Electric razors are arguably the best option for shaving on the go: they’re practical, portable and easy to use.
Also, many of the so-called travel shavers are priced quite low, especially when compared to full-fledged electric shavers.
However, they also exhibit some specific limitations, so when choosing the right travel shaver you should take into account several key aspects.
In this article, we’ll take a look at what makes a good travel razor and what are their pros and cons.
As someone who enjoys traveling and shaving with electric razors, I’ve owned and used many of the popular travel-friendly models.
And some are actually really good while others are not worth the trouble.
As such, I’ll also be sharing my top picks for 2023 and hopefully help you choose the best travel shaver for your needs and budget.
Let’s get started.
Table of Contents
What to look for when buying a travel electric shaver
There are a few hallmarks of a quality travel razor.
Here’s a quick rundown of what to look for when buying one.
1. Decent shaving performance
As with any electric razor, how well a travel model shaves should be among the decisive buying factors.
And while I do think one’s expectations should be realistic — these are compact, less-advanced razors — you should still be able to get a decent shave.
The less advanced and powerful a shaver is, the more it will struggle with shaving longer, flat-lying hairs.
Therefore a travel shaver should be used more often as short stubble will be more manageable and even a single-foil razor will get the job done.
A good travel electric razor should be able to provide a reasonably close and comfortable shave.
2. Travel lock and protective foil cover
This one is pretty self-explanatory and of great importance in my opinion.
An electric razor that is suitable for on-the-go grooming must be fitted with a locking mechanism so it won’t turn on by accident in your luggage.
Also, the shaving head, particularly in the case of foil shavers, is very sensitive to mechanical shocks, so a protective cap is a must when traveling.
Many of the travel shavers I picked have ingenious ways of tackling both aspects.
For example, a protective cap that also covers the power button.
3. Replaceable batteries or USB charging
I think replaceable batteries are a decent solution when it comes to travel razors.
These batteries are inexpensive and readily available anywhere in the world.
Moreover, this eliminates the need for a dedicated charger. Not to mention that you can easily leave it at home. Or in your hotel room.
With that said, a travel shaver fitted with a micro-USB or better yet, a USB type C port would be even better as you can simply charge it using your phone charger.
4. Compact size
Portability is one of the main reasons one would buy a travel razor, so look for one that is compact in size and lightweight.
It shouldn’t take up too much space, especially if you’ll only be carrying cabin luggage.
If your razor doesn’t use regular batteries, then at least make sure the charger has an automatic worldwide voltage converter (100 – 240v) and is compact in size.
5. Integrated hair trimmer
With this one, we’re stepping into the nice-to-have features territory.
And that’s because trimmers are rather rare and difficult to implement on a travel shaver.
I consider a hair trimmer to be really useful. In fact, whenever I travel for more than 3 to 4 days, I always bring along a travel shaver that’s fitted with one.
My sideburns tend to grow really fast and a hair trimmer is perfect for some quick grooming.
6. Affordable and readily available replacement blades
Ideally, the replacement parts for a travel electric razor should be easy to source and inexpensive.
And in the past, not being able to buy them would’ve been a deal breaker for me.
However, as I’ve used various portable shavers throughout the years, I also reconsidered my stance on this.
And that’s because a travel shaver will be used sparingly while I’m traveling, so it won’t get nearly as much use as my main, regular shaver.
As such, the foil and blades will normally last for years before needing to be replaced.
And if I’m able to use a travel shaver for years for what would be a cost of $5 to $10 per year, that’s a win in my opinion.
With a few exceptions, replacement foils and blades for travel electric razors aren’t as easy to source as in the case of full-size shavers.
And in many cases, you’d be better off buying a new travel shaver.
So these would be in my opinion the main things to keep in mind when choosing an electric shaver for traveling.
However, there’s not a single one that checks all the boxes and whichever you’ll end up buying, you will be making a compromise.
So it just comes down to picking the one that makes the most sense for you and your budget.
With that out of the way, let’s take a look at some of the more compelling travel electric shavers you can buy in 2023.
What are some of the best travel electric razors?
1. Xiaomi Mijia Braun Electric Shaver 5603
This travel shaver — which is the result of a collaboration between Xiaomi and Braun — is the latest addition to my list.
And it went straight to the number one spot.
The reason for that is its surprisingly good shaving performance for a compact, double-foil electric shaver.
In my experience, this Xiaomi Braun shaver is the best affordable portable travel razor out there right now.
Side note: affordable is a key aspect — the number 2 pick on my list is on a whole different level, performance and price-wise.
This tiny Xiaomi shaver is among the most comfortable I’ve ever used.
Provided you’ll be using it more often, the shaving experience will be quite enjoyable.
I think most users will be happy with the result: closeness, comfort and the time it takes to complete the shave.
The shaving head is comprised of one foil element and a slit trimmer.
The foil cuts the hair close to the skin, while the slit cutter pre-trims longer, flat-lying hairs.
And while it is better with longer hairs than a single-foil shaver, I’d still recommend using it every two days at most.
Otherwise, the shave will just take too long.
Apart from the remarkable performance, the Xiaomi Braun Mijia travel shaver has a few tricks up its sleeve as well.
The build quality is excellent — it feels and looks premium, while the rubber-like material ensures excellent grip.
The large protective cap also covers the power switch, so it won’t turn on by accident.
It’s also a waterproof, wet/dry travel shaver.
And while most men will shave dry, being waterproof is a big pro since you can clean it quickly and thoroughly with warm tap water.
The shaver is fitted with an internal rechargeable battery.
However, it comes with a special cable you can connect to any USB-A charger or wall socket.
The included charger is among the tiniest I’ve seen, but it doesn’t really matter since you can just bring the cable with you.
So what about the negatives?
There are basically two main ones.
First, it doesn’t have a hair trimmer.
For me, this isn’t an issue if I travel for less than 4 days.
But for anything more than that, I personally prefer one with an integrated trimmer.
This aspect may or may not be an issue for someone else.
But the main shortcoming of this Xiaomi Braun travel shaver is its availability.
Precisely, you can only buy it from China (AliExpress), so the shipping time will be quite long.
It’s the same for the replacement foil and blade, you will only be able to order them from China.
However, I don’t think this is a deal-breaker and considering all the positive parts, I think the Xiaomi Braun travel shaver is one of the best out there right now.
2. Panasonic Arc 5 ES-CV70 (ES-CV51)
The ES-CV70 (ES-CV51 in Europe) is a special model in the Arc 5 range. Precisely, it is a travel 5-blade electric shaver.
What makes it special though is that Panasonic didn’t make any compromises when it comes to shaving performance.
Precisely, it features the exact same shaving head as the top-of-the-line, massive Arc 5 shavers and they fitted the same powerful 14 000 CPM (cycles per minute) motor.
However, they also managed to put everything in a very compact and lightweight body.
The result is an outstanding shaving performance, by far the best of any travel shaver on the market right now.
The closeness is among the best you can get (and not just for a travel shaver) and the comfort is great.
You can easily shave a two days beard or even more and it will mow through a coarse beard with ease.
The build quality is exceptional: the body is made out of brushed aluminum which feels expensive and premium and also looks stunning in person.
Despite the massive shaving head, it is not top-heavy and the ergonomics are very good.
The Panasonic ES-CV70 comes with a plastic protective cap and features a travel lock.
The included hard leather travel case is among the best I’ve seen.
It’s compact, looks great and offers excellent protection.
Like all modern Panasonic shavers, the ES-CV51/ES-CV70 is fully waterproof and extremely easy to clean.
The pop-up trimmer on this razor is also really good.
It’s wide enough and it cuts the hairs efficiently and close to the skin. It is by far the best and most effective trimmer I’ve seen on a travel shaver.
So far this shaver would look like the perfect travel shaver. But we do know that there’s no such thing, so let’s get to the cons.
First of all, the price. This thing is expensive. We usually associate mobile shavers with a very low purchase price.
That’s not the case here as the ES-CV70/ES-CV51 costs pretty much the same as a regular Arc 5.
In its defense, it does shave like a regular, full-size electric shaver and squeezing all the components in a tiny body is a challenge.
The Arc 5 replacement foil & blades are pricey as well. But they will last a lot since this is a travel shaver.
Also, all of them are compatible, so you will be able to easily source a set no matter where you live.
Finally, there’s the charging issue. The Panasonic ES-CV70 comes with Panasonic’s proprietary charging port.
While the battery life is excellent (45 minutes of use) and you can probably leave the charger at home if you’ll be gone for less than a week, on longer journeys you will definitely need to bring it along.
That said, there is a very practical solution to that. Precisely, a cable with USB-A on one end and a Panasonic connector at the other:
This is a must-have accessory for anyone who uses a Panasonic electric shaver and especially if you’ll be taking it with you when traveling.
It takes no space in your luggage and you can simply use your phone’s charger with it or you can plug it directly into a USB outlet.
This Panasonic is currently my go-to shaver when I travel, especially on longer holidays.
The shaving performance is top-notch and the trimmer is very practical.
If you’re someone who travels a lot, I think it’s a worthy investment.
For more details on the shaver’s performance, make sure to check out my review of the ES-CV70/ES-CV51.
3. Braun M90 Mobile Shaver
The M90 from Braun’s line of mobile shavers is in my opinion one of the best electric razors for its intended purpose.
And this little razor has quite a lot going on for it and it’s a very decent option for a travel shaver.
Integrated protective cap and travel lock.
This is one of the most unique solutions you’ll find on any electric shaver.
Braun has masterfully integrated a rotating protective cap that also doubles as a travel lock: when it covers the foil, the ON/OFF switch is physically locked and can’t be operated.
Integrated trimmer.
This is a rare find on travel razors; while it is very small and only suitable for touch-ups and light grooming, a hair trimmer is definitely a welcome addition.
Battery-powered.
The M90 is powered by regular AA batteries, making it very versatile and great to be used on the go.
The M90 is one of the more frugal travel razors, so a new pair of batteries should provide up to 90 minutes of use.
Fully waterproof.
This shaver can be safely rinsed with tap water as rubbers gaskets are used around the battery cover and other parts to keep water away from the internals.
As a result, cleaning it is a breeze.
Integrated cleaning brush.
Another innovative and simple design solution is the integrated cleaning brush that stays securely attached to the battery cover.
Solid build quality.
The M90 is well built and feels very sturdy.
I would even go as far as saying that you don’t really need a travel case for it.
The foil is also very well protected by the integrated rotating cap.
The performance is what you would expect from a small, inexpensive mobile shaver.
It is good enough for shaving daily, but don’t expect wonders.
It will get the job done but you’ll have to spend more time to complete a shave than you would with a proper electric shaver that has a more powerful motor and multiple cutting elements.
And while the M90 is not by any means large, it is not as compact as other travel shavers.
The Pansonic ES-RS10 for example is much smaller. That one isn’t however waterproof, so it didn’t make the top 6.
Finally, the M90 is not as comfortable as the Xiaomi Braun mobile shaver at number 1 nor as effective, requiring more passes to catch all the stray hairs.
It will however be good enough on short stubble (and if you don’t have very sensitive skin).
Overall, the M90 represents a strong package as far as travel razors go. The price is reasonable and you can also find replacement parts easily.
For more info, you can also check out my in-depth review of the Braun M90.
4. Panasonic ES4815P
The Panasonic ES4815P is a small, AA battery-powered travel electric shaver that does almost everything right.
Performance-wise, I would place it toward the very top, second only to the Xiaomi Braun Mijia at number 1.
The Panasonic Arc 5 ES-CV70 is of course a much more capable shaver but one that also costs almost 10 times more.
So let’s get the negatives of the ES4815P out of the way first.
It doesn’t have a hair trimmer and the replacement foil and blades are not as easy to find anymore.
That’s really it.
Other than that, the ES4815P is quite a remarkable compact razor.
It features a double-foil shaving head and compared to the single-foil shavers in this roundup, the ones on the ES4815P are very narrow.
This makes it feel more nimble and you’re able to get into all the nooks and crannies.
Moreover, it is very comfortable and smooth, better in that regard than the Braun M90.
With a motor rated at 8200 CPM (cycles per minute), it’s also quite snappy for a shaver of this type.
The closeness was in my experience perfectly adequate as well, very similar to the Xiaomi Braun shaver.
The Arc 5 is of course the best when it comes to closeness, but again, it also comes with a premium price tag.
The Panasonic ES4815P is very well built, compact and in my opinion looks really nice.
It even features a foil head release button, something you normally only get with normal-size shavers.
The foil and foil frame seem very durable and of high quality.
In that regard, the Panasonic ES4815P and the Xiaomi Braun are ahead of the rest — again with the exception of the Arc 5 ES-CV70 which comes with the standard Arc 5 foil & blades.
The travel lock on this Panasonic is cleverly implemented in the form of a tiny tab that you must press and hold in order to operate the power slider.
A plastic cover and a cleaning brush are included as well.
Since it’s a wet/dry shaver, you can use it with shaving cream and also clean it with warm tap water.
Out of all the AA-battery powered shavers on this list, the ES4815P would be my pick for its excellent comfort, decent closeness and excellent build quality.
A Braun M90 costs less and it’s also easier to find replacement parts for it, so if that matters more to you, the M90 does offer better value for money.
In fact, it’s the sole reason why I placed the M90 ahead of it.
Performance-wise the ES4815P is (objectively) better: more comfortable and shaves slightly closer.
The availability and price of the replacement parts are the main negatives of this travel razor.
But considering the high-quality foil head and that you’ll be using it only when traveling, I don’t think it’s that much of an issue.
For all the details you can read my complete review of the Panasonic ES4815P.
5. Panasonic ES3831K
This Panasonic is another solid option for an affordable electric travel razor if you can’t get the ES4815P above.
It only has a single foil, but the performance is still quite decent. I do prefer the ES4815P because it’s slightly more comfortable.
But let’s check out its main features.
Powerful 8500 CPM motor.
The Panasonic ES3831K is powered by a snappy 8500 cycles per minute motor, which is quite powerful for an AA battery-powered compact razor.
This will translate into faster and closer shaves.
In practice, it feels just as powerful as the Panasonic ES4815P above with its almost identical 8200 CPM motor.
Just don’t expect Arc 5 level of performance — that one is in a different league.
Wet & dry operation.
The Panasonic ES3831K can be used with shaving cream as well, which will improve the comfort and the closeness of the shave.
I don’t think many men would go through the trouble of carrying and using shaving cream when traveling — after all, you buy a travel shaver to avoid doing that — but it’s nice to know you have the option.
And of course, you can just rinse it clean after you finish shaving.
Regular AA batteries.
Just like the M90 and ES4815P, the ES3831K uses two AA batteries.
According to Panasonic, these will last for roughly 60 minutes of cordless shaving, the same as in the case of the ES4815P.
Reasonably priced.
The price of the ES3831K is usually similar to the ES4815P.
The replacement foil and cutter set isn’t that easy to find anymore, but still available on eBay for example.
Protective cap and travel lock.
Located at the center of the triangle-shaped ON/OFF slider is a small button that you must press and hold in order to operate it.
It’s the same system as in the case of the ES4815P.
The protective cap also covers the top part of the switch, so that’s an extra layer of security.
As for disadvantages, there’s no pop-up trimmer, which is a bit of a bummer.
Finally, in my experience, the Panasonic ES4815P above was more comfortable and also managed to provide a slightly better shave when used on a short beard.
The performance of the Panasonic ES3831K was pretty underwhelming when shaving longer, flat-lying hairs, so it’s best to use it daily.
For even more details you can check out my in-depth review of the ES3831K.
6. Xiaomi 5-blade shaver (MSW501)
Finally, there’s the 5-blade foil shaver from Xiaomi that I reviewed a while back.
Even though it isn’t a travel shaver per se, it has some key characteristics that would make it ideal as one.
It’s compact and sturdy
This is a full-fledged, 5-blade foil shaver. However, it is very compact and lightweight.
Even the shaving head is smaller than the one on the Panasonic Arc 5.
It comes with a protective cap and there’s a travel lock function as well.
It has a USB Type-C charging port
This is in my opinion the right direction and all other brands should join.
You don’t need a separate cable or charger when traveling with this Xiaomi razor.
And on top of that, the battery life is fantastic with over 90 minutes of use on a single charge.
The shaving performance is very good
While the closeness isn’t quite on the same level compared to the Arc 5 ES-CV70, it’s still better than what you’d get from an AA battery-powered compact travel shaver.
It’s very comfortable and you can use it wet or dry. Cleaning it is also a breeze since it’s fully waterproof.
It’s reasonably priced
Granted, it costs more than a compact mobile shaver, but the price is still way below the Arc 5 for example.
There’s no travel case in the package, but with the protective cap, travel lock and the solid build I think it’ll be just fine among your clothes.
So what about the downsides?
Well, it doesn’t have a hair trimmer. This is by far the most important one, at least for me.
Secondly, it’s usually only available in China, so you’ll have to buy it from Aliexpress or Banggood.
Other than that, I think it would be a great travel companion.
Should you use a travel electric razor?
Well, it depends.
Some men can even get away with using a travel razor as their main, daily shaver, while others can’t even stand using one for a few days when traveling.
Travel razors can feel underpowered and usually have a less capable shaving system, so completing a shave takes more time.
If you want a close, comfortable and fast shave or you have coarse facial hair then just opt for a more capable, regular electric razor.
The same goes for men who don’t want to shave often as travel razors don’t fare well with long hair.
If the budget is not an issue, the Panasonic Arc 5 ES-CV70 or even the Xiaomi 5-blade razor will definitely provide a satisfactory shave.
Using your main shaver when traveling
The Panasonic ES-CV70 is currently my travel razor of choice and for my needs, it is clearly the best.
I also enjoy taking the Xiaomi Braun double-foil shaver on short trips like city breaks.
But before that, I would often take my main shaver with me when traveling.
I would rather give up a bit of space in my luggage for a proper electric razor and enjoy a decent shave.
When I am away for shorter periods I also leave the charger at home as a fully charged razor should easily last for a few days of shaving (I only recommend doing so on short voyages).
Taking your main shaver when traveling does pose a risk though.
It can get damaged if not properly carried in a hard case or you can even forget it in your hotel room.
And some shavers are really expensive, so it’s definitely something to consider.
Having a second, inexpensive portable shaver would probably be a safer option.
Key takeaway
The strongest argument for compact travel razors is their practicality and minimal financial impact should they get lost or damaged.
In the end, the right travel shaver can either be just your regular shaver or a dedicated mobile one.
The decision is entirely personal. You might as well use both depending on the circumstances.
Something like the Panasonic ES4815P works great if you want to travel light for just a few days.
But if a few cubic centimeters in your luggage are not a big deal or you’ll be gone for a longer period, then you can bring along a proper shaver and really treat yourself.
Finally, make sure not to overlook the must-have features of a travel razor if you decide to get one — those can really make a difference.
Over to you now: how do you deal with shaving when traveling? If you have any other questions make sure to leave a comment below.
I disagree that the batteries should be replaceable – unless of course they’re triple A. Then you can just “borrow” them from the hotel TV remote controller !
Seriously, it’s a major pain when you’re half way through your shave and the batteries crap out. Then it’s not only a question of where do I go to get some new ones but more importantly do I even have TIME to do this. Even if the hotel has some to sell me I hate being ripped off by the price they charge.
A better solution is to have a shaver that recharges from something you ALREADY CARRY – a USB cable ! Unfortunately the Chinese ones I’ve found so far are terrible. The heads are very narrow and the shave quality quite poor. I wish Braun would make one.
Hi Randy,
That’s actually a very valid point. I prefer replaceable batteries so I won’t have to carry a dedicated charging brick. A decent travel shaver fitted with a micro-usb or even better, a USB type C connector would be amazing. I think you’re on to something here.
Sincerely,
Ovidiu
A Braun user on Amazon said batteries last a month. If that’s true, if you put fresh batteries in before your trip, I wouldn’t worry about them dying unless it was a VERY long trip. In which case, you’d have plenty of time to buy more or just take a couple more with you from home. Alternatively, there are many small AA USB battery chargers. But, has anyone actually tried rechargeable NiMH or Lithium batteries in any of these shavers? I ask because some electronics are optimized or alkaline batteries and don’t work well with rechargeables. For example, does the motor run as well with rechargeables vs alkaline?
Hi Bertran,
Thank you for your comment. I’ve only used the Panasonic ES3831K and the M90 with rechargeable AA batteries and they worked without any issues. I haven’t tried the Norelco yet, but I’m pretty sure it’ll work just fine as well.
Sincerely,
Ovidiu
Due to recent air travel regulation for checked luggage, you have to take removable batteries out of electronic devices and bring them on carry-on luggage. So, built-in rechargable batteries became a must for frequent travellers. E.g. my wireless mouse has built-in batteries and makes my life easier. I am now looking for a portable shaver with built-in trimmer, built-in battery, and… 5v USB port. In other words, I don’t want to carry a dedicated charger, but use my regular phone charger to keep my shaver alive for weeks outside home. This just doesn’t exist in US market, and manufacturers are not looking into this.
Hi Claudio,
Thank you for your comment. I agree, I’ve been wanting to see USB electric shavers for a long time. So far, out of the big brands, only Panasonic offers a micro-USB adapter, but from what I understand it’s not available for purchasing. It’s only offered as a gift in select countries. The other option that I know of is Xiaomi, they have several shaver models, both rotary and foil and all of them can be charged via USB. Can’t say anything about their shaving performance as I haven’t got the chance to use them yet.
Sincerely,
Ovidiu
I’m shocked. I expected to chose between shavers that charge from USB. Bummer.
Looks like we’ll have to wait. Except for a few models (mostly Chinese brands), the big players don’t seem too eager to jump on the USB bandwagon and will continue using proprietary chargers.
Any experience with or heard anything about the Panasonic Twin-X Compact 2-blade Shaver ES4815P? You can find it on Amazon – 2 blades, AA batteries and wet/dry sound good. My problem with the other two reasonably priced Panasonics (ES-RS10 and ES3831K) is they’re only single blades. And in my experience (with facial hair which seems like it’s just like yours) is that 2-blade foil shavers have the potential to do better with thicker moustache-area hair and flat neck hairs. Therefore, I’m curious of this Panasonic Twin-X can do better?
Hi Nicolas,
I haven’t got the chance to try it yet, but I think I can sort of speculate on its performance compared to the other single blade Panasonic shavers. Since it has two shaving elements, the performance will be slightly better and you’ll probably be able to finish your shave faster and with fewer strokes. However, I wouldn’t expect anything significantly better; for example, it isn’t more powerful than the other two and it only has an extra (identical) foil, so the performance when shaving flat hairs for example will be pretty much the same. There’s no slit foil to capture and cut them more efficiently.
I will probably order it and do a proper review in the future as well. But for now, that’s unfortunately all that I can say about the Twin-X.
–Ovidiu
I have tried to find the Panasonic ES-CV51 Arc 5 online. It doesn’t seem to exist. Not even at Panasonic.com. I did find a lot of razors with an LS code.
I think I bought mine from amazon.de, it’s quite easy to get this model in Europe. On Panasonic.com it is not listed as the ES-CV51 (ES-CV70) wasn’t officially released in the USA. You can however get it on amazon.com.
Sincerely,
Ovidiu
I just found a Panasonic plug-to-USB adapter on Amazon. It was the only one I could find, but I would love to not have to bring another charger along with me when I travel. I imagine it will charge slower, but I’m going to give it a go.
I have a Panasonic ES-LV65, and found this USB plug here: https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00J5YUZ98/ref=ox_sc_act_title_1?smid=A27SVFUT1EWV2K&psc=1
Thank you for the heads-up, Brandon. It’s definitely better to bring along a cable instead of a charger, that’s for sure. I still hope that the major manufacturers will start implementing USB type-C ports on all their shavers, not just on the travel models.
Sincerely,
Ovidiu
Thanks for the informative review. It seems there are a lot of people like me who are waiting for a decent shaver with USB-C. That way one charger can be used for my laptop and phone and shaver when travelling.
In my experience Xiaomi makes good quality devices. I’d like to see your review of their shavers.
Thank you for your comment, Greg. That was my experience as well with Xiaomi products, although I’ve never used any of their personal care products yet. But I will be getting some Xiaomi shavers and review them soon, they seem intriguing to say the least.
Sincerely,
Ovidiu
Yes Xiaomi make something good but don’t touch there shaver they are cheap and good looking, very bad performance and all break within a month I have try 3 model none are good.
What the Panasonic ES4815? It has two blades and seems like it would be far superior to the Bruan or other Panasonic travel shavers. Any thoughts on this?
https://shop.panasonic.com/support-only/ES4815S.html
https://www.amazon.com/Panasonic-Compact-2-blade-ES4815P-S-Alkaline/dp/B001MBV4WY/ref=sr_1_1?keywords=ES4815&qid=1577542724&s=books&sr=8-1
Hi Marc,
I actually have that exact model, but it’s still in the box. I haven’t got the chance to try it, much less to review it. But I did buy it for the same reason — it looked promising. I will be posting a detailed review once I test it.
Sincerely,
Ovidiu
I have just ordered the dual razor Panasonic and the catch seems to be that the two blades together are smaller than the one blade of. The cheaper Panasonic. They are two micro blades and the unit seems to spin slower than the one blade version. Not sure it is improved. Will two smaller blades clog more then one bigger one?
Will try both and see.
The two shaving elements on the ES4815P are definitely smaller and narrower — can’t say right now how it will impact the performance.
I tried both Panasonic Travel shavers and I can say that for me, the winner is clear. The Panasonic ES4815 with the dual smaller blades is superior by far. The smaller dual razors have much better flex on the contours of my face, shaves a bit closer and there is NO irritation! No matter how many times I go over the same spots, the ES4815 does not cause irritation. It has same comfort level as my Braun 9295 (not as close as the Braun, but just as irritation-free to use).
On the other hand, the Panasonic ES3831K single-blade razor was brutal on my face, causing redness and bloody spots. It does feel like a miniature orbital sander, more rigid, less flex and lots of irritation.
I only wish the duel razor Panasonic ES4815 had a trimmer, but otherwise, it is a far better shave for than the other offering from Panasonic.
I would add that both of the Panasonic travel razors had trouble cutting longer flat hairs in the neck area. But the dual head ES4815 razor was closer overall of the two.
Update: I have decided that for anyone with thick fast growing beards that include longer flat hairs, travel razors without a pop up trimmer are not for you. If I use the Panasonic travel razor ES4815 after two days of not shaving its fine. If I wait 4 or more days, it is a mess. If all travel razors had a pop up trimmer for sideburns, etc, then you could use that trimmer on the longer hairs that the razor heads miss.
Thank you for the update, Marc. I agree that it’s really useful, unfortunately not many compact shavers have one. It’s yet another reason why I like the Panasonic ES-CV51 the most. The price is quite high, even though I think it’s worth spending that much on it.
Sincerely,
Ovidiu
I recently bought the Xiaomi Mijia Shaver
https://www.aliexpress.com/item/4000061592559.html
and for less than $16 this is a good shaver. It’s not as close a shave as my Panasonic ES-GA20 but it’s definitely good enough. Most importantly for me it has a USB-C rechargeable battery so I don’t need to pack a separate charger, I just use my phone/laptop charger. It is slower, so what is usually a 2 minute shave with the Panasonic takes about 4 minutes with the Xiaomi. Overall I’m happy with the Xiaomi.
Thank you for the comment, Greg. I am yet to try Xiaomi shavers, they seem indeed very decent for the price and as you said, the USB-C connector is something I would sldo like to see on all electric shavers. I have a few reviews coming already, but I will definitely try some from Xiaomi, hopefully sooner than later.
Sincerely,
Ovidiu
I think you may want to give the Braun 190s-1 a try as a travel shaver. I managed to get one by chance for USD$28 while planning on giving the m90 a try, and it’s quite decent.
Slightly larger than the m90, but a lot lighter than a series 3. Also slightly lighter than my old faithful Panasonic es-st23.
In comparison to the st23, it’s about as wide at the top, slightly wider at the bottom, slightly shorter, and slimmer. The charging block is similarly sized but a lot lighter (and doesn’t need a charging cradle).
I usually go on 1 week long business trips with a single carry on luggage bag so both space and weight are a premium to me, and it doesn’t seem to take up much more space than a m90/60/30
Shave wise, i can get about as clean a shave as the st23 as long as I remember to really stretch my skin and shave against the grain. Shaves terribly especially around the neck if you don’t. Takes longer, and requires more passes, but I do have more time to shave when traveling so its fine.
The banana phone shape is great for grip and definitely necessary as it vibrates like it wants to give you a hand massage. The trimmer is also great.
Other than these, the cap fits better than on most shavers and it covers the power button so you can’t accidently start it in the bag. Also it’s 100% necessary as the foil seems very thin and friendly.
Oh, it’s also not very good for anything more than a day and a half of growth if you have quick growing coarse hair. My workaround was to gently glide it over as a “pre-shave trim” before shaving with the mentioned trick. Q
*the foil seems flimsy. Not friendly. LOL
Thank you for the detailed review, Noel. Those are some great insights. I did use a Series 1 back in the day and I recall that it shaved decently for a cheap single foil razor, but pretty similar overall to the M90. The trimmer is definitely better compared to the really small one on the M90. I will be updating this post soon and add a couple more shavers to the list.
Sincerely,
Ovidiu
The M90 Braun shaver is the best I have used. Close enough shave. Just buy batteries ahead of time.
Thank you for your comment. It’s definitely one of the better cheap shavers out there.
Sincerely,
Ovidiu
Thanks for the advice and reviews. Over the years I have been back and forth between travel electrics and cheap Gillette disposable blades. I prefer a blade shave and when I get the nerve Id like to learn straight-edge shaving. Of the travels, I have a Remington Microscreen II twin foil, and a Braun 350 single foil. The updates to those now-old shavers are the Remington TF70 and Braun M60 (or M90 and i cant see any difference between M60 and M90). My old ones still work fine and use AA batteries. BUT….I got these 20 years ago and never could decide which is better. The Braun shaver quality is better overall but it doesnt cut as well as the twin-foil Remington. I have really tried patiently to carefully shave to determine shave quality and have to say that a twin-foil is better at mowing down the roughest hair but the single-foil Braun is better at giving a closer shave if the hair is finer. Result? I carry both when traveling which seems crazy. I do the rough work with the twin-foil and finish with the single-foil. I really dislike doing this but havent found a better solution in ONE shaver. I have tried several rotary blade shavers and they torture my face, basically PULLING the hair out. About batteries and airports, in my experience the airports allow batteries that are installed in their devices, loose batteries have to be separately scanned and there is a MAH limit to what a passenger can have. Last, I agree very much that after a few days of a travel razor you dont want to continue. Because of logistics and Covid now, disposable shavers are extremely expensive so Im going to try to be on the travels full time for now. By the way, nobody has mentioned it but my good shaves came from first using the hard talc shaving stick. Its called Face Saver. You can find online. Its like a small deodorant stick. An alternative is brushing your face with body powder or talc powder before shaving. Lotions and bare skin ensure a painful shave. Because im going to be on the travel shavers for now, I wanted to see if there has been any improvements over the years. They seem the same as my old ones so maybe I wont buy anything yet.
Many thanks for taking the time to share this, Charles. In my opinion there hasn’t been any real progress made with the current travel shavers, so I doubt you’ll find any of them significantly better than your Braun and Remington. I guess there’s really not much that can be achieved when the final product has to be cheap and compact. The Panasonic Arc 5 ES-CV51 for example is in a different league, but the price is really high as well.
I am aware of the Face Saver stick and I’ve even used it in the past with good results. However, I switched to alcohol-based pre-shave lotions as those aren’t as messy (it’s a weird personal thing, I just don’t like talcum smeared on my face). Also, that powder is mineral-based, so it can lead to premature wear/dulling of the blades.
Sincerely,
Ovidiu
I want to add to recommend that people not buy any shaver with a fixed internal battery. Whether its a phone, shaver, haircut shaver, anything, these USB devices are garbage and replacing batteries are either expensive or non-existent. I bought a China wet-dry-cordless full size shaver and by the 10th re-charge, the battery was dead and wouldnt re-charge. The case has no screws or method of opening the device so I had to throw it away. I insist on user-replaceable batteries no matter what the type. The quality of fixed, internal batteries is terrible.
Sorry about your experience, Charles. I will however say that the internal (not user-replaceable) batteries of electric shavers made by reputable companies will normally last for years of constant use. I’ve been shaving exclusively with cordless shavers for the past 20 years and I own dozens (weird hobby, I know) and I can tell from personal experience that it’s not really a concern. Granted, any rechargeable battery has a finite number of charging cycles, but even so, under normal circumstances, you should expect a few good years of use. It’s obvious that the quality of that particular Chinese shaver was terrible.
Sincerely,
Ovidiu
I don’t have a thick beard and dry shave every day. I have the Panasonic ES-RS10, and find it really effective. It is very gentle on the face, and doesn’t suffer for only having one set of blades. It was £30 on Amazon, and comes straight from Japan, where it’s made. It’s tiny, elegant and uses 2AA batteries which last for ages. I use Panasonic eneloop rechargeable batteries, so the batteries will never fail. You don’t have to wait for it to charge as you just change the batteries. It’s a travel shaver, but it’s my everyday shaver. I love it!
That’s awesome, David. This is an ideal situation where the shaver works perfectly fine for your needs and your costs of using it daily are almost zero.
Sincerely,
Ovidiu
Is there no full fledged AA battery shaver? The Arc 5 seems solid, but it has a rechargeable internal.
Agree with Charles on this trend of internal battery, but looks like corded shavers are more viable.
Not that I know of I’m afraid. A full-fledged shaver, with a quality shaving head and punchy motor requires a lot of power and I don’t think a pair of AA batteries would be able to supply it. If you want a corded&cordless or maybe even a corded-only shaver, check out this post.
Sincerely,
Ovidiu
As a beardy, frankly I’ve never felt the need for a close shave. More important is that my beard is neat, and above all that my moustache doesn’t get so long it interferes with eating. In both respects, the trimmer is not an option, but the core utility. Effectively, there are at least two distinct use cases as far as travel shavers go.
A further point I’d like to make, however, is that batteries should not be of a type impacted by memory effects. For those that are, it doesn’t take many complete discharge cycles (in pressing need?) to trash an otherwise workable shaver.
Hi Douglas,
Thank you for the comment. If you need to trim and maintain your beard, I wouldn’t really use the pop-up trimmer of an electric shaver, let alone a travel shaver. In this case I think I would either buy a compact beard trimmer or a shaver with a trimmer attachment like the Braun Series 3 3010BT.
Current batteries are no longer affected by memory effect, so you can safely charge the battery whenever you want.
Sincerely,
Ovidiu
Is the m90 a better shaver than the m60. I bought the m60 and was impressed by everything, but…it’s shaving performance, which was dreadful. Back it went to Amazon. I now have the Norelco travel shaver which is only so-so
Hi,
No, the performance is the same I’m afraid. I think only getting a proper full-size shaver will bring a noticeable improvement if you found the M60 unusable.
Sincerely,
Ovidiu
I hope you could also make a review on xiaomi mijia braun 5603
Hi Rob,
I’d really want to, unfortunately I can only get it from aliexpress or gearbest, so it will take a long time until it arrives. It does look very intriguing — like a Braun Series 3, but with only two elements, a foil cutter and a trimmer with wider slots.
Sincerely,
Ovidiu
I use the Panasonic ES4815P, which I think is the best thanks to its wet-shave capability, regular batteries, dual cutters and budget price. I often travel to tropical places like beach resorts, where a dry shave amid humid and sweaty conditions can feel unpleasant and give rough results.
Shaving gel isn’t an issue, as I use Molton Brown Sport or other all-in-one shower gel that also works well as a shaving gel. For facial hair and trimming, I take a Schick Groomer that runs on a single penlight battery.
As for the battery debate, definitely regular batteries. My wife and I take about 4 or 5 rechargeable devices like phones that are a hassle to keep charged in hotel rooms. For my shaver, I simply pop in two fresh batteries before the start of the trip, and they last the entire trip. No fuss.
Hi Geoff,
Many thanks for taking the time to share this.
I actually got it as well after publishing the article (which I will also be updating). I liked how close and comfortable it shaves, but I can only get a decent result if I shave daily. I have lots of flat neck hairs and it’s a real challenge to get those with this shaver. The replacement foil and blades are kinda pricey though.
Sincerely,
Ovidiu
I have the Braun M90, Panasonic 3831 and Remington TF70, but none can match my JTrim JPT-TFS100 for closeness and comfort of shave, and it has a very useable slide-up trimmer. I would like to buy another one, but it seems it’s not sold anymore. I keep hoping one will show up on EBay or Amazon, or even replacement screen and blades. Meanwhile I’ll baby this one for as long as I can. I agree with you that the Braun M90 would be my 2nd choice.
Unlike some other comments, I prefer AA battery shavers — replacement batteries are easy to get, and you get lots of warning that the batteries are getting spent.
Hey Don,
Thanks so much for the comment. That shaver sounds really intriguing and I would absolutely want to try it. Apparently there’s in stock at Amazon (non-affiliate link), unfortunately the vendor won’t ship to my location in Europe. I’ll keep searching on eBay, maybe I’ll get lucky.
Sincerely,
Ovidiu
For the last 10 months I’ve used this shaver
https://www.aliexpress.com/item/4000061592559.html
Pros
Very cheap
Light
USB-C. I travel ultra-light and one small charger and one cable is all I need for my phone and laptop and shaver.
Cons
Not as close as some other shavers but it’s close enough for me.
Even cheaper here
https://www.aliexpress.com/item/33031318186.html
Thank you for the info and feedback, Greg. Haven’t tried that one yet. I don’t know if you’ve used the foil Xiaomi/Braun model, that one just might give you a closer shave. It costs a lot more though than the rotary.
Sincerely,
Ovidiu