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Personal care review roundup

The best electric shavers, in plain English

An electric shaver is quicker than a razor and gentler on most skin. We read hands-on tests and boiled them down: foil or rotary, which ones shave closest, and which are worth the money.

  • Last reviewed October 20, 2026
  • 4 electric shavers
  • 4 expert reviews read

We didn't test these ourselves. We read reviews from experts who test products hands-on, then summed up where they agree and where they don't. Every source is linked. As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases.

Short on time? Start here

Our top pick in each group. Tap one to jump to the details.

Best overall Braun Series 9 Pro+ Electric Shaver $280–$380 The closest shave, gentle on skin. See details Best rotary Philips Norelco S9000 Prestige $230–$300 Follows curves and thick stubble. See details Best for travel Panasonic Arc5 Palm-Sized Shaver $100–$140 Close shave in a palm-size body. See details

Before you buy: 3 quick checks

The type of shaver matters more than the model.

Foil or rotary?

Foil shavers have a straight head with a thin screen and give the closest shave on cheeks and neck. Rotary shavers have three round heads that follow curves and handle longer stubble. If they already use one type, stick with it.

Give it three weeks

Skin needs two to three weeks to get used to a new electric shaver. Some redness at first is normal and usually fades.

Plan for new heads

Shaver heads and foils wear out. Plan to replace them every 12 to 18 months to keep shaves close and comfortable.

Compare at a glance

On a phone, swipe the table sideways to see every column.

ShaverBest forTypical priceTypeWet or dry
1. Braun Series 9 Pro+ Electric Shaver Best overall $280–$380FoilWet or dry
2. Philips Norelco S9000 Prestige Best rotary $230–$300RotaryWet or dry
3. Panasonic Arc5 Palm-Sized Shaver Best for travel $100–$140FoilWet or dry
4. BaBylissPRO FoilFX02 Foil Shaver Best barbershop-style $80–$110FoilDry only

The 4 best electric shavers, explained

Best overall first. Prices are typical ranges, not live prices, so check Amazon for today's price.

#1Best overall

Braun Series 9 Pro+ Electric Shaver

  • Foil
  • Wet or dry
  • Cleaning station on most kits

$280–$380typical price

Braun's top foil shaver gives the closest shave testers found, without irritation. Forbes Vetted and T3 both name it the best electric shaver overall, TechRadar the best high-end shaver, and TechGearLab picks the Series 9 Pro for the best premium shave.

What testers liked

  • Closest shave with little irritation.
  • Strong battery life.
  • Gentle enough for sensitive skin.

Common complaints

  • Very expensive.
  • The detail trimmer is in an awkward spot, and there's no USB-C charging.

Skip it if: You have thick, curly beard hair that grows in many directions. A rotary shaver may follow it better.

See it on Amazon
Read the reviews (4)

Summed up from Forbes Vetted, T3, TechRadar, TechGearLab.

#2Best rotary

Philips Norelco S9000 Prestige

  • Rotary
  • Wet or dry
  • Wireless charging pad

$230–$300typical price

A premium rotary shaver with three round heads that follow your face. TechRadar names it the best electric shaver overall, T3 the best premium option, and TechGearLab picks it as its rotary choice.

What testers liked

  • Handles thick stubble well.
  • Quiet, strong motor and heads that pivot.
  • Comfortable for sensitive skin.

Common complaints

  • Expensive.
  • The trimmer attachment is so-so, and swapping heads is a chore.

Skip it if: You want the very closest shave on the neck. Braun's foil shavers edge it out.

See it on Amazon
Read the reviews (3)

Summed up from TechRadar, T3, TechGearLab.

#3Best for travel

Panasonic Arc5 Palm-Sized Shaver

  • Foil
  • Wet or dry
  • Fits in your palm; USB-C charging

$100–$140typical price

A tiny foil shaver that still shaves close. Forbes Vetted and TechGearLab both name it the best shaver for travel.

What testers liked

  • Very small and light.
  • Close, fairly powerful shave.
  • Waterproof, with USB-C charging.

Common complaints

  • Pricey for its size.
  • No built-in trimmer, so sideburns are tricky.

Skip it if: It's your only shaver at home. A full-size shaver is easier for everyday use.

See it on Amazon
Read the reviews (2)

Summed up from Forbes Vetted, TechGearLab.

#4Best barbershop-style

BaBylissPRO FoilFX02 Foil Shaver

  • Foil
  • Dry only
  • Long battery life

$80–$110typical price

A sturdy, barbershop-style foil shaver that gives a very close shave. Forbes Vetted names it the best compact shaver, and T3 picks it for the best battery life.

What testers liked

  • Very close shave.
  • Simple, tough metal build.
  • Long battery life.

Common complaints

  • Can irritate sensitive skin.
  • Dry use only, and it's on the heavy side.

Skip it if: You have sensitive skin or like to shave in the shower.

See it on Amazon
Read the reviews (2)

Summed up from Forbes Vetted, T3.

How we pick

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