ConsFirst / Electric shavers
Electric shavers: the downsides, first
Electric shavers trade closeness for comfort, and the running cost of replacement heads catches many buyers out. Here are the most popular men's shavers in the US, with their downsides first.
8 models compared24 sources readUpdated October 2026
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All 8 electric shavers, ranked
Ranked by test scores, minus how common and serious the complaints are. How we rank
#1
Braun
$$$FoilScore 4.3/5
9%
of Amazon ratings are 1–2 stars
(checked 2026-10-10)1,882 ratings (6% 1-star, 3% 2-star). The listing pools 4-piece and 6-piece sets. Walmart's Series 9 Pro 9477cc listing (595 ratings) shows 17% at 1-2 stars.The fastest, most forgiving shaver in this group, picked by Wirecutter, CNN and ShaverCheck. It is expensive to buy, and replacement heads cost about $70. Some owners upgrading from older Braun models say it doesn't shave any closer.
Top complaints
- Expensive to buy and to maintainVery common
Wirecutter says a replacement head costs about $70 and should be swapped every 18 months, and that for daily shavers the gain over the Series 8 isn't worth the extra cost. ShaverCheck lists price as a con and says the new 96M head costs slightly more than older Series 9 heads. Amazon's review summary says some owners find it expensive to maintain.
- Loud, bulky cleaning station and a weak trimmerMentioned often
CNN Underscored says the loud cleaning cycle was the only real drawback. Wirecutter found the station and charging case take a lot of counter space, the pop-up trimmer doesn't get as close as a standalone trimmer, and the head pivots only vertically. ShaverCheck calls the trimmer mediocre and the shaver itself noisy.
- Some owners find it no closer than older modelsMentioned often
Walmart's lowest-rated reviews of the Series 9 Pro 9477cc say an older Series 7 shaved closer, shaving took longer than with a manual razor, and the trimmer hardly trims. Amazon's summary for the PRO+ says skin-irritation feedback is mixed.
What owners love
- Fastest shave, no irritation
CNN Underscored shaved a three-day beard in about 1 minute 30 seconds, versus nearly 3 minutes with the Panasonic Arc5, with zero irritation. Wirecutter found it closer and more comfortable than the Series 8 and able to cut a seven-day beard without snags.
- Easy, automatic cleaning
CNN liked the release buttons that pop the head off and the sealed cleaning cartridge, which is less messy than Panasonic's dock. Amazon owners praise the easy upkeep with the included station.
- Good for sensitive skin, long warranty
ShaverCheck reports no bumps, irritation or nicks even on the neck, and up to 5 years of warranty with registration. Amazon owners describe a very close, smooth shave in a couple of minutes.
Skip it if…- You shave daily and want the best value (the Series 8 is close)
- You want the very closest shave under the nose and on the chin
- Counter space is tight
Good for- Thick beards or shaving every few days
- Sensitive skin that still wants a fast shave
- Hands-off cleaning with a dock
Scores (tap for why)
- Closeness4.5
Why 4.5?
Wirecutter's closest, most velvety shave; ShaverCheck says the Arc5 is still closer under the nose and on the chin. - Skin comfort4.5
Why 4.5?
Zero irritation for CNN and no bumps or nicks for ShaverCheck; Amazon irritation feedback is mixed. - Battery4.0
Why 4.0?
About 60 minutes per charge, a 5-minute quick charge, and a power case on cc models; Amazon owners praise the battery. - Easy cleaning4.5
Why 4.5?
Automatic station with sealed cartridges and easy head release (CNN), but it's loud and takes about 45 minutes to dry (ShaverCheck). - Durability4.0
Why 4.0?
CNN says it feels built to survive minor mishaps; ShaverCheck calls it plasticky, and its power button can fall out with heavy use.
What experts say
- Wirecutter (NYT): Upgrade pick (updated 2026-06-08), tested as the Series 9 Pro 9477cc: the most velvety shave of the group and better for thick, heavy growth, but not worth the extra cost for daily shavers.
- CNN Underscored: Best professional-level razor (Series 9 Pro): the closest, most comfortable and speediest shave it tested, with a loud cleaning cycle as the only real drawback.
- ShaverCheck: Best all-rounder if you have the budget (PRO+, guide updated 2026-08-20); 4.5/5 in its PRO+ review, but not quite the closest razor at this price.
#2
Philips Norelco
$$$RotaryScore 4.1/5
10%
of Amazon ratings are 1–2 stars
(checked 2026-10-10)Small sample: 765 ratings (7% 1-star, 3% 2-star). This is the Prestige Ultra listing; separate Amazon listings for the non-Ultra i9000 Prestige had only about 90-130 ratings each.The best rotary shaver according to Wirecutter and ShaverCheck: it glides easily over the jaw and neck and handles a few days' growth. Foil shavers still cut closer. You pay extra for app and sensor features, and owners report mixed results on irritation and battery.
Top complaints
- Pricey for small gainsVery common
ShaverCheck lists the price and only incremental gains over earlier Philips models as cons. Wirecutter says you're paying for frivolous extras such as a light-up pressure sensor and app coaching. Amazon's summary says some owners find it disappointing for such an expensive model.
- Irritation and battery are hit-or-missMentioned often
ShaverCheck, whose reviewer has sensitive skin, had occasional stinging and redness and says foil shavers usually shave closer. Amazon's summary says some owners find it excellent for sensitive skin while others report lots of irritation, and some complain of fast battery drain.
- App sign-up, no USB-C, no wall chargerMentioned often
Wirecutter notes the GroomTribe app requires registering an email address. ShaverCheck says some features are app-only and the shaver uses a Philips-to-USB-A cable with no USB-C and no charger included.
What owners love
- Best rotary glide
Wirecutter says the flexing cutters glide smoothly over angled spots like the jawline, neck and chin. ShaverCheck says the rounder, thinner heads make it easier to shave below the jaw and nose.
- Quick, easy cleaning
Wirecutter calls it a breeze to clean because the head pops open for rinsing. ShaverCheck says the Quick Clean Pod cycle takes about a minute, and Amazon owners note it takes about 60 seconds to clean.
- Handles longer growth; up to 7-year warranty
ShaverCheck's tester passed a 4-day-beard test and notes a 2-year warranty plus 5 more years if registered within 90 days. SH91 heads are meant to last about two years.
Skip it if…- You want the closest shave possible (a foil is closer)
- You don't want app features or registration
- You want USB-C or a wall charger in the box
Good for- Rotary fans
- Shaving every few days
- Easy rinsing and a long warranty
Scores (tap for why)
- Closeness4.0
Why 4.0?
Wirecutter's closest rotary, but ShaverCheck says foil shavers usually shave closer. - Skin comfort4.0
Why 4.0?
About as comfortable as a rotary gets (ShaverCheck), with occasional stinging; Amazon irritation feedback is mixed. - Battery4.0
Why 4.0?
About 60 minutes on a 1-hour charge (Wirecutter); about 8% per shave in Intense mode (ShaverCheck); Amazon owners are mixed. - Easy cleaning4.5
Why 4.5?
The head pops open for rinsing (Wirecutter), and the Quick Clean Pod takes about a minute (ShaverCheck, Amazon). - Durability4.0
Why 4.0?
Solidly built with no panel gaps but mushy buttons; up to 7 years of warranty with registration (ShaverCheck).
What experts say
- Wirecutter (NYT): Best rotary (updated 2026-06-08): a close, smooth cut, a narrow and grippy body, and easy cleaning. The app and pressure-light extras are frivolous but don't hurt performance.
- ShaverCheck: 4/5 for the Prestige Ultra (updated 2025-05-21); its 2026 guide calls it the best rotary for shaving less often. It says comfort is about as good as a rotary gets, but price and incremental gains count against it.
#3
Braun
$$$FoilScore 4.1/5
12%
of Amazon ratings are 1–2 stars
(checked 2026-10-10)Small sample: 959 ratings (7% 1-star, 5% 2-star) on the 8517s listing, which also offers 5- and 6-piece sets.Wirecutter's top pick: a comfortable, quick foil shaver that gets close to the Series 9 for less money. Panasonic's Arc5 shaves closer on coarse beards, and replacement heads cost about $70.
Top complaints
- Pricey replacement headsVery common
Wirecutter says the foils should be replaced every 18 months and a new head runs about $70. ShaverCheck lists the pricey head as a con, though it costs less than a Series 9 cassette.
- Not the closest on coarse beardsMentioned often
ShaverCheck found the neck and chin sometimes left slightly rough patches with coarse, dense hair and says Panasonic's Arc 4 and Arc 5 shave closer. Amazon's review summary says opinions on its functionality and value are mixed.
- Head only pivots one way; weak trimmer; bulky extrasMentioned often
Wirecutter notes the head pivots only vertically, the built-in trimmer is no match for a standalone one, and the cc version's cleaning station and nearly 10-inch charging case take up space. ShaverCheck calls the slide-out trimmer mediocre and says the shaver is pretty loud; Amazon's summary calls noise feedback mixed.
What owners love
- Close, irritation-free shave
Wirecutter's testers called it easily the best they tested, with no shaving irritation and good handling of flat-lying neck hairs. Amazon owners say it is comfortable on the skin and shaves close.
- Excellent battery
ShaverCheck got about 15 shaves per charge against a claimed 60+ minutes, and Amazon owners describe the battery as lasting forever.
- Gentle enough for sensitive skin
ShaverCheck, whose reviewer has sensitive skin, found it gentle and forgiving with only minor stings.
Skip it if…- You want the closest possible shave on a dense beard
- You need a good built-in beard trimmer
- You don't want to pay about $70 for heads
Good for- Daily shavers who want Braun comfort for less
- Sensitive skin
- Long battery life
Scores (tap for why)
- Closeness4.0
Why 4.0?
Wirecutter's top pick for closeness at its price, but ShaverCheck says Panasonic's Arc 4 and 5 shave closer on dense beards. - Skin comfort4.5
Why 4.5?
No shaving irritation for Wirecutter's testers; gentle and forgiving for ShaverCheck. - Battery4.5
Why 4.5?
About 60 minutes (Wirecutter) and about 15 shaves per charge (ShaverCheck); Amazon owners praise it. - Easy cleaning4.0
Why 4.0?
Rinsable wet/dry head; the cc version adds an automatic station (Wirecutter). The 8517s has no station, and ShaverCheck's unit came without a cleaning brush. - Durability3.5
Why 3.5?
ShaverCheck calls the all-plastic body solid but not spectacular, with a 2-year warranty; 12% of Amazon ratings are 1-2 stars on a small sample.
What experts say
- Wirecutter (NYT): Top pick (updated 2026-06-08): a close, clean, comfortable shave at about 40 dB. The 8517s is the same razor without the cleaning station and charging case and costs about $100 less.
- ShaverCheck: 4.5/5 (updated 2026-07-21, tested on the 8370cc; it says all Series 8 generations shave the same). Very comfortable with adequately close shaves, but not quite as good as the old Series 7.
#4
Panasonic
$$FoilScore 3.7/5
9%
of Amazon ratings are 1–2 stars
(checked 2026-10-10)2,932 ratings (6% 1-star, 3% 2-star) on the ES-LV97-K listing, which offers several configurations that may share reviews.CNN's top pick and one of the closest-shaving razors you can buy. It is harsher on sensitive skin than Braun, and its battery life is only average. Testers also found its cleaning dock messier than Braun's.
Top complaints
- Harsher on sensitive skinVery common
ShaverCheck saw pinching and stinging on the neck when moving fast and mild redness, says Braun's Series 8 or 9 is gentler, and doesn't recommend it for very sensitive skin. Amazon's summary says some owners report red, burning or irritated skin.
- Slower, struggles with long flat-lying hairMentioned often
ShaverCheck says it struggles with long, flat-lying hair, a long-standing Panasonic issue. Wirecutter found neither Arc5 version shaved as quickly or closely as its top Braun pick, and CNN's three-day beard took nearly 3 minutes versus about 1.5 minutes with the Braun Series 9 Pro.
- Messy dock, pricey parts, average batteryMentioned often
CNN says the dock uses an open reservoir where you mix detergent and water, so you have to empty it to travel, and it is loud. ShaverCheck says the detergent tray can grow mold and mildew, foils (yearly) and blades (every two years) are pricey, and battery life is okay but behind Braun and Philips. Amazon battery feedback is mixed.
What owners love
- Among the closest shaves available
ShaverCheck calls it one of the closest-shaving electric razors you can buy, including on the chin, neck and upper lip. CNN got one of its closest, smoothest shaves, and Amazon owners report smooth, stubble-free skin.
- Effective sonic cleaning
CNN found the 20-second sonic mode made hand-rinsing noticeably more effective than on most razors, and Amazon owners praise the self-cleaning station.
- Light, well-balanced and easy to use
CNN liked the lightweight, grippy handle and the physical travel-lock switch. ShaverCheck praises the build and the pop-up trimmer.
Skip it if…- You have very sensitive skin
- You let long, flat-lying hair grow between shaves
- You want the longest battery life
Good for- The closest possible shave
- Daily shavers with coarse beards
- Hand-rinsing with a sonic cleaning mode
Scores (tap for why)
- Closeness4.5
Why 4.5?
Among the closest per ShaverCheck and CNN, though Wirecutter found the Braun Series 8 closer and faster. - Skin comfort3.0
Why 3.0?
Stinging and redness on the neck at speed (ShaverCheck), and some Amazon owners report irritation. - Battery3.0
Why 3.0?
Rated for 45 minutes; ShaverCheck calls it okay but behind Braun and Philips, and Amazon feedback is mixed. - Easy cleaning4.0
Why 4.0?
The sonic rinse mode works well (CNN), but the open detergent tray is messy and can grow mold (CNN, ShaverCheck). - Durability4.0
Why 4.0?
ShaverCheck rates the build excellent, with a 2-year warranty, but says the power button is easy to bump off mid-shave.
What experts say
- CNN Underscored: Best electric razor of 14 tested: close, comfortable and user-friendly, though the detergent dock is messier than Braun's.
- ShaverCheck: 4.5/5, Editor's choice (updated 2026-08-15): one of the closest shavers available, but not ideal for long, flat-lying hair or very sensitive skin, and its parts are pricey.
- Wirecutter (NYT): Not picked: it tested the ARC5 and the compact ES-PV3A and found neither shaved as quickly or closely as the Braun Series 8.
#5
Philips Norelco
$RotaryScore 3.7/5
10%
of Amazon ratings are 1–2 stars
(checked 2026-10-10)3,423 ratings (7% 1-star, 3% 2-star) on the Storm Blue S3243/91 listing. Walmart's Shaver 3600 listing (3,465 ratings) also shows 10%.ShaverCheck's pick for the best affordable rotary: comfortable, quiet, with long battery life and cheap heads. It isn't very close on the chin or under the nose, and some owners get neck irritation.
Top complaints
- Not very close in dense areasVery common
ShaverCheck found it slightly less close than a Braun Series 3 or Panasonic Arc 3, and weaker on the chin and below the nose. Amazon's summary says shaving performance is mixed, and a Walmart 1-star reviewer says it doesn't shave close enough.
- Neck irritation for someMentioned often
Amazon's summary says some owners get neck rashes. A Walmart 1-star reviewer says it catches skin and irritates the neck. ShaverCheck's sensitive-skinned reviewer says it is not his first pick for sensitive skin and that fast strokes can snag flat-lying neck hairs.
- Cordless only, no wall charger, no travel lockMentioned often
ShaverCheck lists cordless-only operation and no travel lock as cons and says the 3600 ships with a USB-A cable rather than a Philips charger. A Walmart 1-star reviewer was surprised it didn't include a charger.
What owners love
- Long battery life
Amazon owners say a 60-minute charge lasts up to two months. ShaverCheck lists up to an hour of runtime, a full charge in under an hour, and 5 minutes of shaving from a 5-minute charge.
- Inexpensive heads
ShaverCheck calls the SH30 heads inexpensive and long-lasting. Philips recommends replacing them every 12 months, but the author says they often last longer.
- Comfortable, quiet, easy to rinse
ShaverCheck found it comfortable even dry, quiet, waterproof and easy to rinse, and good with up to a 4-day beard. Amazon owners mention easy cleaning.
Skip it if…- You want a very close shave
- Your neck is easily irritated
- You want a wall charger or travel lock included
Good for- Rotary shaving on a budget
- Shaving every few days
- Long battery life
Scores (tap for why)
- Closeness3.0
Why 3.0?
Typical for an affordable rotary and weaker on the chin and under the nose (ShaverCheck); Amazon feedback is mixed. - Skin comfort3.5
Why 3.5?
Comfortable and smooth for ShaverCheck, but some Amazon and Walmart owners report neck irritation. - Battery4.5
Why 4.5?
Up to an hour, under an hour to charge (ShaverCheck); battery is a top Amazon praise. - Easy cleaning4.0
Why 4.0?
Waterproof and rinsable (ShaverCheck, Amazon), though no cleaning brush is included. - Durability3.5
Why 3.5?
Solid all-plastic body and a 2-year warranty (ShaverCheck), but Amazon durability is mixed, with some units falling apart after four months.
What experts say
- ShaverCheck: 4/5 for the Series 3000 3600/3800/3900 (updated 2024-12-14), which it says all shave identically. Its 2026 guide calls the 3600 the best affordable rotary for most users and notes the Arc 3 or Series 3 shave closer.
9%
of Amazon ratings are 1–2 stars
(checked 2026-10-10)27,345 ratings (6% 1-star, 3% 2-star); Amazon lists the item model as 3040BLK. Walmart's 3040s listing (1,137 ratings) shows 14% at 1-2 stars.A gentle, cheap-to-run budget foil shaver that ShaverCheck rates highly for daily shavers. It is not very close and needs extra passes on longer hair. Walmart's lowest-rated reviews are dominated by complaints about the shave.
Top complaints
- Not very close; takes many passesVery common
ShaverCheck rates closeness as adequate, says it can miss longer flat-lying hairs and works best with daily shaving. Walmart 1-star reviewers say it needed many passes, didn't shave closely or pulled hair, and Amazon's summary says shaving performance is mixed.
- Noisy and sometimes underpoweredMentioned often
ShaverCheck calls it loud, with a raspy buzz and more vibration than Braun's high-end shavers, and found it underpowered at times. It also comes without a travel case or lubricant.
- Some break within monthsMentioned often
Amazon's summary says durability is mixed, with some owners reporting it broke after 6 months. A Walmart 1-star review says the foil head separated three times during use.
What owners love
- Gentle on skin
ShaverCheck rates the comfort excellent, reports no irritation, razor burn or pulled hairs, and considers it suitable for sensitive skin.
- Cheap, durable replacement head
ShaverCheck calls the 32B/32S cassette inexpensive and long-lasting, and its buying guide says it costs less than Panasonic Arc 3 parts.
- Washable, shower-friendly, good battery
Amazon owners like that it is fully washable, works in the shower and holds a long charge. ShaverCheck consistently got slightly more than the claimed 45 minutes.
Skip it if…- You want a very close shave
- You shave only every few days
- Noise bothers you
Good for- Daily or every-other-day shavers
- Sensitive skin on a budget
- Cheap, long-lasting replacement heads
Scores (tap for why)
- Closeness3.0
Why 3.0?
Adequate rather than very close, and less close than a Panasonic Arc 3 (ShaverCheck); closeness is a frequent Walmart low-star complaint. - Skin comfort4.0
Why 4.0?
Excellent comfort for ShaverCheck, though a few Walmart reviewers report irritation or pulled hair. - Battery3.5
Why 3.5?
Slightly more than the claimed 45 minutes, cordless only (ShaverCheck); Amazon owners praise the long-lasting charge. - Easy cleaning3.5
Why 3.5?
Fully washable (Amazon), but the integrated cassette is harder to clean than Arc 3 foils and needs weekly oiling if rinsed (ShaverCheck). - Durability3.5
Why 3.5?
Sturdy and dependable per ShaverCheck, but Amazon durability feedback is mixed.
What experts say
- ShaverCheck: 4.5/5, Editor's choice (updated 2026-07-29); its 2026 guide calls it the best shaver for budget-conscious buyers. Gentle and durable, but noisy and only adequately close.
#7
Philips Norelco
$Hybrid trimmerScore 3.4/5
11%
of Amazon ratings are 1–2 stars
(checked 2026-10-10)14,183 ratings (8% 1-star, 3% 2-star). Walmart's QP2724/70 listing (4,679 ratings) shows 10%.A cheap, very gentle tool for trimming, edging and shaving stubble. It does not give a close shave, and testers still had stubble after using it. Its blades cost nearly as much as the device and wear out in about 4 months.
Top complaints
- Not a close shaveVery common
Wirecutter's testers still had pronounced stubble after using it. CNN found it slightly less close than multi-blade razors and better for two- to three-day shaves. TechRadar says it doesn't deliver the closest shave, and Amazon's summary says owners disagree on closeness compared with manual razors.
- Blades are a running costVery common
TechRadar says replacement heads can cost nearly as much as the shaver. Philips says a blade lasts about four months on average, and TechRadar has seen reports of faster dulling. A Walmart 1-star reviewer says a blade wore out after one use.
- Heads break; battery and charger gripesMentioned often
Amazon's summary flags durability, with heads falling apart, and mixed battery feedback, including units that won't hold a charge. Walmart 1-star reviewers say it broke on the third use and one arrived without its proprietary charger. TechRadar notes there is no USB-C charging.
What owners love
- Extremely gentle
TechRadar found razor burn wasn't an issue and calls it a strong choice for very sensitive skin. Amazon owners say it is easy on the skin.
- Versatile and precise
CNN liked the small head that lets you see what you're shaving and found it great for clearing multi-week growth. Wirecutter's trimmer testers found it great for detail work on beards and mustaches.
- Waterproof and easy to clean
TechRadar lists waterproofing, easy cleaning and solid build among its pros, with about 1 hour of battery.
Skip it if…- You want a clean, close daily shave
- You want low running costs
- You want USB-C charging
Good for- Keeping a short stubble or styling a beard
- Very sensitive or razor-burn-prone skin
- Two- to three-day shaves
Scores (tap for why)
- Closeness2.0
Why 2.0?
Testers report leftover stubble (Wirecutter) and a less-close shave than multi-blade razors (CNN, TechRadar). - Skin comfort4.5
Why 4.5?
Extremely gentle with no razor burn (TechRadar); Amazon owners say it is easy on the skin. - Battery3.0
Why 3.0?
About 1 hour per charge but a 4-hour recharge with no USB-C (TechRadar); Amazon battery feedback is mixed. - Easy cleaning4.5
Why 4.5?
Waterproof and easy to clean (TechRadar). - Durability3.0
Why 3.0?
TechRadar calls it solidly built, but Amazon and Walmart owners report heads breaking or falling apart.
What experts say
- Wirecutter (NYT): Not picked: great for fine-detail beard work, but the shave wasn't close enough, and testers still had pronounced stubble.
- CNN Underscored: Tested but not picked: one of the most enjoyable razors it used, but the narrow head and less-close shave suit two- to three-day shaves more than daily use.
- TechRadar: An affordable, gentle jack-of-all-trades that doesn't excel at any one thing; it has no USB-C charging, and replacement heads cost nearly as much as the shaver.
#8
Remington
$FoilScore 3.2/5
10%
of Amazon ratings are 1–2 stars
(checked 2026-10-10)The budget pick at both Wirecutter and CNN: a surprisingly close shave for about $56, and it runs corded or cordless. It is rougher on skin, loud and flimsy, and owners report foils that pop out or break.
Top complaints
- Rougher on skinVery common
Wirecutter found it more aggressive than its other picks, as if nibbling the skin, with more redness. ShaverCheck doesn't recommend it for very sensitive skin, and a Walmart 1-star reviewer said it felt like it pulled hairs out instead of cutting them.
- Flimsy build; foils pop out or breakVery common
One Wirecutter tester thought it might fly apart, CNN found the head flimsy with blades that fall out when opened, and ShaverCheck says the foils seem brittle. Walmart 1-star reviewers describe foils popping out during use, a foil breaking after 6 months, and units that stopped charging. Amazon's summary says durability is mixed, with some breaking after 30 days.
- Loud, bulky, weak on the neckMentioned often
Wirecutter measured 45 dB, among the loudest it tested (a partner compared it to a weed whacker), and found the body too bulky to grip comfortably. It also underperforms on the neck. ShaverCheck says it often missed longer, flat-lying hairs and is pretty loud.
What owners love
- Best shave under $100
Wirecutter found it better than every other option under $100 it tried. CNN got a close, comfortable shave even on a thick three-day beard, and ShaverCheck rates its closeness strong for the price.
- Runs corded or cordless
All three testers highlight that it works while plugged in. ShaverCheck averaged 8-9 shaves per charge against a claimed 60 minutes, and Amazon owners say the battery holds a charge for several shaves.
- Cheap to run
ShaverCheck says the SPF-300 replacement head costs about the same as a Braun Series 3 head, though Remington recommends replacing it every 6 months. Value for money is a top Amazon praise.
Skip it if…- You have sensitive skin
- You shave while someone else is sleeping
- You want a solid, premium-feeling build
Good for- A close shave on a tight budget
- Shaving while plugged in when the battery is dead
- Dry shaving
Scores (tap for why)
- Closeness4.0
Why 4.0?
Very good closeness for the price (all three testers), but it misses flat-lying neck hairs. - Skin comfort2.5
Why 2.5?
More redness than other picks (Wirecutter); not for very sensitive skin (ShaverCheck); CNN found it comfortable. - Battery4.0
Why 4.0?
About 60 minutes or 8-9 shaves per charge, plus corded use; charging takes about 2 hours. - Easy cleaning3.0
Why 3.0?
Rinsable (Wirecutter), but CNN found the pull-off cover awkward and the loose blades inconvenient when cleaning. - Durability2.5
Why 2.5?
Testers call it flimsy, and owners report foils popping out or breaking and charging failures, though it has a 2-year warranty.
What experts say
- Wirecutter (NYT): Budget pick at about $56: a fairly close, even shave and 60 minutes of battery, but more redness, 45 dB of noise and an awkward grip.
- CNN Underscored: Best budget razor: an impressively clean shave for the money, but it's dry-shave only, feels flimsy and is fiddly to clean.
- ShaverCheck: 4/5 (updated 2023-04-24); its 2026 guide names it best for a close shave on a budget. It is not ideal for sensitive skin and has a disappointing trimmer.