Menu
 

BestReviews is reader-supported and may earn an affiliate commission. Details

Best Rotary Shavers

Updated March 2023
Bottom line
Pros
Cons
Best of the Best
Philips Norelco Series 5100
Philips Norelco
Series 5100
Check Price
Bottom Line

A precision cordless shaver that is known for its fast charge time. Detail your cut with snap-on precision trimmer.

Pros

LED display shows you key information about your shaver, including battery indicator, cleaning indicator, and when to replace head. One-hour charge time gives you 40 minutes of shave time, or quick charge for five minutes to give you enough time for a quick shave. Easy to clean and maintain. Heads flex in five directions. Great lift and cut motion, reduces snagging and pulling of hairs.

Cons

Some users find it doesn't shave as closely as desired.

Best Bang for the Buck
Surker 4-in-1 Rotary Shaver
Surker
4-in-1 Rotary Shaver
Check Price
Bottom Line

Four-in-one rotary shaver with accessories for detailing your beard and sideburns, facial cleansing brush, and a nose hair trimmer.

Pros

LED indicator displays battery life and when it needs to charge. Lock button keeps it from accidentally going off in your bag. Decent battery life and charge time. Waterproof, making it suitable for wet shaves. Easy to clean.

Cons

Some users find the shaving head needs to be replaced more frequently than other models.

Phisco Electric Shaver
Phisco
Electric Shaver
Check Price
Bottom Line

Great value wet and dry cordless rotary shaver with accessories for nose hair trimming and detailing stubble, beards, sideburns, and more.

Pros

Three rotating floating heads give a precise and close-cut shave whether you're shaving wet or dry. Easy to clean after use. Comes with a brush to remove excess hairs from the blades. Eight-hour charge on the included charging stand results in 45-minute shave time.

Cons

Long charge time for full battery.

Philips Norelco Portable Electric Razor
Philips Norelco
Portable Electric Razor
Check Price
Bottom Line

Smaller cousin in the Norelco series packs a similar punch in a portable, travel-friendly device. Floating heads contour to your face for a clean shave.

Pros

Independent floating heads follow your face's curvature for a close and precise shave. Self-sharpening blades increase time in between replacing heads. Battery operated, so you can shave while on the go. Comes with travel pouch for storage.

Cons

Not recommended for heavy daily use, but perfect for travel.

Remington Verso Rotary Shaver
Remington
Verso Rotary Shaver
Check Price
Bottom Line

This shaver's innovative grippable design gives you more control for an even cut. Its battery life, however, is less impressive.

Pros

Unique ergonomic handle with grippy rubber finish. Head adjusts to almost any angle to cut down on irritation. Works on a variety of lengths. Waterproof and easy to clean. Gives you 45 minutes of shaving on a four-hour charge.

Cons

Some are disappointed with this shaver's battery life.

Why trust BestReviews?
BestReviews spends thousands of hours researching, analyzing, and testing products to recommend the best picks for most consumers. We only make money if you purchase a product through our links, and all opinions about the products are our own. About BestReviews  
BestReviews spends thousands of hours researching, analyzing, and testing products to recommend the best picks for most consumers. We only make money if you purchase a product through our links, and all opinions about the products are our own. About BestReviews  
BestReviews spends thousands of hours researching, analyzing, and testing products to recommend the best picks for most consumers. We buy all products with our own funds, and we never accept free products from manufacturers.About BestReviews 
HOW WE TESTED

We recommend these products based on an intensive research process that's designed to cut through the noise and find the top products in this space. Guided by experts, we spend hours looking into the factors that matter, to bring you these selections.

40
Models
Considered
162
Consumers
Consulted
14
Hours
Researched
Category cover

Buying guide for Best rotary shavers

Whether you shave daily or need a razor that can handle a week’s worth of scruff, a rotary shaver is a popular choice that is easy to use and maintain.

Rotary shavers are so named from the rotating blades that trim hairs without coming into direct contact with the skin. This makes them a popular choice among people with sensitive skin. Because the blades cut in a circular motion, rotary shavers deal well with hair that grows in different directions.

The three or four rotary blades of a rotary shaver are contained in heads that can bend to adapt to the curves of your face. This enables you to shave tricky areas more easily than with a foil shaver or traditional razor.

Rotary shavers are the best choice for thick or curly facial hair, but they may not be suited to men who want the cleanest shave. However, the simplicity and convenience of a rotary shaver make it a popular choice.

Content Image
There’s no better way to shave tricky contours than a rotary shaver, thanks to the rotating blades and flexible heads.

Key considerations

Before you purchase a rotary shaver, consider whether it’s the right shaving method for you.

Foil shavers are best suited to shaving every day, as they produce an extremely close shave without irritating the skin. The blade of a foil shaver oscillates, using a back-and-forth motion to snip hairs. Many foil shavers are designed to lift hairs that lie flat against the skin. Foil shavers are also the best option for shaping beards and sideburns.

Traditional manual razors take longer to get the job done than electric shavers. There is always the risk of cuts or razor burn with traditional razors, and frequent blade replacement can be expensive. But with some patience, you can get a smooth shave from a traditional razor.

Rotary shavers are a good option for a straightforward shave, no matter the length of your hair. They can cut through thick or curly facial hair with ease, and the heads are generally flexible for a comfortable shave. Unlike traditional razors and foil shavers, rotary shavers can be used in a circular motion.

Heads and blades

Rotary shavers aren’t quite as fast as foil shavers, and cutting speeds aren’t usually listed by the manufacturer. This can make it difficult to determine how efficient a particular model is compared to others, though some manufacturers may list the RPM of the motor. Anything above 2,800 RPM will typically perform well as long as the blades are sharp.

One way to measure efficiency is to look at the number of directions each blade can flex. Most rotary shavers have heads that can flex in anywhere from four to eight directions. The more flexible each head is, the better they will adapt to the contours of your face. Most shavers have three heads, but some more efficient models have four heads.

The durability of the blades varies from one rotary shaver to the next, and blades can be expensive to replace. Read customer reviews to see how long the blades are likely to last and look up the price of replacement blades or heads.

Corded vs. cordless

Do you prefer your electric shaver to be tethered or untethered? A corded rotary shaver is a classic choice. There’s no need to charge beforehand, and as long as you aren’t too far from an outlet, you can shave without worrying about powering down.

A cordless rotary shaver offers the obvious convenience of cord-free shaving. This is the most popular design. Charging speeds and durations vary, and in most cases, it is not advisable to charge while you shave. As a result, you may find yourself without power and thus without a shave. But as long as you can remember to plug in before you shave, cordless is a good way to go and can mean one less thing to bring with you on a weekend trip.

Dry vs. wet/dry

Many rotary shavers offer wet/dry shaving, allowing you to shave in the shower and easily wash away clipped hairs as you shave. Some rotary shavers are compatible with shaving cream. Bear in mind that, for safety reasons, wet/dry shavers will usually turn off automatically when plugged in. Some wet/dry shavers work better in the wet or dry modes, so before you purchase, you should have an idea of how you prefer to shave.

Dry shavers are more common and are best used before you shower. If you don’t intend to shave wet, you may save a bit on your purchase by opting for a dry-shave-only model.

Features

Rotary shavers vary in more than just their blades, power sources, and shaving styles. Here are some additional features to consider when making your decision.

Battery life and charging speed

Lithium-ion batteries are common in cordless rotary shavers and can provide anywhere from 30 minutes to two hours of shaving time. They typically hold a charge well when not in use. If you plan to shave frequently, a reliable battery may be a must-have for you.

Most batteries will charge within a few hours, but some charge faster than others. To extend the life of your battery, unplug your shaver when it is done charging.

Noise level

Though they are typically quieter than foil shavers, rotary shavers are louder than traditional manual razors. If you prefer your shaving to be discreet, look for a rotary shaver with a relatively quiet motor.

Trimming modes and attachments

Some rotary shavers only have one mode: shaving. If you want the option to trim sideburns or nose hairs, look for a model with attachments or trimmers.

Trimmers may be built in to the shaver and activated by pressing a button. In other models, they may come in the form of an attachment.

Some models have different shaving speeds, which allow you to accommodate longer or shorter hair. This helps keep your shaver working as efficiently as possible.

LED indicator

Pricier rotary shavers may have an LED indicator that alerts you when the battery is low or tells you what speed you are using. Some models may even offer precise battery levels.

Additional accessories

Some shavers come with additional accessories, such as a cleaning brush, charing stand, or cleaning station. A carrying case is always a nice extra, especially if you travel frequently.

Content Image
Expert Tip
Rotary shavers should be used in a circular motion, as opposed to the vertical or horizontal motion that is appropriate with foil shavers and traditional manual razors.
STAFF
BestReviews

Rotary shaver prices

Inexpensive

The cheapest rotary shavers cost approximately $20 to $40. These models are often corded and may be limited in functionality. The blades are likely to be less durable than more expensive models.

Mid-range

In this range, rotary shavers cost between $40 and $100 and will meet the needs of most users. These shavers come in corded, cordless, dry, and wet/dry designs. Additional accessories, such as a carrying bag or charging station, may be included.

Expensive

The most high-end rotary shavers cost from $100 to $200. These impressive machines will last you for years and typically include different shaving speeds and LED displays.

Tips

  • When you start to notice your shaver tugging rather than cutting, it’s time to get new blades.
  • Rather than using your cordless shaver while it is charging, use a quick shave mode if one is offered. Alternatively, give your shaver a brief charge period before you start your shave.
  • Don’t apply much pressure when using a rotary shaver, or your skin may poke through the holes in the foil, resulting in tiny cuts.
  • Only use shaving cream with a wet/dry shaver if the manufacturer specifically recommends it. Otherwise, you may void the warranty and damage the shaver.
Content Image
Did you know?
Some shavers are partly waterproof, allowing you to clean out the head with water. This is different from models with wet shaving capability, however.
STAFF
BestReviews
"Rotary shavers aren’t the best option for shaping beards or sideburns. However, some models have built-in trimmers or trimmer attachments for this purpose. "
STAFF
BestReviews
Content Image
Like the look of five o’clock shadow? Most rotary shavers keep the hair long enough for a light shadow by day’s end.

FAQ

Q. Should I oil my rotary shaver?

A. Yes. Shaver oil or lubricant should be applied to the blades every two or three shaves to keep the blades running smoothly and to reduce stress on the motor.

Q. How often should I clean my rotary shaver?

A. You should always clean out clippings after a shave, and you should clean the heads with soap and water as often as once a week to reduce irritation.

Q. How long does a rotary shaver last?

A. A quality rotary shaver should last five to ten years, though you may need to replace the heads and blades several times in that period.