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An electric shaver is the fastest way to a clean-shaven face: no lather, no blades to change every week, and far fewer nicks than a manual razor. The big choice is between a foil shaver (straight up-and-down strokes, very close on the neck) and a rotary shaver (circular strokes, good on longer stubble and curves).
This guide covers 10 top-rated electric shavers for men: five rotary shavers from Philips Norelco and five foil shavers from Braun, Panasonic and Remington. It explains how to choose, how to switch from a manual razor, and how to look after your shaver.
If you prefer a blade, see our wet shaving kit guide. If you keep stubble rather than shaving, see our beard trimmer guide, and if shaving gives you bumps, our razor bump guide.
How we chose: we have not tested these shavers hands-on. The picks are based on each product’s description on its Amazon listing and buyer ratings (all 4.3 stars or higher, checked on October 23, 2026). Ratings and availability change, so check the listing before you buy.
Quick picks:
- Best budget rotary shaver: Philips Norelco 2400
- Best value rotary shaver: Philips Norelco 3600
- Best premium rotary shaver: Philips Norelco 7800
- Best budget foil shaver: Braun Series 3
- Best for a very close shave: Panasonic ARC5
Foil or rotary?
| Foil shaver | Rotary shaver | |
|---|---|---|
| Stroke | Straight, up and down | Small circles |
| Best for | Daily shaving, a close finish, the neck | Following curves, jawline, a few days’ stubble |
| Sensitive skin | Often preferred by men with sensitive skin | Good if you go gently and do not press |
| Brands in this guide | Braun, Panasonic, Remington | Philips Norelco |
What to look for
- Wet and dry use: lets you shave with gel or foam in the shower.
- A pop-up trimmer: handy for sideburns and mustaches.
- Battery life and quick charge: useful for travel.
- Replacement heads: blades and foils wear out; check they are easy to find.
Comparison table
| Product | Type | Best for | Amazon rating |
|---|---|---|---|
| Philips Norelco 2400 Series Electric Shaver | Rotary shaver | Budget rotary shaver | 4.3 (63,489) |
| Philips Norelco 3600 Electric Shaver | Rotary shaver | Value rotary shaver | 4.4 (45,947) |
| Philips Norelco 3900 Electric Shaver | Rotary shaver | Sideburns and mustache | 4.4 (6,036) |
| Philips Norelco 7200 Electric Shaver | Rotary shaver (premium) | Smooth glide | 4.4 (3,812) |
| Philips Norelco 7800 Electric Shaver | Rotary shaver (premium) | Premium rotary shaver | 4.4 (2,349) |
| Braun Series 3 Foil Shaver with Precision Trimmer | Foil shaver | Budget foil shaver | 4.3 (27,381) |
| Braun Series 5 (5150cs) Foil Shaver | Foil shaver | Mid-range foil shaver | 4.3 (12,220) |
| Braun Series 7 Foil Shaver with SmartCare Center | Foil shaver (premium) | Premium foil shaver | 4.3 (304) |
| Panasonic ARC5 Electric Razor | Foil shaver (5-blade) | A very close shave | 4.3 (15,801) |
| Remington F5 Power Series Foil Shaver | Foil shaver | Travel and quick charge | 4.3 (29,065) |
Best rotary shavers
1. Philips Norelco 2400 Series Electric Shaver
Best for: Budget rotary shaver. Amazon rating: 4.3 out of 5 (63,489 ratings) as of October 23, 2026.
What stands out:
- 27 self-sharpening ComfortCut blades and 4D flex heads, per the listing.
- Made for a fast, clean shave even on sensitive skin, according to the listing.
- The most-rated shaver in this guide.
Keep in mind:
- An entry-level model; higher series add more flexible heads.
2. Philips Norelco 3600 Electric Shaver
Best for: Value rotary shaver. Amazon rating: 4.4 out of 5 (45,947 ratings) as of October 23, 2026.
What stands out:
- 27 self-sharpening ComfortCut blades with 5D pivot and flex heads, per the listing.
- Listed as giving a comfortable shave even on sensitive skin.
- A step up from the 2400 in head movement.
Keep in mind:
- Not the closest shaver in the range.
3. Philips Norelco 3900 Electric Shaver
Best for: Sideburns and mustache. Amazon rating: 4.4 out of 5 (6,036 ratings) as of October 23, 2026.
What stands out:
- SkinProtect technology with a 5-directional pivoting head, per the listing.
- Pop-up trimmer for mustache and sideburns.
- Up to 60 minutes of cordless shaving on a 1-hour charge, according to the listing.
Keep in mind:
- Fewer ratings than the 2400 and 3600.
4. Philips Norelco 7200 Electric Shaver
Best for: Smooth glide. Amazon rating: 4.4 out of 5 (3,812 ratings) as of October 23, 2026.
What stands out:
- Nano SkinGlide coating to help the shaver glide and minimize irritation, per the listing.
- 45 self-sharpening SteelPrecision blades, according to the listing.
- Up to 90,000 cutting actions per minute.
Keep in mind:
- A higher price than the 2000 and 3000 series.
5. Philips Norelco 7800 Electric Shaver
Best for: Premium rotary shaver. Amazon rating: 4.4 out of 5 (2,349 ratings) as of October 23, 2026.
What stands out:
- Nano SkinGlide coating, per the listing.
- 45 self-sharpening blades made in Europe, according to the listing.
- Up to 90,000 cutting actions per minute.
Keep in mind:
- Premium-priced; compare with the 7200 before buying.
Best foil shavers
6. Braun Series 3 Foil Shaver with Precision Trimmer
Best for: Budget foil shaver. Amazon rating: 4.3 out of 5 (27,381 ratings) as of October 23, 2026.
What stands out:
- Three free-floating elements, including a middle trimmer, per the listing.
- Two SensoFoil shaving elements for closeness and comfort.
- Precision trimmer for mustache and sideburns; wet and dry.
Keep in mind:
- An entry-level foil shaver.
7. Braun Series 5 (5150cs) Foil Shaver
Best for: Mid-range foil shaver. Amazon rating: 4.3 out of 5 (12,220 ratings) as of October 23, 2026.
What stands out:
- Three flexible blades that adapt to face contours, per the listing.
- Standard and Turbo modes, with up to 25,500 cutting actions per second in Turbo, according to the listing.
- Wet and dry use; engineered in Germany, per the listing.
Keep in mind:
- Sits between the Series 3 and Series 7 in price and features.
8. Braun Series 7 Foil Shaver with SmartCare Center
Best for: Premium foil shaver. Amazon rating: 4.3 out of 5 (304 ratings) as of October 23, 2026.
What stands out:
- 360 ContourFlex head that adapts to the face, per the listing.
- SkinGentle foil for skin comfort, according to the listing.
- 4-in-1 SmartCare clean and charge center.
Keep in mind:
- A newer model with only a few hundred ratings.
9. Panasonic ARC5 Electric Razor
Best for: A very close shave. Amazon rating: 4.3 out of 5 (15,801 ratings) as of October 23, 2026.
What stands out:
- Five precision-honed 30-degree nanotech blades with an ultra-thin foil, per the listing.
- Wet/dry shaver with a built-in trimmer.
- One-hour charging time, according to the listing.
Keep in mind:
- Five blades can feel intense on very sensitive skin at first.
10. Remington F5 Power Series Foil Shaver
Best for: Travel and quick charge. Amazon rating: 4.3 out of 5 (29,065 ratings) as of October 23, 2026.
What stands out:
- Pivot and flex foil technology adjusts to facial contours, per the listing.
- 60 minutes of cordless use and a quick 5-minute charge for one shave.
- Worldwide voltage (100-240V), according to the listing.
Keep in mind:
- The listing recommends daily use for the first few weeks for best results.
How to switch from a razor to an electric shaver
- Give it three to four weeks. Skin needs time to adjust, and early shaves may feel less close.
- Shave before washing your face for dry shaving, when hair is stiff and easier to cut.
- Use light pressure. Pressing harder causes irritation, not a closer shave.
- Use the right stroke: straight strokes for foil shavers, small circles for rotary shavers.
- Stretch the skin on the neck with your free hand.
- Finish with a fragrance-free moisturizer or aftershave balm.
Mistakes to avoid
- Pressing too hard. It bends the foil or heads and irritates skin.
- Never cleaning the head. Rinse or brush it after every shave.
- Ignoring worn foils and blades. Replace them as the maker recommends; dull heads pull and irritate.
- Shaving long stubble with a foil. Trim longer hair first with a trimmer.
- Judging it after one shave. Give your skin a few weeks.
Frequently asked questions
Is a foil or rotary shaver better?
Neither is better for everyone. Foil shavers suit straight strokes and a close shave; rotary shavers follow curves and handle a few days’ growth. Try the style that suits how often you shave.
Does an electric shaver shave as close as a razor?
Usually not quite as close, but most men find it close enough and much quicker, with fewer cuts.
Can I use an electric shaver in the shower?
Only if it is labelled wet and dry. Check each listing before using a shaver under water.
How often should I replace the shaver head?
Follow the manufacturer’s guidance; many recommend replacing heads or foils every one to two years.
Is an electric shaver better for razor bumps?
Many men with bumps find electric shavers gentler because they do not cut hair below the skin. See our razor bump guide for more tips.
As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases. Product details and ratings were checked on October 23, 2026 and may change.
