Short answer
The Braun Series 9 Pro+ is the best shower shaver overall: fully waterproof, close with foam or gel, and quick to rinse. The Panasonic Arc5 is a great wet shaver for coarse beards, and the Philips Norelco 7800 is the gentle rotary option.
The picks, ranked for this need
1
Best wet shave overall.
See it on AmazonBest wet shave overall. The safest high-end buy for most faces. It's quick on a two- or three-day beard, gentle enough that most men with touchy skin stop noticing it after the first couple of weeks, and it's built to run for years.
- Foil
- 5 shaving elements
- Wet & dry
- 60 min runtime
2
Closest wet shave on coarse beards.
See it on AmazonClosest wet shave on coarse beards. The closest-cutting shaver you can buy without paying flagship money. Five blades and a fast linear motor make short work of dense, fast-growing beards, though it's less forgiving than the Braun if your skin reacts easily.
- Foil
- 5 blades
- 14,000 cpm linear motor
- Wet & dry
3
Gentle rotary for wet use.
See it on AmazonGentle rotary for wet use. The best electric shaver for sensitive skin at a sensible price. You get Philips' glide coating, the same density sensor as pricier models and fully flexing heads for roughly a third of flagship money.
- Rotary
- SkinGlide coating
- 45 self-sharpening blades
- Wet & dry
4
360 Flex head works well with gel.
See it on Amazon360 Flex head works well with gel. The 360-flex Braun suits curvy jawlines on a mid budget. Turbo, Gentle and Standard modes let you trade speed for comfort, and it's fully waterproof.
- Foil
- 360 Flex head
- Turbo & Gentle modes
- Waterproof
5
Cheap waterproof foil.
See it on AmazonCheap waterproof foil. A no-fuss foil with a Turbo button and proper waterproofing. Fine for daily shavers with a normal beard on a tight budget.
- Foil
- 3 flexible blades
- Turbo mode
- 50 min Li-ion
How to choose
Wet vs dry shaving with an electric
Wet shaving with gel can feel smoother on sensitive skin; dry shaving is usually faster and closer. Try both for a week each.
Can you use shaving cream?
Yes, with wet & dry models. Use a thin layer and rinse the head after.
Look for 'wet & dry', not just 'washable'
Washable heads can be rinsed, but only wet & dry shavers are built to shave with water.
Related guides
FAQ
Can I use an electric shaver in the shower?
Yes, if it's a wet & dry model.
Is wet or dry shaving better?
Dry is usually closer; wet can be gentler.
Can you use shaving cream with an electric shaver?
Yes, with wet & dry models.