use it for detail work around facial hair. It’s essentially a bare-bones razor that does one thing but does it very well. And, really, what more do you need in a travel razor?

Testing Notes: Like we said, you’re not going to get much more from this besides a close shave, so if that’s what you want, this is a worthy option. We also wouldn’t say it’s great for your everyday razor, because you may find yourself missing some of those additional features. We still like it, however, because it’s small and cheap. Toss it in your Dopp kit so you won’t have to remember to pack your other one. And if you break or lose it, you can easily afford a new one.

• Panasonic Arc5 Palm-Sized Electric Razor: Picture this—the exact same five-blade shaver head as the Arc5 we talk about above but in a casing that can literally fit in the palm of your hand. It has all the shaving power of the original version, but it’s about a third of the size. We’ve been using it as our travel razor and have found no difference in the shave it delivers compared with the original and no difference in power, either. (We’ve only had to charge it twice in the three months we’ve had it, and that’s with frequent travel.) If space is a precious commodity in your carry-on, this version of the Arc5 is an essential travel tool.
• Philips Norelco Compact Shaver: Another small, travel-friendly razor, this one is much less expensive than the Arc5 above and features two rotary razor heads, so if you prefer a rotary razor, this one is a better choice for you. It’s slightly larger but shaped like a stick of deodorant, so it fits into your carry-on or gym bag without taking up much space at all. Performance-wise, it’s comparable to your typical rotary-head razor, though the two heads are spaced a little farther apart so you may need to go over the same area a couple times to make sure you get enough shaving coverage.
• Mowbie Electric Razor: If you’re new to shaving, this is a great option for beginners. It’s an easy-to-use and -understand razor that is powerful enough to give a good, close shave but isn’t going to shred your skin, especially if you’re not used to the feel of an electric razor. There is an integrated LED light that is supposed to give skin benefits while you shave, which, we’ll be honest, feels more like a cool gimmick than something that’s completely necessary in your razor. However, even with that, the shave it gives is good for guys with thinner beards.
• Bevel Electric Shaver: This well-designed razor has many of the features you’ll find in more expensive models, like AutoSense technology that adapts to your beard thickness to give you a very close shave. The three blades are effective at slicing through thick facial hair and are flexible enough to effortlessly adapt to the contours of your face. Compared with some of the razors on this list, like the Braun Series 9 and the Panasonic Arc5, it may require that you go over some of the same spots multiple times, and it’s a little noisier, but overall the shaving experience and finished results are way better than what you’d expect for this price point.
• Manscaped the Chairman Pro: We’re fans of the Manscaped Lawnmower for our body-trimming needs, and this shaver feels similar in your hand (though it’s slightly bigger). There are four blades, including two SkinSafe blades that help protect your skin from nicks and cuts, that cut through beards effectively and quickly. If you’re into the stubble look, there are even two length combs that keep a bit of length to your facial hair, something that other electric razors don’t have, and allow you to use this to shave instead of a trimmer. We’re also fans of additional features like the LED spotlight (great for seeing under your chin) and the fact that it’s compatible with wireless charging pads.

We’re not going to say something is great unless it’s actually great. Every product in Esquire’s roundups is carefully curated by our grooming and e-commerce teams.

When it comes to grooming gadgets, you can rest assured that we’re hand-selecting products that we’ve personally tested, tried, and loved. Our grooming editor, Garrett Munce, along with the rest of the style team, has spent years shaving, trimming, and test-driving hundreds of electric shavers and other grooming gadgets, and we are confident that these are the best.

Every pick on this list (and our other lists) comes from these years of testing. We know that everyone’s skin is different, no two men are the same, and what works for you may not work for everyone else. But if you’re looking for advice from folks who care (possibly too much!) about this sort of stuff, this is the place to start.