7 Best Razors for Men in 2025, According to Grooming Experts

LIKE MOST SCRUFFY men, I’ve had a complicated relationship with razors. Why risk razor burn or slicing your neck for something that’s going to grow back in two days? But I’ve come to realize it’s the same reason you wear pants even though you have to clean them after. Because you don’t want to look disheveled (or denied access to restaurants). Plus, with the right technique and grooming products, one razor can give you the closest, most gentle shave possible.

Best Razors for Men Now that you’re on board with razors, it’s time to find the right tool for you. People constantly debate the best shaving method—some claim more blades give a better shave, while others argue they cause more irritation and ingrown hairs to sensitive skin. Some dudes ride for high-tech electric razors, others stand by their old-school safety razors.

As board-certified dermatologist Dr. Azadeh Shirazi, MD, puts it, there is no right or wrong answer. It comes down to personal preference and need. Keep these factors in mind to find the right razor for your skin and facial hair.

What To Consider Types of RazorsIn general, razors with more blades deliver a closer shave, but they also come with drawbacks. Additional blades will provide a closer and quicker shave, however, an increased risk of irritation and ingrown hairs is the tradeoff. Razors with only one or two blades are much more gentle on skin, but don’t cover as much at once.

Safety Razors

These deliver a closer shave than most razors—even with just one blade—thanks to their sharp edge. That being said, these are also the most dangerous. With the wrong technique, you’re more likely to get cuts than with any other razor type.

Cartridge Razors

The most common razor you’ll find in any grooming aisle. Blade design plays the biggest role here—whether you use more blades or fewer. But compared to safety razors, these won’t get as close, but the risk of serious skin slicing is much lower.

Electric Shavers

Electric razors won’t give you as close a shave as blades because their heads don’t make full contact with the skin. However, they still shave close enough to keep stubble low, neat, and often unnoticeable. Dermatologist Dr. Lauren Penzi, MD, recommends electric razors for people prone to ingrown hairs since they cut hair above the skin’s surface.

Blade CountAccording to dermatologist Dr. Marisa Garshick, MD, it’s important to consider the blade count, as multi-blade razors offer a closer shave, but a higher risk of irritation. While many go for a five-blade design because it’ll shave faster and closer than a two-blade or one-blade (fewer strokes are needed), Dr. Shirazi argues that this can be overkill, and more dangerous. He warns that more blades can often lead to more friction and thus irritation, so it’s best to use fewer blades (no more than two) to reduce your risk of razor bumps and irritation if you have sensitive skin.

That’s not to say a single-blade design can’t also provide a close shave, if you know the right technique. If you’re prone to irritation or ingrown hairs, dermatologist Dr. Brendan Camp, MD, agrees on using razors with a single or double blade. For men with coarser, thicker hair, Dr. Penzi suggests multi-blade razors, which often deliver a closer, smoother cut with fewer strokes—reducing friction and irritation. In short, for the closest shave, go above three blades. For the most gentle, aim for below that number.

Design FeaturesEvery razor comes with its own features and strengths, because getting a clean shave is only half the battle. Before you buy, look for specs that make shaving easier and more comfortable, like handle design, waterproofing, cleaning docks, or built-in trimmers.

Blade Refills IncludedAfter a few hundred strokes, or five to seven shaves, blades become dull. That said, when you’re buying reusable razors, you should opt for one that has easy-to-replace refills to achieve a smooth and close shave every time. You’ll want to keep an eye on how many blades are included in the initial pack, as this will cut down on cost and how soon you’ll have to reup after buying.

How We SelectedOver the past year, I teamed up with fellow Men’s Health editors and writers to identify the best-performing razors for men. Drawing from their feedback, my own experience as a grooming writer, and top-rated picks on e-commerce sites like Amazon, I narrowed down 20 razors for testing. We then evaluated each one for effectiveness, price, ease of use, and long-term performance, as well as how frequently they caused irritation.

We also spoke with other grooming experts, including professional barbers and board-certified dermatologists, on which razors they recommend. After this research and weeks of testing each product, we landed on the following seven options as the best razors for men.

Best Overall Razor

Gillette Fusion5

ProsComes with five bladesOne fill is equivalent to 18 shavesErgonomic handle for better controlBlade Count5Design featuresErgonomic handle, large lubrication strip, built-in precision trimmer, fully recyclable packagingBlade Refills IncludedYesRazors do not get better than Gillette’s Fusion5—it’s a classic for a reason. According to celebrity hairstylist and master barber Cody Renegar, the blades are flexible enough to maintain contact with your skin at all times, while an added conditioning pad helps the blades glide over the skin without lifting or creating cuts. Plus, the stretchy microfin design, featuring soft and flexible horizontal fins that help stretch skin before the blades make contact, ensures a close and smooth shave.

The built-in precision trimmer, a single-edged blade positioned on the backside of the razor cartridge, also brings about a cleanly sculpted shave. This extra single blade on the top edge creates a sharp detailing (like around the sideburns or mustache) without digging into your skin. Not to mention, this razor is one of the more affordable options on the market, and refills are widely available at any drugstore.

When it comes to shaving, more blades aren’t always better, but in the case of this razor, five is the lucky number. These cartridges pack in the shaving power with five blades and a larger lubrication strip, the combo of which delivers a smoother, closer shave without as much irritation. These blades last about five shaves (one for each blade), which is a pretty good deal when compared with other, lower-quality blades that get dull faster. The handle itself is lightweight and easy to hold with a rubberized feel that works well in the shower if you’re that kind of shaver.

Most comfortable razor

Gillette Heated Razor Starter Kit

ProsHeats up in less than a secondWaterproofIncludes magnetic wireless charging dock and smart plugConsHave to be careful with the heat settingsBlade Count5Design FeaturesProvides gentle head for shave, flexible head, rechargeable, waterproof, aluminum casingBlade Refills IncludedYesPamper yourself with a hot towel shave using Gillette’s heated razor. It transforms a barbershop-style shave into an at-home experience, warming the blades with chargeable, heatable cartridges that soften hair as you shave. Its stainless steel warming bar and flexible five-blade design work together to deliver a more comfortable, closer shave. The waterproof razor features an adjustable heat setting, letting you find your perfect temperature. Plus, it comes with a handy rechargeable stand.

It’s usually best to approach new gadgets like this with a healthy dose of skepticism, and honestly, many of them don’t live up to their promises. But this heated razor is one of the exceptions. In fact, it exceeds expectations. The stainless steel bar heats up to various temperatures depending on your comfort level (don’t worry, even the highest setting won’t burn your skin).

The combination of heat and five blades delivers a noticeably closer, more comfortable shave. The overall experience is smoother, and we noticed less irritation and razor burn than we usually get with non-heated razors. To be clear, at over $100 for the kit ($200 with the case), this is a luxury razor kit. But the futuristic heated design and ultra-smooth shave make it a worry investment, if you can swing the price tag.

Read More: Gillette Labs Heated Razor Review

Best Electric Razor

Braun Series 9 Pro 9465cc

Now 27% Off

Credit: Philip FriedmanProsCut up to 40,000 cuts per minute5-in-1 SmartCare center hygienically cleans and dries quicklyCordlessConsWill have to shell out a little cash for a better shaveBlade Count4Design FeaturesAutosense technology adjusts to beard density, sonic technology, waterproof, cleaning and charging station, 60 minute run timeBlade Refills IncludedNoAn electric razor that doesn’t pull or irritate your skin, even during the adjustment period? Yes, please. We’ve been boasting about the 100 percent waterproof Braun Series 9 Pro for years. The built-in AutoSense technology, which reads the thickness of your facial hair and automatically adjusts the power of the shaver’s motor accordingly, provides a customized shave, and the ten-direction flex head makes sure to get every single spot with titanium-coated blades. Really, this is the Ferrari of razors right here—hence the price tag.

In our extensive testing of electric razors, this one stood out head above the rest due to its tech-packed design that actually does deliver a more efficient shave, even if you have days’ worth of stubble. It effectively cuts shave time in half, and you’re able to use it both wet and dry (with or without shaving cream). However you choose to use it, if you’re thinking of making the switch to an electric shave, this is the best possible option.

Read More: The Braun Series 9 Pro Review

Most Versatile Razor

Philips Norelco OneBlade

ProsHybrid of a razor and trimmerCan be used on your entire bodyIncludes a 5-in-1 stubble comb ConsHairs may get caught and require thorough cleaningBlade Count1Design FeaturesSuitable for face and body, multiple length combs, rechargeable, 60 minute run time, waterproofBlade Refills IncludedYesThis innovative electric razor shaves smoothly, cleanly, and efficiently without nicking or cutting—you can easily rub it back and forth on the skin—with long-lasting replaceable blades. While it won’t get you as close a shave as the other options on this list, it will give you a low stubble that makes you look rugged yet refined.

In fact, Dr. Penzi says that it’s the most reliable electric shaver for men prone to ingrown hairs who don’t mind maintaining some stubble. The real beauty of this electric razor-trimmer hybrid, however, is that you can use it for literally any look on anywhere you want to shave. It gives a close, clean shave on both your face and body, but also comes with length guards if you want to keep some length.

The OneBlade will always be a winner because it’s so easy to use. Built like a classic razor, but with the power of an electric shave, the best thing about this device is the innovative blade, which delivers a close, fast shave with very little risk of nicking or cutting. The multiple guards allow you to customize the length of your shave.

Plus, it’s waterproof and can be used in the shower. It’s also just as effective on your body as on your face, making it an indispensable tool for all your shaving needs. Just be sure to switch the blade when using it on your body to cut down on the risk of cross-contamination of bacteria.

Read More: Philips Norelco OneBlade Review

Best Disposable Razor

BIC Hybrid Flex 5 Titanium 5 Blade

Now 23% Off

Credit: Philip FriedmanProsUses a lubrication strip enriched with aloeContour-adjusting blade countUnder $15ConsIt’s disposable, so you’ll have buy again (eventually)Blade Count5Design FeaturesPivoting razor head, ergonomic design, lubricating stripBlade Refills IncludedYesIt’s hard to beat the price of this simple yet effective razor. Dr. Garshick loves that it’s a travel-friendly razor that’s gentle on skin. It uses a soothing, lubricated strip containing aloe vera to calm the skin while giving you a close, smooth shave anywhere you use it. Best of all is the fact that you get a total of eight cartridges in this pack, making it the best value on this list.

Disposable razors are great for certain scenarios, like travel, but they can also be pretty wasteful and, worse, not very effective. But the five-blade cartridges of this razor are equally as effective as a reusable razor with a similar design, so you’re not compromising on efficacy when choosing a disposable razor.

That being said, compared to other razors on this list, the blades will get dull quickly (after a few uses), but that’s pretty standard for a disposable.

Best Shave Kit

Bevel Safety Razor and Shaving Kit for Men

Now 28% Off

Credit: Philip FriedmanProsPrevents bumps, ingrowns and irritationBlade has a luxury feel and aestheticConsTakes longer than other razors to remove hairBlade Count1Design FeaturesWeighted handle, easy to grip handle, double sidedBlade Refills IncludedYesAccording to Dr. Shirazi, this is the perfect safety razor: It’s weighted for better control, comes with a single blade to counter ingrown hairs and irritation, and has high-quality blades for a smooth shave with each stroke. Dr. Garshick also approves of Bevel’s single, double-edged blade, which she notes helps to achieve a close shave without needing to apply a lot of pressure. Of course, it takes a village to help limit the chances of ingrown hair and take down facial hair, so this kit has everything you need. It includes gentle shave cream, relieving post-shave balm, and 40 (!) blade refills.

There is a learning curve when switching from a cartridge razor to a safety razor, so the first few times you use this razor, it’s going to take longer than you’re used to. But once you get the hang of it, including the all-important 30-degree angle, it does go faster. Though you don’t want to go too fast, as it’s easy to nick or cut yourself with this sharp, single blade.

It delivers a close shave, cutting down on the amount of ingrown hairs and post-shave irritation, which is why many people switch to a safety razor to begin with. The handle is perfectly weighted to feel hefty in your hand but still glide smoothly across your skin, making the actual act of shaving a pleasure.

Best Razor for Sensitive Skin

Gillette SkinGuard

ProsMinimizes blade contact to avoid irritationSoftly glides on the skinDoesn’t tug or pull on hairConsMay not hold up as long as othersBlade Count2Design FeaturesDouble lubrication strips, Skinguard feature to help reduce irritation, built-in precision trimmerBlade Refills IncludedYesIf you have sensitive skin or are prone to irritation, shaving can become a unique form of torture. Gillette, however, has a solution. According to Dr. Shirazi, its SkinGuard razor comes with a special guard on the blade that prevents it from shaving too close but doesn’t sacrifice efficacy. “It minimizes tugging and pulling and reduces the risk of irritation, so it’s great for sensitive skin types,” she says.

While the two-blade design won’t provide a baby-smooth shave, you can still get a pretty close cut without the rash. Besides the ease of use, Dr. Garshick also highlights the comfort of its added lubrication for an easy glide, as well as its precision trimmer for hard-to-reach areas.

When you have sensitive skin, too many blades can destroy your face. This razor, however, just comes with two blades, plus a Skinguard feature that helps minimize how much the blades are dragging over your skin. The less close shave is a compromise, for sure, but it really does help protect sensitive skin from post-shave irritation. The blades are spaced out to help prevent nicks and tugs, as well—a design feature that resulted in zero (!) irritation or cuts with our first use.

Tips for Using Razors for MenAvoid Dull BladesNo matter what razor you use, always make sure it’s sharp (switch it after a few uses) since a dull razor will wreak havoc on your face. “The most important is making sure the blade isn’t dull, as that can increase the potential for ingrowns and irritation,” says Dr. Garshick.

Wet Your Face FirstIt’s crucial to start by wetting your face with warm water to soften facial hair, says celebrity barber Ray Santos. “When I have time, I like to apply a hot towel directly to my skin for a few minutes before the shave to really prep my face.”

Consider Shaving Gel Lathering up your face with cooling shaving gel will help protect the skin from irritation. “Apply it all over the area that will be shaved. This helps the blades glide seamlessly over the skin,” Santos says.

Shave With the GrainTo help prevent irritation, follow the natural direction that your facial hair grows when shaving. Keep in mind that hair doesn’t grow uniformly—what works for your cheeks might not apply to your neck or jawline, so pay attention to the grain in each area.

Use the Right TechniqueThis includes not shaving too fast or pulling your skin taut while shaving, which will tighten the skin and give you a closer shave. But Dr. Camp warns of the latter technique’s risk of razor bumps. And always shave after a shower when facial hair is at its softest and easiest to cut.

Additional reporting by Garrett Munce and Joseph Cheatham.

Sean Zucker is the Grooming and Commerce Editor at Men’s Health. He brings over half a decade of experience covering health, wellness, and lifestyle. When Sean’s not writing about hair products, you can find him running for exercise, or toward the nearest food truck.

Christian is the deputy commerce editor at Men’s Health and Women’s Health, where he oversees shopping content for both brands. He started his magazine career as an accessories assistant at Vogue, and has since held editorial roles at Tatler Asia and The Manual. When he’s not online shopping, you can find him on long walks with his two corgis.