Getting the closest possible shave with an electric razor is something that pops up in pretty much every discussion related to electric shaving.
And that’s not surprising; a very close but still comfortable shave seems to be the ultimate hurdle when using an electric shaver.
Switching from a razor blade to any type of shaver usually implies a compromise: we’re trading off a bit of closeness for the added benefit of comfort and practicality.
Naturally, we’re interested in giving up as little as possible of that much sought-after closeness.
So can electric shavers give a close shave?
Fortunately yes, some of today’s modern electric razors are capable of providing very close shaves while still remaining adequately comfortable.
But to put it bluntly, some shavers are simply better than others when it comes to cutting hair very close to the skin.
So which electric shaver gives the closest shave?
Well, I bought and tested each of the shavers below. In fact, I’ve been using most of them for years.
When it comes to closeness, the more advanced, powerful shavers will provide significantly better results and we’ll take an in-depth look at the ones that deliver the closest shave, including some budget-friendly options.
As someone who always wants a very close shave, I’m confident that I can provide some valuable info on choosing the right shaver.
What to look for in a shaver for maximum closeness?
1. A high-quality shaving unit.
This is by far the most important part of an electric razor, and it’s particularly relevant in the context of closeness.
Sharp blades and a thin outer foil, machined with very tight tolerances, are key for a close shave.
The blades aren’t touching the skin but rather oscillate behind a metal screen or guard.
That screen must be as thin as possible for the hairs to get cut very close to the skin.
But making the foil too thin would compromise the durability, so the manufacturer has to get this just right.
The blades and foils will eventually need to be replaced, so we’ll want them to be readily available and reasonably priced.
2. A powerful motor.
An electric razor fitted with a punchy motor will shave closer, faster and with greater comfort.
As an example, Panasonic uses very fast 14 000 CPM (cycles per minute) linear-drive motors on their top-of-the-line electric razors.
Compared to entry-level, basic Panasonic shavers that use 7 600 CPM units, the difference is night and day.
3. Adequate comfort.
A razor that is comfortable during use will also allow you to shave closer, do more passes and even apply a bit more pressure.
Comfort also depends on how much heat is generated by the friction between the blades (that operate at high speeds) and the foils.
Therefore, you’ll want a razor that remains reasonably cool during use.
Lubricating the blades will be highly beneficial, not only for closeness and comfort but for the lifespan of the foils and blades as well (more details later on).
4. Wet/dry use.
The vast majority of users will prefer to shave dry since it takes less time and it’s generally good enough in terms of closeness and comfort.
That said, using a high-quality shaving cream can result in a remarkably close shave, similar to what you’d get from a razor blade.
In my opinion, it’s good to have that as an option, maybe for certain occasions when you want to look extra sharp.
Luckily, most of today’s electric shavers can be used wet or dry.
Foil vs Rotary razors: which one shaves the closest?
While the foil vs rotary debate is multifaceted and there are solid arguments from both sides, when it comes to the closest shave an electric razor can provide, it is generally accepted that foil razors are better.
This is also my personal stance on the matter.
Having used quite a few foil and rotary razors throughout the years, I constantly found foil shavers to be better at providing a close shave.
In my opinion, there are a few reasons why foil shavers generally offer a closer shave:
- The foils are thinner than the metal guards used by rotary shavers, meaning the physical barrier between the skin and the cutting blades is smaller in the case of foil razors, allowing a closer shave.
- They use reciprocating blades that oscillate at much higher speeds; as a downside, this also means more noise during operation compared to rotary shavers and usually more heat generated by the friction between the foils and blades.
- The actual design and operation of the foil razor: the straight edge of the cutting elements and the use of short, linear strokes allow more control and precision.
- Foil electric razors are generally more comfortable. Most users will get a closer shave when using a razor that is more forgiving and allows them to be more thorough and even apply a bit more pressure.
There are of course users who get better results using rotary shavers and that’s perfectly fine as well.
In the end, it all comes down to personal preference and what works best for you; anecdotal findings should not be regarded as absolute truths.
But again, in most cases, a quality foil shaver should be a safer choice if closeness is your priority.
Let’s now see which electric shavers will give you the closest shave.
The best electric shavers for a close shave in 2026
1. Panasonic Arc 5 ES-LV65-S
Also available at Panasonic.com.
Panasonic electric razors represent a very solid option if you’re mainly concerned with shaving performance.
In my experience, Panasonic even manages to outperform the other big name in the foil shavers camp (Braun) if we consider strictly the closeness of the shave.
If you want the absolute best in terms of closeness without any major compromises in other areas, then look no further than Panasonic’s (former) range-topping line, the Arc 5.
The Panasonic ES-LV65-S model is a more budget-friendly, but still very capable razor from an older Arc 5 generation.
There are various models and revisions included in the Arc 5 family, but all of them share the same important features:
- high-quality stainless steel blades that are honed at a very aggressive 30-degree angle and ensure efficient, close and effortless cutting;
- 5 slightly curved cutting elements that form a massive shaving head, capable of shaving large areas with ease and also very fast;
- 14 000 CPM linear-drive motors that provide plenty of cutting power at a constant rate.
All these features work together seamlessly to provide an extremely close shave.
As mentioned above, my personal pick from the older Arc 5 generation has to be the ES-LV65-S as it usually offers the best performance for the price.
The ES-LV65-S is the razor that paved the road for the newer Arc 5 models.
However, they are very similar specs-wise and the ES-LV65-S is still a highly capable machine today, definitely one of the best electric razors for getting a close shave.
While the comfort of the newer Arc 5 models is slightly superior, this razor will be more than adequate for most men looking for a very close shave at a more affordable price.
In fact, I’d go as far as saying that they’re pretty much identical if we only consider the closeness of the shave.
Tip: You can actually upgrade the ES-LV65-S to a newer and more comfortable Arc 5 foil (it will fit perfectly). More details here.
The performance is pretty similar throughout the entire Arc 5 family of shavers and picking one mainly comes down to your budget, availability, and the need for a cleaning station.
Speaking of which, my recommendation would be to skip the station as Panasonic foil shavers are very easy to clean manually.
By opting for a shaver without a cleaning station like the ES-LV65-S, you’ll also be saving some money.
And being an older model, it’s likely to be already available at an excellent price.
For these reasons, I consider the ES-LV65-S to be the ideal choice for most users looking for an electric razor that shaves very close.
The price and performance make this model unbeatable in 2026, especially in the USA.
For more details, you can check out my full Panasonic ES-LV65-S review.
2. Panasonic Arc 5 ES-LV67
Also available at Walmart, Panasonic.com
A while back, Panasonic released an update to the ES-LV65 above, the ES-LV67. It comes in black (ES-LV67-K) or blue (ES-LV67-A).
There are even three USA-exclusive models (identical otherwise):
- ES-ALV6HR (red)
- ES-ALV6HA (blue)
- ES-ALV6HS (silver)
Apart from a revised design, these newer shavers don’t bring any significant improvements to the shaving performance compared to the older ES-LV65.
The motor, foil, and blades are the same, so that translates to great real-world performance.
However, these newer shavers could be a good alternative to the ES-LV65 if you can buy one for a better price.
As a result, choosing between them should come down to price and availability in your country.
If you live in the UK/Europe, the Panasonic Arc 5 ES-LV67-A (blue) will likely be the one to buy.
The older ES-LV65-S is almost always more competitively priced in the USA, sometimes by quite a lot, which is why it’s still my pick in that case.
But definitely check out the ES-LV67 before pulling the trigger. Performance-wise, it is identical.
3. Panasonic Arc 5 PRO
Also available at Walmart, Panasonic.com
The Panasonic Arc 5 PRO is the newest 5-blade Panasonic and comes with some very interesting changes vs the old Arc 5 (positions 1 and 2 in my list).
Even though the PRO was launched in Japan two years ago, it was only released in the USA in 2026.
It comes in two flavors:
- ES-L550WS (no cleaning station)
- ES-L580WS (includes an automatic cleaning station)
And like I already mentioned, I think you should buy the no-station model in this case as well.
It’s easy to clean and the station is not the most practical.
With the word PRO in its name, one might expect some actual, tangible upgrades over the non-PRO, regular Arc 5.
Having used the PRO for a couple of years now, I can confirm that there are a few objective improvements that might help you get an even closer shave.
First of all, I think the Arc 5 PRO is noticeably more comfortable and more forgiving.
If you have sensitive skin like I do, it will allow you to be more thorough and thus obtain a smoother result.
Second, the shaving head is smaller, and Panasonic also got rid of the two comfort rollers that they introduced with the generation that followed the ES-LV65 and ES-LV67.
While those rollers helped a bit with improving the comfort, some users found them a bit intrusive and annoying.
The rollers would get in the way and prevent them from obtaining the closest possible result.
So Panasonic reverted to the foil design of the older ES-LV65 and tweaked it.
As a result, the Arc 5 PRO foil head is smaller, more comfortable and a bit better with flat-lying hairs that grow in multiple directions.
And no, the Arc 5 PRO foil will NOT fit any of the other Arc 5 models, unfortunately.
Overall, I’d say the Arc 5 PRO is an incremental improvement over the non-PRO Arc 5.
It will be especially noticeable if you have more sensitive skin or you don’t shave quite as often, even though it’s still not great with catching longer whiskers.
In my opinion you should still shave daily and up to every 3 days at most for optimum results.
And in some ways, the Arc 5 PRO is a downgrade vs the first two positions in my list, hence it’s only at number 3.
The PRO Arc 5 costs quite a bit more, the battery level indicator is very basic, and there’s still no USB-C on the USA models.
As a side note, the LED indicator on the old ES-LV65 will show battery life in 10% steps as well as the duration of the shave.
Strangely, the Japanese Arc 5 PRO (called the Lamdash Pro 5) also offers USB-C, which is a lot more practical.
My take? If you don’t have sensitive skin and you shave regularly, just buy the ES-LV65 or ES-LV67. You’ll be saving some money as well.
For more details and a direct comparison to the old, non-Pro Arc 5, you can check out my full Arc 5 PRO review.
4. Panasonic Arc 6 ES-LS8A-K
Also available at Panasonic.com
The Panasonic Arc 6 is the latest series by Panasonic and their new high-end shaver.
As the name suggests, it has a massive 6-blade shaving head. That’s one more than the previous flagship, the Arc 5.
And as I’ve mentioned in my Arc 6 review, it’s currently Panasonic’s best shaver.
So why only the number 4 spot for the Arc 6?
Well, it’s the price.
Compared to the number 1 shaver in this list, the ES-LV65-S, it costs a lot more.
And you’re not really getting 3 times the shaver for that money.
Precisely, in terms of closeness, I find it quite similar to the Arc 5.
That extra blade is intended to pre-trim longer, flat-lying hairs, so it doesn’t really have a direct effect on the closeness.
But there is something that could contribute to a closer shave and that is the comfort and the tuning of the motor.
The Arc 6 is Panasonic’s most comfortable shaver to date and a clear improvement over the older Arc 5 models like the ES-LV65.
So that could allow you to get a closer shave, especially if you have very sensitive skin and you prefer to shave dry.
The Arc 6 also feels more refined, smoother and faster than the Arc 5 and Arc 5 PRO.
Even though its motor is rated at the same 14 000 CPM, the Arc 6 sounds and feels faster.
This means the shave will be faster and more enjoyable as well.
If you have very coarse and thick stubble and you struggle to get a very close shave, I think the difference between the Arc 5/Arc 5 PRO will be even more obvious.
In that case, spending more on the Arc 6 will probably be worth it.
In the case of a wet shave, both the Arc 5 and Arc 6 are equally impressive in terms of comfort (and closeness).
So these would be my nitpicks with the Arc 6, which is, objectively, a better (and closer-shaving) razor than the Arc 5.
If the price isn’t an issue, you should certainly get it; it’s a fantastic performer.
5. Panasonic Arc 6 ES-L650U (Japan-exclusive)
Towards the end of 2024, Panasonic quietly released a new revision of the Arc 6 above.
For the time being, these new models are only available in Japan, where Panasonic markets the Arc 6 under the Lamdash Pro 6 name.
And while a new revision is usually a minor tweak and the performance stays the same, the new 2024 Arc 6 is noticeably better.
In fact, I would go as far as saying that in many ways it’s probably the best shaver I’ve used so far.
Here are the two main improvements over the previous Arc 6 generation at number 4 (ES-LS8A/ES-LS9A):
- a new shaving head that uses a thinner foil, allowing the shaver to cut the stubble even closer
- the shavers are finally fitted with USB-C charging ports
There are other (more or less gimmicky) improvements as well, like some fancy LED lights and you can check out my review of the new Arc 6 for all the details.
But what actually matters, the improvements to the closeness and even comfort, are the result of that new foil head.
Fortunately, it is backward compatible with the older, global Arc 6 models like the ES-LS8A and ES-LS9A, so you can buy just the foil head (from Japan) and upgrade your Arc 6.
Having used the new head on my ES-LS8A, I can confirm that it’s a perfect fit.
So you might wonder why this shaver is only at number 5 since it’s actually the best.
Well, because of the price and availability (limited to the Japanese market).
However, if those aren’t an issue (in my review I also go over how to order the shaver from Japan), I can’t see how anyone would not be happy with it.
It shaves incredibly close and it’s still very gentle and forgiving and I can even press harder without getting razor burn.
6. Braun Series 9 PRO+ (96xx)
The Series 9 represents Braun’s flagship line of electric razors and incorporates the best technologies the company has to offer.
Braun shavers are notorious for being very comfortable during use.
The popular Series 7 remained for many years the benchmark in terms of comfort but was not quite as good as some of the offerings from Panasonic with regard to closeness.
The Series 9 was designed to address this issue and to offer the closest possible shave, while also remaining very comfortable and gentle to the skin.
And it almost lived up to the expectations.
After a couple of incremental updates, Braun introduced the Series 9 Pro (94xx) range and the Series 9 PRO+ (95xx).
The Pro/PRO+ feels slightly more powerful than the standard Series 9 and comes with an updated shaving head (called a cassette).
However, the closeness of the shave remained more or less the same compared to the standard S9.
Last year, Braun released the latest iteration of this family of shavers, the Series 9 PRO+ 96xx.
And while the Panasonic Arc 5/Series 900 still has the edge in terms of closeness, the Series 9 PRO+ 96xx is really good.
UPDATE July 2026: The new Braun Nevo, the successor of the Series 9, shaves extremely similarly to the S9 PRO+ 96xx in terms of closeness.
The Nevo is smoother, more forgiving and more pleasant to use, but the closeness is more or less the same. And you can even use the Nevo foil head on the S9 PRO+.
For more info and a detailed comparison, you can check out my Braun Nevo review.
The S9 PRO+ 96xx absolutely shines in terms of comfort and shaving longer, flat-lying hairs, even if they grow in different directions.
It manages to do that thanks to the two middle cutters that were specifically designed to tackle this type of difficult hair.
Being basically a beefed-up Series 9, the new Braun Series 9 PRO+ builds upon an already solid foundation and represents a very compelling package.
There are many variations of the Series 9 PRO+ 96xx, available with or without a cleaning station (cc and solo models, respectively).
All of them shave identically.
The only difference is with the included accessories: cleaning stations, massage heads or even an extra replacement foil head.
And speaking of the latter, with the part number 96M, that’s what makes the difference in closeness compared to the previous Series 9 generation.
The cassette is backward compatible, so you can actually upgrade your current Series 9/Pro/PRO+.
So why only the sixth position for Braun’s range-topping razor?
Well, as mentioned previously, it doesn’t shave quite as close as an Arc 5 or Arc 6 (despite having other specific pros, like better comfort and the ability to shave flat-lying hairs).
The closeness was more than adequate in my case and I think most men will be perfectly satisfied with it.
Panasonic shavers are generally better at providing a closer shave, while Braun shavers excel at comfort and are more effective at catching longer stubble.
And the Series 9 PRO+ really is supremely comfortable and shaving with it is a real treat.
Then there’s the price. Compared to a second-generation Arc 5 like the ES-LV65-S, it costs significantly more.
However, if you shave less often or you often get razor burn, it’s probably a better option than any Panasonic, including the Arc 6.
If you have very sensitive skin, but still want a close shave, the Series 9 PRO+ is probably the best compromise, although the battle is very tight now with the latest Japan-exclusive Arc 6.
While a cleaning station was not really necessary for the Panny, you’ll probably want one with your Series 9 PRO+.
The station is very practical since you can take out the cleaning cartridge, seal it and store it for future use (you can’t do that with a Panasonic station).
The alcohol-based solution that provides excellent sanitation and lubrication, along with the reasonably quiet and fast operation, makes this cleaning & charging station worth the extra money.
Here are a few tips and tricks you can implement to make the cleaning refills last a lot longer; you can also choose from a few inexpensive third-party solutions.
The cost of the latest 96M replacement heads is currently quite high since it’s a new release, but it’s likely to go down.
Also, you can always fall back on one of the previous cassettes (92s/94M) as those are 100% compatible and shave almost as good.
To sum it up, I recommend the Series 9 PRO+ to users with very sensitive, blemish-prone skin.
It’s also a better option than a Panasonic for men who don’t shave often (up to every 4 days or even more).
7. Panasonic Arc 3 ES-LL41-K
Also available at Panasonic.com
At this point, you’re probably starting to see a pattern: Panasonic is by far the most popular brand on this list.
But objectively speaking, they are better than most brands at striking the right balance of closeness and versatility.
Braun usually excels at comfort and shaving longer, flat-lying hairs.
Remington has a few affordable models that shave surprisingly close, but they’re not as comfortable and easy to use and the reliability of their current shavers isn’t the best.
So my pick for a budget-friendly electric razor that also shaves close is another Panasonic, precisely the Arc 3.
The ES-LL41-K is a newer model that is usually the best pick of the Arc 3 line thanks to its lower price.
It also includes two adjustable combs that fit over the trimmer and can be used to pre-trim an entire beard.
You may or may not need to use them at all, but they do work surprisingly well.
The performance is just as good as in the case of any Arc 3 fitted with a 13 000 CPM motor.
As the name implies, it only has 3 cutters, but with a punchy 13 000 CPM motor and the same 30-degree blades, it’s a really good performer.
In this price range, you’ll be hard-pressed to find a better one.
It’s also a suitable choice for a beginner thanks to the slim shaving head, it’s easy to use and clean and, of course, it shaves close.
Side note: the European model is the ES-LL21-K, which includes only one comb instead of two. Otherwise it’s the same as the ES-LL41-K.
8. Andis ProFoil Lithium Shaver
Also available at Walmart, Andis.com
I was extremely hesitant about including the Andis ProFoil in a list of the closest shaving razors.
I think it does manage to shave closer than pretty much all the shavers mentioned here, but it comes with a few caveats that make it difficult to recommend in most cases, as you’ll see next.
But getting back to the closeness, it manages to achieve it by using what are likely the thinnest foils I’ve ever seen on an electric razor.
The ProFoil is marketed by Andis as a tool designed for finishing fades and removing stubble.
While the first part of that statement is pretty straightforward, the latter is quite vague.
But after using it myself to shave my face on a regular basis, I can’t really say that it’s a viable option as your main shaver.
There are a few reasons for that.
First of all, it works best on really short hair. So you’ll absolutely have to use it daily (maybe every other day if your beard grows at a slower rate).
I tried shaving a 2 or 3-day beard and it wasn’t a good experience.
The razor would vibrate excessively when cutting longer stubble and it felt rough on the skin.
Also, while it isn’t the most comfortable shaver, it’s even worse when trying to shave longer facial hair.
For me it was impossible to shave my neck without constantly getting some small nicks and stinging.
As a side note, the BaBylissPRO FOILFX02, a similar shaver with two staggered foils, shaves just as close, but it is gentler.
However, the BaByliss is quite expensive and I think the ProFoil offers better value for money if you’re after this type of shaver.
Flat-lying hairs were constantly left behind as well.
But even so, I can’t really blame the Andis ProFoil as it wasn’t designed for this. Again, when using it to shave short stubble, it performed a lot better.
Because of this limitation, it’s not very practical or versatile. Having it as a second, complementary shaver does make a lot more sense.
You’ll be able to get a perfectly smooth and close shave on those areas where your regular electric razor just doesn’t seem to do a good job.
I was really impressed by the closeness of the ProFoil when I used it in this manner.
Another minus that further impacts the practicality is that you cannot clean it with water.
This basically means you’ll have to rely on a small brush or maybe use a can of compressed air to blow out the hair clippings.
Because it shaves so close, it also produces some of the finest hair dust I’ve seen.
And it tends to go all over the place and on the outside of the shaver as well.
I really missed being able to just rinse it clean under the tap.
So in conclusion, unless you always shave daily (it also works great to shave your head) or you have a second (main) electric razor, the Andis ProFoil is not the best option, even though it’s one of the closest shaving razors you can buy.
Also, because the foils are so thin, they tend to wear out a lot faster and need to be changed every 6 months (or even sooner).
On the bright side, the blades and foils have an affordable price.
The battery life is really good at 80 minutes worth of cordless shaving and it will also work with the cord plugged in.
For more details, you can check out my full review as well.
Practical tips to further improve the closeness of your shave
Now that you’ve hopefully settled for one of the closest shaving electric razors out there, let’s see how you can make the most out of it.
I wrote a comprehensive article on how to improve the closeness of the shave with an electric razor and I highly recommend reading that one as well.
But here are a few quick and actionable tips that can help you with getting the closest possible shave.
1. Try shaving with a quality shaving cream.
Apart from the Andis ProFoil, all the shavers recommended in this article can be used wet and dry.
Oftentimes the addition of a shaving cream improves the closeness and the comfort of the shave. Give it a try and see how it goes.
My current favorite is actually a non-foaming shave balm, the Black Jack Beard Lube. It’s just outstanding for a very close shave.
2. Use a pre-shave lotion.
If wet shaving is not an option, try the next best thing: a pre-electric shave lotion.
This can significantly improve the performance of your razor during a dry shave and help you get a closer shave.
Pre-shaves are inexpensive, widely available and take seconds to apply. Here’s a guide where I present some of my favorite pre-shaves.
3. Properly charge, clean, and lubricate your razor.
This one is pretty self-explanatory. You can read more about how and when to lubricate your electric shaver here.
4. Use a spray lubricant for clippers.
They work incredibly well, especially for getting that extra bit of performance out of slightly worn blades.
My all-time favorite is the Remington Shaver Saver spray as it seems to work the best out of all the brands I’ve tried.
Unfortunately, it’s getting really difficult to find now, but you can get other ones instead, like the Andis CoolCare Plus.
The closeness of my shaves is constantly better when I use a spray lubricant and will also extend the lifespan of the cutters.
5. Always shave against the grain, using short, controlled strokes while holding the shaving head flat on the skin.
You can also use your free hand to stretch the skin taut on your neck.
Adjust the direction of the stroke accordingly so that you always shave against the hair grain.
I know we’ve often been told to shave with the grain, but that was the case with manual razors.
With an electric shaver, you’ll want to go against the direction of hair growth for a close and comfortable shave.
6. Replace dull blades and worn foils.
The foils and blades of your electric razor will eventually wear out and you’ll need to replace them with new ones.
Always buy genuine replacement parts that were designed specifically for your razor.
Spending money on replacement foils and blades is no fun, but it’s vital for a close shave and safe operation.
Over to you now: What was your experience so far in trying to get a close shave with an electric razor?
Do you have any other suggestions for shavers that should be on this list?
If you have any other questions, make sure to post them in the comments below.
Very useful objective information. I feel I can make a better choice after reading this. Thank you
Thank you for your comment, John. I’m glad you found the article useful.
Sincerely,
Ovidiu
I found your artical to be very beneficial. I have had a few foil shavers over my lifetime and over that span I have also lost a lot of my hair. One day while looking in the mirror I noticed my harline moving farther up and widening quite a bit, so I decided to take a single blade razor to it after lathering up with shaving cream. When done I wiped all the foam that was left over, I looked in the mirror and said to my self (not bad at all) so I’ve been hairless about 3 years now. I used to get a haircut every 2 weeks at $20.00 a clip (no pun intended) so now I’m saving $40 bucks a month and I didn’t want to look like Ronald McDonald evertime I went somewhere so they call me Mr.Clean without the gold ear ring. That being said, I recently purchased an rotary shaver called The Balder Boss made by Remmington. Today was my third shave with it and was wondering how often I need to lubricate the blades and the correct way to do so. That is how I found your artical and found it very informative. The other razors be them foil or rotary I through them in the trash when they started pulling the hair and missing spots, a lot of wasted money I know, they wouldn’t last 6 months, I know I had 5 or 6 and they were not cheap. Your artical and my new shaver, I know now that I will get many months of clean, close, comfortable shaves from here on out. Thank You and God Bless you.
Sam,
Thank you so much for taking the time to share this. I think shaving your head was the right decision.
Rotaries require less lubrication than foil shavers as the blades spin much slower and all the cutting parts are a lot thicker and sturdier. That said, it would still be beneficial. I would actually use a spray lubricant like the Andis CoolCare Plus and just give the shaving heads a spray a few times a month. Just make sure the shaver is clean and dry before spraying it. You should also allow the product to dry before shaving. And that’s pretty much it.
Sincerely,
Ovidiu
Thanks for the information. I am a DE blade Wet Shaver and looking to buy my first electric. Definitely want a Panasonic. Need help choosing between the 8243, LA63, or LV65.
Thanks
Hi Stephen,
all three of them are actually pretty similar in this regard. The ES-LA63-S and ES-LV65-S have a slight advantage over the ES8243S: a bit more power (14 000 CPM vs 13 000 CPM) and more advanced flexing shaving heads. The ES-LV65-S also comes with one extra blade. If you have the budget for it, I would say that the ES-LV65-S is the one to have for a very close shave. Whichever you end up buying, it will take some time to get used to it coming from a DE razor. Your skin must adapt to the new method of shaving and your technique needs time to improve, especially since the Arc 4 and 5 have quite bulky shaving heads – not exactly ideal for a first time user.
Hope this helps.
Sincerely,
Ovidiu
Hi, this is a really informative article! I’ve been shaving with an electric shaver for years, but I’ve been always disappointed with the closeness. I’m currently using a Braun WaterFlex (it’s specifically made for wet shaving with a shaving cream) and it’s okay, but I still wish I had a closer shave. Now I’m thinking about getting the Panasonic ES-LV65-S, because I’ve read good things about it when it comes to close shaves. Have you ever tried a Braun WaterFlex so that you could compare these two? I’m sure the Panasonic will be better, but I wonder if the difference would be huge, or just minimal.
Hi Peter,
Thank you for your comment. I have yet to try the WaterFlex, but for all intents and purposes the ES-LV65-S should be better. A lot better. I try to stay clear of making assumptions without actually testing a shaver, but after trying quite a few I think I kinda have a feel for this and I would place the Braun WaterFlex somewhere between the Series 3 and the Series 5 with regards to shaving performance. I own all of them and at least in my case the closeness that I get with the ES-LV65-S is significantly better. It also works amazing with shaving cream.
For me the Arc 5 is a worthy upgrade and probably for the majority of men as well. However, shaving is very personal and oddities can sometimes occur. Hopefully that won’t be the case if you decide to get it.
Sincerely,
Ovidiu
Hi Ovidiu, thanks for the reply!
I’ll think about it some more, but since I really want to be finally satisfied with a shave, I’ll probably get that Panasonic shaver.
If you’re curious, I’ll leave a comment here with my thought about it after I buy it and try shaving with it a few times. :)
You are very welcome, Peter. If you have the time I would surely like to know your thoughts on the Panny.
He gave you an opinion rather than an answer based on direct anecdotal evidence.
I’m really struggling to understand what is the best type of shaver to use on my head, will this go shorter than most clippers?
Am I just better off using a razor, or will these take it down to pretty much nothing?
Hi Craig,
An electric razor will likely shave closer than a regular hair clipper. The ones in this list are particularly good at cutting hairs close to skin level. A razor blade will get you the closest possible shave, but at the expense of nicks and irritation. An electric shaver is an excellent compromise in my opinion.
Sincerely,
Ovidiu
I am considering braun series 8 or 9 and was wondering if you had any tips on which to go for as I can’t find much difference other than price on any reviews or shopping pages?
Hi Andrew,
As I said in this post, the Series 8 is basically a rebranded Series 5 with a larger battery. The Series 9 is the better shaver but it’s also more expensive. So I would actually recommend going for one of the previous generation Series 7 like the 790cc, 7865cc or 7893s. Those are quite reasonably priced compared to a Series 9 and would be a really good choice for most users.
Sincerely,
Ovidiu
Ovidiu,
Thanks for your site and reviews. I’m always cautious of sites that do reviews, wondering if they have an incentive to favor a particular brand. Do you or ShaveCheck have any support or incentive from Panasonic or any other brand of shaver?
Joe
Hi Joe,
Thank you for your comment. I am not endorsed by Panasonic or other brand of electric shavers. I never received incentives from anyone and I will refuse any type of compensation. I personally buy all the shavers featured in the reviews and the content on this website represents my personal, unbiased opinion. If an electric shaver is plain bad, I will have no problem saying so as it was the case with this Panasonic for example. Or this Remington model. I will never compromise my integrity or present distorted information to my readers.
Sincerely,
Ovidiu
Hey I have trouble choosing. Which one would be best to used for a close shave with the same result as that of a razor?
Hi,
If it fits within your budget, I would go with a Panasonic Arc 5. The ES-LV65 or ES-LV67 (whichever you can get cheaper) would be my picks.
Sincerely,
Ovidiu
Hi,
Your articles are very thorough and I’ve tried your methods – the wet shaving but it went really bad – I cut and burned myself.
But the dry electric lotion is great.
I have acquired Braun 9290cc and I still have 2 months “give back money” quarantie.
I imagined the closeness would be the same as Mach3 so I was disappointed. With lotion it is better but I still need to finish with my Mach3 to feel comfortable and not touching my face all the time.
My question is – is there any sense in first dry-shaving and then using the regular to correct the results? Will my skin suffer?
I’ve noticed my Mach lasts longer if I use dry shave first but I do not think it is worth it.
I am considering returning the Braun because I like my face smooth and using both is too much but maybe it is something people do.
I wish I checked your articles before buying but I had only few days to use my discount.
Thank you for your time
Hi Simon,
I’m sorry to hear that your first electric shaver didn’t meet your expectations. Finding a suitable shaving machine always takes some trial and error.
Switching back and forth between a razor blade and an electric shaver or using both at the same time is clearly not ideal. I would strongly advise against doing so. A razor blade shaves off a thin layer of skin cells which triggers the body to produce scar tissue. It takes a few weeks for the body to get rid of it. During this time you won’t get the best results with an electric shaver. That’s why the manufacturers always say to allow a few weeks for the skin to adjust to the new shaving method after making the switch to electric. Constantly getting back to your Mach 3 will keep this loop going.
It would be best to pick just one — be it an electric shaver or a DE/cartridge razor — and stick to it for at least a few weeks and only then draw a conclusion and decide what to do next.
Also, since you are particularly interested in getting a close shave, I think a Panasonic Arc 5 would have been a better option. Panasonics also work better with shaving cream.
Since you can still return the Series 9, the Arc 5 would definitely be worth considering. Just remember that it takes some time for your skin to adapt and for your technique to improve.
Hope this helps.
Sincerely,
Ovidiu
Thank you for your time to answer.
In the Netherlands I cannot buy Panasonic Arch5. Maybe because they try promoting the Dutch Philips but still I think it is not for me as I have the time to wet shave. I will return the Braun and stay with Mach3 as it gives me no cuts and this tiny margin of lack of closeness irritates me. But this is me. My friend uses the same old electrics for years without changing the blades and is very satisfied.
I do not have the audacity to shave with DE or a straight razor but it was a very informative experience. Not to mention I asked half a dozen of friends how they shaved :)
It is good it works for you as it is a great experience to use a fancy electric machine.
Simon
I have the Panasonic ES-LA63-s Arc 4 shaver and it’s great. I was using the Braun 799 because I have sensitive skin areas. I noticed that I wasn’t getting a close shave like I get with the Panasonic ES-LA63-s so I stopped using the Braun 799.
The question I have is the Panasonic ES-LV9N-s Arc 5 better for sensitive skin than the
Panasonic ES-LA63-s? The Panasonic ES-LA63-s can be a little tough on the skin at times. I use
Lectric Shave lotion for pre-shave prepping.
Hi Melvin,
I actually have the same problem with the ES-LA63-S, it is a bit too aggressive for my skin during a dry shave. The ES-LV9N-S is more comfortable compared to the Arc 4 line — not by a whole lot, but it is. The foils don’t get as warm and the rollers do seem to help as well. It’s still not as comfortable as a Braun Series 9 or even 7 though, so it would be difficult for me to say how much of a difference it will make in your case.
Sincerely,
Ovidiu
Thank you for your reponse. Do you get a real close shave with the Braun Series 9 or is the Panasonic ES-LV9N-s that much closer because I do press a little hard on my skin.
The Series 9 doesn’t shave quite as close as the ES-LV9N-S, but for me the closeness is good enough. With the Series 9 I can shave dry with virtually zero irritation, it’s extremely forgiving and better than the Panasonic for flat-lying hairs, particularly on the neck. As you can see none of them is perfect and you’ll have to make some sort of compromise and decide which one would be more beneficial in your case.
Hello and thank you for this interesting article! I am currently in Japan, what panasonic model do you suggest getting here for the closest shave? I am having a hard time understanding the japanese equivalent of the American versions here! I have seen on amazon for example the lamdash pro 6 ES-LS5Q-K and the lamdash 5 ES-LVG8-K. What would the American equivalents of these be for example? Thanks for your help!
Hi Colin,
Thank you for the comment.
All the latest 5 and 6-blade Panasonic models are pretty much identical when it comes to closeness. The 6-blade shavers (aka Lamdash 6, Arc 6) are a bit more comfortable, but also cost more.
Personally, I would buy one of the latest 5-blade Lamdash 5 models because they have a more reasonable price and are almost as good as the 6-blade shavers. As for the exact models, check out this post where I list them along with the differences.
There’s no point in discussing American equivalents because there really aren’t any. Panasonic didn’t release any of the newer 5-blade shavers in the USA and there’s a single (global) 6-blade model available, the ES-LS8A (no cleaning station) and ES-LS9A (cleaning station).
Sincerely,
Ovidiu
I brought the Braun 9295 and I get as close a shave as I did with the Panasonic ES-LA63-s Arc 4 with minimum irration. The reason why I brought the Braun 9295 instead of the Braun 9290 was the price. There was no real difference in the price so I brought the higher number model. Thinkiing I’m will be getting a better shave but what I found out is you still get the same shave. I’m glad I brought the Braun 9295. I can deal with the chrome finish.
Only difference between 9290 (silver) and 9295 (chrome) is the color.
The Panasonic ES-LA63-s shaves closer than the Braun 9295 but the Braun gives a nice none irritating shave which I like.
I thank you so much. I agree, Panasonics are closest:)
The #1 choice is no longer available. Sad. Do you have a replacement #1 that is just as good?
Hi Rick,
The ES-LV9A is still available, or better yet, the newer C and D revisions of the Arc 5 range. I wrote a detailed article on them here. I will also update this list with the newly available models.
Sincerely,
Ovidiu
I was wondering. Could I use the Arc 5 to shave my body hair? I currently use the Panasonic body groomer, but would like to use a more powerful razor with a larger surface to speed up the process. I have tried searching for this information, but was not successful.
Hi Rich,
Foil electric razors are designed to work on short, thick, coarse hair, so they’re not ideal for shaving body hair from the get-go. I guess it would work if the hairs are very short and don’t lie flat on the skin, otherwise you would still be better off with using a body groomer.
Sincerely,
Ovidiu
What is your opinion on the Philips OneBlade shaver/trimmer hybrid: https://www.amazon.com/Philips-Norelco-OneBlade-QP2520-90/dp/B01D328BG6?
Remington has a product like that called Remington DuraBlade: https://www.amazon.com/Remington-DuraBlade-Lithium-Hybrid-Trimmer/dp/B074XHFNF2/ref=sr_1_1?crid=31JM2TAFZO8H5&keywords=remington+durablade&qid=1563201552&s=gateway&sprefix=remigton+dura%2Caps%2C276&sr=8-1
Rowenta(a German brand) has one called Forever Sharp: https://www.amazon.co.uk/ROWENTA-TN6010-Forever-Sharp-Cortapelos/dp/B07NY27KP4/ref=sr_1_1?crid=WDFE1TRN2VPC&keywords=rowenta+forever+sharp&qid=1563201621&s=gateway&sprefix=rowenta+fore%2Caps%2C610&sr=8-1.
Hi Alex,
I’ve actually ordered the OneBlade a few weeks ago, but simply didn’t have the time to try it, much less to review it. So I’m afraid I cannot yet comment on it. However, if you’re after that type of shaver, the OneBlade is probably your safest bet. Remington unfortunately has been really struggling with their shavers and everything I’ve tried in the last few years has been mediocre at best. Seeing the user reviews on the DuraBlade, it doesn’t look too good either. But again, I haven’t actually used it. Same goes for the Rowenta Forever Sharp, never used any shavers from the brand, but I am a bit intrigued by it and will try to get one myself.
Sincerely,
Ovidiu
Thanks. Looking forward to your review.
Hey!
Thanks for the review. You tested the machines on your face. Do you have information on using the machines on the scalp.
Last time I get irritation in the neck/back of my head by using safety razor and shavinggel. I always shave against the hear for the closest shave possible. Is there a machine with the same results as the razor?
Thanks a lot
Hi,
Thank you for your comment. Unfortunately I cannot answer you based on my experience as I do not shave my head, but these results should also be relevant if you’re using these shavers on the scalp. You can check out this article as well that addresses the topic in detail.
Sincerely,
Ovidiu
I need to purchase an electric razor for my 93-year old father. Should I be more concerned with comfort or closeness of shave? He is in a nursing home, so I don’t want to buy an expensive shaver because it might disappear. What would you recommend?
Hi Keith,
I would opt for an inexpensive and more comfortable shaver in this situation — something like a Braun Series 3 3000s or 3010s. The former will also work corded. Both are very easy to use and to clean. With age, skin loses elasticity and becomes more prone to nicks and razor burn, so a more forgiving razor would be preferred to one that shaves closer.
Sincerely,
Ovidiu
Thank you!
Hi,
I have to clean shave daily due to my job and I would like to know which electric razor would should I buy.
Hi Luis,
If you need to shave daily, I think something like a Panasonic Arc 5 ES-LV65-S would be ideal. It works really well on short stubble and it shaves really close. If the price exceeds your budget, then the next best thing would be an Arc 4 model like the ones mentioned in the article.
Hope this helps.
Sincerely,
Ovidiu
Thankyou I have a problem with a really dark shadow after shaving on chin what do I do I don’t have any dad or family to ask also thankyou for being helpful as it’s embarrassing stay safe
Hi Stephen,
There’s nothing embarrassing about this at all. The chin is one of the more tricky areas as it’s difficult to get a close shave and the hairs are usually thicker and very dense. Personally, I get the best results with Panasonic shavers as they can actually cut the hairs closer to the skin due to the curved profile of the shaving elements and they also have very thin foils. Adding a pre-shave lotion or a shaving cream can further improve your shave.
I would consider a Panasonic Arc 5 like the ES-LV65-S. If you’re on a tighter budget, an Arc 4 would be the next best thing.
Hope this helps.
Sincerely,
Ovidiu
Hi. I have a hard time with traditional shaving due to the time it takes me to attain good results (which for me, is smooth skin whether I touch from side to side, or up and down), and I always hate the fact these disappear the day after, just for me to take again a lot of time to shave.
So I’ve been eyeing electric shaving for a little while now, and I’ve been wondering what you consider close shaving with an electric razor. Is it baby bottom smooth, or more of a “I can’t see it but I can feel it” type of situation. (Also, I’d probably wet shave, since it seems to yield the best results).
Thank you.
Hi Etienne,
With a suitable electric shaver and a quality shaving cream (as you said), for me, the result is baby bottom smooth. The winning combo in my case is a Panasonic Arc 5 shaver and the Speick shaving cream. It takes longer than dry shaving, but as you said, the result is better. It does however take less time than in the case of traditional wet shaving as there’s no need to have that rich, fluffy lather. On the contrary, that would be detrimental to the closeness of the shave. I wrote a guide on that topic as well if you want to check it out.
Using a shaving balm instead of shaving cream can also result in a faster shave. Moreover, you can actually see the hairs as the product is basically transparent once applied to the beard. One such product is Jack Black Beard Lube that works great with razor blades and also electric shavers.
Hope this helps.
Sincerely,
Ovidiu
I travel a lot, sometimes for extended times. For that reason, I found the Braun I bought to be unsuitable. The open tub of fluid in the cleaning/charging station makes it entirely non-portable. I had not been made aware of this before purchase.
Hi Charles,
Traveling with a cleaning station (and cartridge) is definitely not practical. I would only bring the shaver (and charger) and clean it manually. Most modern electric razors are waterproof and can be easily washed with tap water.
Sincerely,
Ovidiu
I have the Panasonic ES-LV9Q that I purchased 4 weeks ago and it shaves as good as or better than a blade. I did my homework before buying, and read every review written. A few suggested i read stated to use a pre-shave to protect from shaver burn/ rash due to the extremely close shave that is achieved with this shaver. I did my research on pre-shaves and chose Proraso and the reason, no alcohol. The two work beautifully together. The ES-LV9Q is pricey and I am a firm believer in you get what you pay for. This shaver body is made from aluminum not plastic and it is a beautiful piece of engineering that feels like a quality build piece that sets great in the hand. Solid!!!!
Pros: very close shave, quality build, made from aluminum, quiet, cleaning station is great and the only one that offers dry only, very easy to clean manually (easier than all top 3 shavers), cost effective cleaning solution.
Cons: pricey, comes with a cheap soft travel case not a hard case which you would think you’d get a hard case at this price range,it has a european plug with an adapter that’s included but with the two plugged together it sticks out from the wall socket 4 ⅜”. The plug was a surprise because the packaging is written in english.
To sum it up, the travel case I replaced with a Khanga brand case made for the Arc 5 that I ordered from Amazon. It is a great case at protecting your investment but it takes some planning when packing it due to the size. Great at protecting but not compact. And as for the plug, I purchased a Panasonic plug for the states that I got on eBay because it was not offered on Amazon. Now it is the way that it should have been from the start. In ending, would I buy it again knowing what I know now, and I say ABSOLUTELY. The pros definitely out weigh the cons and I have never had a shaver with a build quality or a shave that could come close to this shaver. I can now skip a day shaving that I could never do before. SERIOUSLY, that’s how it works for me. I hope this helps those in the market to make an educated decision and good luck.
Thank you for your comment, those are some excellent insights. Glad you’re satisfied with the performance of your Arc 5.
Sincerely,
Ovidiu
Hi Ovidiu,
First off, thank you very much for your thorough, insightful reviews!
I’m looking for a replacement for my old Panasonic ES-LA93 because the battery is dying. I fully charge it, then the remaining capacity drops by 10% for each three-minute shave (which is normal), but when the capacity indication reads 60%, it won’t last for an entire shave. So I have to recharge when it’s at 60%. Every few weeks, this number seems to increase…
Anyway, I have a medium to thick beard. Closeness is the most important factor for me. Using my ES-LA93 still leaves a very noticeable five-o’clock shadow, so if I leave home during the evening, I shave a second time that day. (This might partly be due to me not having replaced the inner blades and the foil set for way too long…)
By the way, I never used the included cleaning station, I always cleaned the unit manually.
Given that closeness is most important, and my ES-LA93 never gave me any irritations at all, what would you advise?
a) An ES-LV65 for about € 120, replacing the foils with the newest foils when it’s time to replace them
b) An ES-LV6Q for about € 230
If the ES-LV6Q is closer, even by a small amount, I would not care spending more for it. If, on the other hand, the closeness is not noticeable in practice, especially not after replacing the foils with the newest-generation foils, then I’d go for the ES-LV65.
Kind regards,
Erick
Hi Erick,
Many thanks for the kind words, glad you found the reviews useful.
In this case, I would easily recommend the ES-LV65. I find the foil that comes with the ES-LV6Q to be slightly more comfortable, but with regards to closeness, they are really identical in my experience. And since your LA93 didn’t cause you any irritation, you’ll be more than pleased with the ES-LV65. Besides, you can always upgrade the foil and get the one that comes with the ES-LV6Q; it is backward compatible and will fit it perfectly. I wrote a detailed guide here on Arc 5 foils & blades compatibility.
And finally, even if money is not an issue, I just can’t get over the fact that the ES-LV6Q costs twice as much and you’re only getting some incremental (and negligible) improvements.
Hope this helps.
Sincerely,
Ovidiu
Thanks Ovidiu, that helps a lot!
(Sorry for my late reply… the delay is caused by a lack of time, not by lack of interest.)
I have two more questions, if I may ask them:
1. The ES-LV65 is often listed as ES-LV65-S803. The S would indicate the colour (Silver), but what does the 803 mean?
2. How many stages does the battery-charge indicator have (10 levels, 5 levels, less)?
Thanks in advance,
Erick
You are very welcome, Erick.
Regarding your questions:
1. ES-LV65-S803 is actually the full name, but most of the time it’s simply listed ES-LV65-S.
2. There are 5 levels (increments of 20%).
Sincerely,
Ovidiu
Hey Ovidiu Nicolae,
I have somewhat sensitive skin as I have a few pimples on my cheeks, I can’t decide between the Braun 9 series and the Arc 5, what would you suggest.
Hi,
I would go with the Series 9 or even a Series 7 in this case. The Arc 5 can be a bit too harsh for sensitive skin.
Sincerely,
Ovidiu
Your reviews are very thorough and outstanding! Great info. Thanks for what you do. Regarding foil shavers, I have settled on two: Andis pro-foil and the Wahl Finale. Both are retro-looking and, for me, give the closest shaves from an electric that you can get. I had a Panasonic Arc 5, and while it was very good and had great engineering, the shaving head was too big and it couldn’t match the closeness of the Andis or the Wahl. And I have a fairly heavy beard (daily sandpaper). So I highly recommend either of these (they are both comparable and use similar technology with very thin foils).
I also have an NPET rotary shaver -not quite as good as the above foil shavers, but extremely quiet so it’s great for travel.
All 3 of these shavers are reasonably priced. Thanks again for your reviews. I have learned a lot!!
Hi Fred,
Many thanks for your comment, glad you found the information useful. I’ve also read about the Andis and Wahl foil shavers, however I haven’t had the chance to try them (I live in Europe and they’re basically non-existent here). But I’ll try getting them from overseas, hopefully soon.
Sincerely,
Ovidiu
Hi, A good site with useful shaver comments.
I am a disabled man who uses an Andis Pro Foil shaver daily. I have to use it 10 times on same area of my face, not ideal. In past I tried a Panasonic shaver but this didn’t suit me as my hands shake and it cut my face. This Andis shaver is relatively cheap.
Now I would appreciate your suggestion as 10 times is to much.
Hi Shital,
Thank you for your comment, much appreciated.
Going over an area 10 times with an electric razor isn’t necessarily too much, although you should normally be able to get a clean shave with fewer strokes than that. It is too much if you’re left with a nasty razor burn or some nicks.
I personally find the Pro Foil a bit too aggressive for my neck (on the cheeks is fine most of the time), so in this case, 10 times is probably too much. To reduce the number of strokes, try shaving more often (the Pro Foil only works well on short hair) and also use an electric pre-shave lotion if you can get one.
Hope this helps.
Sincerely,
Ovidiu
Hi. Thanks for the information. I am wanting to buy my husband an electric shaver. He likes the rotary kind better. Can u tell me the best one that doesn’t cost $100 or more. If possible, I am looking for comfort and closeness. He used one years ago but can’t remember what brand it was. We are on a budget so we can’t afford expensive ones. Thank u
Hi Nancy,
A good budget-friendly option would be the Philips Norelco 4500 (AT830); it’s widely available and the replacement cutters are reasonably priced as well.
Sincerely,
Ovidiu
Just got my Braun Series 9 a month ago and I really love it. For years I used Norelcos, and while I could get a close shave, I always ended up with neck irritation and sometimes, ingrown hairs. The Braun had solved both problems.
That’s great Raymond, thank you for taking the time to share this.
Sincerely,
Ovidiu
I am looking for a close shave but also have some longer flat hairs. Do not think I would use a cleaning system.
What do you suggest?
Thanks
Hi,
I would consider a solo Braun Series 7 model like the 7893s. Also, if there are only a few longer/flat hairs, a Panasonic Arc 5 ES-LV65-S would also be a good choice (you can simply use the popup trimmer to get the few stubborn hairs). For most users it will give a closer shave compared to the Braun Series 7.
Sincerely,
Ovidiu
Great info and i agree 100% . The Panasonic models clearly shave closer than the Braun models , iv’e had both .
Thank you for your comment, Herb, much appreciated. That seems to be the case for most users, regardless of the price range.
Sincerely,
Ovidiu
Hi Ovidiu,
I am planning on purchasing the Braun 9290cc and was wondering if that needs lubrication or is does the cleaning unit do that?
Also, how frequently would you say I should replace my razor if I plan to shave 3-4 x a week?
Also I wasn’t clear about what you said with regard to shaving perpendicular. If you can explain that I would appreciate it.
Thank you. Great article!
Josh
Hi Josh,
Thank you for your comment.
If you’ll be using the cleaning station regularly, there’s no need to lubricate the blades yourself. The cleaning solution also acts as a lubricant.
Regarding how often you’ll need to replace the shaving head, that’s always difficult to predict as there are a lot of factors at play: the coarseness and density of the hair, how often you shave, how you clean and take care of your shaver and so on. Braun says that you should replace them every 18 months, but in practice you’ll probably have to do it every year, maybe even sooner depending on the aforementioned factors.
Regarding the shaving technique, you should try to hold the shaver at 90 degrees relative to the area being shaved in order to be the most effective.
Sincerely,
Ovidiu
Hi there. Your site is so thorough and full of information, I should be able to draw a conclusion on my own, but I wanted to see what you would recommend for my specific situation.
At nearly 50 I have light, slow growing facial hair. I can’t really grow much of a beard. I’ve never liked the closeness of a razor, as I find it irritates my skin and can usually get away with shaving maybe twice a week. My solution has been dry shaving with a beard trimmer most of my life, and the resulting light stubble has been fine and keeps my skin more comfortable. Problem is my facial hair is starting to grow in gray, and I’m wanting to maintain it more and keep it a little closer. I’ve tried the shaver element that comes with my Wahl trimmer, but it’s very small, and tedious at best.
Originally I was looking at the Braun 7865cc or 790cc, thinking it might serve my sensitive skin better and tendency to let my facial hair to grow out a bit between shaves. But the idea of needing a cleaning station and maintenance costs that come with the Braun put me off a bit . After reading more of your reviews I also started looking at the Pani Arc 5 ES-LV65-S, but wonder if it will be too close for me and rougher on my skin? I also like the idea of a trimmer element built in to the shaver, rather than an additional head, but have durability concerns about the different designs.
Appreciate any insight you can offer. Thanks!
Hi Mark,
Thank you for your comment, much appreciated.
Considering how often you usually shave and also that you have somewhat sensitive skin, I think the Braun Series 7 would be a more suitable shaver. It will get pretty close to the skin as well — the Arc 5 edges ahead especially when used on very coarse hair, which isn’t the case here. I would pick the Series 7 over an Arc 5 if I had to shave light, slightly longer facial hair.
As for the Braun stations, yes they’re nice to have, very practical as well and with the cheap third-party cleaning solutions, I think they’re worth getting. You could use the station only from time to time and just clean the shaver manually in the meantime. That said, if you’re still put off by the idea, you can also choose one of the solo models (like the 7893s), making sure to clean it with water after every shave and sometimes with a bit of liquid soap.
Pop-up trimmers are great for some touch-ups (like edging and shaping your sideburns), but not ideal for trimming an entire beard on a regular basis.
Hope this helps.
Sincerely,
Ovidiu
Thanks so much for getting back to me! Your logic makes total sense. I was pretty set on a 7 Series until I saw the $99 price tag currently on the ES-LV65-s. At essentially 1/2 the price and not really benefitting from a cleaning station, it threw me into a spin. But thanks for grounding me in the reality of my use case.
I have dry skin. Are traditional shaving gels/creams/foams a good option for electric shavers?
Hi Robert,
Definitely. In fact, some of them work really great. My personal favorites are the Speick shaving cream and the Beard Lube shaving balm from Jack Black. I wrote a very detailed guide regarding wet shaving with electric shavers here, I think you can find a few very useful bits of information there.
Sincerely,
Ovidiu
I’d like to see a review of the Wahl Lifeproof, Speed, or Smart Shavers. I find the Lifeproof’s closeness is pretty good competition for the Arc 5, at about half the price, though the experience is quite different. The Wahl gives me more control, and is more technique sensitive, and does better on the jaw line, whereas the Arc 5 seems to adapt to facial contours on its own, and it has a slight edge with comfort. Wahl also has amazing battery life. The Wahl Shavers deserve mention. Curious what you think.
Hi Barry,
As I replied in this comment, I haven’t tried the Lifeproof yet, but plan on doing so (hopefully soon). I will need to import it from the USA as I can’t find it where I live. My experience with other Wahl and Andis foil shavers has been a mixed bag — they can shave really close, but tend to be way too aggressive. I will definitely be updating the post and include the Wahl Lifeproof if that will be the case.
Sincerely,
Ovidiu
Hi I’m about to buy my first electric razor the things that I care about the most is how close they can shave and that they don’t irritate my skin (I have very sensitive skin) which razor from the market would you recommend me ?
Hi Daniel,
Well, therein lies the rub — usually there’s a bit of a compromise regarding either the comfort or closeness. Your best bet for getting a close shave would be a Panasonic Arc 5 like the ES-LV65 or ES-LV67, but those aren’t quite as forgiving as Braun Series 7 or 9. You can use a pre-shave or a shaving cream to make them more comfortable though. However, if you have very sensitive skin, in the long run, I think you’d be better off with a Braun Series 7 or 9, even though the Panasonic has the edge with regards to closeness.
Sincerely,
Ovidiu
Thanks for your advice and time, i have decided to take your advice and i was going to buy the Braun series 7 but i notice that there is two types the Series 7 7085cc 360 Flex Head and the Series 7 790cc which one will you reccomend me and why ?
Hi Daniel,
I would definitely go with the 790cc because it’s the better shaver. You can check out my detailed comparison of the two where I discuss pretty much everything about the new and old Series 7.
Sincerely,
Ovidiu
Which would you suggest for a woman with facial Hirsutism that has sensitive skin?
Hi Elizabeth,
If you’ve discussed this issue with your doctor and using an electric shaver turned out to be the best solution, I would suggest a Braun Series 7 or 9 if the budget allows it. Both are very gentle and should provide an adequately close shave.
There are decent cheaper options as well like the older generation Braun Series 5 or Series 3 ProSkin, but again, if you have the possibility, a Series 7 or would be better.
Sincerely,
Ovidiu
In the past, the French company Calor produced electric shavers for men. Do you know why it stopped producing them?
Hi Emad
It was in the ’50s I believe, long before being bought by some French group (Calor was originally a German company). They haven’t made any shavers for decades from what I know, just epilators and the likes. Probably a product strategy shift.
Sincerely,
Ovidiu
Thank you Ovidiu
I had a Calor lc4 razor back in the ’80s and it was great and it shaves faster than any razor available today.
https://www.vinted.fr/hommes/accessoires/autres/618310937-rasoir-electrique-calor-lc4-de-collection
Excellent article. Here is my dilemma. I am bald and have a beard. I have a relatively small sized head (I sometimes wear a youth large hat or a men’s small and pull the strap all the way to the farthest setting when not wearing a fitted cap). I was just put on a blood thinner because I survived a heart attack. So, sensitive skin means something a little different to me. I would like to use one razor to both neatly trim my beard and keep my head bald. For all these nuances, (bald/beard/small head/blood thinner) which razor do you recommend?
Hi Michael,
Thank you for your comment, much appreciated.
Before getting any further with a shaver recommendation, please let me know if you maintain a full beard or is it just something like designer stubble. The length of the beard is particularly important here, and depending on how long you keep it and how often you need to trim it, some shavers that come with trimmer attachments and combs could work really well. It would also be useful to know how often you’ll be shaving your head as most shavers only work well on short hair.
Sincerely,
Ovidiu
I keep a full beard. I carve out slightly around my cheeks. I like to keep a nice line around my jaw and chin. I currently have a Phillips Norelco BT 5275 that is set anywhere from 7 (in the winter) to 4 (in the summer). I also use it to trim my chest to a 4 or 5.
I like to shave my head every 2-3 days. I would do it everyday if I could.
I’ve used a blade for my head and to maintain my lines. But, due to medical reasons for fear of bleeding in need to change how I shave.
I would also like to use the new razor you recommended to shave/remove hair without fear of bleeding from private parts as well.
I am ok if all of this requires 1,2 or even 3 different shave systems. I truly appreciate your expert knowledge and experience. Thank you.
Hi Michael,
First of all, I think you would need a dedicated body hair trimmer that you can use exclusively for the private parts and chest. Those have blunt/rounded blades to prevent nicks. However, please keep in mind that any electric shaver/trimmer that uses shearing blades, foils or rotary cutters can still cut the skin, so do proceed with care and take your time. My personal favorite for the groin area is the Philips Norelco Bodygroom BG7030/49 (BG7040/42) (here is my review of it if you want to check it out). It has one foil head with a double edge clipper (blunt blades) that cuts hair at skin level and another trimmer that must always be used with the integrated adjustable comb (this one does not have rounded blades).
Now, to maintain your beard and also to shave your head you will need either one or two shavers.
The first approach would be a one in all machine. For example, the Philips QC5580 has a clipper with two adjustable combs to trim your beard and hair (from 0 to 15mm) and a separate foil attachment that you can use on your head. It should give you a really close shave, however it will work best when used daily or every other day (that actually depends on how fast your hair grows). You can use the other attachment if you need to pre-trim the hair to a more manageable length. Again, be careful when using any clipper without a comb attachment as it can cut skin.
Another option would be a regular foil shaver that also comes with a trimmer attachment and various combs. One such model is the Braun Series 7 (2020 update) like the 7085cc, 7027cs, etc. (more details here). The Series 7 will also get at least as close as the QC5580 when shaving the head using the standard foil head. However, it might be a bit awkward to use since it’s a regular shaver (the QC5580 has a rotating head that makes it easier to shave the back of your head). But I don’t think it would be a problem since you’re already shaving your head with a regular beard trimmer.
Finally, you could go for a dedicated head shaver like the Skull Shaver Pitbull (again this one works best when used more often) and a separate beard trimmer — there are quite a few highly rated trimmers out there from Philips, Panasonic and Braun.
In my opinion either of the two approaches (one vs two machines for the beard and head) is perfectly fine, so it’s up to you to decide which one makes more sense in your case.
Sincerely,
Ovidiu
Thanks Ovidiu,
I am unfortunately back in the hospital. I am reviewing your response and want to thank you—I have some time to look at all the choices based on your recommendations and make a decision and order finally.
Although I may have other questions I thought I would start with the dedicated head shaver. Pitbull has three levels: Platinum, Gold and,Silver. What is the difference and which one would you recommend? They are currently having a promotion bundle with its Beast Clipper (not sure if it’s the pro version or not). Would you recommend either the pro or regular version of the Beast Trimmer regardless of the bundled price?
Michael, I’m terribly sorry to hear that — I wish you a speedy recovery.
The differences between the Pitbull versions are related to battery and accessories. IMO the Gold makes the most sense considering its price and the battery size (90 minutes of cordless use, same as the Platinum model). As far as I know, the Pro clipper has a larger battery compared to the standard one (90 vs 60 minutes) and an LED display.
I honestly can’t say much about using the Beast clipper, however, I do cut my own hair with a regular Wahl cordless clipper and I’m not sure that the design of the Beats clipper makes more sense. In the case of a rotary head shaver like the Pitbull, absolutely, as you’re using circular motions. But with a hair clipper, you must always go in a straight line and against the grain. And at least when cutting the hair on the sides and top of my head, I would prefer a conventional clipper with a conventional grip. If you watch the presentation clips on their website, you may notice that even during their demonstration things don’t look as smooth. As a beard trimmer it should work just fine though. Just something to keep in mind.
Sincerely,
Ovidiu
Hi Ovidiu,
Thanks for your well wishes and I out of the woods and on the mend! I went with the Pitbull Platinum and I love it. It’s not quite as close as shaving with a regular blade but with shaving gel It’s pretty damn close. It’s also super easy and fast! And, for the added security of not getting cut and bleeding it is definitely worth it. The only issue is trimming properly around my ears. I’ve actually used it to trim my chest as well and it works pretty good, after trimming it first of course. I’m sure I’ll go through replacement heads much faster, however. Due to promotions, I got the Beast Trimmer and the Baby Beast but have not used them yet. But, I would think the Baby Beast will do the trick. Thanks for all your advice!
That’s awesome, Michael, glad you’re feeling well. Enjoy shaving with the Pitbull, it seems like a perfect fit.
Sincerely,
Ovidiu
I apologize! My mistake! I expected an answer via email. I see your response and I humbly apologize ans will respond to it. Thank you!
Hi, love your reviews, I keep some facial hair but like to shape my beard, and use a razor for my cheeks, and razor for my bald head, I want a foil shaver to replace the razor, I’m sold on the Panasonic, will it work for me? I also have a Wahl beard trimmer I’ll be using, for me I like a very close shave both on face and my head, I will be using a beard shaper on my face so it won’t cut the 0.5 length facial hair I have. Will you still recommend me purchasing the Panasonic (number 1) or would you recommend a razor type foil shaver? Thank you, I’m pretty new to this and been exploring for a week and so hard to choose, but your content has helped me a lot i.e. 1400 is better. :-)
Hey,
Thanks for the comment, glad you found the info useful.
The Panasonic Arc 5 is pretty much the best foil razor if your priority is getting a close shave, but in this case, I’m not exactly sure that it would work well with a beard shaper. I don’t think you’ll be able to get the foil as close to the shaper as needed in order to get that clean line (the shaving head of the Arc 5 is also quite large). And that’s an issue you’ll be having with any electric shaver. I think something like the Andis T-outliner will work better, but it won’t cut the hairs as close to the skin as a good foil shaver. So a manual razor could still be your best option.
As a head shaver, the Arc 5 will work great provided your hair is reasonably short, otherwise you will need to trim it with a clipper before using the Arc 5. If you plan on using a foil shaver on your head daily or every other day, it should work just fine.
Hope this helps.
Sincerely,
Ovidiu
Thank you very much for your efficient reply, really appreciate it, my beard is very small, starting from my side burn is a 0 and on my chin probably 2 and 1.5 in between, I keep a faded beard about 2 inches in thickness, and grow hair on my cheeks quite high up which I would rather foil shave than using razor. I have been so confused on what to get. Added benefit is that I can use it on my head. With the added detail any suggestions /recommendations would be awesome.
Many thanks
Mo
You are very welcome. It will be tricky to do all that with a single machine, to be honest. I don’t think a foil shaver that’s suitable for the head can also work well to get a clean shave on the top part of the cheeks (using a beard shaper). You need a large shaver for your head that can cover a large area with ease, but it won’t be great for finesse work. Maybe the Andis ProFoil or the BaBylissPRO could do both reasonably well.
Sincerely,
Ovidiu
Ovidiu,
Thanks so much for the detailed reviews, they have helped a lot with the research of my first electric shaver.
I have sensitive skin, patchy growth, and can’t grow much of a beard but still need to shave every other day. I have decided to purchase either the Braun 790cc or 7865cc.
Are the induction heat system and the quick cleaning mode on the 790cc that important? Would they be enough for you to recommend the 790cc over the 7865cc just for those features?
Thanks!
Bobby
Hi Bobby,
Buying a 790cc nowadays will likely get you one of the newer iterations of the 790cc (the full model name being 790cc-6 or 790cc-7) that come with the same station as the 7865cc, so no quick cleaning mode or inductive heating. In the past, the station used to be a reason to buy the 790cc over other newer variations, plus the ability to use the shaver with the cord plugged in — this feature is gone as well and all 790cc currently being manufactured will only work cordless. So nowadays I simply recommend getting the one you can find cheaper, be it 790cc or 7865cc.
Sincerely,
Ovidiu
Hi Ovidiu,
First of all, thank you for the very detailed reviews! I have a question. How does the closeness of a shave with a Panasonic Arc 3 compare with a newer 7 series from Braun? I’ve read that Panasonics shave closer, but is that still true with a lower end Panasonic compared to a medium end Braun?
Thanks,
Don
Hi Don,
Thank you for the kind words, much appreciated.
I’d say they’re pretty similar in terms of closeness. The Series 7 (newer generation) feels more powerful though and it takes fewer strokes to catch longer/flat-lying hairs. It’s not as good as the older generation though in that regard.
Sincerely,
Ovidiu
Hi Ovidiu,
Not sure you can answer this (based on your picture) but here goes. I have what I think is called a “circle beard”. I’ve used a rotary shaver as long as I can remember but I’m thinking of switching. The rotary does ok with getting to the small “clear” spots below my lip, but I’m wondering how the foil shavers would do with that, especially the 5-blade ones which seem pretty wide. (I probably would lean toward a smaller 3-blade on, but even then I wonder how it would do. Thoughts?
Great web site by the way!
Al
Hi Al,
Thank you for the comment. I actually find foil shavers that have a compact head easier to maneuver compared to rotaries. I prefer a clean shave, so I’ve never used one to maintain or edge a beard. But for shaving below the nose, around the sideburns and so on, I have more control with a foil razor.
I think you should consider a 3-blade foil shaver like the older generation Braun Series 7 or the Series 8. As for more budget-friendly options, there’s the Panasonic Arc 3 also mentioned above or even a Braun Series 3 ProSkin — the latter has a really thin shaving head and the 3 cutters stick out a lot, which I think helps in this situation.
Sincerely,
Ovidiu
Hi Ovidiu,
I have hair that are growing all different directions, specially around neck area. Even razor will have hard time to shave them off from time to time. Based on the information from your article, do you believe Braun Series 9 Pro 9460cc will able to help me?
Thanks,
Angus.
Hi Angus,
I think you have the greatest chance with the Pro — it will likely perform better than pretty much any other shaver you can currently buy.
Sincerely,
Ovidiu
Hi Ovidiu.
I am looking at your website with great interest because I have not seen such a committed person in helping others for a long time.
Using your expert knowledge, I would like to ask you which of the listed shavers is the most accurate currently (I noticed there are a few Panasonic shavers out there that are not listed on the site or in the comments).
ES-LT67
ES-LV67
ES-LV95
ES-LV65
ES-LV6Q
ES-CV51
Respecting your spare time, please only indicate the one that cuts closest to the skin (unless you consider the differences between them to be important regarding choice). The price is irrelevant.
Thank you
Hi Robert,
Thank you for your comment, much appreciated.
The ES-LT67 is actually an Arc 3, so we can rule it out from the start. If you’re interested in getting the one that cuts the closest, the ES-LV65, ES-LV67 and ES-LV95 would be my picks and are all identical in that regard. The ES-LV6Q and ES-CV51 have the newer foils with the two comfort rollers that some users feel like they interfere with getting the closest possible shave. I haven’t found that to be the case while using them, but just to be extra safe, you should consider getting either the ES-LV65, ES-LV67 or ES-LV95. Choosing one depends on your preferences — with or without a cleaning station, price and design. Again, all 3 shave the same.
Sincerely,
Ovidiu
Thank you for your comprehensive answer. As I care about the charging station, considering availability, I have the ES-LV95 and ES-LV97 to choose from. The main difference seems to be the moving blades in 97. Do you think this has any effect on shaving accuracy or skin irritation? I am grateful for your help.
You are very welcome. The way the 5 blades move/flex independently is exactly the same. The difference is in the way the whole shaving head flexes. Precisely, the one on the ES-LV97 can also move vertically, but the range of motion is very limited and in my experience that won’t translate into any noticeable improvement.
Sincerely,
Ovidiu
Thanks so much for all your info. I have the Arc5 and I love it. I have only used it dry shaving and until I read that you recommended using it wet with shaving cream I’m amazed how close of a shave it can give . I would say equal to safety razor. I tried a safety razor for a few months and could not stop the irritation and nicks. The Panasonic Arc5 is the best way to shave without any irritation.
That’s awesome, Mark, thank you for the comment. The Arc 5 works great with shaving cream, definitely one of the closest shaves you can get with an electric shave.
Sincerely,
Ovidiu
Hi Ovidiu,
I really would like to thank you for what you´re doing here. I started wet shaving with DE razors, but for a daily shave, it was too aggressive for my skin.
I moved to electrical and purchased the Braun 9260s. My wrong idea was, if it is the most expensive, will shave closer. I have a coarse, hard beard and at 4pm I had already stubble, even if I shave every day.
After reading you will move to a Panasonic ES LV67, hoping for a more durable shave.
What I appreciate is that in every website everybody speaks in general about electric razors, saying they´re great, with pros & cons. You are the one to made a serious, in depth review really useful. Thanks!
Hi Antonio,
Thank you for the comment, much appreciated. In my opinion this is where the Arc 5 (like the ES-LV67) really shines compared to any Braun shaver, including the Series 9 — and you should see an improvement. For coarse beards and shaving daily, the Arc 5 is superior in my opinion.
Sincerely,
Ovidiu
Unbiased and extremely useful information thank you.
Thank you, Ferdi, I really appreciate it.
Sincerely,
Ovidiu
I bought Andis foil shaver after going through this exercise once before. Great shaver, but foil needed replacement after a few uses. So, now I want a rotary shaver. I want a list of my best options.
Hi Dave,
The foils on the Andis do wear out faster compared to most other foil shavers. A rotary (pretty much any model) will be a lot more durable in that regard and will require new heads a lot less. The closeness on the other hand won’t be as good. You can check out some of my recommendations here and here depending on the budget.
Sincerely,
Ovidiu
Hi,
Thank you for this detailed explanation.
Shaver/razors do give me bumps. I read that trimmers, though may not give shaves as close as shavers, trimmers could help overcome bumps associated with using shavers. Please suggest any trimmers that you think I can consider. I’m writing form Canada
Thank you
Hi,
Thank you for your comment, much appreciated.
That is correct — a trimmer or any device that doesn’t cut the hairs at skin level is usually beneficial in reducing the risk of bumps. While I generally prefer a clean shave and my experience is mainly with electric shavers (that cut the hair close to the skin), two trimmers you should be considering are the Philips OneBlade/OneBlade Pro and the Panasonic ER-GB42-K. They are entirely different concepts, the latter being a classic beard trimmer you would use to maintain a fully grown beard. While it will also work for designer stubble, it’s maybe a bit overkill; the OneBlade is lighter and a bit more user-friendly.
Sincerely,
Ovidiu
Hi,
Many thanks. Although i have not written to you before, i have beeen following your blogs and i actually decided on a panasonic Arc 5 which i have been using for about 4 months now.
The problem i am having is my ingrown hair left behind that i have to spend hours pulling out or the flat facial hair. Do you thing the Braun series 9 will be a good additing to get the ingrown hair under control?
Many thanks.
Hi,
Thank you for the comment, much appreciated. Normally the Series 9 should be better than the Arc 5 in precisely those areas, but how much an improvement will it be, that tends to vary among different users. For me personally the Series 9 is clearly better at getting the flat hairs, especially when I shave dry. It doesn’t get quite as close as the Arc 5 (especially on the chin and below the nose in my case) but that also helps with not getting folliculitis and I think it should be beneficial for your ingrown hairs problem as well.
Sincerely,
Ovidiu
Hi, I have a Braun series 7 from a few years ago. Is it worth upgrading, and to what, and why? Thanks
Hi Mark,
If you only want a closer shave, I think you’ll see an improvement when switching to a Panasonic Arc 5. The ES-LV65 or ES-LV67 would be my picks for the reasons outlined in the post above.
Sincerely,
Ovidiu
I have tried multiple Panasonic, Braun, Norelco rotary and Oneblade, and Andis shavers, but none of them have been very satisfactory.
My complaints have been the painful yanking of hairs (happens with the Andis Pro Foil), the creation of ingrown hairs (happens with rotary blades), an inability to shave hairs under the chin (happens with most shavers), and not close enough cuts.
I have always had trouble shaving under the chin, perhaps because of flat hairs.
I don’t grow any beard or mustache.
My best electric shaver was a Remington model from the late 1980s or early 1990s (the Victor Kiam days). I wish I hadn’t thrown it away, because nothing newer has been able to cut as well and have as much comfort. I do not remember the model.
I don’t care about price; I’d pay $5000 if I could find the perfect shaver to last a lifetime. Instead, I buy a new one around every two years, throwing away the old ones which aren’t satisfactory. I replace the foils/cutters regularly, so I know that’s not it.
Hi Lee,
That really sounds like you’re having a hard time finding a shaver that’ll perform decently. A few thoughts on your experience:
The Andis ProFoil will absolutely yank hairs unless you’re using it on really short stubble. Many barbers use them just to finish a fade or clean up a small area — like the upper cheek and only to the beard line. I also said in my review of it that it doesn’t really make sense to be used as a main shaver precisely because it’s more of a niche product (like the Wahl Finale or the BaByliss FOILFX2).
You should probably focus on finding a good foil shaver if rotaries give you ingrown hairs.
I find the Panasonic Arc 5 and Arc 6 to be the best at shaving close under the chin, an area where most electric razors struggle. I don’t know if you’ve tried them, but these probably have the best chance of giving you a satisfactory result. If you have lots of flat-lying hairs under the chin, I recommend using them more often. Flat hairs are less of an issue for Panasonic shavers if they’re short. Otherwise you will need many passes to capture all of them.
Sincerely,
Ovidiu
Hi Lee,
Thank you for your great insights. For a very close shave, which one would be the best between Arc 5 ES-LV65-S and Arc 6 ES-LS8A-K?
Thank you.
Hi,
I would go with the ES-LV65-S. The closeness is basically the same but it costs like a third of the price with the current discounts.
Sincerely,
Ovidiu
I own the Panasonic Arc 4 and arc 5. I also own the Braun 9 Pro which , in my opinion cuts as close or closer than My Panasonic…
Thank you for the comment, John. That’s definitely possible, there are many different variables that can affect the performance of a shaver against others.
Sincerely,
Ovidiu
Great article, very informative!
Amazon is running a discount and the Panasonic ES-LV97-K (with cleaning and charging station) is around the same price as the ES-LV95-S. I would imagine you would prefer the 97 model, right?
The ARC6 costs double the price of the ES-LV97-K..
Thank you in advance!
Thank you, Miguel, much appreciated. Both models will shave exactly the same and the differences are mainly related to design (the ES-LV97-K is newer, so it looks more modern). That said, I personally prefer the ES-LV95-S because of 3 perks:
— I can disable the beard density sensor and run the shaver at full power all the time. This doesn’t have a significant impact on the performance or the shave, but I like having that option.
— I prefer the physical rotating travel lock of the ES-LV95-S. On the ES-LV97-K you would activate it by pressing and holding the power button
— The display of the ES-LV95-S will also show me the duration of the shave and the battery charge in percentages (the one on the LV97 won’t show either)
That’s pretty much it. I wouldn’t consider these really important, but if the price is the same, I would lean more toward the ES-LV95-S. However, if I could get the ES-LV97-K for less money, I would absolutely buy that one instead.
Sincerely,
Ovidiu
I have had both the top model Panasonic and Braun models mentioned her and I wet shave. The Panasonic stopped working after just over a year (just before it did, it started turning it random) and a replacement was sent. This also stopped working after about a year with the same issue. It seems as if they don’t really like getting wet. The Braun recently started telling me that it needs a new cartridge after only 9 months. Despite resetting it, the razor continues to warn me about replacing the cartridge. Today, just out of guarantee, it turned itself on for a moment. I wonder what is coming next. Both of these razors performed well, the Panasonic being the closer shave but both modals seem unreliable. Am I the only one having this experience and if so, what on earth am I doing wrong?
Hi Chris,
Thank you for taking the time to leave a comment.
I’m really sorry about the bad experience you’ve had with the Panasonic. This isn’t a specific or ongoing issue with this model as far as I know, but it is really odd that the same thing happened with the second unit. The head replacement notification is purely informative, the shaver can’t really assess the condition of the cassette. It is a timer-based notification that shows up after a pre-determined amount of minutes in use. If it still shaves fine, you don’t actually need to change the cassette yet.
The counter can be reset by pressing and holding the power button for 10 seconds or so.
Sincerely,
Ovidiu
Thanks Ovidiu
I have tried resetting the Braun using the method you describe but it continues to tell me the cassette needs changing. I can ignore it of course. It’s puzzling about them going wrong after a year or so. Perhaps the water is too hot when I rinse them and that is doing something to the electronics. In the case of the Braun apart from rinsing in under the tap I use the cleaning station. I really loved the shave I was getting from the Panasonic. It was closer than the Braun but the Braun is a good second choice. Now if only I could get them to last more than a year….
You are very welcome, Chris. It could be a common cause since both have failed in a similar way.
As a side note, I own several Arc 5 shavers and I’ve had a couple of them for more than 8 years. Still work perfectly fine. I mainly use them for wet shaving, but never in the shower. Cleaning with warm (not hot) water is a better option for a couple of reasons but it would take really hot water and prolonged exposure to cause damage.
The battery is usually the component that fails first if for example you leave the shaver in direct sunlight for hours. But just by rinsing it with water, that would be very unlikely. Water ingress can happen if the shaver is submerged on maybe stored in a constantly humid environment, but I suppose that’s not the case.
I would contact Panasonic about the second shaver, I think they would still accept to service it free of charge or even replace it.
Sincerely,
Ovidiu
Hi, I am looking for the best electric razor which gives the closest shave for my husband. He takes a blood thinner and still prefers a razor shave. I read your article and I was confused. Which electric razor gives the closest shave no matter price. My husband does not have a beard or mustache and he shaves twice a day. He does not like any stubble. I really want him to stop using a regular razor. Please help. Thank you,
Barbara
Hi Barbara,
I would get the Panasonic Arc 5 ES-LV65-S at number 1 position in the article above. It is in my opinion just right for this. If it’s your husband’s first elecrtic shaver, it will take a few weeks to get used to it until he gets the best results.
Sincerely,
Ovidiu
Hi,I really found this review helpful because it’s my first time buying an electric shaver and I really don’t want to waste my money on an electric that doesn’t even shaves as close as an cartridge razor but I am really struggling to find an electric shaver that can give me a close shave and comfort.
Can you plz help me find an electric shaver which will be best for the closest shave among:
1. Andis 17300 reSurge
2.Braun series 5 5020
3.Panasonic ES-LL21
4.Philips norelco 5300
5.Panasonic Premium ES-RF31
As these are really suited for my budget and are available in my country.
I will be waiting for your reply
Hi Ramiz,
I would rule out the Braun Series 5 and the Philips. Out of the rest, the two Panasonic shavers would be my pick, both shave very similarly in terms of closeness. I have an Andis reSurge as well, but haven’t used it yet. But generally the double-foil shavers like that Andis are more suitable for detail work/blending fades, not as every day shavers.
A shave as close as a cartridge razor is a best case scenario and apart from a highly capable shaver, I recommend using a pre-shave lotion (when shaving dry) or a quality shaving cream for a wet shave. The shavers you can get are rather budget-oriented and aren’t quite at the same level as an Arc 5 for example.
Sincerely,
Ovidiu
Hi again, I really appreciated your time and comment. What do you think should I increase my budget a bit and go for the Panasonic arc 5 ES-67 is it really that worth it ?
Anyways thank you very much Ovidiu for you precious time
You are very welcome. In my opinion, yes, it is worth it if you’re mainly interested in getting a shaver that can cut the hair as close as possible. Just to make sure we’re on the same page, that should be ES-LV67, (not ES-LT67). Another good option would be the ES-LV65 (whichever you can get for less money).
Sincerely,
Ovidiu
Thank you soo much for helping me there are very few people who are willing to help others who are struggling to find good stuff online because at times we can’t use them and then return them later if we don’t find them as good as we expected them to be.
Yeah I am talking about the ES-lv67 for some reason I can’t find the ES-lv65 in my country so I will be sticking to the ES-lv67 which is around about 147$ which I think is really good because I have read a lot of good things about it.
Once again Ovidiu thank you very much for your time
You are very welcome, glad I could be of help. In that case I think you can easily go with the ES-LV67.
Sincerely,
Ovidiu
I live in Australia and have an ES-LV95. You don’t mention this model number? Where does it fit in relation to the LV-65, LV-67, LV-9N or LV-9Q? Its shaving closeness has decreased. Would it better better value to just buy new foil and cutters?
Hi Mike,
It’s basically an ES-LV65 with a cleaning station. So in terms of closeness it’s the same as the models you mention. I think it’s definitely worth getting a new set of foil&blades if the shaver is still in good shape. I don’t think buying a new shaver makes sense right now. Also, please note that if you decide to buy the single shaver later on (with no cleaning station), for example the ES-LV65, it will not work with your cleaning station. Just something to keep in mind.
Sincerely,
Ovidiu
Good day! Tell me, please, for a DAILY smooth shave for sensitive skin, which is the better choice: Braun 9 series or Panasonic Arc 5 ES-LV65-S? Thanks for the answer!
Hi Volodymyr,
Normally the Arc 5 would be an ideal choice for daily, close shaves. But if you have sensitive skin (and you’ll probably be shaving dry), I think the Series 9 would be a better option. It doesn’t provide quite the same closeness, but I find it gentler and thus more suitable.
Sincerely,
Ovidiu
Hi, i am glad i found your detailed comparison. I am also searching for a electric razor for closer shave i have used Braun Series 3 but i didn’t like it at all in terms of close shave. I am searching for a better one but im in Turkey and those razors in your list either is not available or too pricey. I am looking for a shaver like Braun Series 5 in terms of price. What would you recommend?
Hi,
If you can’t get an Arc 5 (any variation), then maybe you can buy an Arc 4 or even an Arc 3. The latter is more likely given the budget. Just make sure it has a 13 000 CPM motor (this info should be in the specs).
I think an Arc 5 is worth the extra money though, it really is among the very best in terms of closeness.
Sincerely,
Ovidiu
Hi Ovidiu—
Thanks for all the great info you post online for free…much appreciated.
I’m trying to decide on an Arc5 or Arc4 to purchase and I want it to last a number of years. I’m leaning toward the ES-LF51 because of the smaller head (which is better for shaving under the nose I presume). I don’t mind buying used on eBay for the shaver, if necessary or much cheaper, but I’d like it to last and I’m concerned about the long-term ability to find replacement heads/foils. Do you think Arc4 replacements will still be sold years from now? What is the best set of replacement heads/foils for the ES-LF51? (What’s the difference between the WES9020PC and the 9025PC?) Are counterfeits a problem? Or would it make sense to just go with the Arc5 (e.g., ES-LV65) as it will have a linger shelf life?
Hi Lawrence,
Thanks so much for the feedback.
A couple of years ago I would have recommended getting the ES-LF51. It’s a sturdy, easy to use shaver and the performance is outstanding, especially with regards to closeness. It really is at the same level as the Arc 5.
But as of now I think you should get the Arc 5 instead, it’s future-proof and there are many options for the replacement foil and blades.
Getting a pre-owned shaver is a bit of a gamble especially in the context of wanting the shaver to last a few good years. The replacement set for the ES-LF51 is getting more difficult to find and I think things will only get worse in that regard. Panasonic seems to have completely abandoned the Arc 4 line.
As a side note, the WES9027PC is the set that will fit the ES-LF51-A. WES9020PC and WES9025PC are for other Arc 4 models.
I would rather get one of the ES-LV65, ES-LV67 or ES-ALV6HR, whichever costs less. The head is larger, but the foil frame is quite narrow and you can shave under nose with ease.
Hope this helps.
Sincerely,
Ovidiu
Thanks Ovidu for the quick and informative response. I’ll follow your suggestion. And again, thanks for the countless hours you put into this site for the benefit of so many people. I’m really impressed with the content and how well it’s organized.
My pleasure, glad I could be of help. Thank you for the kind words, much appreciated.
Sincerely,
Ovidiu
Hi Ovudiu—Just thought of another question. Correct me if I’m wrong, but it looks like one difference between the ES-LV65 and ES-LV67 is the presence of the “shaver lock” feature. I presume this feature prevents the shaver from turning on accidentally while in storage or traveling. It just so happens that I travel frequently for my job these days and will have the razor in its storage pouch in luggage. Is the on/off switch light-touch? Do you recommend this feature…in which case the ES-LV65 is the better choice? (I have a slight preference for the LV-67 aesthetic, but for me function trumps form.)
Hi Lawrence,
Both have a travel lock function, but it is implemented differently. On the ES-LV65 there’s a physical rotating switch around the power button, very simple and effective. The ES-LV67 doesn’t have that, instead you would activate the travel lock by turning the shaver on, then pressing again and holding the power button for a few seconds. It is a bit more intuitive on the ES-LV65, but both are equally effective. So in choosing between them I don’t think this should be the decisive factor.
Sincerely,
Ovidiu
Thanks again for the helpful reply.
I usually wet shave every other day, unless I am going somewhere special. I had a Remington rotary many, many years ago but it did not perform that well and I went back to using an ordinary 2 blade razor, which does shave really close but it takes so long! Your article was very useful thanks but I wonder whether foil razors can also be used for side burns (longer hair obviously) and eye brows. Maybe I have to buy a trimmer as well, or are their razors which have a trimmer attachment? Suggestions appreciated.
Regards,
Martin Corke
Hi Martin,
Thank you for the comment, much appreciated.
You could use a foil shaver on the sideburns if the hair isn’t excessively long, but this would in turn cut the hair at skin level which I’m not sure is what you’d want with your sideburns. Except for the Andis ProFoil, all the shavers in the post above also have an integrated hair trimmer which would be a lot better for that and it can also handle longer hair.
That said, an integrated hair trimmer will also cut the hair pretty short, but if that’s not a problem, it should be just fine.
For the eyebrows you would definitely need a trimmer or trimmer attachment with a guard as you don’t want to cut them too short. There are a few inexpensive eyebrow and nose hair trimmers out there. Using one of those would be a much better option.
Alternatively, some multipurpose body/beard hair trimmers like the Philips Multigroom 7000 or 9000 also include an eyebrow guard. These are very capable trimmers, very versatile as well but I think it’s worth getting one only if you’ll also be using it to trim body hair. Otherwise it’s a bit overkill to get such a device just to trim the eyebrows.
The final option would be to get a foil shaver with a separate trimmer attachment and guards. The Braun Series 3 ProSkin 3010BT for example is such a model. I would however consider it if your facial hair isn’t very coarse so you can still get a smooth and effective shave.
Hope this helps.
Sincerely,
Ovidiu
Hi Ovidiu,
I’ve been reading your reviews recently since I wanted to get an additional shaver. I have the LV-65. So, I tried the Braun S9, the Panasonic ARC6 and returned them both because the LV-65 gave me a better and closer shave while still being very comfortable. I ended up buying another ARC5, the LV-67. Long story short, I still think the LV-65 gives the closest shave with less effort. For me at least, I think the reason is that the head doesn’t swivel as much as the LV-67. The swivel on the LV-65 is just right, not too much and not too little. I thought I would share this with you and others since in my opinion, and for my style of shaving, less swivel is better.
Thanks for all the effort you put into this site.
Tom S
Hi Tom,
Thanks so much for the comment and feedback, I’m really glad you found the info useful.
The ES-LV65 and ES-LV67 are remarkable shavers especially when considering the price point. And if the closeness of the shave is the main buying criteria, it makes perfect sense to get them over a much more expensive Arc 6 or Series 9. I am also not a fan of the very wobbly ES-LV67 shaving head and I actually lock it in place when I use it. If the hair is short enough (which usually is), I don’t miss the flexing feature much.
Sincerely,
Ovidiu
Hi Ovidiu,
Great reviews. I noticed you said you do not use your shaver in the shower. I do which has always led me to buy less expensive models as I assume they will die faster due to having water run over them from time to time. Have you had any experience on which shaver is best suited for in shower users?
Hi Jeff,
Thanks so much for the feedback.
That’s true, I never shave in the shower, but not because I’m being extra careful. I just seem to enjoy the process more and be more effective when I’m dry and standing in front of a mirror. :-)
Even though many manufacturers offer shavers specifically marketed as wet&dry and safe to be used in the shower, sometimes water ingress does happen which can damage the shaver irreversibly. I wouldn’t say a certain brand has an innate weakness in that regard, but generally older shavers are more prone to this as the gaskets and sealants harden and don’t offer a 100% watertight seal.
When I shave wet (in front of the mirror) I tend to use Panasonic shavers because those work really well for me. The closeness of the shave is outstanding, especially with something like an Arc 5. But as long as the shaver is not being submerged in water or constantly being subjected to steam and high pressure water jets for extended periods of time, it should be fine using one in the shower.
Also, some Arc 5 models like the ES-ALV6HR and ES-LV65-S have a really competitive price for what they have to offer.
Hope this helps.
Sincerely,
Ovidiu
LV65 vs LV67, the differences are more than cosmetic. For me the biggest difference is that there is no option with the LV67 to turn off the automatic beard density sensor. Go through the manual troubleshooting section ands one can find what to do if the sensor is not working properly e,g. Clean the blades, charge the shaver. It is for this reason that I opted for the EV65. The Ev67 head has a wider range of rotational movement than the EV65. Also, the LCD readout display info is different. All in all, small incremental changes, but again, removing the option to shut off the beard sensor was a big step back, despite Panasonic saying that the sensor accuracy has been improved.
Hi Larry,
Thanks so much for taking the time to leave a comment.
You are absolutely correct and I would also add that the travel lock on the ES-LV65 is much simpler and intuitive to use. On the LV67 you must press and hold the power button with the shaver turned on (otherwise it would enter the sonic cleaning mode). So with the LV67, most users will need to read the manual to be able to use it.
I’ve showcased these differences in detail in my Arc 5 comparison for example and also when reviewing both the LV65 and LV67.
I’ve bought and used many LV65/LV95 shavers and also the LV67/LV97 and even the red ALV6HR. I’ve never had any problems with the shaver on the models you can’t disable it, but I do prefer the LV65 for the reasons you’ve mentioned. That said, performance-wise, they seem identical to me. That’s why I usually recommend getting the one that costs less. Also in Europe it’s almost impossible to find the LV65 (for a competitive price at least), so the LV67 is pretty much the only option for an affordable Arc 5.
Enjoy your LV65, it is in my opinion one of the all time greats and one of my personal shavers (regardless of price point).
Sincerely,
Ovidiu
I have a 5-year-old LV95 on its 3rd foil/cutter set. It shaves close but needs 5-10 minutes of multiple passes, depending on condition of foil & cutter. I just noticed the outer foils are cut by inaccessible cutters sealed within the 4-foil head.
The only way to lubricate the outer cutters is shaver oil internally via the tiny, top gaps of the foils, and let it run down inside. That is after blasting compressed air from a can through the foils from the outside — the only way to access — but one can never see whether the cutters are clogged. I found the cleaning dock totally useless and threw it out; just a scam to sell overpriced cleaning consumables.
For the replaceable, central cutters, do you recommend oiling the cutting heads directly, or the foils internally? How often?
Oil mixes with hair to clog up the cutters. I would think our natural skin oils lubricate the foils to some extent, so am not sure how much foil/cutter life is saved by oiling them. I use either sewing machine oil (has a smell) or Panasonic’s own shaver oil (no smell).
I don’t use pre-shave as its main ingredient is alcohol. Anything one puts on the skin is absorbed by it — including BPAs from till receipts. Similarly, shaving foam contains ingredients one doesn’t want in the bloodstream. I found the ability to use the Arc 5s wet completely needless.
Hi Trevor,
I always clean my Arc 5 shavers with water and soap after each use and I’ve never had any of them clogged with hairs and oil. That also means I need to lubricate the shavers quite often, ideally before each shave. If you don’t use soap, you can get away with doing it once or twice a week.
Panasonic shavers definitely benefit from lubrication as there’s a lot of friction between the foils and cutters. Speaking of which, you can of course put the oil directly on the exposed central cutters. I simply put the oil on the outside of each foil element and don’t bother removing the foil head — the oil will sip through the perforations and coat the blades anyway. Just make sure to let the shaver run for 5 to 10 seconds after applying the oil.
Sincerely,
Ovidiu
Thanks, Ovidiu. I appreciate the hard work you put into this review site.
I don’t see the point of using soap in cleaning as it will dissolve any applied oils which lubricate and prevent corrosion. A high-pressure water jet (tricky to create), or a spray can of air (after initial use of the brush), seem the best options.
Whichever method, any cleaning of the sealed, outer cutters is uncertain and invisible; one can only spray air in through the foil and hope for the best.
The motor oscillates at an unbelievable 233 cycles per second. So does it really matter how fast one moves the shaver over the face, or do you find slow strokes actually save time?
Will you be testing the Panasonic ES-LS9A Wet & Dry 6-Blade Electric Shaver, which is the most-expensive on Amazon UK at £399, including dock?
Did you ever consider that the electric and electromagnetic fields from the motor might have deleterious soft-tissue or bone effects on the sensitive head and neck?
Hi Trevor,
Many thanks for the comment.
I guess it also depends on how you shave; for example I always use a pre-shave lotion when I shave dry or shaving cream when I shave wet. So cleaning the shaver with water and soap definitely has some benefits vs using water alone. If you don’t use any of those you could just resort to rinsing the shaver with water. I think that’s fine for a while but I would still use soap at least every once in a while as it’s just more effective to remove the difficult dirt. Residual oils do tend to attract dust and fine hair clippings in some of the nooks and crannies. I would rather apply some lubricant (either a spray or oil) regularly.
I’ve found that it’s best to find a compromise when it comes to the speed of the stroke. Going to the extreme (either too fast or too slow) just won’t work. Going faster or slower also depends on a few other factors — for example, some shavers will snag a few hairs if you move the head too fast. Also, when I shave daily, I can get away with faster strokes, but if I haven’t shaved in a few days, I usually have to go slower.
I reviewed the 6-blade Panasonic model (without the dock, but it’s identical performance-wise). I think it’s an impressive shaver, arguably among the best you can buy, but some of the latest 5-blade Panasonic models (ES-LV6U, ES-LV9U) are so close in terms of shaving performance, but cost significantly less. I think most users would be better off with those unless you only want the range-topping model.
I personally don’t have any worries regarding the last issue, electric shavers have been tried and tested for decades and all of them must pass stringent safety checks.
Sincerely,
Ovidiu
I just received the 6-blade model and like it. Amazon review below. Not worth the full price but I got lucky with a ‘Warehouse’ return in perfect condition. Quieter than the Arc 5. I don’t think the integrated foil + cutter heads are on sale yet but they will be expensive!
“6 blades with all cutters enclosed within the head, unlike the 2 removable cutters of previous versions. Very close shave and even use for ear-hole hairs. Displays battery status in 5% increments. Delivered uncharged. Was a solitary ‘Warehouse’ item, so £75 off, but unmarked and unused. I was not keen on my previous Arc 5 dock, so will be cleaning it with a compressed-air can and lubricating the foils with the oil supplied. Pricey, but you get what you pay for.”
That’s great, Trevor, I’m glad you like it. I also think it’s a fantastic shaver, it’s just that the price is way too high compared to the 5-blade models. But if you got a good deal, then it’s a win. Enjoy shaving with your new Arc 6.
Sincerely,
Ovidiu
Thanks for such detail. I have a Braun 3 with a foil & cutter that are about 9 months old and they would need replacing because it just isn’t doing the job anymore. Braun says it should last 18 months. I have a cheap Panasonic shaver as well (I’ve had 2) and frankly, I’ve always been surprised how Panasonic can outshine any expensive Braun shaver. I’m ditching my Braun for good and will be Panasonic loyal for shavers from now on (I wonder if they have any other good products? Reason I ask is I am a huge Yamaha fan and everything of theirs from E-drums, TV sounds system and motorcycle. But I digress…
Hi Carey,
Thanks so much for the comment.
There are some fantastic Japanese brands out there, Panasonic and Yamaha being two of them — I’m also a fan of both.
Panasonic shavers have always been among the best when it comes to closeness and that’s the case throughout the entire price range, from entry-level 3-blade shavers to top of the line Arc 6 models. Braun shavers definitely have their specific pros as well, but in terms of closeness, most users will find Panasonic to be better.
Sincerely,
Ovidiu
Hi Ovidiu, amazing articles, I need a quick recommendation for electric shaver for close shave but also comfortable enough, I would also like to be able to cut hair, so if you can recommend me something that would fit these parameters? I don’t have a strong dense beard, but I like close clean shave and I’m also sometimes lazy and I leave it for a week, so it has to be something that can deal well with little longer hairs, thank you!
Hi Vojkan,
Thank you for the kind comment.
I think the Braun Series 9 (or Series 9 Pro, whichever you can get a better deal on) would be the best compromise for a close and comfortable shave and it can tackle longer hairs better than pretty much any other foil shaver. One week of beard growth is on the limit, but still doable. It shouldn’t however have any trouble with a 5-day beard especially since your facial hair isn’t very dense.
Hope this helps.
Sincerely,
Ovidiu
Take care of your Panasonic Arc 6 heads! The cheapest replacement foils currently cost €200 on eBay (from Italy). I clean mine with a can of compressed air every week and apply oil to the outer foil, rubbing it in with a finger, whilst running the motor. Very-close shave if enough time is spent repeatedly going over the face and neck.
Some might prefer to use the dock’s wet-cleaning system but I find it messy, slow and inconvenient. Compressed air from a can tends to freeze-up components but I have not yet tried one of those rechargeable, compressed-air dusters. I don’t foresee soap-and-water cleaning and rinsing the foils well — inside the Arc 6’s tightly-enclosed head.
Thank you for the comment, Trevor. I can however confirm that the water and soap cleaning also works despite the Arc 6’s one-piece head. Have been doing it ever since I got mine a couple of years ago and I honestly can’t see any dirt buildups so far.
Sincerely,
Ovidiu
Hi
I have always wet shaved after trying an electric shaver 30+ years ago and it just burnt my skin. But I don’t always have the time to wet shave these days. I use a Wilkinson Sword Hydro5 and get a good close shave.
What would you recommend as an electric option?
Hi Danny,
In my opinion the Panasonic Arc 5 is the best option for shaving wet. The performance and price are just unbeatable. I would consider any of these 3 Arc 5 models: ES-LV65, ES-LV67 or ES-ALV6HR. They all shave the same so I would just get the one that is readily available (or the one that costs less).
Sincerely,
Ovidiu
Hey, I managed to find two Arc 5 models locally. ES-LV67-A803 and ES-LV69-S803. Which one should I get? Are they basically the same. The price is only 10 euros in difference between them. The closest shave is what I am looking for.
Hi Slobodan,
You are correct, they are basically the same and the performance is identical (same foil, inner blades, motor, beard density sensor, and battery). I would just get the one that costs less (even though the price difference isn’t much) unless of course you like the color of the more expensive one.
Sincerely,
Ovidiu
Thank you.
These are the best detailed reviews I’ve ever read of electric razors.
Thank you for the comment, Karim, you’re very kind. I’m glad you found the review useful.
Sincerely,
Ovidiu
Hello Ovidiu,
( Please note: I submitted a comment to your web page about Braun shavers yesterday, but I think I should have submitted it to this forum, because my comments are more appropriate here…)
I wanted to buy a new shaver, and my top requirement was for a shaver that would give me a very close shave, similar to the hand razors I first started using a long time ago.
I had used several Philips rotary shavers over the years. Then I decided to buy a Braun 5 foil shaver. The closeness of the shave was reasonable, but not as good as what I had hoped for.
Then I searched for reviews on electric shavers, and – fortunately for me – I read your excellent article, ‘What’s The Closest Shaving Electric Razor. 2024.’ ( It was so informative I reckon you could get a job with the U.K. ‘WHICH’ consumer magazine.)
As a result, I bought the Panasonic ES-LV67. There’s no doubt in my mind that this shaver gives me the closest shave of any electric shaver I’ve ever used! Another plus is that it cuts so efficiently, I’m actually taking less time to shave. It’s quieter too.
Best regards,
Richard.
Hi Richard,
Thank you for the taking the time to share this. Switching from rotaries or an entry-level foil shaver to a Panasonic Arc 5 will usually have that effect. The power and efficiency of this shaver, provided the hair is relatively short, are outstanding, especially at this price point. Glad you’re enjoying your new LV67.
Sincerely,
Ovidiu
Update on my expensive, 4½-month-old Panasonic Arc 6. I just cleaned-up, oiled and re-tried my Arc 5 and it …
— Is much faster to shave overall.
— Its foil runs smoother on the skin.
— Has a slightly-larger, worldwide power supply.
— Is quieter.
— Is slower to charge.
— Holds its charge longer.
— Its replacement (separate) foils &cutters are much cheaper and readily
available.
I don’t know if the Arc 6 foil will ‘smooth-down’ with time and cut better, with fewer strokes, like the Arc 5. It is more critical to keep the Arc 6 cleaned and oiled weekly, otherwise the closeness drops even more.
Had I known the Arc 6’s shortcomings, I would have stuck with the Arc 5. I think electric shavers have reached their physical limits, and paying ridiculous sums like £400 for the Arc 6 is a huge fallacy.
Hi Trevor,
Thanks for the follow-up. Having used quite a few Arc 5 models through the years and also a couple of Arc 6’s, I’d say that the foil head of your current Arc 6 is probably the culprit for the worse performance.
With the newer models (both Arc 5 and Arc 6) Panasonic usually ships the more compact RE7-87 charger that’s still fitted with a universal voltage adapter. The Arc 5 and Arc 6 have the same internal Li-ion battery, but a worn foil head can deplete it faster. The foils and blades for the Arc 5 are indeed easier to find and generally cost less.
I generally recommend the Arc 5 over the Arc 6 as it shaves almost as good but depending on the model it can cost a lot less. The 2024 Arc 6 however comes with an improved foil head (backward compatible), but it will probably remain a Japan-exclusive release.
Sincerely,
Ovidiu
Agree … I feel cheated! My Arc 6 charger is slightly smaller. It seems unclear whether the improved Lamdash 6 foil will fit my Arc 6; unlikely to be available in Europe anyway.
My Arc 6 foil definitely feels rougher than my Arc 5’s. Is there any website for importing Japanese models? British customers would pay shipping and 20% import VAT.
All I can do to improve the Arc 6’s shave is to hold the skin taught, and clean (with compressed air/gas canister), and oil more frequently; possibly twice a week. Hair residue in the Arc 5 is clearly visible, whereas in the Arc 6 there is very little visible buildup.
Hi Trevor,
The new Lamdash Pro 6 foil will 100% fit your shaver, I’ve tried it myself and works perfectly. Unless Panasonic decides to release the 2024 models globally, I don’t think the foil will be available in Europe. So you will probably need to buy it from Japan.
Japanese foils, for both the Arc 5 and Arc 6, are usually only available on Japanese sites like Amazon Japan, Rakuten or Yahoo Shopping Japan. Most eBay vendors also ship from Japan, so there will probably be import fees regardless.
Sincerely,
Ovidiu
Hello, Ovidiu
What electric shaver would you recommend for a soldier on a budget of around $85? As you know, in the army you have to be really clean-shaven. Thanks in advance for the advice, by the way I’m from Europe, if that would somehow sway the choice due to availability. Thank you for the educational articles, very interesting content.
Hi Mates,
Thank you for the comment.
Is it possible to increase the budget slightly? That would allow you to buy a Panasonic Arc 5 ES-LV67 or ES-LV69 which can often be found in Europe at a discount. The performance of those shavers is significantly better than anything you could buy with $85 and work extremely well in this situation (used often and the need for a close shave).
If that’s not an option, you could probably get an Arc 3 like the ES-LL21-K or ES-LT4B which are fine for the money, but can’t match the aforementioned Arc 5.
Hope this helps.
Sincerely,
Ovidiu
Hi Ovidiu, apologies if I left this comment already. I’m wondering what the best shaver is if you keep some facial hair, like a 1-2 week beard or just a mustache. I want to be able to clean off the neck, cheeks and a little above the mustache without the risk of shaving any of them off. These shavers seem to have huge cassettes – do they make shaping difficult? I’ve had a barber use an Andis Profoil on my face – while it’s incredibly close it can be pretty irritating. Instead, I’ve used a small, single foil travel shaver but the quality isn’t great and it takes several passes. Do you have a recommendation for us folks with some facial hair?
Thanks!
Jon
Hi Jon,
No worries, I already replied to your original comment here.
Sincerely,
Ovidiu
Hi Ovidiu,
Thank you for your incredibly thorough reviews! You clearly put in a great deal of time and effort, and thumbs up for responding to all the comments.
I have a Braun Series 9 (not the Pro), and it has an odd habit of shutting off mid-shave. I’m in Vancouver and sent it to Toronto for repair, but still had the same problem. I complained to Braun, but they said send it back to Toronto again, and only then would they honour the warranty. They didn’t fix it the first time, so why bother. I like the shaver, so I bought another identical unit, and have the same problem. I take my time shaving, as I like a smooth face, so that means maybe 10 to 12 minutes. At that point the shaver will just shut off. I can let it rest for a minute, then it will usually start again, although sometimes will go from two or three bars of battery life to the numerical display (9 minutes or less). Also, when it gets to 5 minutes, the power drops in half. Same problems with both shavers. I wonder if this is a Made in China issue.
Have you come across this shutting off syndrome with the Brauns? After reading your excellent reviews, I think there will be a Panasonic in my near future!
Cheers, Jack
Hi Jack,
Thank you for the kind comment, glad the info was useful.
I am familiar with the issue and it seems more prevalent with older Series 9 models (92xx series). My brother has one and it shuts off after a couple of minutes and then refuses to turn on. Since it was out of warranty he didn’t bother trying to fix it. It’s not however a common issue and I think you’ve been very unlucky with a second defective unit.
Totally understandable why you’d want to try another brand after this. And on that note, I think you’ll be happy with a Panasonic, especially if you shave often and appreciate a closer shave.
Sincerely,
Ovidiu
Hi Ovidiu,
Thanks! I think mine is a 92xx series – don’t know how to find that as there’s nothing on the shaver.
I recently moved the thumblock so the shaver head moves freely instead of being locked in place. Oddly enough, since doing that I haven’t had the shutting off problem. Weird, but I’m happy if it continues to work!
Cheers, Jack
You are very welcome, Jack. The head locking switch seems more like a coincidence, but if it works, that’s all that matters.
The easiest way to determine whether you have a 92xx or a new one is to inspect the power button. Here is a side by side picture of a 92xx and a 93xx. If the power button is made of a dark, glossy plastic, then it’s a 92xx like the one on the left.
Sincerely,
Ovidiu
Thanks Ovidiu, looks like mine is the 93xx series. I agree the locking switch “fix” seems unlikely, but today I shaved for 14 minutes, applying some pressure as per usual, and no problems. It makes zero sense why the position of the switch would have anything to do with the function of the shaver.
Cheers, Jack
Hi Ovidiu,
You’ve helped me in the past and I appreciate your advice.
I purchased my Series 7 in 2015, and it is now time to replace it. I am looking at the Series 9 shavers. I am comparing the Costco version model 9350cc Sport ($200) to the 9599cc ($300) being sold on Amazon in their Prime Day deals. I would appreciated your thoughts on which is the better shave. I realize the $100 difference is large, but if I plan on getting another 10 years from this one, I want the best shave I can get.
Thank you,
Phil
Hi Phil,
The performance of the actual shavers is really close, maybe even hard to tell them apart when using the same head, with the 9599cc feeling ever so slightly faster. They do not use the same head though, with the 9350cc featuring a gentler 92b cassette, and the 9599cc a bitier 94M. But the 94M and even the latest 96M (right now only available in the UK) will fit the 9350cc.
The price difference is in my opinion related to the accessories. With the 9599cc you’re getting the massage brush and the charging PowerCase. You can read my impressions on the massage head here and on the charging case here. If you think those accessories would be useful to you, then get the 9599cc. Otherwise you can save some money and buy two extra shaving heads for the 9350cc for example.
EDIT: Just realized you’re getting the charging case with the 9350cc as well. In that case, it seems like the better buy (unless you really want the massage brush).
Hope this helps.
Sincerely,
Ovidiu
What about Wahl Vanish?
Pretty much the same pros and cons as in the case of the Andis ProFoil; excellent closeness, but lots of other issues that would make it a poor choice as your main shaver: foils wear out very quickly, only works well on short (straight) stubble, not the most comfortable, finnicky to clean (it’s not waterproof).
Sincerely,
Ovidiu
The BEST review with a test, that helps me stay sane in the Panasonic product line! ))
Hey Roman,
You’re very kind, thank you for the comment. I think Panasonic is still the best pick in this scenario, especially the 5 and 6 blade models. The only caveat would be that most users would need to shave frequently for the shaver to work optimally.
Sincerely,
Ovidiu
Thanks for your great work. If I were to buy an arc 6A in the states, can it then be upgraded to the Japanese later revision foil which you suggest is better?
Thanks, Mark
Hi Mark,
Thank you for the comment, much appreciated.
Yes, you can upgrade the foil later on to the new Japanese revision (ES9610), it will fit perfectly. I tried it on my shaver myself.
Sincerely,
Ovidiu