Getting a close shave with a regular razor is a bit tough. With the risk of getting nicked or cut while you shave and getting razor burn, you might decide that having a big beard is a lot less work. Well, although some guys do like to have a face full of hair, some don’t.
If you like the feeling of a close shave, then having a razor that allows you to have the style you want is important. One of the best ways to get a close shave is to use an electric razor to do the job. This will be a faster and easier way to stay trimmed-up with the risks of getting cut with a regular razor.
However, you may find that there are several brands and models on the market that all claim to be the best at doing the job. This will make it more difficult to tell which one will work best for you and your face, and which ones will likely do an unacceptable job.
You want to find an electric razor that will cut the hair as close to the skin as possible so that you don’t feel as though you have a small beard after you have already shaved. The best options will make sure this doesn’t happen.
Not all electric razors are created equal, and we went out to find the best options available to review so you can see the differences between them. This will tell you what the pros and possible cons are so you can make your decision.
Budget |
---|
MAX-T Men’s Electric Razor – 3D Rotary Shaver |
4.3/5.0 |
Type: Corded |
Battery Life: 120 minutes |
3D rotary head and 4-direction flex head, safety lock option. |
Check Amazon |
Best Value |
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Braun Series 3 Model 310s Wet & Dry Electric Shaver |
4.6/5.0 |
Type: Cordless |
Battery Life: 30 minutes |
Ideal for sensitive skin and cuts long hair as well as short. |
Check Amazon |
Top Pick |
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Philips Norelco Razor OneBlade Face + Body |
4.9/5.0 |
Type: Cordless |
Battery Life: 60 minutes |
Usable wet or dry, includes two razors and skin guard. |
Check Amazon |
Some Things to Consider
Before making your decision on which razor you will purchase, you want to ensure that you get one that is up to your high standards. You wouldn’t want to spend money on one only to find out that it doesn’t last long. So, these are some things to think about before you decide.
Weight of Razor
When you want to find the perfect electric razor, you need to think about the weight of the product. Do you want something that is made from heavy-duty materials and will last longer, or would you rather have a lightweight build that won’t cause your palms or wrist to feel strained after long periods of use?
Deciding what you would rather have will help you narrow down your choices. If you know what you want, then finding an option that fits that description will be easier.
Look for stronger materials used in the construction like steel, aluminum, or hard plastic instead of thin or soft plastic options that will likely break easily.
Size
You should also decide what size electric razor you want as well, so you don’t end up with one that is way too large or too small for you.
The size of the razor doesn’t just mean the size of the razors and blades, or the head of the unit, but also the size of the handle as well. You want the blades to be wide enough to shave a large part of the face at once, but you also want the handle to be a comfortable size for your hands to hold.
It might only take you a few minutes of time each day to shave your face, but if you have an electric razor that is difficult to hold, then you might end up skipping a few days here and there to avoid using it.
So, instead, find one that feels comfortable in your hand so you don’t mind using it every day.
Sharpness of Blades
When using an electric razor, one of the most important things is the blade. You need the blade to be sharp so that you don’t snag the hairs on your face. If the blade isn’t sharp enough to cut the strands, then the blade will end up pulling the hair away from the skin and causing you some pain.
If the blades are sharp, then it will cut through the hair easily and not pull at all. This will let you get through the hair so that you get a closer shave without the irritation. This can also ensure that you don’t need to go over certain areas of your face more than once, which can lower the risk of getting skin irritation or razor burn.
If the blades stay sharp as well, this will keep you from having to buy new ones to replace them. You will eventually have to do this, but you don’t want to buy blades that dull easily and cause you to purchase new ones often. This will cost you more money and will get pretty irritating after a while.
If you have blades that stay sharp, you will have to do less work to maintain them, and get an overall better shave.
Cordless or Not
Another thing that you will want to consider when looking at different electric razor options is if you want to have a cordless operation or not. A corded razor will need to be plugged into a power source, which means that you will need to be in the bathroom or bedroom near a plug and a mirror.
With a cordless option, you don’t have to worry about that since you can take the razor with you wherever you go. You can use it in the car or while you are traveling without worrying about finding an open plug or bringing a mobile power source with you.
Any reason why cordless options are popular is that they are more convenient when moving around your face. A cord can sometimes get in the way when you are trying to move the razor into a specific position to trim your hair, and that can be quite annoying when you have to move it. This can make shaving take more time, whereas a cordless option doesn’t have that problem.
Though cordless electric razors seem like a better option, they come with a few caveats as well. Some people do not like the fact that they are often battery operated and have to be charged. When you are traveling for work, for instance, you will be staying in a hotel room. If you only have a few minutes before you have to get to a meeting, but your razor needs to be charged, then you might wish you had a corded option.
So, think about the reasons why you would want one option over the other to ensure that you get the perfect choice for you.
Cleaning and Maintenance
Another thing that you will want to think about is how you will have to clean the razor, and what kind of upkeep is needed to maintain the option you choose. Some electric razors are waterproof and can be easily cleaned with soap and a quick rinse under running water.
Others might get damaged if you use too much water, and you will have to be extra careful not to ruin the unit. So, reading the labels in the stores, or looking through reviews online to see if the electric razor is waterproof will let you know if that item is the right one for you.
You also want to think about the routine things that will need to be done, like putting oil on the razor blades, and how often that should be done. If you intend to wash your electric razor in water and soap, then you will need to put oil on it after every use to keep soap residue from building up on the blades.
If you only use a bit of water, since the unit is not waterproof, then only putting oil on the blades once a week will suffice. It should be noted that you don’t want to overdo it on the oil, which could cause some other issues.
Alignments
Many electric razors come with multiple sections that adjust to the shape of the jawline and face to provide a closer shave. This alignment should be checked every time you want to use the razor because if it is off, then you could end up with small sections of longer hair that you need to go over a second or third time.
As the razor moves, it will adjust to the curves of your cheeks and jaw, but if the alignment is off then you will have an uneven surface. This will affect the closeness of the shave, which is the whole purpose of having the best electric razor, so you want to make sure that the blades are aligned correctly to give you the best shave.
Top 5 Closest Shave Electric Razors Comparison Table
If you know exactly what you are looking for in an electric razor, then you might not need to read through the reviews of each product. If so, here is a quick comparison chart to take a glance at that will help give you the most important information so you can make your decision quickly.
Product Name | Cordless or Corded | Battery Life | Price |
---|---|---|---|
Philips Norelco Razor OneBlade Face + Body | Cordless | 60 minutes | Check Price |
Panasonic Arc4 The Electric Razor for Men | Cordless | 60-70 minutes | Check Price |
Braun Series 3 Model 310s Wet & Dry Electric Shaver | Cordless | 30 minutes | Check Price |
Philips Norelco Model S8950/91 Razor 8900 Rechargeable Wet/Dry Electric | Cordless | 50 minutes | Check Price |
MAX-T Men’s Electric Razor – Corded Rechargeable 3D Rotary Shaver Razor for Men | Corded | 120 minutes | Check Price |
5 Best Closest Shave Electric Razors: Detailed Review
Getting the closest shave is always the goal when trimming your facial hair, and getting the best razor will give you just that. These reviews go over our top choices and detail the good and bad of each choice so you can make your final decision.
1. Philips Norelco Razor OneBlade Face + Body (Top Pick)
Editor’s Rating: 4.9/5.0
The Phillips Norelco model is made by a brand that has been a major company in the men’s razor business, so it is not surprising that its model is our top choice. This razor offers a close shave that will let you shave your entire face and leave no stubble or short hairs to deal with. Whether you are getting rid of some newly-grown hairs or a full beard, this can handle it.
The OneBlade Face and Body is a grooming tool that comes with two different razors, one for your face and one for your body. This is included in the price of purchase so you don’t have to buy it separately. There is also a skin guard included that will protect your skin from the blade when you are shaving in a particularly sensitive area.
This razor model is able to be used when wet or dry so that you can choose to use it in the shower or the morning before you head out to work. The waterproof nature of this razor allows you to rinse it off after each use with the water from the sink so it is also a model that is very easy to keep clean.
The battery of this option will last for up to 60 minutes of runtime without needing to be recharged, and the cordless operation makes it easy to move around with getting tangled. The lithium-ion battery powers the motor to allow for continuous power throughout your shave, or over the course of multiple days.
Tech Specs |
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Comes with: Lithium-ion rechargeable battery, skin guard included |
Battery Life: 60-minute |
Waterproof: Yes |
The Pros |
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Includes two razors |
Included skin guard |
Usable wet or dry |
Easy to clean |
60-minute battery life |
Lithium-ion battery |
The Cons |
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Some customers notice that the shave is not as close as a regular razor |
There is no battery light indicator for low battery alerts |
2. Panasonic Arc4 The Electric Razor for Men
Editor’s Rating: 4.8/5.0
The Panasonic Arc4 is an electric razor that gives a close shave because the nanotech blades help move over the curves of your face for a close shave without the razor burn from a regular razor. The razor can be used in water and allows you to have a shave in the shower and also clean it under running water without any damage to the unit.
This model also has a pivoting head that senses the amount of hair on your face and can adjust to allow for a better shave. This ensures that your shave is as even as possible and can help you to smooth out areas like under the chin and around your neck, which can be difficult places to shave closely.
This razor model comes with a linear motor drive that that powers this razor to cut up to 13,000 times each minute and helps the unit keep its full power until the battery needs to be recharged. This means that you can keep trimming or shaving your hair up until the last minute if needed.
This electric shaver comes with an LCD display that shows you how much battery life you have left, which allows you to know how much longer you can shave without charging the unit. It also has a reminder alert to clean the blades so even if you tend to forget, you will have that alert to help you remember to do it often enough to keep it perfectly clean.
Tech Specs |
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Cuts: 13,000 times per minute |
Comes with: LCD display, linear motor drive, pivoting head |
Battery Life: 60-70 minutes |
The Pros |
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Nanotech blades |
Pivoting head for adjustments |
Ideal for the chin and neck areas |
Powerful linear motor |
LCD display |
The Cons |
---|
Some customers have a problem with shaving long hairs |
Some customers have seen issues with the battery life |
3. Braun Series 3 Model 310s Wet & Dry Electric Shaver (Best Value)
Editor’s Rating: 4.6/5.0
The Braun Series 3 is an electric shaver that is a great value for the price and has the ability to cut both long or short hair. This razor has a three-pressure-sensitive element that provides you with more comfort and a closer cut. The curve of the build allows the blade to glide over your skin in uneven areas to get all the hair on your face.
This model has two rechargeable batteries that each have voltage adjustments that make traveling internationally much easier. With the ability to adjust the voltage to the plug it is plugged into, you don’t have to worry about getting an adapter when you are traveling for work or pleasure.
This blade is made in Germany and comes with a foil that is designed for use on sensitive skin, which allows those who might not be able to use other options to purchase and shave with this model. This unit is also waterproof and has a battery life of up to 30 minutes.
Tech Specs |
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Product Type: Ideal for sensitive skin |
Comes with: Three-pressure sensitive elements, made in Germany |
Battery Life: 30-minute |
Waterproof: Yes |
The Pros |
---|
Ideal for sensitive skin |
30 minutes of battery life |
Cuts long hair as well as short |
Pressure-sensitive element for adjustments |
Comes with voltage adjustments for traveling |
The Cons |
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Some customers saw that it was not as useful with long hair |
Doesn’t seem to work as well when it is wet |
4. Philips Norelco Model S8950/91 Razor 8900 Rechargeable Wet/Dry Electric
Editor’s Rating: 4.5/5.0
The Philips Norelco S8950/91 model is a razor that can work when dry or wet and comes with the ability to adjust to the various contours of your face shape to provide a closer shave overall without any nicks or cuts. An electric option like this one also lowers the risk of getting razor burn as you might get with a regular manual razor.
The adjustable contour ability allows you to shave 20% more hair at once without needing to continually go over the same area again and again. It also has a V-track blade that is made for precision cuts and can cut closer to your skin without any pain or cuts.
This razor model helps to prevent any irritation to occur because of the smart click beard styler that has a comb and rounded tip. It also comes with different head attachments that are designed for different lengths so you can get the beard length you want.
This option also comes with a rechargeable battery that has a lifespan of up to 50 minutes with a single charge. You also have an indicator that will tell you when the battery is getting low and you need to charge it soon.
Tech Specs |
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Comes with: Battery life indicator, V-track track blades |
Cuts: 20% more hair cuts |
Battery Life: 50-minute |
The Pros |
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Contours to your face |
Cuts 20% more hair |
Prevents irritation from occurring |
50-minute battery life |
Battery life indicator |
The Cons |
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Some customers think that this option gives an average cut |
This option doesn’t include a stand for storage |
5. MAX-T Men’s Electric Razor – Corded Rechargeable 3D Rotary Shaver Razor for Men (Best Budget)
Editor’s Rating: 4.3/5.0
The MAX-T electric razor is a corded option with a 3D rotary and 4-direction flex head that will provide a super close shave. The flex head can move slightly to allow for directional changes that help adjust to the curves of the face to shave the uneven areas as well as even places.
The blades are made from stainless steel and are resistant to rust and damage due to their strength. This model also comes with a pop-up trimmer that can be used for areas like sideburns and your hairline for smaller trims and detailed work.
The LCD display is easy to see and shows you how much life the battery has left before you will need to charge it again. There is also an option for a safety lock that you can put to use when you are traveling that will prevent the unit from accidentally being turned on while in your bag. This keeps the battery lasting a long time without using up any power unnecessarily.
This razor model can also be used for dry shaving, but it can also be used for wet conditions so you can shave in the shower. It can also be used without the cord if you would like to charge it and use it for traveling with the cord. With this option, you can have up to 120 minutes of battery life with a single charge.
Tech Specs |
---|
Product Type: Corded and cordless option |
Comes with: Safety lock, LCD display |
Battery Life: 120-minute |
The Pros |
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3D rotary head |
4-direction flex head |
LCD display |
Safety lock option |
120-minute battery life |
The Cons |
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Some customers have noticed that the USB cable doesn’t last long |
Some customers don’t like the loud motor noise |
Contents
- Some Things to Consider
- Top 5 Closest Shave Electric Razors Comparison Table
- 5 Best Closest Shave Electric Razors: Detailed Review
- 1. Philips Norelco Razor OneBlade Face + Body (Top Pick)
- 2. Panasonic Arc4 The Electric Razor for Men
- 3. Braun Series 3 Model 310s Wet & Dry Electric Shaver (Best Value)
- 4. Philips Norelco Model S8950/91 Razor 8900 Rechargeable Wet/Dry Electric
- 5. MAX-T Men’s Electric Razor – Corded Rechargeable 3D Rotary Shaver Razor for Men (Best Budget)