Whether you’re a clean-shaven type of guy or prefer the rough-and-ready look, electric shavers are all about convenience. Not only do you not have to rely on shaving foam or gel, some can even be taken into the shower for when time is really at a premium.
The best electric shavers will give you a close, smooth shave, as well as leaving your skin unblemished and rash-free. But, they can sure be expensive - and not all of them will give you such a close or comfortable shave.
As well as that, there’s also a load of extra features that you need to consider. Do you prefer foil or rotary blades? Do you need a quick-charge function? How about a beard comb?
The best electric shavers to buy
What type of shaver do I want?
The main thing to consider is what type of blade would suit you and your needs. Rotary blade models are best for those who have longer hair, and don’t fancy shaving every day.
For those who need to look clean-shaven consistently throughout the week, the best model is a foil shaver. They have a thin loop of metal that covers the blades, making it gentler to sensitive skin. And also trap the hair closer for a super-smooth shave.
Rotary shavers more often than not have a shorter battery life than foil models, so it's important to consider that when choosing your device. In general foil shavers are softer on the face, are easier to clean, and give quality results in a shorter time. Some come with a charging station - basically a dock which self-cleans, lubricates and charges the shaver.
What extra features do I need?
Some electric shavers come with a pop-up trimmer that means you don’t have to swap gadgets to complete your grooming regime, whilst others come with beard combs that help you keep your goatee at the ideal length.
Waterproofing
As well as dry use, a lot of cordless shavers can be used with shaving foam or gel, if you’re worried about sensitive skin. Many can also be used in the shower - if you’re really in a hurry in the morning. Make sure you read the instructions before getting your shaver wet however, as not all are waterproof and many are only, at best, water resistant.
Charging
A whole host of cordless shavers now come with a quick-charge setting that means you can plug your shaver in before you get in the shower and it’ll have enough power for one shave when you’re finished. If that’s not an option however, most chargers will come with a docking station, or simply a cord, and be fully charged within four to eight hours.
How much should I spend?
Everyone has their own maximum budget and the model of shaver you choose will probably have a lot to do with how much you are prepared to spend. Price points on electric shavers vary enormously, but the cost isn’t always the best indicator of overall shaver performance. Bear in mind that not all shavers are right for everyone's facial hair - it often comes down to personal preference.
The best electric shavers to buy
1. Braun Series 3 3040: The best all-round shaver under £50
Price when reviewed: £45
This affordable foil shaver uses three independent floating elements to adapt to the contours of your face. It can be used in the shower for a wet or dry shave, and as an added bonus: just one hour of charge can last for a whole week’s worth of shaving. There are no fancy extras with this model, you only get a charging cord and plastic foil guard, and shaving performance isn’t up there with pricier models such as the Braun Series 7 – you’ll need to do a few passes for a close shave – but cleaning is easy, and the results are good for the money. Another slight niggle is the sensitivity of the power button, which means even the slightest brush can turn it off in the middle of a shave. If you can live with that though, this is a great shaver at a keen price.
Key specs - Rechargeable Ni-MH battery, 45 minute battery life, 1 hour charging time, Waterproof (IPX7 rated)
2. Philips OneBlade QP2520/30: The best for sensitive skin
Price when reviewed:£35
This Philips OneBlade looks like a fancy traditional razor, but thanks to the bundled stubble combs it’s as at home trimming beards as it is giving a closer shave. The OneBlade shaving technology oscillates 200 times per second – and this translates to a quick, comfortable shave. Charge time is eight hours for the QP2520’s Ni-MH battery, but spend extra on the QP2530 and you’ll get a longer-lasting Lithium ion battery which charges in half the time. Our only quibbles with this one are the closeness of the shave and the cost of extra blades – the blades last four months and cost £11 a pop, and the OneBlade technology doesn’t shave as closely as the foil or rotary rivals here. Those with particularly sensitive skin will love it, though – we experienced zero stubble rash with the OneBlade.
Key specs - Rechargeable Ni-MH battery, 45 minute battery life, 8 hour charging time, Water resistant, Blade lifetime: 4 months
3. Braun Series 7 790cc-4: The best electric shaver over £100
Price when reviewed:£150
This may be a bit more expensive than the other options, but the improved performance makes the Braun Series 7 worth the splurge. This foil shaver has blades that vibrate super fast to help to remove stubble quickly, and Braun claims that they can grab hairs as short as 0.05mm. The charging station also cleans and lubricates the shaver, meaning you’ll never have to spend hours brushing out hairs again, and one charge should give you enough juice to last a week. The three different shaving modes make it possible to tweak the shave for sensitive skin or deliver a closer cut, and the results are generally excellent – after a couple of shaves, the results are close to a wet shave. It’s 100% waterproof, too, but bear in mind that it’s not designed for use in the shower – you’ll need to buy the pricier 799cc model for that.
Key specs - Rechargable Li-Ion battery, 50 minute battery life, One hour charging time, Waterproof (IPX7 rated)
4. Philips AquaTouch Wet and Dry Shaver AT899/06: The best for in the shower
Price when reviewed: £40
This rotary shaver from Philips can be used wet or dry, and its triple head design is designed to follow the contours of your face for a gentle, effective shave. The QuickRinse technology means the shaver can be easily cleaned under a tap, which is great for those of us who would rather do anything than brush hairs out of a shaver for half an hour. Shaving performance is very good: the ComfortCut blades feel smooth on the skin and give smooth, close-shaven results. Charging is slow, however: it takes eight hours to charge the Ni-MH battery and it lasts just 45 minutes. Annoyingly, there’s no indication of how much battery is remaining, either - it’s best to keep it topped up if you don’t want to be left with half a beard. There’s also no trimmer, so getting a neat line on your sideburns can be a tad tricky, and no extras such as a travel case. For the money, though, this is still a solid choice.
Key specs - Rechargeable Ni-MH battery, 40 minute battery life, 8 hour charging time, Waterproof
5. Philips Travel Shaver PQ203/17: The best for travel
Price when reviewed: £10
This tiny electric shaver might not look like much, but it’s an absolute steal at the price. About the size of a mobile phone, the Philips Travel Shaver packs in a pair of rotary heads equipped with self-sharpening blades that last for up to two years. Plus, as it takes easily-available AA batteries, there’s no need to carry a charger with you when you go abroad. You only get an hour of shaving from a pair of AA batteries, and the shaving performance isn’t as close or quick as pricier models, but the results are surprisingly decent. For little more than a tenner, you get an effective shaver, a zip up travel case, and a pair of batteries to get you started. If you’re flying abroad to finalise that multi-million pound deal, then this might not be the shaver for you. But for everyone else, the PQ203 is a perfect travel companion.
Key specs - Battery-powered: AA, 60 minute shaving time, Replace within two years