Electric shavers are often seen as expensive products.
And that’s certainly true for some of the high-end, feature-packed models.
Also, the more complex and advanced a shaver is, the higher the cost of the replacement heads will be.
These things can make the budget-conscious buyer stay away from electric shavers altogether.
And for good reason; nobody wants to spend a lot of money on something when there are cheaper ways to deal with facial hair.
Luckily, some electric razors offer excellent performance for a reasonable price.
In this article, we’ll explore some of the best budget electric shavers out there and see what makes them suitable in several use cases:
Having owned and used these shavers myself for several years, I’ll also share a few actionable tips on how to get the most out of an inexpensive electric razor.
Let’s get started!
Hallmarks of an affordable but capable shaver
1. High-quality shaving head and decent power
Over the past 25 years, I’ve tried many shavers at very different price points.
And the one thing that had the biggest impact on the shaving performance was the actual shaving head.
Essentially, the parts that do the actual cutting.
When a manufacturer tries to cut costs in that area, the performance and longevity of the shaving head will take a hit.
A good shaving system is however backed by a motor that is powerful enough.
A shaver will require many passes for a smooth shave and will even snag some hairs if the motor isn’t powerful enough.
So while some non-essential features like a beard density sensor or power settings can be left out, good blades and a snappy motor are must-haves.
Also, 3 individual cutting elements should be enough for most users; four, five or six blades can be overkill, particularly in the context of shaving daily.
2. Basic features: Hair trimmer, waterproofing, flexible cutters
A versatile and practical electric razor should include all the essential features.
I think a pop-up hair trimmer (or a separate attachment) is really useful and, at least for me, a must-have.
They’re really handy for some quick touchups (sideburns, goatee, moustache) and for cutting the occasional stray, stubborn hairs.
A waterproof shaver is very easy to clean with tap water and I don’t think I would ever want to mess around with brushes or cans of compressed air.
Since these are budget-friendly razors, they won’t come with a cleaning station, so they must be easy to clean.
High-end shavers have very complex, flexible shaving heads. And while they are impressive, I wouldn’t say they make a tremendous difference.
What does make a difference is having independently moving cutters.
With enough range of motion, this feature is truly useful in practice and will make the shaver more effective and more enjoyable to use.
Out of all the different features, I think these are the most important to have on an electric razor.
Fancy LED displays, beard density sensors, power settings and Bluetooth connectivity are nice to have, but not essential.
And most of them won’t improve the shaving performance in a meaningful way.
An automatic cleaning station can be very practical, but it adds a lot to the purchase price and waterproof shavers are easy to clean manually.
The OEM cleaning refills also imply a higher cost of ownership.
3. Solid build quality
Another common practice for keeping the price low is to include fewer goodies in the retail package (things like protective caps, travel cases, lubricants, and so on) or to sacrifice build quality.
We definitely don’t want a poorly built shaver, so we’ll steer clear of those.
Durability is and should be high on your list when shopping for an electric razor.
4. Good battery life
Some low-end shavers that have very affordable prices also come with much smaller batteries than others that cost only marginally more.
For example, the basic Braun Series 3 shavers come with a smaller battery than the Series 3 ProSkin (Series 3+) models.
Since the price difference is small, the ProSkin models are obviously the better option.
Also, some of those smaller batteries have a very long charging time, which can be annoying if the shaver is cordless-only.
5. Cordless & corded use
Also related to the battery aspect, we have the corded & cordless operation.
Most of today’s shavers are cordless only and this trend continues to grow in 2026.
I don’t think this is automatically a deal breaker.
If the battery is large enough, with good reliability and charging takes less than an hour, that’s good enough for most users, myself included.
However, since you’re probably interested in using that shaver for as long as possible, cordless & corded operation would make a lot of sense.
When the battery can’t hold a decent charge anymore, you’d still be able to shave with the cord plugged in.
So I made sure to also include a few affordable shavers that work well and can be operated both codless & corded.
Key takeaway
Purchase price and cost of ownership are the two important factors to consider when you have a limited budget for a shaver.
High-end, advanced electric razors come with a hefty price tag.
They usually provide superior performance, are fitted with the most powerful motors, have multiple cutting elements and incorporate several advanced technologies.
But the things that matter the most for getting a close and comfortable shave are a reasonably powerful motor and a high-quality shaving head.
That said, we’re interested in finding electric razors that possess these key features and only leave out the ones that aren’t absolutely necessary.
As a result, they offer excellent value for money and strike a great balance between price and performance.
Let’s check them out.
What are some of the best affordable shavers in 2026?
1. Braun Series 3 ProSkin 3040s
Also available at Walmart.
I consider the Braun Series 3 ProSkin 3040s to be the best affordable shaver for most users.
It shaves well, has a reasonable price, it’s durable, reliable and easy to clean.
Moreover, it has an integrated slide-out hair trimmer, something not all the models in the Series 3 ProSkin family have.
While Panasonic shavers are generally better at providing closer shaves, the Braun Series 3 is more comfortable and more forgiving, especially during a dry shave.
This makes the Braun Series 3 ProSkin a better option if you have sensitive skin.
It’s also better at capturing those longer, flat-lying hairs compared to Panasonic, making it more versatile and suitable to be used daily and up to every 3 days or so.
The current Series 3 ProSkin (aka Series 3+) generation includes several models, suitable for wet/dry and dry-only operation.
All of them are however waterproof and can be safely cleaned with water.
Some of them even come with an automatic cleaning and charging station, like the Series 3 3050cc, but those are a bit pricey and we’re mainly interested in the affordable ones.
With that said, the Braun Series 3 3040s ProSkin is usually my default recommendation.
And that’s mainly because it’s readily available, affordable and as mentioned earlier, has a hair trimmer.
Performance-wise, all Series 3 ProSkin models are identical.
And they are some of the most comfortable entry-level shavers out there.
The closeness, while good enough for most users, is not the best at this price point.
In my experience, a Panasonic Arc 3 will be better suited for someone particularly interested in getting a close shave.
Being a basic shaver, the Series 3 also works best when used on shorter stubble, so you’ll get the best results if you use it regularly.
However, it does fare better than other foil shavers in this price range when used on a 3-day beard for example (it’s better than the Arc 3 in this regard).
Since the 3040s is waterproof, you can simply rinse it with water for easy cleaning.
You can also try shaving with your favorite shaving cream or gel.
However, I don’t find wet shaving to improve the results in a significant manner in the case of the Series 3 (in my experience, Panasonic razors work way better).
Because it’s a wet&dry model, the 3040s is a cordless-only shaver.
It is however fitted with a very reliable battery that provides at least 45 minutes of use on a single charge.
The replacement shaving heads for the Series 3 ProSkin, called cassettes, are the 32B (black) and 32S (silver).
The cassettes are usually priced lower than the foils and blades needed for Panasonic shavers, so the costs of ownership will be lower in the case of the Series 3.
Deciding which one to get should mainly come down to your needs (closeness vs versatility, comfort and better value for money).
2. Braun Series 3 ProSkin 3000s
Also available at Walmart.
If you were put off by the fact that the 3040s above doesn’t work corded as well, then look no further than the Series 3 Proskin 3000s.
This one is a cordless & corded model and the shaving performance is identical.
And despite being marketed as dry-only for safety concerns, it’s also waterproof for easy cleaning.
Moreover, it usually costs less than the 3040s.
So what’s the catch?
Well, the Series 3 ProSkin 3000s doesn’t have a hair trimmer as you can tell from the picture below.
So that’s the compromise you’ll be making with the 3000s.
Apart from the lack of a hair trimmer and a more basic battery indicator, everything is the same as in the case of the 3040s at number 1 on the list.
The Series 3 3000s even uses the same 32b replacement head, so it’s inexpensive and durable.
The ability to shave corded will come in handy after years of use when the battery charge will go down really fast.
Or maybe you just don’t want to wait for it to charge (which takes roughly 1 hour).
UPDATE: there’s an updated 3000s that has a hair trimmer as well. Unfortunately you can’t really know which one you’ll be getting as both have the same model name and both are still available.
Braun’s official product page still shows the original 3000s with no hair trimmer.
3. Panasonic Arc 3 ES-LL41-K
Also available at Walmart, Panasonic.com.
Side note: The UK/European variation is called the Panasonic ES-LL21-K.
The Arc 3 models from Panasonic are in my opinion some of the best budget electric shavers because they offer very solid performance for the price.
And even if the prices have gone up during the past couple of years, most buyers would still consider them affordable.
If you’re interested in getting a close and fast shave, I don’t think you can find a better option for the same money.
There are many models in the Arc 3 line, but the ES-LL-41-K is usually the pick of the range.
It’s fitted with a very nippy 13 000 CPM (cycles per minute) linear-drive motor, just slightly less powerful than the range-topping Arc 5 or Arc 6 models from Panasonic that come with 14 000 CPM units.
This, along with the sharp, high-quality blades, makes the Arc 3 one of the best-performing budget shavers out there.
Unlike the pricier Arc 4 and Arc 5 models, the Arc 3 only comes with three cutting elements.
However, it is still fast enough and suitable even for a medium to coarse beard.
A side benefit of having a less complex shaving head is the lower cost of the foil and blades set (part no WES9013PC).
Another advantage of the ES-LL41-K (and of any other Arc 3 model in fact) is the ease of cleaning and maintenance.
Since the two inner blades are separated from the foil block, you have great access for a thorough cleaning.
Speaking of which, you’ll only need a bit of liquid soap and you can rinse everything with warm tap water.
All Panasonic Arc 3 shavers are fully waterproof and can be safely cleaned with water or used in the shower.
There’s even a special cleaning setting, called Sonic mode, that makes the blades oscillate at a very high speed, dislodging any stubborn dirt buildups.
I can honestly say that you really don’t need a cleaning station with a Panasonic shaver; they are that easy to clean.
Finally, it is a very robust and solidly built shaver that can take a beating.
It’s also nimble and easy to use, making it a great choice for a first-time user.
In fact, its shaving head is slimmer compared to other Arc 3 models like the ES-LT67-A or the latest Series 700 generation.
All Panasonic shavers are fitted with an excellent pop-up trimmer that’s very effective and useful for some light grooming, like tweaking your sideburns or edging a beard line.
In my opinion the Panasonic trimmer is a lot better than the one found on Braun razors like the Series 3 ProSkin or even the high-end Series 9 or Nevo.
The ES-LL41-K even includes two adjustable guards that fit over the extended trimmer and you can trim your beard to the desired length.
This can also be useful when you haven’t shaved in a while and you need to pre-trim your beard.
Like all entry-level shavers, the ES-LL41-K works best when used on shorter facial hair, so shaving daily or every other day will give you the best results.
Otherwise, you’ll have to spend a lot more money on something like a Braun Series 8 or a Series 9 that can capture difficult hairs more efficiently.
Finally, if you have very sensitive skin, using a pre-shave lotion or even shaving cream may help.
Panasonic shavers work great with shaving cream, so if you’re not against wet shaving, you should definitely give that a try.
4. Braun Series 5 5118s
Also available at Walmart.
Almost 6 years ago, Braun released three new lines of shavers (initially only in the USA and Canada).
Among those newly released models, there was a new Series 5, which was also the most reasonably priced of the three.
And while the initial Series 5 models were decent in terms of performance, they weren’t any better than the less expensive Series 3 ProSkin, which also had a slimmer shaving head.
However, Braun recently updated the Series 5 and these new shavers (with model names that start with 51, like the 5118s) come with a Turbo mode.
Precisely, the user can select a high-power shaving mode, which makes the shaver feel noticeably faster and more effective.
And the best part is that these new models with the fast Turbo mode cost the same or only slightly more than the previous, non-Turbo models (the ones that start with 50 like the 5018s).
While it’s a complete departure from the OG/discontinued Series 5 shavers, the new models cost a lot less and offer decent performance for the money.
The Series 5 5118s is the most affordable model and the one I would recommend.
Performance-wise, I find it a bit more powerful than the Braun Series 3 ProSkin and pretty much on par with the Panasonic ES-LL41-K.
I wouldn’t say it shaves closer, but it is possible to get the same closeness faster compared to a Series 3.
And given the price of the Series 5, that’s pretty good.
Just like the Series 3, the Series 5 5118s is comfortable during use and will provide a reasonably close shave.
It’s a wet/dry model, so it will only work cordless.
Its selling point (apart from the low price) is a so-called EasyClean system that allows you to clean the shaving head without removing it.
In practice, it’s not nearly as effective as advertised and I would actually remove the head and clean it thoroughly since it only takes seconds to do it.
The Series 5 5118s doesn’t have an integrated hair trimmer, but it comes with a separate attachment that you must use instead of the regular foil head.
It’s really handy if you need to pre-trim your beard before shaving, but for more finesse work, it is rather bulky and more cumbersome to use compared to the one on the Panasonic ES-LL41-K for example.
To summarize, the Braun Series 5 5118s is an affordable, comfortable electric shaver that would be a suitable choice for users who shave daily and up to every 3 days.
For a beginner, the S3 ProSkin might be a better option since the foil frame is more compact, so it’s easier to use and also glides more smoothly over the skin.
5. Philips Norelco Series 3000 Shaver 3600
Also available at Walmart, Philips.com.
Let’s now check out an affordable rotary razor.
Rotaries have a few specific pros compared to the foil shavers above.
Generally, these would be a quieter operation, better performance on longer facial hair and more durable shaving heads.
The latter is of particular interest to us because buying replacement heads less often means a lower cost of ownership.
My pick for an affordable rotary in 2026 would be the Philips Norelco Shaver 3600 from the Series 3000.
This shaver has a couple of compelling features that make it a better option than other similar rotaries.
It is more powerful than the Series 2000 for example, and has better battery life, and the price is only slightly more.
The 3600 uses the same SH30 shaving heads, which are durable and fairly priced.
For these reasons, I think the Shaver 3600 is the budget rotary razor to buy right now.
You would need to spend a lot more on something like the Philips Norelco Series 9000 to get a significant performance upgrade.
The Philips Shaver 3600 is very comfortable and can even handle a 3-day beard.
It’s easy to clean most of the time with its flip-open head that you can simply rinse under the tap.
It has an integrated hair trimmer as well.
I’m not a big fan of the trimmer because it’s quite thick and the spring holding it upright is very weak and folds back easily, but it’ll get the job done eventually.
Rotaries however also have a few specific shortcomings.
For most men, the closeness of the shave won’t be quite as good as with a Panasonic Arc 3 for example.
Also, unless you know from previous experience that a rotary works best for you, a foil shaver is generally a safer choice.
But as far as rotaries go, this one is one of my favorites and I think it punches above its price.
The Norelco 3600 is remarkably gentle for a rotary and very enjoyable to use.
And with a reasonable price, cordless & corded use and durable heads, it’s also a great option for the budget-oriented buyer.
6. Remington F5-5800
Also available at Walmart, Remington.
Remington is something of an underdog in this competition with Braun, Panasonic and Philips, arguably the 3 biggest players.
Unfortunately, for the past 15 years or more, most Remington shavers couldn’t really compete with the offerings from the other big names.
But there’s one model that stands out from the rest: the Remington F5-5800.
This 3-blade foil shaver has an affordable price, being among the least expensive in this guide, but also shaves very well.
The closeness in particular is impressive and I would place it somewhere between the Arc 3 and the Series 3 in that regard.
And as long as you don’t have sensitive skin, it will be pretty comfortable as well.
It doesn’t look or feel as premium as a Panasonic, but it costs half the price and shaves almost as close.
Moreover, it works both codless&corded which further sweetens the deal.
It’s easy to clean simply by rinsing the shaving head with water.
The replacement foil and blades are generally easy to source and fairly priced.
So while this Remington isn’t the most comfortable or sleek shaver on this list, it’s among the more economical ones and gives a close shave.
Moreover, you’ll be getting a shaver from one of the pioneers in this industry.
For more details, you can also refer to my review of the 5800.
What about travel shavers?
While refining my list of recommended low-cost shavers, I also considered some travel electric razors.
After all, these are the most economical option, at least when it comes to the purchase price.
But after giving it more thought, I decided against it.
A travel shaver just wouldn’t be a suitable option for most users as their main shaver.
It might work for someone with very light facial hair, but that’s about it.
Moreover, when used regularly, it will require new foils/blades pretty quickly.
And that can be a problem with many compact shavers.
You often can’t get the parts or they cost more than a new shaver.
That isn’t a big deal if you were to use it sparingly (only when traveling), but it is a problem if you plan on shaving with one every day.
I think it would make more sense as a complementary shaver.
You can check out my travel shavers guide for a few good options.
How to get the most out of an inexpensive electric shaver
Once you’ve settled on a particular razor, it’s time to put it to good use.
Here are a few easy but very effective tips for shaving with a budget-friendly razor.
Try shaving more often.
As mentioned throughout this guide, entry-level razors can have some trouble with difficult facial hair.
I’m talking of course about hairs that grow parallel to the skin and/or in different directions.
To mitigate this shortcoming, try to shave while your whiskers are relatively short (less than 2mm).
I often talked about shaving daily or every other day, but it really comes down to how fast your beard grows.
If you have light to medium facial hair you can get away with a few days between shaving sessions.
Use a pre-shave lotion or a quality shaving cream.
Pre-shave lotions are affordable and effective (in most cases).
They help the shaver glide more smoothly, make the hairs stand upright so they are easier to capture, and ultimately contribute to a faster, closer, and more comfortable shave.
It only takes seconds to apply a pre-shave, but it can really improve the performance of a basic electric shaver.
My current favorite is the one from Speick; it’s very effective and a great addition to anyone’s dry-shaving routine.
If you can’t get it, then the tried and tested Williams Lectric Shave would be a great, inexpensive alternative.
I know most men prefer to shave dry for the convenience of it, but wet shaving can be a great option for someone with very sensitive skin for example.
Panasonic shavers work particularly well with shaving cream, so if you have one, give it a try and see how it goes.
Clean and lubricate your shaver regularly.
This is something you should be doing regardless of whether you have a cheapie or a high-end electric razor.
Hairs, dead skin and dirt buildups will reduce the efficiency of the cutters and they will also wear out faster.
Lastly, not maintaining proper hygiene of your shaver is a surefire way to infections.
Regular cleaning and lubrication will prolong the life of the foils and blades while ensuring that your machine performs optimally.
Having to replace the shaving head more often pretty much defies the whole purpose of owning an affordable shaver.
Most modern electric razors can be easily cleaned with tap water and optionally some liquid hand soap.
Your user manual should include detailed instructions on how to perform a thorough cleaning.
Here is my cleaning routine if you want to check it out.
Make sure your razor is charged.
You’ll want to take advantage of all the power the shaver is capable of delivering.
That said, you may experience a performance drop when the battery is almost drained.
Not all electric razors can maintain peak power when the battery is low and this is when some hairs can get snagged.
Modern batteries aren’t affected by the memory effect anymore, so you can charge your shaver as often as you need without any worries.
That pretty much concludes this roundup of my recommended inexpensive electric razors.
If you have any other questions, make sure to post them in the comments below.
You highlite lubrication but don’t give any hint of where to find shaver lubricants.
Hi,
In the section on lubrication, I also link to an in-depth guide that includes information about the products you can use (and links to buy them).
Sincerely,
Ovidiu
Hello
I found your site while looking for a replacement for my Braun MicroScreen shaver. I have been happy with it’s performance but can’t get foils for it any more so will have to change.
What would you suggest? I have an average fairish hair, try to shave every other day and wouldn’t want to wet shave.
It’s hard to choose a shave isn’t something you can return to the store if it doesn’t suite.
Thanks for the great info.
Will
Hi Will,
Thank you for your comment. Was your previous Braun shaver by any means a single foil Series 1? MicroScreen is a really generic term and it would be helpful to know. But in case it’s a Series 1 or other similar shaver, I think a Braun Series 3 would good enough. I would choose the 3000s since it’s usually the cheapest model and it will also work corded.
Sincerely,
Ovidiu
Thank you for a personal reply
I realize I’ve given you duff info. My old shaver is a Remington model no MS2 something – I can’t just remember what – with two small foils and cutters. The replacement was part no SP69 MicroScreen2
Does the Braun 3000 have a pop-out trimmer at all? The old Remington does and it’s handy sometimes round my ears or on the odd long hair.
Thanks again for trying to help
Will
No problem, Will. I’ve actually owned an MS2-390 many years ago. I think I’ve recently seen replacement foils as well (Amazon or eBay) if you are still considering it. The Braun Series 3 3000s does not have a trimmer at all, but other models do. The 3040s is probably the one to get as it’s widely available and includes a trimmer. It’s a slide-out trimmer that you can use for some minor touch-ups and like you said, for cutting those stray hairs.
Sincerely,
Ovidiu
Dear Sír,
Congratulation for your excellent work. I am in Australia, having a Grman made Braun 320 bought in Germany 10 years ago. I have used always, and this is the first time I need any part to change as foil casette change (series 32). I am very happy with the 320s. In Australia the closest to 320s is 3050cc with same foil casette but made in China. Its price is A$100. I have another option to buy the German made Braun 5030s. Its price is A$150. Please help me. I can buy a German made foil casett plus the German made 5030s, or someting new what you suggest. I don’t prefere series 9 and the more fancy electronic features. I prefer an excellent German made quality with less electronics. Would you please so kind to help me. Thanks.
Kind regards,
Charles
Hi Charles,
Thank you for your comment. In my opinion you should just buy a replacement cassette for your 320s (32b). That’s the least expensive option and also the one that makes the most sense since you were happy with your shaver. I don’t really see a reason to buy a new shaver, be it another Series 3 or 5, at least not right now.
Sincerely,
Ovidiu
I am looking to buy ARC 3 LT41 or ES8103 both models which you recommend. These do not seem to be available anywhere in UK . ARE THERE EQUIVALENT MODELS MORE READILY AVAILABLE IN UK do you know?
From the Arc 3 line you can check out the ES-LL21 or ES-LT2N, those are usually available in the UK for a similar price. Other older (and cheaper) Arc 3 models in the UK come with less powerful motors, so I wouldn’t consider them.
Sincerely,
Ovidiu
Hi Ovidiu
I was interested in the ‘Braun Series 3 ProSkin 3000s’ you mention. But I really like a Wet/Dry shaver.
I see you recommend the ‘Braun Series 3 ProSkin 3040s’ – But how about the ‘Braun Series 3 ProSkin 3010s’ that’s Wet/Dry? Is it effectively a Wet/Dry variant on the ‘Braun Series 3 ProSkin 3000s’ ?
Looking for a new Electic due to Philips heads being nearly the price of a new shaver – and the Philips I have not being a patch on my old rotary Remington :(
However, reading your comments I think I might move away from Rotaries :)
Thanks, Andy
Hi Andy,
That is correct, the 3010s is basically a wet/dry variant of the 3000s. Also, the 3040s is basically a 3010s with a long hair trimmer (that slides out).
Sincerely,
Ovidiu
Thanks Ovidiu – So you’d recommend the 3010s as a good budget shaver for sensitive skin? I’ve seen if for approx £40 which seems a good deal.
Also, there seem to be both a ‘Braun Series 3 310’ and a ‘Braun Series 3010s’, with the ‘Braun Series 3 310’ being cheaper – I can see in pics that they are different – Annoyingly similar names – Confusing
You are very welcome. Yes, in that prince range I doubt you’ll find a better shaver for sensitive skin. The 3010s is a Series 3 ProSkin model, basically a 3010 with a nicer design and a slightly different design of the foils, but overall very similar performance-wise.
Hi Ovidiu,
I am contemplating buying a foil based electric shaver. After having searched on Amazon and other online retailers I got to know that the Braun series 7 and 9 are quite expensive in India and not many foil shavers are available. Do you think it would be wise to go for a rotary shaver? . I usually shave once a week and have sensitive skin along with coarse hair. Any recommendations would be highly appreciated.
Thanks !
Hi,
Have you used a rotary shaver before or any type of electric shaver? If not, I think you should go with a foil shaver. Also, shaving once a week with an affordable shaver will probably not give you the best results, especially since your hair is coarse. You should try to shave at least twice a week, regardless of the shaver. The Series 9 and Philips Norelco Series 9000 (Prestige) can handle longer hairs, but those two cost a lot.
Sincerely,
Ovidiu
Hey thanks for the reply !!
I was going through the reviews of Philips Norelco S5420/06. The reviews mention that they have introduced a new multi precision blade system that’s designed to cut long hairs first and then go for the shorter ones. The flex heads are also independent of each other and logically this should adapt to the facial contours comfortably. Do you think this might be a good fit for me if I plan to shave twice a week ?
You are very welcome.
It should be adequate for shaving twice a week, but my main concern would be the comfort though. A rotary shaver like 5000 Series from Philips Norelco will likely be too aggressive for someone with sensitive skin.
Sincerely,
Ovidiu
Hi
Im looking for a shaver for thick bushy face growth, can u recommend anything for me
Hi Darren,
Check out this article, I think you should find a few good options there.
Sincerely,
Ovidiu
I have always used manual razor daily for my coarse beard. Now I don’t need that level of beard grooming because I’m retired. Would like to switch to manual shave a few times a week filling in with electric shave in the shower on the other days. Can you give advice on a basic wet electric razor I can try? Don’t need a top of the line whiz-bang razor. Just a comfortable shave to keep the stubble down a bit. I Haven’t used an electric razor in 50 years.
Hey,
I personally find Panasonic foil shavers to work best when used wet, so that’s what you would recommend. As for which model, that depends on the budget. If you want a cheaper model to get you started with, the Arc 3 offers really good performance for the money. I would go with the ES8103S in the article. Also, for only a few dollars more, you can get the Arc 4 ES8243AA that comes with an extra blade and will likely allow you to finish your shave faster. Finally, there’s the Arc 5 line with models like the ES-LV65 that offer the best performance, but also cost more. I would stick to the Arc 3 or Arc 4 though since they’re easier to use (smaller heads).
I personally never liked shaving in the shower, but do enjoy shaving wet with a nice cream or soap and when used in that manner, Panasonic electric razors are really good.
Hope this helps.
Sincerely,
Ovidiu
Bloody hell,
I don’t know how much you get paid for these reviews but is sure as hell isn’t enough! The amount of info and, quality info, is mad. Well done. It still does not help me decide though, too many choices!
Hey,
Thank you for the kind words, glad you found the site useful.
I actually don’t get paid (by any brands, readers, etc.), but as stated at the top of every article, it may contain Amazon affiliate links for which I can receive compensation after a purchase. If you have the time to tell me more details (like your beard type, how often you shave, if you have sensitive skin, your budget, any previous experience with electric razors and so), I’ll try my best to help you pick a suitable shaver.
Sincerely,
Ovidiu
Hi Ovidiu,
Your site is very informative. Just wondering if you could give a little advice? I tried electric shaving a decade or two ago with a Norelco rotary and it gave me a nasty razor burn. Been shaving with a razor and shaving cream, in the shower ever since. Now the only time I get any burn is when I leave shaving too long or the blade is dull, but it’s never as bad as that time with electric. I have no idea of knowing, if this means I have sensitive skin or not?
After reading your reviews, I am thinking of trying electric again and I am in between the Panasonic Arc 3 or 4 and the Braun 3034 or 5 series.
I am guessing the Braun’s might be best for my skin, but the Panos seems so easy to clean (which is a big plus), and I like the idea of a close shave, like I get now.
So, I am wondering if using the Pano, in the shower, with cream or gel will offset any irritation and perhaps come close to equalling the Braun in that regard.
These things are so expensive and it’s not like you can test drive them first…
Thanks, Bill
Hi Bill,
Thank you for the comment, much appreciated.
Regarding your poor experience with the rotary Norelco, I think foil shavers are a safer choice for most users. They’re just more comfortable, have a less steep learning curve and generally shave closer. Also, your first shaves with an electric razor probably won’t be great, but the results will get better once your skin gets used to the new method of shaving and your technique improves (more details here).
Regarding the shavers you’ve mentioned, all three of them are very good in their respective price range and with their specific pros and cons. I don’t think you have sensitive skin, so the Panasonic Arc 3 or 4 could be good options (depending on your budget). If you’ll use shaving cream, make sure it’s only a thin, watery, pasty layer of lather (I wrote a guide here).
Also, you’ve mentioned shaving after a longer period — with electric shavers, it’s best to do it more often.
Hope this helps.
Sincerely,
Ovidiu
Thanks Ovidiu,
I live in the UK and I found these:
ES8243AA, ES-LV65-s, and ES-LV95-S for an identical price of nearly £100
ES-RF31 and ES-RT37 for approximately £60 and £40 respectively.
It seems like slim picking. Which model in each of those two ranges would you suggest ?
Thanks again
You are welcome, Bill.
In the first tier, definitely the ES-LV95-S. That one is identical to the ES-LV65-S, but it also includes a cleaning station. You can use it or not, but since they cost the same, why not have that as well?
The ES-LV95-S and ES-LV65-S come with one extra blade compared to the ES8243AA and have slightly faster motors. They’re also a bit more comfortable and shave a bit closer. Normally, those two would be more expensive.
As for the budget options, the ES-RF31 is definitely better. In fact, I would rate it similarly to the ES8243AA, so the comparison above still stands. In my opinion the ES-LV95-S is worth the extra money over the ES-RF31, but you should choose according to your budget between the two.
Sincerely,
Ovidiu
Do all electric razors come with a charger? Some of the comments say they only got the razor–no charger. Seems stupid to sell a rechargeable razor with out the charger
Hi Robert,
Yes, I don’t think I’ve ever got one without a charger. The shavers mentioned in the post definitely come with one.
Sincerely,
Ovidiu
Your site is the best, thank you!
For fun, I’d love to see you do reviews of cheap Chinese electric shavers. You know the type, the ones you can buy for sub-£20 on eBay with USB charging, the three-head electric razors that come with multi-head attachments for trimming, nasal hair removal etc. I’d love to see your professional review of just how bad (or surprisingly, not bad…) those kinds of shavers are. As an Amazon affiliate, you could link to Amazon. To get an idea of what I mean, try searching, ‘E-More Electric Shaver’ to bring up a list of these types of shavers.
Hi,
Thank you so much, I really appreciate it.
So far I’ve been reluctant to recommend those shavers (performance and reliability are pretty poor), so I thought there was also no point in reviewing them. But maybe I’ll get to do it for the most popular ones, hopefully sooner than later. Thanks again for the suggestion and your support.
Sincerely,
Ovidiu
” reviews of cheap Chinese electric shavers.” You mean like the $11.59 (free shipping) Wet/Dry Waterproof Cordless Men’s 4 in-1 Multi-function (Electric Shaver, Nose Trimmer, Sideburn Hair trimmer, Farcical cleaning brush) with four (actually three) detachable heads? Does 0-60 in seconds, with fast USB Transmission (and cable!)
Yes, almost all of the above (not the 0-60) is actually from a Ebay ad and there are many on sale (they say 6D on a blue body). I have bought two of these 4 in-1 Multi-function types. The first labelled “Lingke” (discontinued) actually gave quite a good shave (and I have a tough beard) – better than a cordless Remington I had bought – and it even came with 3 extra cutters. However, I ended up dropping it and broke the switch.
The second (with the 6D on it) was slower, and the cutters were not as sharp, but I was able to use the cutters that came with the Lingke which helped (somewhere in China maybe there is a giant database of all the brand names used for such goods, linked to the manufacturer).
Yet the best inexpensive shaver I bought in the last 15 years has been the Panasonic ES3831 Cordless Wet Dry single blade travel shaver. Fast vibration, and the two AA batteries last a long time, and it gives quite a good quick light shave. Your whisker mileage may vary. Still sold for about $20.00
But I think reviews of some inexpensive (like under $35.99) electric razors, one with good reviews on Amazon (Ebay has cheaper ones, but no reviews) could be interesting.
But I thank God we can get such blessed instruments, at reasonable prices. Beats going back to the days of the Romans.
Thanks so much for the comment, Daniel. I also own the ES3831, really nice little shaver, although for me it wasn’t the most comfortable and I had to use it daily in order to get a smooth shave. I will be doing more reviews in the future focused on very affordable, portable shavers.
Sincerely,
Ovidiu
My beard is kind of like mowing boar hair, so the roughness is not much an issue. I actually found I could somewhat sharpen the cutter by using the file on a pair of nail cutters. Thanks for the reviews.
At the relentless behest of my closest friend, who has used the cheapest Philips rotary shavers for decades and praises them to the rooftops, I have just started using a Philips AquaTouch S1121 (appears to be a wet and dry version of the S2300 above), after a lifetime of first using safety razors then Gillette Mach 3 and Fusion 5 cartridges and recently reverting to a safety razor. I shave with the Philips as I would with a blade: Proraso pre-shave, shaving cream (have a variety), post-shave alum block, finishing with a post-shave balm (a variety). I am very impressed with the results having achieved very smooth, comfortable, close shaves without too much effort. I paid the the equivalent of 29 US dollars (24 pounds) for the S1121 which, given the performance, is excellent value. You can of course pay ten times more for a top-of-the-range Philips, Panasonic, or Braun with possibly only a marginal improvement in performance. Am I right in thinking that Philips rotaries throughout their ranges use pretty much identical technology and what you pay a lot more for is largely bells and whistles, while shaving performance (closeness primarily but not only) is pretty much the same whatever you price.
Thanks for the comment, Mike.
Seems like you got a winner. Pre-shave and shaving cream do however vastly improve the performance of entry-level shavers like the one you have. But many users loathe using shaving cream and prefer to shave dry. But you seem to enjoy it and on top of that, you’re getting great results using a cheap shaver, which is ideal.
Range-topping Philips shavers do use the same technology (three rotating blades) but apart from the sensors, displays and other things that would fall under bells and whistles, some of the more expensive models also come with more powerful motors and better shaving heads. But these may not always make a huge difference depending on how you shave and your beard type. The differences are however more significant in the case of Braun and Panasonic shavers, particularly for users that shave less often or have difficult facial hair (very coarse, lots of flat-lying hairs and so on).
Sincerely,
Ovidiu
Ovidiu, you and the site are amazing!
Now, for the ask :)
I live in the UK, am on a tight budget and keep on going back-and-forth on which shaver to buy. Looking at ~30-35GBP, I have sensative skin and shave about once a week or so.
Please save me from myself… I start off at one, read and find myself debating 3-4 options…
Hi Jarred,
You are way too kind, thank you.
I think a Braun Series 3 ProSkin would be a good choice — the 3000s model should be right within your budget. It doesn’t have a hair trimmer though, but the shaving performance is identical to the 3040s I recommended above. It’s an easy-to-use, comfortable, and easy on the wallet shaver. It works corded and cordless as well.
Sincerely,
Ovidiu
Small note: just got my Braun 3000s and it does have a hair trimmer! (updated?)
Hi,
Many thanks for the comment.
I’ve seen reports of it as well. Apparently there are two variations and both have the exact same model name (3000s), so you can’t really know which one you’ll be getting.
The one with the trimmer is definitely more recent. I think it will eventually replace the original one and the trimmer will be explicitly listed as a feature. But right now the photos and specs still depict the old one. Braun’s official product page still shows the 3000s without the trimmer.
Sincerely,
Ovidiu
I am using a old Panasonic ES8019 electric shaver that has served me very well. Not sure how old it is . . . but I’m sure I have had it more than 15 years. I have never replaced the heads however I think that it is not shaving quite as good as it used to. I am not sure whether I should buy new replacement blades (if still available) or buy the new Arc3 model which looks very much like my old ES8019. What do you think. New heads or new shaver?
Hi Morry,
Your shaver has really served you well and the fact that you never replaced the foil and blades for that long is truly impressive. You would need the WES9070P blades and the WES9077P foil which are both very difficult to find nowadays.
So getting another shaver will probably be the only option.
I’d go with an Arc 3 like the ES-LT67 or the ES-LL-41-K. It will feel familiar but also like a nice upgrade — much smoother, cleaner cutting action and you’ll get a more enjoyable, faster and closer shave.
Sincerely,
Ovidiu
Just an observation. I have been perfectly happy with my Reminton PR 13 series shaver, that is until I needed a head replacement.
Like many shavers, after awhile the blades wear low and they need replacing. After all, why replace a perfectly working shaver with a 4 hour battery life if you can just replace the blades and foils
The Trouble is, Remington Hears average around $30 for this less than $50 shaver.
I did find that Philip Norelco blades seem to be everywhere and really practical in price.
Perhaps review should also I clude maintenence in way of parts.
Thanks for the reviews.
Jeff
Hi Jeff,
Many thanks for the comment. The availability (and sometimes the price) of Remington parts is one of the reason I tend to recommend Philips rotary shavers instead. The only Remington that is readily available (and the replacement parts are also pretty easy to source) is the F8-5800 but that one is a foil-based razor.
Sincerely,
Ovidiu
Ovidiu,
Thank you for a well-done evaluation and listing of inexpensive electric shavers. I have used a Braun series 7 for years. It still works quite well; however, the foils fail with regularity. They literally fall apart! I replaced a defective foil in March of 2023 and it failed yesterday. Worse yet, the one it replaced failed sooner than that. Braun recommends replacing them every 18 months, but when they last only 6 to 9 months, at $40 to $50 a pop, that can get expensive. As you say, overall performance is largely dependent upon the quality of the foil and cutter-blade assembly. So, the value of a powerful motor and enhanced features is significantly diminished by a poorly made cutter block. (My brief investigation into the foil failures revealed, if I remember correctly, that Braun had been purchased by Proctor and Gamble; I believe this explains the deteriorated quality of the foils.)
OK, now that I’ve gotten that off my chest, here’s my question. Should I give Braun one more chance with the 3ProSkin3040s currently at $60 or should I go with the Panasonic Arc 3. I like the 13k cpm but it appears to be cordless only and it’s $102. I guess it comes down to your knowledge of the foil quality for the Braun series 3 versus the series 7 or whether the higher-performing Panasonic is worth the extra $40?
Hi Matthew,
Many thanks for the feedback.
The Series 3 ProSkin 3040s is also cordless only. If you want to be able to shave with the cord as well, check out the Series 3 ProSkin 3000s. However, that one may or may not include a slide-out hair trimmer. There are two versions but there’s no difference in the model name. The inclusion of the trimmer may not matter to you and if that’s the case, then the 3000s is the one to get.
As far as durability goes, the Series 3 ProSkin is quite remarkable. It’s a simple shaver with a simple cassette and I think that has something to do with it. The replacement head costs less than the Series 7 (which is also getting difficult to find nowadays). So the Series 3 would be a great choice in terms of costs. It is not as capable as the Series 7, but if you shave more often and your beard isn’t very coarse, it should be fine.
The Arc 3 has a quality foil as well and I’d say it shaves a bit closer, but the costs will be higher (both the shaver and the replacement parts). The Arc 3 used to costs about the same as the Series 3, but during the past 3 years the price has increased.
Hope this helps.
Sincerely,
Ovidiu
Mister Ovidiu,
I’ve recently started looking at electric razors/shavers and I was wondering what you might recommend for leg shaving. I use Gillette series manual razors and shaving cream for my facial hair and I’m having trouble deciding which one of your recommendations to get.
I’m from the USA, by the way.
Thank you in advance,
Joshua
Hi Joshua,
The shavers in this article are only meant to be used on the face. For a close trim on the legs I would get a Philips Bodygroom 5000 or Bodygroom 7000. You can check out my body trimmers guide as well.
Sincerely,
Ovidiu
Hi / I have seen your site but assumed they were just a sales front for shavers because of the “.com”. I’m glad I decided to check it out! Your reviews are so detailed and helpful. One thing I’d like to mention is that the foil screens on the Remington F5-5800 have an annoying tendency to pop up at one end or the other while shaving. They still work but make a lot of noise and get rough. Have you had this problem with foil shavers or Remingtons? I read your review to check out a possible replacement but thanks to your info I am going to try to replace the head first and see if that solves the problem. Great work!
Hi,
Thanks so much for the comment.
Yes, that can happen with this particular Remington model. The foil elements inside that plastic frame can pop up, usually at one end but it’s not really common for this to happen while shaving, but rather when cleaning it or grabbing a foil by the ends and pulling on it. If it happens while shaving the blade can hit and rub against the foil and both could get damaged. Try to only use up and down strokes in a controlled manner and don’t do any sideway strokes, those are more likely to cause the foil to come out.
The problem can go away when you buy a new foil, some can be more prone to this because of poor quality control or some small defect. Remington foils and craftmanship are just not as high-quality as lets say the ones from Panasonic, but that’s also reflected in the price of the replacement parts.
Hope this helps.
Sincerely,
Ovidiu
Glad to hear it’s not just me. I will order a replacement head and follow your advice. I’m embarrassed to say I never knew the heads were intended to be — and should be — replaced from time to time. I had an older Remington that I threw out because the foil got really thin and started to have holes. If the new head doesn’t help I’ll buy one of your other recommendations. Thank you for you help.
You are very welcome. Nothing to be embarrassed about, we live and learn. The good part is that it didn’t cause any injury — a ruptured foil can scratch the skin pretty badly, not the to mention the blade that can actually touch and nick the kin.
Sincerely,
Ovidiu
Where would the oneblade stand on this list? I cant decide between a braun series 3 and the oneblade
Hi John,
While the Philips OneBlade is definitely affordable, it is not an electric shaver. It’s a trimmer designed to cut hair above skin level, unlike the Series 3 ProSkin which is a foil shaver that cuts the hair very close to the skin.
The OneBlade has exposed shearing blades, just like any beard trimmer, and it’s a good option if you want that very short stubble beard look. If however you want a close shave, then the Series 3 is the one to get.
Please keep in mind that an electric shaver (like the Series 3) only works well on short facial hair, so you will need to shave regularly to get the best results.
Hope this helps.
Sincerely,
Ovidiu
Hi Ovidiiu,
Long time reader, first time poster(I think!). Thank you so much for your articles, they are beyond informative and the painstaking levels of detail are very impressive.
For 10 years I had a Phillips 9000 and was never fully satisfied with the results, but put up with it. A few other experiments with Panasonic and Braun yielded equally unsatisfactory results. The past few years I’ve switched to alternating between a stubble trimmer, Phillips Oneblade or a disposable razor blade if I need really close.
Having read most of your website(!) I’ve decided to retry Electric again as I think using the stubble trimmer for so long has removed my urge to have it baby smooth after every shave. Before I commit to something too expensive that I may not be happy with, this article helped me to choose the Braun Series 3 3040 as a test to see if I get on with foil after quite a long time away from it.
Couple of questions…. Looking around there is a lot of cheap Chinese razors out there, have you any experience of them? Do you think Braun will release a meaningful upgrade beyond the Series 9 or has Electric Shaving reached full evolution (How much closer could you meaningfully go)?
Cheers
Hi Ian,
Thank you so much for the comment, glad you’ve been around for so long.
I totally get the appeal of the very affordable and relatively unknown brands, but they’re usually underwhelming to say it lightly. The R&D and manufacturing involved for a decent electric shaver are quite extensive and complex, and large brands have the resources for that. The rest usually fall short when it comes to the quality of the shaving head, blades, foils, durability and even performance (closeness, effectiveness). There might be exceptions of course, but the majority of these shavers will perform poorly. I’ve bought a few out of curiosity and I honestly can’t recommend them.
Braun will eventually come up with a new generation of the current Series 9, with the PRO+ I think they really went as far as you can go with updating an existing series.
We’ll probably still see incremental improvements in closeness — for example the latest Panasonic Arc 6 shaves as close as blade (in my case), so any further improvements can only be marginal.
But closeness is just one aspect, other areas could still be improved (comfort, effectiveness when dealing with difficult hair, ergonomics, flexing elements, battery life and so on).
Sincerely,
Ovidiu
Absolute gent. Inclined to agree with you on both answers. Have a great day.