Compare electric shavers to razor blades

Most electric shavers don't shave directly on the skin, but just above. This ensures a less smooth shaving performance. Electric shavers that promise a smooth performance are electric shavers of the highest segment. For example, the Series 9 by Braun and Series 9000 by Philips.

• Most advanced electric shavers shave smooth.

• Less advanced electric shavers shave less smooth.

With a razor blade, you shave very closely to the skin. This ensures a smooth shaving performance without stubble. You do need to master the technique for this, so you won't accidentally damage your skin.

• Shaves closely to the skin with a smooth result.

• You need to master the technique.

An advantage of electric shavers is that they're often specially made for sensitive skin. An electric shaver lifts up the hairs, so you can easily cut them without pressuring your skin. This prevents skin irritation, cuts, and grown-in hairs.

• Ideal for sensitive skin.

In comparison to a electric shaver, a manual razor blade is more harmful to your skin. With a razor blade, you shave closely to the skin and have to cover the same area multiple times for a good shaving result. This causes razor burn and skin irritation. That's why if you have a sensitive skin, we recommend an electric shaver.

• Close to the skin, so bigger chance on skin irritation and razor burn.

Shaving foam or water isn't always necessary for electric shaving. You can shave dry comfortably with an electric shaver. The advantage is that you can use the appliance anywhere, and you don't need to be near a faucet. The disadvantage is that you don't feel as fresh after shaving.

• Shave both wet and dry.
• Not dependent on a faucet.

• Not every electric shaver is waterproof.

You need water and shaving foam to shave comfortably with a razor blade. This lets you glide smoothly on the skin and you feel fresh after your shave. The disadvantage is that you always have to be near a faucet. When you shave dry with your razor blade, it damages your skin.

• You'll always feel fresh after your shave.

• Not suitable for dry shaving.

Shaving with an electric shaver is easier to learn than shaving with a razor blade. The appliance does most of the work for you and you even receive feedback with some of them via a smartphone app. Your skin also needs less preparation and you just have to cover an area once to remove the hairs.

• Easy to learn.
• Less preparation required.
• Guidance in feedback app.

• Often dependent on a socket.
• Not every appliance offers feedback in the app.

The advantage of a razor blade is that you're never dependent on a fully charged battery or socket. But, shaving with a razor blade is something you have to learn. It may be difficult and time-consuming for beginners.

• Never dependent on a socket.

• Time-consuming.
• You have to learn the technique.

With an electric shaver, you can easily create different beard styles. Compared to a razor blade, you'll receive one or more attachments or combs with most electric shavers. You can't use these to shave the hairs completely, but you can trim them to a length you like. With a precision trimmer, you can create details and trim your sideburns.

• Different attachments for trimming and precision work.

With a razor blade, you don't receive multiple attachments to trim your beard. You can easily shave off all the hairs, but can't change your beard style. Don't want to cut off your entire beard every time, but do want to trim it? We recommend an electric shaver with trimmer function, or a beard trimmer.

• Easy to create straight lines.

• No trimmer function.