As anyone who has ever used a cheap disposable razor will tell you, when it comes to shaving, you get what you pay for. While top-of-the-line electric razors aren’t cheap, they genebest-electric-shavers rally offer high-end build quality and a close, easy and reliable shave.
In my search for the perfect razor, after researching and reading a lot of customer reviews, I narrowed it down to 3 products that offer the best quality for their price:
Braun Series 7 Pulsonic
In my search for the perfect razor, after researching and reading a lot of customer reviews, I narrowed it down to 3 products that offer the best quality for their price:
- Braun Series 7
- Panasonic Arc 4
- Norelco SensoTouch 3D
Braun Series 7 Pulsonic
The Series 7 represents Braun’s high-end entry into the premium electric razor market and is priced accordingly, coming in at roughly $150 to $300, depending on the model. It’s specifications are certainly enticing: 10,000 micro-vibrations per minute, advanced cutting technology and a very useful “quick charge” technology that lets you get a quick shave when time is an issue. The micro-vibration technology is one of Braun’s chief selling points. It’s said to help help relax your skin in order to provide a clean, close and smooth shave.
Another key feature of the Series 7 Pulsonic is the automatic cleaning system. This allows you to clean, re-lubricate and dry the razor with one button ease. The Series 7 also uses LED display technology and several personalized modes that improve the efficiency of the shave.
The shave itself is as you’d expect — very close and very fast, and comparable to a non-electric “cream and razor”- style shave.
At about three pounds the razor is nice and light and fits well into your hand. Battery time can extend beyond one hour and the razor runs fairly quietly. As with most Braun products, build quality is a plus.
If you’re looking for a negative, you might focus on price. While the Series 7 is a great, high-end product, it’s a bit more expensive than some similarly impressive options. The Series 7 is also noisier than other razors in its class. Additionally, while the design is aesthetically-pleasing, the cleaning system is somewhat bulky and a bit of a space eater.
Panasonic Arc 4
Users of the Panasonic Arc 4 series of electric razors will notice one thing above all else — just how close a shave this product delivers.
Thanks in part to an advanced and powerful linear motor and proprietary Nanotech four blade cutting system, the Arc 4 has few competitors in the close shave category. The razor’s motor clocks in at 14,000 cycles per minute and the blades are positioned to cut hair as closely as possible. The speed of the motor, which is unsurpassed, allows for a faster cut. This leads to reductions in pulling and irritation. The Arc 4 is also designed to provide a quick shave, thanks to additional surface area on the razor’s head. Other features include a rechargeable lithium battery that provides 30 to 45 minutes of use, a responsive pivot head that is designed to fit the contours of your face and a vibrating cleaning mode that makes razor maintenance reasonably easy. If you’re looking for drawbacks, battery life is below-average compared to other razors in its class. The Arc 4 is also somewhat noisy.
The Panasonic Arc 4 retails in the $150 to $300 range.
Norelco SensoTouch 3D
The Norelco SensoTouch 3D is certainly impressive to look at. It’s large (height and width both near 10 inches), extremely light (less than two pounds) and packed with advanced features.
Retailing at roughly $150 to $300, the razor is a high-end combination of form and function. Its calling card is its GyroFlex 3D system. While that sounds pretty technical, it’s actually a system to help the razor cover the contours of the face as effectively as possible. The GyroFlex has three parts that allow it to tilt, flex and and pivot accordingly to reach every hard-to-get spot on your face.
Other features include an LED display, a precision trimmer and a dual-blade cutting system that allows the razor to lift and cleanly cut problem hairs. The razor allows wet and dry shaving and lasts about an hour between charges. The SensoTouch is also one of the quietest razors in its class. While the razor’s battery life is respectable, charging can be a bit of a chore, as the razor cannot be charged without the accompanying stand. The razor’s trimmer is also somewhat awkward, thanks to its small size.