The beard has its place. That goes for three-day stubble, goatees, chin straps, mutton chops, lumberjack beards, the lot. But sometimes it has to go. Whether it’s for work, a formal event, or freshening up your style. Maybe it’s just itching you like crazy.
Either way, you could do with a new electric shaver. It’s good to have one in case you feel that urge to shave off the fuzz, and there’s never a bad time to upgrade the rusty old shaver that’s been clogging up the bathroom cabinet for years.
If you need help making a decision — or just feel lost with all the electric shaver and manscaping jargon — here’s a quick guide on everything you need to know, plus a round up of the very best electric shavers you you can buy right now.
Do you need an electric shaver?
Some men prefer the feel of a razor. That’s a simple fact of life. But there are plenty of benefits to going electric. Sure, an electric shave is never going to be as close as scraping a razor across your skin, but they offer convenience and speed. There’s no faffing around with creams and other shaving-based admin — just a quick 30-second buzz is all it takes. And they’re especially convenient for travelling.
How much does an electric shaver cost?
You can find models to suit every budget, from around £50 or less, to £300-plus. The higher the spec, the higher the price tag. However, that doesn’t mean you can’t find decent, robust shavers in a lower price range. We’ve included various options.
Are there different types of electric shavers?
There are a few types of electric shavers to consider, all with their own upsides:
Rotary shavers — These are the shavers with (usually) three circular heads. The heads flex and adjust to the contours of your face. This helps catch every bit of stubble in even the trickiest spots.
Foil shavers — These have a straight head made from a perforated foil, with oscillating blades (anywhere between two and five blades) beneath the foil.
Travel shavers — All electric shavers are travel shavers, but some are built even more compact and lightweight, with handheld designs that fit easily in your palm.
What is the best type of electric shaver?
It really comes down to a choice of rotary versus foil, but there’s no clear-cut winner. It’s a case of personal preference. They both get the job done. The more pertinent question is whether you prefer an electric shaver or classic razor. Or, if you want to keep hold of your beard, an electric beard trimmer might be a better option.
What features do electric shavers offer?
Beyond just cutting your facial hair, electric shavers offer other features that set them apart in the marketplace. So, if you’re spending big bucks — or looking for value — consider an electric shaver with any of the below features.
Wet/dry shaving — Some electric shavers can handle wet shaving, meaning you can use them with water and foam. They’ll even go in the shower with you.
Fast charging — Look out for shavers that offer a good runtime from just a few minutes of charging. Some will come with a dedicated charging stand.
Battery life — Around an hour is a respectable runtime from an electric shaver. That’s actually quite a lot when you consider that shaving takes just a few minutes.
Self-cleaning — Some charging stands double up as cleaning stations, which clean, lubricate, dry, and charge your shaver all at once.
Keep these features in mind when shopping around for your perfect electric shaver.
What is the best electric shaver?
Ultimately, that’s up to you. But we are here to help. We have carefully considered all the options on the market, and selected some of the best electric shavers for you. This list includes all the top brands, with Philips, Braun, and Panasonic making the cut. We’re confident that there is something absolutely perfect for every face. Even yours.
These are the best electric shavers for 2025.