The best wet shavers for men

This beautiful product from the German brand Mühle is one of the most aesthetically pleasing razors in the list. But it’s not for beginners. You need to be able to find the correct shaving angle, plus it has a large blade gap (the space between the blade and bottom safety bar) which means it produces a more aggressive shave; ideal if you have thick and coarse hair or tough stubble. And just a light touch is required.

It’s made from marine-grade stainless steel, and looks equally classic and serious. To clean you just unscrew the top and flush out the blades and the razor head with water. Pure craftsmanship.

Bulldog is best known for its skincare products. But it also has a razor family. This affordable razor has an easy grip bamboo handle, one that can be replaced easily, and a quality metal head. It takes five-blade cartridges, matching the competition. As with many razors, this has an aloe lubricating strip in front of the blade to ensure a smooth glide and comfortable shave. It’s a familiar system but Bulldog brings better environmental cred than some, reducing the waste of disposables while employing recycled packaging.

Fancy a rotary shaver? This is a solid option. The Philips 5000 has light-up indicators that show when it needs a charge, a clean or a head change. The soft pouch travel case is nice for holiday and work trips, and there’s a travel lock too. As in any good triple-head rotary model, the plates pivot to match the contours of your face for a closer, more comfortable shave. And there’s a trimmer attachment to help sort out your sideburns. The Series 5000 is a mid-tier model in the Philips line-up, but does everything most folks need.

Recommending a Gillette may seem a cop-out, but this family of razors is a little different. What makes it stand out is an exfoliating bar located in front of the blades that helps to removes dirt and debris, providing a smoother surface for the five-blade head to do its thing. The set includes a razor magnetic stand for upright storage of the razor between use and the hydrating moisturiser is a lovely addition to soothe skin afterwards.

The Braun Series 9 foil shaver from 2015 was a modern classic. This newer Series 9 Pro+ shaver didn’t need to be a revolution. But it does up the game with a refreshed head design and a handy head lock switch the older models lack. It’s also sleek. A cool look means you can proudly leave it out on the bathroom shelf.

Now for the techy part - the Series 9 PRO+ uses Braun’s high-end Sonic Technology motor, with 40,000 micro-vibrations per minute. It gets bonus points for a waterproof design and that a full charge lasts for weeks. Plus it comes with a cleaning station. Just pop the shaver in after each use to clean and lubricate the head. It is the second most expensive razor in this list but will be worth it for some.

The Series 3000 is one of Philips’s simpler rotary models. You don’t get over-the-top features and LED screens. But it does the job at an approachable price, uses quality steel blades. And, the part we do want, there's a very clear three-LED battery indicator.

Being waterproof, this is an excellent razor if you prefer to use it in the shower. It’s designed for easy hand-held use and because it has rotary blades that adjust to the contours of your face as you shave, you get a super clean cut. The handy pop-up trimmer also helps out with contouring those sideburns and/or moustache.

Not every shaver maker could pull off something as different as this, but Panasonic does. And despite its small size, this is a serious shaver. Its five blades are use an ultra-fast linear motor, for 70,000 cross-cutting actions per minute. And as each of the blade housings is sprung, it works around your face contours. Like other Panasonic shavers, Beard Sensor+ tech claims to boost power to get through thicker areas of hair. But, let’s be honest, this one’s all about that tidy shape. It measures just 57 × 72 × 45 mm, and the hit to battery life isn’t too bad — expect up to 50 minutes per charge.

If you want a simple gift-worthy razor that’s a cut above the average Gillette, Harry’s wants your money. The Winston is a 5-blade classic handle razor with a weighty rubber-grip zinc body. And for an extra fiver you can have it engraved. OK, only three characters fit, but it still gives The Winston a personal touch. As part of the Harry’s model you can subscribe to save on replacement blades. And there’s enough flexibility in its plans to accommodate those who only shave once a week — without them ending up buried in Harry’s Aloe Vero strip 5-blade replacement heads.

Carry on past this one if you want a close, clean shave. This one’s for the stubble fans. An LED screen displays the cutting length setting, from 0.4mm to 5mm, with precise 0.2mm adjustment for ultimate length control. No extra attachments needed, as the adjustments are handled using a motor inside. The flexible contouring trimmer head also tracks the curves of your face for extra comfort and control. It’s waterproof and easy to clean which is appealing if you like to use the trimmer in the bath or shower.

This one’s all about style. An award-winning luxury razor fitted with Gillette blades. Yes, you may not get a better shave than with a standard Gillette, but you’ll look a whole lot cooler while doing so. This is a beautifully crafted tool, also available in a bold red matte finish inspired by the Italian motor racing circuit. The aluminium handle grip feels secure in the hand and slots into the heavy metallic base with an elegance you just don’t get elsewhere. Add a touch of glamour to your bathroom.