The best foil shavers for silky-smooth skin: Tried and tested by our grooming editors

Looking for one of the best foil shavers? You've come to the right place. For those who are forever yearning for a closer shave despite their sensitive skin, foil shavers gently pluck away your hairs, reducing the risk of razor burn. That's why they rank as some of the best electric shavers available.

Best overall foil shaverBraun NEVOJump to reviewBest budget foil shaverBraun Series 6Jump to reviewBest travel foil shaverLaifen P3 ProJump to reviewSo if you've done your research on foil vs rotary shavers and come to the same conclusion as many of GQ's grooming editors, allow us to bring you and your five o' clock shadow to a hairless nirvana. Foil shavers gently push your remaining hair follicles into a single direction, making it a smoother journey across your face when you shave. Better still they make it a lot harder to inflict an itchy, red-raw throat on yourself, no matter how overzealous you get with an electrical in hand.

Below, we've rounded up some of the best foil shavers across all budgets, letting you pick the best one to tend to your stubble-busting needs. Oh, and don't forget to check out our list of the best razors if you do fancy going old school from time to time…

GQ's best foil shaversHow we test the best foil shaversWhat is a foil shaver?What’s the difference between a foil shaver, a rotary shaver and a safety razor?Can I use a foil shaver on my body?How we test the best foil shaversOwen Gough and Esat Dedezade are veteran grooming writers and reviewers, with years of experience behind them. They've tested out countless different foil shavers on their respective facial hair to assess the quality of the shave, value for money, and any standout features – not to mention other important accessories like the best hair products, best deodorants, and best body washes.

Key to any GQ foil shaver recommendation is the balance of ergonomics, aesthetics and ease of use. Elsewhere, we've looked at a combination of user reviews, specs, and features – combined with those years of grooming expertise – to pick the very best foil shavers around.

To make sure you can figure out which foil shaver is the best choice for you, we've given each one a rating. To score a perfect ten, the device needs to be a premium model that deftly eliminates unwanted hair from your chin, without irritation, while boasting superior blades, a long battery life and self-cleaning systems to keep the tool in tip-top shape.

We've also taken great care to find out what our readers are buying by researching Amazon review forums and Reddit threads like R/Shaving to peer into what real people enjoy or dislike about their foil shavers of choice.

After trying the world's very best shavers over the years, the Braun Nevo is the shaver I’d choose for myself. Powerful enough to cut through even coarse scalp stubble with very little effort, it leaves nothing to feel when I run my fingers over my head. That closeness lasts, too – I can often leave longer between shaves than with other models I’ve tested. And the same goes for my face, too.

It’s exceptionally comfortable, even around my sensitive neck, while the stainless-steel body feels suitably luxurious. Some bundles include Braun’s excellent PowerCase, which protects and charges the shaver when you’re travelling.

The built-in trimmer is less impressive, and the proprietary charging connection feels overdue for retirement. Braun’s Series 9 Pro+ also gets you much of the way there for less money. But if outright shaving performance comes first, the Nevo remains my personal favourite.

ProsExceptionally close, comfortable shavePremium stainless-steel design feels every bit the flagshipThe charging case is incredibly usefulConsVery expensiveBuilt-in trimmer remains a weaker pointBest travel foil shaverChevronChevronLaifen

The Laifen P3 Pro is one of the most distinctive foil shavers around, blending high-end design with seriously impressive performance for its super-compact size.

The standout feature is its build. It’s machined from a single block of aluminium, giving it a solid, precision-made feel that’s closer to a premium piece of tech than a typical shaver. It’s compact and slightly weighty, but well balanced in the hand, and once you adjust to the smooth finish, it’s easy to manoeuvre. The smaller form factor also means you get a closer connection to your skin than with bulkier designs, which helps with precision around awkward areas.

Performance is equally impressive. Despite its size, it feels powerful, and more importantly, very smooth. In testing, it delivered a close shave with minimal irritation, even on more sensitive areas like the neck. The foil head glides easily across the skin, making it a great choice for daily use, while still being capable of handling a few days’ growth without too much effort.

Battery life is incredibly strong at around 100 minutes, and USB-C charging is a welcome feature that makes it especially convenient for travel.

There are a couple of compromises. There’s no built-in trimmer, and the standard package is quite minimal, with no travel case included.

Still, if you want a foil shaver that prioritises comfort, design, and overall experience – and feels delightfully premium every time you pick it up – the Laifen P3 Pro is one of the most compelling options out there.

ProsBeautiful, premium designClass-leading build qualityPowerful performance for a smooth, close shaveCompact size makes it perfect for travelUSB-C chargingConsA simple pouch should be includedBraun Series 6ChevronChevronBraun

The Series 6 is a useful reminder that Braun’s flagship models aren’t the only ones worth considering. I found it comfortable across most of my face, with a pivoting head that follows the jawline without making me twist my wrist into awkward positions. The grippy handle helps, too, particularly when working around the ears.

It takes a few more passes over flatter neck hairs than Braun’s pricier shavers, and I still experienced some irritation at the back of my neck when shaving my head. For regular face shaving, though, the results were close and reassuringly gentle.

You can use it with foam or in the shower, and its 50-minute battery is enough for several sessions. There’s no USB-C charging, sadly. I’d look further up Braun’s range if getting the closest possible finish matters most, but for a comfortable shave every couple of days, the Series 6 does the job well.

Braun Series 6, reviewed by Esat Dedezade

ProsThe flexible head provides greater manoeuvrability and coverageDecent battery lifeWaterproofConsA tad expensiveBaByliss Pro UVFOIL02ChevronChevronBaByliss

The BaByliss Pro UVFOIL02 feels like it belongs in a barber’s hand, and there’s nothing tentative about the way it shaves. During testing, it powered through my beard and coarse scalp stubble with very few repeat passes, leaving an exceptionally close finish without pulling or irritation.

The heavy metal body won’t suit everyone, but I found it surprisingly easy to grip, and the broad shaving head helps cover my scalp quickly. For anyone wanting one device for both face and head, it’s a strong contender.

Battery life is another highlight – around five and a half hours, with USB-C charging and the option to keep shaving plugged in. The cap runs an automatic UV-sanitising cycle when fitted, though the powerful shave and long battery life are the bigger attractions. The main practical compromise is that it’s for dry shaving only.

BaByliss Pro UVFOIL02, reviewed by Esat Dedezade

ProsImmensely powerfulDelivers a wonderfully close shaveUSB-C chargingIncredible battery lifeConsIt's built like a tank (with the bulk and weight to match)UV-cleaning cap may be overkill for someManscaped The Chairman ProChevronChevronManscaped

The Chairman Pro is a chunky shaver, but its broad, flexible head puts that size to good use. It covers plenty of skin with each pass, and you can lock the head in place when you want more control around an edge. In our testing, it proved a fast, comfortable option for facial stubble.

My own experience was less convincing when I moved on to my scalp. It handled my stubble and neckline well, but didn’t feel as smooth on my head as my favourite alternatives. I’d choose it for face shaving rather than as a device to do both jobs.

USB-C charging and a 75-minute battery are welcome practical strengths, and the waterproof design makes rinsing it clean straightforward. Its bulk is the bigger consideration – if you prefer a compact shaver, the Laifen P3 Pro will be more your sort of thing.

Manscaped The Chairman Pro, reviewed by Esat Dedezade

ProsExceptional battery life and recharging capabilitiesBroad fully articulating foil shaver headConsPretty bulkyBraun Series 9 Pro+ChevronChevronBraun

The Braun Series 9 Pro+ sits right at the top of the foil shaver world, and after testing it extensively, it’s easy to see why. This is a seriously powerful, impressively refined shaver that delivers one of the closest and most comfortable electric shaves we’ve experienced.

At its core is Braun’s multi-element foil system, backed by a high-speed motor that makes light work of everything from daily stubble to a few days’ growth. In our testing, it cut cleanly and efficiently, often requiring fewer passes than rival foil models to achieve a near razor-smooth finish. Crucially, it manages this without the harshness that can sometimes define foil shaving. Even on sensitive areas like the neck, irritation was minimal, making it a strong option for those who have struggled with foil shavers in the past.

It’s also particularly effective on flatter, more awkward hairs, which many foil designs can miss. That makes it a great choice for those who don’t shave every day, as it copes well with slightly longer growth without tugging or snagging.

There are a few downsides. It’s loud, relatively messy compared to rotary alternatives, and Braun’s continued reliance on a proprietary charger feels outdated in a world increasingly dominated by USB-C.

That said, the overall package is hard to fault – especially if you opt for a bundle that includes the SmartCare cleaning station and Braun’s clever PowerCase, which doubles as a protective case and portable charger.

If outright performance is the priority, this is one of the best foil shavers available today.

ProsExceptionally close, smooth shave, with minimal irritationPowerful enough to cut through dense stubble with easePowerCase is a useful, well-designed extra for charging and protectionConsExpensiveNo USB-C chargingPhilips Series 5000 Body GroomerChevronChevronPhilips

Most shavers here are built for your face. This Philips earns its place for what happens below the neckline, combining a central shaving foil with trimmer edges on either side. Those edges cut longer body hair in both directions, before the foil deals with the remaining stubble.

It’s a combination that worked brilliantly during my testing, particularly below the belt, where I achieved an impressively smooth finish without cuts or irritation. Dense chest hair needed a slower approach to avoid occasional tugging, but the lightweight body made longer sessions comfortable. Don’t expect quite the finish of a wet razor or premium face shaver, though.

The included combs give you options for leaving some length, while waterproofing makes cleaning easy. My main frustration was the folding back attachment – usable, but considerably slower than asking my partner for help. Proprietary charging is another annoyance, although the roughly 100-minute battery means you won’t be reaching for the cable too often.

Philips Series 5000 Body Groomer, reviewed by Esat Dedezade

ProsExcellent shaving performanceNo cuts or irritationWaterproof and easy to cleanCapable beard trimmer (at three set lengths)ConsProprietary charging connector instead of USB-CBack shaving attachment takes practicePanasonic Series 900sChevronChevronPanasonic

The latest Panasonic shaver is a dream shaver for anyone with lots of upcoming trips in 2025. The diminutive, pebble-like shaver comes with a carry case that's almost as small as our Apple AirPods 2 Pro case. It's also incredibly light, making it a quality shaver for quickly whipping around your chin fluff in a pinch.

The foil is reasonably large despite its stature, too, so going over the same sections of your cheek to eliminate all remaining stubble won't take too long. And, once you're done, removing the blades to give them a good clean is easy with a pop clutch.

The battery leaves a bit to be desired, but its USB-C recharging port makes it quick to recharge to full capacity. And, thanks to its performance and compact size, it's in the running for one of the best head shavers too.

Panasonic Series 900s reviewed by Owen Gough

ProsCompact design is a dream for travellersExceptional batteryEasy to manoeuvreConsSmall size means the battery is not as powerful as I'd likeFrustratingly high priceBraun Series 9 ProChevronChevronBraun

The Series 9 Pro is Braun's unapologetically expensive ex-flagship, and it'll certainly treat those with pockets deep enough.

A level up on the Series 9 (an excellent foil shaver in its own right), the Pro has an additional shaving feature for a deliciously close shave across multiple hair types, along with improved battery life, a precision trimmer for finer detailing, and a more robust build.

Our tests found it incredibly soft and sensitive to skin, with the five-blade foil system slicing with expert efficiency. It's so smooth and close, that our tester found that one pass tended to do the job.

Your investment also includes a handy cleaning cartridge, sharpening tool and charging station rolled into one, adding extra luxury and convenience to proceedings.

It's since been surpassed by the Series 9 Pro+ (above), but if you can get this for cheaper, it's still an A+ shaver that won't disappoint.

Braun Series 9 Pro reviewed by Tom Wiggins

ProsCleaning and self-sharpening charge stationLeather travel case includedExceptional shavingConsVery expensivePanasonic ES-LS9AChevronChevronPanasonic

Panasonic continues to deliver some of the best shaving and grooming devices around with the LV97, decidedly comprehensive shavers that should easily keep the hair at bay without irritation or fuss. The headline stuff? It has super-charged foil head cuts with over 70,000 motions for smooth, even shaves from the Japanese blades. The head is flexible and pivots, with automatic sensors to adjust the foil to the shape of your chin and the density of the hair as you go.

The battery life is decent – if a little short for us – but there's quick charging so you can get back into the action and the charging station cleans the devices simultaneously.

Among the high-end shavers, there's a definite sense that you're missing some depth to this shaver comparatively speaking. Our own experiences were quick, efficient and gave decent results, but the foil head is a little too brought with our skin, and we much preferred the other Panasonic below for taking care of the chin fluff.

ProsComplete shaving device70,000 cutting motionsPivoting headConsQuite a large foil headWhat is a foil shaver?

Foil shavers are simply a variation of an electric shaver that utilises a single strip of oscillating blades covered by a metal grill. This grill pulls the unwanted hairs below so that the blades can do their work, plucking along the jawline to remove facial hair with precision for an incredibly close shave.

It’s known as a dry shaving method, meaning you don’t really need lubricating shaving cream, and they are best used on very short stubble, as longer hair may tug. In this regard, they are an excellent tool in your arsenal if you shave regularly (like, more than 3 days a week) to keep those cheeks glossy and hairless.

What’s the difference between a foil shaver, a rotary shaver and a safety razor?

But what about the other type of shaver? A rotary shave is the other main electric option, with three or more heads that cover the oscillating blades on the shaver head, moving in circular motions across your face. This particular type is better for speed, as the larger head covers a bigger portion of your cheek, but it can sometimes result in a less precise shave, as it’s harder to get a clean edge around goatees, sideburns or styled facial hair. It may also train your hairs into circular designs, making it more uncomfortable to shave smoothly if you decide to switch up to a traditional razor.

The safety razor is the manual option with no tech to power the blades. You’ve seen those adverts with Raheem Stirling deftly gliding a Gillette handle razor along his hairless cheeks, and that’s exactly what a safety razor offers. They will use a strip of three to six blades that are lubricated by a strip of rubber that softens the hairs as you shave.

Which one is best? That’s largely down to your own personal preference. We prefer foil shavers as you can easily manoeuvre them around the contours of your face and get a closer shave without suffering from the dreaded razor rash, but it’s worth experimenting with all options to find your own sweet spot.

There’s nothing stopping you from using a foil shaver to cut down on unwanted hair across your body, but there are definitely better tools that make this process easier. The best body hair trimmer will be a better shout for trimming chest and back hair or even hair below the belt, with skin-safe blades, ergonomic handles and curved shaving heads that work hard to eradicate hair but won’t give you any skin irritation in unwanted places.

How much should you pay for a foil shaver?

Foil shavers are available at all budgets, though some are inevitably pricier and come with more features, so it’s largely down to what your priorities are.

The most basic models will cost less than £15, for a cheap handheld razor, but these varieties might not be particularly kind to your skin. Mid-tier options, around the £30-£50 mark, will be better designed to look after your skin and do a better job at clearing away unwanted hair. They might also come with a travel case or additional extras like a beard trimmer to level up on versatility.

Only got eyes for the premium models? Upwards of £100 is where the elite shavers sit, though you can easily spend beyond £250 on some of Braun’s supreme shavers that will clean and sharpen the blades themselves. You get what you pay for, though, as they're also chock full of skin-kind features to ensure the smoothest shave of your life.