Electric shavers are all about convenience. Not only do you not have to rely on shaving foam or gel (though you can use them with some models), some can even be taken into the shower.
The difference is in the blades. Rotary blade models are best for those who have longer hair, and who don’t shave every day. But for anyone who needs 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. They trap the hair closer for an even smoother cut.
Rotary models tend to 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.
1. Braun Series 3 Wet & Dry: £35, Amazon
This excellent foil shaver can be used in the shower with foam or gel and just one hour of charge will last a whole week. One for taking on holiday.
2. Panasonic ES-LV95: £189, amazon
This foil shaver has a high-speed motor that easily chops through even the thickest of beards with barely any irritation. Plus, it’s waterproof, so you don’t have to worry about cleaning.
3. Braun M90 Mobile Shaver: £17, amazon
This tiny foil shaver is a must-have travel accessory at a pinch. It’s about the size of a mobile phone but still manages to pack a trimmer inside, too, for longer hair. Plus, it takes AA batteries, so there’s no need for a charger. It’s not effective enough for a fancy dinner, but is ideal for trips away.
4. Panasonic ES-RF31 Wet & Dry: £58, amazon
This features four blades with an ultra-thin foil system for that closer shave. It’s completely waterproof so you can use it in the shower with foam or gel, and its price makes it an excellent choice.
5. Philips Series 3000: £43, amazon
It’s not the quickest shaver to charge – eight hours provides 40 minutes of buzz – but the competitive price should make this a consideration. It’s fully washable – just pop open the head and rinse under the tap. It misses a trimmer function, though.
6. Remington Smart Edge Pro Shaver: £70, amazon
Here’s a keenly priced foil shaver with a 19-degree-angled head that adjusts to the contours of your chin and neck. It’s also 100 per cent waterproof, so you can take it in.the bath or shower, It’s not as fast or thorough as some pricier models, but it’s still a worth contender.
7. Philips Series 5000: £76, John Lewis
This is a good-value, mid-range rotary model. The five-direction flexible head ensures close contact with the skin, without causing irritation. It can be quickly charged in five minutes for a last-minute shave. And it’s quiet, too.
8. Braun Series 7 Wet & Dry with Clean and Charge Station: £178, amazon
This tech-packed foil shaver has blades that vibrate super fast to help to remove stubble quickly and can grab hairs as short as 0.05mm. The charging station also effectively cleans and lubricates the shaver. It can be used in the shower.
9. Philips SensoTouch 2D: £119, amazon
Like other models, the rotary blades on this shaver pivot to follow the contours of your chin and neck. It means the blades require less pressure to trim the hairs, and are unlikely to irritate the skin, while there’s a precision-styling blade for those hard-to-reach places. It’s waterproof, too.
10. Philips Series 9000 Wet & Dry: £165, John Lewis
Quite possibly the smoothest rotary shave we had. It can catch most hairs in just one pass without the need for multiple swipes. It isn’t cheap, but it comes with a charging station that also cleans the shaver. Its eight-direction head means it can follow all the contours of your face and neck without irritating.
Verdict
The Braun Series 7, the Panasonic ES-LV95 and the Philips Series 9000 all provide a smooth shave. But if you’re not wanting to invest in an expensive bit of kit try the Braun Series 3 Wet & Dry, as its long battery life and the fact that it is waterproof means it can be used in plenty of situations - home or away.
IndyBest product reviews are unbiased, independent advice you can trust. On some occasions, we earn revenue if you click the links and buy the products, but we never allow this to bias our coverage. The reviews are compiled through a mix of expert opinion and real-world testing
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