The Best Electric Razors For Men of 2024

Electric shavers have been a go-to alternative for removing facial hair for years. They shave faster than a manual razor, offer nick-free performance, and can be used almost anywhere.

After more than two months of testing nine electric shavers by a professional barber on three different men’s faces, we found that the Philips Norelco 9500 (available at Amazon) is the best electric razor for men. No matter if you prefer shaving dry, wet, or with shaving cream, its overall performance will leave your face feeling satisfied.

For those on a budget, we also recommend the Wahl Lifeproof Lithium-Ion Foil Shaver. It's waterproof, powerful, and cuts all types of beard hair well.

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Other Electric Shavers We Tested

How We Test Electric Razors

The Tester

My name is Craig Whitely, professionally known as Craig the Barber. I have been a professional barber for almost 15 years and have been practicing the trade since the age of 14.

My experience in the space of barbering has opened up opportunities to consult with Fortune 500 Skincare and Grooming brands, educate and train future beauty students and provide men’s grooming content for national magazines. 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 bias.

Additionally, I am the founder and CEO of my namesake and award-winning shaving and skincare line—Burke Avenue by Craig the Barber. For years, I have advocated for consumers in the men’s grooming space so I take great pride in doing so with Reviewed.

The Tests

I put the electric razors in this guide to the test, beginning with selecting a variety of beard types from straight to curly. This was important to achieve the most accurate review of each shaver’s performance. The razors were tested on the faces of three volunteers:

• Thomas (early 20’s)— thin and straight (virtually no curl); full beard growth on three-quarters of his face with the remaining areas fairly sparse.
• Francisco (late 30’s)—curly and fine (thin); full face beard growth with greater beard density on the chin and mustache.
• Me (early 40’s)—thick and overly-curly; full beard growth capable. However, I sport a Van Dyke (mustache and chin hair).

Over a two-month period, each electric shaver was tested on its ability to remove hair quickly, comfortably, and with the least amount of shaving irritation. I also felt it was important to test how well they performed in multiple shaving scenarios—dry face, wet face, and when using shaving cream.

Lastly, one of the biggest benefits of electric razors is how they can be used almost anywhere. So, testing how well they stand up against casual abuse when you’re shaving at the office, gym, or traveling were explored, too.

What You Should Know Before Buying an Electric Razor

When shopping for an electric razor and using one for the first time, there are a few things you should keep in mind.

Rotary Versus Foil Razors

There are two types of electric shavers on the market:

• Rotary: rotary-style shavers have been made most popular by the Philips Norelco brand. This shaver has revolving blades that move independently and are designed to navigate across the face no matter the shape or angle. Its ability to cut each hair is optimized by moving the shaver in a circular motion. This allows for each hair no matter the direction of growth to fit inside the blade openings and be cut.
• Foil: The blades of a foil shaver are covered by a thin foil guard that consists of small circular holes. Once activated, the blades move left and right cutting each hair that enters through the circular holes. This shaver’s cutting ability is best used by moving its foil head up and down across the face.

The Adjustment Period

It is important to know that it takes approximately three to four weeks for the skin to get used to being shaved with electric razors. This is because it will take a few weeks for you to find the right touch to achieve a close, comfortable, and irritation-free shave. So, you may experience extra heat on the skin from slower beginner shaving, to some hair tugging (or pulling) in more challenging areas of the face before you are 100% happy with your new shaver.

To help alleviate discomfort, I recommend applying a protective barrier between your face and your new shaver. This could be an electric shaving solution, face moisturizer, or shaving cream (essential oil-based versions). Additionally, shaving with no more than 2-3 days of beard growth is most ideal for these shavers. Because any longer could prove to be a very uncomfortable experience since electric shavers are made for removing shorter hair. Lastly, shaving the most sensitive areas of the face first when the shaving head is cool, is recommended in order to avoid any extra shaving irritation.

How to Use an Electric Shaver

An electric shaver is considered the best alternative to wet-shaving if you want a closer shave multiple times per week.

For Rotary shavers, the most effective way to achieve a close, comfortable, and irritation-free shave is to allow the blades to gently move across the face in an overlapping circular motion. This circular motion optimizes the blade's cutting ability while overlapping each shaved area can reduce skin irritation by limiting the number of times the blades touch the skin.

A Foil shaver’s blades move left and right cutting every hair that enters each hole imprinted on the foil guard. Once on, its cutting ability is optimized by shaving in an up, down, or across motion. This action effectively captures and cuts each hair no matter the direction the hair grows in. For this shaver as well, overlapping shaving strokes will also aid in reducing shaving irritation.

How to Clean an Electric Razor

There are three important steps to cleaning and maintaining your electric shaver:

1. Get the hair out. A clean shaver is a reliable one. Cleaning out all of the hair from your shaver, after each use, will keep its blades effective. Unfortunately, most of the brushes that come with electric shavers for this purpose are pretty flimsy. Instead, consider using a soft-bristle toothbrush or manicure brush that can remove the hair easier and more efficiently. Some shavers, like the Philips Norelco 9500, are capable of being rinsed underwater or come with cleaning pods. If this is the case, take advantage of this extra benefit as these cleaning pods are great at cleaning thoroughly. As for rinsing, if the hairs are not removed entirely, what remains should be much easier to remove with the included brush.
2. Keep its blades oiled. Similar to the pistons in a car engine. Shaver blades that work for long periods without being oiled will become less effective. Consider oiling your shaver’s blades after each use or following the manufacturer’s instructions. This includes the waterproof shavers that say otherwise.
3. Store in a dry place. Like all electrical devices, long-term exposure to moisture can pose a problem down the road, due to corrosion. Storing your shaver somewhere dry is pivotal in maintaining a reliable electric shaver.

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