Scraping away at your chin with a tiny metal blade is such a 19th-century thing to do, only one step beyond using a sharpened flint before going out to hunt some mammoth. The best electric shavers are much more civilised, convenient, and less likely to leave your face a red, puffy mess after use.
The rechargeable electric shavers we’re highlighting here are the cream of the crop, with multiple blades, easy-to-clean heads and some serious luxury vibes. If you’re going to run a buzzing machine over an important part of your body every morning, it had better be a good one, so here are three of the best.
The best electric shavers you can buy today:
1. Braun Series 9 Pro+
Stuff Verdict
One of the best-performing shavers you can get – totally worth it if you can spare the cash
Pros
Excellent cutting performanceEasy to clean
Cons
Expensive RRPAll the accessories will be overkill for some
Braun Series 9 Pro+ specsNumber of blades5Shave typeDry and wetBattery life60 minutes (5 minute quick charge)WeightUnknown
Braun’s latest shaver has to be one of the most hi-tech of its kind. From its ProLift trimmer designed to gently cut tough hairs to its Sonic Technology, which helps gently capture more stubble thanks to rapid micro-vibrations, it’s all about innovation. To keep the luxury vibes coming, it even comes with a mobile charging case for up to 90 minutes of power on the go.
Is it any good?
The Pro+ followed the contours of my face with ease, offering a pleasant, pull-free experience. And since I didn’t have to make multiple passes over the same areas, my chops were left smooth and with no irritation. I’m also low-key obsessed with the bundled 6-in-1 SmartCare Centre, which makes cleaning it a breeze.
2. Panasonic Series 900+
Stuff Verdict
Great for those looking to take the pain and irritation out of traditional razor shaving
Pros
Impressive six blade cuttingsLong battery life
Cons
Slightly cumbersome designOn the expensive side
Panasonic Series 900+ specsNumber of blades6Shave typeDry and wetBattery life8 hoursWeight
220g
The Series 900+ is unique in that it packs a whopping six blades over the standard three or four. But why? Well, it’s not just to show off: two lift blades pull hair up, two thick stubble blades chop it off, and two finish blades smooth things over. This kooky configuration is claimed to chomp through 80% of hairs in just one pass, meaning the shaver can tackle longer, more dense stubble.
Is it any good?
Despite a cumbersome design, the 900+ is surprisingly easy to manoeuvre around the face. Results are impressive too: it glides effortlessly over skin, leaving everything feeling smooth with little irritation. Plus it automatically ramps up the power when taking on longer hairs. Expect about 10 days of shaving per charge.
3. Remington Limitless X9
Stuff Verdict
A smooth and effortless shave that won’t beat the best but will cost you much less
Pros
Affordable priceComfortable shaving
Cons
Nips skin occasionally
Remington Limitless X9 specsNumber of blades3Shave typeDry and wetBattery life60 minutesWeight180g
Sporting a 360° head that can pivot in all directions, the Limitless X9 rotary shaver has been designed with comfort in mind. Since its flex blades follow the contours of your mug, it munches its way through stubble without needing to be passed over the skin multiple times. This, along with its three ‘comfort rings’, means gentler shaving with less irritation than wet razors.
Is it any good?
This handsome shaver is just so easy to use: it’s light in the hand and zooms across the face. It can deliver a few nips here and there, which isn’t unusual for a lower-priced shaver like this, but overall you can expect a close and comfortable shave. And its intelligent LED display shows how many shaves you have left, which is a nice touch.
How to choose the best electric shaver
Okay, so you’re thinking about buying an electric shaver but don’t know where to start? Well, the first decision you’ll need to make is often between the two primary types: foil and rotary.
Foil shavers employ straight heads housing oscillating blades beneath a thin, perforated foil, offering a close and precise shave. On the other hand, rotary shavers feature circular heads with spinning blades, adept at navigating the contours of your face with ease.
Which is best comes down to personal preference, but generally, we prefer foil shavers at Stuff.
Another crucial consideration is whether you prefer the convenience of dry shaving or the luxury of a wet shave. While some electric shavers are designed exclusively for dry use, others are equipped to handle shaving cream or gel in wet conditions. Opting for a waterproof shaver (which all of the above are) suitable for wet use opens up the possibility of enjoying a refreshing shave in the shower or with your preferred shaving products.
When it comes to electric shaver specs, battery life and charging time are paramount. Assessing how long the shaver’s battery lasts on a single charge and how swiftly it recharges can significantly impact your grooming routine. For those frequently on the move or seeking hassle-free maintenance, a longer battery life and swift charging capabilities are absolutely indispensable.
Finally, ease of cleaning is often overlooked but crucial for maintaining optimal shaver performance. Look for shavers with designs conducive to effortless cleaning and models equipped with cleaning stations that streamline maintenance. These will automatically clean, lubricate, and dry the shaver after each use, sparing you the hassle of manual upkeep.
