The best entry-level electric shaver in NZ is the Braun Series 3 Clean & Close, whose three pressure-sensitive shaving elements track the contours of the face and whose head washes clean under a running tap. The ongoing cost is the part worth planning for, because a shaver is only as good as its foil and cutter, and replacement heads for older models are not always easy to find here.
For the modern man looking to achieve a clean, smooth shave without the hassle of traditional razors, electric shavers offer a convenient and efficient solution.
With advancements in technology and design, electric shavers have become an essential grooming tool for men of all ages. Whether you have sensitive skin, a busy lifestyle, or simply prefer the convenience of an electric shaver, there are numerous options available that cater to different needs and preferences.
Below we cover 8 electric shavers available in New Zealand, from budget-friendly foil shavers through to premium adaptive-sensing models, so you can compare the real trade-offs before you buy.
How to Choose the Best Electric Shaver for You
Choosing the best electric shaver comes down to a few key factors: your skin type, hair growth pattern, preferred shaving method (wet or dry), and budget. Here is a quick guide to each.
Understand the Different Types of Electric Shavers
Rotary Shavers have three or four rotating heads designed to follow the contours of your face. They tend to suit men with regular to tough skin who shave less frequently and have longer, thicker, or faster-growing hair.
Foil Shavers have a straight head with oscillating blades beneath a thin foil, giving a closer, more precise cut. They generally suit men who shave daily and prefer a fast, close shave, and most of the picks in this guide, including every Braun, Philips, and Panasonic model, are foil shavers.
Hybrid tools like the Philips OneBlade or an all-in-one grooming kit blur the line between a shaver and a trimmer, letting you shave, trim, and edge with one device rather than switching between two separate tools.
Wet or Dry Shaving
Most shavers in this guide are rated for both wet and dry use, meaning you can shave dry for speed or wet with foam or gel in the shower for extra glide and comfort on sensitive skin. Check the “Special feature” line in each product’s key specs above; “Waterproof” is the signal to look for.
Battery and Charging
Older, cheaper shavers like the Braun Series 3 use NiMH batteries, which charge slower and hold less charge than the lithium-ion batteries found in the Series 5 and 7. If you travel often, a USB-C rechargeable model like the Panasonic pick above is worth the extra convenience.
| Product | Best For |
|---|---|
| Braun Series 3 Clean & Close | Best Budget |
| Braun Series 5-51 B1000s | Best Value (Mid-Range) |
| Braun Series 7-71 N1200s | Best Premium / Adaptive Tech |
| Braun Series 3 310BT Shaver & Beard Trimmer | Best 2-in-1 Shave + Trim |
| Philips Shaver Series 5000 with SkinIQ | Best Overall (Most Bought) |
| Philips OneBlade 360 + Extra Blade | Best Hybrid / Most Reviewed |
| Philips All-in-One Series 5000 (12-in-1) | Best All-in-One Grooming Kit |
| Panasonic ES-CM3A Compact 3 Blade Shaver | Best Compact / Travel |
The 8 Best Electric Shavers NZ
1. Braun Series 3 Clean & Close
The Series 3 is Braun’s entry point into electric shaving, and it earns its Amazon’s Choice badge honestly. Three pressure-sensitive shaving elements do the work of tracking your face’s contours, and the whole head is fully washable under a running tap for a quick clean after every shave.
It runs on two rechargeable NiMH batteries rather than a modern lithium pack, so it charges slower and holds less charge than the pricier Series in this list, but at this price it remains one of the most-bought electric shavers on Amazon AU, with over 50 purchases in the past month and 204 ratings behind it.
Pros
- Amazon’s Choice with 50+ bought in the past month
- Fully washable shaving head for easy cleaning
- Waterproof to -5m for wet or dry use
Cons
- Older NiMH battery rather than lithium-ion, so charging is slower
- The listing’s “Model name” field says Series 5, which is a data-entry error — the title, price, and photos all confirm this is genuinely the Series 3
Key specs: 3 flexible shaving elements · NiMH battery · Waterproof
2. Braun Series 5-51 B1000s
The Series 5 sits in the middle of Braun’s range, and right now it is discounted 51% off its RRP, one of the better value-for-money electric shavers in this whole list. Three flexible blades adapt to your jawline and neck, and the EasyClean system lets you rinse the head fast without pulling it apart.
Braun’s Li-Ion battery here gives up to 3 weeks of shaving from a full charge, with a 5-minute quick charge if you are ever caught short, a genuine step up from the Series 3’s older battery tech.
Pros
- 51% off RRP at time of writing, strong value
- 3 weeks of shaving per charge with a 5-minute quick top-up
- 200+ bought in the past month
Cons
- 3.8-star average is a little lower than Braun’s other Series in this list
- No pop-up trimmer included, unlike the Series 3 310BT
Key specs: 3 flexible blades · Li-Ion battery, 3-week runtime · Waterproof
3. Braun Series 7-71 N1200s
The Series 7 is where Braun’s AutoSense technology comes in, reading your beard density in real time and adapting power automatically rather than making you switch modes yourself. It shaves in a full 360-degree motion to handle the harder contours around the jaw and neck.
It includes a precision trimmer attachment for moustache and sideburn detail work, and at 43% off its RRP it is currently one of the better ways into Braun’s higher-end shaving tech without paying full premium price.
Pros
- AutoSense technology adapts power to your beard automatically
- Includes a precision trimmer attachment for detail work
- 43% off RRP, Amazon’s Choice, 100+ bought in the past month
Cons
- Priced well above the budget options in this list even discounted
- 4.0-star rating from a modest 67 reviews so far
Key specs: 360-degree AutoSense shaving · Li-Ion, 3-week runtime · Precision trimmer included
4. Braun Series 3 310BT Shaver & Beard Trimmer
The 310BT is Braun’s 3-in-1 answer for anyone who wants one tool for shaving, trimming, and edging rather than owning a separate beard trimmer. It is built on the same Series 3 shaving elements as the standalone model above, just packaged with trimming attachments.
At 50% off its RRP, this is a genuinely practical pick if you maintain any facial hair alongside a clean-shaven neck and cheeks, saving you buying two separate gadgets.
Pros
- 3-in-1: shave, trim, and edge with one device
- 50% off RRP, Amazon’s Choice
- 4.3-star rating, the best of the four Braun picks here
Cons
- Doesn’t specify battery runtime as clearly as the Series 5 or 7 listings
- Attachments add bulk versus a dedicated shaver-only design
Key specs: 3-in-1 shave/trim/edge · Rechargeable · Includes trimming attachments
5. Philips Shaver Series 5000 with SkinIQ
Philips’ Series 5000 is the most-bought shaver in this entire guide, with over 500 purchases in the past month and 348 ratings averaging 4.2 stars. SkinIQ technology reads your beard density 250 times per second and adjusts power accordingly, while self-sharpening SteelPrecision blades made in Europe deliver up to 90,000 cutting actions per minute.
The 360-D flexing heads follow the contours of your jaw and neck for a closer pass, and it comes backed by Philips’ own 90-day money-back guarantee if it doesn’t work out for you.
Pros
- Most-bought shaver in this guide: 500+ purchases in the past month
- SkinIQ auto-adjusts to your beard density in real time
- Backed by Philips’ 90-day money-back guarantee
Cons
- More expensive than Braun’s equivalent mid-tier Series 5
- Integrated pop-up trimmer is basic compared to a dedicated beard trimmer
Key specs: SkinIQ adaptive power · 90,000 cutting actions/min · 360-D flexing heads
6. Philips OneBlade 360 + Extra Blade
OneBlade is Philips’ hybrid answer to the shave-or-trim dilemma: it isn’t a foil or rotary shaver, and it isn’t a full clipper either. It is built to shave, trim, and edge any length of facial hair without needing to grow a beard out first, using a fast-moving cutter with a dual protection system so it won’t nick skin even on longer growth.
With 12,668 ratings and over 2,000 units bought in the past month, this is the single most-reviewed and most-purchased product in this entire guide by a wide margin, and it comes with a 5-in-1 adjustable comb plus a spare blade in the box.
Pros
- Most-reviewed product in this guide: 12,668 ratings at 4.3 stars
- Works on any hair length without needing to grow a beard first
- Comes with a spare blade and 5-in-1 comb included
Cons
- Not a true close shave like a dedicated foil or rotary shaver
- Requires a USB-A power adapter that isn’t included in the box
Key specs: OneBlade cutter, any hair length · 5-in-1 comb included · Spare blade included
7. Philips All-in-One Series 5000 (12-in-1)
This one is less a dedicated shaver and more a full grooming station, packing 12 attachments for face, head, and body into one cordless tool, including a shaving head alongside its trimming combs. BeardSense technology scans your beard 125 times per second and boosts cutting power automatically for thicker growth.
With 14 lock-in length settings from 0.5mm to 16mm and up to 4 weeks of runtime per charge, it is the pick if you want one gadget to replace your shaver, beard trimmer, and body groomer rather than buying three separate tools.
Pros
- 12 tools covering face, head, and body in one kit
- BeardSense auto-adjusts cutting power for beard density
- 4.3-star rating across 1,884 reviews
Cons
- Only 3 left in stock on this listing at time of writing
- A jack-of-all-trades kit, so its shaving head is not as dedicated as a pure electric shaver
Key specs: 12-in-1 face/head/body kit · 14 length settings (0.5-16mm) · Up to 4 weeks runtime
8. Panasonic ES-CM3A Compact 3 Blade Shaver
Panasonic’s compact shaver is built for speed and portability rather than bulk: three nano-sharpened Japanese stainless steel blades run on an ultra-fast linear motor rated at 39,000 cross-cuts per minute, and a responsive beard sensor adjusts power 216 times per second as you shave.
It charges over USB-C, which makes it genuinely travel-friendly compared to shavers that need a proprietary charging dock, and its small footprint makes it easy to throw in a gym bag or carry-on.
Pros
- USB-C charging, genuinely travel-friendly
- 39,000 cross-cuts per minute from its linear motor
- 4.4-star rating, the highest of any pick in this guide
Cons
- Smaller head size means more passes needed on a larger face
- 40% discount pricing may not always be available
Key specs: 3 stainless steel blades · 39,000 cross-cuts/min · USB-C charging
If you are refreshing the whole grooming kit, the guide to electric toothbrushes is worth reading next.
Verdict
For most men, the Philips Shaver Series 5000 is the safest starting point: it is the single most-bought shaver in this guide, backed by SkinIQ adaptive power and a 90-day money-back guarantee. If you are on a tighter budget, the Braun Series 3 Clean & Close or Panasonic ES-CM3A both deliver a genuinely close shave without the premium price tag. If your facial hair is somewhere between clean-shaven and a full beard, the Philips OneBlade 360 is the most-reviewed product in this whole list for good reason: it shaves, trims, and edges any length without switching tools. And if you want one gadget to handle your face, head, and body, the Philips All-in-One Series 5000 12-in-1 kit is built for exactly that, stock allowing.
Frequently Asked Questions
What type of shaver do I need?
It depends on your hair texture, skin sensitivity, and shaving habits. Foil shavers, like most of the picks in this guide, suit fine-to-medium hair and daily shaving with a close, precise cut. Rotary shavers suit coarser or faster-growing hair. Hybrid tools like the Philips OneBlade suit anyone shaving longer growth or wanting to switch between a shave and a trim.
What are the best electric shaver brands?
Braun, Philips, and Panasonic are the three most established brands on the market, each known for reliable motors, replaceable heads, and a long track record of independent reviews. All three are represented in this guide.
What power source options are available?
Electric shavers typically use rechargeable NiMH or lithium-ion batteries, with some models offering corded use as well. Lithium-ion models, like Braun’s Series 5 and 7 in this guide, generally hold a charge longer and charge faster than older NiMH-powered shavers.
How many shaving heads or blades should I look for?
Foil shavers in this guide typically use 2-3 blades under a protective foil, while rotary shavers use 3-4 rotating heads. More blades generally means a closer, faster shave, but the difference in comfort often comes down to how well the head flexes to follow your jawline, not the raw blade count alone.
Can I use an electric shaver for wet shaving in the shower?
Only if it is rated waterproof for wet use. Check the product’s key specs; every Braun and Panasonic pick in this guide is rated for both wet and dry shaving, so you can use foam or gel in the shower if you prefer that over a dry shave.
How often should I replace my shaver’s blades or foil?
Most manufacturers recommend replacing the shaving head or foil every 12-18 months with regular use, since worn blades pull hair rather than cutting cleanly and can irritate skin. Braun, Philips, and Panasonic all sell genuine replacement heads for the models in this guide.
