Even though our best electric shaver review is made up primarily of foil shavers this does not mean that foil shavers are necessarily better. The debate over foil versus rotary shavers is one that continues to rage and it is certainly difficult to declare a winner as each has their own benefits. The primary reason that so many foil electric shavers feature on our overall top 5 is due to the high quality and great value for money offered by so many Braun shavers in particular, which we feel gives them a slight edge over the leading player in the rotary shaver market – Philips Norelco.
Foil shavers feature usually a number of rectangular foil guides over an oscillating blade. The holes in the foil catches and lifts facial hair which is then cut by the blade or blades. In many cases foil guides feature different sized or shaped holes which are designed to catch different hair lengths or thicknesses – to ensure a shave which doesn’t miss a trick. The better foil shavers also now feature contouring – the foil guides, and sometimes the blades, flex and pivot slightly to ensure that they stay close to the skin when shaving around more angled areas of the face such as the chin and neckline. Foil shavers are best used in an up and down motion which comes more naturally than the circular motion required with a rotary shaver – especially if you have used a manual shaver previously. Furthermore, as they generally have a larger cutting surface area, foil shavers can offer a quicker shave than some rotary shavers.
On this page you can view our review summaries for our pick of the top 5 best foil electric shavers available today. Over the coming weeks we will be adding full reviews for all of the shavers featured here but you can review existing user reviews by clicking the ‘Check it on Amazon’ button under each review summary.
See also:
- Top 6 Best Razor for Men Reviews & Guide
- Top 6 Best Philips Norelco Shavers For All Your Grooming Needs
Quick Summary
Last update on 2024-04-10 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
Top 5 Best Electric Foil Shaver Review On The Market
#1, Braun Series 7 760cc-6 Foil Electric Shaver – Best for performance
- Intelligent Sonic technology automatically increases power while shaving in difficult areas and on denser hair
- The Series 7 electric razor comes with an ActiveLift trimmer that captures flat-lying hairs in problem areas
- OptiFoil cuts hair as short as 0.05mm for perfect closeness
- Synergized foil and blades give you a perfect shave with Series 7 razors
- 100% waterproof shavers for easy cleaning
Last update on 2024-04-10 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
It should come as no surprise that Braun tops the list of our greatest foil shavers as they have built a solid reputation as a true great in the industry, and foil shavers are their speciality. However, some may find it surprising that this particular model is our pick of the bunch. Although not the latest series 7 shaver, the 760cc delivers a stunning shave for a great price.
Perfect for comfortable close shaves
Both the closeness and comfort of this shaver are truly top class and the shaving technology in use here is the same as later series 7 models (namely the 790cc – found in third place on our list). Although the 790cc is technically an upgrade on the 760cc, we felt that the minor improvements didn’t necessarily warrant the extra cost and in terms of the shaving experience itself, the 760cc offers the best shave per $ spent than any other foil razor currently on the market.
This Braun shaver has an attractive black-silver finish that makes the razor exceptionally decorative and beautiful. The razor comes with three different shaving modes for the user to choose their preferred mode depending on their type of hair and the style you want to shave. The 760cc razor comes with a separate unit for cleaning, lubricating, drying, and charging the shaver.
Intelligent Sonic technology
The 760cc electric shaver by Braun boasts of an intelligent Sonic technology that automatically increases power when shaving on areas with dense hair and in hard to reach areas. This comes in handy as it saves you the trouble of having to go over the same place several times for a clean shave. In addition to this, this Braun shaver features an ActiveLift trimmer. This trimmer captures flat-lying hairs and whiskers in problem areas.
The OptiFoil feature in the shaver is designed to cut the hair of different lengths to at least 0.05mm thereby providing perfect closeness. The synergized foil and shaving blades in this Braun razor are hypo-allergenic and hence provide a perfect shave without skin irritations, rashes and itchiness. What is more amazing about this razor is that it is 100% waterproof and hence easy to clean.
#2, Braun Series 7 790cc-4 Foil Electric Shaver – Best for easy operation and maintenance
- Intelligent Sonic technology automatically increases power while shaving in difficult areas and on denser hair
Last update on 2024-04-10 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
The 790cc comes with a higher price tag than the 760cc. However, although it does have additional features on that model, when it comes down to it, we are of the view that they represent a fairly minimal improvement in the shaving experience.
Exclusive shaving technology
The shaving technology being utilized for this shaver is exactly the same as the 760cc model and the upgrades are largely cosmetic – an extra battery level, a slightly more advanced cleaning dock and a nice leather pouch. Granted, the extra spend for the 790cc is relatively minimal, but don’t expect a much improved shaving experience for that additional cash. This shaver is undoubtedly every bit as good as the 760cc but the extra spend is not necessarily worth the extra features. If you’re willing to pay the extra for the additional elements then go ahead – but be aware that you could save a little by going with the 760cc instead.
This high-end Braun electric razor maintains consistent performance and efficiency throughout the shaving session. The Lithium-ion battery in the shaver has a full recharge time of one hour. Once fully charged, the battery delivers up to 50 minutes of cordless shaving. There is a premium display on the razor that indicates battery level when shaving. It is also worth noting that the shaver can be used for both dry and wet use.
Intelligent Sonic and Autosense Technology
Braun electric razors are popular for their smart features that make it fun and convenient to use the shavers for shaving and trimming hair. The Series 7 790cc features 10,000 micro-vibrations that ensure that they capture more hair with every shaving stroke. The Autosense technology in the razor increases the power intensity of the shaver depending on the texture of hair as well as density. As such, the razor works best for people with hair patches on their beards.
When using this electric razor, you can choose between 5 personalized turbo shaving modes. This provides for increased gentleness and power at the slight push of the control button. The precision head is flexible and maneuverable and hence allows you to reach all the areas of your head for clean and consistent shaves.
#3, Braun Series 5 550cc Foil Electric Shaver- Best for value for money
- Contour adaptive shaving head easily adapts around jaw line and under the chin.
- Triple action cutting system shaves progressively closer.
- Optifoil - for the closest braun shave ever.
- Clean & renew - at the touch of a button automatically cleans, charges and lubricates to keep the shaver feeling like new every day.
- Quick 5 minute charge
- Hazmat- Non Returnable
Last update on 2024-04-10 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
The Braun Series 5 550cc shaver warrants its place on our list of top foil shavers in no small part due to its relatively low price and the fact that it offers a truly great shaving experience for close to $50 less than the other Braun shavers on our top 5 list. Although it is only a mid-range series 5 shaver it does have a lot to offer, cramming in much of the technology utilised in the more powerful series 7 Braun shavers. It is lacking a little in some of the extra features that the 760cc and 790cc offer but this is to be expected for the price. Given the lower price tag on this shaver, it would definitely be a great choice of shaver for anyone new to electric shavers or anyone who does not want to fork out for the more expensive options above.
OptiFoil Technology
Like other high-quality Braun electric razors, this Series 5 550cc features a unique OptiFoil technology. This technology gives you a clean and smooth without pulling or tugging the hair. This ensures that you do not have to deal with itchiness or other types of discomfort on the skin after shaving. The shaving blades have a protective foil sheet at the top that prevents direct contact between the skin and the blades.
This Series 5 electric razor by Braun features an innovative triple-action system that has 3 cutting elements. This cutting system allows users to trim and cut different types of hair including short, stubble, long, and coarse hair.
Adaptive shaving head
This Braun razor features an adaptive shaving head that automatically adjusts itself along the contours and shape of your face. As such, you can rely on the shaver to deliver exceptional results whether you are shaving the chin, jawline, or neck. Additionally, the ActiveLift Technology in the razor lifts lying hair effortlessly thereby delivering an extremely close shave in all areas including tight areas.
#4, Panasonic Arc4 ES-LA63-S Foil Electric Shaver – Best for comfortable shaves
- Electric razor is the 4-blade, dual-motor shaving system with precision-honed 30° angle Nanotech blades for maximum durability and sharpness
- Powerful Hyper Performance Dual Motor which features a linear drive that delivers 14,000 cuts her minute - that's 56,000 cross-cutting actions per minute across 4 blades - while a second motor vibrates the Arc 4 shaver head up and down to help lift and hold hair for a clean, smooth, efficient shave
- The Panasonic Arc 4 Multi-Flex pivoting head enables the men's electric shaver to glide smoothly along the individual contours of the face, chin, neck and jaw and Multi-fit ARC foils gently conform to facial contours, for enhanced shaving comfort
- The Panasonic shaver’s built-in Pop-Up Trimmer details sideburns and mustaches; wet/dry electric razor operation makes shaving in or out of the shower quick and convenient
- Shaves per Charge (3 minutes per one shave) approximately 14 Shaves
- ES-LA63-S includes a 10-stage LCD in the shaving machine handle to easily check Arc 4 razor power status, charge indicator and cleaning and replacement reminders for blades
- Charging time1 hour and power source is AC 100-240V (Automatic International Dual Voltage Conversion)
Last update on 2024-04-10 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
This Panasonic Arc4 shaver is another that owes its place on our top foil shavers list at least in part because it represents great value for money. Despite having less features and fewer blades than Arc5 shavers, the Arc4 ES-LA63-S gives a comfortable and close shave. This electric razor can be used wet or dry and a Multi-Flex Pivoting head to give flexibility which enables great contouring and makes it easy to get into tricky spots. There is no cleaning dock as there is with the Braun’s – we think this is a negative, but it does depend on your preference or otherwise for using a cleaning station. We’d still go for the Braun shavers above over this but if you have less cash to spend on a shaver this is one that is definitely worth a look. Read more user reviews or purchase this shaver by clicking the ‘buy now’ link below.
Shaving head
The pivoting shaving head in this Panasonic razor is designed uniquely such that it moves freely from left to right and up and down axes. You can also lock the head in a fixed position. This flexibility enhances the precision and accuracy of using the razor. With the flexible shaving head, you can style your beards as you prefer and wish.
4-Blade Cutting System
Just like its name suggests, the Arc4 electric razor by Panasonic has a 4-blade cutting system that features arched cutting elements. This cutting system provides sufficient cutting potential to trim and shave all hair types in single strokes. The shaving heard comprises of regular cutting foils, slit foil, and a finishing foil for polishing and refining your shaves. The two inner blades are removable while the two outer blades are permanently integrated into the foil assembly.
Powerful 14000 CPM Motor
The 14,000 CPM motor in this Panasonic electric razor boasts of a high power output that provides the best power, resilience, and strength for smooth shaves. Consequently, the motor makes the Arc4 electric shaver by Panasonic extremely fast and ideal for shaving coarse facial hair easily and effortlessly.
The razor has a quiet mode of operation with the low-noise functionality making the shaver quite comfortable to use. With this razor, you do not have to deal with the annoying buzzing sounds that are common in poor quality electric razors.
#5, Braun Series 9 9090cc Foil Electric Shaver – Best for unique shaving features
- World's best electric shaver in efficiency and skin comfort. Proven on 3-day beards
- SyncroSonic technology with 40,000 cross cutting movements per minute, removing more hair in the first stroke than any other shaver
- Four individual and specialised cutting elements that capture different types of hair. Flexible shaving system for maximum gentle skin contact
- 100% waterproof wet/dry razor for use under the shower
- 5-action alcohol based Clean&Charge Station: 1 touch to hygienically clean, charge, lubricate, select cleaning intensity and dry.
Last update on 2024-04-10 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
The series 9 9090cc is one of Braun’s more recent models and comes with their top of the line shaving technology. The 9090cc uses a quadruple action cutting system with two Optifoil, a HyperLift&Cut trimmer and a Direct&Cut trimmer. These are designed to give a closer shave than the previous triple cutting system and, with each cutting element pivoting independently this shaver is supposed to work better with the contours of your face. It certainly does provide a close and comfortable shave, although the shaving head is quite wide – which means some users may find it a little difficult to use on trickier areas. Another downside with this particular model of the series 9 is that it is not suitable for wet shaving – although it is waterproof so can be cleaned easily! Although this is a great shaver it falls down a little on price – it simply does not offer the same value for money that the 760cc (and 790cc!) offer.
SyncroSonic technology
The Braun Series 9 9090cc boasts of being one of the first foil electric razors in the market with the latest SyncroSonic technology. This technology is designed uniquely such that it makes it possible for the shaver to provide a clean and smooth shave at all times. The technology also ensures that each of the four flexible blades in the shaver can shave from any angle for maximum results.
This intelligent technology removes considerably more hair than any other foil electric shaver in the market. The patented Direct & Cut Trimmer in the shaver aligns itself to the hair growing all over the body for the best shaving results.
Floating head technology
The floating head technology is one of the most unique aspects of the 9090cc shaver by Braun. All the blades in the head are flexible so that they align with the contours of your face. The most unique aspect about this shaving head is that it comes with a multi-lock feature in that you can lock it in up to 5 different positions depending on your preferences.
Features to consider when buying a foil electric razor
Considering the risks and potential hazards that exist when you use the wrong oil electric shaver, you must focus on the necessary components so that you can settle for the best oil electric razor. This is a shaver that not only meets your preferences but also is designed to last for while giving you reliable and dependable service. Some of the factors worth considering when shopping for these razors include:
Trimming function
The right electric razor should have a trimming function that will provide for a neater shave. These trimmers come in two options: integrated into the shaver or as a separate removable attachment. Trimmers come in handy when you want to cut long and stubborn hair that is hard to cut using the shaving blades. Trimmers do not tug or apply excessive pressure on your skin when shortening it to make it easy for the blades to shave the hair in a fine finish. Foil shavers that do not come with trimmers are limited in terms of their functionality. As such, they will not give you the shaving experience you wish to enjoy.
Shaving & charging time
The time that is taken by an electric trimmer to recharge as well as the battery’s running time when fully charged are important considerations when shopping for these shavers. For starters, the shaver of choice should have a running time of at least 45 minutes. Some shavers come with up to 2 hours of interruption-free shaving time. Such trimmers are perfect for complex styling and can as well be used for multiple shaving sessions when running on one charge. The charging time is yet another important consideration when shopping for electric foil shavers. Shavers with quick-charge options are the best options as you can effortlessly charge the shaver for 5 minutes and enjoy up to 20 minutes running time.
Weight and ease of handling
A heavy electric foil razor is usually less flexible and hard to maneuver around your face or in other areas you are shaving. Due to this, the best oil electric razor should be light and easy to hold. It should feature an ergonomic design so that it is easy to maneuver with when shaving delicate areas. For purposes of secure grips, high-end foil electric shavers feature rubberized sides. The most amazing aspect about a lightweight shaver is that it feels comfortable in the hands and hence you can use it for long shaving sessions.
Side effects on the skin
Most people have sensitive skin and hence develop rashes, itchiness, and irritations on the skins after shaving, especially when using poor quality foil shavers. This is why you should only settle on shavers with hypo-allergenic blades and shaving systems. These blades are gentle on the skin even when shaving extremely close to the skin. This is why you should always ensure that you only settle on shavers with these type o blades as they guarantee that you will not experience any discomfort after shaving.
Final Word
This pretty much wraps up my top 5 recommendations and will hopefully cater to everyone’s needs for a foil shaver. Do you use any of the foil shavers on this list? What’s your favorite shaver and why? We’d love to hear from you.
As a Product Designer, I have worked with companies like Gillette or Grooming Lounge, counting over 6 years of professional experience in the cosmetics field.
In this blog, I will review various personal care products such as razors, hair, beards, hair loss, grooming, style products. My goal is to build a rigorous evaluation of various personal care products so that you and I can better understand the differences in the products and their relative benefits. Read more …