All contents and original packaging must be included with all returns. Unlike our picks, the lightweight Andis ProFoil Lithium Titanium Foil Shaver is not waterproof, and it is warrantied for only one year . The S9000 Prestige’s trimmer, most often suitable for sideburns, is a separate attachment that’s easy to lose. Staff writer James Austin has reviewed everything from board games to umbrellas and has participated in a number of test panels since joining Wirecutter in 2015.
The Braun Series 3 rechargeable electric shaver is tough on beards and smooth on skin. The 3-pressure sensitive shaving elements adapt perfectly to every facial contour and shave in intuitive straight lines. The rotary design Remington shavers feature 2 rotary tracks that cover the rotating cutting blades. MicroFlex heads handle multi-day growth with ease and noise free operation produces minimum vibration.
Philips Series 9000 shaver is the best rotary shaver we’ve ever tested, but it’s also the most expensive, with a price tag that will frighten off the majority of buyers. The Series 7000 is more approachable, giving you most of the same core technology for half the price. The latest version is a little chunkier than the outgoing model, with redesigned heads that aim to channel facial hair into the ideal cutting position. They twist and pivot to follow the contours of your face, so that the self-sharpening SteelPrecision blades don’t miss a whisker, while a protective coating reduces friction and makes for a more comfortable close shave. Put it all together, and you get a premium shave whether you shave dry, with foam or gel or in the shower. We also carry specialty travel shavers featuring a compact, ergonomic design that is perfect to use at home, the gym, or on the go.
Of course, most electric shavers don’t give their best results on the first shave, getting better as they bed in and you get practice. Here Philips has a nifty trick in its GroomTribe app, which works via Bluetooth and uses motion sensors in the shaver to track your shave and help you improve your technique. You probably won’t use it after the first few shaves, Remington Shaver but it’s a good way to help you get started. What’s more, the Series 7000 has the same cleaning pod as the Series 5000, to help you get your shaver clean and ready for action. With its smaller, lighter body and more mobile head, the Series 9000 is still one step ahead for closeness and comfort, but the Series 7000 is a whole lot easier on the wallet.
It’s the best premium shaver we’ve tested without a sky-high price. The new Series 7 70-N7200C is – against the odds – even better. The blades seem to stay sharper for longer – Gillette claims that they can last for up to six months – and you can get a good 50 minutes of trimming and shaving from a single charge.
Cleaning an electric razor is straightforward—no fancy equipment needed. Most shavers are rinsable, and you can easily clean them under water with a quick brush of the foils. Some, like the Braun Series 7 and 9 models we recommend, come with cleaning stations. Generally, replacement cleaning cartridges last about three months and cost a little over $5 each if you buy them in six-packs.
Its shave has remained close and comfortable and is still strong enough to mow through multiple days of growth when needed. James used the Remington for two years, and it held up well during that period. It handled daily shaves without complaint and powered through more days of growth without too much issue.
Razor remains our favorite for everyday shaving, because it provides the perfect balance of comfort, closeness, and durability—and all at a fair price. The series at the lower end of Braun’s foil shaving line that we tested—the Series 5 and Series 6—each performed fine in our testing, and with a bit more work and time all eventually gave the same shave as the Series 7. The shaver includes an indicator to let you know when the time comes, and the cutters are usually in the $50 to $60 range. For travel, Philips Norelco offers a hard case that’s considerably bulkier than those that come with the foil razors we tested. The S9000 Prestige’s digital battery indicator is more precise than the temperature-gauge-like bar on other models we’ve considered, but both are fine in day-to-day use. We’ve recruited people with diverse facial hair types and shaving preferences to test our picks long term.
What to consider before buying and using a head shaverWhen it comes to head shavers, you’ll want to make sure to look out for certain features that can help make shaving easier and your device last longer. Below, the hair care experts we spoke to outlined some key features to consider, including maintenance, battery life and water resistance. Based on our Remington Shaver research and testing, we believe a foil shaver produces a better shave for most facial hair. But if you prefer a rotary style, consider Philips Norelco’s Shaver 9300 (or another model in the brand’s 9000 line). Rotary shavers operate differently than foil shavers, using floating heads that grasp and remove hair, which some people find more comfortable.
We had the testers keep the top-performing razors for extended periods to allow for break-in time. Two of the reasons you may prefer using an electric razor on your face instead of a manual razor are convenience and safety . Battery life is solid at 60 minutes – enough for plenty of shaves between charging – and it only take two hours to fill it back up over Micro-USB, which is fantastic.