The best electric shaver for men right now is the Philips Norelco 2400 Series (X3001/90). It is a 27-blade rotary with a 4D flexing head, wet and dry capability and a two-year blade life, and it costs almost nothing to keep running compared with most foils in this list. If you want a foil instead, the Braun Series 3 ProSkin 3040s is the safest first buy, and the Panasonic ARC5 (ES-LV65-S) is the one to choose when closeness matters more than noise level or price.
That is the short version. The longer version is that there is no single best electric shaver for men, because the right answer changes with your beard density, your skin, how often you shave and whether you also use the thing on your scalp. A foil gets closer and irritates less. A rotary chews through longer growth and lasts longer between head changes. A hybrid trimmer cannot shave to skin at all, and that is exactly why it never irritates anyone.
We own every shaver in this roundup and tested them across daily stubble, three-day growth and full weekend beards, wet and dry, with and without a pre-shave lotion. Nothing here is sponsored, and every unit was bought outright. What follows is the 2026 shortlist, ranked, with the honest drawback on each one so you can see whether the deal works for your face before you commit.
Updated for 2026. If you would rather start with the shortlist, the table below is the fastest route.
Table of Contents
Top 3 Picks for the Best Electric Shavers for Men
Philips Norelco 2400 Series
- 27 self-sharpening blades
- 4D flexing head
- Wet and dry
- Pop-up trimmer
Those three cover the widest range of buyers on this page. The 2400 Series wins on value and low maintenance. The 3900 wins if you want a rotary with the stand and pouch in the box. The ARC5 wins on closeness and nothing else matters.
12 Best Electric Shavers for Men in 2026
| Product | Specifications | Action |
|---|---|---|
| Philips Norelco 2400 Series |
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 Remington F5 Power Series |
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 Braun Series 3 ProSkin 3040s |
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 Philips Norelco OneBlade 360 |
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 Wahl Professional 5 Star |
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 Braun Series 5 5150cs |
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 BaBylissPRO METALFX |
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| Philips Norelco 3900 |
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| Panasonic ARC5 ES-LV65-S |
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 Philips Norelco Head Shaver Pro 9000 |
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Check Latest Price |
 Braun Series 9 PRO+ 9517s |
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Check Latest Price |
 Hatteker 7568D |
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Check Latest Price |
1. Philips Norelco 2400 Series (X3001/90) – Best Overall
Philips Norelco 2400 Series Electric Shaver, Deep Black
27 self-sharpening blades
4D flexing head
Wet and dry
Pop-up trimmer
Pros
- Cheapest long-run ownership on this list
- Two year self-sharpening blade life
- 4D head handles jawline and neck
- Works wet or dry
Cons
- USB-A cable only with no wall adapter
- Not razor-close on multi-day growth
- Replacement heads can be hard to source
This is the shaver we hand to friends who ask for one recommendation and nothing else. It arrived in 2023 as a deliberate step down from the Philips 3000 range, and the trade was simple: fewer blades, no display, no stand, far less to spend on heads later.
Twenty-seven self-sharpening ComfortCut blades sit in a rotary head that moves in four directions, which is what stops the jawline and neck from being the sore part of the shave. The unit weighs 6.24 ounces and measures 7.52 by 3.94 by 3.19 inches, so it is genuinely pocketable rather than pocket-adjacent.
The thing that separates it from every other budget rotary is the two-year self-sharpening blade life. Philips rates the steel blades for two years, and because they sharpen themselves rather than dulling, you are not chasing a fresh head every eight months. Over a three-year ownership window that is the single biggest saving in this roundup.
Wet and dry works properly here, and the head rinses clean under a tap with no alcohol solution needed. A pop-up trimmer on the front handles sideburns and the neckline without you reaching for a second tool.
What you are getting right with it
If you shave daily or every other day and your skin reacts to razors, this is close to the ideal daily tool. There is no heat, no tugging, and the four-way flex means fewer passes. Reviewers consistently describe it as a fast, clean shave on sensitive skin.
Long-term owners report the three-head Philips rotary design lasting a decade or more with routine cleaning, which makes the ownership math very hard to argue with.
Where it falls short
The USB-A cable is included but the wall adapter is not, so you need a USB port or an old phone charger. On stubble it is excellent; on a three-day beard you will want a second pass and a little more patience than a foil gives you.
Replacement heads are the weak point. They exist, but they are not always easy to find through the same listing, so check availability in your region before you buy rather than after.
2. Remington F5 Power Series (F5-5800) – Best Value Foil
Remington F5 Power Series Foil Shaver for Men, Cordless Rechargeable Razor
Pivot and Flex foil
Intercept pre-trim
60 min cordless
5 min quick charge
Pros
- Pre-trim handles longer hairs
- Quick charge gives a shave in five minutes
- Washable head
- Worldwide 100-240V
Cons
- Design dates from 2012
- NiMH cell can suffer memory effect
- Foils need replacing about twice a year
The Remington F5 is the foil you buy when you want a foil and refuse to pay premium-brand money for it. It has been in production since 2012, which cuts both ways: parts are everywhere, and the engineering underneath is a decade old.
Two systems do the work. Pivot and Flex Foil Technology lets the head ride facial contours, and Intercept Shaving Technology runs a pre-trim across longer hairs before the foil ever sees them. That second feature is the reason this shaver copes better with weekend growth than most foils at its level.
Battery behaviour is unusually useful for a foil. You get 60 minutes of cordless runtime, and a five-minute quick charge buys you one full shave. That means the morning you forget to plug it in is not a morning you skip.
It is also worldwide voltage from 100-240V, the head is fully washable, and a pop-up detail trimmer handles sideburns. Remington backs it with a two-year limited warranty.
Why it suits most buyers
At 14.64 ounces it is heavier than the Philips units, and the body is a long rectangular shape rather than a palm curve. It does not feel as refined, but the shave itself is quick and the contouring holds up on the neck.
Reviewers rate it well for daily maintenance shaving, and the quick-charge behaviour is the feature people mention most often in the first month.
Where it falls short
It uses a nickel-metal hydride cell rather than a lithium-ion pack. Older NiMH chemistry can develop a memory effect if you constantly top it up in short bursts, so let it drain occasionally.
The other real cost is the foils and cutters, which owners replace roughly every six months. Over three years that adds up to more than the shaver itself, and it is the single biggest reason the 2400 Series sits above this one.
3. Braun Series 3 ProSkin 3040s – Best for Beginners
Braun Electric Series 3 Razor with Precision Trimmer, Rechargeable, Wet & Dry Foil Shaver for Men, 45 Minute Runtime, MicroComb and Long Hair Trimmer, Protects Skin from Nicks & Cuts, 4 Piece
3-blade floating system
MicroComb
45 min runtime
Wet and dry
Pros
- Gentlest entry point for new electric users
- MicroComb lifts more hair per stroke
- Built to last years
- Smart plug for travel
Cons
- Struggles on hair longer than three days
- Wet results vary day to day
- No charging stand in the box
The Series 3 is the most-recommended first electric shaver in the country, and after months of daily use we understand why. Nothing about it is exciting and nothing about it fails you.
The head is a three-blade free-floating system, meaning the whole cutting block rises and falls with your jaw rather than rocking side to side. Above it, MicroComb technology channels more hair into the foil on every stroke. Two SensoFoil elements underneath are what keep the result close without digging in.
Runtime is 45 minutes, which Braun frames as up to a week of shaves, and a five-minute quick charge gives you one shave when the battery is flat. Wet and dry covers water, foam and gel, and a precision trimmer on the back handles moustache and sideburns.
Two details matter more than they look. The smart plug adjusts automatically across 100-240V, so it travels internationally without a converter. And Braun builds these to last, with longevity claims measured in years rather than seasons.
Why it is the safe first buy
Irritation is the thing that puts people off electric shaving, and this is the model that converts the most sceptics. A floating three-blade head spreads pressure across a wide area, so the face rarely gets pinched.
It is also the pick we recommend for a teenage boy learning to shave. Nothing breaks, the head is slim enough to manoeuvre under the nose, and the whole unit is light at 11.15 ounces.
Where it falls short
Multi-day growth is where it shows its age. Bring clippers out for a long weekend beard, then use the Series 3 for the finish. Wet shaving results also vary more than the marketing implies, so do not judge the whole shaver on one shower.
There is no charging stand in the box, which matters if you have a bathroom counter you want to keep clear.
4. Philips Norelco OneBlade 360 (QP2724/90) – Best for Face and Body
Philips Norelco OneBlade 360 Hybrid Face Trimmer and Shaver, 5 Length Comb
12,000 cuts per minute
5 length combs
IPX7 waterproof
4 month blade
Pros
- One tool covers face neck and body
- Shaves a four week beard in about a minute
- No irritation because it never touches skin
- Months of runtime per AA battery
Cons
- Cannot shave to skin so it is not a finisher
- Replacement blades cost more than the tool suggests
- AA battery rather than rechargeable
The OneBlade is not a shaver in the conventional sense and that is the entire point. Its blades sit a few millimetres above your skin, so it sweeps hair without scraping. Nothing gets close enough to be called a shave.
That design produces two things no other unit on this list can offer. First, zero razor burn, because there is no blade-on-skin contact. Second, speed: users regularly clear a four-week beard in roughly sixty seconds with the comb attached.
The 360 Blade Control head flexes in every direction and the dual-sided blade can be used either way up, so you get moustache work and sideburn edges with the same tool. The five-in-one comb gives 1mm to 5mm settings, which covers everything from a shadow to a short beard.
It is IPX7 waterproof for shower use and runs on a single AA battery, which means the battery life reviewers report in months rather than minutes. An eject icon appears when the blade needs changing.
Why it earns its place
If you shave your chest, neck and head as well as your face, this replaces three devices. It is also the answer for anyone whose skin reacts to everything else, and for anyone who shaves dry with no product at all.
The build is light at 5.43 ounces and the head is genuinely slim, so getting into tight contours does not become a fight.
Where it falls short
It will not finish a job. If you want a smooth, close shave for a wedding or a photo, you still need a real shaver after it. Some users also report the blade eject mechanism stiffening and the head feeling fragile if dropped.
Blade replacements at roughly four months are the running cost, and they are pricier than the tool body would suggest. Budget for two a year if you use it daily.
5. Wahl Professional 5 Star (WA8061-100) – Best Daily Close Finishing Shaver
Wahl Professional 5 Star Shaver/Shaper Cord/Cordless Foil Shaver
Gold hypoallergenic foil
Cord and cordless
60 min Ni-CAD
Made in USA
Pros
- Closest result of any foil we tested
- Gold foil is excellent on sensitive skin
- Works well on scalps and necklines
- Genuinely corded and cordless
Cons
- Extremely loud during operation
- Ni-CAD memory effect and a very long charge
- Delicate expensive foils
- Needs clippers for anything longer
The 5 Star is the shaver barbers reach for when they want a genuinely close electric finish, and it is made in the USA. The cutting result is the best we produced from a foil at any price.
The mechanism is a professional gold hypoallergenic foil over a fast rotary motor. That combination produces a shave with almost no leftover stubble and very few passes, and the gold coating is specifically designed to reduce the bumps and ingrown hairs that foil users normally fight.
It runs on a rechargeable Ni-CAD cell for about 60 minutes, and critically it also works with the cord in. That is not marketing decoration. When an ageing battery finally gives up years into ownership, a corded shaver still shaves and a cordless one becomes a paperweight.
In the box you get a foil guard, a charging plug and a cleaning brush. The foil and cutter bar is part 7031-100 if you need a replacement.
Why it works for sensitive skin
Reviewers who switched from cheaper foils to this one report noticeably fewer neck bumps, which is the hypoallergenic foil doing exactly what it claims. It is also excellent on bald scalps and for cleaning up necklines after a haircut.
If you shave every single day and want the closest electric result, this is the honest answer regardless of noise level.
Where it falls short
It is extremely loud. If you share a bathroom with someone who is trying to sleep, that matters more than any spec.
The Ni-CAD battery wants full discharge cycles and takes eight to ten hours to charge. The foils tear easily if dropped and cost real money to replace. And it needs a trimmer first on anything longer than a day’s growth.
6. Braun Series 5 5150cs – Best All-in-One Kit
Braun Electric Shaver for Men, Series 5 5150cs, Wet & Dry Razor, Turbo Shaving Mode, Foil Shaver, with Beard Trimmer, Body Groomer and Charging Stand, Blue
3 flexible blades
Turbo 25,500 cuts per sec
50 min Li-ion
Body groomer
Pros
- Turbo mode clears dense beards fast
- Beard trimmer and body groomer included
- Charging stand in the box
- Modern lithium-ion cell
Cons
- Replacement cassettes are costly
- Body groomer is adequate not specialist
- Stand takes counter space
The 5150cs is the Series 3 idea grown up. Same three-blade floating philosophy, more power, and a kit that covers more of your body without a second purchase.
Turbo mode runs the motor at 25,500 cutting actions per second, and the difference from standard mode is obvious on a dense beard. Standard mode is quieter and gentler; Turbo is what you reach for when you have been away from a razor for a few days.
The EasyClick attachments are the reason to buy it over a plain Series 3. A beard trimmer and a body groomer clip onto the body, so the same motor and battery handle your neck, chest and stomach. The lithium-ion cell gives around 50 minutes of runtime.
It is wet and dry, engineered in Germany, and the box includes a proper charging stand, which the cheaper Brauns leave out.
Who this suits
It is a strong choice for a man whose beard is thick enough that standard mode feels slow, and for anyone who wants one motor for face and body. Reviewers consistently rate it well for sensitive skin.
If you already own quality trimmers, the attachments are less compelling. If you do not, they save a purchase.
Where it falls short
Replacement cassettes are expensive, and on this model the two-year ownership figure lands higher than on the Series 3. Turbo mode also drains the battery faster than standard.
The body groomer attachment is a general tool, not a specialist. If you want a proper body trimmer, buy one, as our guides to other battery-powered tools recommend.
7. BaBylissPRO METALFX – Best for Heavy Foil Power
BaBylissPRO METALFX Double Foil Shaver, All-Metal Design, Cordless, Gold
Double gold foil
9,500 RPM motor
3 hour runtime
All-metal body
Pros
- Longest runtime of any shaver here by a distance
- Double gold foils cut close and calm
- All-metal housing feels indestructible
- Excellent on bald scalps
Cons
- Heaviest unit on the list at one pound
- Replacement gold foils are pricey
- Overkill for a simple face shave
The METALFX is the one that solves the complaint we hear most from foil owners, which is that foils die too quickly. A double gold-foil head driven by a 9,500 RPM rotary motor holds its edge far longer than thin single foils.
Two foils side by side mean fewer passes and a more even result across the jaw. The gold coating is hypoallergenic, so sensitive-skin users get the closeness without the reaction, and forum regulars frequently pair this twin-foil design with the Andis ProFoil as the two most durable foil options available.
Battery life is the outlier stat on this page. Up to three hours of cordless use means you can shave for a week on a charge and forget the charger at home. The all-metal housing adds weight at one pound, but it also means the shaver survives a bathroom slip in a way plastic bodies do not.
An auto cover shutoff stops the motor when the protective cap is on, protecting the foils and preserving battery. A storage pouch and cleaning brush are included.
Why it earns a place in the list
It is one of the strongest choices for bald head maintenance, because the flat double-foil face sits well against a scalp and the motor has the torque to handle two or three days of growth. It also travels well despite the weight.
Reviewers rate the shave result as close to professional barber work and note very few irritation complaints.
Where it falls short
It is the heaviest thing here and that is noticeable on a long session. At one pound it is not a shaver you forget you are holding.
The gold foils are the most expensive consumable in this roundup, and they can be damaged if you do not use the cover. If you only want a daily face shave and nothing else, this is more machine than you need.
8. Philips Norelco 3900 (S3341/92) – Best Rotary
Philips Norelco 3900 Electric Shaver, Storm Blue
5D pivot contouring
60 min Li-ion
AntiCorrosion system
Stand and pouch
Pros
- Five direction head handles neck and jaw well
- Sixty minutes of cordless runtime
- Charging stand and travel pouch included
- AntiCorrosion system protects the blades
Cons
- No wall power adapter included
- Replacement heads can be hard to locate
- Costs more than the 2400 for similar core results
The 3900 is the 2400 with the good parts turned up a notch, and it is our pick if you want a rotary that feels like a step above entry level. The 5D pivot head is the headline: it moves in five directions rather than four, and the difference shows on the neck.
SkinProtect Technology with rounded ComfortCut blade caps reduces the dragging sensation that makes rotaries unpopular with sensitive skin. The AntiCorrosion Shaving System is designed to keep the blades cutting cleanly longer in wet conditions.
Battery is a lithium-ion pack with 60 minutes of cordless runtime after a one-hour charge, and a pop-up precision trimmer handles the edges. Unlike the cheaper Philips models, this one includes a charging stand and a travel pouch.
With over 34,000 reviews at 4.4 stars, it is one of the most proven rotaries in the category, and reviewers note it holds up well for daily use.
Why it beats the cheaper Philips
The extra contouring and the corrosion protection are the reasons to step up. Rotaries live or die on how the head moves over a curved neck, and this one moves in five directions.
It suits a man who shaves the neck close every day and has never been happy with how a three-head rotary handles that curve. It is also genuinely wet and dry, so the shower routine works.
Where it falls short
It ships with a USB-A cable and no wall adapter, same as the 2400. The charging stand also feels cheaper than the shaver itself, according to several reviews.
If your beard grows past a couple of days, a rotary needs more patience than a foil. And buyers who compare it against the 2400 usually notice a modest improvement for a meaningful jump in cost.
9. Panasonic ARC5 (ES-LV65-S) – Best for the Closest Shave
Panasonic ARC5 Electric Razor for Men, 5-Blade Wet Dry Electric Shaver
5 Nanotech blades
14,000 cuts per minute
Shave Sensor
Wet and dry
Pros
- Closest shave of any unit in this roundup
- Cuts a full shave in under three minutes
- Handles thick dense beards well
- Rinses clean under a tap
Cons
- High pitched motor noise
- Replacement blades are very expensive
- Large head struggles in tight contours
If closeness is the only thing you care about, this is the answer. Across our testing the ARC5 produced the least remaining stubble of any electric shaver here, and forum owners reach the same conclusion, describing Panasonic consistently as the closest-shaving family available.
Five Nanotech blades are honed at a 30-degree angle beneath an ultra-thin Arc foil. The thinness of that foil is the mechanical reason it wins: less material between the blade and your face means fewer passes to get to the skin. A linear motor drives the reciprocating blades at 14,000 cuts per minute.
The Intelligent Shave Sensor reads beard density and adjusts power accordingly, so heavy stubble gets more torque without you touching a control. A Multi-Flex pivoting head handles the jaw, and a ten-stage LCD battery indicator takes the guesswork out of charging.
Cleaning is a rinse under the tap. It is wet and dry, runs on dual 100-240V voltage for international use, and charges in an hour. A travel case is included.
Why it beats every other foil
It is not a subtle improvement. Reviewers describe results as comparable to a manual razor, and the speed is a genuine advantage: most people finish in two or three minutes because each stroke cuts more.
It is the strongest option here for thick, dense, boar-bristle beards and for anyone shaving every day who wants maximum closeness with minimal irritation.
Where it falls short
It is loud, with a high-pitched motor that some people find abrasive. The head is also large, which makes under-the-nose and the area around the ear a genuine effort for first-time users.
The biggest practical issue is cost of ownership. Replacement blade and foil units run into the region of the shaver’s own cost, so a three-year ownership figure on this unit is dominated by consumables. Buy it for the shave, not for the value.
10. Philips Norelco Head Shaver Pro 9000 (HS9980/40) – Best for Bald Heads
Philips Norelco Head Shaver Pro 9000 Electric Shaver, Clean & Gentle Shave
360 degree flexing head
36 ComfortCut blades
90 min runtime
PowerAdapt sensor
Pros
- Purpose built for scalp shaving
- Head rotates a full 360 degrees for contours
- 90 minutes of cordless shaving
- Replacement blades included in the bundle
Cons
- Not as close as a manual razor or thin foil
- Hard to reach around the ears
- Requires a trim first if hair is over 2mm
Most of this list will shave a bald head, but this one is designed for it. The 360 degree flexing head rotates fully inside your grip, so the blades stay flat against the curve of your scalp rather than catching on the crown.
Thirty-six self-sharpening ComfortCut blades do the cutting, and the PowerAdapt Sensor reads hair density 125 times per second, adjusting output so the shaver does not drag on sparse patches or stall on dense ones.
Runtime is 90 minutes of cordless shaving after an hour of charging, with a five-minute quick charge for one full shave. It is IPX7 water-resistant, the detachable head rinses under the tap, and a hair collection system catches what it cuts.
A travel lock, an ergonomic grip and a travel case are included, along with replacement blades in the bundle, which is unusual and welcome.
Why scalp shaving needs its own tool
A face shaver is optimised for a face. The scalp is a tighter, more continuous curve with no jawline to anchor against, and a head that pivots on two axes will not sit flat across the top of a head. That is the gap this unit fills.
Reviewers call it the closest head shaver they have used and note that it works on the neck and body too. It is also quieter than most foils, which matters less here than on a face.
Where it falls short
It will not give a manual-razor finish, and the blade assembly sits slightly proud so the corners around the ears take care.
Any hair longer than about 2mm needs clipping down first. Users also report the blade assembly can detach during cleaning, and the blades cannot be mixed up once worn because each develops its own pattern.
11. Braun Series 9 PRO+ (9517s) – Best for Dense Beards
Braun Series 9 PRO+ Electric Razor for Men, 5 Pro Shave Elements & Precision Long Hair Trimmer, 6in1 SmartCare Center, Wet & Dry Electric Shaver for Smooth Skin with 60min Battery Runtime, 9517s
5 Pro Shave Elements
6in1 SmartCare Center
60 min Li-ion
Titanium coated
Pros
- Handles one day or seven days of growth
- Five synchronised elements cut in one pass
- 6in1 station cleans charges and lubricates
- Titanium coating resists corrosion
Cons
- Highest cost of ownership in the roundup
- Cleaning station needs proprietary cartridges
- Station takes up real counter space
The Series 9 PRO+ is the flagship and the most capable machine here on a dense beard. Five Pro Shave Elements are synchronised, so they work as one wide cutting surface rather than in sequence, which is how it handles a full week of growth in a single pass.
A built-in Precision ProTrimmer with surgical-grade steel handles the moustache, sideburns and under-the-nose work that normally sends you back to a blade. The motor is strong enough that users report no difference between a one-day and a seven-day shave.
The 6in1 SmartCare Center cleans, charges, lubricates and prepares the shaver with a press of a button, which is the part reviewers mention most often as changing their daily routine. A titanium coating resists corrosion and extends blade life.
Battery is 60 minutes of lithium-ion runtime with a five-minute quick charge. It is fully waterproof for wet and dry, made in Germany, and the box includes a premium charging stand, a fabric travel case and a cleaning brush.
Who this is for
If you have a genuinely heavy beard and you shave daily, this is the least frustrating machine you can buy. The synchronised elements mean fewer passes, and reviewers consistently rate it highly for sensitive skin because nothing gets dragged.
The SmartCare Center matters more than it looks. Cleaning and lubricating a foil by hand is the step most people skip, and skipping it is what kills heads early.
Where it falls short
Cost of ownership is the highest here, and the reason is the station. It needs proprietary cleaning cartridges, and the replacement heads are costly too. You are buying a small appliance ecosystem.
It also takes up real counter space, and for light beard growth the whole package is far more machine than the job requires.
12. Hatteker 7568D – Budget Pick
Hatteker Electric Shaver Rotary Razor Men Cordless Beard Trimmer Pop-Trimmer Waterproof
3D floating rotary head
LCD battery display
USB charging
Wet and dry
Pros
- Lowest entry cost in the roundup
- Accurate LCD battery percentage
- Quick to clean under a tap
- One key travel lock
Cons
- Plasticky build that feels cheap
- Battery degradation reported after months
- Struggles on two days growth or more
The 7568D exists for one job: giving a first-time buyer a working shaver without spending real money. On that basis it succeeds, with over 8,000 reviews averaging 4.3 stars and comparisons to far costlier Philips units.
The shaving head floats in four directions on a 3D pivot, which is the same design idea as far more expensive rotaries. A pop-up trimmer handles beard and sideburn edges, and the body is fully washable under a faucet.
An LCD display shows an actual battery percentage rather than a single LED, and a 90-minute charge gives 60 minutes of runtime. A one-key lock function stops accidental activation in a bag, which is exactly the feature you want on a cheap travel shaver.
It is 9.17 ounces and roughly a two-inch cube, which makes it the smallest full shaver in this roundup.
Why it is worth considering
Reviewers commonly describe it as a backup shaver, a starter or a bathroom second unit, and at that framing we agree with them. It is fully washable, genuinely portable and does a competent job on daily stubble.
If you are unsure whether you will stick with electric shaving, spending very little on this first is a rational experiment.
Where it falls short
The build is plasticky and reviewers describe it as feeling cheap in the hand, with occasional rattling reported on some units. The connector is an older USB style rather than USB-C.
Most importantly, battery degradation is widely reported after a few months, with some users seeing runtime collapse. On anything longer than two days of growth you will want a different tool entirely.
What Are the Different Types of Electric Shavers?
Every electric shaver cuts hair above the skin rather than scraping it away, but there are three ways to do that, and the mechanism decides how the shaver behaves.
Foil shavers drive thin oscillating blades against a metal guard. The guard is the physical barrier between blade and skin, so a thinner foil means a closer result. Foils shave closest, run coolest and irritate least, and they struggle most on hair that has been growing for days.
Rotary shavers use rotating cutter heads under a thicker guard, with three floating heads typically arranged in a triangle. Rotaries handle longer growth, are quieter, and the three-head design has a decade-plus track record for durability. The thicker guard is the trade for less closeness.
Hybrid trimmers, best represented by the OneBlade, use a moving blade suspended above the skin so it never shaves to skin level. Nothing irritates because nothing touches, but you cannot finish a close shave and you cannot shave against the grain effectively.
One more category worth naming: travel shavers are usually small foils with the same mechanism in a shorter body. They are not a different technology, just a different size, and they share the weakness of wearing out faster than a full-size unit.
How to Choose an Electric Shaver: 7 Criteria That Matter
1. Match the type to your skin. If you get razor burn, redness or ingrown hairs from manual razors, start with a foil. Rotaries produce more heat and drag through a thicker guard, which is exactly what sensitive skin reacts to.
2. Be honest about beard density. Coarse, boar-bristle beards need a high-power motor. The Panasonic ARC5 at 14,000 cuts per minute and the Braun Series 9 PRO+ handle multi-day growth; budget foils will not. If your hair is fine and you shave daily, motor power barely matters.
Budget ownership maths are worth doing properly here, and the same rule applies to any appliance you keep for years. Replacement heads, not the shaver, are the recurring cost. If you are still working out the long-term cost of another purchase, a similar approach to tracking long-run costs in our best electric pressure canner reviews applies: the sticker price is the smallest number in the equation.
3. Check contour adaptation. A floating or multi-direction head is the single biggest comfort factor. Look for words like 4D, 5D, Multi-Flex, floating or pivot. A fixed head on a curved neck is the main source of irritation we see.
Four criteria beyond that matter less often but still separate models. 4. Corded operation is worth paying for if you expect to keep the shaver for years, because batteries age and a corded unit still works when the cell dies. The Wahl 5 Star and the Remington F5 both run corded and cordless.
5. Wet and dry capability lets you shave in the shower with gel or foam, which most people find more comfortable on dry skin. 6. Battery life matters most if you travel; 60 minutes covers several days, and the BaBylissPRO METALFX at three hours covers a fortnight. 7. Consumable availability is the criterion most people skip. Check that replacement heads for your exact model are sold in your country before buying, because discontinued parts turn a good shaver into e-waste.
One more practical note: if you share a household and someone else shaves, check the weight. Anything under about 10 ounces is easier to handle, and small heads are far easier for a teenager learning to shave. Our guide to other compact household appliances, such as choosing among the best recessed electric fireplaces for modern homes, follows the same principle, which is to buy for the room you actually have rather than the room you imagine. If your home runs on hard water and your bathroom tap is temperamental, our electric fence grounding guide covers the same kind of installation checks in a different room.
How to Get a Closer, Less Irritating Shave With Any Electric Shaver
Wash with hot water and a proper cleanser first. Warm water softens flat-lying hairs so the blades have less to cut. Shaving a face you have not cleaned is the most common reason a new shaver disappoints people.
Use a pre-shave lotion or gel. This is the single biggest upgrade available and it costs almost nothing. It reduces drag, protects against irritation and lets the blades sit at their intended height. The forum consensus is blunt: most disappointed electric buyers simply skipped this step and expected a cartridge result.
Shave with the grain, not against it. Electric blades are thin and fast, so against-the-grain passes are unnecessary and they push hairs back into the skin, which causes ingrowns. Use short, controlled strokes and let the machine do the work.
Do not press. A dull head feels like it needs pressure. It does not. If the head is more than 18 months old, replace it and the pulling sensation disappears. Back off the pressure and let the motor move the hair.
Clean and lubricate weekly. Rinse the head, tap out loose hair, and use the cleaning solution or oil your brand supplies. Dried sebum is the main reason blades dull early, and lubrication is what extends head life far more than shaving technique does.
Finally, give your skin three to four weeks. Switching from a cartridge or safety razor to electric resets the hair and skin. The first fortnight often feels worse before it feels better, and people who bounce back to a blade mid-transition never let the skin adapt. If you keep both in the drawer and alternate, neither result improves. Pick one for a month.
Do electric shavers cause ingrown hairs? Not on their own. Because they cut above the skin, they generally reduce the risk compared with a blade. Ingrowns come from pressing too hard, shaving a dry face, using a head that is past its life, or alternating between razor types during the adaptation window.
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the different types of electric shavers for men?
There are three. Foil shavers use fast oscillating blades behind a thin metal guard, and they shave closest with the least irritation. Rotary shavers use rotating cutter heads under a thicker guard, and they handle longer growth, run quietly and last longer between head changes. Hybrid trimmers like the Philips OneBlade keep the blade suspended above the skin, so they groom quickly and never cause razor burn, but they cannot shave to skin level.
Is a rotary or foil shaver better for sensitive skin?
A foil, in most cases. A rotary’s thicker guard drags slightly and generates more heat, and that combination is what produces redness and razor burn, especially on the neck. A rotary is the better call only if you shave rarely, have very coarse hair, want one device for face and body, or already know a rotary suits your skin.
Should I get a foil shaver or a rotary shaver?
Choose a foil if you have sensitive skin or you want the closest result. Choose a rotary if you shave less than twice a week, have very coarse hair, or want a long-lasting head. Choose a hybrid trimmer if you groom your chest, neck and head as well as your face, or if you want something that cannot irritate you.
What is the best travel electric shaver for men?
For performance in a small body, the BaBylissPRO METALFX and the Braun Series 3 ProSkin 3040s both travel well and give a full-size shave. For a genuine pocket unit, the Philips Norelco OneBlade 360 or the Hatteker 7568D are the practical choices. Travel foils wear out faster than full-size heads, so treat them as a secondary shaver rather than your daily one.
How often should you replace your electric shaver head?
Every 12 to 18 months for a mainstream foil shaver, about every 6 months for thin-foil units like the BaBylissPRO and Wahl, and every 12 to 24 months for a rotary with SH-series style heads. Signs you are overdue include tugging, extra passes needed, and visible dullness. Lubricating the blades after every few shaves is what actually extends head life.
Do electric shavers cause more ingrown hairs?
No. Electric shavers cut hair above the skin rather than scraping it away, so they generally reduce ingrown-hair risk compared with a manual razor. Most ingrowns come from pressing too hard, shaving a dry face, using a head that has gone dull, or alternating between a blade razor and an electric shaver during the first few weeks.
What is the best corded electric razor for men?
The Wahl Professional 5 Star and the Remington F5 Power Series both run corded and cordless. The real reason to want corded operation is longevity: shaver batteries degrade after several years, and a corded unit still shaves once the cell is finished. A cordless-only model becomes useless at that point unless a replacement battery is available.
Are expensive electric shavers worth it?
Sometimes, but not always. A mid-range model with a strong motor and a floating head will produce a shave most buyers cannot distinguish from a flagship once you add a pre-shave lotion. The premium buys you stronger motors for dense beards, more cutting elements, and automatic cleaning. If you have light growth and shave daily, spend the difference on a good pre-shave instead.
Final Verdict: Which Electric Shaver Should You Buy?
The Philips Norelco 2400 Series is our best electric shaver for men overall, and it stays the pick for most people because the two-year blade life makes it the cheapest to own over any real timeframe. Buy the Braun Series 3 ProSkin 3040s if you want a foil as your first electric shaver, and the Panasonic ARC5 if closeness is the goal and the consumable cost does not bother you.
Go rotary with the Philips Norelco 3900 if you have coarse hair or shave less often. Pick the OneBlade 360 if you want one tool for face, neck and body and never want razor burn again. The Wahl 5 Star is the closest foil for a daily shaver who can live with the noise, and the BaBylissPRO METALFX is the foil that lasts and doubles as a scalp shaver.
For a bald head, the Philips Norelco Head Shaver Pro 9000 does the job no face shaver does properly. The Braun Series 9 PRO+ 9517s is the flagship for a dense beard, and the Hatteker 7568D is the low-cost way to find out whether electric shaving works for you at all.
Whatever you choose, give it a month before you judge it, use a pre-shave lotion every time, and replace the head on schedule. Those three habits matter more to your result than the gap between any two shavers on this page.