Going on long travels tends to give you very little time for grooming, especially if you’re a clean shave enthusiast.
There’s no scope for going to a barber shop on a regular basis when you’re roaming. And honestly, it’s quite tiring to set up your razor and go through pre-shave routines each time.
That’s why there are the best travel shavers at your disposal. Using an electric razor of such caliber will save you a lot of time and effort, speaking from experience.
So, let’s hop on to my guide through the top 5 travel razors based on thorough assessment and I’m certain one of these will definitely earn its place inside your luggage compartment or pocket!
Contents
Best Travel Razors: Top 5 Choices for Travel Lovers!
Fellow travel lovers, here are my top 5 picks for the best travel razors in the current market. In this section, I’ll tell you why each of them are ideal to become your next travel companion!
Product | Verdict |
---|---|
BaBylissPRO MetalFX | Best Overall |
Panasonic ARC5 ES-LV67-K | Best for Sensitive Skins |
Andis TS-1 17235 Pro Foil | Best Balanced Shaver |
Manscaped The Handyman | Best for Longer Stubble |
TPOB Mini Skull | Best Pocket Shaver |
Note: The star ratings for each travel shaver is for travel shaving capability and doesn’t represent their overall status.
BaBylissPRO METALFX Single and Double Foil Shavers
It seems as though the BaBylissPRO MetalFX shaver (FoilFX02) is meant to be carried around during your trips because in my definition, it’s the best travel shaver one could ever afford!
I know it’s a bit costly to be carrying around stashed inside your luggage but there are certain reasons for this device to be priced at such a range.
Primarily, you’ll find the price to be worthwhile due to the full metal design on the housing. It’s a black colored foil shaver with a lid that fits perfectly with the crevices to protect the foils.
I found this tool to be durable due to this factor and doesn’t budge even when jam-packed with clothes inside a backpack.
Since the power button is a slider on the side, there’s very little to no risk at all for an accidental turn on.
As per the foil elements, BaBylissPRO has endorsed a double offset foil system coated with golden, hypoallergenic alloys and minimizes bumps to a great extent – making it an ideal choice for black men.
This foil system is springy and can adapt to pressure to grant you a very close shaving outcome, but it must be done on a maximum of 3-day stubble.
Also, the blades underneath are really sharp and you should be cautious while clearing out stray hair from underneath.
Another factor that adds to its price is the 10,000 RPM robust motor unit enabling the travel shaver to remove every texture and density of facial hair.
Due to such power, the device is a little loud, so that’s a precaution I’m giving you beforehand. Add the weight of the travel razor to that since its 12.3 oz can feel a little heavy at times.
It’s a completely dry shave tool since it’s not waterproof and you may apply some shaving lotion to reduce friction between foil and skin.
I’m really pleased with the huge 3 hour battery life the razor comes with – it’s enough to last for a trip extending a whole month without requiring a recharge!
Maintenance is an important factor while traveling and the BaBylissPRO MetalFX is very straightforward here – simply remove the head, brush and dunk the dirt, and put things back on – easy!
The storage pouch adds certain value to the travel shaver as it protects the housing from scratches and offers you the option of safekeeping the travel razor.
Overall, the MetalFX is not only great for traveling in my opinion, rather I can easily place it alongside some of the most premium electric shavers you could ever use!
What I Like
- Comes with a metal cap & storage pouch
- Neat & fast shaving results
- Long battery life & easy maintenance
What Could be Better
- A little heavy
Panasonic ARC5 Electric Razor for Men, ES-LV67-K
Second in my list is the highly ergonomic and skin-friendly Panasonic ARC5 LV67-K shaver and it belongs to the top-tier of electric razors as well!
Basically, it’s a high-quality device because of its functionality, durability and diversity across different beard textures and scenarios – it even makes elderly men fall asleep with comfort while shaving!
The reason behind adding the ARC5 LV67 into the travel shaver mix is plentiful and one of those has to do with the cutting efficiency.
Imagine you’re traveling and you have very little time to shave in the morning or might even have to do it at the highway restaurant washroom – the LV67 is the perfect tool in this regard.
There are 5 Nanotech blades beneath the 4 ultrathin Arc foils and the cutting cassette in the middle. These are very sharp elements that generate the closest possible shave!
Also, the motor is solid with its advanced technology of 70,000 cross-cutting actions per minute, that’s 14,000 CPM per cutting element.
Active Shave Sensor analyzes your beard 220 times every second to update 14 times per second on how much motor power your beard precisely needs!
This, paired by the 16 directional pivoting head (if you consider the tilting of each cutting element horizontally) for the most perfect contour adaptation.
These all together make up a great sensitive skin razor if your skin is easily rashed or bumped with other travel shavers and it’ll keep you content all through your travel days!
One thing you might find troubling is its shape – a typical, standard electric shaver in my definition but doesn’t seem like the type to travel with, no?
That’s why Panasonic is giving you a leather casing inside which you can store the super lightweight razor and it’s going to protect your tool no matter where you place it!
Also, the travel lock is a lifesaver and spares you any risk with the tool. It holds juice for around 50 minutes and the large LED display shows you the battery status.
I wouldn’t bother taking a charger if I were away for a couple of weeks because it lasts long enough to keep you neat all through.
The handle is uniquely made and caters to wet shavings due to the higher degree of ergonomic reinforcements, but it doesn’t mean dry shaves aren’t comfortable!
You’re able to lock the tilting head at will, pop out that trimmer to line up your hair and clean it by simply rinsing under the tap.
I’d say the ARC5 LV67 has better price to performance ratio even for travelers than a lot of other top tools in the market!
What I Like
- Cuts fast, close and comfortably
- Travel case & travel lock make life easier
- Lightweight, ergonomic and durable
What Could be Better
- A little pricey for a travel shaver
Andis TS-1 17235 Pro Foil Lithium Titanium Foil Shaver
Another handy device that makes your roaming around very easy around the states and comes from a reputed brand of hair grooming – the Andis Pro Foil!
It’s a simple yet gorgeous electric razor that doesn’t weigh much and doesn’t consume much space in your backpack.
There’s no storage case or pouch but a guard protects the foils from pressure or other sort of damage while traveling.
Speaking of foils, Andis Pro Foil comprises a double foil system with thin layers making the blades easy to grab a hold of your beard.
Also, these foils are gold-titanium alloy coated, so no threat of razor burn or arousing discomfort of any sort while shaving.
The housing is simple yet it’s durable due to the design. A flat travel shaver endorsing plastic textures to retain grip and the lighter weight makes maneuvering a straightforward affair.
When it comes to contour adaptation, it’s not as agile as the Panasonic ARC5 or even the BaBylissPRO shaver but dual directional springiness gets the job done well.
You’ll have to manually adjust the shaving angle or stretch out skin in tighter spots to make the shave an even and efficient one.
Andis claims the motor to be a 9,000 RPM one but I have my doubts there. It’s powerful, don’t get me wrong, but I don’t believe it’s as powerful as the brand claims it to be.
As I mentioned, the device is quite basic in usability as it only turns on via the power slider and there’s no automatic feature embedded in the design.
That’s why I reckon the Andis Pro Foil is ideal for travelers who are beginners in electric shaving and find a hassle-free experience at all times!
It’s not a wet shave device and your only mode is to shave in dry conditions. Again, you’re free to apply a layer of shaving lotion to make things comfortable and better to shave on a 2-day stubble or less.
For maintenance, the shaver head comes off using the release button on the side. Then, you can clear out the stray hair using a cleaning brush and it takes no more than a couple of minutes.
So, Andis Pro Foil comes off as an affordable electric razor, lightweight, easy to use, shaves fast and portable enough to carry around in your travel days – what more could you ask?
What I Like
- Simple design, easy to use
- Cuts well over all hair types
- Very light and portable
What Could be Better
- Limited contour adaptation
Manscaped The Handyman Compact Face Shaver
Now I’m about to introduce you to one of the most unique and travel-friendly electric razors I have ever used! It’s the Manscaped – The Handyman, a top-of-the-line tool for modern day shaving enthusiasts!
I can guarantee that you haven’t seen any electric shaver designed as this one! Primarily, it’s very compact and lightweight – therefore can be carried inside your pocket like a mobile phone!
From the outside, it looks nothing shy of a premium tool with the most refined housing design in shiny black and the LED light right next to the Mascaped text.
This text is placed on a plastic cap, underneath which you’ll be able to locate the cutting elements safely guarded from external impact – a required feat for a good travel shaver.
Upon removing the cap, you can lay your eyes on the two cutting elements – one is a trimmer while the other a foil unit.
The trimmer end levels out longer hair to make it easy for the foil end to pick up on. That’s why you’re at the liberty to shave over longer stubbles which none of the other foil razors can achieve!
These two cutting elements together are called the ‘dual-action SkinSafe blade head’ and the sharpness is really surprising in the positive sense!
Now, is it really comfortable on skin? Well, it’s definitely not the most comfortable electric device as you’re likely to experience slight razor burn.
But other than that, you’ll get away easily if you manage to move it around your facial features manually since the shaving head doesn’t automatically adapt to your contours.
The method of using it is to hold both of the blades flat against your skin and keep the trimmer end ahead in the direction of your shaving.
It’s IPX7 waterproof but still meant for dry shaving. The water resistance allows you to remove the head and wash it thoroughly for an easy-cleaning solution.
I think the battery life is quite ideal with 1 hour runtime and there’s an option for a 5 minute quick charge.
Also, the USB Type-C makes it easier to charge it via your phone’s brick or a power bank – perfect tool to be a travel companion!
If you need further convincing, Manscaped has developed this tool as a dedicated travel shaver, therefore the features will definitely aid you through your travel diaries.
The Handyman isn’t the cheapest option out there but it’s definitely worth the price as the device is a complete gadget for travel and such specialized shavers will make your travel grooming a painless affair!
What I Like
- Can be carried around in pocket
- Sleek design and versatile performance
- Can be charged using phone charger or power bank
What Could be Better
- Manual contour adaptation
TPOB Mini Skull Foil Shaver
A new player is emerging in the grooming market and it’s TPOB (The Pissed Off Barber) – a brand formulated by professional barbers to ensure affordable shaving experiences.
In this line, the TPOB Mini Skull foil shaver is indeed a prime choice for travel enthusiasts for a lot of reasons, but the major attraction should be the razor’s size and weight!
Before things get confusing, let me tell you that there are two variants in the Skull line, one being TPOB Skull and the other, TPOB Mini Skull.
The former device is a double foil system and is larger than the latter shaver. My focus is on the Mini Skull here which endorses a single foil design.
There are anti-allergy blades beneath the very thin foils and the gap between these elements are very little, therefore granting you close results.
But these results won’t be achieved immediately since the tool depends on a single foil with very limited contour adaptation.
With some proper movements of your wrist, you’ll be able to land the result of your desire but it comes at the cost of efficiency.
In terms of motor power, TPOB claims this handy tool to be housed with a 9,000 RPM unit. I was surprised to find it coming close to that number and being agile through every bush density!
You’ll find the housing in three different colors: two in vibrant pink and neon green while the third is in black. All three are covered with matte finish.
For the size, you’ll have to refine your grip with your fingertips and the unique shape, as well as the housing material, will give you the required grip level for shaving sessions.
There’s a plastic cap covering off the foil and renders it affable to drop inside the pocket of your pants or the one in your backpack.
It’s not waterproof, so keep it away from water or wet shaves. Cleaning is as easy as can be by removing the foil head and using a brush.
Battery life isn’t ecstatic, 30-40 minutes with a full charge. But you have the option to recharge via the USB Type-C port, so that’s a bonus!
With all the limitations and delimitations of the TPOB Mini Skull, it is indeed one of the most affordable travel shavers in the market.
So, if you don’t want to spend the extra bucks and are okay with doing some manual labor around your face, the TPOB Mini Skull certainly won’t disappoint you!
What I Like
- Very handy and easy to carry around
- Can be used anywhere
- Powerful motor & sharp blades
What Could be Better
- Takes longer than regular foil shavers
Why Trust My Verdict?
If you ask me why you should trust my verdict, let me clear off with the fact that I myself travel a lot and personally know what are the important aspects in a travel razor.
There’s always very little time for grooming and the same goes for my energy level. I always prefer an electric shaver that can cut swiftly, demands very little maintenance and isn’t difficult to carry around.
Based on that perception and my knowledge with a wide array of electric razors, I’ve assessed many of the tools I believed had the capacity to enter my top 5.
Upon further consideration and some consultation with first hand travelers who were grooming during that time, I was finally able to settle with the 5 devices you’ve read through so far.
Test Results: The Best Travel Shavers
Now comes the part where I compare my top travel shavers under five specific categories which I believe are essential to understand the quality of such dedicated tools!
Foil Types
When it comes to foil design, very few devices can top the Panasonic ARC5 LV67 and its 4 foil + 1 cassette style. The shaves are highly comfortable, efficient and it cuts really close to the skin!
BaBylissPRO is a close second when it comes to foil design as the double offset hypoallergenic foils are indeed unique and remarkable. However, contour adaptation isn’t as agile as ARC5 on this.
Andis Pro Foil and Manscaped Handyman are similar in the virtue of foil designs in the sense that the outcomes are quite identical despite their fundamental variations.
Finally, TPOB Mini Skull is placed in the final spot because of its limited single-foil design and the lack of contour adaptability like the top scorers in this category.
Maneuverability
I’d say the maneuverability of the Panasonic ARC5 LV67, Andis Pro Foil and Manscaped Handyman are somewhat equal, mostly due to their weight class.
Yes, the ARC5 LV67 has a higher degree of ergonomics but the other two provide similar degree of grip due to the housing shape as well as plastic textures.
TPOB Mini Skull is a little way behind despite its super light weight since you’ll require some precise grip to get it working and that can be tiresome at times.
Lastly, the BaBylissPRO MetalFX completes this category and the weight class as well as the wider handle marks the tool as the least maneuverable from the lot.
Battery Life
Now, when it comes to battery life, there’s none who can challenge the 3 hour runtime of the BaBylissPRO MetalFX for the magnificent beast it is!
Second spot is a tie between the Andis Pro Foil and Manscaped Handyman as both of these can last for around an hour with a full charge, sufficient for 6 complete shaves.
Panasonic ARC5 LV67 houses a five cutting element design and therefore the battery is restricted to 50 minutes for having to run so many things at once.
At the very end, the TPOB Mini Skull will give you around 30-40 minutes of battery backup, which is quite surprising considering the size of this thing.
Motor Power
So, which of these 5 travel razors is the most powerful in terms of raw performance? You’ve guessed it right – it’s the BaBylissPRO MetalFX again with its 10,000 RPM super motor!
Panasonic ARC5 doesn’t highlight its motor power since the marketing is done with ‘cuts per minute’ units. However, it’s not as strong as BaByliss, thus earning the second spot.
Andis Pro Foil and TPOB Mini Skull are quite similarly powered around 7,000-8,000 RPM range, good enough for every sort of beard type removal.
The Manscaped Handyman is set around 5-6,000 RPM and I’m ready to concede this because of the trimmer-foil design that runs perfectly with this power range!
Ergonomics
Ergonomically no one matches the Panasonic ARC5 LV67 shaver because of the rubber paddings, textures at the right spots, thumb rest for wet shaves and overall gripping pattern.
Andis Pro Foil and Manscaped Handyman are similarly designed in shape and the principles of plastic ergonomics.
While BaBylissPRO MetalFX and TPOB Mini Skull are tied for last, it has to do with the specific types of grip each of these travel razors demand.
The former being wide and heavy, you’ll have to go for a solid grip over the metal housing. As per the latter, the tiny size and matte finish requires you to hold it like a pencil and it’s not always the most comfortable experience.
Buyer’s Guide for the Best Travel Razors
It’s time for me to break down which of these travel shavers would be perfect for your specific needs during your holidays.
Firstly, BaBylissPRO MetalFX foil shaver is in my opinion the overall best travel shaver for anyone. Yes, it’s a little expensive but the device is a complete tool for this particular reason.
Then comes the heavy-duty Panasonic ARC5 LV67-K. It’s actually a device you can use all through the year even if you don’t travel and caters mostly to consumers with sensitive skin.
The Andis Pro Foil is a balanced tool which isn’t highly expensive but manages to produce a closer and comfortable outcome within a very short duration.
Manscaped Handyman is dedicated toward consumers who don’t shave daily and want to be spared from the pain of doing a pre-trim before shaving on longer stubbles.
Finally, TPOB Mini Skull is a pocket shaver and it’s highly affordable! If you’re looking for a portable travel razor within a limited budget, no other device can top this one!
How to Maintain a Travel Shaver?
Maintenance for travel razors should be kept at very minimum. There are certain things you must do to keep your device in prime condition, so let’s see what those steps are!
- Clean the Blades: No matter where you are or how much time you have, you must clean out your blade after each shave. Most of the travel shavers in my list are dry-shave tools, so dusting out the hair and cleaning with a brush should suffice.
- Lubrication: I know it’s not always ideal during travels to lube up your blades and motor after each shave, but you have to follow this routine if you’re on a trip longer than a week.
- Bring New Blades: If you’ve been using your travel razor for a long time and there’s risk of dulling out the blades, bring a new set as a precaution.
- Store Safely: Safe storage is what prolongs the lifespan of your travel shaver and keeps it out of harm’s way. Either put it inside a solid pouch or place it surrounded by softer paddings so that there’s no risk of pressure from outer sources.
- Don’t Shave Till Zero Battery: I know it’s not always possible to maintain, but do not let your razor reach zero battery. This tends to damage the battery in the long run and try charging before it’s completely depleted.
If you follow these maintenance and precautions, you’ll find your travel razor to last for a long time in the future!
FAQ
Here are some FAQs on the best travel shavers on the market that need answering – and I’m doing so for your convenience and the sake of broadening the knowledge.
Q: Are battery-operated or rechargeable shavers better for travel?
A: Both battery-operated and rechargeable shavers have their merits when it comes to traveling. Battery-operated shavers can be brought back to full performance simply by replacing the battery, but the problem is such batteries deplete quite fast and the shavers don’t deliver enough power at all times.
On the other hand rechargeable shavers require recharging but the good ones can hold their charge for a couple of weeks very easily without this!
Q: Can I take a travel shaver in my carry-on luggage?
A: Yes, commonly you are allowed to take your travel razor in your carry-on luggage. But it’s still better to check with your airline should they have separate policies against this so that you can prepare beforehand.
Q: Can I use a travel shaver for my whole grooming routine?
A: It depends on the shaver to be honest. For instance, I wouldn’t recommend something like the TPOB Mini Skull to be your regular grooming tool due to its limitations. Instead, something like a BaBylissPRO MetalFX or a Panasonic ARC5 LV67 can serve you both through your travel days and whole grooming routine at home!
Concluding Remarks
So, we’re at the closing stages of my article on the best travel shaver in 2024. I personally used all five of my top choices and even took the BaBylissPRO MetalFX while traveling on a number of occasions.
You have the liberty of picking other tools or brands for your travel grooming duties, just make sure to look for the important aspects to make your purchase a worthwhile one.
Firstly, pick one that’s lightweight, compact and still has the durability to be lodged into your backpack or pocket.
Secondly, even if it’s a travel razor, it should cut neatly and it’s ideal to have a longer battery life. If all these boxes are checked, you’d definitely be able to find the most perfect tool for your needs!