Best Budget Electric Shaver (2026)

Last updated: February 2026 by Marcus Chen-Williams, Founder & Editor-in-Chief

You do not need to spend $200 on an electric shaver. That is the truth nobody in this industry wants to tell you, because premium shavers carry premium margins. But after testing dozens of models across every price point, I can tell you that a well-chosen best budget electric shaver under $50 handles daily shaving, travel, and quick morning touch-ups just fine for the vast majority of men.

We tested 16 electric shavers priced under $50 over four months. We evaluated closeness, comfort, battery life, build quality, and how each model performed across different beard types and skin sensitivities. Some of these shavers punch well above their price point. Others are cheap for a reason. This guide tells you which is which.

If you only read one section, start with Our Top Picks for the quick comparison table, or jump to Best For Categories to find the shaver matched to your specific situation.

Our Top Picks at a Glance

Every budget electric shaver we tested, ranked by overall performance within the under-$50 category. All products link to our full review pages.

Foil vs. Rotary at the Budget Level: What Actually Matters

Before diving into individual reviews, let’s settle the foil vs. rotary debate as it applies specifically to budget shavers under $50. The dynamics are different here than at the premium level, and most guides get this wrong.

Foil Shavers

A foil shaver uses a thin, perforated metal foil over oscillating blades. Hair enters the perforations, and the blade underneath cuts it. The foil prevents the blade from touching your skin directly.

Strengths at the budget level:

• Closer shave on flat surfaces (cheeks, neck, under the chin)
• Better for daily shavers who keep stubble short
• More comfortable on sensitive skin (the foil creates a barrier)
• Easier to clean (pop-top designs on Braun and Remington)

Weaknesses at the budget level:

• Struggles with longer stubble (two or more days of growth)
• Less flexible around contours (jawline, chin, Adam’s apple)
• Replacement foils add ongoing cost ($20 to $30 every 12 to 18 months)

Rotary Shavers

A rotary shaver uses three (sometimes two) circular cutting heads that spin independently. Each head pivots to follow facial contours, capturing hair from multiple directions.

Strengths at the budget level:

• Handles longer stubble better (two to three days of growth)
• Conforms to facial contours naturally (jawline, chin)
• Generally quieter than foil shavers
• Replacement heads are often cheaper ($15 to $25)

Weaknesses at the budget level:

• Not as close as foil on flat areas
• Can irritate sensitive skin due to the circular pulling motion
• Harder to clean thoroughly (hair gets trapped inside the head assembly)

The Budget-Level Reality

At premium price points ($150+), foil shavers generally win on closeness and rotary shavers win on contour flexibility. At the budget level, the gap narrows considerably. A $40 Braun Series 3 (foil) delivers a noticeably closer shave than a $30 Philips Norelco 2500 (rotary). But a $25 SweetLF rotary and a $25 Remington PF7500 foil? The closeness difference is negligible. Both leave light stubble you can feel against the grain.

The practical takeaway: if you are spending $35 or more, foil generally gives you a closer shave. Under $35, choose based on your shaving frequency and facial contours rather than shaver type.

Best For: Quick Picks by Situation

Here is the shortcut. Find your situation and buy accordingly.

Best Budget Shaver for Sensitive Skin

Winner: Philips Norelco OneBlade ($25-35)

The OneBlade is technically a hybrid tool, not a traditional electric shaver. It uses a single replaceable blade that oscillates at high speed behind a protective comb. The result is a shave that is gentler on the skin than either foil or rotary. It does not cut as close as a dedicated foil shaver, but for men with reactive, easily irritated skin, that is actually a benefit. Cutting slightly above skin level reduces the risk of ingrown hairs and razor bumps. If you have sensitive skin and currently deal with irritation from your shaver, the OneBlade is a revelation.

For more sensitive skin shaving options at higher price points, see our guide to the best electric shavers for Black men, which covers models specifically engineered to prevent razor bumps and irritation.

Runner-up: Braun Series 3 ProSkin 3040s ($40-50). The SensoFlex technology adapts to facial contours and reduces pressure, making it comfortable on sensitive skin while delivering a closer shave than the OneBlade.

Best Budget Shaver for Thick Beards

Winner: Remington F5-5800 ($30-45)

The Remington F5 is the budget shaver to reach for when the stubble is dense and coarse. The Intercept Shaving Technology uses a pre-trimmer bar between the two foils that pre-cuts longer hairs before they reach the main blades. This two-stage approach means the F5 handles two to three days of thick growth without dragging or pulling, which is where most budget foil shavers fail. The 60-minute battery life is the best in the budget category, giving you plenty of runway for a thorough shave even on dense growth.

Runner-up: Wahl LifeProof Shaver ($40-50). Wahl’s clipper expertise translates into a shaver with a powerful motor that handles thick hair well, plus it is fully waterproof and shock-resistant.

Best Budget Shaver for Travel

Winner: Panasonic ES3831K ($15-22)

At barely over $15, the Panasonic ES3831K is the cheapest shaver on this list, and it is built specifically for travel. It runs on a single AA battery (no charger to pack), weighs almost nothing, and fits in a pants pocket. The single-foil head delivers a surprisingly clean shave for its size. You would never use this as your daily driver at home, but as a travel companion that lives in your toiletry bag, it is unbeatable for the price.

Runner-up: Wahl LifeProof Shaver ($40-50). If you want a travel shaver that also works as your primary shaver, the LifeProof’s shockproof, waterproof, and lithium-ion rechargeable design is built for life on the road.

Best Budget Shaver for First-Time Users

Winner: Hatteker Electric Shaver ($25-35)

If you have never used an electric shaver before and want to try one without committing $50+, the Hatteker is a solid entry point. The 3D rotary heads are forgiving of imperfect technique (pressing too hard, wrong angle), the pop-up trimmer handles sideburns and neckline cleanup, and the wet/dry capability lets you use it with shaving cream while you learn. At $25 to $35, you are not risking much if you decide electric shaving is not for you. And if you like it, you will know exactly what features matter to you when you upgrade.

Runner-up: Philips Norelco OneBlade ($25-35). Extremely forgiving, nearly impossible to nick yourself with, and doubles as a beard trimmer and styler with the included guards.

Detailed Reviews

1. Braun Series 3 ProSkin 3040s: Best Overall Budget Electric Shaver

The Braun Series 3 ProSkin 3040s is, simply put, the best electric shaver you can buy under $50. Braun’s reputation in the shaving world is earned, not inherited, and the Series 3 shows why. The three-element cutting system (two foils plus an integrated middle trimmer) captures and cuts more hair per pass than any competitor at this price. The SensoFlex heads pivot independently to follow facial contours, which is a feature typically reserved for shavers twice this price.

On closeness: The Series 3 delivers a shave that is meaningfully closer than the Philips Norelco 2500 and every sub-$30 shaver we tested. On daily stubble, it gets close enough that you cannot feel residual stubble when rubbing with the grain. Against the grain, there is a faint texture, but it is not visible from normal conversation distance. That is impressive for a $40 to $50 shaver.

On comfort: The micro-comb design between the foils pre-positions hair before cutting, which reduces the pulling sensation that cheaper foil shavers produce. The wet/dry capability means you can use shaving cream, gel, or foam with the shaver, which further reduces irritation. I tested it dry for the first week and with Nivea Sensitive shaving foam for the second week. With foam, the comfort improvement was significant.

On daily use: The 45-minute battery life is adequate for daily shaving (you get about 10 to 12 shaves per charge, assuming three to four minutes per shave). The five-minute quick charge gives you enough power for one shave in a pinch. The pop-top cleaning system is easy; flip the foil head up and rinse under running water.

The tradeoff: At $40 to $50, it sits at the top of the budget range. If your ceiling is $30, look at the Philips Norelco 2500 or Remington F5 instead. The 45-minute battery life is also the shortest among cordless options on this list, though it is sufficient for daily shavers.

Best for: Men who want the closest, most comfortable budget shave possible and are willing to spend up to $50.
Skip if: You need long battery life (60+ minutes) or prefer rotary-style shaving.

Rating: 4.5/5

2. Philips Norelco Shaver 2500: Best Budget Rotary Shaver

The Philips Norelco 2500 is the best rotary shaver under $50 and the best overall shaver under $35. If you have a jawline with contours, if you shave every two to three days instead of daily, or if you just prefer the circular motion of a rotary shaver, this is your pick.

On closeness: Not as close as the Braun Series 3, and that is expected. Rotary shavers trade closeness for contour flexibility. The 4D Flex heads pivot in four directions independently, hugging your chin, jawline, and Adam’s apple in a way that no foil shaver at this price can match. On daily stubble, the shave is clean and presentable. On two-day growth, the Norelco 2500 actually outperforms the Braun Series 3 because the rotary heads capture longer hairs more efficiently.

On comfort: The ComfortCut blades have rounded edges that glide over the skin without pulling. For men who find foil shavers irritating (the back-and-forth motion can aggravate certain skin types), the circular motion of the Norelco 2500 is a gentler alternative. That said, men with very sensitive skin should still consider the Philips OneBlade over any rotary shaver.

On daily use: The 40-minute battery life is short, but the pop-open cleaning system is efficient. One annoying quirk: it is dry-only at this price point. The $50+ Norelco models add wet/dry capability, but the 2500 is strictly a dry shaver.

The tradeoff: Dry only. Not as close as the Braun Series 3 on flat surfaces. The replacement heads ($15 to $25) need swapping every 12 months for optimal performance.

Best for: Men who prefer rotary shaving, shave every two to three days, or have contoured facial features that foil shavers struggle with.
Skip if: You want the closest possible shave or need wet/dry capability.

Rating: 4.0/5

3. Remington F5-5800: Best for Thick Beards on a Budget

The Remington F5-5800 was designed for men who grow more beard than average. The standout feature is the Intercept Shaving Technology: a pre-trimmer bar positioned between the two foils that cuts longer hairs before they reach the main blades. This two-stage approach means the F5 handles two to three days of thick growth that would choke most budget foil shavers.

On closeness: The dual-foil system delivers a close shave that rivals the Braun Series 3 on daily stubble. Where it outperforms the Braun is on multi-day growth. The pre-trimmer bar catches hairs that the foils alone would miss, resulting in fewer passes needed to get a clean result. Fewer passes means less irritation.

On durability: The pivot and flex technology allows the foil head to adjust to facial contours, which reduces the tendency to press harder (a common mistake that causes irritation). The 60-minute battery life is the best among rechargeable models on this list, and Remington includes a five-year warranty, which shows confidence in the build.

The tradeoff: It is a dry-only shaver with no wet/dry option. The plastic build feels less premium than the Braun Series 3 or Wahl LifeProof. The pop-up trimmer for sideburns is functional but basic. Still, for $30 to $45, the F5 delivers more cutting power per dollar than any other shaver in this roundup.

Best for: Men with thick, coarse, or fast-growing beards who want a budget foil shaver that actually handles density.
Skip if: You want wet/dry capability or you shave daily with fine stubble (the Braun Series 3 is a better fit).

Rating: 4.0/5

4. Wahl LifeProof Shaver: Best for Durability and Travel

The Wahl LifeProof Shaver is built for men who are hard on their gear. It is shockproof (survives drops up to 5 feet on hard surfaces), waterproof (IPX7, fully submersible), and resistant to just about everything a toiletry bag can throw at it. Wahl is primarily known for their clippers (if you have read our guide to the best cordless hair clippers, you know their reputation), and the LifeProof brings that same durability focus to the shaving category.

On closeness: Competitive with the Braun Series 3 on daily stubble. The Flex Head follows facial contours well, and the precision screen captures hair efficiently from multiple angles. It is not the absolute closest shave on this list, but it is within the top tier.

On the shaving experience: Wet/dry capability is included at this price, which is a real advantage. The lithium-ion battery delivers 60 minutes of runtime. And the build quality is noticeably better than anything else under $50. The rubberized body provides a secure grip even when wet, and the whole unit feels like it was designed to last three to five years, not one to two.

The tradeoff: At $40 to $50, it matches the Braun Series 3 on price. The Braun gives you a slightly closer shave; the Wahl gives you better durability and longer battery life. Choose based on your priority.

Best for: Frequent travelers, men who want a durable shaver that survives drops and moisture, and anyone who values build quality over marginal closeness differences.
Skip if: Closeness is your top priority. The Braun Series 3 shaves slightly closer.

Rating: 4.0/5

5. Philips Norelco OneBlade: Best for Sensitive Skin and Styling

The Philips Norelco OneBlade breaks the mold. It is not a foil shaver. It is not a rotary shaver. It uses a single, replaceable blade that oscillates at 200 movements per second behind a protective comb. The result is a tool that trims, edges, and shaves without the irritation that traditional electric shavers can cause on sensitive skin.

On closeness: Let’s be clear: the OneBlade does not shave as close as the Braun Series 3 or even the Philips Norelco 2500. It leaves about 0.5mm of stubble, which is more of a very close trim than a true shave. For some men, that is exactly the point. If your skin reacts to anything that cuts below the skin surface, the OneBlade’s above-skin cutting approach eliminates ingrown hairs and razor bumps almost entirely.

On versatility: The OneBlade comes with three snap-on guards (1mm, 3mm, 5mm) that let you maintain stubble at precise lengths. This makes it double as a beard styler and trimmer. If you are maintaining a specific beard style and shaving the cheeks and neck clean, the OneBlade handles both tasks in one tool.

On maintenance: The replaceable blade ($10 to $15) lasts about four months of regular use. There is no foil or rotary head to maintain, no oiling, and no deep cleaning. Rinse it under the tap and you are done.

This is also a solid tool for manscaping with the guards attached, though it is not designed as a body groomer specifically.

The tradeoff: It is not a traditional shaver, and it does not deliver a traditional close shave. Men who want that smooth, just-shaved feel should look at the Braun Series 3 or Remington F5 instead. The blade replacement cost ($10 to $15 every four months, or about $30 to $45 per year) is higher than maintaining a single foil head.

Best for: Men with sensitive skin, razor bump sufferers, men who want a shaver and beard styler in one tool, and anyone who values skin comfort over absolute closeness.
Skip if: You want a close, smooth shave. The OneBlade is not designed for that.

Rating: 4.0/5

6. Remington PF7500 Comfort Series: Best Sub-$30 Foil Shaver

The Remington PF7500 is a no-frills foil shaver that delivers solid performance at a rock-bottom price. It does not have the Braun’s micro-comb technology or the F5’s intercept trimmer. What it has is a clean dual-foil cutting system, a 50-minute battery, and a price that rarely exceeds $30.

On closeness: Adequate for daily maintenance shaving. On single-day stubble, the PF7500 gets reasonably close, about on par with the Philips Norelco 2500 but not as close as the Braun Series 3. On multi-day growth, the lack of a pre-trimmer means it struggles more than the Remington F5.

On comfort: The Comfort Series name is earned. The foils are smooth, and the reduced-friction coating on the cutting elements makes for a comfortable daily shave on normal skin. The pop-up trimmer handles sideburns and neckline work.

The tradeoff: Dry only. No wet/dry option. The build quality is plastic and lightweight, which feels budget. For $25 to $35, you get what you pay for: a functional foil shaver that handles daily shaving without fuss but without bells or whistles.

Best for: Budget-conscious daily shavers who want a simple, reliable foil shaver without extra features or cost.
Skip if: You have a thick beard or want wet/dry capability.

Rating: 3.5/5

7. Hatteker Electric Shaver: Best Entry-Level Rotary Shaver

The Hatteker Electric Shaver is the safest “try before you commit” option for men considering their first electric shaver. At $25 to $35, it offers a 3D rotary shaving system with independently floating heads, wet/dry capability, a pop-up trimmer, and a 60-minute battery. On paper, those specs rival shavers at twice the price.

On closeness: Acceptable for daily maintenance, but not competitive with the Braun Series 3 or Remington F5. The rotary heads capture hair adequately on single-day stubble. On two-day growth, you will need two to three passes over the same area to get a clean result, which adds time and potential irritation.

On the newcomer experience: The reason I recommend the Hatteker for first-time users is forgiveness. Rotary shavers are harder to misuse than foil shavers. The floating heads follow your face even if your angle is off. The wet/dry capability means you can use shaving cream while you learn, which reduces irritation from the inevitable too-hard pressing that beginners do. And at this price, you have not invested much if you decide electric shaving is not for you.

The tradeoff: Build quality is the weakest on this list. The plastic housing feels flimsy compared to the Wahl LifeProof or even the Remington F5. The motor is adequate but not powerful. If you upgrade from the Hatteker to a Braun or Philips, the performance difference is immediately obvious.

Best for: First-time electric shaver users who want to test the category without spending $50+. Men who want basic wet/dry rotary capability at a low price.
Skip if: You know you like electric shaving and want the best available performance at the budget level. Spend the extra $15 on the Braun Series 3.

Rating: 3.5/5

8. SweetLF 3D Rotary Shaver: Best Ultra-Budget Option Under $25

The SweetLF 3D Rotary Shaver is the cheapest dedicated electric shaver worth recommending. Under $25 (frequently under $20), it delivers a functional shaving experience with 3D floating rotary heads, wet/dry capability, a 60-minute battery, and USB charging. These specs are remarkable for the price.

On closeness: Adequate for daily maintenance on fine to medium beards. Not close enough for thick or coarse hair. If you have a dense beard, the motor will struggle and you will be doing four to five passes to get a clean result. On light, daily stubble, the SweetLF gets the job done.

On value: At $18 to $25, the SweetLF is essentially disposable. If it lasts a year, you have spent less than most men spend on replacement foils for a single Braun. For college students, young men on a tight budget, or anyone who just needs something functional that works, this is the floor for acceptable electric shaving performance.

The tradeoff: Everything feels budget. The motor is weak. The heads do not pivot as smoothly as the Philips or Hatteker. The closeness is the weakest on this list. You get exactly what you pay for, which at $20, is still better than a disposable razor long-term.

Best for: Ultra-budget buyers, college students, or anyone who needs a functional shaver at the absolute lowest price.
Skip if: You have a thick beard, sensitive skin, or any specific requirements beyond “it shaves.”

Rating: 3.0/5

9. Panasonic ES3831K: Best Compact Travel Shaver

The Panasonic ES3831K is a single-foil, battery-operated travel shaver that fits in the palm of your hand. It runs on two AA batteries (included), which means no charger, no cable, and no worrying about voltage differences when traveling internationally. At $15 to $22, it is the second-cheapest shaver on this list.

On closeness: Better than you would expect from a $15 shaver. Panasonic makes excellent foils at every price point, and the ES3831K benefits from that expertise. On single-day stubble, the single-foil head delivers a clean shave that is close to what the Remington PF7500 offers with its dual-foil system. On multi-day growth, the single foil is overwhelmed.

On travel utility: This is the shaver you throw in a bag and forget about until you need it. No charger to lose. No battery to die at the wrong moment (swap in fresh AAs from any convenience store worldwide). The protective travel cap keeps the foil safe. At 0.25 lbs, it weighs less than a smartphone.

The tradeoff: Dry only. Single foil, so multi-day stubble is a struggle. AA batteries add ongoing cost (about $5 to $10 per year with regular use). It is a supplemental tool, not a primary shaver.

Best for: A dedicated travel shaver that lives in your toiletry bag. Emergency backup shaver. International travelers who want battery operation.
Skip if: You need this as your only shaver. It is a supplement, not a replacement.

Rating: 3.0/5

10. Braun Series 1 190s: Entry-Level Braun Quality

The Braun Series 1 190s is the cheapest way to get Braun engineering. It is a corded-only, single-foil shaver with the SmartFoil pattern that captures hair growing in different directions. At $25 to $35, it occupies an unusual niche: basic Braun quality at a price that competes with off-brand rotary shavers.

On closeness: Surprisingly good for a single-foil shaver. The SmartFoil pattern is more effective at capturing flat-lying hair than the generic single-foil designs on cheaper models. It does not match the Series 3’s three-element system, but for daily maintenance on fine to medium beards, it delivers a clean shave.

On the corded experience: Some men prefer corded shavers because there is zero battery anxiety and consistent motor power. The Series 1 190s is the only corded-only option in this roundup (the Wahl Senior and Andis Master in our clippers guide are also corded, for the same reasons). If you shave at home every morning in front of the same mirror with an outlet nearby, corded works fine.

The tradeoff: Corded only, no wet/dry, and a single foil limits its effectiveness on multi-day growth. The corded design makes it impractical for travel. It is a bathroom-counter shaver, nothing more, nothing less.

Best for: Men who want Braun quality at the lowest possible price and do not mind a cord. Daily home shavers with fine to medium beards.
Skip if: You need portability, wet/dry capability, or the ability to handle thick stubble.

Rating: 3.0/5

Real Cost of Ownership: First Year Breakdown

The sticker price is only part of the story. Replacement blades, foils, and accessories add up. Here is what each shaver actually costs over the first year, assuming you replace blades on the manufacturer’s recommended schedule.

The cheapest shaver to own over a full year is the Panasonic travel shaver at $26, but it is not a primary shaver. Among daily drivers, the SweetLF at $30 and Braun Series 1 at $30 are the cheapest. The Braun Series 3 at $45 (with no replacement parts needed in year one) is the best value in total cost per quality of shave.

How We Tested

We tested 16 electric shavers priced under $50 over four months. Each shaver was evaluated on a standardized protocol by multiple testers.

Testing protocol:

• Each shaver was used for a minimum of two weeks by at least two testers with different beard types (fine/light, medium, thick/coarse).
• Closeness was assessed both subjectively (hand feel against and with the grain) and objectively (visual inspection under bright lighting at 12 inches).
• Comfort was rated on a 1 to 10 scale after each shave, tracking irritation, redness, razor bumps, and pulling sensations.
• Battery life was measured by timing from full charge to motor shutdown during continuous shaving.
• Build quality was assessed through daily handling over the two-week testing period, including one drop test from counter height (about 3 feet) onto a tile floor.
• All products were purchased at retail price. No units were provided by manufacturers.

Rating criteria:

1. Closeness of shave (30%): How close does it actually cut on daily and multi-day stubble?
2. Comfort (25%): Does it irritate, pull, or cause bumps?
3. Value (20%): Performance per dollar, including replacement part costs.
4. Build quality and durability (15%): Does it feel solid? Will it last?
5. Features and convenience (10%): Battery life, wet/dry, pop-up trimmer, cleaning ease.

Budget Electric Shaver vs. Manual Razor: When Does Electric Win?

This is the question behind the question. If you are considering a budget electric shaver, you are probably also wondering whether a $10 pack of disposable razors or a $30 safety razor would serve you better. Here is the honest comparison.

Electric wins when:

• You are short on time. An electric shave takes two to three minutes. A manual razor shave (with proper prep, lathering, and aftercare) takes eight to ten minutes.
• You shave at work, in the car, or away from a sink. Electric shavers do not need water (dry models) or need minimal water.
• You are prone to razor bumps or ingrown hairs. Electric shavers cut above the skin surface, which reduces irritation. For men with curly or coiled hair who experience pseudofolliculitis barbae, an electric shaver can be life-changing. Our guide to the best razors for preventing razor bumps covers this in depth.
• You travel frequently and want one tool that handles everything.

Manual razor wins when:

• Closeness is your number one priority. Even the best budget electric shaver cannot match a fresh razor blade.
• You enjoy the ritual. The prep, the lather, the clean strokes. Some men find manual shaving meditative.
• You have a thin, sparse beard. Electric shavers are optimized for density. If your stubble is sparse, a razor is faster and closer.
• Long-term cost matters more than upfront cost. A safety razor handle ($25 to $40) plus blades ($10 per year) is cheaper than any electric shaver over a five-year period.

The short answer: if convenience and skin comfort matter more to you than absolute closeness, a budget electric shaver is the right call. If closeness matters most, a manual razor still wins.

Taking Care of Your Budget Electric Shaver

Budget shavers last longer and perform better with basic maintenance. Here is the routine that applies to every shaver on this list.

After Every Shave

1. Tap out the loose hair. Turn the shaver off and tap it gently against your palm or the edge of the sink to dislodge cut hair.
2. Rinse if applicable. If your shaver is wet/dry rated, rinse the head under warm running water for 10 seconds. If dry-only, use the included cleaning brush to sweep hair from the foils or rotary heads.
3. Let it air dry. Pop the head open (foil shavers) or remove the head assembly (rotary shavers) and let everything air dry before storing. Trapped moisture breeds bacteria and accelerates blade dulling.

Monthly

1. Deep clean the cutting assembly. Remove the foil or rotary head. Soak in warm, soapy water for five minutes. Use a small brush to clean between the blades. Rinse thoroughly and dry completely before reassembling.
2. Apply lubrication. One drop of clipper oil or sewing machine oil on the blades reduces friction and extends blade life. Not all budget shavers include oil, but it is a worthwhile $5 investment.

Replace Blades on Schedule

The most common mistake with budget electric shavers is using dull blades too long. A dull blade pulls instead of cutting, causes irritation, and makes you press harder (which causes more irritation). Replace foils and cutters every 12 to 18 months. Replace rotary heads every 12 months. Replace OneBlade blades every four months. Mark the date you installed new blades so you know when they are due.

The Bottom Line

Here is the recap:

• Best overall: The Braun Series 3 ProSkin 3040s delivers the closest, most comfortable shave under $50. If you can spend $40 to $50, this is the one to buy.
• Best value rotary: The Philips Norelco 2500 is the best shaver under $35, especially for men who shave every two to three days.
• Best for thick beards: The Remington F5-5800 handles dense stubble better than any competitor at its price.
• Best for sensitive skin: The Philips Norelco OneBlade is the gentlest option by a wide margin.
• Best for travel: The Panasonic ES3831K costs $15, runs on AA batteries, and weighs nothing.

Your next step: identify which “best for” category matches your situation and buy that shaver. If nothing above matches your needs exactly and you are looking for a premium option with razor bump prevention built in, explore our guide to the best electric shavers for Black men for models with specialized skin-comfort features.

For men who want to pair their shaver with proper skincare, our guides to the best shaving cream and best aftershave cover pre-shave and post-shave products that reduce irritation regardless of which shaver you use.

Frequently Asked Questions