Last Updated on: September 29, 2022
Electric shavers are must-have grooming tools for the gents. Even so, many still stick to manual razors only because they are cheap.
But…
With the best budget electric shaver, you do not need to spend a lot to look good. You can easily maintain your beard without splurging!
While the choices abound, the winner of this review is the Philips Norelco OneBlade Hybrid Electric Trimmer And Shaver. It is a lightweight and compact but a multifunctional product. With the fast-moving cutters, it shaves in an instant. We also like how there are three trimming combs included.
Our Top Picks For The Best Budget Electric Shaver
1. Philips Norelco OneBlade Hybrid Electric Trimmer And Shaver – Best Overall
The brand name alone is already a compelling reason to choose the Philips Norelco OneBlade Hybrid Electric Trimmer and Shaver. It is a worthy and cheap upgrade from a manual razor.
Among others, one of the most notable is its versatile design. It is good for trimming, edging, and shaving. It works for all lengths of facial hair. The shaver comes with a stubble comb in three lengths – 1 mm, 3 mm, and 5 mm.
It has OneBlade Technology, an innovative feature developed exclusively by Philips. The cutter moves up to 200 times per second, making it fast.
No need to worry about your comfort when using this razor. This Philips shaver is designed in such a way that it follows the contour of your face. This also makes sure that you will enjoy a close shave in all parts.
More so, the Philips Norelco Shaver is ideal for both dry and wet shaving, so you can use it in the shower or even with shaving cream or gel.
The blade that comes with the product is also known for its durability. Nonetheless, if you use it for two full shaves in a week, the manufacturer recommends replacing the blade once every four months. Having replacement blades will help maintain optimal performance.
While it is an incredible product, there are a few problems. For instance, the battery takes up to eight hours to fully charge and has a runtime of only 45 minutes.
Pros
- Includes three stubble combs
- High-speed blade for quick shaving
- Follows the shape of your face
- Allows both wet and dry use
Cons
- Long charging time
- Short battery life
Takeaway
With its versatile functionality, high-speed blade, and ability to follow the contour of the face, the Philips Norelco OneBlade Hybrid is one of the top electric shavers in the market, which works great regardless of your beard density.
2. Philips Norelco 2300 Electric Shaver – Best Rotary Shaver
High-quality rotary shavers can cut hair comfortably in any direction. That is what you can expect when you use the Philips Norelco Rotary Shaver 2300.
Equipped with 27 self-sharpening blades, it cuts above skin level and glides smoothly on dry skin. You can expect the highest level of comfort.
The shaver heads of this electric razor move in four directions. It will also adjust to the natural curves of the face to minimize friction while having close contact. You will not feel a lot of pressure.
It works more than just as a rotary razor. We like how it also comes with a built-in pop-up trimmer. This is a good way to maintain your sideburns and mustache.
You can choose from a corded or cordless operation. This is a good thing during the times when you run out of battery.
Nonetheless, this razor is not for people who prefer shaving wet. While the unit itself is washable, it is not for use with shaving cream or gel. Also, some might not like how the battery requires a charging time of up to eight hours.
Pros
- Comes with 27 self-sharpening blades that require minimal maintenance
- The flexible shaver heads move in four directions
- Includes a convenient pop-up trimmer
- Offers corded and cordless convenience
Cons
- Only for dry shaving
- The battery takes a long time to charge
Takeaway
Wrapping up, the Philips Norelco 2300 Electric Shaver is commendable because of its flexible rotating heads, high-speed blades, pop-up trimmer, and convenient corded/cordless operation.
3. Remington FT-5800 Electric Shaver – Best Foil Shaver
Foil shavers are better than their rotary counterparts if you want a razor that cuts at high speed. With such, one of the options that should be on your radar is Remington FT-5800 Electric Shaver.
The Intercept Shaving Technology is the biggest selling point of this electric shaver. The latter provides the razor with a three-step cutting system, making sure no hair is left behind.
Another commendable feature is the Pivot and Flex Foil Technology. The latter allows the foil to automatically adjust to follow your facial contours.
It is frustrating to be in the middle of shaving, and the razor runs out of battery. Good thing, this model has a LED indicator that acts as a battery gauge. Hence, you will know when it is time to recharge. The charging time is two hours, and when it is full, it can last up to 60 minutes.
Did you run out of battery? You do not have to wait before you can continue shaving. All you need is to find a plug since this electric razor also allows corded operation.
Nonetheless, cleaning its blades can be a burden. It is difficult to remove the screen that covers the blade.
Pros
- Cuts at three stages to delivering a clean shave
- The flexible foil adjusts to the contour of your face
- Has a LED battery gauge
Cons
- Cleaning the blades is difficult
Takeaway
With Intercept Shaving Technology and Pivot and Flex Technology, the Remington FT-5800 is one of the most notable budget electric razors.
4. Panasonic ES3831K Electric Razor – Best For Traveling
Those who are looking for a travel-friendly electric shaver should include the Panasonic ES3831K on their list.
While it is an affordable shaver, it comes with a powerful motor, which has a maximum speed of up to 8,500 RPM. It ensures fast operation with even power distribution.
Additionally, it is sleek and ergonomic for comfortable electric shaving. Even if you have a small hand, you will love how effortless it is to grip.
You cannot see it from the outside, but the blade inside the foil head is strategically angled at 78 degrees. It is optimized to offer maximum comfort. Plus, the blades are made of precision-honed stainless steel, so they are sharp.
Like many other Panasonic razors, it is also worth noting that it allows dry or wet shave. The unit is fully-immersible in water, so it is a snap to clean and maintain.
If there is one issue, however, it would be that it isn’t the closest shaving experience. At times, you might find facial hair remaining. It also does not include a built-in trimmer.
Pros
- The powerful motor ensures fast operation
- Comfortable grip even for an extended period
- Angled stainless steel blade for a comfortable shave
- Wet and dry operation
Cons
- Not for a close shave
- Does not include a built-in trimmer
Takeaway
Overall, the Panasonic ES3831K Electric Razor is impressive because of its fast and powerful motor, angled blade for a comfortable cut, and ergonomic grip.
5. Wahl Lifeproof 7061-100 Electric Shaver – Best For Professional Users
While the Wahl Lifeproof 7061-100 is one of the best electric shavers for professionals, it is also good for at-home users.
A high-impact and shock-resistant electric razor, it comes with a pop-up beard trimmer. It is all that you will need for your grooming!
With the three-cut system, you will never miss facial hair. This allows you to have a smoother and closer shave within a few strokes.
It should also be mentioned that it has dual floating flexible foil technology. This allows the blade to adjust to the face as you shave, making the experience more comfortable.
The lithium-ion battery is another great feature of this razor. When it is full, it has a runtime of up to 90 minutes after charging for just one hour. It can also quickly charge for only five minutes.
Cleaning the shaver is easy because of its waterproof body. It is submersible at a depth of one meter for up to 30 minutes.
This affordable electric shaver has no option for corded operation. When you run out of battery, you have no choice but to recharge it first before you can continue shaving.
Pros
- Has a three-cut system for a cleaner shave
- The floating blades automatically adjust to the contours of your face
- Excellent battery runtime
- Waterproof construction for easy cleaning
Cons
- Does not allow corded operation
Takeaway
The Wahl Lifeproof 7061-100 is waterproof with a tough build, comes with flexible heads, and cuts at a three-stage system, making it one of the top electric shavers for buyers on a budget.
6. Braun Series 3 Electric Shaver – Best For Sensitive Skin
People with sensitive skin often suffer from razor burn and irritation after shaving. You can prevent such by using the Braun Series 3 Electric Shaver.
With three shaving elements, this razor gets as close as possible to the skin, leaving no facial hair. The trimmer in the middle cuts even the most difficult hair to reach.
Another notable feature is the SensoFoil technology. The latter protects against the sharpness of the blades, making it also ideal for people who have sensitive skin.
We also love how the blades are pressure sensitive. They automatically retract to avoid cutting your skin, resulting in a gentler shaving experience.
Beyond its affordable price, it is also notable because of its built-in pop-up trimmer. The latter is best for trimming longer hair before you shave and for shaping your sideburns.
A common complaint about this foil razor is that the shaver head can easily peel. It can increase the chances of having cuts on the face.
Pros
- Comes with three shaving elements
- Has SensoFoil technology to protect the skin
- The blades are pressure-sensitive
Cons
- The head can be prone to peeling
Takeaway
To conclude, the Braun Series 3 budget-friendly razor comes with three shaving elements, pressure-sensitive blades, and a built-in trimmer.
7. Braun Mobile Shave M90 Shaver – Best Shaver With Pop-Up Trimmer
The pocket-friendly design of this model does not compromise shaving performance, making the Braun Mobile Shave M90 one of the top electric razors on the market.
Like many other Braun shavers, the best thing about this product is its versatility. Aside from the foil, it also comes with a convenient built-in trimmer, which pops up from the side.
This razor comes with a flexible and ultra-wide foil. It adjusts to the shape of your face, allowing it to capture hairs growing in all directions.
No need to worry about dirt that could get in and weaken the blades. It has a twist cap that locks and protects the head when you are not using the unit.
Use this product only if you have short stubble. If you have long hair, we recommend choosing more powerful Braun models.
Pros
- Comes with a built-in trimmer
- Has a flexible and wide foil that adjusts to the face
- The twist cap protects the foil when not used
Cons
- Not for long hair
Takeaway
With its compact design, built-in trimmer, and flexible foil, the Braun Mobile Shave M90 is a deserving inclusion in our list of budget-friendly electric shavers.
8. Remington 5100 Electric Shaver – Best For Durability
Wrapping up our list of the best affordable electric shaver is the Remington 5100. Even after years of use, it will remain functional because of its durable construction. The manufacturer calls this product the Virtually Indestructible Shaver.
The latter is a reference to its tough design. It is backed by a Limited Lifetime Warranty, which demonstrates the company’s confidence in its quality.
With 3X Flex Control, the shaver adjusts automatically and maintains the closest contact possible to the skin. This will result in close shaving, even on the neck and jawline.
More so, it has a two-blade intercept shaving technology. Between the foils, you will find a blade specially designed for pre-trimming.
Have you ever used razors that are too loud when shaving? They can be annoying! Fortunately, this model has a quiet motor even when it is powerful.
Nonetheless, if you have sensitive skin, you might want to look for other electric razors. Some users note that it can easily irritate the skin.
Pros
- Comes with a limited lifetime warranty
- Has a pre-trimmer that conveniently cuts longer hairs
- The motor remains quiet during the operation
Cons
- Not for people with sensitive skin
Takeaway
In sum, the Remington 5100 Electric Razor is impressive because of its tough build, lifetime warranty, quiet motor, and built-in pre-trimmer.
Trim Talk: If you’re into electric razors instead, then you might want to look a some of our choice picks — Best Electric Razor For Under $50.
Essential Considerations When Choosing A Budget Electric Shaver
To help you make a well-informed decision, below are some of the most important factors to consider:
Type Of Shaver
You will find two main types of electric razors – foil and rotary. Foil shavers have thin metal sheets with tiny holes. Inside these sheets are oscillating blades moving back and forth when cutting hair. This is the right electric shaver ideal for people with fine hair looking for a smooth shave.
On the other hand, rotary razors are equipped with rotating heads with built-in blades. The shaving heads move independently, providing exceptional coverage. It is better for people with thick and coarse hair. Another benefit is that it easily maneuverers your contours for a more comfortable experience.
Corded/Cordless Operation
The best ones are those that can offer the benefit of both corded and cordless operations. It is good to have an option to plug it in when there is no battery, so you do not have to wait before it is charged.
For shavers with a cordless operation, a crucial consideration is the battery life. Look at how long it fully charges and, more importantly, its average runtime. Some will have a quick-charge functionality, which will be ready within five minutes. It is also good if there is a battery indicator.
Wet/Dry Operation
For versatility, find affordable electric shavers that can work for wet or dry shaves. This way, you can use a shaving cream or gel. Plus, you can run it under the water when you are done, which will make cleaning a breeze.
Comfort
The best affordable electric shaver is one that offers a comfortable experience. It should have a lightweight and ergonomic design, which makes it a snap to hold. The blade should not overheat and must be gentle on the skin.
Maintenance
Consider as well how easy it is to clean and maintain the unit. Aside from being waterproof, it is good if the head is removable, so you can easily get rid of the dirt stuck behind. Some will also have a cover to protect the head. There are also some with a cleaning brush.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Do cheap electric razors leave stubble?
Yes, cheap electric razors can leave stubble. However, this depends on the quality of the product that you are using. So, make sure to find one that comes with sharp blades and can shave as close as possible to prevent leaving stubble.
How to clean & maintain an inexpensive electric razor?
Unlock the full potential and performance of cheap electric shavers by paying attention to proper cleaning and maintenance. Below are some of the best things to do:
- Remove trapped hairs from the blade.
- Use water and soap to clean the shaving head, making sure to remove excess hair and cream or gel.
- Disinfect the razor using sanitizing alcohol to get rid of bacteria and germs.
- Lubricate the moving parts depending on the recommendations of the manufacturer. You might need to use hair clipper oil.
- Keep the razor in a case when not used. This will protect it against external elements that can speed up wear.
What to consider before I buy a budget-priced electric shaver?
Before buying a budget electric shaver, consider your needs. Do you often shave wet or dry? Do you need a multipurpose tool that you can use for other grooming routines? Also, consider what other people are saying by reading product reviews. Their real-life experiences make it easier to decide.
What is the advantage of a cheap electric shaver over other types?
Price is the biggest advantage of a cheap shaver. It is for people who are on a budget. Plus, it is good that you can easily replace it with a new one if it does not meet your expectation or as soon as the performance dwindles.
Conclusion
The Philips Norelco OneBlade Hybrid Electric Shaver is a stand-out in this round-up. It is the best affordable electric razor because of its lightweight design, interchangeable trimming combs, and fast-cutting motor. Nonetheless, it isn’t perfect. For instance, some people did not like the short battery life and long charging time.
Are there other options for budget-friendly electric shavers that you would like to add to the list? Let us know your recommendations.