The 7 Best Razors for a Clean Shave and a Sharp Look (2024)

Is shaving a necessary evil? It depends on who you ask, but for many guys who prefer a clean shave, it is. But just because it’s a core part of many guys’ grooming routines, it doesn’t make it any less harrowing. Sometimes when we’re shaving, we can’t believe that we routinely take a sharp edge to our faces, running the risk of cuts, nicks, pulls, ingrown hairs, and post-shave irritation in the process. And whether you’re a shaving expert or just do it every so often, it doesn’t really make it any less freaky.

Of course, what razor you use to shave can make all the difference. When you’re literally dragging a blade over the surface of your skin, the type of blade it is and what kind of razor you use not only dictates how close your shave is, but also how well your skin is going to react during and after the process. If you have sensitive skin or struggle with ingrown hairs, the type of razor you use is all the more important because using the wrong one can make those issues worse. But figuring out the best ones, and the right one to use for you, can be a head scratcher. There are so many out there—cartridge, disposable, safety, not to mention electric razors—and figuring out the differences can be tricky.

Ultimately, it takes some trial and error since everyone’s skin and shaving process is different. We did a bit of the legwork for you, though. We’ve tested dozens and dozens of razors to find the very best for every type of shaving routine. So no matter how you shave, or what you like to use to do it, there is something for you on this list.

When Harry’s launched, the company sought to solve a variety of problems plaguing the razor industry—especially high prices for subpar product. The brand did just that and now, over ten years later, the Harry’s razor continues to be one of our all-time favorites and the one we personally reach for most often. The secret lies in the disposable cartridge razors which are made in Harry’s own German factory and feature 5 blades that deliver a smooth, close shave with almost no effort on your part. The overall design is simple; apart from the five blades, there is also a lubricating strip and a trimmer detail blade to use to shape sideburns and such, and that’s about it. But, again, that is all by design. These are simple to use and effective, which in our book, is the mark of a good razor. Now there are multiple handles to choose from, which are all perfectly weighted and ergonomically designed, but they all fit the classic razor head (if it ain’t broke, don’t fix it). Best of all, the price is still incredibly low for the quality and we personally love the subscription service so we never have to remember to order new blades, preventing the ultimate shaving no-no: using a dull razor.

It’s generally thought that more blades equals a closer shave and in the case of the Fusion5, that is true. The point of this razor is the five blades, which glide across your skin effortlessly in combination with the larger lubricating strip, giving you a baby-smooth shave very quickly. Compared to other cartridge razors we tried, especially those with fewer blades, it gives not only a closer shave, but also a more comfortable one. Other notable features, like the “channels” that help to clear away shaving cream and work to prevent clogs between the blades, are welcome and add to the experience, but it’s really all about the blades here. We haven’t been able to find a cartridge razor that gives a closer shave.

If you’re a regular reader of Esquire’s grooming content, then you may already know how much we love the Philips OneBlade. It’s one of the most versatile and easy to use grooming tools on the market and one that has earned permanent icon status in our own grooming routines. There are so many reasons why we love it, but the bottom line is that this electric razor is just so damn easy to use. Designed like a traditional razor, but powered up through technological advancements, the OneBlade uses an innovative razor design to mow through whiskers of all thicknesses effortlessly. Since the blade is double-sided, you can use it in multiple directions (unlike a traditional razor) and this new version even features a 360-degree swiveling head. You can also use it dry, meaning that without shaving cream your shave is easier and faster. We will note that it doesn’t shave quite as close as a multi-blade cartridge razor, but the difference is so minute we doubt you’ll even notice (we don’t). This version also comes with an attachable length comb that means you can trim stubble with it, if you’re not into the clean-shaven look. And while the blade refills can be slightly expensive, you don’t have to replace them nearly as often as your typical cartridge razor, making it a solid investment for both your wallet and your face.

Typically, if you have a problem with ingrown hairs (particularly if your beard is very curly or textured), shaving with a multi-blade razor is not the best idea. Multi-blade razors cut very close to the skin, sometimes even below it, which can lead to more ingrown hairs as your whiskers grow out. In this case, a single blade safety razor is a good option. Bevel takes a traditional razor and updates it for a modern user. Specifically designed for men with textured beards, this easy to use safety razor is perfectly weighted to deliver a close shave. While it doesn’t shave as close as a multi-blade razor, for the reasons above, it’s not like you’re going to have stubble. Shaving with a safety razor takes some getting used to if you’ve only ever used cartridge razors before: you have to go slower and hold it as a specific angle to shave without nicking or cutting your skin, but once you get the hang of it, the shave it delivers rivals one you’d find in a barber shop.

If you have sensitive skin, shaving is always going to be a harrowing experience. Dragging a razor over your skin can lead to not only ingrown hairs, but razor burn and irritation, particularly if you’re using multiple blades. This cartridge razor still has multiple blades, but it’s been thoughtfully designed to minimize irritation on sensitive skin. With two lubrication strips (versus the standard one) and a proprietary “irritation defense bar” situated between the blades, we found the actual experience of shaving with this way more comfortable than many other razors we tried. It glides over your skin without any drag or pulling and the additional lubrication strip actually does make a difference. It also shaves at skin level, which means that it helps reduce the risk of ingrown hairs, making it a great option for guys who don’t want to go down the safety razor track but still want to control ingrowns. It doesn’t shave quite as close as some others on this list (we noticed our shadow came back a little bit earlier in the day when we used it), but if you have sensitive skin or problems with razor bumps, that’s a compromise you may be willing to make for a more comfortable, irritation-free shave.

Plenty of guys like to use disposable razors (they’re easy to travel with, good for your gym bag, and more), but the problem is that many disposable razors lack the features and design of a cartridge razor. These are the exception to that rule. These disposable razors are packed with all the same features you see in your favorite cartridge razor. There are five blades that work to deliver a crazy-close shave, a pivoting head to help make shaving around the contours of your face more comfortable, a lubricating strip and a precision trimmer blade, and the ergonomic design of the handle fits comfortably in your hand, plus has a rubber grip to keep it from slipping. In terms of shaving power, it rivals the other razors on this list in terms of closeness and comfort, which is honestly rare in a disposable razor. And while you can’t refill it (you throw out the whole thing after each use), the blades stay sharp a long time—up to 13 shaves according to the brand—and it comes in multiple pack sizes (four, six and 10 packs) so you can really stretch out the period before you repurchase.

You know that feeling after you get a hot towel barbershop shave? Not only is it relaxing AF, but for some reason, it always feels like a much closer shave than you ever get at home. Well, this innovative heated razor is the closest thing we’ve ever found to recreating that feeling on your own. It sounds pretty out there, but in practice, this thing gives easily the most comfortable home shave we have ever experienced and one of the closest as well. It’s not an electric razor in the traditional sense, though you do need to charge it. Instead, the special cartridges include a bar that heats up when the razor is turned on. The heated bar not only soothes and conditions your skin but also helps to soften hair, making it easier for the five blades to cut through it, minimizing the possibility of nicks and pulls, and reducing the risk of irritation. You can even adjust the heat settings to your comfort (don’t worry, even at the highest heat setting, it won’t burn your skin). We noticed an immediate difference, not only in how our skin felt, but how it looked post-shave with absolutely no signs of irritation. It’s truly a luxury product, and has a price point to match, and while the refills are slightly more expensive than your usual cartridge razor, we have to say it’s worth the investment to get a shave this good at home every day.