Most men demand a lot from their shaver. They accept perfect trimmers for themselves. Whatever the case may be, there are many factors to consider when it comes to investing in a foil shaver.
These factors can make or break the shaver. So, be sure to think through your options before making an initial buy. Below, you will discover an in-depth buying guide for foil shavers.
6 Best Foil Shaver 2024
- Panasonic ES-LA63-S Arc4
- Braun Electric Shaver Series 7 790cc
- Panasonic ES8243A Arc4
- Braun Electric Razor Series 5 5190cc
- Panasonic ES8103S Arc3 Razor
- Braun Electric Shaver Series 9 9290cc
The 6 Best Foil Shaver In 2024
Panasonic ES-LA63-S Arc4 (Best Overall)
Panasonic makes some amazing razors. The ES-LA63-S Arc4 is one of the most impressive additions to their lineup. This shaver offers a lot of perks, and it’ll prove to be well worth the reasonable price.
This razor can deliver 14,000 cuts per minute, making it more powerful than many alternatives.
It also features a flexible pivoting head that glides over the individual contours of the face, neck, and jaw to enhance the shaving experience.
Great Battery
It’s important to choose a shaver with a long battery life. The Panasonic ES-LA63-S Arc4 boasts an impressive run time of over 40 minutes.
Assuming an average shave time of three minutes means you get up to 14 shaves between charges.
Pop-Up Trimmer
Having a pop-up trimmer is a great feature to have included on your shaver. It allows you to precisely trim your sideburns or mustache without needing an additional tool.
Quick Charge
If you have been caught with a shaver with a flat battery, you know how frustrating that can be.
The Panasonic ES-LA63-S Arc4 can be charged in just one hour, ensuring you can always have a shave when you need to.
Pros
- 14 shaves per charge
- LCD screen keeps you aware of the battery life
- Equipped with a pop-up trimmer
- Delivers 14,000 cuts each minute
- The flexible head glides around the face
- Can be charged in 1 hour
Cons
- Size of the trimmer is a bit small
- The head is quite large
Overall Assessment
The shaver has good battery life, LCD screen and gives a good shave. If you want a good, bargain razor, this one is worth checking out.
Braun Electric Shaver Series 7 790cc (Best Electric Shaver)
Many men are willing to spend a little more if they get something better. This is why the Braun Electric Shaver Series 7 790cc is so popular.
It’s a bit more expensive than some alternatives, but it’ll prove worth it in the long run. It delivers great performance, and you won’t have to worry about the battery dying.
This one is considered a “smart shaver.” That means it can analyze and adapt to your face as you use it. And there is a great deal more to like about this razor.
AutoSensing Motor
Braun 7 790cc razor is equipped with an AutoSensing Motor. The motor automatically adjusts the power based on sensing the thickness of the hair it’s shaving.
That makes it far more innovative than the alternatives. With this razor, you can guarantee you’ll get a great shave every time.
Five Modes
Another great thing about this razor is the various modes. In total, the user can choose between five turbo and sensitive modes.
That ensures that you’ll be able to get the exact gentleness that you’re after. Push the button until you get exactly what you want. Few razors can offer this amount of freedom and choice.
Pros
- Adapts to the user’s face
- Equipped with 4 synchronized shaving elements
- The AutoSensing motor ensures best efficiency
- Choose between five sensitivity modes
- Delivers 50 minutes of use on a full charge
- Comes with a clean and charge station
Cons
- Some users report that customer service can be improved.
- Blade life may not last as long as claimed
Overall Assessment
This is a pretty great razor. Most men will find that this is a great investment.
Panasonic ES8243A Arc4 (Best Shaver For Men)
You can always count on Panasonic to make high-quality products. This is true when it comes to the company’s razors. If you’re looking for a great one that won’t break the bank, you’ll want to check out the Panasonic ES8243A Arc4.
This razor delivers plenty of conveniences while ensuring a close shave. It can be used wet or dry, so you’ll always have the option of shaving in and out of the shower.
Plus, this razor features a flexible pivoting head that glides along the contours of your face and delivers a comfortable shave.
Powerful Motor
The Arc4 is equipped with a very powerful motor that operates at speeds of 13,000 cycles per minute. With this power, you’ll never have to worry about your hair being pulled or tugged. The razor operates faster than most alternatives, and it has double the cutting force.
Pop-Up Trimmer
If you like the convenience of having a pop-up trimmer built-in to your electric shaver, the Arc4 is the prefect solution for you. The trimmer might be small, but it is great for trimming sideburns and mustaches.
Convenient LCD Display
This razor features a convenient LCD that tells you important information about the shaver. Like the battery level and if the blade and foil need to be changed.
Pros
- The LCD makes life easier
- Delivers 13,000 cycles every minute
- Plenty of power
- The pop-up trimmer is very convenient
- Wet and dry capabilities
- A pivoting head ensures a close, comfortable shave
Cons
- Hair cleaning can be improved
- A bit noisy
Overall Assessment
You might need two passes, but this razor is still going to deliver big. For the price, it is hard to complain about this minor flaw.
Braun Electric Razor Series 5 5190cc
The Braun Series 5 5190cc Razor is a well-rounded shaver for most men. It works well and provides a close, comfortable shave. This razor features the innovative Auto Sensing motor.
That ensures that it operates efficiently at all times by adjusting the power to suit shaving conditions. It’ll cut facial hairs of various lengths without snagging or pulling. This is something that some razors can’t do. This is one of the reasons that this one has grown so popular.
Waterproof
Another great feature of this razor is the waterproof design. If you prefer shaving in the shower, this shaver is perfect. The razor is completely waterproof up to 5 meters. Having a waterproof shaver also makes cleaning the unit very easy, as you can simply run it under the tap to clean it.
Built To Last
It is true that Germans make some great products. The Braun razor is no different. It has been designed to ensure that it will last up to 7 years! If it lasts that long, you can guarantee you’ve got your money’s worth from this one.
Protects The Skin
Finally, this razor has been designed to decrease the pressure you need to apply to the skin. This makes it a good choice for people who suffer from sensitive skin.
Pros
- Puts minimal pressure on the skin
- Waterproof up to 5 meters
- Can be used wet and dry
- Built to last up to 7 years
- Auto-sensing motor delivers most efficiency
- The precision trimmer is helpful
Cons
- May need several passes for the closest shave
- Trimmer is on the small side
Overall Assessment
The Braun Electric Shaver is great, but not perfect. Remember that it may take a little longer to shave than normal. Otherwise, it is a good investment.
Panasonic ES8103S Arc3 Razor (Best For Performance)
Panasonic knows how to make excellent razors at affordable prices. If you’re after that, you should look no further than the Panasonic ES8103S Arc3 Razor. This shaver delivers a lot, at a good price point.
The shaver comes with ultra-sharp blades, coupled with the ultra-thin foil and pivoting head, ensuring you get a close and comfortable shave every time.
The head is very flexible and moves to the contours of your face to lessen the chance of being nicked or cut.
13,000 Cuts Per Minute
When looking to buy a good razor, you’ll need to look at the motor’s power and efficiency. There is an area where the Panasonic excels.
This razor has a high-performance linear motor drive capable of delivering 13,000 cuts per minute. The razor will maintain good power even when the battery has died down. That is going to ensure that your hair is never snagged.
Battery Status
Since this is a cordless razor, you have to keep a close eye on the battery life at all times. This will not be an issue with the Panasonic Arc3. After all, it features a 10-stage LCD.
This shaver features a small LCD screen, allowing you to check the battery status at any time. The battery can be charged in 1 hour and will provide enough power for many shaves.
Pros
- Can be charged in 1 hour
- LCD keeps you aware of the battery life at all times
- Flexible head glides along the contours
- 13,000 cuts per minute to ensure you have no snags
- Very affordable
- Battery life is pretty good
Cons
- The head can get warm when used dry.
Overall Assessment
Overall, the Panasonic Arc3 is a very good shaver for the price and will do a great job for most users.
Braun Electric Shaver Series 9 9290cc (Best Efficient Shaver)
The Braun Series 9 9290cc Electric Shaver is a bit more expensive than some options, but the build quality is excellent, and the extra cost may be justified in the long run.
The wet and dry razor comes with a convenient travel case, allowing you to keep it in good condition even when traveling on long trips.
As with a lot of high-end shavers, this unit is cordless and features a good battery that can be charged in 1 hour. That ensures that you won’t have to sit around and wait too long.
Auto-Sensing Motor
Like some of the other models, this razor features an innovative Auto Sensing motor.
This feature might seem minor, but it can make a huge difference to your shaving experience. It automatically adjusts the motor power to deal with the thickness of the hair it’s cutting. This means the razor will never waste any battery life at all.
Waterproof
Buying a waterproof razor is always best, as this will allow you to use it in the shower. It’ll also enable you to clean the razor much quicker.
The Braun Series 9 9290cc is waterproof up to 5 meters, and that’s more than adequate for cleaning it under running water. This feature will make your life a little more convenient.
Cordless Shaving
Finally, this razor offers 50 minutes of cordless shaving. Five steps will count down to the last 9 minutes of shaving and the battery can be recharged in one hour. This combination isn’t too shabby, and it outperforms some of the competition.
Pros
- Offers 50 minutes of use on a full charge
- Clean and charge station is great
- The battery can be charged in 1 hour
- Completely waterproof up to 5 meters
- Can be used wet and dry
- Auto-Sensing motor is helpful
Cons
- A little too expensive
Overall Assessment
The Braun Series 9 9290c Electric Shaver is pretty good, but the price is very expensive. That makes it out of reach for many people. Still, the quality and performance delivered help to justify the high price.
Why Choose a Foil Shaver?
Foil shavers are great for many reasons. They operate in a linear manner, which means that you move them backward and forward, up and down, to cut all the hair, unlike a rotary shaver that is used in a circular motion.
It’s important to use the shaver in the correct manner. Using a foil shaver in a circular motion, like you do will a rotary shaver, will probably cause damage to your skin. Similarly, using a rotary shaver in a linear manner may not give the best shaving result.
What features should I look for when choosing a foil shaver?
Dual Motor
One of the most important components of a foil shaver is the motor. There are several different types of motors utilized in these grooming tools.
It’s quite common for shavers to have dual motors. But what does a dual motor do? Well, it moves the cutting blade horizontally to cut hair and also moves the shaver head up and down to get more hair into contact with the cutting blade. This will give you a better and closer shave overall.
We advise looking for a shaver with a dual motor that operates at least 14000 cuts per minute. The extra power will easily cut thick and bristly hair and reduce the chances of pulling or snagging hair.
Built-In Trimmer
A built-in trimmer helps keep your beard, mustache, and sideburns looking great. Instead of buying two separate tools, invest in a shaver with a built-in trimmer.
There is no need for the added expense of having a separate trimmer for your sideburns. Look for a shaver that has a pop up trimmer as part of the unit.
This makes it convenient to pop it out when you need it. No need to go looking for a separate timing tool and it’s one less device you need to store in the bathroom.
Wet And Dry Performance
Do I really need a wet and dry shaver?
It really depends on your individual preference. Some people prefer dry shaving, while others like to shave in the shower.
If you prefer wet shaving, you need to choose a shaver that is made for dry and wet shaving.
A wet shaver will cost more because the unit needs to be waterproof. If you don’t need a wet shaver, don’t spend the extra money for a feature you will not use.
Always read reviews before buying a wet shaver. After all, you are making a significant investment, and you want to be sure the item is actually waterproof. Some brands claim to be waterproof, but when you read reviews, people say the units are not completely sealed, resulting in motor damage and inconvenience.
Quick Charge
It is common for men to forget to charge their shavers after each use, and it can be annoying to find the battery in their shaver flat.
Many manufacturers are now designing their shavers to offer a quick charge. Some of the top brands can now deliver a full charge in 60 minutes or less, and a half charge in 30 minutes or less.
Works While Plugged In
Another factor is whether the shaver will work while plugged into an electric outlet. Some models don’t operate when plugged in, so you need to wait until they are charged enough to have a shave.
If this is important to you, you should check the specifications on the shaver, and if you are unsure, contact the manufacturer for an answer.
Flexible Pivoting Heads
Every man’s face has unique contours along the chin, neck, and jawline. If your shaver has a “fixed head,” it can make getting a close shave challenging.
To get the smoothest shave, invest in a model with a flexible pivoting head. The head will move and adjust to the colors of your face, giving you a closer shave.
Shaves Per Charge
The estimated time for a daily shave is about three minutes and you can use this as a baseline for assessing how many shaves you could get out of each fully charged battery.
Simply take the overall reported run time and divide it by three minutes, and you will have the approximate number of shaves per charge.
Lithium-ion batteries tend to be the best choice in shavers because they are lightweight and provide superior runtime.
Battery Level Indicator Light
A battery indicator light is another feature that will help your shaving experience. This feature will alert you when the battery level reaches a specific level. Once the light turns red, it will be time to charge your shaver and avoid a completely flat battery.
Blade Replacement Reminders
Blade replacement reminders are useful for users. Of course, most men know when their blades need to be replaced, but having a blade replacement indicator is a handy feature.
Replacing your shaver blades when needed will also make sure you are getting the best shaving experience and performance from your shaver.
Cleaning Reminders
Another chore that most men do not like is cleaning their shaver. While some men will choose a brand that cleans itself, others don’t want to spend the extra money.
If you want your shaver to last a long time, you should maintain it and clean it regularly.
Some models will send you a reminder, alerting you that it is time for a thorough cleaning. Once you clean the shaver, it will reset to prepare for the next reminder.
Nanotech Blades
Nanotech blades are a great innovation. To achieve quick and pain-free cuts, the shaver must be equipped with Nanotech blades. These blades are honed at a 30-degree angle to ensure great sharpness and durability.
Some brands provide various types of blades. But, none will deliver the same performance as the Nanotech.
Warranty
To protect your investment, the shaver must include a decent warranty. Most of the top brands back their shavers with a two-year warranty. But, some brands will offer a longer warranty.
It depends on the shaver’s price and the manufacturer. But it’s not wise to invest in a brand that does not offer at least a two-year manufacturer’s warranty.
Lightweight Design
In the past, consumers believed that heavy products were better than lightweight products. Today, we know that is no longer true. Some of the best foil shavers are light in weight, which makes them easier to handle.
Before you even consider purchasing a shaver, be sure to check out the weight. Most of these tools weigh as little as 10 ounces, while others will weigh less or more. The lightweight design will deliver comfort and better handling.
Ergonomic Handle
Another feature that will ensure comfort and easy handling is an ergonomically designed handle. This handle will fit most men’s hands like a glove, delivering the best control.
Another thing to consider is where the controls are located. They should be within close reach of your thumb and forefinger, allowing you to make adjustments as you shave.
This is much better than needing to stop between each use to make these changes.
Bald Head Capability
For men who shave their heads bald, consider using your shaver as a head-shaving tool.
Using your shaver on your head will eliminate the need for additional tools like clippers to cut hair on your head. Having fewer tools in your bathroom will decrease clutter.
While spending a little more for such a shaver may be necessary, it will save you money in the long run.
Cleaning Modes
As mentioned above, cleaning a shaver is a task you need to do. Some brands are now designing their shavers with a cleaning mode. When this mode is selected, the blades vibrate very quickly, knocking the trapped hairs free.
This feature will ensure timely cleaning and make the entire process easier. Some models include a cleaning base that charges and cleans the shaver at the same time, while others require a manual process by activating the cleaning mode and rinsing the blade under running water.
Safety Lock
Some shavers come with a safety lock feature. A child could get your shaver and injure themselves, but if you activate the safety lock, the possibility of injury is significantly reduced.
Another use for the safety lock is that you can activate it when you’re traveling so that the shaver doesn’t accidentally get turned on in your luggage, and when you go to use it, the battery is flat.
Universal Voltage
Most men take their shavers with them when they travel. This allows them to continue their grooming regime and look their best.
Unfortunately, some shavers are only designed to work on a specific type of voltage or country.
If you travel to different countries, you must choose a shaver that supports universal voltage. This allows you to use the shaver in every country you visit.
Hypoallergenic Blades
If you have sensitive skin, you’ll want to consider choosing a shaver with hypoallergenic foil and blades.
Some shavers, especially models designed with non-hypoallergenic foils and blades, can cause allergic reactions.
These features will help reduce the possibility of allergic reactions and keep your skin looking fresh.
Most brands use foils and blades with the highest-quality stainless steel construction. This makes them durable and rust-proof.
Travel Pouch
If you are a frequent traveler, your shaver likely is one of the items you never leave at home. Whether you are traveling or not, you will always want to look your best.
With that said, it’s a good idea to protect your shaver from damage during flights.
One way to do this is with a durable hard case travel case. But why should you be forced to buy this item? Well, you should not have to. Most top brands come with a travel case designed for that shaver.
For the travel case to be efficient, it must be large enough to hold the charging cable, shaver, cleaning brush, and blade replacement.
Quiet Operation
Some shavers operate very loudly, and while this isn’t a design flaw, it can be annoying. You will want to consider this since it will be used near your ears.
The best way to determine if a shaver is loud is to read customer reviews.
Summary
There are many amazing shavers available. If you’re looking for a good one, you’ll want to start with one of the above razors. That will be a good starting point!