Best Norelco Electric Shavers

Buying guide for best norelco electric shavers

Philips Norelco electric shavers stand out for their comfort and unique designs that offer a variety of ways to shave. The shavers are known for their reliable performance and useful features.

Most of the company’s shavers adapt well to the contours of your face, and different models are designed for stubble, longer beards, or even other parts of the body. Some Norelco shavers can be used wet or dry, giving you flexibility in how and where you shave. Most have a battery life ranging from 45 to 60 minutes. Some shavers are fully washable, and the SmartClean station that comes with some models cleans and lubricates the shaver.

With so many options, choosing the right Norelco electric shaver can be overwhelming. Our shopping guide outlines the features and functions and provides a few recommendations to make your decision easier.

Some Norelco shavers have different shaving speeds so you can adjust it to your hair thickness or skin sensitivity.

Key considerations

Norelco electric shavers vary in blade system, shaving heads, and shaving style. Even the most basic offerings are reliable for daily use, but some models include additional functions and features for easier cleaning or for styling your beard, for example.

Blades

• V-Track blade system: One of the most popular Norelco blade systems, it excels at lifting hard-to-get hairs for a clean shave.

• DualPrecision blade system: This is designed for stubble or longer hair.

• MultiPrecision blade system: This works well for cutting longer hair or short stubble, though it might take a few passes to achieve a clean shave.

• ComfortCut blade system: This offers a gentle shave that’s perfect for sensitive skin.

• CloseCut blade system: This uses self-sharpening blades that easily achieve a smooth shave when working with stubble.

• Super Lift & Cut Action system: This is a dual-blade system designed to target hairs that lie flat. This system might be paired with any of the other Norelco blade systems.

• NanoTech Precision blade system: This is Norelco’s most precise blade system, allowing you to shave cleanly with a single pass.

• SkinProtect blades: These are designed to move over skin smoothly and cut hairs in just a few passes.

• GentlePrecision blades: These are designed for use on sensitive skin and a range of hair types.

Shaving heads

Most Norelco shavers are rotary shavers with three rotating blade heads that pivot in different directions to independently adjust to the contours of your face. Most Norelco blades pivot in four to eight different directions. The more directions the blades can tilt, the likelier it is that you can capture hairs on the first pass.

Wet/dry

Norelco’s wet/dry shavers use the AquaTec seal to keep the internal components of the shaver dry while you shave with shaving cream or in the shower. Norelco’s wet/dry shavers work just as well as dry shavers, giving you the option of shaving before, during, or after your shower.

Corded/cordless

While most Norelco electric shavers are cordless and cannot be used while charging, some models can be used as corded or cordless shavers. If you shave infrequently, consider a corded-only shaver.

Maintenance

• Rinse: Many Norelco shavers are fully washable and can easily be rinsed out with water when you’re done shaving.

• SmartClean system: Some shavers come with Norelco’s SmartClean system, which holds the shaver while it is cleaned, charged, lubricated, and sometimes dried (SmartClean PLUS). The SmartClean system uses a cleaning cartridge that holds the cleaning and lubricating solution. One cartridge is included with shavers that come with the SmartClean system, but you will have to purchase new cleaning cartridges as needed.

Norelco electric shaver features

Attachments

• Three-in-one shavers: Some Norelco electric shavers include attachments, such as trimmers and body groomers, so you can use your shaver on your face, beard, and body.

• SmartClick precision trimmer: This is included in some shavers that don’t include a body trimmer. Like the other attachments, this replaces the rotary shaver head and allows for detail work or beard trimming.

• Sideburn trimmer: Some budget Norelco shavers have a pop-up sideburn trimmer on the back of the head.

LED display

Many of the higher-end Norelco shavers, like the S9700, include an LED display that shows you several different notifications. This is a great way to keep your shaver well maintained before the blades become too dull or the head is full of trimmed hair. It also means you won’t run out of power mid-shave.

• Battery charge status

• Cleaning reminder

• Unplug-to-use reminder

• Overheating warning

• Change blades indicator

Speeds

Some Norelco shavers include different speed options to accommodate different hair lengths or skin sensitivities. In most cases, these shavers have a sensitive, normal, and fast setting.

Travel case

Some Norelco shavers include a hard travel case that protects the shaver and its accessories. This is a great extra for travel or if you just want to keep everything in one place at home.

Norelco electric shaver prices

Inexpensive: Norelco’s entry-level electric shavers range from $15 to $25. Many of these are travel shavers. Some traditional rotary shavers in this range include pop-up sideburn trimmers. While you can get a good shave with these models, it might take you several passes, and the blades might struggle with hairs that lie flat.

Mid-range: Norelco shavers that cost $25 to $80 vary from basic rotary shavers to fully washable shavers with wet/dry capability and trimming attachments.

Expensive: Norelco electric shavers that cost from $80 to $300 are high-performing shavers. Many have LED displays and multiple shaving speeds and include the SmartClean system, which does a lot of the maintenance for you.

Tips

• Lubricate your Norelco electric shaver every two or three shaves. This will keep the blades spinning smoothly.

• Check blade replacement costs. Take note of the price of replacement heads or blades for your shaver because they will need to be replaced eventually.

• Recharge quickly. Most Norelco shavers can’t be used while charging, but the quick-charge function only requires a few minutes of charging.

• Check the warranty. Not all Norelco shavers are covered by the Philips two-year warranty. If this is a concern for you, be sure to purchase a model covered by the warranty.

Many Norelco blade systems feature self-sharpening blades, prolonging the life of the blades and giving you consistently close shaves.

FAQ

Q. Can I replace the blades with a different Norelco blade system?

A. Most Norelco electric shavers accept only the type of head or blade system they come with. You should consider the price of replacement blades when shopping for a Norelco shaver.

Q. How long do Norelco electric shavers last?

A. Most Norelco shavers can be expected to last five to seven years, but many people use theirs for ten years or more.

Q. Are charging cords and stations compatible with other Norelco shavers?

A. Many charging cords and stations can work with Norelco shavers in the same series.