The Best Men’s Electric Razors for Easy Maintenance

Electric shavers (or electric razors) aren’t the silly, incompetent apparatuses that they once were. They can now work wet and dry, and the good ones will give you a shave so smooth that they put many standard blades to shame. In addition, they’ll save you money over time since they don’t use all the gels, foams, and expensive cartridges that come with modern blades. You also won’t have to clean up blood every time you make a mistake, so come out of the cave and snag yourself a pick from our best electric razor guide.

Why should you use an electric shaver?

Besides the convenience, portability, and consistency that electric razors provide, they can be helpful for people who struggle with razor burn as well. Another factor to consider is the money you’ll be saving (after buying one) because you won’t need any extra products or replacements, as many choose to shave without cream/gel. If you’re working with a small amount of counter space in your bathroom, they’re also a great space-saving option.

should you use shaving cream/gel with an electric razor?

Most of the electric shavers on the market allow for both dry and wet shaves, so this comes down to preference. Many enjoy the low time commitment of using an electric razor without shaving cream or gel, but if your skin is extra sensitive (or if you want a closer shave), then make sure the razor you grab has the “wet/dry” feature.

How to use an electric shaver

As opposed to more traditional methods of shaving, getting started with an electric razor is pretty easy. You can shave without shaving cream/gel, or apply it as you normally would if you choose to use it. After cleaning your face, if the electric razor is waterproof (or has wet/dry capabilities), you can get going right in the shower, but if it’s built for dry shaving then you’ll need to dry your face and step out. When you’re shaving, gently hold the electric shaver and be sure not to press down on your skin (just like a normal razor).

how to care for an electric shaver

You should routinely be cleaning your electric razor (or knocking the hairs out at the end of each shave, at the very least) to keep the blade in the best shape it can be. Many will come with oil and/or instruction on how to properly maintain them, so make sure to pay attention and follow them.

Types of electric razor blades

Foil: These shavers have oscillating blades underneath a foil head with small holes. The holes help lift the hair, and it provides a relatively close shave. This style is good for those with short facial hair.

Rotary: The rotary blade shavers are better for longer hair, and you move them in a circular motion around your face, with the help of a pivoting mechanism.

Single-Blade: This is the latest type of electric razor, and it features a single oscillating edge that’s easier on sensitive skin. You can also replace the blade once the edge starts to give.

what to look for

Battery Life: This will be in the 40-90 minute range for the most part, which is the standard for modern electric razors.

System: Decide if you want a foil, rotary, or single-blade shaving system on your electric razor, and choose accordingly. Generally speaking, foil systems are good for stubble and short hair, rotary systems are better for control, and single-blades are better for sensitive skin.

Waterproof: If you want to use your electric shaver in the shower (or just want the piece of mind), then make sure the one you’re grabbing is waterproof.

Braun M90 Mobile

Best for Travel: Though electric razors are typically the easiest to cart around for quick shaving on the run, the mobile offerings are not as broad or as deep as we would like. What makes the M90 stand out a little is both its wet/dry capability and the additional trimmer that helps you with touch-ups on your sideburns or that mustache that you refuse to give up.

The foil head gives you a close shave, adheres to the contours of your face, and is slightly kinder to sensitive skin than mobile rotary shavers. It won’t work if you have more than a little growth since the head clogs easily, so it might be best to pick something made of sturdier stuff. The base locks down so it can’t accidentally be turned on, and it has a guard that fits over the top so the baggage handlers that are kicking your suitcase around won’t bust the blades.

Philips OneBlade

Best Budget Razor: The Philips OneBlade has become quite popular over the last few years, and for good reason, because you can use it pretty much anywhere, and it’s easy to maneuver. You can use it wet or dry, and it has five adjustable length settings for quick trims and full shaves.

The body of this electric razor is a lot like a traditional razor’s handle, so if you’re making the jump for the first time, this is also a great entry pick. It’s sleek, lightweight, and easy to use, with a cutter that moves 12,000x per minute. The 360-degree blade adds to the maneuverability, and the blades stay sharp for up to four months. This is a great all-around pick if you’re looking for something that can trim/shave anywhere on your body.

Wahl Lifeproof Lithium Ion Foil Shaver

Best Shower Shaver: Odds are good that at one time or another, a Wahl has touched your head or the back of your neck. Their ubiquity gives them some leeway on the clipper market, though they have certainly pressed that line of credit with the Ion, a supremely rugged waterproof razor.

You’ll get a good shave with this razor that’s close enough for a day at work, thanks to the foil system and the added precision trimmer. It’s waterproof up to one meter, shockproof, and has a non-slip grip that makes it perfect for use in the shower. When you need a great shower shaver with a very good razor, there really isn’t any other choice, particularly for the price.

Manscaped The Lawn Mower 4.0

Best Body Trimmer: Manscaped is one of the key players in the male grooming scene, and they quickly rose to stardom thanks to purpose-built trimmers that got the job done consistently. The Lawn Mower 4.0 is the latest flagship product from the brand, with a host of features that put it above other body hair trimmers.

For example, the IPX7-rated waterproofing and 4000k LED spotlight, something you don’t regularly see in comparable electric shavers. The SkinSafe ceramic blades are powered by a 7,000 RPM motor, and the QuietStroke technology ensures it’s not too loud. You’re getting 90 minutes of runtime (which is definitely on the higher end of the spectrum), making this a great option for traveling as well.

Braun Series 9 Pro

Best Razor Overall: The Series 9 Pro form Braun is equipped with one, three, and seven-day beard settings that comfortably trim your facial hair, thanks to the ProLift trimmer technology. It comes with a gorgeous LED readout that tells you how much battery power is left (60 minutes on a full charge) and what the hygiene level of the razor is.

Whenever it needs a cleaning or a charge, just slip it into the base like putting the sword back into the stone. The base is one of the best parts of the 9 Series Pro because it offers a quick cleaning option that will swab off and disinfect your razor even as it pumps up the battery (giving you 50% more battery and up to six weeks of extra power). It cleans and lubricates the handheld with alcohol that will kill off any germs and keep the blades sharper than just sink cleaning alone.

Philips Norelco S9311/84

Runner-Up: Rotary shavers are almost always a win/lose – mostly lose – scenario. The pulling and tugging that takes place with cheap rotary shavers will leave your face feeling violated and often turn people off. Such is not the case with the Philips Norelco S9311/84. It manages to cut close without mauling your skin, and the beautiful ergonomic body fits in your hand like a favorite tool.

The triple-bladed, flexing head moves over and around your face with ease, catching every stray hair that wants to hide just below your ear or in the hollow of your neck. It can be used wet or dry, which is an advantage if you’re a shower shaver, but it doesn’t necessarily improve performance. The base uses a SmartClean system that cleans, maintains, and lubricates your blade, though you’ll be paying for the solution from now to eternity, so figure that into your overall cost over time. Shave time remaining is displayed in big, white numbers so you’ll always know how many minutes you have left.

The Best Moisturizer for Post-Shave

After you shave, you might want to keep your skin moisturized to prevent irritation. And something from our best face moisturizers guide can take care of that.