6 Best Foil Shavers 2022
Just to avoid any confusion as to what exactly a foil shaver is, a quick explanation is probably in order before beginning the search for the best foil shaver currently available.
There are two types of electric razor on the market; foil shavers and rotary shavers. A foil shaver has a rectangular floating head which is covered by a perforated metal mesh or grille. Behind the mesh are oscillating, or moving, blades which cut the hairs that come through the grille. A rotary shaver, on the other hand, has (usually) three rotating discs behind which sit spinning cutters. That concludes the lesson for today so let’s move swiftly along and start our search.
What to Look for in a Foil Shaver
It is worth both your time and money go a little up-market and select a foil shaver that performs well but also has a few little extras or features.
- Charging Time. Charging the battery fully can take up to 12 hours depending on the shaver model.
- Quick Charge. Some electric shavers can be given a quick five minute charge which will suffice for an emergency shave.
- Shaving Time. Most electric shavers when fully charged will run for approximately 45 minutes.
- Low-Battery Alert. Not totally necessary but a nice feature to have.
- Auto Shut-Off. Again, not necessary but an automatic shut-off when the battery is fully charged is a nice bonus feature.
- Cleaning System. Most shavers still come with tiny brushes for manually cleaning the shaving head but some can now be rinsed under running water. Other models are fitted with self-cleaning systems that clean and sanitize the blades.
- Hair Trimmer. Fairly standard on most modern foil shavers, hair trimmers are for trimming eyebrows, sideburns and moustaches.
- Wet and Dry. A foil shaver that allows for wet and dry shaving using foam or gel.
- Microvibrations per Minute. The higher the number of microvibrations per minute, the more hairs drawn into the blades and the closer the shave.
Top 6 Foil Shavers Chart
| Picture | Name | Wet Shave? | Cleaning System | Price | Rating (1-5) |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
 | 1. Panasonic ES-LV61-A Arc5 Men’s Electric Razor | Wet and dry | Sonic Vibration System | $$$$ | 4.5 |
 | 2. Braun Series 7 790cc-4 Electric Foil Shaver for Men with Clean and Charge Station | Dry only | Clean and charge docking station | $$$$ | 4.4 |
 | 3. Braun Old Spice Wet & Dry Shave & Trim | Wet and dry | Rinsed in running water | $ | 4.4 |
 | 4. Remington F7-7800 Men's Interceptor Foil Shaver with Charge Stand | Dry only | Rinsed in running water | $$ | 4.4 |
 | 5. Panasonic ES-LT71-S, Arc3 Electric Razor | Wet and Dry | Clean and charge docking station | $$$ | 4.3 |
 | 6. Remington F5-5800 Foil Shaver | Wet and dry | Rinsed in running water | $ | 4.2 |
Top 3 Best Foil Shaver Reviews
1. Panasonic ES-LV61-A Arc5
Without a doubt one of the best foil shavers on the market, the Panasonic ES-LV61-A Arc5 delivers on its promise of the closest possible shave from an electric razor. The razor has five oscillating blades which miss nothing even in those awkward little spots under the nose and the jaw. For those of a technical mindset, Panasonic state that the Arc5 makes over 70,000 cutting actions every minute. Whatever the actual number may be, shaving with the Arc5 is simple and very, very effective.
The Arc5’s pivoting shaving head is very supple and almost seems to bend and mould itself to the contours of the face making is very simple to use. Apart from the closeness of the shave, other nice features of the Arc5 are the fact that it is totally waterproof for use in the bath or shower and it can also be used for dry shaving or a wet shave with gel or foam. A sonic vibration mode removes stubble and residue as it is rinsed under running water makes cleaning the Arc5 a simple task. Coupled with all these features, the Panasonic Arc5 also comes with a LCD display for checking the power status and replacement reminders for foil and blades as well a trimmer for beards, mustaches and sideburns.
Short of actually performing the actual shave by itself, there is nothing more you could wish for and the Arc5 is by far the best foil shaver you will have the pleasure to use. You can even take it with you on your travels as there is a travel bag supplied.
2. Braun Series 7 790cc-4 Electric Foil Shaver
German manufacturers Braun have a distinguished history in the hair care world and the Series 7 790cc-4 is another top quality foil shaver in a long line. Billed as an “intelligent” razor, the 790cc-4 can increase power to 10,000 microvibrations a minute for tricky areas or for thicker hair growth. Not only that but a built-in ActiveLift trimmer also cuts those stubborn hairs that are lying flat against the skin. Whatever the inner technology, it works and the 790cc-4 gives a smooth, close and even shave.
Being a top of the range foil shaver, the Braun 790cc-4 has a pivoting head which makes it easier to shave in difficult areas. Cleaning the razor is easy as it is 100% waterproof and comes with a Clean&Charge docking station for thorough cleansing. The docking station cleans and lubricates the blades while also charging the battery. A full battery charge takes about an hour but is good for fifty minutes of shaving time which is pretty good when compared to other foil shavers.
The Braun Series 7 790cc-4 may lack some of the features of the Panasonic Arc5, including wet shaving with foam or gel, but it doesn’t come up short in terms of giving a great shave and is one of the best choices you can make when looking for a top quality foil shaver.
3. Braun Old Spice Wet & Dry Shave & Trim
The name “Old Spice” may bring back memories of unwanted presents from Christmas Past but you will be surprised to find that the Old Spice Men’s Shaver is actually manufactured by Braun and is an excellent and reasonably priced electric razor.
There are no fusses or frills with this compact razor. It cuts and trims your beard and does it very well. Even stubborn flat hairs on the neck are quickly clipped and the Old Spice Shaver gives a very good, close and even shave. Completely waterproof, the razor is designed to be easily rinsed and cleaned under running water but it is best to clean the head after every one or two shaves to avoid any build-up of bristles or dirt. Most surprising of all was to discover that the Old Spice razor can be used for wet and dry shaving, something which is usually only the case with more expensive models.
In its price category, the Old Spice Men’s Shaver is hard to beat and we cannot find any faults with it apart from, perhaps, the lack of accessories such as a beard and mustache trimmer.