Even the best wet electric shavers are badly underestimated and underused by the general shaving public. But anyone who does rely on them knows that they deliver a nearly-smooth shave, minus any irritation. That’s because they buzz you as close to the skin as possible, without breaking the surface (and thus without inviting ingrown hairs, razor bumps, and razor burn). This is highly favored by guys with sensitive skin who want to do a clean shave frequently, but would rather not pick up a razor and suffer the consequences that might arise from a too-hasty blade shave.
Many of the best wet electric razors can be used for wet or dry shaving—that is, in the shower with shaving cream or oil and then rinsed clean. Others are lightweight and have a long battery life, making them ideal for on-the-go shaves during a weekend away or post-gym refreshment. They have antimicrobial foil heads or a cleaning station that helps flush out debris and preserve the device’s quality. Even electric shavers for long beards and bald heads are available.
But the main thing they do is quickly clean up your face. The best electric shaver will get the hair so close to the skin that you only have a noon-o’clock shadow, if any at all, to the naked eye. It’s far superior to the stubble produced by a guard-free beard trimmer, and the same can be said for bald-headed men who prefer an electric shaver to buzz-inclined hair clippers.
10 of the best wet electronic shavers
1.Philips Norelco 6800 Rechargeable Cordless Wet/Dry Electric Shaver
A rotary-style razor is likely to be the best all-around option in terms of ease of use and efficiency. “I swear by Philips Norelco triple-head models,” Beightol says. “They shave as close as a safety razor but without the scraped-skin feeling.” While the experts all agreed that a foil razor will provide a slightly closer shave than a rotary-style razor, they all pointed out that foil razors work best on short facial hair. “A foil razor is most effective when used on a regular basis, daily to every three days,” Beightol says, whereas a rotary “gets a very close shave and can be used when you have up to seven to ten days of growth.” One of the main reasons we believe this is the best overall is its versatility, as is the fact that it can be used on wet as well as dry hair. “When your hair is wet, it softens, allowing the blade to move much more freely, preventing any irritation,” explains barber Craig Whitely, explaining why many men prefer the “wet shaving” methods we mentioned earlier.
When former Strategist deputy editor Jason Chen tested a variety of electric razors on his own face, he chose an older version of this Norelco rotary. “I love this shaver: it’s lightweight, feels good in the hand, and catches hairs on the first pass with hardly any effort,” Chen wrote, adding that it provided the “smoothest, most effortless shave” of any electric razor he tried. Beightol adds that because rotary-style razors have a larger “surface area,” it takes less time to shave your entire face. While Beightol prefers the less expensive version of this razor (shown below), he believes this one is worthwhile if you have the money. “The flexible head ones are more expensive,” he observes, but they “allow you to shave around the chin and around the neck more easily,” allowing for a faster and more comfortable shave.
2.Braun Series 3 ProSkin 3040s
Let’s take a look at a Braun wet/dry shaver that is reasonably priced.
The new Series 3 ProSkin offers some very appealing models, with the 3040s being the most appealing of the bunch. It’s a wet/dry shaver that’s often available for a reasonable price, is very comfortable, and shaves close enough.
The 3040s has to be one of the most affordable wet dry electric razors available today. And, with replacement heads that are both inexpensive and widely available, the Braun Series 3 3040s is a very appealing budget-friendly option.
This razor is also IPX7 certified, so waterproofing is covered. The 3040s is ideal for wet shaving and produces the best results when used on a daily basis. It is, however, more capable than an Arc 3 of dealing with longer, flat hairs. However, don’t expect Series 7-level performance; this is still a basic foil shaver.
It’s also extremely comfortable and ideal for men with sensitive skin. The generous rubber inserts provide a secure grip, and the razor’s light weight makes it extremely easy to use.
3.Remington R4 Style
The Remington R4 Style’s vibe is so strong that its box could be labelled “My first shaver.” What’s more, do you know what? That’s not to say there’s anything wrong with a perfectly competent electric shaver that’s best suited to those looking for a serviceable model that won’t break the bank. Especially if you don’t expose it to any growth that has been cultivating for more than a couple of days. While the R4 Style is strong enough to handle, its smooth, plasticky design is its biggest flaw. Both in terms of its grip and its inability to shave while wet.
4.Philips Norelco Shaver 4500
This Norelco model comes from a long line of very well received wet/dry shavers. The Norelco 4500 is a cordless rechargeable razor that gives you a comfortable shave but without the bells and whistles of many other models.
The rotary shaving heads on this unit feature DualPrecision which is equally adept at trimming long and short hairs. The heads have slots and holes which quickly snip off hair.
The pivot, flex, and float system of the shaver allows it to easily follow the contours of the face. With this design, the shaving heads stay in close contact with the skin while remaining gentle. This feature also makes this unit ideal for shaving the head while causing the least amount of irritation. If you have to shave your head every day, you’ll want something that can grab short growth in one sweep rather than having to make multiple passes back and forth. And the Philips Norelco 4500 is a good fit.
There is an LED indicator that lights up in charging mode. This tells you where the battery stands and how long until it charges up and is ready to go.
The Norelco comes with Aquatec technology, meaning it’s 100% waterproof and safe to use in the sink or the shower without any worries.
With so much to offer, your only concern may be that this unit only includes a built-in lithium battery and no charging stand. Instead, there is a charging cord that only needs to be plugged in.
5.Wahl Lifeproof Shaver
Are you clumsy in the morning? Would you like to shave in the shower? Wahl has the perfect shaver for you. Its Lifeproof shaver is billed as “practically indestructible,” and with its toughened, shock-proof body, we believe it. It’s also completely waterproof up to 1 metre and can be used wet or dry. The shave isn’t as close as the best foil shavers, but it’s more than adequate for work or a date, and the Wahl does an excellent job of mopping up errant hairs and stubble lurking beneath the jawline.
Furthermore, the lithium-ion batteries provide a staggering 90 minutes of use from a 60-minute charge, and you can get five minutes of use from a five-minute charge if you don’t have time to wait. It’s a simple shaver with no frills or gimmicks, but it gets the job done and is built to last.
6.Panasonic Arc5 Wet/Dry Electric Shaver & Trimmer
Panasonic’s Arc5 has a motor that can deliver 14,000 cuts per minute—who knew you had that much hair? Its technology also allows it to adjust cutting power based on the density of your beard and the area you’re shaving.
7.Andis Profoil Lithium
We’re heading to a model you won’t see in many other articles recommending you the best kind of electric shavers. Which is a shame.
Andis, along with Wahl, is a well-known brand that offers everything from hair clippers to trimmers and shavers. And the ProFoil Lithium is their cutting-edge offering to stylists, haircare professionals, and people looking for an insanely close shave.
With its hypoallergenic titanium foil blades, this thing is ready to ROAR:
It’s also the lightest electric shaver you’ll ever see. With a weight of only 0.2 lbs (!) and a height of only 4.75″, this model provides incredible mobility.
Did I mention it has a battery that lasts a record-breaking 80 minutes?
And it’s easily twice as cheap as the majority of the best electric shavers.
8.Remington Smooth & Silky On the Go Shaver
Compactly sized and perfect for travel, the Remington Smooth & Silky On the Go Shaver is a three-blade electric razor that delivers a precise and close shave thanks to its angled head and dual-trimmer design. Offering both wet and dry capabilities, its cordless and battery-operated functionality makes it ideal for quick touch-ups and fast shaving when you’re on the move.