Electric Shavers Electric Shavers Compared: 7 for a Close Shave
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By the Pickpedia Team
·7 picks compared
·Last verified September 2026
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Quick answer
The Braun Series 9 PRO+ is the best electric shaver overall, close and comfortable with a self cleaning dock. For the closest shave the Panasonic ARC5 wins, and the Braun Series 6 is the best mid range value.
Electric Shavers Compared: 7 for a Close Shave at a glance
Why you can trust this guide
We compared these picks using verified manufacturer specifications, available manuals and documentation, current retailer listings, and patterns in owner feedback, alongside editorial research. We focus on measurable differences such as performance, capacity, usability, and build quality. Pickpedia does not present editorial research as laboratory testing, and we do not claim hands-on testing unless it was actually performed.
How we chose: We compared foil versus rotary, closeness and comfort, wet and dry use, extras and value across seven current electric shavers, alongside how owners rate real shaving.
An electric shaver gives a quick, low fuss shave with less risk of nicks than a blade, wet or dry. The Braun Series 9 PRO+ is our overall pick, combining a very close shave with comfort and a self cleaning dock.
The choice comes down to foil versus rotary, how close you want the shave, and budget. Foil shavers cut closest, rotary shavers follow contours. We compared the specifications and owner feedback to match each to a real face.
Our top picks
A five element foil head captures more hair per stroke for a close, comfortable shave, wet or dry. A powerful motor handles dense stubble, and it cleans on its charging dock. The best balance of closeness and comfort here.
TypeFoil, 5 element head
UseWet and dry
ExtraCleaning dock
Best forClose comfortable shaving
Pros
- Very close and comfortable
- Handles dense stubble
- Self cleaning dock
Cons
- Premium price
- Replacement heads cost more
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Five sharp blades and a fast linear motor give a very close shave quickly, wet or dry. A flexible pivoting head follows the jaw and neck. The pick for anyone chasing the closest cut.
TypeFoil, 5 blade
MotorFast linear
HeadFlexible pivot
Best forClosest shave
Pros
- Extremely close shave
- Fast linear motor
- Wet and dry
Cons
- Can feel aggressive on sensitive skin
- Premium price
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A foil shaver that delivers most of the Series 9 comfort for less, with wet and dry use and a flexible head. It suits daily shavers who want quality without the top price. A strong mid range pick.
TypeFoil
UseWet and dry
HeadFlexible
Best forEveryday value performance
Pros
- Close comfortable shave
- Wet and dry
- Better value than Series 9
Cons
- No cleaning dock on base
- Fewer foils than Series 9
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A rotary shaver with heads that flex in multiple directions to follow face contours, at a friendly price. It suits those who prefer rotary over foil. Good comfort and value for daily shaving.
TypeRotary
HeadsMulti direction flex
UseDry, some wet
Best forValue rotary
Pros
- Comfortable rotary heads
- Good value
- Follows face contours
Cons
- Not as close as top foils
- Best on shorter stubble
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A 13 in 1 kit that shaves, trims beards, and grooms hair, nose and body with swappable attachments. It replaces several tools for travel and grooming. The pick if you want more than just a shave.
TypeAll in one trimmer and shaver
Attachments13 in 1
UseFace, hair, body
Best forGrooming versatility
Pros
- Many grooming attachments
- Great for travel
- Good value
Cons
- Not the closest face shave
- Many parts to store
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A reliable entry foil shaver with a pressure sensitive head and wet and dry use at a low price. It covers everyday shaving simply. A dependable budget pick from a trusted brand.
TypeFoil
FeaturePressure sensitive head
UseWet and dry
Best forBudget daily shaving
Pros
- Low price
- Wet and dry
- Reliable brand
Cons
- Less close than Series 6
- Basic features
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A simple, affordable rotary shaver for quick daily shaves with flexing heads. It keeps things basic and cheap. A no fuss budget rotary option.
TypeRotary
HeadsFlexing
PriceLowest
Best forCheapest rotary
Pros
- Lowest price
- Simple to use
- Flexing rotary heads
Cons
- Basic closeness
- Shorter battery
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What to look for
Foil or rotary
Foil shavers, like the Braun and Panasonic, use oscillating blades under a foil for a very close shave, best for daily shavers and straight hair. Rotary shavers, like the Norelco, use spinning heads that follow contours, good for longer gaps and curved faces. Choose by your beard and routine.
Closeness and comfort
Top foils like the Panasonic ARC5 cut closest, while models with more foils and smart motors, like the Braun Series 9, balance closeness with comfort on sensitive skin. If closeness matters most, choose a multi blade foil.
Wet and dry use
Wet and dry shavers, including the Braun models and ARC5, let you shave with gel or foam in the shower for extra comfort, or dry for speed. If you like a wet shave feel, confirm the model is fully waterproof.
Extras and grooming
A cleaning dock, on the Braun Series 9, keeps the shaver hygienic automatically. An all in one kit, like the Norelco 3000, adds beard, nose and body trimming. Decide whether you want just a shave or a full grooming tool.
Frequently asked questions
What is the best electric shaver overall?
The Braun Series 9 PRO+ is the best all rounder, very close and comfortable with a self cleaning dock. For the closest shave the Panasonic ARC5 is the pick, and the Braun Series 6 is the best mid range value.
Foil or rotary electric shaver, which is better?
Foil shavers, like the Braun and Panasonic, cut closest and suit daily shavers. Rotary shavers, like the Norelco, follow face contours and handle longer stubble well. Choose foil for closeness, rotary for contour comfort and longer gaps.
Which electric shaver gives the closest shave?
Multi blade foil shavers cut closest, and the Panasonic ARC5 is known for a very close, fast shave. The Braun Series 9 is close and gentler on sensitive skin. Rotary shavers are comfortable but slightly less close.
Can you use an electric shaver in the shower?
Wet and dry models can, including the Braun shavers and Panasonic ARC5. They let you shave with gel or foam for comfort, or dry for speed. Check the model is fully waterproof before using it wet.
Do electric shavers need replacement heads?
Yes, the foils or blades and cutters wear over time and need replacing, usually every year or so, to keep a close shave. Factor in that ongoing cost, which is higher on premium models like the Series 9.
Are electric shavers good for sensitive skin?
They can be gentler than blades since they do not press directly on the skin. Models tuned for comfort, like the Braun Series 9, suit sensitive skin, while very aggressive close shavers may irritate. Shaving with gel wet can help.
What is an all in one shaver?
An all in one, like the Norelco 3000 13 in 1, shaves and adds trimming attachments for beard, hair, nose and body. It replaces several grooming tools, which is handy for travel, though it is not the closest face shaver.
Are budget electric shavers any good?
Yes for everyday shaving. The Braun Series 3 and Norelco 2400 give reliable daily shaves for less. The trade offs are a slightly less close cut and fewer features like cleaning docks, not poor core shaving.
The verdict
Braun Series 9 PRO+ Electric Shaver
9.2/10
The Braun Series 9 PRO+ is the electric shaver most people should buy, close and comfortable with a self cleaning dock. The Panasonic ARC5 is the pick for the closest shave, while the Braun Series 6 is the best mid range value.
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Our top pick, secure checkout via Amazon
Note: Availability and specifications change often. Always confirm the current details on Amazon before buying.
