The 8 Best Electric Razors for Men in 2026, According to a Grooming Editor
Shavers for every budget and skin type.
WHOEVER SAID PATIENCE is a virtue did not have facial hair, or at least, they weren’t regularly shaving it. Even as Men’s Health’s Grooming Editor, I’m usually running behind and rushing through my shave routine, whether I’m packing my traveling grooming essentials, deciding what toiletries to bring camping, or just trying to get to work. If it weren’t for electric razors, I would have committed to a life of looking like Charles Darwin long ago.
Best Electric Razors
- Best Overall Electric Razor: Braun Series 9 Pro Plus
- Best Electric Razor for Sensitive Skin: Panasonic Arc5
- Most Powerful Electric Razor: Philips Norelco 9800
- Best Electric Razor for Body Grooming: Manscaped The Lawn Mower 5.0
- Best Electric Razor for Maintaining Stubble: Philips Norelco OneBlade
Of course, there are plenty of reasons punctual guys might want to use an electric razor in lieu of traditional, cartridge razors. These shavers are gentler on skin, gliding across the face with less direct blade contact to reduce irritation and minimize the risk of nicks and cuts. They also help prevent razor bumps and burns by trimming hair above the surface instead of dragging against the skin like traditional razors do.
To be clear, it takes skin a few sessions to get used to shaving with these devices if you’ve been a long-time cartridge devotee. This is because electric razors move differently and do not cut as close, so your skin needs time to adapt to the new sensation and technique. Also, switching razors changes how the blades interact with your skin, which can cause temporary irritation as your skin builds tolerance.
Still, these tools streamline the whole process: they're fast, easy to use, and travel-friendly since you don’t need to pack extra products, like shaving cream. Many models even come with smart features like pressure sensors and AI, making them more intuitive and unique to the user. Most you can use wet or dry, with or without shaving cream, and they're versatile enough for your face, head, or body. Plus, some have add-ons that can help you replace multiple grooming tools, simplify your routine, and free up space on your bathroom shelf.
But regardless of why you’re using an electric razor, the biggest thing is finding the right one for you. The good news is that no matter what your budget, skin or hair type, or grooming acumen, there's an electric razor that will suit your needs.
What To Consider
Blade Type
The blade type is a key factor to consider when choosing an electric razor. You’ll typically choose between two main options: rotary blades and foil blades.
Rotary Blades
If you usually let your stubble grow out or don’t shave every day, a rotary electric razor is your best bet. Its circular motion and flexible head follow the curves of your face, helping it cut through longer or more uneven hair with ease. Rotary razors work especially well for those with normal to tougher skin and medium to coarse beard density, offering a comfortable and efficient shave even after a few days of growth.
Foil Blades
A foil works best for shorter facial hair or when you're aiming for a close shave similar to classic razors. It uses oscillating blades hidden beneath a thin, perforated foil that captures and cuts hairs as they emerge through the mesh. While a foil shaver tends to be noisier than rotary models, it offers deeper precision. To get the smoothest results, use it with straight, steady strokes—moving back and forth along the face and neck. This design makes foil razors ideal for those who shave daily or want clean, sharp lines around facial hair.
Corded vs. Cordless
Corded razors plug directly into a power source, so you don’t have to worry about charging or replacing batteries. As a result, they deliver more consistent power and longer performance. Since they don’t need to conserve energy, they also usually run stronger than cordless models. That said, cordless razors offer added convenience, especially for travel or grooming on the go, with options powered by either rechargeable or disposable batteries. Ultimately, the right choice depends on your routine and how much flexibility you need.
Premium Features
Many premium models offer additional features or accessories to enhance the shave experience or make it more convenient, including:
- Display: A digital display is a starting point for electric razor features. At a minimum, there should be a battery indicator letting you know when it’s time to recharge before the razor dies mid-shave. Higher-end models often take it a step further with advanced digital displays that show maintenance alerts and different settings, but whether you need those extras depends on your preferences and how much tech you want in your grooming routine.
- Case: A case might not seem like a big deal, but the foil and other components of many electric razors are fragile, and are prone to denting, bending, or dulling. Keeping them protected whenever not in use is important, especially if you travel frequently.
- Battery Life: For cordless electric razors, battery life can make or break the device. All of the sexy shave features are worthless if you need to constantly recharge your razor mid-grooming. Look for a tool with at least 45 minutes of battery life to give you a minimum of four or five shaves per charge.
- Charging Stand: A charging stand keeps your electric razor powered up and organized, so it's always ready to go when you need it. Plus, it helps the razor be less of an eyesore in your bathroom.
How We Selected
The Men’s Health grooming team has been extensively testing electric razors since 2018. For years, we’ve been putting shavers to the test, evaluating their effectiveness, durability, and ease of use over long periods of time. As someone who can get a five o'clock shadow before lunch, I am constantly shaving. This has given me a consistent canvas to test and retest editor favorites, as well as the latest innovations and new grooming releases.
For this story, I considered the team’s reviews and notes of top-performing razors dating back eight years, in addition to my own experience, to land on 15 options to extensively test or retest over an 18-month trial period. I’ve also included before-and-after shots of yours truly for most of the razors to show the kind of shave each one delivers. Based on this first-hand use, I narrowed that list to eight, representing the best electric razors for men to buy in 2026.
The Difference Between Electric Razors and Manual Razors
Both electric and manual razors use blades to cut hair, but they do it in different ways. Manual razors pull each hair up with the first blade, then slice it closer to the skin with the following blades—kind of like using a knife. Electric razors, on the other hand, work more like scissors. Most use a foil system: hair enters tiny holes in the foil, and internal blades cut it from beneath. Rotary versions use a slightly different mechanism, but the concept is similar.
Manual razors shave closer because the blades touch the skin directly. That closeness comes with a downside: higher chances of razor burn, bumps, or ingrown hairs, especially if you skip proper prep or use a dull blade. Electric razors always have a barrier between the blade and skin, so while they won’t shave quite as close, they’re often gentler and better suited for sensitive skin.
Read More: 2026 Men’s Health Grooming Awards
How to Get a Close Shave with an Electric Razor
Using an electric razor is much easier to pick up compared to a traditional or safety razor. Still, don’t just grab yours and start shaving right away. Take the time to learn how to get the closest shave possible before speeding through the process for the best results.
Prep Your Skin
Start your shave with clean skin. Whether you’re using a wet and dry shaver, you should tackle your scruff right after washing your face. For dry shavers, apply a small amount of pre-shave oil or wash your face and then gently pat it dry. These shavers perform best when the stubble is firm and completely dry.
Use Proper Positioning and Pressure
Keep the razor at a 90-degree angle to your skin to avoid cutting hairs unevenly. There’s no need to press hard, as a light grip does the job. Pressing down too much, especially around the jaw or chin, can lead to patchy results and irritation. With a foil shaver, I stick to back-and-forth strokes. If I’m using a rotary, I’ll go with either circular or straight motions, depending on what feels best.
Read the Manual
Reading the manual might seem unnecessary (and boring), but brands often include specific tips or techniques tailored to their design. Those little details can make a big difference, resulting in a noticeably smoother shave. It might not be Hemingway, but taking a few minutes to go through the instructions usually pays off in better results and a more comfortable experience overall.
Give Your Skin Time to Adjust
As long as I stick to proper maintenance and care, I get a consistently smooth shave from electric razors. If you’re new to these tools, however, give your skin about two weeks to adjust—it makes a big difference. A little patience and upkeep go a long way.
Read More: How to Shave
How Often Should I Clean My Electric Razor?
One of the first things I check in an electric razor is how easy it is to clean because this will help both its effectiveness and longevity (not to mention my blood pressure). Skipping regular cleaning can clog the blades with hair and gunk, which not only affects performance but also shortens the razor’s life. When using a waterproof device, I always rinse mine under running water after each use, then use a small brush to clear out any buildup on the foil.
That foil is key to getting a smooth, even shave, but it’s delicate. If it gets bent or damaged, replace it right away. Letting it go risks rough shaves, irritation, or even breakouts from dragging dirt across your skin. Some higher-end models, like the Braun Series 9, come with automatic cleaning stations. They’re super convenient (even if a bit bulky and noisy) and use replaceable cartridges that last around three months—about $5 each in a multi-pack. While not essential, they definitely make it easier to stay on top of maintenance.
Read More: How To Maintain Your Beard Trimmer
When Should I Replace My Electric Razor?
High-quality electric razors—especially those in the $200-plus range—can last years, sometimes even five or more if well maintained. To keep mine running strong, I make sure to replace the blades and foil regularly. Depending on the brand, blade replacement is usually recommended every 6 to 18 months. I also keep an eye on the foil. If it gets dented or damaged, I swap it out immediately since most replacement cartridges include both parts.
These typically cost between $20 and $50. Battery life is typically the first thing to go. Over time, even the best razors start to lose their charge faster or run with less power. When I notice my shave isn’t as close, or the razor starts pulling instead of cutting cleanly, that’s my cue that it might be time for a new one.
More of Our Favorite Shavers and Trimmers
How to Trim Your Neck Beard | How to Groom Body Hair | How to Cut Your Own Hair |How to Trim Your Beard | How to Trim Nose Hair | How to Maintain Your Trimmer | Best Beard Trimmers | Best Nose Hair Trimmers | Pubic Hair Trimmers | Best Hair Clippers | Best Cordless Clippers | Best Back Shavers | Best Head Shavers | Best Body Groomers | Best Razors
Additional reporting by Garrett Munce.
Sean Zucker is the Grooming and Reviews Editor at Men's Health. He brings over half a decade of experience covering health, wellness, and lifestyle. When Sean's not writing about hair products, you can find him running for exercise, or toward the nearest food truck.
Christian is the Style and Reviews Director at Men's Health and Women’s Health, where he oversees shopping and style content for both brands. He started his magazine career as an accessories assistant at Vogue, and has since held editorial roles at Tatler Asia and The Manual. When he’s not online shopping, you can find him on long walks with his two corgis.

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