If you need an electric shaver that’s compact enough to bring on your travels, this article is for you!
You’ve got a trip coming up, and you need an easy and convenient way to tame your stubble. What do you reach for?
If you shave with a safety razor, you could toss your shaving kit into your luggage. But that can take up a lot of space — and shaving with a safety razor isn’t always convenient — so unless you’re going away for at least a couple of weeks, you might want to consider another option.
That’s where electric travel shavers can come in handy. These devices are often maligned, but they serve the ultra-practical purpose of providing a simple and fast way to shave while on the go.
The only caveat is that most of these shavers can’t handle longer facial hair.
Since travel razors are built for quick trims, they’re best for guys who stay clean-shaven and only need to trim their stubble every day. But if you fall into that category, then it’s probably worth it to pick up a travel-friendly razor.
However, not all travel shavers are equal. That’s why I’ve picked out the 6 best electric travel shavers on the market.
Quick Take
Don’t have time to read the full article? Here are our top picks for the best travel-friendly electric shavers you can buy right now:
Our Pick
Philips – Norelco PQ208/40 Travel Electric Razor
Experience the ultimate in shaving precision with this rotary-type shaver, boasting independently floating heads and self-sharpening blades. This shaver is a reliable companion for your travel adventures, providing performance that surpasses the ordinary.
Budget Pick
Upgrade Pick
Read on for more info and the complete list…
The 6 Best Travel-Friendly Electric Shavers
These small but mighty razors offer a surprising degree of performance, and they’re easy to toss in your carry-on.
Philips Norelco PQ208/40
While its name doesn’t exactly roll off the tongue, the Philips Norelco PQ208/40 is a great electric travel shaver.
This rotary-type shaver features independently floating heads with self-sharpening blades for a close shave. Two AA batteries provide up to an hour of shaving time.
It’s a mere 3.5 inches long, and while its shape is a little awkward, it’s still small enough to easily stuff into your luggage.
All around, it’s a utilitarian shaver that offers better-than-average performance for travel situations. It’s also respectably priced, selling for around $45.
Wahl Lifeproof Lithium Ion Foil Shaver
You might have heard of Wahl before — the company makes some of the most popular hair clippers used by barbers around the world.
While it might not beat a barbershop experience, the Wahl Lifeproof Lithium Ion Foil Shaver means business. Both waterproof and shockproof, this razor is built to last.
It’s rechargeable with a 90-minute runtime, though it also has a quick charge option that provides five minutes of runtime with one minute of charging.
You can shave wet or dry with it, and the no-slip grip makes it easy to hold and maneuver.
It also has a pop-up precision trimmer that’s full-sized, which is an uncommon but welcome feature for a travel shaver.
At $70, the Lifeproof is a step up from the budget options on this list, but it’s worth considering if you’re after a travel shaver that can take a beating.
Braun M90 Mobile Shaver
Braun helped to pioneer the development of the electric shaver in the 20th century, so it’s no surprise that the company makes some of the best shavers available today.
The M90 Mobile Shaver is Braun’s take on a travel-friendly razor. It’s extremely compact at around five inches long, so you can easily stuff it wherever you need to, and it’s almost perfectly palm-sized (assuming you have average hands).
The twist cap pulls double duty, serving as a handle extension when the razor is activated and protecting the foil when it’s not in use.
The M90 runs on two AA batteries that provide about an hour of shaving time, and it’s fully washable, so you can simply clean it under running water.
As a nice bonus, there’s an extendable hair trimmer for precision shaving.
For about $25, the M90 offers a solid way to stay clean-shaven while out and about.
The shave quality is decent, so while you won’t want to trim a full beard with this, it’s effective at erasing five o’clock shadow on a daily basis.
Panasonic ES3831K
The Panasonic ES3831K is a rather unassuming electric shaver, but it provides a level of functionality that belies both its form and its price point.
The ES3831K uses a single-blade system that promises a closer shave, and it’s indeed quite good for a travel shaver.
The entire device is definitely travel-friendly at just 4.5 inches long, and the curved ergonomic design fits nicely in the hand.
It uses two AA batteries, supports wet and dry shaving, and can be rinsed under water (with optional help from the included cleaning brush).
You can pick one up for a little over $20, which is a very agreeable price for what you get.
Yoose Mini Rotary Shaver
It’s hard to say for certain, but the Yoose Mini Rotary Shaver might be the most compact electric travel shaver out there, measuring just 2.5 inches long.
It’s also surprisingly feature-packed considering its diminutive size. The dual floating blades can be used to shave wet or dry, and a single button controls the power and a travel lock mode.
The rechargeable USB-C battery has a 60-minute runtime, and the fast charging option gives you a full shave with a three-minute charge.
It’s 100% waterproof with a rating of IPX7, so you can safely shave in the shower to save even more time.
Last but not least, the Yoose also comes with a travel case for easy storage (but you can just as easily tuck it away in a bag).
It might seem a bit pricey at $90, but if you want to save every possible square inch of packing space and want a shaver that performs well, the Yoose is worth serious consideration.
BaBylissPRO SILVERFX FX01 Single Foil Shaver
Like Wahl, BaBylissPRO makes professional-caliber tools used by barbers and stylists.
The FX01 Single Foil Shaver is one of the company’s most affordable shavers, and it packs quite a punch. It features a hypoallergenic gold foil, an auto-shutoff cover, and a powerful rotary motor.
Most impressively, it boasts a runtime of up to 5 hours on two AA batteries. That’s a lot of shaves — you can pop fresh batteries in and forget about it for months.
The extended runtime and compact size make the FX01 a great choice for a travel-friendly shaver. You can find one for about $55 on Amazon.
Travel-Friendly Shaver FAQs
Wondering about the nitty gritty of traveling with a razor? Here are a few common questions answered:
Does the TSA allow electric razors in carry-on?
As per the TSA website, you are allowed to bring electric razors in both your checked and carry-on bags.
What is the best portable electric razor?
Like everything else, there’s no one best option. That said, if you’re going for pure portability, the Yoose Mini is your best bet.
How do I protect my razor when traveling?
For best results, pack your razor either in its own travel case or a dedicated compartment in your luggage away from any heavy or hard objects. When the razor is off, make sure its guard or cap is on.
Conclusion
Unless you want to carry an entire shaving kit in your bags, you’re probably best off investing in one of these travel-friendly electric shavers.
As a plus, these shavers also make good backup razors for when you’re running extra late (or feeling extra tired) and just want to get a fast shave done without thinking.
Just make sure you’re stocked up on a couple of essential shaving products, and you’ll be good to go.
How do you shave when you’re traveling? Let me know in the comments!
