I get it. You want a close, comfortable shave but you’re not too fussy about it and you’re not interested in shelling out a bunch of cash for a razor.
All is not lost, my budget-conscious friend. Now more than ever, manufacturers are expanding their product lines to include electric razors that are both affordable and packed with quality parts and features. And today, I’m going to help you find the best cheap electric razor for you whether you’re an infrequent trimmer, head cropper, shower shaver, or any type of groomer in between.
These are all excellent options to consider, but comfort should be your main priority. A powerful motor, sharp blades, and long-lasting battery will only go so far if the razor isn’t right for your skin type or the contours of your face.
Regardless of your unique needs, this list of my five best affordable electric razor picks is a damn good place to start.
Key Takeaways
To unearth the best cheap electric razor across a range of categories, I began by poring over dozens of product comparisons, customer reviews, spec sheets, and photos.
The resulting five finalists on this list are the best of the best based on affordability, motor speed, blade sharpness, foil thickness, overall comfort, and the quality of included accessories like charging and cleaning stations. My top overall pick based on those considerations is the Braun Series 3 Proskin, followed closely by Remington’s F5 Foil Shaver.
Our Top Picks
Why it’s great: Braun’s razors are some of the most durable and thoughtfully constructed products on the market. And while some of them will set you back several hundred dollars, Braun’s Series 3 Proskin is incredibly wallet-friendly for what you’re getting.
The three-blade system offers a comfortable shave and the unit is completely waterproof for shower or sink shaving. If you’re looking for an affordable workhorse of a razor that’s made to last and packed with power, this one’s definitely worth a look.
How to use it: The Series 3 Proskin is a solid choice for your everyday razor whether you prefer wet or dry shaving. That said, its respectable battery life (up to 45 minutes) and fully waterproof construction make it ideal for shower shavers.
Flaws but not dealbreakers: While you’ll certainly get a close, quality shave with this product at this price point, you’ll have to go up a tier or two to achieve the closest shave possible.
Type: Foil | Weight: .75 pounds | Closeness: Not specified | Material: Stainless steel | Waterproof: Yes | Cordless: Yes
Why it’s great: What you have here is a brass-tacks, no-frills shaver. It clocks in when it’s time to work, kicks ass, then clocks out when it’s done. It does a decent job of lifting stubborn hairs and has a pop-out trimmer feature for straightening your sideburns or crisping up your beard style.
It’s waterproof so you can rinse it in the sink or wet shave in the shower. Razor nerds need not apply to this one, but it’s a sturdy product with over 18,000 5-star Amazon reviews, and it’ll give you plenty of
How to use it: As a relatively bulky cheap electric razor, the F5 Foil Shaver will best serve you perched atop your bathroom vanity as opposed to traveling with you. It’s not going to last a lifetime, but it’s going to be the one you reach for every morning for your quick-shave needs.
Flaws but not dealbreakers: The F5’s battery life is solid at up to an hour but it takes around two hours to fully charge—much longer than some of the other options on this list.
Type: Foil | Weight: 1 pound | Closeness: Not specified | Material: Stainless steel | Waterproof: Yes | Cordless: Yes
Why it’s great: Another great cheap electric razor for everyday use is the Philips Norelco Shaver 2300. The first thing you’ll notice is its rotary design—a polarizing topic for the cleanly shaven. Still with me? Great.
Because you’re working with self-sharpening blades set behind three heads that ebb and flow in four directions to work with the contours of your face. Wet shaves: check. Dry shaves: check. This is a hard-working, gentle option that’s a good fit for new shavers and seasoned pros alike.
How to use it: Like any good everyday electric razor, this one’s best for planting on your sink and reaching for it whenever you need a trim either in the shower or out.
Flaws but not dealbreakers: Like the Remington F5, the Philips Norelco Shaver 2300 takes quite a while to charge—a whopping eight-hour charge will get you 40 minutes of shaving time. Not a big deal if you plan on keeping it at home, but something to consider if you travel frequently.
Type: Rotary | Weight: 1 pound | Closeness: Not specified | Material: Stainless steel | Waterproof: Yes | Cordless: Yes
Why it’s great: You may already know King C. Gillette from its line of outstanding shaving products ranging from gels and beard oils to balms and razors. So it should come as no surprise that the Gillette offshoot also makes a beard trimmer that’s as sleek as it is powerful. The replaceable blade lasts up to six months and the pivoting head is adept at working around the contours of your face.
How to use it: This little guy is far from an everyday razor due to its compact size. But if you find yourself traveling frequently and are looking for big things out of a small package, this is the best cheap electric razor for the job.
Flaws but not dealbreakers: King C. Gillette’s super-compact beard trimmer is ideal if your main priority is saving space in your carry-on or dopp kit. With that convenience, however, comes a smaller surface area than other razors which translates to a more time-consuming shave.
Type: Foil | Weight: .64 pounds | Closeness: 1mm | Material: Metal | Waterproof: Yes | Cordless: Yes
Why it’s great: Skull Shaver is at the top of its game in the world of electric head-shaving razors. And while the brand’s Palm 3 lacks some of the design and functionality of its big brother, the Pitbull Platinum Pro, it’s an excellent budget-friendly alternative. The ergonomic handle makes gliding the shaver across your head a breeze. Meanwhile, waterproof construction allows for shower use and the three rotary heads provide a smooth, even shave.
How to use it: Skull Shaver is a niche brand, which is exactly what you want when it comes to shaving your head. The ergonomic handle allows you to comfortably grip the shaver and glide it across your head in the shower or over the sink.
Flaws but not dealbreakers: The Palm 3’s three-blade design offers a smooth, comfortable shave, but the market is filled with four-blade head-shavers capable of elevating the experience. For the price, though, this one’s tough to beat.
Type: Foil | Weight: Not specified | Closeness: Not specified | Material: Stainless steel | Waterproof: Yes | Cordless: Yes
Buying Consideration For Cheap Electric Razors
Type
The two main types of electric shavers are foil and rotary. Foil razors are favored by most guys because they’re often quieter and help you achieve a closer shave.
Rotary razors are more adept at navigating tricky facial features and are great for shaved hairstyles or bald heads. Ultimately, the type that’s right for you will come down to your skin’s unique traits and what you find most comfortable.
Comfort & Closeness Of Shave
Each face is a unique landscape with unique sensitivities or lack thereof. If you don’t already have an idea of what types of razors are the most comfortable on your skin, it may take a bit of trial and error to nail down the best options.
Similarly, some razors achieve a closer shave than others. For some guys, the more heads on a rotary shaver the better. Others find that a three-blade foil razor works best on their beard. Point is, this is not a one-size-fits-all proposition. Examine the strengths and weaknesses of each product to find the electric razor for you.
Is It Waterproof?
Whether you’re into quick-and-dirty shaves over the sink or long shower sessions when you have nowhere to be, part of the draw of electric shavers is their portable convenience—especially if they’re waterproof.
Softening your beard with warm water also helps provide a smoother, more comfortable shave. Not all electric razors are waterproof, but it’s a key feature if you prefer water-adjacent trims.
Why you should trust us
As a fashion and grooming writer at FashionBeans, I compare, test, and research the products that make a gentleman a gentleman. If it can be worn, carried, or used in a way that elevates your look and feel, I’m into it.
For this review, I pored over trusted sources, customer reviews, spec sheets, and my own experience to understand what makes a quality, budget-friendly electric shaver. After comparing dozens, I chose the resulting five based on considerations like affordability, motor speed, blade sharpness, comfort, and included accessories. Ultimately, I want to see everyone find the best electric razor for them, without breaking the bank.
Final Verdict
While certain razors go the extra mile to ensure an outstanding shave, they’re not going to be effective unless the contours and chemical makeup of your face agree with it. Options abound, but the overall best cheap electric razor for men in terms of features, comfort, and durability is the Braun Series 3 Proskin.
FAQ
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If you want a quality shave and don’t require bells, whistles, or the most advanced technology, you’ll likely find affordable electric shavers to be worth it. If you’re looking for a lifelong shaving partner, you’ll find more durable options at higher price points.
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You can find top-notch electric razors at or around the $50 mark and even up to $100 depending on your requirements. Prices dip lower and rise higher, but just because pricey razors exist doesn’t necessarily mean you need their features to get a great shave.
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