8 Best Electric Shavers for Men 2026, Electric Razors We Trust

For much of my career as a grooming editor, I preferred the ritual, control and closeness of a manual razor. These days, though, I reach for an electric just as often, which says a lot about how far the best electric shavers have come. Specifically: They’re closer, more comfortable and more capable than ever before.Of course, not all electric shavers are created equal. As Ryan Gonzalez, co-founder of Church Barber and Church California explained to me, three factors tend to separate the better ones from more basic models: The motor, the blades and the foil. Depending on how and where you shave, versatility, portability and value matter too. Get the overall formula right, and you have a stellar daily shaver for even the most rushed mornings, whether it's supplementing your manual routine or replacing it altogether.Interestingly, unlike many other grooming categories, the electric-shaver world isn’t overflowing with hundreds of contenders. Braun, Panasonic, and Philips Norelco make up the big three, and each excel in their respective lanes, with a handful of niche favorites rounding out the field. Below, you’ll find our fully-tested list of the Best Electric Shavers for 2026, which are a mix of perennial GQ favorites alongside the latest whirring heavy hitters. Plus, everything you've ever wanted to know about foil versus rotary, and also the other factors to consider when choosing the right powered blade for you.The Best Electric Shavers, According to GQBest Foil OverallBraun Series 9 Pro+Read moreBest Rotary OverallPhilips Norelco i9000 Prestige Ultra ShaverRead moreBest Budget ShaverRemington F5 Power Series Foil ShaverRead moreBest Budget RotaryPhilips Norelco 3600 Electric ShaverRead moreBest for Sensitive SkinPanasonic Arc5 Electric ShaverRead moreBest for DetailingPhilips Norelco OneBlade Pro Hybrid Electric TrimmerRead moreBest for TravelPanasonic ARC5 Palm-Sized Electric RazorRead moreBest for Easy HandlingWahl Professional 5 Star ShaverRead moreMore Electric Shavers We LoveChoosing Between a Foil and Rotary ShaverWhat to Look for in an Electric ShaverHow We TestedAbout the ExpertBest Foil Shaver Overall: Braun Series 9 Pro+We are aware that the exemplary Braun Nevo launched this past July, and IMO, it’s Braun’s most luxurious and advanced foil razor yet. The only reason it isn’t taking Best Overall here, and instead appears in our “More We Love” section below, is its price. (Though if you can swing it, I highly recommend it.) Which leads me to the best foil razor for most guys in 2026: The Series 9 family is wildly respected, and the Pro+ buzzes like a victory lap for a line that has sat near the top of the foil heap for years. It’s pricey as well, but I’m a believer that you get what you shave for. For most guys looking to invest in one seriously good foil shaver and call it a day, the Series 9 Pro+ remains the pick of the bunch.This is about as close, easy and elevated that foil shaving gets. The head flexes beautifully over my face, and its five-part shaving system combines two ultra-thin foils with some of Braun’s magic in between, all designed to catch longer, flat-lying, and differently directed whiskers. Then there’s the powerful motor, which mowed through everything I threw at it with barely any tugging. That efficiency makes it a strong pick for sensitive skin, though I’d recommend it for any skin type. And the whole thing also feels well built in hand.Of course, Braun also gets the extras right without piling on stuff just for tech’s sake. There's wet/dry shaving, a battery indicator, a pop-out trimmer and some automatic beard-density adjustment. I noticed the latter most around denser growth on my chin, where the razor powered through with fewer passes. The cleaning dock is also clutch: Drop the razor in when you’re done, and it cleans and lubricates the head, making me far more likely to keep it properly maintained. None of this reinvents Braun’s flagship formula, nor does it need to. It simply makes an already hard-to-beat razor even better.Best Rotary Shaver Overall: Philips Norelco i9000 Prestige Ultra ShaverPhilips Norelcoi9000 Prestige Ultra ShaverWas there any doubt? Just as Braun dominates the foil game, Philips Norelco remains the undisputed heavyweight of the rotary world. The i9000 Prestige Ultra is bar none the best rotary razor currently on offer from the brand, and the one people most associate with them. You're paying a premium, but in return, you're getting an exceptionally close shave with lots of ease.The whirring blades of this exemplary tool glide beautifully, while each of the three rotary heads flex independently (super cool), hugging the contours with ease. As Gonzalez also told me, a rotary razor is more forgiving for many guys, from beginners to those with coarser, multidirectional stubble. The blades here mostly catch hairs regardless of which direction they're growing, so you don't have to be quite as deliberate with every pass. It also cuts remarkably close - about as close as I've gotten from a rotary, and not too far off a manual razor.If you've ever used one of Philips' pressure-sensing Sonicare toothbrushes, you'll recognize another useful feature. Just as the toothbrush alerts you when you're bearing down too hard, the i9000's illuminated guidance system alerts you when you're applying too much or too little pressure, and even lets you know whether you're using the proper rotary technique, meaning small circular motions. It's smart, but not "sync-your-phone" annoying smart, and especially useful if you're new to the electric game.Best Budget Foil Shaver: Remington F5 Power Series Foil ShaverRemingtonF5 Power Series Foil ShaverMore so than with rotary razors, there are a lot of players in the foil game. And while Braun and Panasonic are undoubtedly the biggest and baddest, their premium shavers come with premium price tags. Pound for pound, and at a mere $56, the Remington F5 is one of the best-value foil shavers out there, period. Nobody is going to mistake it for a beautiful piece of engineering, but it has an old-school, substantial feel, and I found it more comfortable, both on my face and in hand, than some razors twice the price. I also dig how straightforward everything is: an easy-access power button and a simple battery gauge. No app. No touchscreen. No unnecessary stuff.Most importantly, the F5 gave me a very satisfactory shave. It's not as silky smooth or refined as some of the options above, but it's a workhorse. You can actually hear the hairs getting gobbled up by the whirring blades of this mini tank. There are two flexible foils up top, but between them is what Remington calls its Intercept trimmer, which catches and pre-trims longer hairs before the foils come through for the closer work. I found that combination particularly good at cleaning up stubborn patches, while the pivoting head (at this price point!) helped maintain contact. It doesn't move as effortlessly as a top-of-the-line foil shaver, but it delivers a close shave for a fraction of the price.Best Budget Rotary Shaver: Philips Norelco 3600 Electric ShaverPhilips Norelco3600 Electric ShaverYou can certainly find a less expensive rotary shaver than the Philips Norelco 3600, including the brand's own 2400, but at $70, this is where value and performance start to mesh. This is a perfectly good primary razor for most beards and a great backup for just about anyone. You also get a surprising number of the bells and whistles I'd normally associate with a more expensive electric razor, including contouring heads, wet/dry shaving, a battery indicator, pop-up detail trimmer, and travel pouch. Unboxing the 3600, I was surprised by how substantial it felt, making it seem like a more sophisticated shaver than its price suggests.More importantly, it shaves like one. The three rotary heads pivot and flex, a Norelco specialty and, at this price point, quite a plus. I found they hugged tricky contours well, with little effort on my part. The blades are made from hypoallergenic, corrosion-resistant steel, and since it's wet/dry, you can add shaving gel if your skin needs extra cushioning. Battery life clocks in at a full hour, while a five-minute quick charge gives you enough juice for a shave when you've forgotten to plug it in. It's also a decent travel option: lightweight enough, with a pouch included and enough battery life to get through a weekend trip without the charger.Now, don't get me wrong: You're not getting Norelco i9000 quality for $70. I didn't get as close a shave with the 3600; the coverage area is smaller, and the head doesn't have the same range of movement. This is a razor that's at its best on every day or every-other-day stubble. But those compromises feel entirely reasonable for the price.Best for Sensitive Skin: Panasonic Arc5 Electric ShaverPanasonicArc5 Electric ShaverIt might sound counterintuitive to recommend a five-blade razor with a seriously powerful motor for sensitive skin, but hear me out. Gonzalez favors foil razors for guys prone to irritation, as the thin metal foil creates a sort of protective barrier between your skin and the blades, helping reduce friction. But there’s a domino effect at play too with the Arc5: A powerful motor means more efficient cutting, which means fewer passes. And in my experience, the fewer times a razor drags across the same patch, the happier my skin is. All that aside, the Arc5 could easily be the primary foil razor for most guys. It’s just that good.Its ultra-sharp, hypoallergenic steel blades are honed to a 30-degree edge, helping them slice through whiskers cleanly with less tugging. You can feel the power of the linear motor as it cuts through stubble, while a sensor reads beard density and adjusts power as you shave. It also has one of the largest foil heads out there, which flexes in 16 directions, almost like a bobblehead, adapting remarkably well to the contours of my face. For all that muscle, though, the Arc5 has this sort of elegant feel. I was able to get an exceptionally close shave without the redness and irritation that can come from bearing down too hard. I also like that the Arc5 is wet/dry, so you can add a hydrating shave cream or gel for extra cushioning. The larger head takes a little getting used to around tighter spots like under the nose, but the extra surface area is also part of what makes the Arc5 so efficient.Best for Detailing: Philips Norelco OneBlade Pro Hybrid Electric TrimmerPhilips NorelcoOneBlade Pro Hybrid Electric TrimmerIf there were an award for the grooming tool I’ve sung the praises of most over the years, the OneBlade might take it. I’ve been using it forever, and few tools have proved as indispensable and versatile for quick cleanups of everything from stubble and sideburns to body hair. And while I love the simplicity of the original, the OneBlade Pro 360 considerably ups the facial-detailing game.That narrow, dual-sided blade is the star. Because it cuts in either direction and you can see where it’s going, I find it incredibly easy to trace a beard line or get into those annoying areas around a mustache and under the nose. The 360-degree head flexes well, too, and you can get a pretty close overall facial shave in a pinch. And there’s versatility, gents: The Pro comes with an adjustable precision comb with 20 lock-in settings. I can dial in my length, trim everything down, then pop off the comb and use the exposed blade to sharpen up the edges.Going Pro also gets you 120 minutes of battery life, a digital battery display and a travel lock, and the device is waterproof and easy to rinse clean. Do you need all of that if you already own and love the regular version? It depends on how particular you are about custom lengths and clean lines.Best for Travel: Panasonic ARC5 Palm-Sized Electric RazorPanasonicARC5 Palm-Sized Electric RazorI've used the Panasonic ARC5 Palm consistently since its release, and it still feels special every time I pick it up. While many electric razors are, well, hunks of plastic, this feels more like a compact luxury objet d'art, with a cool, satisfyingly stone-like finish. The ARC5 Palm is a razor I admire sitting near my bathroom sink, and one I barely notice once it's zipped into a bag. It's substantial in the hand, with a reassuring heft that belies its tiny size, and there's no traditional handle, either; instead, you sort of palm its contoured, oval form, which gives you plenty of control as you shave. There's something almost massage-like about using it, turning what can feel like a chore into something I actually enjoy.It absolutely excels for travel, taking up minimal room in a Dopp kit, packing into a handsome leather protective case, and charging via USB-C so you don’t have to bring another proprietary charger. That portability doesn't come at the expense of performance. Inside is a seriously powerful linear motor paired with five Japanese stainless-steel blades, essentially giving you the guts of a full-size premium razor in the palm of your hand. It plows through stubble quickly and gets impressively close, while around 50 minutes of battery life is plenty for most trips. It's also waterproof, so I can shave wet or dry and rinse it clean under the faucet.Yes, it's pricey, but the more I've used it, the more justified that price feels. There are much cheaper razors you can toss into a suitcase, but many of them look and feel it. The ARC5 Palm is luxurious without being precious and powerful enough that its tiny size doesn't feel like a compromise. If you travel regularly, this is an investment worth making room for.Best for Easy Handling: Wahl Professional 5 Star ShaverWahlProfessional 5 Star ShaverI appreciate good design, and this Wahl 5-Star looks very cool in that retro, I-can-see-a-professional-barber-using-this sense. The body is plastic, but between that deep burgundy finish, gold foil, and vintage Wahl branding, it looks like something you’d find sitting next to a jar of Barbicide in a hip, apothecary-esque barbershop. And that association isn’t just aesthetic: Wahl is one of those rare professional brands that has crossed over into the consumer grooming space without losing cred.The 5-Star is a finishing shaver, meaning you don’t use it to bring down a four-day beard. You reach for it when you want to take short stubble down closer, sharpen your edges, or get that fresh-from-the-shop finish. I especially like it for tidying up my neckline. It’s light, gets close fast, and takes almost no effort for a quick touch-up. The gold foil isn’t just for looks, either: It’s hypoallergenic and designed to help reduce irritation and razor bumps.It’s compact, has a great hand feel, and the 60-plus-minute battery is more than enough if you’re primarily using it for light work. All told, it does one relatively simple job extremely well.More Electric Shavers We LoveBraunNevoIt’s hot off the press, gents, and keeps selling out, even at this price point. For the Braun devotee, the Nevo is arguably the best foil razor on the market today and, IMO, worth every cent. From the stainless-steel unibody and new foil system that adapts to the engineering underneath it all, this is as much an exemplary work of industrial design as it is an exceptional razor.ManscapedChairman ProThe Manscaped Chairman Pro could have easily landed on the primary list if we’d had more room, which should tell you how much I adore this razor and what the brand is doing. The Chairman Pro is a bit of a Swiss Army knife among foil shavers: Its four-blade foil delivers a stellar shave, but you can swap the head for a stubble trimmer when you want to keep some scruff, making it super convenient if you bounce between clean-shaven and a short beard.Dollar Shave ClubFor Your Face Electric ShaverIf you want a low-stakes foil shaver without spending triple digits, Dollar Shave Club’s For Your Face is a surprisingly solid option. (No huge surprise from DSC, a brand known for quality shaving products at accessible prices.) It’s compact, with a travel lock, protective cap, and USB-C charging, making it particularly convenient for travel. The head is clever, too: One side knocks down longer stubble before the foil comes through for the closer shave, while the blades move with the contours of your face.LaifenP3-Blade Electric ShaverLaifen might be best known for its exemplary hairdryers and toothbrushes, but do not sleep on this industrial-chic razor. The first thing I noticed about the P3 is that it’s packaged more like high-end tech than a grooming tool, a trend increasingly popular among premium grooming brands. It fits here: I got a close shave, while the floating head maintained contact well. It looks the part, but more importantly, it has the shaving chops to back it up.Choosing Between a Foil and Rotary ShaverNo question, the biggest decision when choosing an electric shaver is foil versus rotary: Foil shavers have a straight, perforated metal head that guides your whiskers toward the blades beneath, while keeping those blades from making direct contact with your skin. Rotary shavers use circular cutting heads that flex around your face. “It’s grabbing and cutting hairs from all angles,” Gonzalez says of rotary, which is particularly useful where hair grows in different directions. Foils require a bit more technique and manual contouring, which means “knowing your grain, controlling the angle and pressure.” Use straight strokes with a foil and small circular motions with a rotary.Gonzalez recommends foil for those prone to razor bumps and ingrown hairs, while rotary generally requires less effort. “Foil shaves closer,” he says, “but I’d argue rotary is more consistent and leaves a more even shave.” Neither is inherently better: The best one depends on your beard, skin, and how much precision versus ease you want.What to Look for in an Electric ShaverMotor and Cutting QualityA powerful motor and sharp cutters mean less tugging and fewer passes, especially with thicker facial hair. “A fast and reliable motor cuts hair clean, while a slower motor drags it,” Gonzalez says. Don’t get too hung up on CPM or cutting actions per minute, since those numbers aren’t always apples-to-apples across foil and rotary shavers. Foil and cutter quality matter just as much: “Ultra-thin foils and razor-sharp cutters are where the money actually goes in a premium shaver,” Gonzalez says.Flexible/Pivoting HeadYour face isn’t flat, so many shavers use pivoting or flexible heads, floating cutting elements, or a combination to maintain contact around the jaw, chin, and neck. Generally, the more naturally a shaver follows your contours, the fewer missed hairs and repeat passes you’ll need, which can also reduce irritation. Just don’t compensate with force: “Pressing harder doesn’t get you closer; it heats the skin and inflames it,” Gonzalez says.Wet/Dry CapabilityA wet/dry shaver lets you shave dry, use shaving cream or gel, or shave in the shower, while a dry-only model is designed for use without water or product. For bump-prone skin, Gonzalez recommends using an unscented, alcohol-free, moisturizing shaving cream. Full waterproofing also makes rinsing out the head considerably easier.MaintenanceKeeping your shaver clean and its cutters fresh is paramount. "A clean, lubricated blade shaves better and lasts longer," Gonzalez says. Foil heads may need replacing every 12 to 18 months, while many rotary heads can last around two years; tugging, irritation, or missed stubble are signs it may be time. And don't dismiss a cleaning dock as a luxury: If you're unlikely to hand-clean your razor regularly, "the station means the shaver actually gets cleaned, every time, without thinking about it."The ExtrasDon’t let a laundry list of techy bells and whistles distract you from the basics. “What I’d ignore: the blade count arms race, LCD screens, app connectivity, most of the sensor modes,” Gonzalez says. That said, I find a battery-life indicator genuinely useful, while pressure guidance can keep you from bearing down too hard. On the less tech-y side, a built-in detail trimmer is the practical addition I use most for sideburns, under the nose, and other hard-to-reach spots.How We TestedEvery electric shaver here spent time on my face, with many tested over several shaves and at different stubble lengths. I paid attention to closeness, comfort and power, but also to how easily each razor moved around my jaw, chin and neck, and whether I found myself going over the same spots again. I also considered extras like battery life, cleaning, waterproofing, travel and how it feels in hand (often overlooked). Because no single shaver is right for every guy, I considered factors like sensitive skin, detailing, travel, getting the best shave for your money, or simply being the best all around.I’ve covered men’s grooming for more than a decade and tested countless shavers along the way, from niche newbies to tried-and-true brands. The electric-shaver world isn’t wildly vast, and I know from experience that Braun, Panasonic, and Philips Norelco will be frontrunners on just about any list. They’ve been doing this for decades, and they do it exceptionally well. Overall, these picks reflect both hands-on testing and years of experience with the category.Ryan Gonzalez is the founder of the “World’s First Botanical Barbershop,” Church Barber in San Francisco, and Church California, the award-winning natural grooming brand. After more than a decade immersed in the world of barbers, hair, and grooming, he’s become an expert on shaving tools, including rotary and foil electric shavers.