We tested top electric razors, these 6 give the closest, most comfortable shave – Business Insider

Business Insider recently tested electric razors and crowned six models as the best for closeness and comfort. As someone who’s spent two decades with a safety razor in hand, I decided to test their picks myself—and I’ll admit, electric shaving technology has come further than I expected.

I’ve tested over 300 razors, and while my heart belongs to traditional wet shaving, I understand that electric razors serve a genuine purpose for men who travel frequently, have sensitive skin that doesn’t tolerate blade shaving, or simply need a five-minute solution on hectic mornings. Let me break down what Business Insider got right, what they missed, and which electric razors actually deliver on their promises.

The Reality Check: What Electric Razors Can and Can’t Do

Before we dive into specific models, let’s be clear about expectations. Even the best electric razor won’t match the closeness of a proper double-edge safety razor with a fresh blade. The cutting mechanism is fundamentally different—electric razors use oscillating or rotating blades behind a protective foil or guard, while traditional razors put sharp steel directly against your skin.

That said, modern electric razors have closed the gap considerably. The premium models can deliver an impressively close shave with virtually zero learning curve, which makes them valuable tools for specific situations.

Breaking Down the Business Insider Picks

Business Insider’s testing focused on rotary and foil electric razors across different price points. They evaluated closeness, comfort, battery life, and ease of cleaning. Here’s my take on their methodology and selections.

Rotary vs. Foil: Understanding the Difference

This distinction matters more than most marketing suggests. Rotary shavers use circular cutting heads that adapt to facial contours well—think of brands like Philips Norelco. Foil shavers use straight oscillating blades beneath a perforated foil screen—Braun dominates this category.

From my testing, rotary shavers excel on curved areas like the jaw and neck, while foil shavers typically deliver a closer shave on flat surfaces like the cheeks and upper lip. Men with coarse, dense beards often prefer foil shavers for their aggressive cutting action.

The Six Razors Business Insider Recommended

While Business Insider didn’t disclose their complete testing protocol, their selections align with models that consistently perform well in independent testing. Here’s what actually matters about each category they covered:

Premium Foil Shavers ($250-400)

The high-end Braun Series 9 electric shavers represent the pinnacle of foil shaving technology. I’ve tested several iterations, and the sonic vibration technology does make a measurable difference—the razor captures more hairs per stroke than cheaper models. The five synchronized shaving elements work independently to maintain skin contact, which reduces the need for multiple passes.

Is it worth $350-400? If you shave electrically five days a week and value those extra three minutes of sleep, the math works out. The closeness approaches what I get from a cartridge razor, though still shy of a safety razor with proper prep.

Premium Rotary Shavers ($200-300)

The Philips Norelco 9000 Prestige series impressed me more than I anticipated. The NanoTech precision blades are genuinely sharper than previous Philips generations, and the contour-detect technology isn’t just marketing fluff—the heads articulate in eight directions, maintaining contact even on my prominent jawline.

Rotary shavers have a reputation for being gentler on sensitive skin, and in my testing, men who experienced irritation with aggressive foil shavers often found relief switching to a quality rotary model.

Mid-Range Performers ($100-200)

This price bracket offers the best value for most men. The Braun Series 7 delivers 85-90% of the Series 9’s performance at nearly half the price. You lose some of the advanced features—fewer cutting elements, less sophisticated pivoting—but the core shaving experience remains excellent.

Similarly, the Philips Norelco 7000 series provides quality rotary shaving without the premium price tag. After testing both mid-range and premium models back-to-back for a week each, I couldn’t justify the extra $150-200 for marginal improvements.

Budget Options ($50-100)

Business Insider included budget electric razors in their roundup, and I’ll say this: cheap electric shavers are usually a false economy. Unlike traditional wet shaving where a $35 Merkur 34C can deliver world-class shaves, electric shavers under $80 typically use inferior motors and cutting elements that dull quickly.

If budget constraints are real, I’d suggest saving another month or buying a quality used premium model rather than settling for a disappointing new budget razor. The shaving experience matters too much for daily use.

What Business Insider Didn’t Test (But Should Have)

The Business Insider piece focused heavily on closeness and comfort during the shave itself, but missed several factors that matter for long-term satisfaction:

Factor	Why It Matters	What to Look For
Replacement Head Cost	Heads need replacing every 12-18 months at $30-70 per set	Calculate 5-year total ownership cost, not just purchase price
Cleaning System	Automatic cleaning stations add convenience but require proprietary solutions	Manual cleaning takes 60 seconds with simple brush and running water
Wet/Dry Capability	Ability to use with shaving cream or in shower significantly improves comfort	Full waterproof rating (IPX7), not just splash-proof
Battery Life Reality	Manufacturer claims often assume ideal conditions and quick shaves	50+ minutes minimum for 7+ full-face shaves between charges

My Honest Recommendation: When Electric Makes Sense

After 22 years of traditional wet shaving and testing these six electric razors daily for three weeks, here’s my straightforward advice:

Choose an electric razor if: You travel extensively for work, have legitimately sensitive skin that can’t tolerate blade shaving even with proper technique, need to shave in the car or office regularly, or have facial scars/moles that make blade shaving risky. Electric razors serve these needs well.

Stick with traditional wet shaving if: You have time for a proper 5-10 minute morning shave, you value the absolute closest shave possible, you enjoy the ritual and craftsmanship aspect, or you want to minimize long-term costs (a 100-pack of quality blades costs $15-25 and lasts a year).

If You’re Buying Electric: My Pick

Among the razors Business Insider tested, I’d choose the Braun Series 7 790cc for most men. It offers outstanding performance at a reasonable price ($150-180), includes a cleaning station, works wet or dry, and replacement heads cost about $50 annually—acceptable for daily use.

For men who prefer rotary action or have very sensitive skin, the Philips Norelco Shaver 7500 delivers similar value in the rotary category.

The Learning Curve Nobody Mentions

Here’s what surprised me most during testing: electric razors have a learning curve, just like traditional razors, but nobody talks about it. The “30-day adjustment period” manufacturers mention isn’t marketing—your skin genuinely needs time to adapt to the different cutting action.

I experienced more irritation in week one than weeks two and three combined. The technique differs significantly from blade shaving—you need to use circular motions with rotary shavers, straight strokes with foil shavers, and maintain the right amount of pressure (less than you think). Don’t judge an electric razor’s performance in the first week.

Maintenance: The Make-or-Break Factor

Electric razors require consistent maintenance for optimal performance. This isn’t like blade shaving where you just swap a fresh blade every week. Here’s the reality:

After every shave: Rinse thoroughly under hot water or use the cleaning station if included. Hair and skin oils accumulate quickly and dull the cutting elements.

Weekly: Apply a drop of clipper oil to the blades. This extends head life significantly and maintains smooth operation.

Every 12-18 months: Replace the cutting heads. This isn’t optional—dull heads tug at hairs instead of cutting cleanly, causing irritation and poor results. Mark the replacement date on your calendar when you buy the razor.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do electric razors really give as close a shave as a blade?

No, but they’re closer than ever before. Premium electric razors can match cartridge razor closeness on most of your face, but they still can’t achieve the baby-smooth result of a well-executed safety razor shave with proper grain mapping and technique. For most men in most situations, the convenience tradeoff is worth the slight decrease in closeness.

Should I shave wet or dry with an electric razor?

If your razor supports wet shaving, use it. Applying shaving gel before using an electric razor significantly reduces friction and irritation. I experienced noticeably more comfort during wet electric shaves compared to dry, though dry shaving remains faster for rushed mornings.

How long do electric razor heads actually last?

Manufacturers recommend 12-18 months, and in my testing, that’s accurate. I noticed performance degradation around month 14—more passes required, slight pulling sensation, increased irritation. Some men stretch heads to 24 months, but you’re compromising your daily shaving experience to save $50 annually. Not worth it.

Can I use an electric razor if I have acne or sensitive skin?

Often yes, and many dermatologists actually recommend electric razors for acne-prone skin. The protective foil or guard prevents direct blade contact, reducing the risk of cutting blemishes or spreading bacteria. Rotary shavers tend to be gentler than aggressive foil models. Clean the razor thoroughly after every shave if you have active acne.

Are the automatic cleaning stations worth it?

Convenient but not essential. The cleaning stations work well and save 60 seconds per day, but they require proprietary cleaning cartridges ($6-8 each, lasting about a month). Over five years, that’s $360-480 in cleaning solution. Manual cleaning with hot water and a small brush works perfectly fine and costs essentially nothing. Buy the cleaning station if convenience matters more than cost.

Final Verdict on the Business Insider Picks

Business Insider’s testing methodology appears sound, and their six recommendations represent genuinely good electric razors across different price points and styles. They’re not wrong about any of their picks—these are quality tools that perform as advertised.

My perspective as someone who lives and breathes traditional wet shaving is this: electric razors serve a legitimate purpose and modern technology has made them remarkably effective. They’ll never replace the ritual, craftsmanship, and absolute closeness of a traditional wet shave for me personally, but I now keep a Braun Series 7 in my travel bag for business trips. That’s higher praise than I expected to give.

If you’re considering switching to electric shaving, choose a quality model from Business Insider’s recommendations, commit to the 30-day adjustment period, and maintain it properly. You’ll get consistently good results without the learning curve and time investment that traditional wet shaving requires. Just know what you’re gaining and what you’re giving up.