best overall
Braun Series 9 PRO+ Electric Razor (9517s)
9.5
Check price on Amazon → Compare the 10 best electric shavers of 2026, including foil, rotary, sensitive-skin, waterproof and budget picks for every face and routine.
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For most guys the best electric shaver in 2026 is the Braun Series 9 PRO+, a foil shaver with five synchronized shaving elements, a titanium-coated head and a SmartCare charging station that handles anything from daily stubble to a full week of growth. Prefer a rotary head that flexes with the curves of your jaw and neck? The Philips Norelco Shaver 3900 Series is the standout pick, while the entry-level Norelco 2400 Series is built around sensitive skin and is the easiest on your wallet. Need serious cutting power for coarse or dense facial hair? The Panasonic ARC5 packs five Nanotech blades and a strong linear motor that holds power to the end of the charge. Want a genuinely waterproof shaver you can use with foam in the shower? The Remington 5100 rotary is rated fully waterproof. Below we compare all 10 on blade type, skin comfort, runtime and which face and budget each one suits best.
| # | Product | Best for | Type | Power | Best for | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Braun Series 9 PRO+ Electric Razor (9517s) | best overall | Foil | Cordless, 60-min runtime | Premium full shave | Check Price |
| 2 | Panasonic ARC5 Electric Razor (ES-LV65-S) | best foil shaver | Foil | Wet/dry, 1-hr charge | Coarse or dense hair | Check Price |
| 3 | Philips Norelco Shaver 3900 Series | best rotary shaver | Rotary | Cordless, 60-min runtime | Rotary contour shave | Check Price |
| 4 | Philips Norelco Shaver 2400 Series | best for sensitive skin | Rotary | Cordless, USB charge | Sensitive skin + budget | Check Price |
| 5 | Remington Virtually Indestructible Rotary Shaver 5100 | best waterproof rotary | Rotary | Cordless rechargeable | Shower-safe rotary | Check Price |
| 6 | Andis TS-1 Pro Foil Lithium Titanium Foil Shaver | best professional-grade | Foil | Cord/cordless, up to 80-min runtime | Barbershop precision | Check Price |
| 7 | Braun Series 3 3010s Wet & Dry Electric Shaver | best budget foil | Foil | Cordless NiMH, 30-min runtime | Budget wet and dry | Check Price |
| 8 | Braun Electric Series 3 Razor with Precision Trimmer | best for dense stubble | Foil | Cordless NiMH, 45-min runtime | Dense stubble + trimmer kit | Check Price |
| 9 | MANSCAPED The Handyman Compact Face Shaver | best travel/compact | Foil | USB-C cordless, 60-min runtime | Travel and compact use | Check Price |
| 10 | Barbasol Rotary Shaver | best ultra-budget | Rotary | Cordless, 45-min runtime | Ultra-budget shaver | Check Price |
Why we picked it: The Braun Series 9 PRO+ is the most capable shaver on this list because it pairs five perfectly synchronized shaving elements with a built-in precision trimmer, so it handles a 1-day, 3-day or 7-day beard in the same pass without switching tools. It ships with a SmartCare charging stand that delivers a 60-minute runtime and a 5-minute quick charge for busy mornings, and the head is titanium-coated for corrosion resistance and rated 100% waterproof for wet or dry use. Braun builds it in Germany, and the included fabric travel case and cleaning brush round out a kit that feels genuinely premium rather than gimmicky. For guys who want the closest, most comfortable shave available and do not mind paying for it, this is the benchmark.
Guys who want the single most capable, most comfortable electric shave available and are willing to pay for German build quality.
Budget buyers or anyone who just wants a simple wet/dry shaver without a charging station and extra accessories.
Key specs: 5 Pro Shave elements - precision trimmer - 6-in-1 SmartCare Center - titanium-coated - 100% waterproof - 60-min runtime
Why we picked it: The Panasonic ARC5 is built for guys whose facial hair is coarse, dense or grows in multiple directions. Its five precision-honed 30-degree Nanotech blades sit under an ultra-thin arc foil that follows facial contours closely, and a linear drive motor delivering 14,000 cuts per minute keeps cutting power consistent all the way to the end of the charge rather than tapering off. It is rated for wet or dry use, so it works with foam in the shower or dry at the sink, and a built-in pop-up trimmer handles the mustache and sideburns without a second tool. A 10-stage LCD gives a precise battery readout instead of a vague low-battery light, which is a small but genuinely useful touch.
Guys with coarse or dense facial hair who want a high-blade-count foil shaver that holds its power through a full charge cycle.
Buyers who want a compact travel shaver or do not need five blades of cutting power for lighter stubble.
Key specs: 5 Nanotech foil blades - 14,000 cuts/min linear motor - wet/dry waterproof - pop-up trimmer - 10-stage LCD display
Why we picked it: The Philips Norelco Shaver 3900 Series is the pick for guys who prefer a rotary head that moves with the face rather than a straight foil pass. Its ContourFlex heads pivot in five directions to keep contact with the curves of the jaw, chin and neck, while the SkinProtect and AntiCorrosion system is designed to shave gently while protecting the shaver itself from wear over time. It is rated for wet and dry use and delivers up to 60 minutes of cordless runtime on a one-hour charge. The kit ships with a charging stand and a travel pouch, which is a genuinely nice inclusion at this price point and makes it easy to pack for a trip without buying a separate case.
Guys who want a true rotary shave that follows facial contours and comes with travel-ready accessories.
Buyers who specifically want a foil shaver for the closest possible line-level cut on short stubble.
Key specs: 5D ContourFlex rotary heads - SkinProtect + AntiCorrosion - 60-min cordless runtime - charging stand + travel pouch - wet/dry
Why we picked it: The Philips Norelco Shaver 2400 Series is built specifically with sensitive skin in mind, and Philips markets its 27 self-sharpening ComfortCut blades as delivering a fast, clean shave "even on sensitive skin." The 4D Flex floating heads move freely in four directions, which helps the shaver stay in contact with the curves of the face instead of digging in at one angle, reducing the nicks that cause irritation. The blades are rated to self-sharpen for two years of regular use, and the shaver charges over a simple USB-A cable rather than requiring a dedicated stand, keeping both the price and the bathroom footprint down. It is the most affordable shaver on this list and one of the few with an explicit sensitive-skin claim from the manufacturer.
Guys with sensitive or easily irritated skin who want an affordable everyday rotary shaver.
Buyers who want a full accessory kit with a charging stand and travel case included.
Key specs: 27 self-sharpening ComfortCut blades - 4D Flex Heads - sensitive-skin design - 2-year blade life - USB charging
Why we picked it: The Remington 5100 is built to be used exactly where a lot of guys actually shave: in the shower. It carries a 100% waterproof rating that lets you shave dry or with gel or foam under running water, which also makes cleanup as simple as rinsing the head under the tap. The Power Flex 360-degree head design lets the entire shaving head pivot to match the angle of the jaw and neck rather than staying fixed, which cuts down on missed patches and irritation from pressing at the wrong angle. Remington positions this line as "virtually indestructible," and the simple, no-frills rotary design backs that up with fewer moving parts and accessories to worry about.
Guys who want a genuinely waterproof rotary shaver for shower use at a mid-range price.
Buyers who want a fully documented spec sheet with multiple attachments and travel accessories included.
Key specs: 100% waterproof - Power Flex 360-degree head - wet or dry shaving - rugged rotary build
Why we picked it: The Andis TS-1 brings professional barbershop hardware into a personal foil shaver. Its turbocharged motor spins at 9,000 RPM, well above what most consumer shavers advertise, which Andis says cuts down on drag through thicker hair. The lithium-ion battery holds up to two hours of capacity and supports up to 80 minutes of cordless runtime on a charge, with a 60-minute rapid recharge when you are in a hurry. Because it also runs corded, it never has to sit out a session for lack of battery, which matters for anyone using it daily the way a barber would. It trades consumer comfort extras like pivoting heads for raw motor power and reliability.
Guys who want a barber-grade foil shaver with real motor power and the option to run it corded for unlimited sessions.
Buyers who want consumer comfort features like a flexing head or a charging stand.
Key specs: 9,000 RPM motor - cord/cordless operation - up to 80-min runtime - 60-min rapid recharge - lithium-ion battery
Why we picked it: The Braun Series 3 3010s delivers genuine Braun wet-and-dry quality without the premium price tag. It uses three pressure-sensitive shaving elements, including a middle trimmer for difficult hairs and twin foils for closeness, and it is fully waterproof for shaving with water, foam or gel and for easy rinsing afterward. A Smart Plug automatically adjusts to voltages from 100 to 240, which is a nice touch for travel, and a 5-minute quick charge is enough for one shave when you forgot to plug it in overnight. It will not match the runtime or motor power of Braun's higher-end Series 9 PRO+, but for the price it is a legitimately capable everyday shaver.
Budget buyers who want a genuine Braun wet-and-dry foil shave without paying for premium extras.
Guys who shave daily and want the longest possible runtime between charges.
Key specs: 3 shaving elements + middle trimmer - waterproof - Smart Plug auto-voltage - 30-min runtime - 5-min quick charge
Why we picked it: This Braun Series 3 model builds on the standard wet/dry design with a specialized MicroComb that Braun says captures more hair in each stroke than a standard Series 3, tested specifically on 3-day beards, which makes it a stronger match for guys who let stubble build up between shaves. A built-in precision trimmer handles mustache and sideburn detailing without needing a second tool, and the 3-blade free-floating system, including twin SensoFoil elements and a middle trimmer, follows facial contours for a comfortable finish. Braun rates the unit for up to seven years of durable use, and it delivers 45 minutes of shave time per charge, noticeably longer than the standard 3010s.
Guys with denser or multi-day stubble who want a built-in precision trimmer bundled with their everyday foil shaver.
Buyers who already own a separate detail trimmer and just want the simplest wet/dry Braun option.
Key specs: 3-blade free-floating system - precision trimmer + MicroComb - waterproof - 45-min shave time - up to 7-year durability
Why we picked it: The MANSCAPED Handyman is built around portability first. Its compact body is genuinely pocket and travel-bag friendly compared with the full-size shavers on this list, and it is IPX7 rated, meaning it is protected against immersion in up to one meter of fresh water for up to 30 minutes, so a shower rinse or an accidental sink drop is not a concern. It charges over USB-C, the same cable most modern phones and laptops already use, delivers up to 60 minutes of runtime, and supports a 5-minute quick charge before a trip. The dual-action SkinSafe foil blades keep the cutting comfortable despite the smaller head size.
Guys who want a compact, waterproof travel shaver that charges with a standard USB-C cable.
Buyers who shave a full face daily and want a larger head for faster coverage.
Key specs: Dual-action SkinSafe foil blades - USB-C rechargeable - IPX7 waterproof - 60-min runtime - 5-min quick charge
Why we picked it: The Barbasol Rotary Shaver is the lowest-price option on this list by a wide margin, and it still covers the basics competently. Stainless steel rotary blades and a pop-up trimmer handle everyday shaving and light detail work, and a full 8-hour charge delivers up to 45 minutes of cordless runtime, which is enough for a handful of shaves before needing to plug in again. There are no quick-charge shortcuts here and no waterproof rating listed, so it is best treated as a simple, no-frills backup or travel shaver rather than a daily driver replacement for a premium model, but at its price it is a reasonable way to try an electric shaver for the first time.
Budget buyers or anyone who wants a basic backup or travel shaver without a big investment.
Guys who want fast charging, waterproof use, or skin-comfort features found on pricier picks.
Key specs: Stainless steel rotary blades - pop-up trimmer - 45-min runtime per 8-hour charge - cordless - budget price
Neither style is universally better; it depends on your hair type and face shape. Foil shavers like the Braun Series 9 PRO+ and Panasonic ARC5 cut in a straight line and tend to give the closest result on fine or straight stubble, which is why barbers and precision users often prefer them. Rotary shavers like the Philips Norelco 3900 Series pivot to follow the curves of the jaw and neck, which can work better on longer growth or contoured faces. Many guys find rotary shavers feel gentler day to day, while foil shavers deliver a slightly closer finish on short stubble.
Start with a shaver designed for sensitive skin, such as the Philips Norelco 2400 Series, whose 27 ComfortCut blades and flexing heads are marketed specifically to reduce nicks and irritation. Beyond the hardware, shave with the grain of hair growth rather than against it, keep the blades or foil clean and lightly oiled, avoid pressing hard against the skin, and rinse the head after every use to clear away buildup that can aggravate skin over time.
Only if it carries a waterproof or IPX rating. On this list, the Remington 5100 is rated 100% waterproof, the Panasonic ARC5 and Philips Norelco 3900 are wet/dry rated, both Braun Series 3 models are waterproof to -5 meters, and the MANSCAPED Handyman carries an IPX7 rating for immersion up to one meter. Using a dry-only shaver in the shower or under running water can damage the motor and will typically void the warranty, so always check for an explicit waterproof rating first.
Most manufacturers recommend replacing shaver foils and blades every one to two years with regular use, though some, like the self-sharpening blades in the Philips Norelco 2400 Series, are rated to hold their edge for about two years before replacement is needed. Cleaning and lightly oiling the blades after each use, and rinsing a waterproof model clean under the tap, both meaningfully extend blade life by preventing the buildup that speeds up dulling.
The Barbasol Rotary Shaver is the lowest-price option on this list and covers the basics with stainless steel blades and a pop-up trimmer, though it charges slowly and has no stated waterproof rating. The Braun Series 3 3010s costs more but delivers genuine Braun wet-and-dry build quality, a middle trimmer for tough hairs, and full waterproofing, making it the stronger pick if you can stretch the budget slightly for a shaver you can use in the shower.
Foil shavers, like the Braun Series 9 PRO+, Panasonic ARC5, both Braun Series 3 models, the Andis TS-1 and the MANSCAPED Handyman, cut in a straight line against the skin through a thin perforated foil, which tends to suit fine or straight facial hair and gives the closest result on short stubble. Rotary shavers, like the Philips Norelco 3900 and 2400 Series, the Remington 5100 and the Barbasol, use spinning circular heads that pivot to follow the curves of the jaw and neck, which often works better on longer growth or contoured faces and tends to feel gentler on sensitive skin. Neither style is universally better, and the right choice comes down to hair type, face shape and personal comfort.
If your skin reacts to shaving with redness, bumps or irritation, look for a shaver with an explicit sensitive-skin claim like the Philips Norelco 2400 Series, whose 27 ComfortCut blades and 4D Flex floating heads are marketed specifically to reduce irritation. Regardless of which shaver you own, keeping the blades or foils clean and lightly oiled, shaving with the grain of hair growth, and avoiding excess pressure all meaningfully reduce irritation over a shaver upgrade alone.
Several shavers on this list are rated for wet use, meaning they can be used with shaving foam or gel in the shower and rinsed clean under the tap: the Remington 5100 is 100% waterproof, the Panasonic ARC5 and Norelco 3900 are both wet/dry rated, the Braun Series 3 models are waterproof to -5 meters, and the MANSCAPED Handyman carries an IPX7 rating. If a shaver's listing does not mention a waterproof or IPX rating, treat it as dry-use only and clean it with the included brush instead of rinsing it under running water.
Runtime varies a lot across this list. The Braun Series 9 PRO+ and Norelco 3900 both offer up to 60 minutes with a 5-minute quick charge, the Andis TS-1 stretches to 80 minutes cordless or can run corded indefinitely, and the entry-level Braun Series 3 3010s tops out at 30 minutes per charge. The Barbasol trades convenience for price, needing a full 8-hour charge for 45 minutes of use with no quick-charge option. If you travel often or tend to forget to charge devices overnight, prioritize a model with a stated quick-charge feature.
| Feature | Why it matters |
|---|---|
| Foil vs rotary blade type | Foil shavers cut straight against the skin for fine, straight hair; rotary heads pivot to follow facial curves and often handle longer growth better. |
| Wet/dry waterproof rating | A fully waterproof head lets you shave with gel or foam in the shower and rinse the shaver clean under the tap. |
| Pivoting or flexing head design | Multi-directional heads track the contours of the jaw, neck and chin for closer contact and fewer missed patches. |
| Battery runtime and quick charge | Longer cordless runtimes and fast quick-charge options mean the shaver is ready even if you forgot to plug it in the night before. |
| Skin-comfort blade design | Blades designed for sensitive skin, like Philips ComfortCut blades, reduce nicks, redness and razor burn. |
Every product above was scored out of 10 on the same six-part rubric, then sorted into an S to C tier. We do not accept free units or payment for placement, and price or affiliate commission never factors into the score.
| Criterion | What we check | Weight |
|---|---|---|
| Core performance | The numbers that define the category: capacity, power, resolution, battery life, speed or output, taken from manufacturer specs and cross-checked against independent test data where it exists. | High |
| Build & reliability | Materials, warranty length, brand track record, and how often the model shows up in long-term failure or return complaints. | High |
| Real-world usability | Weight, dimensions, noise level, setup difficulty and day-to-day friction, drawn from owner reviews and published measurements. | Medium |
| Running cost | Ongoing costs beyond the purchase: subscriptions, consumables, energy use or maintenance, where they apply to the category. | Medium |
| Owner feedback | Patterns across aggregated verified owner reviews: recurring praise, recurring complaints, and whether the experience matches the marketing. | Medium |
| Value | What you get relative to the rest of the field at a similar price band, not an absolute price judgment. | Medium |
Sources: manufacturer spec sheets and manuals, retailer listing data, aggregated verified owner reviews, and published independent test results where available for the category.
Honesty note: We have not hands-on tested every product on this page. Where we have not personally used a product, its ranking is based on verified specs, aggregated owner feedback, availability and editorial comparison rather than a hands-on review. Hands-on impressions, when included in a product entry above, are clearly written from direct use.
We don't accept free units or payment for placement. Our rankings combine verified manufacturer specifications, real owner feedback and availability, compared on one transparent S to C rubric.
How this was written: our guides are researched and reviewed by our editorial team for accuracy.