And while Panasonic’s bevy of elite foil shavers will provide you with a closer shave than the Braun, it’s going to be nominal to most people. Again, in the debate between foil shavers, it’s an SUV vs luxe sedan. You probably know which one sounds more appealing to you.
The Barber-Favorite: Wahl Professional Vanish Foil Shaver
A barbershop staple (and barber Grinstead-Mayle’s go-to brand for shavers), Wahl’s foil device is my favorite for many specific tasks: For starters, it delivers a quick neckline shave, with enough endurance to last a few months (assuming you’re just tidying that neckline each time). It’s my go-to less-bulky traveling shaver, as well as my top recommendation for any friends who only want a fresh “appearing” shave once in a blue moon without forking over $300 for a device.
A Terrific Travel Shaver Sans the Irritation
It’s equally fantastic for thick-haired frequent shaves, but I feel like most of you barely do a true razor shave, and you want an electric shaver for the “if and when” you need to look babyfaced. The tiered foil heads make things quick and easy, while the ultra-thin foils give you that barbershop-caliber smoothness minus any irritation, so it’s not going to be damning on skin that isn’t used to a shave.
And funny enough, Grinstead-Mayle likes Wahl’s shavers for the complete opposite reason: Because it’s terrific for extremely frequent shaves, which explains why it’s such a mainstay across barbershops worldwide. “I charge mine once a week, and I use them many times a day,” he explains. “Plus the replacement blades/foils are easy to get! Also, the battery life on them is exceptional.”
The Starter Electric Shaver: Philips Norelco OneBlade 360
While it’s not our recommended trimmer or shaver for guys with beards, it can handle your stubble no problem. Without turning this article into a full-on Philips-Norelco love fest, let me just say this: The OneBlade is perfect for shaving clean edges, and its flexible, oft-imitated design remains unmatched. Here is a device that, when it lacks any guards, moves like a cartridge shaver or a line-up trimmer in order to keep you looking fresh-faced. Or, if you snap on its trimming guard, you can work your way up past designed stubble and into proper beard trimming territory. There are a few iterations of the OneBlade (some include body trimming heads, some more than a dozen trimming lengths, some a longer charge), but I think this is the perfect one for guys who primarily need clean necklines and cheek lines, who rarely do a full shave, but who have a dedicated beard trimmer for the bulkier jobs.
Why it’s a great first electric shaver
What makes this a good pickup for young guys and grooming beginners? It’s the versatility and the low price point compared to elite trimmers and shavers. Because it can’t handle longer hair and has a shorter battery, it’s not a great pick for guys who take grooming seriously. If you want a true multi-purpose electric shaver and trimmer, pick up the Panasonic Multishape instead.
The Best Bald Head Shaver: Remington Balder Pro Electric Head Shaver
I’ve long maintained that a rotary shaver is the best tool for bald guys, period. The math is simple: it takes the least effort and time to get a smooth shave. Maybe not as silicone-smooth as a bladed shaver, but close. A built-for-baldness rotary shaver manages the curvature of the head really effectively, and can mow down thick and curly strands—plus those follicles that point off in odd directions—better than foil shavers. Plus, it fits in your hand really nicely, keeping you from having to contort yourself like a young Jackie Chan just to get a shave.
A Head Shaver That Delivers Spotless Results on the First Pass
Remington’s palm-fit shaver is an Amazon best-seller for a reason: its best-in-class rotary head provides the cleanest results on the first pass. It’s also waterproof, making it easy to mow over stubble in the shower, and maintains enough juice (50 minutes per charge) to get you through most of the month. Remember how I said that everyone should own an electric head shaver, even if you prefer manual options? What I really meant was that everyone should own this specific one. (I didn’t have a chance to photograph myself using it—thanks to a potent cocktail of this stuff my mane looks more glorious than ever—but in my less hirsute days it was a reliable go-to.)
The Best Shaver & Trimmer Combo: Panasonic MultiShape Clean Cut Kit
After its 2021 debut, GQ called the innovative Panasonic MultiShape a “god-tier grooming product.” And our contributor Timothy Beck Werth still swears by its capabilities as an everyday electric shaver. “I’ve been using the electric shaver head consistently for at least three years, and it’s still going strong. The ability to swap it out with a beard trimmer, nose hair trimmer, and electric toothbrush just sweetens the deal,” Werth says.
The MultiShape comes with a variety of swappable grooming heads. You can (and should) get the all-in-one kit for $210, but if you’ve already got a toothbrush and beard trimmer you like, then this Clean Cut kit is our top recommendation. It features two foil shavers and an inner blade to come at stubble from a variety of angles, and it’s not quite as bulky as some other premium electric razors.
