The beard has its place. We're talking 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 such as a wedding, or maybe you're just freshening up your style.
Indeed, it could be the perfect time to invest in a new electric shaver. You might feel the urge to revert back to the clean-shaven look, any day now, or perhaps it's just time to upgrade the rusty old shaver that's clogging up the bathroom shelf.
If you need help making a decision — or just feel lost with all the electric shaver jargon — here’s a quick guide on everything you need to know.
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.
Those are your options — choose wisely.
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?
If you’re spending big bucks — or looking for value — you'll want to consider these electric shaving features:
Wet/dry shaving — Some electric shavers can handle wet shaving no problem. 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.
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 2023.
