Best Rotary Shavers

Best rotary electric shavers for all budgets

Rotary shavers have two or three rotating discs instead of foils (which vibrate back and forth). Philips Norelco rotary shavers easily receive the best reviews in this category, and the company offers two main rotary product lines: the Philips Norelco arcitec (described earlier) and the Philips Norelco Moisturizing Shaving System (also known as the Philips Norelco Nivea for Men shaver). These shavers have rotary cutting heads that sit above the shaver and flex to track the curves of your face; they also use rechargeable lithium-ion batteries.

There are several models in the arcitec series. The most basic model is the Philips Norelco arcitec 1050X (*Est. $175), which has few bells and whistles beyond its innovative cutting system. The step-up Philips Norelco arcitec 1060X (*Est. $200) adds a little snazzier styling, including a mirror-coated display, and a more informative battery-charge indicator. The top-of-the-line Philips Norelco arcitec 1090X (*Est. $240) introduces an LED display that shows the remaining shaving time in minutes and has a brushed stainless-steel shell. Philips Norelco also offers the arcitec 1050CC (*Est. $200), which adds a cleaning base to the 1050X.

The Philips Norelco Moisturizing Shaving System is similar to the Philips Norelco arcitec line, but it has a different cutting head system, with unusual glide rings that help the shaver move smoothly. Nivea for Men shaving conditioner is dispensed directly through holes in the center of the top two rotary heads. These shavers can be used wet or dry. The Philips Norelco 8060X (*Est. $150) includes a refill-and-charge stand that automatically fills the shaver with Nivea shaving conditioner and fully charges the shaver in 90 minutes for 40 minutes of operation. The less expensive Philips Norelco 8040X (*Est. $100) comes with only a charging stand, and it fully charges in four hours. Both models include a snap-on tube trimmer that's wider than the trimmer on the Philips Norelco arcitec shavers. The least expensive Nivea for Men Razor, the Philips Norelco HS8420 (*Est. $75) is a sleeker version of its discontinued predecessor, the 8020X, but it has the same features. This shaver omits the tube trimmer and fully charges in eight hours for up to 30 minutes of operation.

Philips Norelco's SpeedXL also makes an impression with reviewers. Be advised, however, that many models have been discontinued. One SpeedXL model remains widely available: the Philips Norelco 8240XL (*Est. $100). Though there isn't any professional feedback for it, user reviews at Amazon.com are largely favorable. It lacks much in the way of features -- not even a low-battery warning -- but reports say that it performs well and has long battery life. The Norelco 8260XL (*Est. $145) includes a cleaning system.