5 Best Rotary Shavers for a Gentle and Close Shave

There is no doubt that electric rotary shavers are gradually becoming the norm. Also known as triple head shavers, not only can they provide you with a smooth and comfortable shaving experience, but also they can save you time and money in the long run.

Since you are reading this article, chances are, you are most probably looking to replace your old and ‘’ready to fall apart’’ shaver, or looking to get rid of the ”out-of-date” traditional blade.

But like many people, you probably have a pile of questions that need to be answered before making your decision. For example, what should you consider before making your purchase? What are some of the best rotary shavers on the market? What are the differences between rotary and foil shavers?

Well, you are in luck!

In a hurry? Here are our top picks:

All of the above will be answered in this review of the best rotary shavers, but there’s more. As a bonus, we will also provide you with an illustrated guide on how to shave using a rotary shaver in order to make sure you are ready to use it after you purchase.

Quick summary

Before you buy: 7 Things to consider when purchasing a rotary shaver

Buying a new rotary shaver is difficult. There are many things that you need to take into account before finalizing your decision. Here are some points to keep in mind that might help.

Rotary shavers are a great choice for men who prefer a very close shave. However, there are a few aspects that you should consider before making it your go-to option.

Before making a purchase you need to ask yourself if you’re willing to spend extra money on a rotary shaver. Rotary shavers are more expensive than foil shavers and most people tend to get cheaper products first.

1. Is it waterproof?

If you are one of those people who love shaving in the shower or with your favorite shaving cream or gel, consider checking if the electric shaver is capable of ‘’wet’’ shaving.

Additionally, a waterproof shaver means more convenient cleaning, as you can easily wash it with water under the tab. But, if the manufacturer doesn’t specify that it is waterproof, don’t assume that it is if you don’t want to waste your money.

2. Cord or cordless?

While choosing a corded rotary razor can be cheaper if budget is the main concern, we believe that buying a cordless shaver is the way to go. Here is why:

Firstly, you won’t be restricted by the length of the cord while shaving, which means easier maneuverability, and secondly, usually, cordless shavers can be used corded as well. This means, if the battery dies on you, you don’t have to wait for it to charge in order to continue your shave.

3. Battery life and charging time

Usually, I would say that a good battery life for a razor is around one hour. Any less than that, and you will be finding yourself putting your shaver to charge has become your life. Look for lithium-ion batteries as they can hold a better charge.

Another thing to consider is the charging time. Nowadays, you can find shavers that can quickly charge for a single shave within five minutes. For a full charge, you can find razors that can recharge between one to as long as ten hours.

What you choose depends on your lifestyle and how often you use it. If you use it frequently and at irregular times, then it’s better to choose a shaver with less charging duration. If you have a regular routine, then longer charging times may not be an issue as you can charge it overnight.

4. Consider your skin and hair type

If you have sensitive skin, then it is generally believed that electric foil shavers are more gentle on the skin than electric rotary shavers. On the other hand, rotary shavers are more effective for thicker or curlier hair than foil razors.

While you can check our in-depth rotary vs foil shavers section for advantages and disadvantages later on in this review, it is important to highlight that nowadays, there are many rotary shavers that are designed with sensitive skin in mind, so think carefully before choosing.

5. Do you need it with extra accessories?

Several electric shavers come with accessories, such as beard, nose, hair trimming attachments, cleaning brushes, cleaning stations, cases, travel pouches, or even charging stations.

Accessories can add to the overall value of the shaver, but they can also increase the price. Make sure to check what’s included in the box and if it increases the actual usability for you.

6. Price

Sure, buying an expensive shaver might be worth it, if it comes from a quality brand, such as Philips Norelco. However, there are plenty of other brands that provide good value, along with great performance, such as Hatteker or Max-T.

Because of that, we reviewed a variety of shavers at different price points making your choice easier.

7. Warranty

The standard in terms of warranty you should be looking for is two years. While there are some brands that offer less than that, it is up to you to decide how important it is. Generally, though, more warranty means more peace of mind if something happens with the device.

Next, let’s take a look at our picks for the best rotary shavers.

The 5 best rotary shavers

1. Best for close shaving, sensitive skin: Philips Norelco SP9820/87 Shaver 9000 Prestige

What stands out about this rotary shaver

• IPX7 waterproof
• Sharp but very gentle blades
• Can be used cordless or corded

The best rotary shaver for

People who have sensitive skin and want the very best rotary shaver on the market as well as a really close shave.

Overview

Good luck trying to beat the Norelco SP9820/87 Shaver 9000 regarding quality and technology.

Yes, its price can cause a heart attack to some but, if money isn’t something that bothers you, this is one of the best rotary electric shavers you can buy. Let me explain why.

It’s hard to surpass the SP9820/87 Shaver 9000 regarding performance.

Firstly, the motor is very quiet compared to other rotary shavers on our list, such as Hatteker Electric Shaver Rotary. The speed of the motor can be adjusted between three speed settings: fast, medium, and slow (sensitive setting).

The fast and medium modes cut more aggressively (but are still very forgiving), getting you a quick shave when you don’t have much time to spare. If you have sensitive skin, the slower mode offers a gentler and smoother shave without being harsh. This minimizes irritations, but be aware that it takes a little bit longer to shave.

Not only that, another feature that adds to an irritation free shave is its new SH98 shaving heads. They provide absolute smoothness and don’t punish you for handling or maneuvering mistakes.

You also don’t have to worry about the blades getting hot. In my testing, when using it for longer periods of time (i.e. to test the battery life), the head didn’t get warm which, minimizes even further, chances of burning or irritation.

Additionally, I found that the blades can cut your beard as close (or even closer) than a traditional razor blade. The manufacturer claims that the blades can shave a 7-day old beard, which, surprisingly, I found true when I tested it with a beard that was 8 days old. So, I can confidently say that it is not just a marketing claim. This shaver can handle thicker hair amazingly.

Another thing that’s cool about the Norelco SP9820/87 Shaver 9000 is that you will have no problem using it in the shower as it is completely waterproof. This also makes it easier to clean under the tap. However, like other premium shavers on the market, it doesn’t come with a cleaning station.

Oh, and if you are wondering about its battery performance, I found it to last around one hour on continuous use. While the battery life is not bad, you can find cheaper shavers such as Mat-T Electric Shaver that can last up to two hours for less than half of its price. However, compared to Hatteker’s Rotary Shaver which needs one and a half hours to fully charge, Philips Norelco only needs one hour. Plus, as an added bonus, Philips Norelco features a 5-minute quick charge, which you can use to get battery life for a single shave quickly if needed.

Lastly, it comes with accessories and features such as a case, a detail trimmer, and a led screen. The trimmer head is good for detailing areas such as sideburns, and edges, etc. The led screen adds to its usability, providing you with the necessary info, such as battery life, speed setting, etc.

Overall, this is a fantastic rotary shaver that also comes with a two years warranty which provides peace of mind.

While this electric shaver can be used to shave most parts of the body, if you are looking for one to shave your head, then consider Skull Shaver Pitbull Silver PRO. It features a specific design for easier handling.

If you are looking for a cheaper rotary shaver that can perform a very close shave like this one, then consider Philips Norelco Shaver 6880. They have similar blade technology, but it has slightly less battery life and can’t be used while charging.

Bottom Line

This is the best Norelco shaver you can find, that provides premium quality, ultra-close shaves, and many skin-friendly features.

2. Best for head shaving: Skull Shaver Pitbull Silver PRO

What stands out about this rotary shaver

• Ergonomic design for head shaving
• Lightweight
• Effective 4-blade shaving head

The best rotary shaver for

People who would like a rotary shaver to shave their scalp.

Overview

Pitbull Shaver might not be as popular as brands such as Philips Norelco, but their Skull Shaver Pitbull Silver PRO deserves a mention in our review of the best rotary razors, and there is a reason why.

This shaver is specifically designed to provide the best experience and ease of use, when shaving your head. This is due to its well-thought ergonomics and also its very effective blade placement.

For starters, holding the shaver feels very comfortable on the hand, providing an easy grip and steady handling when maneuvering. This is all because of their patented design that allows holding it between your fingers with the palm towards your head. This makes it very easy when needing to shave the back area of your head.

One thing to note though is that the build quality didn’t feel as premium as I expected it to be. While it was very lightweight, the plastic construction felt a bit on the cheap side when holding it. However, this didn’t affect its shaving performance by any means.

Performance-wise, there is a lot to discuss. It features a shaving head that includes four cutting blades. These blades are flexible and rotate independently while you shave, providing you with an even cut anywhere on the head or other difficult-to-reach areas. While I didn’t experience any hair tugging, bear in mind that it will not work well if your hair is long or very thick. I found using it every 5-6 days as the optimal sweet spot.

But, you might be wondering: How close does it shave?

Well, I must say that I was surprised by the results. While it isn’t capable of beating a razor in close shaving such as the Philips Norelco SP9820/87 Shaver 9000 Prestige, it cuts very close.

As for its battery life, it lasts only around 30-40 minutes which, is not that great, to be honest. However, it only needs 1 hour to fully charge which, is ok – if you consider that other shavers on the list need more time than that, such as the Hatteker Electric Rotary Shaver – 90m.

The Skull Shaver Pitbull Silver PRO is IPX5 certified, which means it is water-resistant but not waterproof. But it is important to note that, I didn’t experience any problems using it in the shower or with a shaving cream.
Ultimately, this is a great rotary shaver that wins in design and ease of use but lacks in battery life and build quality. It comes with a standard 1-year guarantee.

Bottom Line

Skull Shaver Pitbull Silver PRO is an electric head shaver that stands out for its unique design that makes it easy to shave, handle and maneuver around your head.

3. Best battery: Mat-T Men’s Electric Shaver

What stands out about this rotary shaver

• Can be used cordless or corded
• 2-hours of battery life
• USB charging is convenient

The best rotary shaver for

People who are looking for a shaver that has a great battery life

Overview

Mat-T Electric Shaver is another great option to consider if you are looking for a rotary shaver.

Let’s start with what makes it better than the rest in our list: its battery life.

It can be used both cordless or corded, and with just 1 hour of charge, you get 2 hours of continuous use which, is fantastic if you are one of those persons -like me- who just forget to charge their stuff. But I’m sure you want to learn how it actually performs in terms of shaving as well.

In my opinion, I have found the Mat-T Electric Shaver to give a decently close shave. However, for me, it was a little bit harder to achieve that perfect shave, compared with the likes of Philips Norelco SP9820/87 Shaver 9000 Prestige, or Philips Norelco Shaver 6880. Why?

While the blades are sharp and hypoallergenic, I didn’t find the shaving head to be very rotatable, resulting in pushing harder to shave difficult or curved areas – even though it comes with a pop-up detail trimmer. This was not very convenient as it was increasing the chances of getting razor burns. While it didn’t happen to me, some Amazon reviewers mentioned some occurrence of razor burns while shaving.

Due to that, I don’t recommend it to people who have easily irritated skin or are inexperienced with rotary razors. Plus, in my opinion, the shaver’s body vibrates too much when pressing it down to get a closer shave which is also a little bit inconvenient. If you master to take into consideration these small drawbacks, however, you can absolutely achieve a very close shave.

Despite an affordable price, it has an IPX7 certificate such as Philips Norelco SP9820/87 Shaver 9000 Prestige which is a million times more expensive. This means that it is also 100% waterproof and submersible up to one and a half meters underwater.

Another cool feature is that its motor is very quiet. This means if you decide to shave in the morning, you will not wake up your whole family by doing so.

To top it all off, the shaver comes with a USB charger, a cleaning brush, a storage bag, and a user manual.

Bottom Line

A great shaver with some strong performing battery life. And it is affordable too!

4. Best for close shaving, runner up: Philips Norelco 6880/81 Shaver

What stands out about this rotary shaver

• Comes with accessories such as a beard trimmer
• 5-minute quick charge
• Waterproof

The best rotary shaver for

People who want the absolute closest shave but don’t want to break the bank.

Overview

Philips Norelco 6880/81 Shaver is for people who want similar performance with the previously reviewed Norelco shaver SP9820/87 Prestige, but at a more affordable price.

In order to achieve that, Philips Norelco had to make some feature sacrifices. For example, it’s made with plastic rather than aluminum, it doesn’t have the three-speed setting that the SP9820/87 Prestige has, and also, you can’t use it while charging.

But, if the above features aren’t a deal-breaker for you, then this is a shaver that will get the job done with no problems. Using the Philips Norelco 6880, you will definitely notice that the motor is a bit less powerful than the Prestige. However, by a negligible amount. To put it into perspective, it can easily shave a 6-day beard but struggles a bit after that. The blades, however, are sharp and very similar in design to the Prestige’s shaving head.

But there’s more.

While as said previously, it doesn’t have the three-speed settings, it does have a mode that is specifically designed for more sensitive skin types named Skin Guard. It slows down the blades’ speed by just a bit to reduce possible irritation and provide a smoother shave. I found this mode very effective even though I found the Norelco’s 9000 Prestige sensitive setting a tad gentler.

The shaving heads are multidirectional, moving in eight directions. This makes for easier maneuverability and easier to trim hard-to-trim areas such as curves.

Like the Prestige, it is completely waterproof, and can be used in the shower or with your favorite shaving cream or gel. Something to note though is that if you use it in the shower, you might experience some water going inside the shaver. This surprised me at first, but I can confirm that there is nothing to worry about, as the inner body of the shaver is completely waterproof, and the water seeps out by itself.

As an added bonus, it comes with a beard trimmer attachment that you can use for precision cutting and detailing. This makes the shaver really versatile. You can also find a version with a charging station and a travel pouch if you need them.

While it charges within 1 hour and also has a 5-minute quick charging feature for a single shave, I noticed that the battery life is pretty short – around 40 minutes (Norelco advertises 50 minutes). This is definitely something to consider if you are purchasing this shaver because, as said previously, you can’t use it while charging.

Overall, despite the lack of some features from the more expensive Philips Norelco SP9820/87 Shaver 9000 Prestige, it provides a very similar shaving experience, making it a great affordable alternative for people who have thicker beard or sensitive skin.

Bottom Line

Philips Norelco Shaver 6880 is a great cheaper alternative to the other very expensive shavers of the same brand. It offers similar performance and versatility.

5. Most affordable: Hatteker Electric Rotary Shaver

What stands out about this rotary shaver

• Cordless
• LCD display
• Stainless steel blades

The best rotary shaver for

Those who are price sensitive and don’t want to spend a fortune to buy an electric rotary shaver.

Overview

Well, not everyone can afford an expensive shaver, especially during these difficult times. Hatteker understands this and created a rotary shaver that is not only affordable but also durable and effective.

Firstly, Hatteker’s Electric Rotary Shaver comes with a fully waterproof design. This stands true as I didn’t experience any issues during wet shaving. This also makes it very easy to rinse under the tab as the shaving head opens for deeper cleaning.

Holding the shaver didn’t feel premium, such as, for example, the Norelco electric shavers, but it was still durable enough for the price. The blades are made from stainless steel, and from my testing, they can handle a beard of a maximum of 4 days of growth. Any more than that, I found that it starts to struggle.

A thing to note is that the rotating blades tend to get stuck in a specific direction if you push them very hard, which might cause irritation if you have sensitive skin.

While it didn’t irritate my skin, it felt a little more aggressive than other shavers on the list. Some reviewers on Amazon state that they have experienced rashes and burns after shaving with this one similar to the Mat-T. While you can’t change the blade speed, it does provide a decent shave for the price.

The sound of the motor is louder than other premium models i.e. Philips Norelco or Mat-T, but it is still at decent levels as I didn’t find the sound very annoying.

It can provide 1-hour of battery life which is much better than other pricier shavers, such as Skull Shaver Pitbull Silver PRO or Philips Norelco Shaver 6880. However, it takes around 90 minutes to fully charge.

Overall, this is a decent shaver that offers a variety of features for its cheaper price, such as good battery life, waterproof design, lcd screen, etc.

Bottom Line

This is a great affordable shaver that will get the job done.

How did we choose the best rotary shavers

There are a lot of reasons why we chose the above shavers for our review of the best rotary shavers.

First and foremost, these are shavers we have tried and had experience with over the recent years. So, we know they cut well and that they will not disappoint in that aspect which is the most important one.

We also carefully considered things, such as battery life, price, skin type, charging time, accessories, waterproof capability, and warranty time. Due to that in the above list, we are sure you will find one that will suit your needs. For example, if you need a shaver for sensitive skin Philips Norelco SP9820/87 Shaver 9000 Prestige is a great option. If you need a shaver with longer battery life, then Mat-T Electric Shaver is the best one for you, etc.

Of course, like all things in life, all shavers have their drawbacks which we clearly state at each point, so you know exactly what you are purchasing. Hopefully, these will help you choose a rotary shaver that will serve you for a long time.

Rotary shavers vs. foil shavers

When it comes to choosing an electric shaver, you have two options: rotary and foil shavers.

Many people still don’t understand how these types of shavers differ from each other, so the following guide will lay out the differences, their advantages, and their disadvantages in order to get a clear idea of what is better for you. Let’s start with how they differ.

Rotary shavers are basically, as the name suggests, electric shavers that use round rotating shaving blades to cut hair. Foil shavers, on the other hand, use oscillating blades beneath a straight foil to shave.

Because of the above, to get the best results when using a rotary shaver, you need to shave in a circular motion, while with a foil shaver, you need to shave in straight lines, for example, vertical or horizontal.

So, why should you choose a rotary shaver over a foil shaver and vice versa? Laying down the advantages and disadvantages of each shaver type will help you understand which works best for you.

The advantages and disadvantages of rotary shavers

Advantages:

• Rotary shavers do a better job if you have thicker, faster-growing, or coarse hair. If you don’t shave daily, but you shave irregularly (i.e. every three to four days), then a rotary shaver is the better choice.
• Due to their rotating blade patterns, rotary shavers are usually quieter than foil shavers.
• A rotary shaver does a nice job shaving the many contours of your face.
• They are versatile. Rotary shavers can be used to shave facial hair, as well as the scalp or other areas of the body.
• Usually, rotary shavers provide quicker shaves than foil shavers.
• The shaving heads on rotary shavers are usually more durable than foil heads. This is because they are usually made of steel, while foil heads are often made of nickel. Stainless steel is tougher and less prone to rust than nickel.

Disadvantages:

• Rotary shavers usually provide a more aggressive cut than foil shavers. This makes foil shavers more suitable for sensitive skin types. However, due to the advancements in technology, many rotary shavers can still be gentle enough for sensitive skin, such as the Philips Norelco SP9820/87 Shaver 9000 Prestige in our list.
• Rotary shavers are usually harder to clean than foil shavers. In many cases, cleaning a rotary shaver entails disassembling it and then reassembling it once the superfluous whiskers and shave gel have been removed.
• They are not as precise in shaving some areas, such as sideburns or edges, because of the circular motion used while shaving.

The advantages and disadvantages of foil shavers

Advantages:

• Even though rotary shavers are pretty capable of very close shaves these days, as a general rule of thumb, foil shavers can cut hair closer than rotary.
• Because they use foil, they actually provide a smoother and gentler shaving experience. This is because – in comparison to rotary shavers – they pull the hair into the holes of the foil and cut them without pulling.
• Due to the fact that they don’t pull the hair, they are much easier to clean than rotary shavers.
• Detail trimming, such as cleaning off your sideburns or mustache, is usually easier with foil shavers.

Disadvantages:

• The most prominent disadvantage of foil shavers is that they don’t perform as great with longer hair. This is because they are not designed to pull the hair resulting in getting trapped in the foil.
• You can only shave in a straight line -vertical or horizontal. While this is okay if you are a person who is used to shaving with a traditional razor blade, it is not very convenient for many people.
• Foil shavers are usually noisier than rotary. This is because of the quick vibration of the blades.

How to use a rotary razor to get a close, smooth, and comfortable shave (A simple, illustrated guide)

If you are new to the world of rotary shaving, then we understand that you might find it difficult to shave properly at first. The following guide is dedicated to our newby friends, who are looking to get the most out of their brand new electric rotary shaver.

1. Know your face’s sensitive areas

Identifying your most sensitive areas on your face will help dramatically during the shaving process, as you would know where you should be more careful. While sensitivity is different for each person, some usual sensitive areas on the face are under the nose and the chin.

2. Shave the sensitive areas first

It’s advisable to shave the sensitive areas of your face first as some electric shavers get warm after a continuous period of use. This helps to alleviate skin inflammation.

3. Use appropriate shaving movement and pressure

Use slow circular motions without putting a lot of pressure on your skin in order to avoid irritations. If your skin is sensitive, I would advise selecting the slower setting on your shaver (if available) to make the shaving experience even smoother. When shaving with circular motion, make sure to do it both clockwise and anticlockwise (against the grain). This is making sure that you get all the hair.

While circular motion has been proven to be more effective while using rotary shavers, you can still use horizontal or vertical movements to finish your shave off, if you find it easier.

4. Wet shave, if you can

If you have thicker hair, then it is always a great option to apply a shaving cream or gel. Not only does it condition your skin, but also it provides another layer of protection against irritation or burns from the blades.

5. Keep the batteries charged

This only applies to you if you have a cordless electric shaver. If you can’t use your shaver corded, make sure to have it charged beforehand in order to avoid any potential inconvenience if you are in a rush situation.

6. Don’t forget your aftershave

Using an aftershave will calm any burns or irritations that might have occurred while shaving. It prevents bacteria and dirt, promoting not only quicker healing but also reducing the chances of breakouts. Plus, it also gives you a replenished skin that smells fresh.

If you have sensitive skin though make sure to avoid aftershaves with included synthetic fragrances. Check out our review of the top aftershaves.

7. Clean your shaver!

Remember to clean your shaver every time after you use it. This will increase the longevity of the blades but also help minimize possible irritation on your next shave. Using a shaver that is clogged with whiskers and leftover hair affects its cutting performance.

Carefully follow the instructions that come with your shaver. If the shaver is waterproof, cleaning it with water usually makes the process quicker and easier.

Conclusion

I hope you found this review helpful and informative.

As always, we love to hear your feedback and suggestions! Do you use any of the rotary shavers on this list? What’s your favourite shaver and why? We’d love to hear from you.