With our lives becoming busier, electric shavers are more of a fixture and not just a fad in our grooming routine. They are quick, convenient, and safer than razors. The best foil shaver works well with close touch-ups, making it suitable for frequent users and those with sensitive skin.
We have documented a detailed analysis of the factors that you should consider when choosing your foil shaver, including the number of shaving elements, trimming function, shaving and charge time, weight, warranty, and additional accessories. Extra shaving elements will give a faster and closer shave, while a trimmer will provide precise styling. Weight affects grip, reach and comfort when shaving. Accessories help to deliver superior performance, better maintenance, and additional safety. Based on these qualities, we have compiled a comprehensive review of the 8 best foil shaver models with the Panasonic Arc5 ES-LV65-S as our top pick, highlighted their outstanding features, and ranked them in a comparison table.
More features: precision-honed 30° blades; 70,000 cross-cutting actions per minute
The ES-LV65-S is a beast equipped with the most advanced features for smooth, close, comfortable and precise shaving. It features five 30-degrees nano-blades, a multi-flex rotating head which traces your contours, a pop-up trimmer, and an integrated sensor that adjusts the shaver’s power to your hair density. Reverse-tapered foils lift flat hair to trim it. The powerful motor runs at 14,000 cuts per minute, which brings a total of 70,000 cross-cutting cycles per minute for all of the five blades.
All the shaving components and motor make for a massive shaving head, but the back and sides feature an ergonomic design that provides a comfortable grip.
It takes an hour to charge the battery fully to give you 45 minutes of cordless shaving time. The LCD indicates the remaining battery life, shaving duration, sensor mode, and reminders on cleaning and replacement. However, it does not provide for a quick charge for an urgent shave.
You can shave in the shower and clean this model under running water since it is waterproof and has wet and dry functionalities. To avoid the risk of shock, it is advisable only to use it when it is unplugged from power.
The purchase comes with a cleaning brush, lubricant, universal power adaptation, protective head guard, safety lock, travel case, and a two-year warranty. It does not include an automatic cleaning station, but you can buy it separately.
More features: wet/dry functions; 5 Turbo/Sensitive modes; 8-D contour adaptation
This model from Braun 7 Series has been upgraded to five adjustable speed settings from the three modes featured in previous models. Through its Sonic and AutoSense technology, the shaver detects the coarseness of the hair and adjusts to any of the speed settings ranging from Sensitive to Turbo to accommodate the varying hair thickness on different parts of the body. The selected speed mode is indicated by color changes on the power button. You can manually choose the speed mode with the ‘+’ and ‘–‘ buttons.
With four shaving elements, a trimmer, a rate of 10,000 micro-vibrations per minute, and a flexible head that spans eight directions along your face contours to catch more hair, you can quickly achieve a smooth shave in the most delicate areas. This is a great option if you’re looking for an electric shaver for sensitive skin, and it’s also one of the best electric shavers for black men – it ensures a smooth, comfortable, and gentle shave each and every time.
The clean and charging station has a built-in lubricating, cleaning, sanitizing, and drying mechanisms that facilitate automatic cleaning. It also comes with a cleaning brush, cleaning solution, power cord, and a travel case. Being 100% waterproof, it can be used in the shower and cleaned under running water.
It takes an hour for a full charge and five minutes for a quick charge. A fully charged battery will give you 50 minutes of shaving time. The digital display alerts you when it is time to charge or clean the shaver.
Unfortunately, this model doesn’t come with a travel case or protective head, so it’s not the best option for those who travel often and want to take this shaver along.
More features: built-in LED display indicating how much power is remaining
Similarly to Braun shavers, the Remington F5-5800 features three shaving elements, including two foil razors which flex independently to conform to different skin contours. The Interceptor Shaving Technology reduces the shaving passes required for better shaping of longer strands of hair. The pop-up trimmer located at the back is handy for the detailed shaving of the mustache and sideburns. Surgical steel blades are resistant to rust and slow to bluntness.
The rechargeable battery which takes two hours to charge fully will give you 60 minutes of shaving time, and the quick power charge option will provide you with five minutes to shave when you are in a hurry. You can use the shaver both when plugged and unplugged, and monitor the battery level on the LED display.
The flexible shaving head can be easily cleaned under running water, saving you money on purchasing cleaning refill solutions. The package includes a cleaning brush, protective head guard and a charging cord.
According to the customers’ feedback, the model suits well not only for shaving men’s beard, but also for the head, armpits, and women’s legs! It is comparatively noisier than other foil shavers, still being an excellent option for shavers on a budget.
More features: 100% waterproof and fully washable, LED display indicating battery level and charging status
Braun 3 Series 340S may lack the advanced features found in its Series 5 and Series 7 variants, but you will still avoid nicks and bumps when shaving due to its SensoFoil technology, triple action independent-floating shaving system, and a precision trimmer. Moreover, it is definitely more affordable than its successors. No wonder it is one of the best sellers in the mid-price category.
Its ergonomic design includes rubberized sides that are contoured for a convenient grip. This is a great wet/dry shaver, and being 100% waterproof, you can use the shaver in the shower and clean it under water afterward.
A full charge which takes an hour yields 50 minutes of shaving performance. A 5-minute quick charge will provide enough power for a single shave. To charge this model, you can plug the cable into the charging station, or directly into the shaver. The Ni-MH battery can withstand repeated charging. The LED light displays charging status and battery level.
The package includes a cleaning brush, protective head guard, charging station, and sheen oil for foil lubrication to minimize friction and extend lifespan. The purchase is incentivized with a two-year warranty and a two-month money back guarantee.
More features: worldwide USB charging; wet/dry use available
Remington is known for some of the most prominent innovations in the shaving world. The retro design of the HF9000 is a perfect embodiment and celebration of Remington’s heritage. It features two shaving elements, multi-directional Lift Logic foils that lift facial hair into the blades, and a pop-up trimmer for styling sideburns and mustaches.
The shaver supports both plugged and cordless use, and the wet and dry functionalities allow you to use foam and gels for a smoother shave. Cleaning it is a breeze as it is fully washable with a removable head.
The lithium rechargeable battery is long-lasting, with a maximum charge achieved in two hours which translates into an hour of cordless shaving time. You can even charge the shaver in your car via the USB charger.
The package includes a protective head guard and travel case, and the shaver has a limited warranty of two years.
More features: comes with a twist protective cap; fully washable
This is the only model on our best foil shaver list that is designed to work with replaceable batteries. It is powered by two AA batteries which provide an hour of shaving time.
As the name suggests, it is well-suited for mobility through its compactness, light weight, and the built-in protective cap which also serves as a travel lock.
It has minimalistic features that get the basic job done at a very affordable cost. The integrated trimmer performs satisfactorily when snipping sideburns, but this shaver is best used with light and short stubby hair, or for minor touch ups on the go. It is a great choice for travelers as it won’t have them worrying about chargers, sockets, and differences in voltages.
M90 should ideally be used for dry shaving, although it is waterproof enough to be cleaned under running water.
The package includes two AA batteries and a cleaning brush. The manufacturer offers a limited warranty of two years.
More features: 420 stainless-steel surgical blade; slide lock switch
Featuring three independent-floating 420 stainless steel surgical blades, two thin foils and a push-up trimmer, this model can trim the densest hair and glide along the facial curves for greater precision.
The integrated lithium-ion battery takes eight hours to charge fully and provides 70 minutes of shaving time which is enough for multiple uses. Some users claim that they had it running for up to two hours. A single shave can be achieved with five minutes of quick charge.
You can use it when plugged or unplugged. A slide lock switch prevents accidental running, thus conserving the battery and keeping you safe. Coupled with automatic voltage adaptation, it is a suitable traveling companion.
The purchase comes with a cleaning brush, charger, user manual, and a one-year warranty.
Considering the low pricing, it does a decent job. However, the trimmer needs improvement, and the lack of a removable head also makes the shaver trickier to clean. It is also not advisable to use it in the shower.
More features: 30-degree honed blades; 13,000 cycles per minute; 10 stage LCD for electronic shaver and rechargeable battery status
This foil shaver has a lot going on, with more additional features and capabilities than traditional models can offer you. It features a 30-degree four-blade shaving system as its Arc4 name implies, with stainless steel foils and hypoallergenic blades coated with nanotech for longevity.
It has a powerful motor that runs at a rate of 13,000 cycles per minute to cut the thickest stubbles in the shortest time. The curved foils and pop-up trimmer adapts to contours for maximum skin contact and the finesse required for a smooth, close shave.
It takes an hour to fully charge the battery which then delivers 42 minutes of shaving time, which is, though, less than other models. Since it has both wet and dry functionality, this foil shaver is best used when unplugged. You will hardly have to worry about the low battery because a quick charge option of five minutes for a single shave is also available. The LCD display indicates the shaving duration, features a cleaning reminder and shows the battery level status on a scale of one to ten.
The package includes a power cord, travel pouch, and a user manual. New foils and blades can be purchased separately for replacement.
Though some users find the shaving head large, this model is one of the lightest foil shavers, weighing only 0.4 pounds. The large head also provides wider coverage for shaving areas.
When shopping for shavers, personal priorities prevail. These could vary from time, price, shaving routine, convenience, design, and closeness of shave. The following buying guide presents essential features that also accommodate the various individual needs to help you in your selection of the best foil shaver. The guide includes examples of models with these features and detailed explanations of how those functionalities improve your overall shaving experience. Answers to pertinent questions and a summary of our top choices appear at the end of this guide.
Considering how frequently we use shavers and the possibility of hurting ourselves each time with the wrong one, it is essential to focus on the right components to get the best foil shaver for your budget, hair type, and shaving routine.
Below are the various features that should play a role in your decision.
The number of blades in your shaver can affect performance and shaving duration. Hair that grows in multiple directions and sometimes lies parallel to the skin can be tricky to shave. Some electronic shavers feature multiple blades, with each performing a different function or complementing each other. Some lift up the hair for the others to trim it, while others offer a closer shave. This multitasking provides more coverage, a smoother shave, and a shorter shaving time because fewer swipes are needed to cut off the hair.
Generally, the more the blades, the bigger the shaving head. The foil shaver heads usually pivot and flex to adapt to the facial contours. A big shaving head will have a larger surface area which will also cover larger shaving areas. Numerous blades also work with powerful motors which can generate up to 70,000 cutting cycles per minutes, as seen in Panasonic Arc5 ES-LV65-S. This speeds up the shaving process.
The best foil shaver should include a trimming function for a neater shave. All the models featured in our guide have this capability. The trimmers can either be integrated into the shaver or come as a separate attachment.
Trimmers work by cutting off long, stubborn and stray hair that has been trapped by adjacent blades. They pre-cut hair without tugging or applying pressure on the skin to shorten it and make it easier for the blades to finish off the job. Trimmers also shape and style beards, mustaches and other hair for a more detailed or signature look. Pop-up trimmers are mostly located at the back of the shaver.
No one wants to walk around lopsided with a half-shaven look because power went off in the midst of grooming. Neither does anyone wish to babysit a charging shaver and groom for an important date in the nick of time. To avoid this, you should look for a foil shaver with short charging time and considerable battery life. Models, such as Braun 3 Series 340S and Braun Electric Shaver, Series 7 7865cc provide 50 minutes of shaving performance with a full battery which is enough for multiple shaving sessions, and it only takes an hour to achieve a maximum charge. By contrast, SUPRENT 4-Blade Electric Foil Shaver takes eight hours to fully charge the battery which yields 70 minutes of shaving time.
Some models like Panasonic ES8243A Arc4 and Remington F5-5800 have a 5-minute quick charge option for single uses. This is convenient when you have forgotten to charge your depleted battery.
Electric shavers depend on various sources of power; battery, rechargeable, or both corded and cordless, with the last one being more convenient because you can use it both plugged and unplugged from power. Battery-powered and rechargeable foil shavers are ideal for people on the move, but the former can cost you a fortune on battery replacement. Braun 3 Series 340S feature Ni-MH batteries that can withstand repeated charging.
Technological advancements enable monitoring of battery life through an LED or LCD digital indicator that displays the remaining charge on your battery as well as the shaving time. This feature will come in handy if you want to take the guesswork out of your shaving routine.
A good shaver should feel light and comfortable in hand for easy maneuvering, especially when trying to shave delicate areas. Electric shavers with multiple blades and features tend to be heavier due to the additional components and the large shaving head. Manufacturers try to manage this through ergonomic designs which may include rubberized sides for a secure grip. A light shaver is also easy to pack and use anywhere you go.
The foil shavers in our list have warranties ranging from one year to two years, which seems to be the most common duration. Frequent usage of shavers makes them vulnerable to malfunctions, so it is reassuring to know that you are covered. Warranty scope and terms will vary from one manufacturer to another, with some covering labor and replacement of parts as a result of manufacturing defects. Find out the availability of replacement parts and compatible accessories. Some models like Braun 3 Series 340S also offer a trial period with a 60-day money back guarantee.
Stay away from things that can void your warranty, such as wet shaving with a shaver that is specifically designed for dry shaving.
In addition to the warranty, you should find out the accessories that come with your intended foil shaver and choose the ones that appeal most to your needs. This can include a cleaning brush, protective head cap, travel case, digital display, safety lock, multiple power modes, integrated sensors, universal voltage adaptation, and automatic cleaning and charging stations.
Sensors, such as the one featured in Panasonic Arc5 ES-LV65-S, detect hair density and select the most suitable power mode while a digital display allows you to keep an eye on charging and cleaning needs.
The protective head cap shields the foil when not in use. Some caps double up as a safety lock to keep you safe and prevent battery drainage from accidental running. Not to mention the sniggering looks you might get if your shaver was to suddenly start vibrating in your bag.
Cleaning stations keep your foil shaver tidy, and can even disinfect it. Your shaver manual will guide you on the best way to carry out cleaning.
Universal voltage adaptation feature makes your foil shaver compatible with the different levels of power so you can charge it anywhere. Models, such as Remington HF9000 have USB function.
Other features you may want to look out for are wet and dry functionality which allows you to use foams and gels when shaving and corded and cordless operation for convenience and versatility.
Panasonic Arc5 ES-LV65-S is our first choice because it is a beauty in design and a beast in performance. It features almost everything you would want in an ideal foil shaver; elegant modern design, powerful motor, multiple blades, flexible head, pop-up trimmer, sensor, and digital display. The accessories are just as generous with a safety lock, head cap, lubricant, and a cleaning brush included. With all these features, who would notice the absence of a quick charge option or even complain about having to clean this shaver manually?
Braun Electric Shaver, Series 7 7865cc stood out because of how well it works on sensitive skin, minimizing irritation and flare-ups. In the shaving world, what’s good for sensitive skin is good for every skin. It has an eight-directional flexible head to access all the curves and contours, sensors, and adjustable power modes that defy the densest hair.
Our third choice is another gem from Remington F5-5800, whose host of versatile and advanced features, sturdy construction, powerful output, and sizeable pivoting head provides wide coverage for a close shave with fewer swipes, making it one of the best foil shavers on the market.
