Grooming
The 6 Best Rotary Shavers for Men in 2024
November 13, 2024 • 9 min read
Are you tired of getting nicks and cuts from your old, trusted safety razor? We know how you feel. You may have heard about rotary shavers and how they can give your safety razors a run for their money in performance without the nicks and cuts.
Now that you're in the market for a rotary shaver, your timing is perfect!
Join us, and we'll help you make an informed decision. We list down the best rotary shavers, talk about the benefits of rotary shavers, and answer some FAQs.
The 6 Best Rotary Shavers on the Market
#1 Philips Norelco 3800 - Best Rotary Shaver Overall
Upon purchase, what stands out is the charging stand and LED battery indicator, which you wouldn't find in other brands in this price range.
The Norelco 3800 electric shaver offers both wet and dry shaving and a battery life of 50 minutes. The good news is that just like other Philips Norelco shavers, you'll enjoy a 5-minute quick charge option enough to make one shave. You can move the shaving head in five directions.
Buy the Philips Norelco Shaver 3800 from their website or on Amazon.
#2 Freebird FlexSeries Pro - Best Rotary Shaver for Bald Heads
Are you looking for a rotary shaver specifically designed for bald heads that is also great for shaving your face and body hair?
Look no further. You'll love the FlexSeries Pro rotary shaver from Freebird if you sport a smooth dome.
Glide it over your scalp, and you'll get a closer and more comfortable shave than other rotary shavers on the market. The enhanced four blade design with floating foils on the Pro makes sure of that.
The FlexSeries Pro also boasts ScalpSafe Replaceable blades designed for sensitive skin. You can rest assured that you'll experience zero cuts and skin irritation with the Pro. Its powerful, quiet, and adaptive motor can make quick work of your stubble in just a few minutes. The motor adjusts power based on hair thickness which saves on battery life and ensures a smooth and comfortable shave every time.
Do you love shaving in the shower? You can shave wet or dry and remove ingrown hairs without a hitch. The Pro has IPX7 waterproofing to back you up.
The rotary shaver's sleek design works well for bald heads and other parts of your body.
It has a travel lock, a 90-minute battery life, a large hair capture chamber, a two-part blade system for easier cleaning, a three level LED battery indicator, and anti-slip coating with rubber grips.
The FlexSeries Pro has multiple attachments worth $60 for great value. You'll get these freebies when you order the FlexSeries Pro kit:
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Upgraded Precision Clipper
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3, 5, 7mm Safety Guards
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Advanced Nose & Ear Trimmer
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Micro Cleaning Brush
Freebird is confident that you'll fall in love with the FlexSeries Pro as they back it up with a 100% no-questions-asked 30-day money-back guarantee.
So what are you waiting for?
Get one now for only $59.95 from the Freebird website or on Amazon.
#3 Philips Norelco S9000 Prestige - Best Premium
Are you ready to enjoy grooming luxury? The Philips Norelco S9000 is an excellent investment for your shaving arsenal. The comfortable shave and precision you'll experience are unmatched among electric razors.
Out of the box, you'll be impressed with the build quality of the S9000, which makes it one of the best rotary shavers in the premium category. The Philips Norelco Shaver Prestige models are handsome electric shavers, and this model's upgraded with a brushed aluminum finish.
The shaving heads of the S9000 move in 8 directions, compared to the 5 with the 3800, which makes shaving easier. The blades also feature an anti-friction coating, which improves shaving performance and reduces skin irritation.
A full charge provides 50 minutes of shaving with a quick charge option.
Buy the Philips Norelco Shaver S9000 Prestige from their website or on Amazon.
#4 Hatteker 3 in 1 Multi-function Electric Shaver - Best Budget
If you're looking for the best budget rotary shaver, the Hatteker 3 in 1 Multi-Function rotary shaver won't disappoint. You'll get a triple-head rotary shaver, a trimmer, and a nose trimmer as part of their 3 in 1 package.
You can shave in the shower or go dry with the Hatteker. It's also capable of USB charging for added convenience.
Who said that a quality rotary shaver needs to be expensive?
Buy from their website or on Amazon.
#5 Remington Virtually Indestructible 5100 - Best Heavy Duty
A rugged shaving companion is what you'll get with the Remington Virtually Indestructible 5100. While the polycarbonate body design and light yellow color may not be for everyone, if you're looking for a rotary shaver that's durable and "virtually indestructible, " this Remington model is for you.
It's waterproof and has a 60-minute battery life.
Buy from their website or on Amazon.
#6 Philips Norelco 1100 - Best Entry Level Shaver
Are you in the market for a budget rotary shaver from Philips Norelco? The Philips Norelco Shaver 1100 mixes quality with affordability. You'll get the basics covered, like wet and dry shaving, an easy-to-grip design, and a pop-up trimmer for good measure.
The 1100 may have a shorter battery life than its more expensive siblings, but you still get the quality for which the Philips Norelco shaver brand is known.
Buy the Philips Norelco Shaver 1100 from their website or on Amazon.
Which is Best: Rotary or Foil Shavers?
There is a never-ending debate between choosing a rotary or a foil shaver. Rotary shavers have multiple rotary blades, while foil shavers have one or more curved metal foils that hide the cutting blades.
Most foil shavers and rotary heads give a smooth and close shave, and choosing what's best depends on personal preference. The latest high-priced foil shavers feature a pivoting head that allows the head to move in various directions. Note that you can't shave in a circular motion with foil razors. You can only shave in one straight direction with a foil shaver.
Check out our comprehensive article here for a more detailed comparison guide.
Here's a list of the advantages of choosing a rotary shaver instead of a foil shaver.
Benefits of Rotary Shavers over Foil Shavers
It's time to unravel the magic behind rotary heads and why some choose them over foil shavers.
Individual Cutting Heads
Rotary shavers usually have three or more cutting heads that move independently. Each shaving head follows the unique contours of our face, resulting in a close shave. You can also shave in a circular pattern using your rotary shaver, making shaving challenging areas like the chin and neck easier.
Can Handle Longer Stubble
If you shave at longer intervals, a rotary shaver makes perfect sense. The multi-directional shaving of rotary electric shavers gives a decent shave for those with longer stubble, ingrown hairs, or varying lengths of facial hair.
Reduced Irritation
The floating heads of rotary electric shavers can also help minimize post-shave irritation. The blades tilt to match our face's curves, reducing the chance of razor burn, razor bumps, and irritation.
Wet and Dry Shaving
The best rotary shaver can provide a great shave, whether wet or dry. Apply shaving cream or gel for a more comfortable shave. If you're in a rush, you can opt for a quick dry shave and enjoy your day.
Easy Maintenance
Rotary shavers are easy to maintain. High-end models have a cleaning station that cleans, lubricates, and charges your rotary shaver. Most models are waterproof, so you can easily wash the shaving head under running water. You can also use your cleaning brush for manual cleaning.
Multi-Directional Shaving
Rotary shavers allow shaving in circular motions and different directions, while foil shavers allow only one direction. This shaving head flexibility gives a closer shave and excellent shaving performance.
Battery Life
The latest rotary shavers have long battery life ranging from 45 minutes to over an hour on a single charge. There is more than enough juice for shaving during a weekend vacation. Before you buy, check the battery life on the label and see whether it fits your requirements.
Trimming and Detailing
Rotary electric shavers may also have a pop-up trimmer or beard trimmer attachment for easier trimming and detailing.
How to maintain your rotary shaver
Found your grooming companion? Let's make sure that it stays in prime condition. Proper maintenance ensures your shaver's longevity, hygiene, and performance.
Read your user's manual
The best people to tell you how to maintain your electric razor are those who built it. Always read your owner's manual and follow the guidelines from your manufacturer regarding cleaning, maintenance, and proper handling.
Clean after each use
After each shave, detach the cutting blades from your shaver and rinse them under warm water to remove hair clippings, excess shaving cream, and dead skin.
Use cleaning brush
Most shavers come with a cleaning brush that you can use to remove hair from your rotary heads gently.
Deep cleaning
Perform a deep cleaning once a week, especially if you shave daily. Some models may require a mild cleaning liquid for better results. Check your user manual for specific instructions on deep cleaning.
Lubricate moving parts
Check your owner's manual if your blades need lubrication. If they do, follow the recommended guidelines.
Replace rotary blade
While rotary blades last longer than safety razors and cartridges, they need replacement when they become dull. Refer to your user manual for suggested replacement intervals to maintain optimal performance. I get new blades after 50 shaves based on the manufacturer's recommendation.
Avoid dropping
Apart from owning the Remington Virtually Indestructible shaver, you should avoid dropping your shaver to avoid breaking it.
Charging and Storage
You need to follow the guidelines on charging and storage to make your shaver last longer. Overcharging can impact your battery life, while improper storage may result in mold growth and bacteria.
Conclusion
While a slow and thorough shave may still appeal to many, wouldn't it be awesome to shave faster and say goodbye to nicks, cuts, tugging, and skin irritation?
A rotary shaver can take your shaving game to the next level. It may not shave as close as the traditional blade, but the difference is negligible to the naked eye.
Are you ready to make the switch?
Choose from one of our recommended best electric razors, and you'll surely experience a smoother, quicker, and more comfortable shave.
FAQ
How long do rotary shaver blades last?
It depends on the manufacturer. On average, rotary blades last 12 months. How long they last may vary based on how often you shave and how thick your hair type is.
If you notice diminished performance, comfort, or excessive heat, it's time to replace your blades.
If you want the best shave experience, you must always ensure you have sharp blades. Buy replacement blades based on your manufacturer's suggestion.
Do rotary shavers leave stubble?
Nope. Well-maintained rotary heads can give you a smooth and stubble-free shave. If you have thick or coarse hair, you may need multiple passes on the same area to remove stubble. Using a shaving cream or gel would be best in this situation to avoid irritation.
How to clean a rotary shaver?
Regular cleaning is essential for the best shaver performance. Cleaning is simple. If you don't have a cleaning station, you can use your brush to remove hair from your rotary heads. For waterproof shavers, you can clean blades using warm water. For more detailed instructions, you can refer to our comprehensive guide on how to clean an electric shaver.
Are rotary shavers good for sensitive skin?
The rotary head design minimizes skin irritation by adapting to facial contours. You can check out the Freebird FlexSeries for head shavers since they have blades designed for sensitive scalps. You can check out our comprehensive guide to learn more about the best rotary shavers for sensitive scalps.
Can I use a rotary shaver on body hair?
Rotary heads are versatile enough to tame body hair on your chest, arms, legs, and back. The multiple shaving heads are better at cutting longer or coarser hair, so cutting body hair shouldn't be a problem. You can check your user manual to see if you can use your shaver for body hair.
However, note that these shavers are primarily designed for facial hair. Hence, if you notice discomfort or irritation while shaving body hair, stop and consider a shaver explicitly designed for body hair.