Best Foil Shaver: Buyer’s Guide and Reviews

Grooming can be tough when your skin is susceptible to damage. Although cheap and affordable razors are more than sufficient when you’re seeking a clean shaver or a quick maintenance cut, the sharp edges of each blade can bring forward injuries on most occasions. While trimmers and electric shavers can definitely be two exceptional alternatives to look into for obtaining trims without hampering the surface of your skin, foil shavers, too, can get the job done without any repercussions.

As opposed to trimmers and electric shavers, foil shavers are more lenient in their structure and groundwork. The foils on top are just as efficient as the shaving heads and detachable blades used in trimmers and electric shavers. However, the foil system often has the upper hand when dealing with sensitive skin, as the components comprise hypoallergenic and skin-friendly properties.

Whether you’re seeking a close shave or a grooming session without any cuts or razor bumps, a foil shaver can definitely be the ideal companion. And if you’re open to taking suggestions, consider looking into our personal list of best foil shavers, which will be unveiled throughout this article!

What is Foil Shaver?

A foil shaver has straight heads with oscillating blades beneath a thin layer of metal, which is referred to as the ‘foil’ of the shaver, to cut hair. This foil has holes that form a mesh pattern above the cutters and captures the hair with these holes, cutting it close to the skin at a very high speed. Foil shavers are the ideal choice for men with sensitive skin, fine facial hair, and who need a close shave.

Most foil shavers today have at least two built-in foils to ensure a more thorough shave. They may also have other specially designed features in place that function to capture and trim longer hairs that are lying flat on your face. Multi-blade cutting systems, middle trimmers, micro-combs…there are a lot of new designs out there that can come with your foil shaver, so if you’re set on getting a new foil razor then it’s important that you choose carefully.

Rotary shavers, in contrast, usually have three circular independent heads. These heads have an outer stationary guard that captures the hair strands, and an inner spinning cutter which trims them off.

To help you decide, I’ve decided to look through hundreds of these products on Amazon and compiled some of the top ones for you.

Foil Electric Shavers Summary Overview

Top 10 Foil Electric Shavers Review

When everything is thrown into the mix, one can’t deny the benefits of foil shavers. In addition to having a foil system that eliminates hair with ease, foil shavers also comprise minor accessible components around their handles that typically provide useful pieces of information on the battery status of the device. Going on a marathon is also very much possible for foil shavers, as most of them comprise a sizable Li-Ion battery with a runtime of 60-plus minutes!

If you’re still hanging around in hopes of finding a solution to your shaving issues, know that your prayers have been answered. To find the best stress-free companion for all your grooming needs, be sure to give the following entries a much-needed read!

BabylissPRO Gold FX

Babyliss has always been a brand known for manufacturing fine-tuned grooming tools. While its electric shavers and beard trimmers surely back that claim of theirs rather well, a foil shaver that also allows the brand to walk the walk is BabylissPRO Gold FX, the next entry on the list of best foil shavers.

With an offset double foil system and zero-guard hypoallergenic foils, obtaining a close shave in quick succession is possible with the Gold FX. On average, the device generates over 7,200 strokes per minute, which is mainly facilitated by its high-torque motor.

If you’re seeking something that is easy to use, the Gold FX should be added to your list of potential buys. The device doesn’t just comprise smaller dimensions than a majority of the foil shavers, but is also extremely lightweight, weighing in at 1 lb only. While its auto shutoff cover protects the foil from becoming rusty and accumulating dust, its barbell-coated base offers a great grip during extended sessions.

Perhaps the biggest asset of this tool is its Li-Ion battery, which can run for 3 hours on average. With the duration, you can tackle 30 different shaving sessions at one go or over the span of a few weeks. And although the device could be hard to get ahold of due to its relatively expensive price tag, the Gold FX remains one of the best foil shavers to this day due to its exceptional materials and long-lasting foils.

Get BabylissPRO Gold FX at Amazon

My Thoughts On The Unit 

The Gold FX falls short because of its battery life, but is definitely a frontrunner among foil shavers due to its hardware and technological features. The device can fit rather well in any palm due to its compact size and feels lightweight in hand, being the perfect choice for beginners that are eager to learn and veterans that would like to do more without wearing themselves out.

If you’re running out of time, place your trust in the Gold FX without any hesitation. The device produces 7200 SPM due to its high-torque motor, offering accurate results in a time-friendly manner until eternity.

Braun Series 9 Pro

If you have a knack for grooming tools that are manufactured in Germany, Braun is surely a brand you’ve heard about before. And if you’re aware of all the shavers that they have released so far, Braun’s Series 9 Pro is a foil shaver you definitely shouldn’t dismiss from this list!!

With a 4-in-1 blade system and 10-D flex head, the Series 9 Pro can work with any density of facial hair. The device consists of Sonic technology, a component that delivers a quick shave without injuring the surface of the skin. The foil system also generates 40,000 strokes per minute at peak performance, offering a time-friendly session almost every time.

To shave anywhere and everywhere, the flexibility of the foil covers each area in 10 different ways. The device also comes with a ProLift System, making it easy to eliminate regions that are typically hard to reach. While the device is more than eligible to tackle any beard density, the Series 9 Pro stands out when dealing with a 7-day stubble the most!

Since it is a flagship model among the Braun Series, the Series 9 Pro comprises tons of upgraded components around its hardware to offer the best shaving experience. In addition to having an LED display that typically acts as a battery indicator, the durable handle of the device also contains waterproof properties, catering to those that prefer wet shaves over dry shaves. In contrast to the groundwork of the successors, the Series 9 Pro comes with an upgraded travel-lock button that is easy to toggle on and off, and immovable when packed in a congested travel bag.

When it comes to operation, the Braun Series 9 Pro is held together by its impressive Li-Ion battery. When fully charged, the Braun Series 9 Pro can run consistently for an hour without any signs of a rise in temperature within the foils. The battery life is further enhanced by the newfound power2go travel case, a device that rejuvenates the Braun Series 9 Pro and extends its runtime to 90 minutes.

Just like most high-end foil shavers in the Braun Series, the 9 Pro makes the aftermath of each shave easier with its 5 in 1 Smart Clean station. In addition to lubricating the foils, the Smart Clean Station also bathes the hardware of the Series 9 Pro with water, and dries it off before it’s rendered eligible to use again.

Get Series 9 Pro at Amazon

My Thoughts On The Unit 

Braun has always been the best brand in our eyes when it comes to foil shavers, and the Series 9 Pro only makes its already-positive impression more indestructible. The Series 9 Pro comprises a Pro Lift system to absorb hair growing in every direction and does so without causing any discomfort. To bring forward a time-friendly shave, the Braun Series 9 Pro places its trust in Sonicare technology, a signature attribute in the recent Braun foil shavers.

Another promising aspect of this device is its Li-Ion battery, which has quick charging abilities and tons of endurance. With full battery life, the Braun Series 9 Pro can run for an hour without any stoppages or breaks. A quick shaving session is definitely possible with this device, but only requires 5 minutes of charge.

Looking after a gadget is far from easy due to how time-consuming each clean-up session tends to be. However, the Braun Series 9 Pro understands that perfectly, which is why it provides a 5-in-1 Smart Clean system that rejuvenates the foil, rinses the device, and dries the device all at once in a short timeframe.

Panasonic ESLV97-K ARC5

Panasonic isn’t always a common find at the table of top-grade grooming tools, but when it does put up a fight, the brand surely comes out with memorable and exceptionally useful companions in the grooming world. Don’t believe us? Consider humbling yourself with the Panasonic ESLV97-K ARC5, one of the best foil shavers on the market at the moment!

Also known as the Panasonic LV97, the foil shaver is a bang for its buck due to its remarkable performance. With a 5-blade shaving system, the LV97 trims, shapes, and wipes away facial hair like no other. The device is supported by an unbeatable motor, which allows its 16-D flex head to move in 16 different ways around the selected area and generate 70,000 CPM.

The LV97 also comprises promising attributes on the inside, like responsive sensor technology. The sensor technology analyses the density of one’s beard around 220 times throughout each session and adjusts the speed and accuracy of the flex head around 14 times to generate favorable scenarios. On top of the detachable head is a pop-up trimmer, which is a component you can use to control the awkward length of your eyebrows and sideburns.

In contrast to most foil shavers, the LV97 is seen as an underdog due to its Li-Ion battery. While it does make most of its runtime by reducing bulks of facial hair in a rapid amount of time, the Li-Ion battery only contains enough power to operate consistently for 45 minutes.

However, despite having an underwhelming battery life, the LV97 regains credibility with its cleaning system and charging station, two components that ease up its maintenance routine. With the help of the cleaning station, the LV97 rejuvenates the sharpness and precision of its foils and receives a thorough rinse. Once the tool has been drenched with water, the cleaning station also dries off each and every area of the foil shaver in no time.

Get Panasonic ESLV97 at Amazon

My Thoughts On The Unit 

The Panasonic LV97 receives backlash due to lacking an LED display, a travel-lock feature, and a battery indicator around its handle. Despite all its flaws, the device is still an icon among the best foil shavers.

Its 5-blade shaving system accumulates hair at a rapid rate, producing around 70,000 CPM on average. The tool also comes with advanced attributes like sensor technology, which assesses the density repeatedly throughout the session and changes the motion of the foil over 14 times to generate sublime shaving outcomes. The 16-D flex head ensures a mess-free shave by moving in 16 different ways during operation.

The device also provides essentials such as a cleaning station and a charging station, which could be crucial if you’re making a long-term purchase. Since the hardware is also waterproof, shaving in the shower is definitely doable with the Panasonic LV97!

Braun Series 9 9290cc

You’re about to be introduced to the flagship shaver of the world’s best razor brand. Braun’s Series 9 definitely packs a punch to your wallet, but it’s capable of delivering top performance across several categories.

First, its build. While most of the Braun entries on the list come with three cutting elements, this one is armed with four cutting elements and two specialised trimmers with titanium coating to boot. When you shave with a razor capable of churning out an astounding 40,000 cuts per minute, not even the most wayward of hairs can stray away from the Series 9’s path.

But what about areas that are difficult to reach? If the Series 7 shavers feature a narrow head and 8-dimensional pivots, the Series 9 can give you 10-dimensional pivots and floating shaving elements so you don’t miss a single strand.

Apart from these special upgrades, the Series 9 delivers a combination of smart AI features from the Series 7 razors such as the Sonic and Autosense Technology, and the Clean & Charge docking station.

The wet/dry technology allows the shaver to be submerged in water up to 5 meters. That means it’s safe to shave in the shower with constantly running water. The shaver can also be rinsed under the faucet. That’s the simple way to clean. Braun included a cleaning and charging station with the 9290cc.

With the world’s only 5-action cleaning and charging station, this shaver will stay sharp for a very long time. It removes all the stubble in a hygienic manner with an alcohol cleaner. The cleaning station will clean, lubricate, and dry before beginning to charge. The cleaning cycle only takes a few minutes, too.

This shaver doesn’t take long to charge and will deliver 50 minutes of powerful shaving. In fact, the SyncroSonic Technology will automatically adjust the power of the blades based on the density of your whiskers.

Get Braun 9290cc at Amazon

My Thoughts On The Unit

Like most Braun products, the Series 9 is built to last and is expected to serve for at least seven years. I’ve personally heard of some Braun razors that have managed to last twice as long as that, so buying one of its top razors would definitely be a worthy long-term investment to make.

This is currently Braun’s top electric shaver, and is a particularly good choice if you’re already experienced at shaving and you’re willing to spend above and beyond for a top-performing electric shaver. I can confirm that it’s capable of giving a superior shave regardless of whether you use it wet or dry. If you can splurge on an electric shaver, go for this one—it’s super gentle and efficient at removing hair.

All of the great features add up to a powerful shaver that will last for a long time. There's a state-of-the-art battery in the 9290cc. It's a Li-Ion battery that charges in only one hour. The display counts down 5 different steps until you reach the 9 minute mark. You'll know exactly how much time you have left before it needs recharging. It won't lose power as it winds down, either.

The wet/dry nature of the shaver makes it incredibly convenient. When you're late, you could run out the door with your dry shaver in hand. It'll give you a close shave even dry. If you want to speed up your morning routine, you can take it into the shower to do two tasks at once. It's also a terrific way to soften your skin and hair. Those with sensitive skin will appreciate that ability.

Braun Series 7 7865cc

Expect to see a lot of Braun shavers on this list—this brand is known to be one of the best manufacturers of electric foil shavers. Their current flagship razor, the Braun Series 7 7865cc, comes equipped with three cutting elements and one SkinGuard—a skin-friendly precision trimmer that can easily reach difficult areas, such as under your nose or around your sideburns.

You’ve probably heard of Artificial Intelligence already, but I bet you didn’t expect to see it in your electric razor. This one comes with a built-in Responsive Intelligence tech that knows how to read and adapt to the growth of your beard, subtly changing the way the inner cutting elements are positioned to trim so you can rest easy knowing you’ll always have a close and gentle shave.

An omnidirectional Contour Adaptation head makes it possible for this electric razor to flex and extend its reach on difficult areas, which is a rare feature on foil razors because usually their movements and their coverage are limited to two directions—either up and down, or left and right.

When you’re done using this shaver, all it takes to bring it back to shape is the press of a button with its four-action alcohol-based Clean & Charge station. An electric razor that can clean, lubricate, and charge simultaneously—the ideal product for busy men.

Get Braun Series 7 7865cc at Amazon

My Thoughts On The Unit

The Series 7 7865cc is one of the pricier foil shavers on this list— but it’s definitely worth the buy because it’s packed with a variety of different features that contribute to a better shaving experience. The Braun line of products are designed to last you several years with the right care and maintenance. I highly recommend this unit if you want to make a long-term investment on your shaver.

I find that its AI features really do contribute to a superior shaving experience, and the shaver head’s increased capacity for pivot makes it super easy to shave around the jawline and neck. Finally, I appreciated the consistency of the Braun 7’s performance— even if it was on its dying breath, it still delivered the same shave it would have given at full charge.

Panasonic ES-LV65-S Arc5 Electric Razor

This mammoth of an electric razor is sure to give you the smoothest shaves you’ve ever had. The Panasonic Arc5 ES-LV65-S comes with five blades honed to a 30-degree edge so it cleanly cuts hair from the root. It also comes equipped with a variety of foil patterns that make it easy to capture and cut various hairs for clean and efficient shaving.

To make sure those blades are up to speed, this razor comes equipped with a motor capable of punching out a whopping 14,000 cuts per minute. And the best part? Regardless of battery level, it still delivers a consistently close and smooth shave.

The Panasonic ES-LV65-S comes with an Active Shave Sensor Technology that is capable of detecting the subtlest differences in beard density and automatically adjusting its power flow accordingly, accelerating where your beard is thickest and slowing down where it’s not. When you’re done with the shave, finish it off by trimming with the precision pop-up shaving trimmer.

Get Panasonic Arc5 at Amazon

My Thoughts On The Unit

I personally find the Panasonic Arc5 ES-LV65-S to be the best razor for wet shaving—Panasonic shavers, in general, do tend to excel in this specific activity. This will be the ideal foil shaver for men with thick, dense beards, who prefer shaving in the shower or with shaving creams/gels. Its big shaver head can seamlessly cover a lot of area in one swipe, which is a huge help if you’re in a hurry or always on the go.

After a standard adjustment period of twenty-one to thirty days, you’ll have proven to yourself how efficient the Panasonic Arc5 is for mowing down unruly beards. I really appreciated how its AI helped give a smoother shave by automatically adjusting power levels according to the density of my beard, so I didn’t have to switch back and forth while shaving.

If you want to give it a go but are on a budget, you can choose to buy it without the cleaning base.

Braun Series 7 790cc Men's Electric Foil Shaver

The Series 7 790cc is similar to the 7865cc, except this one is praised as the brand’s top Smart Shaver. It still has the same three cutting elements and SkinGuard working together in an eight-dimensional flexible head for a clean and easy shave, and it comes with the same Clean and Charge technology that on-the-go professionals and/or travellers would appreciate. Regardless of whether you prefer a dry shave or you normally use it in the shower, the Series 7 790cc is waterproof and easy to clean.

Here’s where it becomes a markedly different shaver. First, it’s equipped with five personalised shaving modes so you can choose how gentle or powerful you want your shaving experience to be—all at a push of a button.

Regardless of how fast or slow you want your shave to go, you can rest assured that its built-in Sonic and Autosense Technology is pumping out over 10,000 micro-vibrations to help catch even the most errant strands of hair in one stroke, regardless of how dense you’ve let your beard grow out to be. You can then rest assured that the 790cc’s Autosense motor lets you mow through your beard seamlessly—the ideal companion for men with wild and unruly facial hair.

Get Braun Series 790cc at Amazon

My Thoughts On The Unit

The Series 7 790cc goes for a whopping 30,000 cross-cutting actions per minute (for reference, the standard electric shaver can only do 8,000 to 10,000 cuts per minute!) and comes packed with several good features for sensitive skin. If you’ve got some extra cash to spare, this is definitely one of the foil shavers that you should consider.

It’ll definitely be a good investment. The standard lifespan of a Braun shaver is placed around 7 years with the right care and maintenance. I observed that it is also reliable in terms of performance—no matter how much battery it’s got left, it’s still capable of giving a quality shave.

Wahl Professional 5-Star Series

This is the most versatile shaver on the list because it comes bundled with other grooming accessories— an ideal choice for men who go above and beyond when it comes to their personal grooming habits. The Wahl 5-Star Series comes with a complete professional kit of its own and is actually a barber’s favourite in certain places, so you can be sure that this is a shaver that knows how to do its job well.

My Thoughts On The Unit

It comes with two cutting elements, which may not look like much compared to what the other shavers offer on this list. However, don’t let this fool you—the Wahl 5-Star Series is just as capable of giving you an ultra-close shave, at a super competitive price. The razor heads are equipped with hypoallergenic gold foil, to minimise skin irritation and maximise baby-smooth skin.

Lastly, it promises one of the longest running times on this list. It is capable of shaving cordless for ninety minutes— ideal for people who are always on the go and may not have time to charge their electric shavers overnight. If you have a preference for vintage and aesthetics, this shaver comes in maroon and gold and is designed for a tight grip. At its price, it’s definitely worth considering.

Braun Series 3 ProSkin 3040s

Shaving doesn’t need to be a huge hassle—not when you’ve got the Braun Series 3 Proskin. In my experience, this is the gentlest foil shaver on the list. Its simple, intuitive design and enhanced cutting elements work together to ensure a comfortable shave. It does its job in straight, quick strokes—no need to circle over the same spot multiple times to make sure you haven’t missed a stray strand or two.

The Braun Series 3 Proskin is quite the minimalist. It has three cutting elements and a micro-comb to boot, equipped with the patented SensoFoil to keep your skin protected against its sharp blades. In addition to this, the shaver head is sensitive to pressure and will retract if pushed too hard.

You’ll enjoy using the Proskin because of its thin precision head, which makes it easy to target areas like the nose and neck. A built-in Microgrip shaving element works to capture more hairs at every swipe.

This razor worked quietly and was easy to clean after use. Its ergonomic rubber grip outfitted with the iconic Braun dot pattern makes it easy to handle and is a solid option to consider if you need an electric shaver for travelling or if you prefer shaving in the shower.

My Thoughts On The Unit

If the Braun Series 7 was the unit for expert shavers who need additional features, this is the one to go for if you’re new to electric shavers, or if you’re prone to mistakes. It’s definitely one of the gentlest shavers out there and it’s beginner friendly.

I find the thin precision head especially helpful when I’m navigating around my nose area and across my jawline, as it’s capable of catching even the most wayward hairs with ease. If you’re a no-fuss type of guy who just wants a razor that does its job of shaving super well, then this electric shaver is a strong contender.

Braun Series 5 5090/5190cc Men's Electric Foil Shaver

Feel like going for a handy Braun shaver, minus all the bells and whistles? This is where the Series 5 excels. It still comes with the AI tech distinctive for the brand but is a lighter and more intuitive package to use. Braun advertises this as the shaver to go for if you’re looking for one that can handle hybrid wet and dry shaves well.

The Series 5 comes with two SensoFoil blades that shave super close to your skin, with over 899 unique apertures that help protect your skin for maximum smoothness. In between these lie an Actilift trimmer with jagged edges that are specially designed to capture flat-lying hair as well as hair growing in different directions.

My Thoughts On The Unit

It’s ergonomically designed to allow for a steady grip regardless of whether you’re going for a dry shave or for one in the shower, which is why it’s Braun’s strongest contender for the best Wet and Dry shaver title. Once you’re done, a slide-out trimmer helps carve out the precise beard lines and sideburns you’re looking for.

All throughout, the Braun Series 5 shares the burden of shaving with you through its AutoSensing motor, reading your beard and changing its approach according to its density for a more efficient and comfortable shave.

Things to Consider When You Are Buying a Foil Electric Shaver

How to Shave with a Foil Electric Razor – Complete Guidelines

Keeping Your Foil Shaver In Top Shape

Some foil shavers, like the ones in the Braun Series, come with automated cleaning functions that make maintenance a breeze. However, one of the top priorities in manufacturing modern shavers is to ensure that it’s easy to clean, so even if your shaver doesn’t come with a Clean And Charge docking stand you’re still good to go.

For most cleanups, washing the shaver head under running tap water or gently brushing out the hairs with a brush will suffice. However, you need to make it a point to disassemble the shaver and clean the individual parts at least once every two weeks to make sure that you don’t get any buildup inside the shaver. Give all these parts a thorough wipe down or a wash, and take extra care around the foil. Once finished, allow them some time to dry before reassembling it.

You can finish here, but if you want to go the extra mile then you can put a drop of oil on the blades or the foil to keep them well lubricated.

Lastly, make sure you change the foil once a year to keep your shaver running in top shape.

Keep in mind that all electric shavers are unique, and the instruction manual may have some additional advice for your specific model with regards to cleaning and maintenance.

Downsides Of Using A Foil Shaver

Frequently Asked Questions

Before going forward with your purchase, ask yourself whether the device will be worth the investment. Take into account your beard density, your budget, and your expected results prior to letting a foil shaver solve all your grooming issues. If you’re seeking a device that has skin-friendly components and can provide the next best thing to a close shave, a foil shaver can very well be the perfect match!

While we used the previous segments to unveil some of the best foil shavers out there, we’re utilizing this part of the article to solve pending feelings of doubt. And if you, too, are having second thoughts due to a lack of knowledge, find help in the questionnaire placed below!

Q: How are foil shavers different from rotary shavers? 

A: While both categories are equally useful for those seeking a good-quality shave, foil shavers and rotary shavers remain separate due to the many differences that lie between them.

Rotary shavers often comprise blades that only move towards a clockwise and anti-clockwise motion to deal with coarse strands with ease but tend to feel too sharp when used on sensitive skin.

Foil shavers tend to be more generous, as their foil system absorbs hair instead of chopping them off with a sharp tooth blade. Their foil heads don’t just protect users from allergic reactions, pulling, and tugging, but they’re also quite beneficial to utilize when dealing with thin hair.

Q: When should I invest in a foil shaver? 

A: If you have thin hair, sensitive skin, and happen to be really clumsy with sharper tools, a foil shaver will fit into your life like a glove. In addition to eliminating stubbles with hypoallergenic blades, the foil system that all foil shavers come with is said to be more gentle on one’s skin.

While the motor of each foil shaver does operate at a high frequency, incurring injuries and bruises is still impossible to achieve with the device, as the head accumulates the strands in a generous way.

Conclusion

Foil shavers are the ideal place to start your journey in electric shaving. It’s got a bigger market and a simpler user interface, so to speak, because it’s similar in several ways to traditional razors. Overall, they’re the best shavers to consider if you’re looking for one that can help facilitate beginners entering the electric shaving market, professionals looking for an ultra-close shave, or people who plan on shaving on a daily basis.

There are many factors to consider when choosing the best foil electric shaver for you, but hopefully this guide on foil shaver reviews has helped clear out your doubts. There are so many shavers to choose from, but these seven products are the cream of the crop on the market this year and they come equipped with the latest technologies so you can be sure that whatever you choose from this list is the result of years of research into giving you the most comfortable, efficient shave you can have.