It’s easy and quick to charge, and the pop-up detail trimmer allows you to get a clean, precise shave. While we haven’t fully tested this product category yet, members of our team (and their partners) use this razor and sing its praises. We find it to be great for heavy beards—especially for those who think philips shaver a razor can’t ever get as close a shave as a blade can. It impresses with how close a shave it delivers and how easy it is to use, and with the Braun Series 9, nicks and cuts are things of the past. It seems that the manufacturer thought of everything when designing the Braun Electric Razor, Series 9.
Its shave has remained close and comfortable and is still strong enough to mow through multiple days of growth when needed. As with the more expensive Braun models, this Remington comes with a two-year warranty. Remington recommends annual replacement of the shaver’s cutting block and foil, which are sold as a combo pack for about $20. For a consistently close shave, plus the convenience of an included automatic cleaning system at a reasonable price, we recommend the Braun Series 7. We believe the Braun Series 7 is worth its higher price, but the Remington F is a surprisingly competent budget alternative. It provides credible stubble-leveling results at an affordable price.
The correct response would be to invest in a more capable shaver, such as our Best Overall or Best Value picks. During testing, the Pro-Foil had no trouble removing hair of any hair type. And, its lightweight, easy-to-hold design made shaving feel almost effortless. Its hair-catch (located under the blades) can be removed for cleaning with the press of a button. I liked that its small charging stand makes for easy storage in tight spaces.
“Make sure to look over your foil and blades to make sure there is not any noticeable wear to avoid more significant issues.” If you notice dullness or any signs of rust, it’s best to swap it out. The Panasonic Arc3 is fast cutting, powerful, and can be used dry or wet. Its flexible shaving head allows its blades to freely navigate the contours of the face or to be locked into place for a more traditional shaving experience. The latter made shaving with the Arc3 much more comfortable for me.
In the past, I acted as the spokesperson for two global brands, Lab Series by Estee Lauder and Philips Norelco. My relationship with the latter ended eight years ago—a long enough time that I feel comfortable saying that I can talk to you about shaving hardware, without philips electric shaver bias. When powered on, the Arc5’s display employs an LED dashed circle that slowly disappears, piece by piece as the shaver’s battery level drops. The Wahl Lifeproof electric shaver is a capable, durable option for those looking to stay well-groomed, on a budget.
Another strong aspect of the Series 9000 is that it’s very easy to clean, just by taking off the top and sluicing it out. What someone really needs to come up with is a device to then remove the shredded stubble from your sink, but that appears to be beyond mankind’s science, so far. A cheaper option is Braun’s amazing new Series 7 70-N7200cc which comes equipped with a flexible head that shaves as close as a razor.
Both Braun and Philips offer long-lasting electric razors that provide a smooth shave. With its foil shaving system, Braun is better for those who prefer a more traditional shaving style akin to a manual razor. However, if you want a razor that reliably contours to your face and you don’t mind the unique circular style of shaving, a Philips razor may be a better option. Each shaving head can move in eight directions, making this rotary razor perfect for those who want to easily shave difficult-to-reach areas more effectively.
We tried Philips Norelco’s lower-end rotary models but determined that the brand’s 9000 series performed better, and it was so closely priced that it was a better buy for most people. In our experience, the 4000-series razor didn’t shave closely enough to be worth their bargain prices. However, one member of our test panel has been using a 4000-series model for years, and they still love it, even after trying much more expensive models. The magic ingredient in most pre-shaves is isopropyl myristate, a synthetic oil created by compounding alcohol and a fatty acid. Combined, the two provide lubrication (the substance is also a key ingredient in Liquid Wrench) without a greasy feeling, so claims that they help an electric razor to glide are probably credible.
Using shaving cream is likely to increase the amount of time you spend shaving, if you want to reach the closeness you’d get going dry. For the first iteration of this guide, we enlisted a panel of 12 to test a dozen electric razors each. The blades of rotary shavers are designed to catch hair growing in all directions, for a close shave. The Braun Series 3 is a durable, wet/dry shaver that performs very well with fine and very light-growth facial hair.
It also has two SensoFoil blades and shaving foils that protect the skin. One of the more budget-friendly options by Braun, this electric razor makes for a great entry-level option. Shaving in the shower is a great way to get a close shave, since your facial hair is softened by steam. (Thank you, shower drain!) The Philips Norelco Shaver 5300 is perfect for a quick trim or a clean shave in the shower. You’ll also receive a handy travel bag and three different trimming heads for light trimming, a smoother glide, or a more efficient shave.