The 8 Best Electric Razors That Will Change How You Shave Forever (2024)

I’ve made no secret about how much I love the Braun Series 9 Pro electric shaver. As a dedicated electric razor user, I stand by my proclamation that the Series 9 is the best shaver on the market. I’ve tried nearly every electric shaver out there in my years since converting exclusively to electric shaving and the Braun Series 9 Pro still stands heads above the rest. But nothing lasts forever and I am here to confidently tell you that a new razor has taken the throne: the Braun Series 9 Pro+.

Braun Series 9 Pro vs Braun Series 9 Pro+

The Braun Series 9 Pro+ is nearly identical to the original Series 9—at least on the surface. The casing has the same ergonomic design, which I love because as I said in my original review, it’s like the Goldilocks of electric razors. The razor itself is shockingly light, but still hefty enough to fit well in your hand without feeling like you are going to drop it. The sleek design also doesn’t have many bells and whistles on the outside—namely just an LED screen that shows battery life, a swiveling head, and a lock button, which gives it a slick, elegant appearance. Other standard features are still there as well, such as 100% waterproof usage, a 60–minute battery life and a quick charge option.

The meat and potatoes of every electric shaver is, of course, the actual razor head itself, and like the original, the Braun Series 9 Pro+ has 5 shaving elements that cut your whiskers to a baby-smooth 0.05mm. New to the Series 9 Pro+, however, is that these blades are now made from surgical grade stainless steel that stay sharper, allowing for a more effective shave for even longer (the original blades were titanium). The Braun Series 9 Pro+, like the original version, features an ultra-thin ProLift blade (which looks like a gold bar on the razor head itself) that helps to lift hair away from your skin allowing for a closer shave and more thorough cut.

Testing notes

Shaving with the Braun Series 9 Pro+ still takes me about three minutes (sometimes less, if I don’t have much stubble to power through), but where it really shines is the closeness of the shave. Most of the new features, including the pre-shave ProComfort head, focus on more effectively lifting facial hair away from your skin allowing for a closer, smoother shave. I found this to be absolutely the case. Immediately after shaving, my skin feels baby smooth—like I don’t have any facial hair at all—and I found that signs of shadow show up later in the day than they do with the original version, and sometimes I have absolutely no shadow at all, even as I head to bed. This is especially true when I use the ProComfort head before shaving.

Comparison notes

Funnily enough, in terms of raw motor power, the Braun Series 9+ does not have the most on this list. It’s a great speed – 40,000 cuts per minute – but not the strongest. Compare, for instance, to the Norelco Shaver 3800, which features 55,000 cuts per minute. But in our testing it felt the most powerful. Maybe it’s due to the Sonic Technology which delivers 10,000 micro vibrations per minute in addition to the motor itself. Like many of the other razors on this list, it also features stainless steel blades, a pop up trimmer and has a pivoting head. We found that the head pivots slightly better than the head on the Panasonic ARC5, perhaps because it’s a little smaller and less bulky, and hugged the curves of our face slightly better than that one as well.

Long term results

After using the Braun Series 9 Pro+ for six months, we can say that it shaves just as well today as it did right out of the box. Overall performance has not changed, though there was a slight decline in cutting power when the blade dulled. But, replacing the head was easy and brought the shaver back to business immediately.

Read more: Braun Series 9 Pro+ Review

For as close as this razor can shave (five-blades close!) you’d think that it could make sensitive skin angry, but somehow it doesn’t. The ultra-sharp blades trim hair as close as any manual razor/cream combo we’ve tried and the pivoting head ensures you never miss a spot, even around hard-to-reach areas like your jawline and neck. The body is lightweight and almost whisper-quiet.

Other (more expensive) series of this razor also feature things like Intelligent Shave Sensor that automatically adjusts to your hair thickness, but this pared-down version still delivers a great shave without as many bells and whistles.

What else to consider: With a wider head and a strong motor, this shaver is powerful. Even if you don’t have sensitive skin, go easy until you get the hang of how much to press the foil against your face. In comparison to many other electric razors, our testers found that it cuts quickly and can leave irritation and cuts if you’re not careful. Once you get the hang of it, though, it minimizes the amount of time you have to shave the same area. It’s also very quiet—quieter than most of the other razors on this list—so if noise matters to you, this is a good bet.

Why we chose it: Like many electric razor users, we like them because they reduce post-shave irritation and razor bumps—usually by not shaving as close to the skin as a traditional manual razor. We found this razor gets as close as possible to a wet razor shave while minimizing irritation. Once we got past a few uses to allow our skin to adjust, we barely had any razor bumps or irritation at all. It’s efficient, powerful, and incredibly intuitive to use without a lot of unnecessary bells and whistles that could muddy the shaving experience. If you have sensitive skin, this electric razor is a no-brainer as it’s the most gentle on this list.

Comparison Notes: Stacked up against the other shavers on this list, this one comes out on top in a variety of aspects. It has a lot of blades (five of them, just like the Braun Series 9 Pro+), and a good strong motor speed of 55,000 cuts per minute–more than the Braun but less than the Norelco 9800. The linear blades are set on a pivoting head, which is slightly bulkier and has range of motion than the Braun Series 9 Pro+, but we found that it doesn’t necessarily affect the closeness of the shave itself, just how many times you need to go over the same spots. Overall, it is slightly bulkier of a device than the closest similar razor–the Braun–and has a shorter battery life (45 mins vs. 60 mins) which could come down to the fact that it’s just a larger device in general.

Long term results: Even after the initial testing phase, the Panasonic Arc5 continues to impress. Cutting power did not decrease, even after months of use and there was no increase in post-shave irritation.

If you're someone who's constantly fighting those pesky neck hairs, then this powerful new shaver brings AI into your bathroom and harnesses it to deliver an epic close shave. The rotary heads make it easy to move with you skin, and the pressure sensors alert you when you’re pressing too hard or not enough. The Dual Steel Precision blades cut at a whopping 150,000 cuts per minute so no errant hair is left behind no matter how quickly you have to get ready. And if that’s not smart enough for you, the accompanying app tracks your shaves and offers you tips to improve.

What else to consider: Using a rotary head shaver versus a foil-style shaver is a personal choice. The benefit here is that there are three heads in one, so you theoretically can cover a larger area of your face in less time. Some users who are used to a foil shaver might find a learning curve when adjusting to how the head pivots and flexes hug your face and some might find that detail work like around the lips and nose is more difficult with this style of electric razor. The light up rings around the head that are meant to guide your pressure can feel slightly gimmicky if you don’t pay close attention to them and while it does take a little bit of time for it to adjust to your style of shaving, you can use the companion app to easily change the settings (like if you use it wet or dry). Adjusting those settings without the app can be difficult.

Why we chose it: If it’s features you want, this electric razor is chock full of them. We love the technological innovation of AI to help guide your shaving to create the best shave you can possibly get—as long as you use those features to their full advantage. If you don’t, you’ll still get a good, close shave but this thing really sings when everything works together. It’s for the type of guy who likes to tinker and customize and we appreciate that. We also found that of all the rotary-head razors we tested, this one flexed and pivoted to the shape of our faces the best without missing too many spots. Furthermore, the cleaning and charging station is the sleekest and simplest on the market and we always appreciate space saving.

Comparison Notes: In terms of the other rotary shavers on this list, the Norelco 9800 blows them out of the water. Not only does the motor have nearly three times the cutting power as the 3800 (150,000 cuts per minute versus 55,000), but even though they both have three heads, this one has a better range of motion, allowing for more pivoting and a closer shave around the contours of your face. It also has additional tech inside, such as a Smart Hair sensor that adjusts the cutting power based on the density of your beard and Lift & Cut technology that helps to left whiskers away from your skin for better cutting (the 3800 does not have either of these). Even the blades are different. While they both have some version of ComfortCut tech, the blades on the 9800 have a micro-bead coating to help reduce irritation, which the 3800 does not have. We’re not even going to attempt to compare it to the other rotary razors on this list because, well, why bother when this one really is top of the line.

Most powerful (and best) electric razors may not be great for beginning shavers or people with breakouts, but this one is specifically designed for both of those groups (and everyone else, really). The gentle rotary shaver heads are outfitted with LED lights to help kill acne bacteria and improve skin while the shaver goes to work. It’s not the most powerful on this list, which means it's not ideal for experienced shavers or people with thick beards, but is ideally suited for those at the beginning stages of learning how to grow the perfect beard. The sleek, simple design is easy to pick up and use with a low learning curve and fully waterproof construction which makes cleaning a breeze.

What else to consider: Besides the three pivoting rotary heads of this shaver, there aren’t any other shaving features to speak of. It’s simple and easy to use (literally, just turn it on) which is why it’s so good for beginning shavers. There’s no fussiness to learn and a very low learning curve. The integrated LED lights that are designed to help improve skin concerns like acne are nice, but by no means essential—and some users may like them more than others. If LED light therapy isn’t something you’re interested in, it won’t detract from the user experience, but you probably won’t find it essential.

Why we chose it: We’ve said it before and we’ll say it again: Sometimes simple is just better. There's something to be said for "dumb" (meaning "non-smart") devices, especially devices that may work just fine without integrated smartphone apps and built-in AI-powered shaving routines. That’s doubly true if you’re just learning how to shave or you have a thin or patchy beard. Razors with a ton of features and power aren’t always necessary for lighter whiskers, which is why this simple yet effective electric razor is ideal. It gets the job done without the aid of a ton of bells and whistles and realistically, that’s what’s important. Like some of the more budget-minded shaver options in our roundup, don't expect a buttery-smooth, "baby-face" shave with this model. But, we think it's worth the trade-off for a dead-simple electric razor alternative that won't break the bank at around $40.

Comparison Notes: It’s difficult to compare the Mowbie to many of the other shavers on this list because it’s just simply not as powerful. The motor speed isn’t even disclosed by the brand, which basically means it’s low enough it’s not worth them talking about. It’s perhaps most similar to the Norelco PQ206 travel shaver in that it’s a simple shaving solution without many bells and whistles. The rotary blades cut effectively, of course, and the battery life is good when compared to pretty much any other on this list (it’s actually longer than the Pansonic ARC5), but apart from that it’s pretty unfair to compare them. Remember that this one is designed for shaving newbies, so it’s actually not supposed to be as powerful by design. One thing it does have that that others don’t is the integrated LED panels that are supposed to help with light therapy for your skin, which is cool, but isn’t going to give you a better shave.

The Wahl brand has been a favorite in barbershops for years. This straightforward and easy-to-use electric shaver has a rubberized, shock-absorbing coating to ensure it doesn’t slip out of your hands and it's waterproof down to one meter (about three feet)—perfect for travel and if you’re accident prone. It’s on the simple side in terms of features, but that doesn’t mean it sacrifices on power. The dual foil blades give a quick, close shave whenever and wherever you need it.

What else to consider: Wahl is really all about the blades and this triple-blade foil razor has great ones. Our team confirms this model delivers a very close shave with minimal effort, but some found that since they are fixed (no pivoting or movement to contour to your face), it can be difficult in hard-to-reach areas or funny-shaped spots like under your jawline. This is more of a design thing than a blade thing, however. It has a decent amount of features like a pop-up trimmer and quick-charge option, but the main reason to head in this direction over the other shavers on this list is durability. If you tend to put your razors through a lot or are prone to dropping them, this one will hold up. It's even backed by a five-year warranty if, for some reason, it doesn’t.

Why we chose it: For this electric razor, it comes down to the durability factor for us. You really can put this through a lot (like dropping it in water or on the hard tile floor of your bathroom) and it will still work like it just came out of the box. If you’re investing in a tool like an electric razor, you want it to perform for a long time, and this one does. The razor and the other features may be basic, but they’re effective. It’s user-friendly and intuitive to use with a minimal learning curve, which to us is always a plus. Our team universally agreed that, at around $70, this razor is a great value and a solid option if you're looking for a not-too-fancy, "everyday driver" to add to your shave routine.

Comparison Notes: The area where this one truly shines when compared to others on this list is battery life. It features a whopping 90 minutes of battery life compared to the 60 minutes of pretty much everything else on this list including the top-of-the-line Braun Series 9 Pro+. From a tech standpoint, it falls behind in terms of additional integrated features and while the motor is powerful, the exact speed is undisclosed so hard to truly compare to other models. The draw of this one, obviously, is the very real indestructible quality.

Read more: Best Hair Clippers

If you’re looking for the closest trim without completely shaving your beard (like a slight five-o’clock shadow), this easy-to-use electric shaver is a top choice. Amazon shoppers agree, as it's the etailer's #1 Best Seller in Men's Foil Shavers. It's great for trimming the hair on your head, face, neck, and basically any other area without worrying about nicks and cuts. You can easily achieve the perfect length of scruff with three combs and a contoured head that moves to the shape of your face. Those who are trying to grow the perfect mustache will also find value in the OneBlade Hybrid.

What else to consider: Unlike the other electric razors on this list, the Philips Norelco OneBlade is more of a multi-use gadget. It shaves and it trims. We found it ideal for cutting any length of hair. If you’re the type of guy who likes to vary up his facial hair look, you can use this razor to keep it in check without needing to switch between multiple tools. Our testers loved that it handles like a traditional razor thanks to an ergonomic design and innovative razor head, but you can’t treat it exactly the same as your typical razor. We found a bit of learning curve to understand how hard to press it and how to move it around our face to get the best shave. It also won’t ever completely shave as close as a more typical electric razor. It always leaves a very slight amount of stubble, so if you’re looking for a baby-smooth shave, it might not be for you.

Why we chose it: In the record books for "most innovative grooming gadgets," the Philips Norelco OneBlade Hybrid Electric Trimmer and Shaver is definitely in the top ten, maybe even top five. Thanks to its design, like that of a traditional razor, we loved the intuitive design, even for anyone who has shaved with one before. Our testers of all facial hair types agreed: It's sleek, lightweight, and cuts like a dream. It’s also the only razor on this list that comes with length comb attachments. So even if you’re not a clean shave guy, you can still use it to trim and detail your facial hair—even your body (just make sure to use a different blade for your body to avoid cross-contamination). Most of all, we love that it fits easily into our favorite dopp kits, so we don’t need a separate travel case or to save room in our carry-ons just to keep up our shave on the road.

Comparison Notes: Being a pretty unique tool in general, the OneBlade does not lend itself well to comparison to more traditional electric razors. The blade is a completely different design than the linear blades of the Braun Series 9 PRO+ or the rotary blades of the Norelco 9800, yet shaves effectively and closely. The motor is also weak in comparison (12,000 cuts per minute versus the Braun’s 40,000 which is also fairly low) but since the device is a different design, it doesn’t really affect the cutting process itself. And the battery life, while on the low side at 45 minutes, isn’t so bad for a smaller device (remember the way bulkier Panasonic ARC5 also has a 45 minute battery life).

Long term results: In terms of sheer versatility, the Philips Norelco OneBlade can’t be beat. Since beginning our long-term test more than a year ago, we take ours everywhere, and it’s earned a permanent place in our grooming routines. It may not be the most powerful or closest shaver on the market, but if you know that going in and use it accordingly it exceeds expectations in terms of function. We use it on our faces, necks, bodies and anywhere else we need to trim or shave. Plus, did we mention it's less than 40 bucks?

Read more: Philips Norelco OneBlade Review

Most of us are trying our damnedest to go carry-on-only these days, and that means packing a whole lot lighter. For guys on the go, this travel-friendly electric shaver is perfect for keeping yourself well-groomed anywhere, anytime without it taking up a ridiculous amount of space in your toiletry bag. The ultra-compact size is significantly smaller than almost every other electric razor we tested. It's perfect for stashing in a dopp kit, and you’ll get up to 60 minutes of use with floating heads that automatically adapt to the contours of your face.

What else to consider: Whether you're limited on counter/drawer real estate at home or you're looking for the smallest electric razor possible to stash in your luggage, you want a compact option. That's this razor's biggest selling point. Measuring just 4.76 x 2.52 x 2.05 inches, it's easily one of the smallest razors we've ever tested. It's not the strongest, the most powerful, or the most feature-rich. In fact, it doesn't really have any features to speak of, beyond the ability to, you know, shave. But, it will give you a reasonably decent shave on the go, whether that's on a plane, in a hotel, or in rush-hour traffic on your way to work (but, seriously, don't shave and drive). The fact that it takes standard AA batteries that last up to a year is a plus, too.

Why we chose it: During testing, we noticed this travel razor provides exceptional power when compared to other smaller portable electric razors largely due to the fact it's battery-powered. We probably wouldn't recommend a battery-powered razor for everyday use, but when you consider how often a travel razor gets used (less frequently) and its overall purpose (quick, on-the-go touch-ups) it makes perfect sense. You also don't have to worry about carrying your charging cord around on trips, plus if your batteries die out at the hotel you can call the front desk and ask for fresh ones.

Comparison Notes: Let’s just lay it out. This has two rotary heads instead of the three of the Norelco 3800 and 9800 and even the Mowbie. They barely move, especially when compared to the dexterity of the 9800’s blades. There are basically no bells and whistles except for self-sharpening blades (a welcome feature in a travel razor). The battery life runs around 60 minutes, like many of the others on this list, but it comes from AA batteries and is no rechargeable. It may sound like we’re getting down on this thing, but we’re not. For a travel razor, it gets the job done—and does it well—and since you’re likely not going to be using it every day, we can forgive it’s lack of top of the line features

Let’s be honest, you probably don’t only shave or trim the hair on your face. That's why you need a dedicated "hygiene razor" for keeping all your non-face hair groomed and tidy. We're talking about "manscaping." The SkinSafe ceramic blades on this upgraded hygiene shaver minimize nicks and cuts and make body grooming a much less harrowing experience. Use it wet or dry with or without the adjustable guards for a truly customizable and comfortable manscaping experience in the shower or out.

What else to consider: Purely from a hygiene perspective, you don't, or at least shouldn't, use your facial hair shaver on the rest of your body. The Lawn Mower 5.0 is the only model in our roundup with a purpose-built design, including unique blades and attachments, for below-the-belt trimming. Together, it all works to give you confidence in grooming your nether-regions without worrying about cutting or maiming yourself. There are no fancy features or smartphone apps with this one. It's a straightforward $90 shaver designed for just one purpose without any unnecessary bells and whistles.

Why we chose it: We've used plenty of electric razors on non-face body parts, and they do work. But our team unanimously loved the simple design of this hygiene razor that feels like a better tool for the job. It's "fit for purpose" as some might say with a lightweight design that's easy and comfortable to hold, making it a snap to maneuver around the curves and crevices of everywhere below the waist. We found the shave perfect for a hygiene razor. It's not buttery smooth, but it's not supposed to be. We also appreciate the thoughtful details like the completely waterproof design (perfect for shower use), simple charging stand, and braided USB cable that's durable and great for travel.

Comparison Notes: Once again, comparing this shaver to the others on this list is slightly unfair. It’s designed to be used below the neck instead of on your face, so different features are important. The motor speed is undisclosed but does have “constant” rpms which prevent the blade from slowing down the longer you use it. The trimmer head is similar to the kind you find on your barber’s hair clippers, but this new 5.0 version does come with an interchangeable foil shaver head that shaves extra close. The battery life is 60 minutes, just like the Braun Series 9 PRO+ and the Norelco 3800 and 9800. It’s also wet/dry like many of the others on this list. That all said, body trimmers and shavers for your face are different animals–and we wouldn’t recommend using this on your face.

Electric Razors We've Also Tested and Liked

• Bevel Electric Shaver: We just got our hands on Bevel's new Electric Razor, and we're already liking its results. We appreciate the 3 flexible blades that can competently mow through facial contours and even the most coarse hair after a few strokes. Though the shaving experience isn't as seamless as the Braun Series 9 Pro, and it's not the quietest razor we've tested, our editors found that the Bevel Electric Razor is a great grooming gadget for its price point.
  
• Panasonic Electric Body Groomer And Trimmer: This best-selling electric razor on Amazon has received hundreds of five-star reviews for getting the job done for a solid price. It's true there are other great body trimmers on the market, but what this one does exceptionally well is performing in the shower thanks to it's waterproof design and unique v-shaped head. Plus, you can lather on shaving cream and use in the shower for a super close shave.
• Andis Profoil Shaver: Whether you’re shaving your head, your face, or touching up your fade between haircuts, this straightforward yet powerful shaver is one of the most common razors barbers turn to. With 80 minutes of run time in a single charge, this little bullet is just what you need to make sure there is no stubble in sight—ever.
• Philips Norelco PQ208: For guys-on-the-go, this travel electric shaver is perfect for keeping yourself well-groomed anywhere, anytime. In a compact size that's perfect for storing in a dopp kit, you’ll get up to 60 minutes of use with floating heads that automatically adapt to the contours of your face.

The Difference Between Electric Razors and Manual Razors

First off, electric razors and manual razors both operate by guiding some version of a blade across your face to trim down hair follicles. Most electric razors work by using a foil system, where the hairs are lead into the small perforations on the foil and then cut off with an opposing blade system. (It's worth noting rotary electric razors have a different opposing blade system than a traditional electric razor, but the interior makeup of how both versions work is essentially the same.) A manual razor works via a multi-blade system, where the first blade pulls your hair follicle outward, and then the remaining blades chop down the hair lower and lower. The best analogy to compare electric razors and manual razors is that an electric razor cuts down hairs like a pair of scissors, while a manual razor cuts down hairs like a knife.

An electric razor is always going to have a buffer preventing direct skin contact, so it's not going to shave as close as a manual razor. Due to a manual razor's design of direct skin contact, you're going to get a much closer, smoother shave. Using a manual razor raises slight risks of getting ingrown hairs, razor bumps, and razor burn—especially if you're not prepping your shaving routine properly and not using a clean blade.

With that said, your skin could potentially fair better with an electric razor due to the buffer between direct skin contact. However, some users will need an adjustment period to let their skin get used to the new shaving style.

What Are the Benefits of Using an Electric Razor?

It really depends on your shaving style and what you’re looking to achieve. Electric razors offer a few benefits over the traditional razor/cream combo. First, they cut down on using multiple products. Most electric razors don’t require the use of shaving cream or any other products to achieve a close shave.

Second, they’re fast. Most electric razors can shave a full beard in half the time (or less) it takes to shave the traditional way (again, a big part of this is the lack of other products).

If you struggle with things like razor bumps, post-shave irritation or even acne, an electric razor may offer a more gentle experience for you.

How to Get a Close Shave with an Electric Razor

Unlike shaving with a traditional razor or safety razor, an electric razor has a pretty low learning curve. But that doesn't mean you should just take your electric razor out of the box and start zooming without first knowing how to get a close shave.

Prep Your Skin

Make sure your skin is clean before starting your shave. If you have a wet and dry use shaver, you can go at your scruff right out of the shower (or even in the shower) after washing your face. If you have a dry shaver only, then you can use a light amount of pre-shave oil or you can wash your face and then pat yourself dry with a towel—these types of shavers work best with stubble that's stiff and void of any moisture.

Use Proper Positioning and Pressure

Next is how you should hold your razor. Hold it perpendicular to your skin at all times, that way you aren't trimming your hair at an angle. Hold your razor gently too: You don't need to press down hard into your face to get the shave you want. In fact, pressing down on your skin when shaving can cause uneven patches, especially if you're pressing down with more force when coming up around your chin and the rest of your jawline. So essentially you want to hold your electric razor in the same manner as you do a traditional razor.

Oh, and in terms of shaving motions, stick to back-and-forth paths on a foil shaver. If you have a rotary shaver, you can use a back-and-forth path or circular motions—your call.

Read the Manual

One last note: Make sure to read over each razor's manual to ensure you're using the best possible technique. Some razor brands include tips that are unique to their electric razor alone, so you might find a couple of gems of advice that can help you optimize your shave further to get the closest and smoothest results possible.

Stick With It

If you follow all these steps you should be in good hands for getting a quality shave every time. Just make sure to take care of your razor and give it proper maintenance. And if you're just starting out using an electric razor, give yourself a grace period for your skin to adjust (we touch on the reasoning for this more down below).

How Long Does It Take for My Skin to Adjust to an Electric Razor?

It's important to note that using an electric razor requires a break-in period—for your face, not for the razor. It takes about two weeks for your skin to get used to using an electric razor. Once I passed through that window, I was amazed that my razor bumps decreased significantly and never really came back.

Experts might say that’s because electric razors don’t cut as close as a traditional razor/shave cream combo. But in practice, I didn’t notice any difference between the closeness of my shave. In fact, I found that without shaving cream, I could see spots I missed and manage the details of my shave much better. A few years later, I haven’t looked back.

Do I Use Shaving Cream With an Electric Razor?

The short answers is: Maybe. Many of the best electric razors offer both dry and wet shaving capabilities. If you’re having a hard time giving up your shaving cream, look for an electric shaver that is specifically designed to be used with shaving cream (most will call this wet/dry capability) and make sure to clean it after every use.

How Often Should I Clean My Electric Razor?

"Something I always look for in an electric razor is that it's easy to clean," says Quallis. "Cleaning your razor is so important, because if you don’t, it can get clogged with excess hair which can cause it to break down faster." The best higher-end electric razors in our roundup come with a cleaning systems.

Ideally, you want to clean your electric razor after every use to keep the blazes sharp. For most modern models, the process is easy as they're designed to be rinsed under running water. Just rinse your razor under water to remove hair and dirt, then take a light brush to your foil to remove any gunk buildup. It's important to maintain the foil on your razor, as that is what helps give you a nice and even shave. That foil is fragile and, if it gets dented or damaged, make sure to replace it immediately as that piece is the proverbial bread and butter to your shave.

If you neglect to clean your electric shaver, you risk the chance of shortening the razor's lifespan and also running dirt across your face when shaving. A dirty razor can result in uneven shaving and potentially cause ingrown hairs or acne.

The good news is some razors come with cleaning stations to help you remember. Cleaning stations usually work well, but can sometimes be bulky and loud. Most require cleaning cartridges that last about three months, and cost around $5 each when you buy a six-pack.

When Should I Replace My Electric Razor?

The lifespan of your electric razor varies from model to model. If you buy a high-quality razor—think a $200 model and above from any of our recommendations—then it's possible to get several years out of your device. Some users can get as much as 5 years out of the best electric razors.

If you want to maximize the lifespan of your electric razor, make sure you replace the blades and foil when needed. Some brands recommend replacing the blades every 6-8 months, others recommend annual replacement, and some even mention as far out as 18 months. As far as the foil goes, make sure to monitor if it ever gets dented or damaged and replace it when those situations occur. Most replacement cartridges for electric razors include the foil since the foil is pretty fragile. Expect to pay anywhere from $20-$50 for replacement blades or cartridges on your electric razor.

Also pay attention to your razor's battery life. Even the best electric razors lose battery life over time, which can result in less time holding a full charge and a weaker power output.

Knowing when to replace your electric razor also can come down to a good ol' fashioned eye test. Are you getting as close of a shave as you did when you first purchased the device? Is your razor pulling or tugging on your whiskers instead of slicing them clean off? You might know when it's time to retire your electric razor just by feel. The good news is the deals on razors are better than ever these days, so you can secure a shiny new one for a fraction of the price during key times in the year.

How to Read Braun Razor Model Numbers

Shopping Braun electric razors can be difficult. There's little information on the internet about how to read the different Braun razor model numbers. To give you an idea of how to read the Braun razor model numbers without getting too into the weeds, we've got an easy explainer.

For starters, the Braun Series numbers are like the different types of performance levels. A Series 7 has fewer specs than a Series 8, and the Series 9 has better specs and features than both. The next big release will be the Series 10 from Braun, which has yet to be announced by the German maker.

When reading the second number on a Braun razor model you're going to be looking at the generation. The difference between a Series 93xx vs. a Series 94xx is the year the generation was released. A Series 94xx is currently the latest generation and was released in 2021. The same is true for the Series 83xx compared to the 84xx; the 84xx is the latest 2021 generation.

And lastly, when reading the final two digits on a Braun razor model number, you're often going to be dealing with slight iterations in the materials or looking at a razor with extra accessories included. A few of the 94xx models have a special "metal" body that Braun makes, which is often distinguished by a slightly higher price. And a couple of the Series 94xx models come with a portable charger, which also typically results in a higher price.

How to Read Philips Norelco Shaver Series Numbers

As with Braun, Philips electric shavers can be a little confusing to understand at first, but once you learn the basic series numbers then you'll see they're pretty easy to remember. For starters, Philips razors are distinguished by four basic series: the Series 3000, the Series 5000, the Series 7000, and the Series 9000. There's also the Series 9000 Prestige, which is the top-tier model of all the brand's razors.

The Series 3000 Philips razor models are going to be the most basic in terms of how they operate. Like Braun's basic model, the Philips Series 3000 still works quite well for wet and dry shaves, but it's not ideal for handling thick beard growth. The Series 3000 also doesn't come with any smart features or cleaning stations and has a bulky design. The Series 5000 is going to be your next step up, offering an improved shaving experience that's more comfortable than the Series 3000 and equipped with smartphone connectivity to the Philips app. The Series 7000 is the next upgrade you can make. It's much more advanced than the Series 5000, as the Series 7000 is capable of handling thicker beard growth and is built to cater to those with sensitive skin. The Series 7000 promises smartphone app capability and an optional cleaning station.

The final breakdown of the Philips electric razors ends with the two Series 9000 offerings; the regular Series 9000 and the Series 9000 Prestige. Both razors provide a premium shaving experience, especially for those with sensitive skin and for those with thicker beard growth. With the Series 9000 Prestige, you don't get smartphone connectivity, so if you want a more up-to-date razor then the Series 9000 regular will offer you a more tech-friendly experience. The Series 9000 Prestige offers more comfort than the two thanks to its special NanoTech blades. If you have sensitive skin and you want the most comfortable, customized shave possible, then the Series 9000 Prestige is the better choice. If you want a top-tier razor with Philip's full array of smart features, then Series 9000 is the way to go. The differences here are minimal at this high of a level, but they are different nonetheless.

Why Trust Us?

For the past five years, Men's Health has dedicated itself to discovering and recommending the best grooming products for men via hands-on testing and in-depth research. Men's Health grooming has been featured on national news outlets like The TODAY Show and Good Morning America, showcasing the latest new grooming products for men and presenting why we love the brands we select.

Aside from constantly updating and adding to our ever-growing grooming section, Men's Health also dedicates an annual Grooming Awards package where we break down the best new products for men—ranging everywhere from skincare to shaving. Our Grooming Editor, Garrett Munce, has been testing electric razors for the past decade, when they first shot to popularity, so he absolutely knows what he's talking about.

Read more: Best Manscaping Tips

Meet the Experts

• Calvin Quallis is the founder of grooming brand Scotch Porter, and is based in New York, NY.
• Corey L. Hartman is a board-certified dermatologist and founder of Skin Wellness Dermatology in Birmingham, AL.