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

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We'll put it bluntly: You need to do something about your face. Specifically, the brambly, wiry chin-shrub growing out of your jaw. It might have been okay during those weird, in-between times that life presents us with, like, say, college. You know, back when you could briefly forget about things like hygiene and self-presentation. But you're a pulled-together, proper adult now. And even if you are still in college, it pays to look like you can navigate the world like contributing member of society, not Tom Hanks talking to a volleyball on a deserted island.

For the record, we’re not against beards. In fact, we are very pro-beard. But with a great beard comes great responsibility (maintenance, shaping, cleaning) and if you’re not ready to shoulder the weight of the beard life, it’s time to shave it off. But let’s get real: shaving sucks. It requires time, accoutrements, and the risk of blood. If that doesn’t sound like fun to you, but you’re itching to get rid of your neck beard (please), allow us to introduce you to the world of electric shavers.

Electric shavers get the job done without the need for stuff like shaving cream and bandaids. Most can be used on dry skin and deliver a close shave in a fraction of the time (perfect for even the laziest among us). And an electric shaver is a godsend if you struggle with ingrown hairs—they cut close, but not so close that hairs easily get caught in skin. These days, electric shavers can even do more than just shave your face; some can go literally anywhere you have hair. So, what are you waiting for? Get one of these picks and tell that unruly scruff its days are numbered. We've gathered 10 of the best electric shavers that have the precision, comfort, grip, and blades you need to put your best face forward. Literally.

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Series 9 9370cc Wet & Dry Shaver

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 and highly efficient shaving. The brand calls it the “world’s most efficient electric razor” because it can power through 3 days worth of growth like butter, sonic technology that helps to lift whiskers away from your skin and features 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 capabilities, which let’s get real is the most important thing in a razor, this high end tool also has essential features like a long lasting rechargeable battery (up to an hour of run time), wet/dry capabilities thanks to a fully waterproof design, and a 5-in-1 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 your typical 1-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 under water for cleaning.

Arc5 Wet/Dry Electric Shaver & Trimmer

The general thought is that more blades equals more irritation, but this electric razor is here to prove that adage wrong. Even with 5 blades, this razor is ideal for sensitive skin because it delivers a close, smooth shave with hardly any irritation in sight. It delivers 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 sensing technology that senses your beard density and adjusts cutting power accordingly, so its 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’re used to a smaller razor, but we love it because it means fewer strokes to get the same shave, which not only further helps to reduce irritation but also helps cut down on shaving time. With the included cleaning/charging station to keep it clean, this powerful razor will last for years without losing it’s power.

Testing Notes: While this isn’t the most efficient razor we tried, it’s definitely in second place. The large head of the razor and 5 foil blades allow it to cover a huge surface area in hardly any time, which takes some getting used to from a user standpoint, but 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 and calm without a hint of irritation.

OneBlade Hybrid Electric Trimmer and Shaver

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 is motorized and uses a special dual-sided cutting blade that lays flush against your skin (like a razor) but somehow is almost impossible to cut yourself with. You can use it to shave or trim, by using one of the included stubble guards, so whether you’re into a clean shave or 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 for many other electric razors. The small size is easy to hold and understand how to use, not to mention an essential tool for anyone who wants to travel with their electric razor. The one downside is that you need to replace the blades more frequently than other electric razors (about every four months), but that’s still less than you should change a traditional razor, so it’s still 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 we find that to be okay because it’s still smooth enough and the benefits of this razor make that easy to overlook.

Series 7 7071cc Shaver

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 on a few days of growth (three, to be exact). The brand’s proprietary AutoSense technology senses 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 one has some good ones. The long-lasting battery holds up to 50 minutes of charge, which on average means you get a few weeks of use from a single charge depending on how long it takes you to shave. It’s also waterproof so 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 does feature 3 blades instead of 5, after all), it matches it in power and 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 going to sacrifice cutting power or ease of use (or your skin).

Series 3 310s Electric Foil Shaver

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 their higher prices models, but plus the industry-leading technology inside, not to mention the superior blades and cutting power. This powerful shaver doesn’t have the fancy AutoSense technology, but does have three blades housed on a flexible head that moves with the contours of your face and a powerful motor with 18,000 cutting motions per minute.

With one charge you get about 30 minutes of power which translates to at least a week of shaving depending on how long it takes you to shave. 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 and does it 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 added bonuses, it makes up for in cutting ability. Compared to other electric razors at similar price points, we found that this one shaves the best and was the most comfortable on our faces, not only during the act of shaving but how our skin felt when we were done.

Virtually Indestructible Foil Shaver

When they call this thing indestructible, they really mean it. Think of this as an electric razor crossed with an Otterbox. House in a durable rubber casing, this shaving 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, this is a wise choice. We actually did put this through the ringer and did everything short of throwing it through a window and, guess what, it held up.

In terms of shaving power, it’s good as well. With four blades, and what the brand calls Intercept shaving technology that 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 difference. A long lasting battery charge (up to 60 minutes) and a completely waterproof design make this a worthy investment – especially for those that 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 or something. The shaving capabilities itself are good and while it didn’t deliver a baby close 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 probably won’t notice much of a difference.

Shaver 9500

Most of the razors featured on this list so far have been foil shavers, but that’s not your only option. Many electric razors have rotary heads, which are good at plowing through thick hair, adjusting easily to the contours of your face and for shaving larger areas quickly. This high-end razor utilizes three powerful rotary heads which motor at 150,000 cuts per minute to really deliver a baby-smooth close shave. On an innovation front, this razor also has pressure sensing tech that senses when you’re pressing too hard or too softly and alerts you with a green light when it’s just right. Plus, it has SenseIQ, a type of technology that adjusts to your personal shaving style and ensures you get the best shave every time.

This razor is also capable of shaving wet or dry, which means you can use shaving cream with it if that’s the sort of thing you want to do. The long lasting battery and the smallish, well-designed cleaning pod are welcome features that honestly, are just icing on an already really great cake.

Testing Notes: If you’re used to using a foil shaver, adjusting to a rotary style may take a while. Not because they work better or worse, just because the sensation is different. Once we adjusted to this one, we were impressed by the cutting power that rivaled the best on this list. The futuristic tech that this device is loaded with, like the AutoSense technology and SenseIQ, are both really cool and work well to help the powerful blades deliver a very close, smooth shave with far less irritation than we expected. All in all, this is a great high-end option for those how prefer rotary heads over foil.

Balder Pro Head Shaver

The reality is that no all guys use razors to shave just their face. If you’re the kind of guy who is rocking a Dwayne Johnson 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, this powerful razor plows through hair in record time (the brand claims it can shave an entire head in about two minutes). The 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, with or without prodcuts, which is great for guys who want a little extra protection or moisturization on their scalp. The innovative design allow to you to grip the entire shaver in the palm of your hand, allowing for 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 that do found this razor to be easy to use and that it lived up to the hype. Yes, we can confirm that it is fast - though the two minute claim really depends on how experience you are with using it. One you get in the swing of things and get a good routine going, 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.

Style Master Cordless Stubble Trimmer with 4D Blade

When we’re talking about razors we mostly talk about achieving a smooth, close shave but the reality is plenty of guys don’t want that. Lots of us like that perma-shadow, always a little bit of stubble look. That is where this razor/trimmer hybrid really shines. It’s not really designed to completely shave you and that’s okay, but 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 perfect amount of lived-in length.

The long-lasting blade needs to be replaced about every six months (that means it lasts twice as long as your traditional razor) and it has a 4D design, which means 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 means you can use it in the shower as well and one single charge will give you up to 45 minutes of battery life in this small, easy to use package.

Testing Notes: We’re not going to lie here, in most cases we do prefer a smooth shave, but not always! Testing out this razor/trimmer allowed us to play around with the permastubble look and we found that not only do we like it, but this tool 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. We think that since it doesn’t cut super close, that helps curb possible irritation, which is another welcome benefit of stubble.

SHV22R Wet & Dry Travel Shaver

When you’re constantly on the go, like so many of us are, you don’t always want to lug around 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 in cutting ability and the fact that 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 hair to a smooth finish. You’re not going to get any attachments with this one, so it’s really only for those out there that want 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’re into, this is a great option. We also wouldn’t say it’s great for your every day razor because you may find yourself missing some of those additional features. We still like it, however, because it’s small and cheap so keeping it in your dopp kit is a great idea. You’ll always know you have it and won’t have to remember to pack your other one - plus it’s cheap enough to buy a new one if you break or lose it.

Why Trust Us

We’re not going to say something is great unless it's actually great. Every product in Esquire’s round-ups 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 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 the right place to start, with advice from folks who care (possibly too much!) about this sort of stuff, this is the place to be.

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