Best Rotary Shavers

Best rotary electric shavers for all budgets

Rotary shavers use two or three circular rotating blades, while foil shavers rely on oscillating blades hidden behind thin, perforated foil screens. Rotary shavers may do a slightly better job of moving along the contours of the face, since each blade swivels independently. Reviewers also say rotary shavers tend to be quieter than foil shavers. Experts say satisfaction with one type over another is largely a matter of personal preference, although face shape and the texture and density of facial hair also play a role. In addition, experts recommend taking advantage of manufacturers' 30-day trial periods (when available) when switching shaver types because the skin takes a while to adjust to shaving methods.

Philips Norelco rotary shavers easily receive the best reviews in this category, and the company offers numerous rotary product lines including Philips Norelco Nivea for Men, and Philips Norelco SensoTouch and SensoTouch 3D. These shavers contain rotary cutting heads that sit above the shaver and flex to track the curves of the face. They also use rechargeable Lithium-ion batteries. All Philips Norelco electric shavers come with a 45-day, money-back guarantee and a two-year warranty.

Reviewers say the Philips Norelco 8240XL (*Est. $75) is a good, no-frills option at a reasonable price. Like other Norelco electric shavers, it has three individual floating heads. It can be used corded or cordless, which reviewers say is good since the basic model doesn't have a low-battery indicator. After about 500 user reviews at Amazon.com, the electric shaver has an average rating of 4 out of 5 stars. Many owners say that it's not messy, is easy to clean and cuts down on shaving time. On average, users report about a week's worth of daily shaving on a single charge, which takes about an hour. On the downside, it doesn't have a stand, and users say the pop-up trimmer doesn't work well.

Philips' latest offering is the SensoTouch line, which includes nine shavers (ranging in price from $115 to $260) with varying degrees of features. Most frequently mentioned are the Philips Norelco SensoTouch 3D 1250X (*Est. $160) and Philips Norelco SensoTouch 3D 1280XCC (*Est. $240) . The 1250X tops electric rotary shavers tested by one consumer magazine; it is said to be easy to clean and receives "very good" ratings for ease of shaving and noise. The 1250XCC (*Est. $220) is identical but comes with a cleaning and charging base -- it also does well in reviews.

On Amazon.com, both the Philips Norelco SensoTouch 3D 1250XCC and 1280XCC (listed as 1280X/42) maintain an average rating of 4.5 stars out of 5 based on about 70 and 115 reviews, respectively. One owner of the Philips Norelco1250XCC points out a drawback: The battery cannot be replaced, so should it stop holding a charge (as most rechargeable batteries do over time), the shaver is useless. The same is true of the SensoTouch 3D 1280XCC.

The Philips Norelco SensoTouch 3D 1280XCC is pricier than the 1250XCC but offers a few additional features. The 1280XCC shaver has a five-level battery indicator compared to the three-level indicator of the 1250XCC. Both feature an LED display that counts down the minutes until it's fully charged, warns when shaving heads need cleaning and replacing, and indicates when the travel lock is engaged. Both shavers charge fully in one hour, but the 1280XCC lasts 60 minutes (up to 20 days of shaving), whereas the 1250XCC lasts 50 minutes (up to 17 days) on a single charge. The 1250XCC has a single cleaning setting, while the 1280XCC has three: automatic, intensive and low-energy. Testers at U.K.'s Which? magazine give the 1280XCC electric shaver top marks. Editors say that it gives "an exceptionally close and comfortable shave" and that the beard trimmer is "sharp and easy to use."

Owners posting to Amazon.com say the Philips Norelco SensoTouch 1280XCC is fast, quiet and easy to clean. Some users suggest a thorough rinse under the tap is effective and say it's not necessary to spend the extra money for the cleaning system. This also eliminates the need to purchase cleaning solution (*Est. $5 for one 10-ounce bottle), which will need to be replaced about once per month with daily cleaning. Overall, most users say the 1280XCC electric shaver offers a close, comfortable shave with no irritation. A few owners note that the charging stand is the only means for recharging this shaver, and because it's bulky, it's not convenient for travel. The shaver itself is also bulky, some say, and it doesn't stand freely on its own, which poses difficulties using it in the shower.

The Philips Norelco Nivea for Men HS8420 (*Est. $65) is unique because it dispenses Nivea for Men shaving conditioner directly through holes in the center of the top two rotary heads. Its cutting head system also has glide rings that help the shaver move smoothly. This shaver can be used wet or dry, but many users say it works best on wet skin. The Philips Norelco Nivea for Men lacks a tube trimmer and fully charges in eight hours for up to 30 minutes of operation, but more than 100 reviewers at Amazon.com give it high marks (4 out of 5 stars overall). Most say that it gives a comfortable shave without any irritation; however, getting a close shave is time consuming. Some also complain that the Nivea shaving liquid is expensive and that one bottle lasts a mere three weeks. Others suggest that applying a less expensive shaving cream to skin allows you to use only minimal amounts of the conditioner.