Naturally you can also use the Series 7 70 as a wet shaver – the whole unit is fully waterproof – but I don’t see the point given how well it performs using it dry. Simply go about the morning business while shaving and before you know it the job is done. Wirecutter is the product recommendation philips shaver service from The New York Times. Our journalists combine independent research with (occasionally) over-the-top testing so you can make quick and confident buying decisions. Whether it’s finding great products or discovering helpful advice, we’ll help you get it right (the first time).
Generally, replacement cleaning cartridges last about three months and cost a little over $5 each if you buy them in six-packs. You should also follow the manufacturer’s instructions for replacing foils and cutting blocks. Braun recommends replacement every 18 months (the block and foil come as a single unit, running about $30 for the Series 7 and $50 for the Series 9); Philips Norelco and Remington recommend annual replacement. This rechargeable, cordless electric shaver provides a close shave without breaking the bank.
This helps maximize shaving coverage, while also cutting the hair in hard-to-reach areas like around the jawline or Adam’s apple. The good thing about electric razors is there isn’t really a ‘correct’ way of using them, unlike bladed razors, but if you suffer irritation easily, a wet and dry model could prove a boon. We first tested the Panasonic Arc5 in 2015, then tried it again against our top pick, the Braun Series 7, in 2021. This top-of-the-line Panasonic shaver includes a total of five blades—a quartet of foils and a single oscillating lift-and-cut center trimmer. The Arc5 is quieter than the Series 7, but the noise it does make is much higher pitched, which some may find annoying. If you find that Braun models aren’t working for you, the Arc5 might be a better option for your skin or hair type.
One question we’ve been asked a lot is whether to use a pre-shave. The magic ingredient in most pre-shaves is isopropyl myristate, a synthetic oil created by compounding alcohol and a fatty acid. Combined, the two provide lubrication (the substance is also a key ingredient in Liquid Wrench) without a greasy feeling, so claims that they help an electric razor to glide are probably credible.
The blades are surrounded by protective, ComfortGlide rings that prevent irritation to the skin. Plus, this razor includes a quick-clean pod and a pop-up trimmer for a precise, comfortable shave. Experts might say that’s because electric razors don’t cut as close as a traditional razor/shave cream combo, but in practice, I didn’t notice any difference between the closeness of my shave. In fact, I found that without shaving cream, I could see spots I missed and manage the details of my shave much better. If a close shave is your top priority, you may find that an electric razor simply cannot compare to a manual one.
The main difference being you receive an extra cutter on the Series 9, making it easier to cut down longer wiry hairs, which would push the Series 9 to better tackling stubble that’s grown out for a couple days. A rather old-fashioned design at heart, this is short and stubby and designed to be pressed sideways into your beard rather than upwards. It’s a little reminiscent of an updated version of the electric razors of the 1950s. It has three intensity levels, the idea being that the especially sensitive-skinned can keep it lighter. Using a rotary shaver is weird enough at the best of times, as they have such a light touch. Also, even though my skin is quite sensitive, I never felt any irritation while using the Prestige on its highest setting.
Particularly when it comes to Phillips shavers and, to a slightly lesser extent Braun, there are usually at least three versions of each shaver. For anyone who only shaves once or twice a week, but wants to be smooth when they do, a manual razor is always better. Irregular shavers who don’t need to be baby smooth will be better off with the best beard trimmer and, if you’re looking to remove the hair from your body, you’ll want the best body groomers and even one philips razor of our best IPL machines. We tried Philips Norelco’s lower-end rotary models but determined that the brand’s 9000 series performed better, and it was so closely priced that it was a better buy for most people. In our experience, the 4000-series razor didn’t shave closely enough to be worth their bargain prices. However, one member of our test panel has been using a 4000-series model for years, and they still love it, even after trying much more expensive models.