The Best Electric Shaver (UK, 2026)
By Niko Moustoukas, Founder & Editor
Published 14 October 2026
If you want one electric shaver for everyday shaving, buy a wet & dry Philips rotary, and the Series 3000X is our pick. Its three flexing round heads follow the contours of your face, jaw and neck well, which is why rotary shavers suit most men, the wet & dry design lets you shave dry for speed or with gel in the shower for comfort, and it does all this at a sensible price. For fuss-free, comfortable daily shaving, it is the dependable choice.
A step-up Series 3000 adds battery life and refinement; the OneBlade hybrid trims, shapes and shaves for stubble and beard styling; and a Multigroom trimmer handles beard, body and nose hair. If you have sensitive skin or a flatter face and want the closest shave, a foil shaver may suit you better (more below). Electric will never be quite as close as a wet blade, but it is far quicker and kinder to your skin. Below we explain rotary versus foil and what to realistically expect.
The winner · Best Overall
Philips Shaver Series 3000X (Wet & Dry)
Three flexing rotary heads and wet & dry use at a sensible price: the shaver most men should buy.
Price checked live · updated 14 October 2026 · we may earn a commission
The top 4, ranked
★ Our pick · Best OverallPhilips Shaver Series 3000X (Wet & Dry)Three flexing rotary heads and wet & dry use at a sensible price: the shaver most men should buy.Why we picked it ↓£49.00● In stockCheck price
Best Step-UpPhilips Shaver Series 3000 (Wet & Dry)A refined Series 3000 with more battery life and comfort features, if you want a bit more.Why we picked it ↓£69.99● In stockCheck price
Best HybridPhilips OneBlade Hybrid 360 (Trim, Shape, Shave)Trims, styles and shaves in one tool, ideal for stubble and beard shaping rather than a bald shave.Why we picked it ↓£47.36● In stockCheck price
Best All-in-One TrimmerPhilips Multigroom 3000 Series All-in-One Trimmer (7-Piece)A 7-in-1 trimmer for beard, hair, nose and body, if grooming all over matters more than a close shave.Why we picked it ↓£24.97● In stockCheck priceCompare the specs
| # | Product | Best for | Type | Wet & dry | Best use | Best for | Price |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Philips Shaver Series 3000X (Wet & Dry) | Best Overall | Rotary | Yes | Everyday shave | Most men | £49.00 | |
| 2 | Philips Shaver Series 3000 (Wet & Dry) | Best Step-Up | Rotary | Yes | Frequent shaving | Regular daily shavers | £69.99 |
| 3 | Philips OneBlade Hybrid 360 (Trim, Shape, Shave) | Best Hybrid | Hybrid (OneBlade) | Yes | Trim, shape, shave | Stubble and beard keepers | £47.36 |
| 4 | Philips Multigroom 3000 Series All-in-One Trimmer (7-Piece) | Best All-in-One Trimmer | Multi-groom trimmer | Check listing | All-over trimming | Beard and all-over grooming | £24.97 |
Prices are live from Amazon and refresh through the day; last page update 14 October 2026.
Rotary or foil: the main decision
This is the choice that matters most, and it comes down to your face and skin:
- Rotary (Philips): three round heads that spin and flex independently, following the contours of your face, jaw and neck. Generally better for curved faces, necks and jawlines, and for longer or denser stubble. Suits most men, which is why rotary dominates.
- Foil (Braun, Panasonic): oscillating blades under a thin foil that move side to side. Gives the closest, flattest shave and is often gentler on sensitive skin, and suits flatter faces and finer hair, and men who shave daily and want maximum closeness.
If you have a curvy face, neck shaving to do, or longer stubble, lean rotary. If you have sensitive skin, a flatter face or fine hair and want the closest shave, lean foil. Neither is "better" overall, they suit different faces.
What to realistically expect from electric
- Not as close as a wet blade. A manual razor against the skin will always shave marginally closer. An electric shaver trades that last fraction of closeness for speed and far less irritation, no nicks, no cuts, no razor burn for most men.
- Faster and more convenient. A dry electric shave takes a couple of minutes with no foam, water or clean-up, which is why many men switch despite the slightly-less-close result.
- Kinder to sensitive skin. Many men who get razor burn or ingrown hairs from blades find electric far more comfortable.
- It takes a few weeks to adjust. Skin and stubble often need a couple of weeks to settle into electric shaving, so give it time before judging.
Wet & dry, and what else to look for
- Wet & dry: lets you shave dry for speed or wet with gel or foam in the shower for extra comfort and closeness. Genuinely useful flexibility, prioritise it.
- Battery life and charging: cordless with enough charge for several shaves, and a quick-charge option is handy for a top-up.
- Cleaning: rinseable heads (or a cleaning station on premium models) make upkeep easy. Keep it clean for a good shave.
- Replacement heads: shaver heads wear and should be replaced roughly yearly, which is an ongoing cost, factor it in.
- Pop-up trimmer: handy for sideburns and moustache edges.
Our picks in detail
Philips Shaver Series 3000X (Wet & Dry)
Three flexing rotary heads and wet & dry use at a sensible price: the shaver most men should buy.
A best-selling everyday shaver.
The Philips Series 3000X is the electric shaver most men should buy. Its three round heads flex independently to follow the contours of your face, jaw and neck, which is exactly where rotary shavers shine and why they suit most men, and the wet & dry design lets you shave dry in a couple of minutes or in the shower with gel for extra comfort. It is comfortable, convenient and well priced, covering everyday shaving without fuss.
Like any electric shaver it will not match the absolute closeness of a wet razor blade, and if you have very sensitive skin or a flat face with fine hair, a foil shaver might suit you better. But for the convenience of a quick, low-irritation daily shave that handles necks and jawlines well, it hits the sweet spot of performance and price. If you want more battery and refinement, the step-up Series 3000 adds it; for the best all-round value, this is the pick.
What we like
- Three flexing heads follow face contours
- Wet & dry: dry or with gel in the shower
- Comfortable, low irritation
- Sensible price
What we'd change
- Not as close as a wet razor blade
- Foil may suit very sensitive skin better
Buy this if: you want a comfortable, convenient everyday rotary shave at a fair price.
Philips Shaver Series 3000 (Wet & Dry)
A refined Series 3000 with more battery life and comfort features, if you want a bit more.
The step-up Philips Series 3000 keeps the same rotary, wet & dry approach but adds refinement: more battery life between charges, comfort features for a smoother glide, and a more premium feel, for a modest increase in price. If you shave frequently and want a shaver that goes longer between charges and feels a touch nicer in the hand, it is the sensible upgrade without leaping to a flagship price.
The core shave is similar to our top pick, so you are paying for battery life, comfort and refinement rather than a dramatically closer shave. For occasional shavers the cheaper 3000X is plenty. But for regular daily shaving where longer battery life and a smoother experience are worth a little more, this hits a good middle ground. If budget is tight, start with the 3000X; if you want the nicer everyday experience, this is the step-up.
What we like
- More battery life
- Comfort features, smoother glide
- Wet & dry, refined feel
What we'd change
- Dearer for a similar core shave
- Still not as close as a blade
Buy this if: you shave often and want more battery life and a smoother glide.
Philips OneBlade Hybrid 360 (Trim, Shape, Shave)
Trims, styles and shaves in one tool, ideal for stubble and beard shaping rather than a bald shave.
The Philips OneBlade is a different, versatile tool: a hybrid that trims longer hair, shapes stubble and beard lines, and shaves, all with one blade. Its 360 blade technology handles the contours of the face, and it is the pick if you keep stubble, a short beard or designer facial hair rather than shaving completely clean, because it trims to length and tidies edges as well as shaving. It is the one grooming tool for men who style rather than just shave.
It is not designed to give the super-close, bald shave of a dedicated rotary or foil shaver, that is not its job, so if you want the closest possible shave, buy a proper shaver. But for trimming, shaping and a comfortable close-enough shave in one versatile tool, it is brilliant and genuinely popular for stubble-keepers. If you shave clean daily, the Series 3000 is better; if you maintain stubble or a beard, the OneBlade is the more useful pick. (Stock can vary.)
What we like
- Trims, shapes and shaves in one
- Great for stubble and beard shaping
- Handles face contours well
What we'd change
- Not for the closest bald shave
- Stock can vary
Buy this if: you keep stubble or a beard and want to trim, shape and shave with one tool.
Philips Multigroom 3000 Series All-in-One Trimmer (7-Piece)
A 7-in-1 trimmer for beard, hair, nose and body, if grooming all over matters more than a close shave.
The Philips Multigroom 3000 is an all-in-one trimmer rather than a shaver: a 7-piece set that trims and styles beard, head hair, nose and ear hair, and body hair, with a range of guide combs and heads. For men who want to keep a beard neat, do a quick head trim, and tidy nose and body hair with one affordable tool, it is a genuinely useful grooming all-rounder that covers far more than a shaver does.
Being a trimmer, it does not give a close, skin-level shave the way a rotary or foil shaver does, so it is the wrong tool if your goal is a clean shave. But for versatile all-over grooming and beard maintenance at a low price, it is excellent value and the tool many men actually reach for most. If you want a close daily shave, buy a proper shaver; if you want to trim and tidy beard, hair and body, this is the pick.
What we like
- 7-in-1: beard, hair, nose, body
- Versatile all-over grooming
- Great value
What we'd change
- A trimmer, not a close shaver
- No skin-level shave
Buy this if: you want to trim beard, hair, nose and body hair with one tool.
Shaver, OneBlade or trimmer: which do you need?
- A proper shaver (rotary or foil): for a close, skin-level clean shave. Buy this if you shave clean.
- A hybrid like OneBlade: trims, shapes and shaves, close-enough but not bald. Buy this if you keep stubble or a short beard and want to style as well as shave.
- A multi-groom trimmer: for beard, hair, nose and body trimming, not a close shave. Buy this if all-over grooming matters more than a clean shave.
Match the tool to how you wear your facial hair: clean-shaven wants a shaver, stubble and beards want a hybrid or trimmer. Some men own a shaver plus a trimmer for the two jobs.
Common myths, corrected
- "Electric shaves as close as a blade." No, a wet blade is always marginally closer. Electric trades that for speed and far less irritation, which is the better deal for most men.
- "Rotary is better than foil (or vice versa)." Neither is universally better, they suit different faces. Rotary for contours and necks, foil for closeness and sensitive skin.
- "You never replace the parts." No. Shaver heads wear and should be replaced roughly yearly for a good shave. Factor the ongoing cost in.
- "Electric is bad for your skin." The opposite for many, men prone to razor burn and ingrown hairs from blades often find electric far gentler.
What we’d skip
- Expecting an electric shaver to shave as close as a wet razor blade. It will not, a blade against the skin is always marginally closer. Electric trades that last fraction of closeness for speed and far less irritation, which is the point; judge it on convenience and comfort, not blade-level closeness.
- Buying a rotary shaver if you have sensitive skin and a flat face, or a foil if you shave curvy necks and longer stubble. Rotary suits contours, necks and denser stubble; foil suits closeness, flat faces, fine hair and sensitive skin. Match the type to your face and skin rather than the price.
- Giving up in the first few days. Skin and stubble often take a couple of weeks to adjust to electric shaving. Persevere before judging, as early irritation usually settles as your skin adapts.
- Ignoring the replacement-head cost. Shaver heads wear and need replacing roughly yearly for a good shave, which is an ongoing expense. Factor it into the decision, and keep the shaver clean so the heads last and perform.
- Buying a close-shave shaver when you actually keep stubble or a beard. For trimming and shaping facial hair, a OneBlade hybrid or a multi-groom trimmer is the right tool; a shaver designed for a bald shave is the wrong one.
Frequently asked questions
Rotary or foil electric shaver, which is better?
Neither is universally better, they suit different faces. Rotary shavers (Philips) have three flexing round heads that follow the contours of the face, jaw and neck, and suit most men, curvy faces and longer stubble. Foil shavers (Braun, Panasonic) use oscillating blades under a foil for the closest, flattest shave and are often gentler on sensitive skin, suiting flatter faces and fine hair. Match the type to your face and skin.
Is an electric shaver as close as a razor?
No, a wet razor blade against the skin will always shave marginally closer. What an electric shaver offers instead is speed, convenience and far less irritation, no nicks, cuts or razor burn for most men, and a dry shave takes a couple of minutes with no foam or clean-up. For many men, especially those prone to razor burn or ingrown hairs, that trade is well worth the last fraction of closeness they give up.
What is a wet & dry electric shaver?
A wet & dry shaver can be used dry, for a quick shave with no water or foam, or wet, in the shower with shaving gel or foam for extra comfort and closeness. It is also fully waterproof so you can rinse it clean under the tap. The flexibility is genuinely useful, a fast dry shave on busy mornings and a more comfortable wet shave when you have time, so it is a feature worth prioritising.
How long does it take to get used to an electric shaver?
Usually a couple of weeks. When you switch from blades to electric, your skin and stubble often need time to adjust, and some men notice a little irritation or a less close shave at first that settles as their skin adapts and they learn the right technique and pressure. So persevere for a few weeks before judging, rather than giving up in the first few days when the difference is most noticeable.
Do electric shavers need new heads, and how often?
Yes. The blades and foils or rotary heads wear with use and should be replaced roughly once a year for a consistently close, comfortable shave, which is an ongoing cost to factor in alongside the shaver itself. Keeping the shaver clean, rinsing rinseable heads and using any cleaning function, helps the heads last and perform. A shaver with worn heads tugs and shaves poorly, so do not stretch them too long.
Are electric shavers better for sensitive skin?
For many men, yes. Blades can cause razor burn, nicks and ingrown hairs, especially on sensitive skin, whereas electric shavers do not cut the skin and are generally gentler, which is why men prone to irritation often switch to electric. Foil shavers in particular are often recommended for sensitive skin. Using a wet & dry shaver with gel can add comfort further. It takes a couple of weeks to adjust, after which many find electric far kinder.
Shaver, OneBlade or trimmer, which should I buy?
It depends how you wear your facial hair. Buy a proper rotary or foil shaver for a close, clean shave. Buy a hybrid like the OneBlade if you keep stubble or a short beard and want to trim, shape and shave with one tool, close-enough but not bald. Buy a multi-groom trimmer if all-over grooming, beard, hair, nose and body, matters more than a close shave. Clean-shaven wants a shaver; stubble and beards want a hybrid or trimmer.
Are expensive electric shavers worth it?
Up to a point. Spending more buys better battery life, a more comfortable glide, cleaning stations, and refinement, which are worth it if you shave daily and value them. But the core shave of a mid-range shaver is close to the flagship, so you are mostly paying for convenience and comfort features, not a dramatically better shave. A mid-range wet & dry shaver suits most men; pay more only for the battery life and comfort features you will use.
Ready to choose?
Our one clear winner is the Philips Shaver Series 3000X (Wet & Dry).