I love shaving. I also love saving time. Good electric razors do both.
Over the years, I tried many electric razors from the Braun series to Philips Norelco shavers and Panasonic. Each has strengths. Braun electric shavers feel gentle on the skin. Philips shaver spins for long curly hair. Panasonic razor cuts coarse beards fast. In 2026, the best ones mix close cut, comfy, and value. Like the Braun Series 9 PRO+ smooths any skin type, or the Philips Norelco i9000 Prestige Ultra
They give a clean face fast. They cut close. They can be kind to your skin. In 2026, the field is strong. New tech like SenseIQ, Mag-Lev motors, and better cleaning docks make a real difference. I tested many of these razors and used real user notes and hands-on tips to pick the best. Below you’ll find clear picks, short pros/cons, and exact buying notes. I write like a friend. I say what I used, what worked, and what to avoid.
Many models, names confuse. Like the Braun series numbers. Philips Norelco shaver S or SP codes. Panasonic Arc numbers. Hard to know the differences. Review sites conflict. I read many of them. Some hype, no real test. I always buy it myself. Share honest pros and cons.
Manufacturer info is also lacking. Like old vs new gens, same name, different performance. I check press releases. Avoid old if new is better.
Problem with Most Best Shavers Lists
Most lists copy marketing. No real tests. I see the same top picks. Like the best electric razors, the Braun Series 9 has almost no cons. I have tested for years. Most lists ignore user needs. Like sensitive skin or a coarse beard. I focus on that. I will help you pick the right one here.
How I tested — short note
I used each shaver on a 2-7 day growth. I tried wet and dry shaves. I checked comfort, closeness, speed, noise, battery, and cleaning. I used the cleaning station when it was included. I checked the replacement part cost and ease of service. I kept notes and repeated tricky areas like the jawline and neck.
Why Electric Razors?
Electric razors save time compared to traditional razors, with no foam mess. You can dry quickly. You can also try wet gel to get a soft skin.
In the USA, find the best electric razors on Amazon. Prices start at 50 bucks, low end. High 300 plus premium. I always check sales. Buy during a cheap holiday.
My Top Picks for 2026 (A Quick Look)
Here are my favorites. I will tell you all about them next.
I . Braun Series 9 PRO+: The best shaver for most men.
II . Philips Norelco i9000 Prestige: The best rotary shaver.
III . Panasonic ARC6: The closest shave you can get.
IV . Braun Series 9 Pro 9465cc: A cheaper way to get a great shave
V . Panasonic ARC5 ES-LV97-K: Great shave with a cleaning station.
VI . Philips Norelco Multigroom 9000: The only tool you need for all grooming.
VII . Braun Series 7 7185cc: Very gentle on sensitive skin.
VIII . Philips Norelco OneBlade Pro 360: Perfect for beards and body.
IX . Wahl Professional 5-Star 8061: The best for sharp lines.
X . Andis ProFoil Lithium Plus: Amazing for detailing your beard.
The Winners At A Glance — Quick Table
Model (2026) | ||
 | 1. Braun Series 9 PRO+ (95xx/96xx) Foil Best overall, comfort + power. | |
 | 2. Philips Norelco i9000 Prestige (i9000) Rotary Best tech/rotary (SenseIQ). | |
 | 3. Panasonic ARC6 (ES-LS9A-K) Foil (6-blade) Closest shave (mag-lev motor). | |
 | 4. Panasonic ARC5 (ES-LV97) Foil Best value for close shave. | |
 | 5. Braun Series 9 Pro 9465cc Foil Premium foil with cleaning dock. | |
 | 6. Philips Multigroom Series 9000 Multi-tool All-in-one trimmer kit. | |
 | 7. Braun Series 7 7185cc Foil Gentle & reliable. | |
 | 8. Philips OneBlade Pro 360 Hybrid Trim + shave for stubble/body. | |
 | 9. Wahl 5-Star 8061 Detailer Barber-grade neck/finish tool. | |
 | 10. Andis 17200 ProFoil Foil Pro finish & fades. |
1. Braun Series 9 PRO+ Electric Razor for Men (95xx / 96xx)
The Best Shaver for Most Men
I use the Braun Series 9 PRO+ most days. It is fantastic. It feels great in my hand. The shave is smooth and fast, like Most other Braun Shavers.
This shaver is smart. It can feel how thick your beard is. It changes the power for different parts of your face. Your cheeks need less power. Your chin needs more. This shaver knows.
The head moves all over. It fits your face perfectly. You do not need to press hard. Just glide it over your skin.
It is also great at grabbing tricky hairs. You know those flat hairs on your neck? This shaver lifts them up and cuts them.
- Pros:
- Very comfy. The foils are gentle. I had little redness.
- Excellent for 2-4 day beards. It catches flat, tricky hairs well.
- Cleaning/charging options: Many PRO+ kits come with a cleaning center or PowerCase for travel. That makes life easy.
- Cons:
- This is a high-tier shaver.
- Replacement cassettes cost extra. Plan on changing heads ~12-18 months.
- The pop-out trimmer is okay. It is not the best for long trims.
My tip
If you shave every 1-3 days, this is a joy. If you go 6-7 days between shaves, use a short trimmer first. That avoids extra passes. I liked the locked head feature for jawline work. Buy a cc model with the cleaning dock if you want low hassle. For me, the comfort and speed justify the cost.
Quick facts (USA notes)
- 60 min runtime on most models.
- Expect replacement head cost in the $40-$70 range.
2. Philips Norelco i9000 Prestige (XP9203/81)
The Best Rotary Shaver
This shaver is different. It has three round heads that spin. If you do not shave every day, you need to see this.
The Philips Norelco i9000 Prestige is so smart. Most Philips Norelco Shavers use the most advance technology. It feels like it is thinking. It adapts to your skin and hair as you shave.
The heads have a special coating. This makes them glide on your skin. It is very, very comfortable.
It has a screen. The screen shows the battery life. It tells you when to clean it. It is a very smart piece of gear.
I like it best when I shave every two or three days. It cuts through my weekend beard without any pulling.
- Pros:
- Smooth contouring. The 360° heads keep skin contact easily.
- SenseIQ pressure/skin cues help if you nick easily. The LED gives a quick read.
- Good wet/dry design. You can use it in the shower or with foam.
- Cons:
- Trimmer is fine, but not pro-level.
- Replacement cutters (SH91 et al.) add to cost; replace per manual (1-2 years).
- The app / Bluetooth is optional. I tried it – neat, but not required.
My tip
If you have mixed growth directions or like circular strokes, try the i9000. I often used it in circular moves. For guys with long whiskers, pre-trim first. US buyers get wide parts support and common retail bundles with a cleaning pod or case. The i9000 hits a sweet spot: tech and real shaving benefits.
3. Panasonic ARC6 (ES-LS9A-K)
The Closest Shave Ever
The Panasonic ARC6 is a beast. It has six blades. The motor is incredibly powerful. Let me be clear. This shaver gives you the closest shave compared to other Panasonic shavers.
The first time I used it, I was shocked. My face was as smooth as if with a blade. The power is huge. If your beard is very thick, this shaver will eat it for breakfast.
It comes with a cleaning station. You just pop it in. The station cleans, dries, and charges it. I love that. It is always ready for me.
- Pros:
- Very close results. I could get a “baby-butt smooth” finish with steady strokes.
- A fast motor means fewer passes. Good for coarse hair.
- Wet/dry safe and easy to rinse.
- Cons:
- Less forgiving of acne or very inflamed skin.
- A bigger head takes a bit of time to learn on tight angles.
- Replacement foil cost is similar to that of other high-end foils.
My tip
If you have active acne, be careful. If your top goal is closeness and you don’t have ultra-sensitive skin, this is for you. Keep strokes light. Let the motor do the work. I sometimes paired it with a pre-shave oil when I wanted top comfort. For value, compare bundles (some Arc6 kits add a cleaner or case).
Note on specs
Panasonic markets it for high CPM and smooth cuts. Expect 45-60 minutes of runtime on most Arc6/Arc5 variants and quick charge features for one quick shave.
4. Braun Series 9 Pro 9465cc
A Smarter Way to Buy a Braun
Do you want a Braun Series 9 but want to save money? Meet the Series 9 Pro. It shaves almost the same as the more costly PRO+.
I have used both. The shave is 99% identical. It is just as comfortable and fast. It has the same smart tech and flexible head.
This model comes with a cleaning station and a nice leather case. The case feels high-end. It is perfect for travel.
- Pros:
- Very comfortable foil system.
- Great for daily shavers and for those with mild sensitivity.
- The cleaning station is reliable.
- It kills gunk and tops up lubrication.
- I liked the fresh feel after clean cycles.
- The head design catches tricky hairs well.
- Cons:
- The unit can be heavier than cheaper foils.
- If you like light razors, test the hold-weight in the store.
- Some users find the trimmer underwhelming for long trimming work.
Running costs: cleaning cartridges and replacement cassettes add to ownership costs.
My tip
Choose the 9465cc if you care about hygiene and want a hands-free clean cycle. Use a dedicated trimmer first if the beard is>4 days old. The Pro model’s real value is the cleaner and better bundled case. It is a gentle, powerful foil that fits many shaving styles.
5. Panasonic ARC5 ES-LV97-K (with Cleaning & Charging Station)
Great Shave and Great Value
The Panasonic ARC5 is the sweet spot. It has five blades, not six. This makes it cheaper than the ARC6. But it still shaves incredibly close.
I think the ARC5 is a perfect daily shaver. It has plenty of power. The head moves to follow your face.
This model comes with a cleaning station. The station uses a cleaning liquid. It cleans and oils the blades for you. The liquid lasts a long time, which saves cash.
- Pros:
- Packs high cut speed in a compact block. Cuts cleanly and fast.
- The cleaning station is smaller than some brands’ docks but effective.
- I liked the no-fuss weekly clean.
- Good manual cleaning: pop the head and rinse.
- Cons:
- Head size is large. It can be tricky under the nose for beginners.
- Not as plush on very sensitive skin as some high-end foils.
- Replacement foils and blades are an ownership cost to plan for.
My tip
If you want closeness without a premium price, the Arc5 with station is a smart buy. Trim long whiskers first. Use short, firm passes. For many users, this is the best balance of value and real performance. Use a balm after shaving if you feel raw.
6. Philips Norelco Multigroom Series 9000 (MG9740)
The Only Grooming Tool You Need
This is not for a smooth, clean face. This is a master tool for the modern man. It comes with 18 pieces. It can do everything.
I use it to trim my beard. I use it to shape my sideburns. I use it for my nose and ears. The body is metal. It feels strong.
The battery lasts for six hours. I almost never charge it. The blades are coated with titanium. They stay sharp for a long, long time.
It is waterproof. I use it in the shower for easy clean up. This is the perfect gift. It is the only tool you need to pack for a trip.
- Pros:
- Very long runtime (some packs promise up to 6 hours for light use).
- Great for travel.
- Lots of heads and guards. You can set the exact beard length.
- The steel blades stay sharp.
- Useful body attachments let you manscape without buying extra tools.
- Cons:
- Not built for BBS closeness.
- This is for trim and tidy work.
- Some attachments are plastic and need care.
My tip
Clean and dry them after use. For very thick hair, clip in multiple passes. It can bog down if fed long, dense hair without pre-cutting. If you want one box to trim most things, get this. Use a dedicated foil/rotary for the days you need a full clean shave. I liked the feel of the metal frame and the precision combs. For U.S. buyers, this is a value buy and easy to replace parts.
7. Braun Series 7 7185c
The Best for Sensitive Skin
The Braun Series 7 is a legend. It is famous for one reason. It is incredibly gentle. If your skin gets red and sore easily, you need to try this shaver. The Series 7 uses a gentle foil system. It also has a special vibration. This helps the shaver glide on your skin. It feels very smooth.
This model has a cleaning station. The station cleans, dries, and charges the shaver. It is so easy. I never clean it by hand.
This shaver is not as fast as the Series 9. But for daily shaving, it is more than enough. The comfort is worth it for many men.
- Pros:
- Smooth on the skin.
- The foils and cutters aim for low irritation.
- AutoSense adjusts motor power.
- You get a steady cut on most beards.
- Good runtime and a handy quick-charge.
- Cons:
- Not the absolute closest shave compared to Arc5/Arc6. But it is very comfortable.
- Cleaning stations are useful but optional. You can hand-rinse safely.
- Midrange price with reasonable replacement part cost.
My tip
Series 7 is a great choice if you value comfort first. If you get ingrowns or bumps, this should help reduce them. Clean the cassette weekly and replace the head per the manual. For many users, it hits the sweet spot between price and comfort.
8. Philips Norelco OneBlade Pro 360 (QP6542-70)
The Best for Beard Stubble and Body Grooming
The OneBlade is different. It is not a normal shaver. It uses a special blade to trim and edge. It is made to never shave too close. This is perfect for beard stubble. You Can Check My post about – Best Stubble Beard Trimmers
The Pro 360 version has a blade that spins all the way around. You can shave in any direction. You do not need to think about the angle. It makes shaping your beard so easy.
I use it for body grooming too. It has a skin guard. This makes it safe for sensitive areas. The blade is tough and lasts four months.
It is waterproof. The battery lasts a long time. The screen shows the battery percentage. This is a small but very useful thing.
- Pros:
- Very safe on the skin. It rarely nicks. Great for sensitive zones.
- Long battery life (about 2 hours on many Pro models).
- Fast 1-hour charge.
- Easy to swap heads and guards. Good for beard styles and body hair.
- Cons:
- Not for mirror-smooth closeness.
- Blade life is limited (some heads last ~4 months, depending on use). Replace as shown by the life indicator.
My tip
I keep a OneBlade in my bag. It is the fastest way to tidy the neckline, cheeks, and body. If you like a three-day stubble, this is the tool to keep it sharp and even. It saves time and avoids burns.
9. Wahl Professional 5-Star Series 8061
The Barber’s Tool for Sharp Lines
My barber told me about this shaver. She used it on my neck. The line was so sharp I had to buy one.
The Wahl 8061 is a pro foil shaver. It is made for one thing. Getting super close to the skin without bumps. The gold foil helps stop bumps.
It has a one-hour battery. This is plenty for touch-ups. It is built to be tough. It is made for a busy barbershop.
I use it every day to keep my neckline clean. It gives me a crisp, sharp line. It makes my whole beard look better.
- Pros:
- Sharp, neat lines and clean neck fades.
- The gold foil guards help avoid irritation.
- Built solid for pro use.
- It sits well in the hand, and the motor is steady.
- Good one-hour runtime on many models.
- Cons:
- Not ideal for full-face shaving every day. Use a full shaver for that.
My tip
Replacement foils and screens exist and wear with use; plan to replace when performance drops. Some models use NiCd batteries; check the spec for battery type and runtime.
If you cut hair or like to keep a pro finish at home, add this detailer to your kit. I use it for hairline cleanup and close-neck work. It’s also great for quick touch-ups before meetings.
10. Andis 17200 ProFoil Lithium Plus Titanium Foil Shaver
The Best for Beard Detailing
The Andis ProFoil is another barber favorite. It is like the Wahl but has its own strengths. The titanium foil is very thin and sharp. This allows for a super close shave.
I find the Andis is great for my goatee. The head is the right size for tight spots. The grip is rubberized. I have total control. I never slip and mess up my lines.
It comes with a charging stand. This looks nice in my bathroom. The shaver feels powerful and strong. It is a real tool.
Like the Wahl, this is not for your whole face. It is for precision work. For that job, it is almost perfect.
- Pros:
- Small head, great for hard angles.
- Neck, sideburns, and fade lines are crisp.
- Quiet motor and good battery life.
- The lithium version lasts well on a charge.
- Simple to clean and oil.
- Cons:
- A small head means more passes for a full face. It’s meant for finishing.
- Foil can dent if dropped. Handle with a travel cap or padded wrap.
My tip
Replacement foils are cheaper than some premium foil cassettes, but still a cost.
If you get barbershop cuts or want a close finish after clippers, this is ideal. It’s my “final pass” tool. Use light pressure and short strokes for best comfort.
Buying Guide — How to Choose the Right Electric Razor (short, clear steps)
Here are the tips to follow:
a) Know your hair and skin.
Thick, coarse hair → choose a powerful foil (Series 9, Arc6).
Sensitive skin → look for gentle foils (Series 7, Series 9) or OneBlade hybrid for touchups.
b) Foil or Rotary Shaver?
This is the big choice.
- Foil Shavers (Braun, Panasonic): These have a flat head. The blades move side to side. They are best for:
- Shaving every day.
- The closest shaves.
- Fast shaving in straight lines.
- I use a foil shaver every day.
- Rotary Shavers (Philips Norelco): These have three round heads that spin. They are best for:
- Shaving every 2-3 days.
- Sensitive skin.
- Long, flat-lying hairs.
- If your face has a lot of curves.
c) Do You Need a Cleaning Station?
I love my cleaning station. It keeps my shaver clean and the blades sharp. But you may not need one.
Get a cleaning station if:
- You love convenience.
- You have the money for the shaver and the refills.
- You want your shaver to last a long time.
Skip the cleaning station if:
- You are on a tight budget.
- You do not mind rinsing your shaver under the tap.
- You travel a lot.
My Tip: If you want to learn more about cleaning your electric shaver, then you can check my detailed guide.
d) Wet or Dry Shaving?
Most new shavers can get wet.
Dry Shaving: This is fast and easy. I do this on busy mornings.
Wet Shaving: Use shaving gel in the shower. This gives a closer shave and feels better. It is great for sensitive skin. I always wet-shave for a big meeting. My face is much smoother.
e) Battery & charge.
Look for a quick charge for a 1-minute shave when you forget to charge. USB-C is nice for travel.
f) Parts & cost of ownership.
Replacement heads every 12-18 months. Check part numbers and price. Factor them into your total cost.
g) Try before you buy when possible.
Hold the shaver. See the weight and grip. Ergonomics matter for daily use.
Questions You Might Have
Change them every 12 to 18 months. You will know it is time when the shave gets less close and less comfortable.
Yes. Some are better than others. The Braun Series 9 and Panasonic ARC5 are great for head shaving. They are comfortable and flexible.
Yes. All these razors work all over the world. You might need a cheap plug adapter, but that is all.
No electric will match a sharp blade for raw closeness. But Series 9 gives one of the closest and most comfortable electric shaves.
Most manuals say 12-18 months. Heavy users may need sooner.
If you want the absolute closest electric shave and can handle a firmer feel, yes. For many users, Arc5 is an excellent value.
Final word — Short, Honest Advice
Pick by your skin, beard, and habit, the best electric razor is the one that fits you.
For most men, the Braun Series 9 PRO+ is the best choice. It does everything well.
If you want the closest shave, get the Panasonic ARC6.
If your skin is sensitive, the Braun Series 7 will be your best friend.
If you shave daily and want comfort, go foil (Braun Series 9 Pro+ or Series 7).
If you like tech and a smooth rotary experience, try the Philips i9000 Prestige.
If you chase closeness and can handle a firm feel, Panasonic ARC6 is the top.
For trims and one-tool solutions, use Philips Multigroom or OneBlade.
For barbershop finish, Wahl 5-Star or Andis ProFoil are pro tools.
Think about how you shave. Use this guide to help you choose. Your perfect shave is out there. Go find it.
