12 of the Best Razors for Men to Get a Smooth, Clean Shave

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Ask anyone with facial hair and they'll agree that a quality razor is a staple in any grooming routine. Seeing as it's a tool you'll likely be using with some frequency (even daily for some), it's worth putting in the extra effort to find the right product for your skin and shaving needs. There's a lot to consider—between safety razors, electric, disposable, even subscriptions that deliver right to your doorstep. Identifying you wants and needs along with your facial (and body) hair goals will help you get started in the razor-shopping process.

Whether you're catering to sensitive skin, thick tricky hair, or facial and body hair, the right razor exists, and we've done our due diligence to find the best of the best. Take the stress out of shaving and shift it elsewhere, because these products are known for their standout success.

Keep reading for the best razors to get a smooth, clean shave.

To help reduce the likelihood of scrapes, cuts, and irritation, you'll want to make sure you swap out your blade once it dulls. Some brands sell blades individually so you can pop a new one onto an existing handle, but others will require a new tool altogether.

Best Overall

Philips Norelco OneBlade Face + Body

4.7
Philips Norelco OneBlade Face + Body

Amazon

What We Like
  • Versatile

  • Travel-friendly

  • Comes with everything you need

What We Don't Like
  • Doesn't provide a super close shave

Who else recommends it? Men's Health and GQ both picked the Philips Norelco OneBlade Face + Body.

What do buyers say? 90% of 62,100+ Amazon reviewers rated this product 4 stars and above.

If you're looking for a versatile tool that can tackle both facial and body hair with ease, this is your best bet. But the versatility doesn't end there—there's also more than one way to use it, including on dry or wet hair, and with or without shaving cream. And thanks to the unique technology, OneBlade can trim, edge, and shave any length of hair with comfort and ease.

One purchase comes with separate blades for face and body, four stubble trimming combs, one body trimming comb, and one skin guard for sensitive areas. Last but not least, the sleek design makes it perfect for storage and travel. 

Price at time of publish: $49.96

Handle Material: Ribbed rubber | Number of Blades: 1 | Color Options: Green/black

Best for Sensitive Skin

Schick Hydro Sense Hydrate Razors

Schick Hydro Sense Hydrate Razors

Courtesy of Amazon

What We Like
  • Seven hydrating gel strips

  • Flexible head

  • Affordable

What We Don't Like
  • Can get clogged easily

This is a newer model razor that allows the user to personalize their shaving experience. With each pass, five blades with skin guards get to work to remove unwanted hair. There are also seven hydrating gel strips with coconut oil, which help to keep the skin hydrated and comfortable while shaving. As a bonus, the flexible head makes it perfect for hard-to-reach areas, like the back of the head and neck.

Price at time of publish: $21.88

Handle Material: Plastic, metal | Number of Blades: 5 | Color Options: Silver

Best Budget

Harry’s Starter Set

Harry’s Razors Starter Set

 Courtesy of Harry's 

What We Like
  • Durable

  • Includes shaving gel sample

  • Affordable

What We Don't Like
  • Can only use on face

The great thing about this Starter Set is that it allows you to test drive your razor (at an affordable price) before committing to a subscription service. The razor itself boasts a sturdy handle with a rubber grip (choose between orange, navy blue, and forest green shades) as well as sharp blades that make facial shaving a breeze. Also included is a sample size shave gel so it's pretty much ready to use right out of the box.

Price at time of publish: $10

Handle Material: Rubber | Number of Blades: 5 | Color Options: Orange, blue, green

Best Drugstore

Gillette Fusion5 Men's Razor

Gillette Fusion5 Men's Razor

Courtesy of Amazon

What We Like
  • Affordable

  • Compatible with other five-blade Gillette refills

  • Built-in precision trimmer

What We Don't Like
  • Can feel awkward to hold

Designed to provide a close shave, this lubricated razor offers an easy to use handle that is compatible with other five-blade Gillette refills. It's a great no-frills pick, allowing users to shave both common and hard-to-reach areas. It also features a precision trimmer on the backside of the blade.

Price at time of publish: $11.97

Handle Material: Plastic, metal | Number of Blades: 5 | Color Options: Silver/blue/orange

You'll know it's time to swap out your blade when the lubrication strip disappears, signaling that you're no longer getting the closest shave.

Best Subscription

Dollar Shave Club Ultimate Shave Set

Dollar Shave Club Ultimate Shave Set

Dollar Shave Club

What We Like
  • Completely customizable

  • Provides a close shave

  • Trial kit comes with everything you need

What We Don't Like
  • Blades aren't long-lasting

This monthly subscription service is known for its simple and convenient shaving products, ones that have garnered many a fan. Here's how it works: Curate your own box or try out one of their existing kits (like this Ultimate Shave Set). You can pick how often you'd like to receive shipments, and even customize what you'd like to receive in them.

We recommend starting with this set that includes their most popular products, including refill blades, face scrub, shave butter, and aftershave.

Price at time of publish: $18

Handle Material: Metal, rubber | Number of Blades: 6 | Color Options: Black/silver

Best for Ingrown Hairs

Bump Fighter Set: 1 Razor Handle with 17 Refill Blades

Bump Fighter Set: 1 Razor Handle with 17 Refill Blades

Amazon

What We Like
  • Prevents ingrowns

  • Includes 17 refill blades

What We Don't Like
  • Blades aren't long-lasting

These razors are specially designed to prevent shaving-related ingrown hairs that lead to painful bumps and irritation. The blade sits above the skin to support a safer shaving experience. If you find yourself prone to ingrowns post-shaving, give it a try and see if you find some welcomed relief. It also comes with 17 refill blades, so it'll last you quite a while.

Handle Material: Rubber | Number of Blades: 1 | Color Options: Black

Best Splurge

Andis 74000 Professional Cordless T-Outliner Beard/Hair Trimmer

Andis 74000 Professional Cordless T-Outliner Beard/Hair Trimmer

Courtesy of Amazon

What We Like
  • Long battery life

  • Versatile

  • Cordless

What We Don't Like
  • Pricey

This razor is powerful, and that's part of the reason why it's priced the way it is. The lithium-ion battery can be used for 100 minutes nonstop, and powers back up in just 60 minutes. We love it for weekly dry shaving and grooming, whether you're doing frequent touch-ups, lining, or precision trimming. And because it can be used sans cord, you can move it around with ease and even groom on the go.

Price at time of publish: $176.55

Number of Blades: 1 | Color Options: Silver

Best for Curly Hair

Bevel Safety Razor

Bevel Safety Razor

Courtesy of Amazon

What We Like
  • Prevents ingrowns

  • Provides a close shave

  • Weighted hold

What We Don't Like
  • Pricey

Bevel’s signature razor is designed to prevent common curly hair issues, such as ingrown hairs and skin irritation. Over time they help to prevent bumps, too. Most impressively, Safety Razor gives you a close shave using a single blade, and the brass handle provides a weighted hold for a guided shave.

Price at time of publish: $49.95 

Handle Material: Brass | Number of Blades: 1 | Color Options: Silver

Best Disposable

BIC Flex 5 Hybrid Men's 5-Blade Disposable Razor

BIC Flex 5 Hybrid Men's 5-Blade Disposable Razor

Courtesy of Amazon

What We Like
  • Travel-friendly

  • Infused with aloe vera

  • Includes six refills

What We Don't Like
  • Not very flexible

Are you a man on the go? If so, these are the razors for you. It’s an affordable quality five-blade razor with a lubricated strip that features soothing aloe vera. The weighted sphere helps to add control to your shave. Each pack comes with six refills, all of which you can toss once they begin to dull.

Price at time of publish: $16.99

Handle Material: Rubber | Number of Blades: 5 | Color Options: Black/white/orange

Best for Personal Grooming

Manscaped The Lawn Mower 3.0

Manscaped Lawn Mower 3.0

 Courtesy of Amazon

What We Like
  • Waterproof

  • Great for sensitive areas

  • Built-in LED light

What We Don't Like
  • Pricey

This one is a recent upgrade to the innovative trimmer designed to groom hair in sensitive areas without irritation. It's waterproof and uses a soft ceramic blade that’s safe on the skin all over the body. You'll especially appreciate that the LED light helps illuminate tough areas so you can perform detailed trimming.

Price at time of publish: $79.99

Number of Blades: 1 | Color Options: Black

Best Straight Razor

Dovo Shavette Straight Razor

Dovo Shavette Straight Razor

 Courtesy of Walmart

What We Like
  • Great for beginners

  • Also works on your head

  • Durable

What We Don't Like
  • Reviewers note it can feel unbalanced

This is ideal for those who prefer a traditional barber shave. Compatible with all half and double-edge blades, this razor is long-lasting and durable. Beginners will find this simple and easy to use. We recommend using it on the face and head only. 

Price at time of publish: $36.50

Handle Material: Stainless steel | Number of Blades: 1 | Color Options: Silver, ebony, olive wood, stainless, black/silver

Best Electric

Wahl Smart Shave

Wahl Smart Shave

 Courtesy of Walmart

What We Like
  • Waterproof

  • Pivoting head

  • Long battery life

What We Don't Like
  • Bulky design

This is a more affordable option for regular users of foil shavers. It has a pivoting head that adds comfort to your shave and cuts close with minimal irritation. The long-lasting battery goes for months without recharging. All in all, this is a good option for those who like to keep their beards trimmed regularly.

Price at time of publish: $79.97

Handle Material: Rubber | Number of Blades: 4 | Color Options: Black

What to Look For

Lubrication Strip

A lubrication strip helps for a smoother, more gentle shave, especially with disposable razors. It also helps indicate when it's time to ditch the razor head and replace with a new.

Target Concerns

If you're investing in a razor beyond the drugstore multi-pack, it's important to seek out one that targets your hair type and shaving concerns. Whether it be avoiding ingrown hairs, handling curly hair or creating the perfect edge, understanding your shaving goals can help narrow down the type of razor you choose.

Variety

If you have more than one shaving concern or goal, seek variety from your razors. Whether it be your entry level pack from a subscription service, or your everything-and-more kit from a professional grooming retailer, choosing to invest in razors and shaving tools that will check off every box will be a better play in the long run.

FAQ
  • Is it better to shave with a men's razor?

    Men's razors are typically designed for the face. When shaving a larger area of the body, opt for a skinguard razor, which is designed to cover a larger surface area and prevent irritations and bumps.

  • Can you share a razor with someone else?

    For health and sanitary purposes, it is not recommended to share a razor with anyone else.

  • Is it better to wet shave or dry shave?

    The answer comes down to personal preference. If you prefer a dry shave, opt for an electrical razor. If you prefer a wet shave, opt for a blade.

How We Researched

To compile this list, our team of editors and contributors spent hours researching the best products on the market in this category, evaluating their key features—like ingredients, shade range, or design—in addition to reviews from customers and other trusted sources. We then used this research to assign a star rating from one to five (five being the best; one being the worst) to certain products on the list.

Article Sources
Byrdie takes every opportunity to use high-quality sources, including peer-reviewed studies, to support the facts within our articles. Read our editorial guidelines to learn more about how we keep our content accurate, reliable and trustworthy.
  1. The 12 best razors for men to get a perfect shave. Men's Health. https://www.menshealth.com/grooming/a19524163/best-razors-for-men

  2. The best razors for men will make burns, bumps, and ingrowns a thing of the past. GQ. https://www.gq.com/story/best-razors-for-men

  3. Eroglu C, Zivalioglu M, Esen S, Sunbul M, Leblebicioglu H. Detection of hepatitis b virus in used razor blades by pcr. Hepat Mon. 2010;10(1):22-25.

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