What if I told you – cheap doesn’t have to mean worse? Especially when it comes to electric shavers, everyone’s on about how expensive devices are better for grooming.
This statement isn’t entirely false, because the costlier electric razors tend to offer a number of features that seem to make our shaving routines easier and more comforting.
However, there are 7 tools in my list that won’t ask you to sell your kidney and deliver clean shaves with a durability that matches the elite of this generation.
In my best cheap electric shavers article today, I’ll leave you with two sets of devices that are priced around $100 and $50, and trust me – these are truly mesmerizing to use!
Contents
- 1 Best Affordable Electric Shavers around $100
Best Affordable Electric Shavers around $100
This first segment of my budget electric razor article, let me introduce you to 4 of the devices that are priced below or around $100, so scroll through if it matches your desired price range.
- BaBylissPRO MetalFX Foil Shaver – Best Overall
- Braun Series 3 Shaver – Best Wet Shaver
- Andis TS-1 17235 Pro Foil – Best Portable Shaver
- Philips Norelco Shaver 3800 – Best Rotary Shaver
BaBylissPRO MetalFX Foil Shaver
Out of all the 7 cheap shavers I’m going to discuss with you, BaBylissPRO FoilFX02 is my most treasured one because of countless reasons.
First of all, this BaBylissPRO shaver has a robust build and it can be sensed through the weight of the housing – 9.9 ounces to be very precise.
For a pocket shaver, the weight is quite hefty and you’ll need to send your fingers to the gym to be able to maneuver it around for prolonged grooming sessions.
Jokes apart, the housing material is metal and it absorbs almost any type of damage that might fall into its path.
BaBylissPRO FoilFX02 cuts really close to the skin because of its double-foil design. The two foils are placed at an angle, therefore gaining the name ‘double-offset’.
These foils have honeycomb shaped holes to feed your facial hair and have a hypoallergenic coating to prevent any sort of irritation or agitation after each shave.
On one side, the foils feed your hair through the vents, and on the other, the very sharp stainless steel blades underneath remove these hairs like a lawn mower chopping through grass.
Additionally, the foils have a spring mechanism which makes it pressure-sensitive, a must-have quality for better contour adaptation.
In case you’re wondering whether all of the weight in this budget electric razor is due to the metal casing, let me tell you – it houses a beast of a motor unit inside.
This motor torques at 10,000 RPM – something I’ve never witnessed even in the finest of foil shavers in the current market.
Thus, no amount of density or coarseness can hamper its operations and consequently, you won’t have any type of tugs or pulls on a maximum of 3-day stubble.
The FoilFX02 doesn’t heat up much and the motor speed remains steady at all times. You can turn the razor on or off using the power knob on one side.
On the other side, there’s a round push button to release the foil head. Using this, you’ll be able to clean out the stray hair, which is a must after every shave.
Another great thing about this device is the battery life – 3 hours of runtime with a full charge. There’s no LED display, just a light underneath to tell you if it’s fully charged or low on battery.
With the metal cap to cover up the foils and a cloth pouch for storage, it’s easily one of the most desirable tools to carry around on your travel days.
I have used it on myself regularly and reaped the benefits of its prowess, and based on that I’ll definitely recommend you to experience smooth shaves in limited time for years ahead!
What I Like
- Anti-allergenic honeycomb foils are comfortable and efficient
- Enormous battery life tagged with a killer motor
- Very easy to clean and maintain
What Could be Better
- A little heavy
Braun Series 3 Shaver
Old doesn’t necessarily mean it’s outdated, and the Braun Series 3 foil shaver is here to prove just the point I mentioned!
The Series 3 is an old-school device from Braun, a landmark of technology which shaped the future progression devices and helped out paving the way for razors like Braun Series 9.
If you compare the price point, I’d say it’s cheaper than the appreciable aspects the shaving device has to offer.
First of all, Braun Series 3 has a bubbly design as if it’s trying to speak to you through the vibrant personality.
There are two portions of colors in the handle – the middle part containing a black shade while the sides are rubber-padded, punchy sky blue.
Series 3’s handle is quite wide compared to the more recent Braun shavers, and it does offer a firm grip while operating in different shaving conditions.
Since Braun Series 3 is meant for both wet and dry shaves, the textured rubber reinforcement does a good job at retaining grip, even if your fingers are slippery with soap.
This device introduced the SensoFoil technology with its dual-foil, coated with titanium for skin safety. That has been the selling point for the razor to be named under the ‘ProSkin’ banner.
One limitation for the Series 3 is that there’s no floating head or flexible tilting to adjust around your facial contours. Instead, you’ll have to rely on the foils’ pressure sensitive nature.
Its motor power has no numeric branding but based on my experience, it’s strong enough to handle different hair textures with ease.
The shaver doesn’t even struggle with foam or shaving gel due to the power, and top that off with the waterproof quality – you’ll be getting shaves inside the shower and saving tons of time!
Braun Series 3 foils contain micro-comb shapes and it’s able to feed facial hair growth of 3-days at maximum. Braun guarantees that the razor will last for at least 7 years of regular use – if that’s not prime durability, what is?
In terms of battery, Series 3 features a NiMH unit that’s capable of running for 45 minutes with a full charge (equivalent to a full week’s shaving life).
There’s the option of a 5-minute quick charge to squeeze out a fast shave, and the battery life is indicated through the three LED lights.
The power button is rubbery and lets you place your thumb for a firmer grip. Since it’s not highly responsive, there’s little risk of accidentally setting it off mid-shave.
That’s not all! A slide-out trimmer is attached at the back to outline your beard lines, rendering Braun Series 3 a complete electric razor within a limited budget!
What I Like
- Alluring design ensuring good grip level in both wet and dry
- Advanced & comfortable foil design for the price
- Convenient battery life, charging system and durability
What Could be Better
- Has limited contour adaptation
Andis TS-1 17235 Pro Foil
Let’s dive back into a traditional form of foil shaver from the revered brand Andis – the ProFoil TS-1 – a groundbreaking electric razor from its release!
While it’s not waterproof off the back, the ProFoil is a killer when it comes to dry shaving. If you’re afraid of friction with your skin, just apply some shaving lotion to make the experience smoother.
One of the selling points for this cheap electric razor is its lightweight. Weighing only 4.6 ounces, it’s a dream device for elderly men who do not prefer handling heavier tools.
The housing design is very simple. Draped with an ashen white, most of the housing is built with light plastic.
But the little weight doesn’t imply it’s prone to physical damage. I’ve seen my Andis ProFoil absorbing stress the way you’d expect with a more expensive device.
There are plastic-textured reinforcements on either side of the handle along with the crevices – all of which come together to ensure maximum grip at any given angle.
One of the convenient aspects for the razor is its power knob. Instead of a push button, Andis went the way for a slider to avoid any unintended switch off or on.
The foil elements on the ProFoil is somewhat similar to BaBylissPRO FoilFX02 – a slanted design between the two foils and covered with golden titanium for skin protection.
I have thick beard texture and the ProFoil doesn’t seem to mind that at all! In a few quick glides, I’m able to land a clean shave in dry mode (since it’s not waterproof), all credit is due to the sharp blades underneath.
Andis ProFoil does bring a robust motor that’s capable of running at 9,000 RPM. It’s backed up by the giant lithium-ion battery and holds juice for over an hour with a full charge.
It’s saddening that there’s no battery level indicator or even a low battery warning – only a charging light at its feet to inform you when the device is fully charged.
This affordable electric razor is highly versatile! Other than shaving your face, the Andis ProFoil can even be used as a head shaver for balding men!
In addition, barbers can use this tool to clean out the neck region of their clients. Since it’s very easy to clean, a professional can definitely consider it a valid option for their shop!
But mostly, Andis ProFoil is a minimal-designed, personal use foil razor capable of working wonders and the price range simply seals the deal for me!
What I Like
- Doesn’t cause allergic reaction or irritation during dry shaves
- Agile motor can remove every hair texture
- Versatile enough to use for head shaving
What Could be Better
- Not waterproof
Philips Norelco Shaver 3800, S3311/85
This one is for the individuals with sensitive skin – the Norelco 3800 shaver from Philips. It’s one of the most-preferred rotary shavers among men and there must be a reason behind such craze years after its release!
Norelco 3800 was the first to introduce a wet/shave design and this makes the shaving journey even more pleasant, especially for your neck skin.
The reason behind such guaranteed comfort has to be its ring elements. Yes, the device comes with a single-ring rotary design but that doesn’t reduce its positive impact on skin.
Some even regard Norelco 3800 to be one of the most desired rotary electric razors because it balances out the price and features perfectly.
Of course, the cutting efficiency will not match the likes of Norelco 7200 but in any other case, this device performs almost evenly in other areas.
One way of enhancing efficiency has been the 5D floating head along with the pressure-sensitive ring segments to follow your contours.
Norelco 3800 has a motor power of 55,000 CPM or cuts per minute, equating the numbers with the newer gen from Series 5000.
Another positive feature is the 27 ComfortCut self-sharpening stainless steel blades lying beneath the rotary head with the ability to trim off facial hair with various thickness levels.
The handle is a little wide and contains a broad area padded by rubber ergonomics. Therefore, wet shaves are slip-free at different angles.
When it comes to the handle, it’s very light and durable. Also, Norelco 3800 is the first-generation Norelco shaver to come with a lithium-ion battery.
Due to this, you’ll require only around an hour for a full recharge and get in return another hour of usable duration.
It’s not fancy like the modern electric razors, for instance, LED battery level indicator shows the charge only in 3 bars and not in actual numbers.
The added bonus is the charging stand which allows you to keep the shaving device docked at all times and find it fully recharged whenever you may need it!
Additionally, the pop-up trimmer is also there and it’s nothing significant – much like every other built-in trimmers on the electric shavers.
I think Norelco 3800 actually gives you more value out of it than what you’re paying for – be that the shaving comfort, versatility or durability.
Home-groomers will certainly find Norelco 3800 a great companion for their daily morning shaves, and you can perform it while taking a shower!
What I Like
- Feels smooth removing stubble in both wet and dry modes
- Sufficient motor power for different facial hair textures
- Convenient battery life and charging
What Could be Better
- Single rotary ring might reduce efficiency to some extent
Best Cheap Electric Shavers under $50
Now that we’ve discussed the slightly more expensive range of our best budget electric razors article, we’ll draw our focus toward even more affordable devices in this section!
- TPOB Mini Skull Foil Shaver – Best Pocket Shaver
- Philips OneBlade Face+Body – Best Multipurpose Shaver
- MAX-T Men’s Electric Shaver – Best Cheap Rotary Shaver
TPOB Mini Skull Foil Shaver
TPOB, the short form of ‘The Pissed Off Barber’, is currently a fan-favorite when it comes to affordable foil shaving.
There are two choices you can pick out from the brand, the TPOB Skull and the TPOB Mini SKull – the former being a little larger with two foil heads while the latter comes with a single roller.
The Mini Skull weighs only 3.2 ounces with the cap on, can you believe that? You could easily stash one inside your pocket and shave on the fly conveniently.
Skull and Mini Skull are vibrant with their housings. Mini Skull has four color choices to choose from, with three options for its elder sibling the Skull.
Both the shavers are built with identical materials in the foil department, golden anti-allergenic coated titanium-made and it’s definitely very kind on skin for the price.
As per the motor power, I don’t know how TPOB managed to endow each of these devices with such large units while maintaining the lighter weight.
Both the TPOB Skull and Mini Skull contain motors torqued close to 9,000 RPM – it’s quite insane if you ask me, considering the devices are priced below $50.
For sensitive skin consumers, TPOB Skull has an additional feature that lets you toggle between two power settings, lower one is usually for finer hair on neck regions.
There’s no ergonomic padding on either of the two foil shavers, the grip levels remain well due to the rectangular shape and the matte plastic material.
Since these aren’t waterproof and can’t be used in wet conditions, such ergonomics are acceptable for the price tag.
The blades underneath are called ‘Krunch Blades’ because of the sound they make. It’s quite surprising to see these blades being able to remove coarse and textured beards.
But the issue forms with the foil meshes because the feeding efficiency is quite limited. Therefore, you may require a few additional passes to clean out an area.
Especially the TPOB Mini Skull struggles with longer stubble and consumes longer duration for a close shave – demerits are on the singular, narrow foil element.
In terms of battery life, TPOB Mini Skull lasts only about 40 minutes with a full charge whereas the TPOB Skull can function for around 90 minutes.
Although there’s no battery level indicator, the great thing is that you can recharge the devices through a USB Type-C port, a massive convenience while traveling.
Ideally, the TPOB foil shavers cater to beginners who are looking for a budget option to buy their first electric razor and learn their way upward.
What I Like
- Handy size and can be carried inside pocket
- Insane motor power for the size and price
- Foils are quite comfortable on skin
What Could be Better
- Cutting efficiency could improve
Philips OneBlade
The OneBlade Series from Philips is a pioneering electric razor within a very limited budget for versatile beard grooming activities.
While it’s tough to use the device as a head shaver, other than that, you would be able to do any other hair shaving at different parts of your body.
I’ll be discussing two of the OneBlade shavers in this section, both of which are priced under $50 and therefore are categorized as one of the best budget electric shavers this year.
To start off, we have the Norelco OneBlade Face+Body variant. It has a slimmer handle, the sides are more ergonomic due to the rubber pads and weighs much less than its successor.
This OneBlade is equipped with a 60+ minute battery life and the motor power is capable of catering to the removal of diverse hair densities.
On the other hand, the OneBlade Pro 360 comes with a thicker and more durable handle design. It weighs a little higher than the Face+Body variant due to the more premium materials of the housing.
Added to that, this shaving device has a battery backup of 80 minutes – a full charge should easily last you two to three weeks.
In terms of ergonomics, most of it is ensured by the shape of the handle and the ergonomic patches mostly reside at the back part.
In my opinion, OneBlade Pro 360 has the edge on motor power, therefore it’s going to be slightly better when it comes to shaving efficiency.
Now, time to discuss the blades in these two systems. OneBlade Face+Body offers two different blade heads – one for your face and one for your body.
The blade that’s meant for your face is called the 360 blade and the same blade has been used in the OneBlade Pro 360 model.
While OneBlade Face+Body brings two blades, the OneBlade Pro will give you just the 360 blade and a separate body shaving blade needs to be separately purchased.
The body blade in the Face+Body variant is definitely a game changer in terms of body grooming. The shaving closeness won’t match the premium body grooming tools, but it’s safe and real fast!
One similarity between these two budget razors is their IPX7 waterproof rating, enabling you to go for wet shaves as well as grooming inside the shower.
As per differences go, OneBlade Pro 360 has a 3-bar LED screen to show battery status, whereas the Face+Body variant only shows a small light.
On top of that, the adjustable comb attachment in the Pro 360 is much better and refined than the one in Face+Body.
In my opinion, OneBlade Face+Body is for all-round usage because of the two different blades and the three guards.
And the OneBlade Pro 360 is for ones who prefer durability within a limited price and won’t mind the extra body blade purchase if it’s deemed necessary!
What I Like
- Easy to use, clean and maintain
- Highly versatile around beard and body hair
- Good battery backup
What Could be Better
- Blade hinges could be firmer
MAX-T Men’s Electric Shaver
The final installment in today’s finest affordable electric razor introduces you to a rotary shaving advanced machine – the MAX-T Men’s Electric Shaver.
This rotary device is built with some of the newer features to boost the convenience of usage for the consumer base without costing the extra.
Let’s start with its cutting elements. The three rotary rings are double-layered and encompass a hypoallergenic alloy coating to prevent skin irritation.
Main cutters in the MAX-T razor are the High Precision steel blades that oscillate rapidly beneath the double tracks.
The motor power in this razor is quite average and black men should avoid this device due to its limitation with coarse or curly hair removal.
When it comes to the housing design, MAX-T opted for less rubbers and more plastic into their design.
Even without the rubber pads, the plastic textures manage to offer supreme grip levels in both wet and dry shaving conditions.
Despite the cheap plastic build, the material is robust enough to withstand damages and there’s no water leak found from my tests.
That’s why the device is IPX7 waterproof rated and meant to be used with shaving foam or gel for additional skin comfort.
Let’s talk about contour adaptation. MAX-T’s shaving head isn’t floating or flexing, rather it’s fixed and the rotary ring segments do all the hard work.
Each of these segments tilt in four directions each and therefore contour adaptation isn’t at its best – similar to the Norelco 2300.
Also, the built-in pop-up trimmer adds value to this budget-end rotary shaver by enhancing its versatility.
If you are frequently traveling, MAX-T could team up really well because of its 90 minute battery life, travel lock feature, lighter weight and the carry pouch accessory.
One of the cooler features in this tool is its LED display. Instead of showing the battery level in bars, it actually shows the precise number and I think it’s great for modern consumers!
In addition, the LED display shows a cleaning indicator to notify when the razor needs to be washed or maintained.
Due to the waterproof quality, the cleanings are much easier. You can basically get away with opening the rotary head and rinsing it under the tap after each shave.
A charging cable is included in the package without any brick. One end plugs into a USB port while the other end is a generic charging head for the shaver.
For an electric shaver with modern features, I would’ve much preferred having a USB Type-C charging port to make things more convenient.
That said, MAX-T feels like the best value out of your money in the under $50 range and it definitely outranks every other competition around that price!
What I Like
- Endowed with advanced features for greater convenience
- Can shave in both wet/dry with IPX7 waterproof rating
- Easy to carry around for traveling
What Could be Better
- Not meant for thicker beard texture
Why Trust My Verdict?
I’ve struggled with electric shaving from my teenage days and my purchase ranges always had to be within a limited budget.
Since then, I tried out a wide array of different cheaper electric razors and sadly, most of the time it turned out to be disappointing.
Based on my long experience and current vow to assess different shavers from the revered to the underrated brands, this article took a long time for me to generate.
Not only do I own the devices mentioned in the article, but also my insight comes from a first-hand user’s perspective who realizes what good value for money means in this regard.
Features You Need for Best Cheap Electric Shavers under $100/$50
To know if the shaving device you’re evaluating is the ideal fit for your needs, the following criteria should be the ones to individually consider. This should land you the most effective deal in the long run.
Ergonomics
There are different types of ergonomic elements to choose from when it comes to shaving devices. From my list, I think Norelco 3800, Philips OneBlade devices and Braun Series 3 have the better grip levels.
It’s solely because of the rubber padding quality and the ability of retaining grip in wet situations or inside the shower.
Other tools in my list consist of plastic textures to ensure grip level, for instance, Andis ProFoil, MAX-T shaver or the TPOB razors.
The most unique one from the lot is the BaBylissPRO FoilFX02 with its metal handle and it sticks to your hand because of the wide shape of the handle.
Comfort on Skin
If I must talk about skin comfort, one thing should be iterated that rotary razors are definitely more kinder ones in the affordable range.
Therefore, should you want a shaving tool for your sensitive skin, your choices should linger between Norelco 3800 and MAX-T shaver.
However, one foil shaver from the lot stands out because of its prowess in wet modes and it’s the Braun Series 3.
Other than these three, the rest of the shavers should be used gently on sensitive skin – despite the hypoallergenic alloy covering their foils.
Ease of Maintenance
I’ll definitely pick a waterproof electric razor if easy cleaning and maintenance is my priority. On that note, Norelco 3800, MAX-T shaver and OneBlade razors are the most convenient to maintain.
You could simply remove the foil head or rinse the blades directly under the tap. One device came close to such comfort and that’s the Series 3 from Braun.
Only reason it’s a step behind is because the foil head removal can be a bit tricky in slippery situations and the crevice inside is a little deeper to wash the dirt out.
For the rest, dry cleaning with a brush is the only way to go. It might sound easy to pull off, but imagine yourself getting all of the stray hair out from the nooks and crannies – not as effortless as a full wash.
Shaving Closeness
Foil shavers are what you should always settle for because the technology generally allows for the closest shaving outcomes.
Therefore, BaBylissPRO FoilFX02, Andis ProFoil, Braun Series 3 and TPOB Skull series would give you smoother results than the rest.
To compare between these devices, BaBylissPRO renders the cleanest results from dry shaves while Braun Series 3 outranks the FoilFX02 in the wets.
The remaining devices will give you close shaves but the growth would start to surface halfway through the day, given that you shaved in the morning.
Durability
It’s not that difficult to decipher that BaBylissPRO FoilFX02 is the most robust device in the lot with its full metal build and the agile motor installed within.
Surprisingly, the OneBlade shavers withstand damage quite well and survive fall damages, except for dropping the tools on their heads.
Other than these two, Braun Series 3 has withstood the roughest environments successfully during my usage-days.
Norelco 3800 is firmly built using quality plastic material, similar can be said about Andis ProFoil. TPOB and MAX-T rank last in my durability score list.
Buyer’s Guide for Selecting the Best Budget Electric Shaver
If you’re confused between the 7 affordable electric razors from my list, let me break down their strong suits so that you can align them according to your needs.
In my opinion, the BaBylissPRO FoilFX02 is the best overall because of its unmatched performance and relentless durability for a diverse consumer base.
Braun Series 3 is better suited for wet shaving and the closeness in this mode often resembles the pricier razors in the market.
I’d choose Andis ProFoil if portability were to be my top priority. It’s very light and easy to carry or maneuver around.
Norelco 3800 is definitely the epitome of premium rotary razors on a budget. This device also caters to sensitive skin to a large extent.
Its cheaper counterpart is the MAX-T shaver, capable of both performing wet and dry shaves. TPOB devices are pocket-edition razors and handy for traveling.
Lastly, the Philips OneBlade razors are probably the most versatile electric grooming tools I’ve ever laid my hands on. From beard trimming to body grooming – what can’t they do!
Affordable Electric Shaver: Maximizing the Performance
Want to learn some tricks to enhance the performance of your electric razors? There are a number of things you can do to achieve that!
Pre-Shave Prep
I cannot stress enough on how much a good pre-shave routine can make your shaves more comfortable and generate closer results.
Such routines reduce the risks of tugs, pull or ingrown hair, soothes your skin enough so that there’s no redness afterward and protects the skin to some extent from the harsh scrubbing of foils or blades.
Shaving Technique
No matter how much you desire to get close to your skin for shaving, NEVER run your electric razor against your grain growth.
Doing so may momentarily make your skin feel much smoother, but it tends to damage the natural growth pattern and harm the skin surface in turn.
Therefore, make animations toward your beard growth and it should render a comfortable shaving experience.
Maintenance and Cleaning
Proper maintenance increases the lifespan of electric shavers, therefore it’s a must if you want to keep on using the same tool for years.
Rinse or clean your razor after each shave and let it dry out properly before storage. Also, apply a few drops of lubricant on the blade and motor each week to reduce friction and enhance durability.
Battery Management
Don’t drain your electric razor to the last drop of its battery life. More expensive tools have the ability of withstanding this, but the cheap electric shavers may chunk out the battery health this way.
It’s ideal to recharge your device to the fullest before every use. That also ensures that the motor will run at maximum power and the shaving experience will be more comforting.
Optimize Shaving Environment
Try shaving in a room that’s warm, so that your pores open up and let you effortlessly use your electric razor. The less difficulty your shaver has to face, the more sharpness it’s going to retain in the long run.
Also, don’t keep your shaver laying around in damp conditions, even if it’s waterproof. Constant wetness can not only harm the device, but also allow for bacterial growth on the cutting elements.
Final Thoughts
We’ve finally arrived at the end scene for our today’s article on the best cheap electric shavers you could find on the market this year.
I tried to be thorough with my dissections and pointed out one or two key elements that’s going to help you decide the favorite pick.
One thing I want to add is that there’s nothing called the perfect electric razor, even the priciest gadget out there might not be able to cater to your unique requirements.
Therefore, it’s better to learn what ‘you’ need out of your device and find those elements in your potential pick – that’s going to make your purchase worthwhile – be that cheap or expensive!