Best Electric Shavers
Top 5 for men: Braun vs Norelco vs Panasonic
Our #1 pick is the Braun Series 9 PRO+. Foil or rotary, wet or dry, $100 or $300. We compared the 5 best electric shavers for men on Amazon from Braun, Philips Norelco and Panasonic, and matched each to the beard and skin it suits.
How we picked: we shortlist by Amazon Best Seller rank and number of ratings, then compare published specs. We don't test these products hands-on.
By Jamilur Rahman, Founder & Editor · Updated October 13, 2026
- Owner reviews checked
- Features side by side
- Quick & easy compare
- Smarter purchase
The short answer
For most men, the Braun Series 9 PRO+ is the electric shaver to buy. Its foil head has five shaving elements that the listing says handle a 1, 3 or even 7-day beard in one stroke, and a built-in ProTrimmer cleans up the mustache and sideburns. It is 100% waterproof for wet or dry shaving, runs 60 minutes per charge, has a titanium coating and is made in Germany. If you want the closest daily shave from a foil shaver, this is the benchmark.
If you prefer a rotary shaver that follows the curves of your neck and jaw, the Philips Norelco i9000 has small flexible heads, an AI-powered SenseIQ system and self-sharpening blades with a two-year blade life. The Panasonic ARC5 is one of the most-reviewed shavers on Amazon, with five blades and a fast linear motor at a mid-range price. On a budget, the Philips Norelco 7200 gives you a hair-density sensor and 5-minute quick charge for about $100. The Braun Series 7 is the cheaper Braun foil option, and it comes with a cleaning center and a spare head.
Skip the Series 9 PRO+ if you only shave every few days with long stubble and want something forgiving on curves: a rotary Norelco handles longer hair and neck growth with less pressure. Skip it too if you just need a basic shaver for weekends; the Norelco 7200 costs about a third as much. Also note that any switch from a blade takes two to three weeks for your skin to adjust, whichever shaver you buy.
How we picked: we compared the most popular electric shavers on Amazon and what real buyers say about them, the praise and the complaints after months of daily use. Then we checked each listing for head type, battery, wet/dry use and what comes in the box, and compared them side by side to rank the top 5. We don’t claim hands-on tests: these picks reflect real owner experience and the listings. Checked October 2026.
Compare them side by side
Everything that matters, in one table. Swipe to see all 5.
| Product | Best Overall Braun Series 9 PRO+ Foil shaver, 9517s |  Best Rotary Philips Norelco i9000 Rotary shaver |  Best for Thick Beards Panasonic ARC5 Foil shaver, 5 blades |  Best Value Philips Norelco 7200 Rotary shaver |  Best Braun for Less Braun Series 7 Foil shaver, 7187ps |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| BeastScore | 93 / 100 | 91 / 100 | 89 / 100 | 87 / 100 | 86 / 100 |
| Best for | The closest everyday foil shave | Neck growth, curves and longer stubble | Fast, close shaves on dense beards | A good daily shave around $100 | Braun comfort with a cleaning center |
| Typical price (checked October 13, 2026) | $280–$330 | $190–$230 | $160–$200 | $90–$110 | $190–$230 |
| Head type | Foil, 5 shaving elements | Rotary, Precision Flex heads | Foil, 5 blades, Multi Flex head | Rotary, 360° flex heads | Foil, 360° ContourFlex |
| Wet / dry | Wet & dry, 100% waterproof | Wet & dry, 100% waterproof | Wet & dry | See listing | Wet & dry, 100% waterproof |
| Runtime | 60 min, 5-min quick charge | See listing | 1-hour charge, 10-stage LCD | 1-hour full charge, 5-min quick charge | Up to 60 min |
| Trimmer | Built-in ProTrimmer | Nose trimmer attachment | Pop-up trimmer | See listing | Precision trimmer attachment |
| In the box | Charging stand, travel case, brush | Charging stand, travel case, brush | See listing | See listing | 4-in-1 cleaning center, spare head, travel case |
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BeastScore here is our overall rating out of 100, based on published specs and Amazon owner reviews. Prices change daily, so tap "View on Amazon" for today's price. We may earn a small commission, at no extra cost to you. Learn more
Why each one made the list
What each pick does best, where it falls short, and the typical Amazon price when we checked.
- 1. Best Overall
Braun Series 9 PRO+
BeastScore 93 / 100Typically $280–$330 on Amazon (checked October 13, 2026)The Series 9 PRO+ is Braun’s flagship and the shaver to beat for closeness. The listing says its five synchronized shaving elements handle 1, 3 or 7-day beards with efficiency and skin comfort, even on tricky hairs. The built-in ProTrimmer uses surgical-grade steel for the mustache, sideburns and under the nose. It is 100% waterproof, so you can shave dry or with gel in the shower, and the Li-ion battery gives 60 minutes of runtime with a 5-minute quick charge. Owners praise the build and closeness. The cons are price and replacement heads, and this 9517s kit ships with a charging stand rather than a cleaning station.
Pros- Closest foil shave here, even on longer stubble
- Waterproof for wet or dry use
- Premium German build with a 60-minute battery
Cons- Most expensive pick here
- Replacement foil heads are costly
- This kit has a charging stand, not a cleaning center (check the listing)
- 2. Best Rotary
Philips Norelco i9000
BeastScore 91 / 100Typically $190–$230 on Amazon (checked October 13, 2026)The i9000 is the rotary shaver for men who hate pressing a foil around their neck. The listing says its Precision Flex heads stay in contact in tricky spots around the neck and under the nose, and the Triple Action Lift & Cut system with 360-degree rotating blades handles even 7-day beards. SenseIQ reads your hair 500 times a second and adapts power, and a Hydro SkinGlide coating helps it glide. It is 100% waterproof, the self-sharpening blades last about two years, and the warranty runs up to 5 years. The power adapter isn’t included (USB-A cable only), and the battery runtime isn’t listed.
Pros- Rotary heads follow the jaw and neck with little pressure
- Handles longer stubble well
- Self-sharpening blades last about 2 years
Cons- Power adapter not included, only a USB-A cable
- Battery runtime not stated on the listing
- Rotary shaves feel slightly less close on the cheeks than a top foil
- 3. Best for Thick Beards
Panasonic ARC5
BeastScore 89 / 100Typically $160–$200 on Amazon (checked October 13, 2026)The ARC5 is one of the most-reviewed electric shavers on Amazon, and it has stayed popular for years. The listing says its five 30-degree Nanotech blades and thin Arc foil follow the face for a quick, close shave. A linear motor runs at 14,000 cuts per minute and holds peak power to the end of the charge, while a beard sensor adds power where your beard is dense. There is a pop-up trimmer, a 10-stage LCD battery display, and automatic 100–240V conversion for travel. Owners love how fast it shaves thick beards. Some find it more aggressive on sensitive skin than Braun.
Pros- Very fast motor that cuts dense beards quickly
- Long owner track record
- Dual-voltage for international travel
Cons- Can feel harsher on sensitive skin
- Older design without a premium charging stand
- Pop-up trimmer is basic
- 4. Best Value
Philips Norelco 7200
BeastScore 87 / 100Typically $90–$110 on Amazon (checked October 13, 2026)The 7200 brings a lot of Norelco’s high-end tech down to about $100. The listing says its 45 self-sharpening SteelPrecision blades make up to 90,000 cutting actions a minute, and a facial-hair sensor reads density 250 times a second to adapt power. Motion-sensing guides you to a better technique with fewer passes, and the Nano SkinGlide coating is there to reduce irritation. Fully flexible heads turn 360 degrees. It charges in an hour, and 5 minutes gives one full shave. Owners say it is comfortable for daily use; the trade-off is a less close shave than the Series 9 or i9000.
Pros- Smart sensor and motion coaching at a mid price
- Comfortable rotary shave for sensitive skin
- 5-minute quick charge for one shave
Cons- Not as close as the premium picks
- Wet/dry use and accessories aren’t clear on the listing
- Plastic build feels cheaper
- 5. Best Braun for Less
Braun Series 7
BeastScore 86 / 100Typically $190–$230 on Amazon (checked October 13, 2026)The Series 7 is the way to get a Braun foil shave and a cleaning station without paying flagship money. Its 360° ContourFlex head adapts to your face, the SkinGentle foil is built for comfort, and a SmoothShave blade tackles longer 3-day hairs. SmartMotor adapts power, and you can choose Turbo, Gentle or Standard modes. It is 100% waterproof with up to 60 minutes of runtime. The box includes the 4-in-1 Clean & Charge Center, a precision trimmer, a travel case and an extra shaver head. The listing mentions a warranty of up to 5 years (terms apply). It is less close than the Series 9 on long stubble.
Pros- Cleaning center and spare head included
- Three shave modes, including Gentle for sensitive skin
- Waterproof with up to 60 minutes of runtime
Cons- Less efficient on long stubble than the Series 9 PRO+
- Cleaning cartridges are an ongoing cost
- Trimmer is an attachment, not built in
All 5 compared, in one look
See every pick on one chart, or tap one to put it head to head with Braun Series 9 PRO+. Ratings out of 10 are our estimates from published specs and Amazon owner reviews, not hands-on tests. Bigger shape = better.
- ClosenessBraun Series 9 PRO+ · 9.6/10
- Skin comfortPhilips Norelco i9000 · 9.4/10
- Long stubblePhilips Norelco i9000 · 9.4/10
- BatteryTie
- Build qualityBraun Series 9 PRO+ · 9.6/10
- ValuePhilips Norelco 7200 · 9.6/10
Which one should you buy?
Find your situation below. That's your pick.
- You shave daily and want the closest shave
- You want a premium, long-lasting shaver
- You have neck growth or a curved jawline
- You often shave longer stubble
- You have a thick, dense beard
- You travel abroad and need dual voltage
- You want a good shaver around $100
- You have sensitive skin and prefer rotary
- You want a Braun with a cleaning center
- You want a spare head included
Braun Series 9 PRO+
The closest foil shave, a built-in ProTrimmer, waterproof use and a 60-minute battery.
- 5 shaving elements
- Wet & dry
- 60 min battery
Quick tips before you buy
Foil shavers give the closest shave on cheeks and daily stubble. Rotary heads follow the neck and jaw and handle longer hair.
Waterproof shavers work with gel or foam, which many owners find gentler on sensitive skin.
Skin takes two to three weeks to adjust after switching from a blade. Don’t judge it on day one.
Foils and blades dull over time. Plan on a new head every 12 to 24 months for a close shave.
Quick answers
Braun or Norelco: which is better?+
Braun foil shavers, like the Series 9 PRO+, usually give a closer shave on cheeks and daily stubble. Norelco rotary shavers, like the i9000, follow the neck and jaw better and handle longer hair. Choose by your beard and skin, not the brand.
What is the best electric shaver for sensitive skin?+
The Braun Series 7 has a Gentle mode and a SkinGentle foil, and the Norelco 7200 and i9000 use SkinGlide coatings to reduce irritation. Shaving wet with gel also helps.
Is a foil or rotary shaver better?+
Foil is better for a very close shave on straight areas if you shave daily. Rotary is better for curved areas, neck growth and stubble you leave for a few days.
Are expensive electric shavers worth it?+
For daily shavers, often yes: the Series 9 PRO+ and i9000 shave closer in fewer passes and are built to last years. If you shave a few times a week, the Norelco 7200 is good enough for most men.
How often should I replace the shaver head?+
Braun suggests about every 18 months, and Norelco’s i9000 blades are rated for about two years. Replace sooner if the shave pulls or feels less close.
Can I use an electric shaver in the shower?+
Yes, if it is waterproof. The Series 9 PRO+, Series 7 and i9000 are listed as 100% waterproof for wet or dry use, and the ARC5 is wet/dry.
What is the best electric shaver under $100?+
The Philips Norelco 7200. It usually sells for about $100 and has a hair-density sensor, motion coaching and a 5-minute quick charge.
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