Best Electric Razors 2025: 5 We Actually Tested
Price: $79–$399
Pros
- ✓All five tested in real conditions for 30+ days each
- ✓Options for every budget from $79 to $399
- ✓Rotary and foil options covered
- ✓Honest assessment of trade-offs at each price point
Cons
- ✗No electric razor matches a blade for closeness
- ✗Top picks require significant investment
- ✗Replacement heads add ongoing cost
Our Testing Approach
We tested five electric razors over six months — spending at least 30 days with each as our sole shaving tool. We evaluated closeness of shave, skin comfort, battery life, ease of cleaning, and long-term durability. No razor on this list was provided free by a brand.
#1: Braun Series 9 Pro+ — $399
Best overall for closeness and comfort.
The Series 9 Pro+ consistently delivered the closest electric shave we’ve experienced. Its five shaving elements (including a titanium-coated trimmer) catch everything in 1-2 passes, even against the grain on the neck.
- Closeness: 9/10 (for an electric; still not blade-level)
- Comfort: 9/10 — almost zero irritation even on sensitive neck areas
- Battery: 60 minutes; fast charge gives 1 shave in 5 minutes
- Cleaning: Auto-clean station works well; refills cost ~$6/month
- Best for: Daily shavers who want the closest possible electric shave
The downside: $399 is a lot, and replacement cassettes ($30 every 18 months) add up. But if you shave daily and value your mornings, it pays for itself in 2 years vs. quality blade cartridges.
#2: Philips Norelco 9500 — $230
Best rotary razor; ideal for longer growth.
If you shave every 2-3 days rather than daily, the Norelco’s rotary heads handle longer stubble more gracefully than foil razors. The flexible heads contour to facial curves naturally.
- Closeness: 7.5/10 (rotary trade-off: less close, more comfortable)
- Comfort: 9.5/10 — the gentlest option tested
- Battery: 60 minutes; 1-hour full charge
- Cleaning: Included cleaning pod; basic but functional
- Best for: Guys with sensitive skin who shave 2-3x per week
#3: Braun Series 7 — $150
Best value for quality.
About 85% of the Series 9’s performance for 40% of the price. The Series 7 has four shaving elements instead of five, so you might need an extra pass on tough spots, but the overall experience is still premium.
- Closeness: 8/10
- Comfort: 8.5/10
- Battery: 50 minutes
- Cleaning: Compatible with auto-clean station (sold separately)
- Best for: First-time premium electric razor buyers; the sweet spot of price and performance
#4: Panasonic Arc5 ES-LV67 — $130
Best for wet shaving.
If you like to shave in the shower or with shaving cream, the Panasonic Arc5 is designed for it. The five-blade foil system is aggressive (very close) but can be irritating for sensitive skin when used dry.
- Closeness: 9/10 (closest in our test; rivals a blade)
- Comfort: 7/10 dry, 8.5/10 wet (needs cream/gel for comfort)
- Battery: 45 minutes
- Cleaning: Manual only (no station); simple pop-open head
- Best for: Wet shavers who want electric convenience with blade-like closeness
#5: Braun Series 5 — $79
Best budget option worth buying.
Below $80, electric razors get dicey. The Series 5 is the floor for quality — it delivers a good (not great) shave with decent comfort. You’ll need more passes than pricier options, but it gets the job done.
- Closeness: 7/10
- Comfort: 7.5/10
- Battery: 50 minutes
- Cleaning: Manual; EasyClean system makes it simple
- Best for: Budget-conscious buyers or those new to electric shaving
Quick Comparison
| Razor | Price | Closeness | Comfort | Best For |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Braun Series 9 Pro+ | $399 | 9/10 | 9/10 | Daily shavers wanting the best |
| Philips 9500 | $230 | 7.5/10 | 9.5/10 | Sensitive skin, less frequent |
| Braun Series 7 | $150 | 8/10 | 8.5/10 | Best value overall |
| Panasonic Arc5 | $130 | 9/10 | 7-8.5/10 | Wet shavers |
| Braun Series 5 | $79 | 7/10 | 7.5/10 | Budget buyers |
Our Recommendation
Most people should buy the Braun Series 7 ($150). It’s the point of diminishing returns — spending more gets you incremental improvements, but the Series 7 delivers a genuinely premium shaving experience at a reasonable price.
If budget is no object: The Series 9 Pro+ is noticeably better, and if you shave daily for years, the cost-per-shave premium is trivial.
If you’re just trying electric: Start with the Series 5 at $79. If you like electric shaving, upgrade to the Series 7 in a year or two.
Affiliate Disclosure: BeautyDupe may earn a commission on purchases made through links in this article. This does not influence our ratings or editorial content. We only recommend products we genuinely believe in.