10 Best Shavers for Men: My Top Picks After Hands-On Testing (from Premium to Budget – Personal and Professional)

With so many electric shavers on the market, choosing the right one isn’t as easy as it seems. Every year, brands release new models with updated features and bold claims, that makes it difficult to know which ones actually worth buying.

To make the decision easier, I personally tested a wide range of electric shavers and compared them based on shaving performance, comfort, build quality, battery life, ease of cleaning, and overall value for money.

After spending plenty of time with these products, I narrowed the list down to the 10 best electric shavers for different needs and budgets. No single electric shaver is perfect for everyone. Some excel at shaving sensitive skin, while others are better for thick beards, travel, or getting the best value for your money. Think about what matters most to you, then choose the right shaver that best fits your needs.

1. Panasonic Arc6 – Best for Close and Fast Shaving

Arc6 is the flagship model of the Japanese brand Panasonic and the only shaver which has 6 bladed shaving head, which I can confidently say it is one of the most refined foil shavers Panasonic has ever produced. While the Arc5 was already an excellent performer, the Arc6 feels more polished in almost every aspect, from shaving efficiency to comfort and overall user experience.

The biggest upgrade is undoubtedly the six-blade shaving system. Instead of simply adding another blade for marketing purposes, Panasonic has designed the extra shaving elements to capture longer, flat-lying hairs before the foils finish the job. During my testing, I noticed the shaver removed one- to two-day stubble with fewer passes than other shavers, producing one of the closest foil shaves I’ve experienced. However, I still wouldn’t recommend it for shaving a week-long beard, as it performs best on short stubble.

The 22-D pivoting head also deserves recognition. It follows the contours of the face effortlessly, making the shaving process feel smoother and requiring very little wrist movement. Combined with the powerful linear motor and automatic beard-density sensing technology, the Arc6 never seemed to struggle, even through dense facial hair. Despite its impressive cutting power, I was surprised by how gentle it felt on my skin. Even after repeated passes, I experienced virtually no irritation, making it a great option for anyone with sensitive skin.

Beyond shaving performance, Panasonic has improved the overall user experience. The ergonomic body feels solid in hand, the textured rubber grip provides excellent control, and the shaving head is slightly more compact than expected considering it houses six blades. The shaver is fully waterproof, works equally well for wet or dry shaving, and is easy to rinse clean after each use. I also found the pop-up trimmer sharper than previous Panasonic models, making it useful for detailing sideburns and mustaches. Battery performance was equally satisfying, delivering around 45 minutes of cordless use along with a convenient quick-charge feature for rushed mornings.

I believe the Panasonic Arc6 is an outstanding premium foil shaver. It delivers an exceptionally close shave, remains comfortable even on sensitive skin, and offers a premium build quality that matches its flagship status. Although the price is high, the shaving performance and refined user experience make it a worthwhile investment for anyone who wants the right shaver for fastest and closest shaving operation with an electric shaver.

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Note: The Panasonic Arc6 is currently available in two main packages: the ES-LS9A-K, which includes an automatic cleaning and charging dock, and the ES-LS8A-K, which comes without the dock. The LS9A costs more because of the cleaning system and cartridges, while the LS8A is the better value if you’re comfortable cleaning the shaver manually and want to save some money.

2. Braun Series 9 Pro Plus – Best Overall

After using the Braun Series 9 Pro+ for several months, I came away pretty impressed with it. I also had the chance to compare it with other Series 9 and Series 9 Pro models, so I could get a better idea of what Braun actually changed with the Pro+. To be honest, it doesn’t feel like a completely different shaver, but some of the improvements are useful, particularly if you care about shaving longer stubble and getting better control when detailing.

The first thing I noticed was how well it handled different types of facial hair. The five-element shaving system combines two OptiFoil blades with the ProLift and Direct & Cut trimmers. I tested the shaver on a five-day beard, and this was where the ProLift trimmer really impressed me. It managed to catch and cut the longer, flat-lying hairs without requiring me to go over the same area again and again. With shorter stubble, the OptiFoils did an excellent job of getting very close to the skin.

I also liked the way the flexible head moved across my face. It followed the jawline and neck quite naturally, so I didn’t have to put much effort into keeping the shaver at the right angle. When I was shaving around the chin and edges, I found the five-position headlock particularly useful because locking the head gave me a little more control in those awkward areas.

For me, though, comfort is where the Series 9 Pro+ really stands out. Even when I was going for a close shave, the shaver felt gentle against my skin. I didn’t notice the pulling or tugging that I’ve experienced with some other foil shavers, and I rarely needed to apply extra pressure. That’s one of the reasons I continue to rate the Braun Series 9 family highly for comfortable shaving.

The new ProTrimmer was another improvement I appreciated. Braun finally made the slide-out trimmer more practical by changing the blade design. I found it easier to use for cleaning up my sideburns and moustache and getting those small details right. The battery performance was also reliable in my testing, giving me the claimed 60 minutes of cordless use.

I had a very positive experience with the Series 9 Pro+. It isn’t a revolutionary upgrade over the Series 9 Pro, but the improvements are meaningful if you want better long-stubble performance and a more capable precision trimmer. It’s expensive, so I wouldn’t recommend upgrading simply for the sake of having the newest model. But if you want a premium foil shaver and don’t mind paying more for it, the Pro+ is one of the best options I’ve personally used. I think this is the right shaver for those who want a close shaving machine that provides most skin comfort and capable of shaving longer stubble.

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Note: The Braun Series 9 Pro+ comes in several models that mainly differ in color and included accessories. You can find the key differences between the models throughout the full review. Among them, the Series 9 Pro+ 9697cc is currently one of the most widely available and popular options.

3. Philips i9000 Prestige Ultra – Best Overall Rotary Shaver

After spending time with the Philips Norelco i9000 Prestige Ultra, I can see why Philips positions it as its most advanced rotary shaver. I’ve used several high-end rotary and foil shavers, and the i9000 Prestige Ultra feels noticeably more refined, particularly in shaving efficiency, comfort, and the number of useful technologies applied into the device.

The first thing that stood out to me was the shaving performance. Philips uses NanoTech dual-precision blades designed to capture and cut hairs efficiently, while the Lift & Cut system works to cut hair very close to the root. In my testing, the shaver handled both short stubble and longer facial hair surprisingly well. I also found it more capable with longer hairs than I expected from a rotary shaver, while still maintaining a smooth and comfortable shaving experience.

The SenseIQ Pro system is another feature I found interesting. It monitors beard density and adjusts the shaving power accordingly, while the five power settings give me additional control when I want to change the shaving intensity. I wouldn’t say the automatic adjustment completely transforms the shave, but it adds a useful layer of convenience, especially when moving between lighter and denser areas of my beard.

Comfort is another strong point. The SkinComfort rings around the rotary heads help the shaver glide smoothly across my skin, and I found them particularly helpful when shaving sensitive areas. I could use the i9000 for both wet and dry shaving without noticing a meaningful drop in performance, and its waterproof construction makes cleaning much easier.

I also liked Philips’ approach to precision trimming. Instead of relying on a small built-in slide-up trimmer, the i9000 Prestige Ultra comes with a separate SmartClick precision trimmer. I found it more practical for detailing and shaping areas such as my sideburns and moustache.

The OLED display is another feature I genuinely appreciated. It provides useful information about the battery, cleaning requirements, shaving head status, travel lock, and other functions. The GroomTribe app adds even more information and guidance, although I think the app will appeal more to users who enjoy tracking and fine-tuning their shaving routine.

The 60-minute lithium-ion battery is solid, although it isn’t exceptional compared with some competitors. The seven-year warranty, however, gives me considerably more confidence in the long-term value of such an expensive shaver.

The Philips Norelco i9000 Prestige Ultra is an impressive rotary shaver with excellent closeness, strong long-stubble performance, and outstanding comfort. Its biggest drawback is the price, but if you’re willing to pay for a premium rotary shaving experience and want the latest technology Philips has to offer, the i9000 Prestige Ultra could be the right shaver for you.

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Note: The Philips Norelco i9000 Prestige Ultra is available with or without the Quick Cleaning Pod. The pod version automatically cleans the shaver after each use but costs more, while the other package includes a charging stand instead. If you want the advanced i9000 experience while saving some money, the version without the cleaning pod is the better choice.

4. Braun Series 9 Pro – Best Premium Value

Before releasing the Pro+, the Braun Series 9 Pro was the highest-end segment of Braun which is the updated version of regular Braun Series 9. After I tested the Series 9 Pro, it quickly reminded me why the Series 9 has remained one of my favorite foil shavers. The Pro version doesn’t completely change the formula, but Braun made some meaningful improvements, especially for shaving longer stubble and improving shaving comfort.

The biggest difference I noticed was the new ProLift trimmer. I regularly tested the shaver on longer facial hair, including a five-day beard, and it handled it surprisingly well. The ProLift trimmer did a good job of catching and cutting long, flat-lying hairs before the OptiFoils finished the shave. I hadn’t experienced this level of long-stubble performance from a foil shaver before releasing Series 9 Pro, that made the shaver particularly useful when I didn’t shave for several days.

The shaver’s 10-D flexible head is another feature that matches with Series 9 Pro+. It moves smoothly around the contours of my face and neck, so I didn’t have to constantly adjust my wrist or apply much pressure. When I was working around the chin and other difficult areas, I found the five-position headlock useful because locking the head gave me better control. The SkinGuard and other shaving elements also felt very gentle against my skin. Even when I went for a close shave, I didn’t experience much irritation or the uncomfortable pulling and tugging I’ve encountered with some other cheap foil shavers.

I was also impressed with the battery. The Series 9 Pro consistently gave me around 60 minutes of cordless use in my testing, and the five-minute quick-charge feature was genuinely useful when I needed a shave but had forgotten to recharge it. Compared with some competing foil shavers that offer shorter runtimes including Panasonic Arc6, I consider the Braun’s battery performance a real advantage.

The LED display is another small feature that I found surprisingly useful. Besides showing the battery level and other information, it counts down the final nine minutes of runtime, giving me a much better idea of how much shaving time I have left. I also liked the improved Pro precision trimmer, which felt sharper and more effective for cleaning up my sideburns and moustache. My experience with the Braun Series 9 Pro was excellent. It delivers a very close and comfortable shave, handles longer stubble better than most foil shavers I’ve used, and feels genuinely premium in the hand. The biggest facility is its price range lower than the Pro+ models. So, it’s the right shaver for those who want to experience the premium feel of the Series 9 Pro+ without paying the extra cost.

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Note: The Braun Series 9 Pro comes in several models that mainly differ in color and included accessories. You can find the key differences between the models throughout the full review. Among them, the Series 9 Pro 9465cc is currently one of the most widely available and popular options.

5. Panasonic Arc5 – Best Performance for the Price

After spending considerable time with the Panasonic Arc5, I can understand why it has remained one of Panasonic’s most respected foil shavers. Even though the newer Arc6 has taken the flagship position, I still find the Arc5 to be an excellent choice, particularly if your priority is getting an exceptionally close shave without spending as much.

The five-blade shaving system is the main reason I enjoyed using it. Panasonic combines five cutting elements with sharp 30-degree Japanese blades, and in my experience, they work extremely well at cutting close to the skin. The Arc5 gave me one of the closest and most accurate foil shaves I’ve experienced, especially on short and coarse stubble.

I was also impressed by its shaving power. The 14,000 CPM linear motor feels fast and capable, even when working through dense facial hair. The intelligent shaving sensor is designed to detect beard density and adjust the power, although I didn’t find the difference particularly noticeable during my own use. Still, the combination of the powerful motor and sharp blades made the shaving process quick and efficient.

The flexible It moves smoothly around the face, jawline, and neck, that makes it easier to maintain contact with the skin. However, I wasn’t a big fan of Panasonic’s headlock system. It only locks the head in one fixed position, whereas Braun’s Series 9 offers multiple locking angles, giving it an advantage when shaving tricky areas.

The Arc5 also performed very well for wet shaving. I tried it with shaving products and didn’t notice any meaningful drop in performance. Its waterproof design makes rinsing the shaver under running water easy, and the ES-LV97 model adds an automatic cleaning and charging station for those who want extra convenience.

Battery life is one area where I think the Arc5 falls behind Braun. Its 45-minute runtime is decent, but Braun’s Series 9 offers around 60 minutes. The three-minute quick-charge feature, however, is genuinely useful when I need a full shave in a hurry.

I still consider the Panasonic Arc5 a shaving powerhouse. The Arc6 improves on it with additional shaving elements and further refinements, but the Arc5 remains an excellent option for anyone who wants an extremely close, powerful shave without paying flagship Arc6 money. So, it’s the right shaver if you want a taste of the Arc6 experience without spending as much.

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Note: The Panasonic Arc5 has gone through several revisions and redesigns over the years, largely because it has long been one of Panasonic’s flagship foil shaver lines. The latest updated models are the ES-LV67-K and ES-LV97-K, with the latter including an automatic cleaning and charging dock. Meanwhile, the ES-LV65-S remains one of the most popular Arc5 models and is the predecessor to the newer LV67/LV97 generation.

6. BabylissPro MetalFX – Best Portable and Robust Shaver (Professional)

The BaBylissPRO MetalFX FoilFX02 is quite different from the typical electric shavers I usually test. It has a distinctive vintage-style design and a solid stainless-steel body that immediately makes it feel more like a professional barber tool than a conventional personal shaver. The square shape is a little unusual at first, but once I got used to it, I appreciated how sturdy and substantial it felt in my hand.

The biggest point for me is the build quality. The all-metal construction feels exceptionally robust, and I can see why BaByliss designed it with professional use in mind. The shaving head uses two independent titanium-coated hypoallergenic foils positioned at an angle, and they glide smoothly over the skin. In my testing, the foils felt gentle and delivered a close shave without causing much irritation, which is particularly useful when doing repeated passes for fades, outlining, or finishing work.

The 9,500 RPM rotary motor also provides plenty of power. I found it capable of handling coarse hair without struggling, although it is noticeably louder than some of the more refined premium shavers. What really impressed me, however, was the battery. The NiMH battery provides up to three hours of cordless runtime, which is considerably longer than most premium shavers I’ve used. It does take around three hours to fully charge, but the ability to use the shaver while plugged in means I never had to worry about running out of power halfway through a shave.

There are a few compromises. The MetalFX is a dry-only shaver, so you can’t rinse it under water or use it with shaving cream or gel. Cleaning also requires brushing the foil head manually. I also found the lack of a battery percentage display a little inconvenient, although the corded operation makes this less of a concern. I see the BaBylissPRO MetalFX as a purpose-built professional shaver rather than a feature-packed personal grooming device. Its strong metal construction, powerful motor, long battery life, and comfortable foils make it particularly suitable for close shaving, fading, outlining, and detailing. I think it’s a very capable and reliable shaver if you’re comfortable with its unusual square shape and don’t need wet shaving or modern conveniences like a display and pivoting head. If you’re a grooming professional who needs a robust shaver for fast, close shaving, head shaving, fading, and outlining, the BaBylissPRO MetalFX could be the right shaver for you.

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7. Andis ProFoil – Best Precision Shaver (Professional)

The Andis ProFoil is one of the simplest shavers I’ve used, but that simplicity is also part of its appeal. It has built a strong reputation among professionals for close shaving, particularly for fading, outlining, and finishing facial and head hair. I also found it useful for personal face and head shaving when my priority was getting a very close result rather than having lots of extra features.

The first thing I noticed is its lightweight and compact design. The rectangular, vintage-style body looks quite different from the modern electric shavers I’m used to, and honestly, it felt a little unusual at first. However, once I started using it, the simple design made more sense. It’s easy to maneuver and doesn’t feel tiring during longer shaving sessions.

The shaving performance is where the ProFoil really impressed me. It uses sharp titanium-coated cutters covered by two hypoallergenic foils, and I found the combination particularly effective for close shaving. The foils keep the cutters away from direct contact with the skin, while still allowing the shaver to cut very close. In my experience, this resulted in a smooth finish with less irritation and fewer razor-burn issues than I expected from such a compact shaver.

Another feature I genuinely appreciate is the battery. Its lithium-ion battery provides up to 80 minutes of cordless runtime on a full charge, which is more than enough for several shaving sessions. Even better, the shaver can be used while plugged in, so running out of battery isn’t a major concern.

Of course, the ProFoil doesn’t offer the advanced features you’ll find on premium shavers like Braun and Panasonic’s. The basic design may also feel less refined if you’re accustomed to sophisticated pivoting heads, displays, or wet/dry operation. But I don’t see those as major drawbacks for its intended purpose. I think the Andis ProFoil Lithium is a great option if your priority is simple, close, and comfortable shaving without spending heavily on unnecessary features. Its lightweight design, sharp cutters, skin-friendly foils, and excellent battery life make it particularly appealing for professionals and anyone who regularly shaves short facial or head hair. If you want a straightforward shaver that focuses on doing one job well, the Andis ProFoil could be the right shaver for you.

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8. Philips Norelco 3600 – Best Budget Rotary Shaver

I found the Philips Norelco 3600 to be a surprisingly capable rotary shaver for its price.

The ComfortCut blades are one of the adorable features. They have rounded edges designed to make shaving gentler on the skin, while the new self-sharpening blades help maintain cutting performance flawlessly. During my testing, the shaver handled one and two day stubble quite well and even managed a three-day beard without much trouble. However, I wouldn’t choose it for regularly shaving much longer or particularly coarse facial hair.

I also liked the upgraded five-direction pivoting head. It follows the contours of my face reasonably well and makes the shaver easier to maneuver around the cheeks and jawline. That said, it isn’t as flexible or precise as the heads on premium Philips models, and I sometimes needed a few extra passes around tricky areas.

One thing that genuinely impressed me was the battery. The lithium-ion battery provides around 60 minutes of cordless runtime after a one-hour charge, and the five-minute quick-charge feature is a plus. For a budget rotary shaver, I think the battery performance is excellent.

The wet/dry capability is another feature I appreciate. I tested the 3600 both dry and with shaving gel, and it performed well in both situations. The waterproof body also makes cleaning simple. I particularly liked the one-touch-open head, which lets me open the shaving chamber quickly and rinse it under running water. The pop-up trimmer is useful for cleaning up sideburns and moustaches, while the three-stage LED display provides basic battery and charging information.

In terms of comfort, the 3600 was gentle enough for regular use, and I didn’t experience significant irritation. However, it doesn’t feel as smooth against the skin as premium models with advanced comfort-ring technology. I think the Philips Norelco 3600 is a solid budget rotary shaver. It won’t compete with premium models in closeness, flexibility, or refinement, but it offers good shaving performance, wet/dry versatility, excellent battery life, and useful features at a reasonable price. If you want a capable rotary shaver without spending too much, the 3600 could be the right shaver for you.

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9. Braun Series 3 ProSkin – Best Budget Shaver

The Braun Series 3 ProSkin 3040s is one of those shavers that proves you don’t always need to spend a lot to get a comfortable shave. I’ve used this model as one of the more affordable options in Braun’s lineup, and what stood out to me most was its balance of simplicity, comfort, and shaving performance.

The 3040s uses Braun’s familiar three-blade foil system, with two outer foils for cutting close to the skin and a middle trimmer for dealing with longer stubble. During my testing, I found it worked particularly well on short, everyday stubble. It doesn’t deliver the same level of closeness or speed as Braun’s higher-end Series 9 models, but for its price, the shaving performance is quite impressive.

The ProSkin name also makes sense from my experience. The shaver feels gentle on the skin, and I didn’t find myself needing to apply much pressure to get a clean result. This makes it a good option if you tend to experience irritation with more aggressive shavers. Its waterproof design is another advantage, as I could use it for both dry and wet shaving and rinse it under water after use.

I also liked the practicality of the battery. The lithium-ion battery provides around 45 minutes of cordless shaving after a full charge, which is enough for several sessions. The quick-charge function is useful when I need a shave but have forgotten to recharge it beforehand.

In terms of design, the rubberized body feels secure in the hand and gives the shaver a simple but practical appearance. There aren’t many premium extras here, and that’s understandable considering its affordable price. I see the 3040s as a straightforward shaver designed to do the basics well rather than compete with Braun’s flagship models. I think the Braun Series 3 ProSkin 3040s is a sensible choice for anyone who wants a reliable and comfortable electric shaver without spending too much.

It won’t match the closeness, speed, or refinement of Braun’s more expensive models, but I found it more than capable for everyday shaving. If you’re looking for an affordable Braun that puts comfort and practicality ahead of luxury features, the Series 3 ProSkin 3040s could be the right shaver for you.

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10. Wahl LifeProof Shaver – Best Shaver Under $50

After using the Wahl LifeProof Shaver, I was pleasantly surprised by how much it offers for its price. It doesn’t feel like a typical budget shaver with a few basic features. Instead, Wahl has packed it with several conveniences that I normally expect to see on more expensive models, while keeping the overall design practical and easy to use.

The dual floating foil head is one of the things I liked most. It uses two foils and a central cutter bar that move with the contours of the face. During my testing, I found it comfortable to use and capable of delivering a close shave without requiring too much pressure. The self-sharpening blades also help maintain consistent cutting performance, although I think the real strength of this shaver is the combination of comfort and versatility rather than outright closeness.

I particularly appreciated the wet/dry capability. I tried it for both dry and wet shaving and didn’t notice any meaningful compromise in performance. Since the shaver is waterproof, cleaning it is also pretty easy, I could simply rinse it under running water after use. The removable foil cassette makes it easier to clean the blades and inside of the head as well.

Battery performance is another area where the LifeProof impressed me. Its lithium-ion battery provides up to 60 minutes of cordless runtime after a full charge, which is excellent for a shaver in this price range. I also liked that the shaver includes a slide-up trimmer for sideburns and other detailing work.

The simple grip gives the LifeProof a secure feel in my hand, and I found the overall design comfortable to handle. The travel lock is a useful addition, although I wouldn’t rely heavily on the included travel pouch for serious protection. My experience with the Wahl LifeProof was very positive. It may not offer the refinement or shaving closeness of Braun’s or Panasonic’s premium models, but considering its price, it delivers an impressive combination of comfort, wet/dry versatility, battery life, and useful features. If you’re looking for a capable shaver on a reasonable budget under $50 without giving up the conveniences of a premium model, I think the Wahl LifeProof could be the right shaver for you.

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Verdict – Which one is the Best Shaver for You?

After testing and comparing these shavers, I’ve learned that there simply isn’t one electric shaver that is perfect in every area. Every model has its own strengths and compromises, so I selected these shavers by looking at both their performance and their drawbacks. In my experience, each one stands out for a different type of user.

If budget isn’t a major concern and you want the most advanced shaving experience, the Braun Series 9 Pro+, Panasonic Arc6, and Philips Norelco i9000 Prestige Ultra are my top choices. The Braun Series 9 Pro+ offers the best all-around balance of closeness, comfort, and versatility. If your priority is the fastest and closest foil shave, I would lean toward the Panasonic Arc6. And if you prefer a rotary shaver and want the most technologically advanced option, the Philips Norelco i9000 Prestige Ultra is the one I’d consider.

If you want something close to the premium experience without paying the flagship price, the Braun Series 9 Pro and Panasonic Arc5 are two smart alternatives. In my experience, the Series 9 Pro gives you much of the Pro+ experience for less, while the Arc5 offers much of what makes the Arc6 impressive at a lower cost.

For professional use, where close shaving, fading, outlining, and reliability matter more than luxury features, I would look at the BaBylissPRO MetalFX and Andis ProFoil. I prefer the BaBylissPRO for its exceptionally robust metal construction, while the lightweight Andis ProFoil is easier to maneuver for extended use.

If you want an affordable rotary shaver, the Philips Norelco 3600 is a solid choice. It offers good everyday shaving performance, wet/dry versatility, and useful features without pushing the price too high. For a budget foil shaver, I think the Braun Series 3 ProSkin is another sensible option, particularly if you want a simple design with a comfortable shaving experience.

Finally, the Wahl LifeProof stands out as one of the most affordable options in this lineup. Despite its low price, I found it surprisingly versatile, with wet/dry shaving, excellent battery life, and several features that are normally associated with more expensive shavers.

Ultimately, the right shaver depends on what matters most to you; shaving closeness, comfort, battery life, professional use, features, or budget. I’ve tested these models from different perspectives, so rather than simply choosing the most expensive one, I recommend choosing the right shaver that best matches your shaving needs and budget.