This guide has been carefully compiled based on our honest and unbiased opinions on ease of use, battery life, quality and value (from budget choice to premium options). Choosing a shaver is a personal choice and we recommend that you read this guide from start to finish to make the decision that best suits your situation and needs.
Content:Good to know in advance
Who is this buying guide for?
There is a good chance that you will not read a buying guide to the best Philips shaver for yourself, but for your partner or father.
Electric shavers from Philips are given a remarkable amount as gifts and you naturally want to make a good choice in that case.
It often happens that electric shaving “does not work” and that men fall back on razors.
That is a shame and is usually not due to electric shaving in general, but to the specific device not being the right fit for the person.
If you are reading this guide because you want to make the transition from traditional wet shaving to electric shaving, we will provide you with extensive background information so that you can find out if electric shaving is for you.
Throughout this guide, we ask a number of questions that will help you find the best choice.
Some self-knowledge and of your partner or father is therefore required. Think of the type of beard growth, the sensitivity and the budget to be spent.
We present a selection of the best shavers from Philips for every situation and want to give you as complete an overview as possible.
Reliability of this buying guide and our reviews
As you may have come to expect from us by now, the choices we present in this buying guide are the result of careful research based on the latest trends and the newest products in the grooming market.
We have been doing this since 2016 and this guide changes every year with new shavers from Philips. We have partnerships for this with, among others, barbers and men’s salons.
For verification, we looked at reviews of the established brands, read websites of influencers and independent review sites and used manuals.
As an extra check, we compared user reviews from different sites to get the best possible picture of the function and conveniences of the devices of the Eindhoven manufacturer.
We hope in this way to reassure you and help you choose a Philips shaver that you will enjoy optimally for years to come.
Note: We update this buying guide periodically in case of new insights or shaver launches.
→ Read more: Our ultimate best shaver buying guide with brands such as Braun and Remington
What should I consider when buying a Philips electric shaver?
An established brand such as Philips often gives you a money-back guarantee. If the use is not entirely satisfactory, you can exchange the device again.
Then you can try one of the other Philips shavers.
The investment in an electric shaver can be considerable, so it is important that you can use the appliance for a long period of time without irritation.
Today most shavers are water resistant. This basically means that you can use them in the shower.
You can also clean these shavers relatively easily and use them in combination with shaving foam, gel or mousse.
Shaving results from these still don’t come close to the results when using a traditional razor.
With a shaver there is no contact between skin and blade, so the degree of smoothness is less compared to a traditional razor.
When switching from shaving with a blade to electric shaving, your skin needs a few weeks.
The skin needs to adapt to the new method. The reason for this? Actually, there is none; it is simply a given.
The first few shaves with your electric appliance are a bit more sensitive.
However, this does not mean that the device is bad or that this new way of shaving does not suit you. Your skin simply needs time to adjust. So give it some.
The principle is the same for all types of shaving: cutting. The smoother a blade, the better the result.
Some manufacturers advertise with slogans such as ‘7 blades provide a better result’.
That is only intended as a marketing promotion. The number of blades has no influence on the final result.
If you buy a premium shaving system from Philips, it usually comes with a cleaning station This station serves as a storage base for the shaving heads and to automatically clean them. In some cases, the cleaning station also acts directly as a charger.
Is electric shaving for me?
An electric shaver is a popular gift for your father, partner or a friend.
If you buy a shaver that is tailored to them, they will be more happy to use the device.
Electric shavers have gained a lot of popularity. How? Because of the promise to shave anywhere.
After all, an electric shaver can be used without a brush and shaving cream.
In addition, shaving indicates that you pay a lot of attention to your appearance.
The current generation of Philips shavers have been further developed in every area. Most devices are suitable for both dry and wet shaving. This means you always have the choice to use mousse or gel.
An electric razor is definitely a must have if you are a frequent traveler.
With a charged shaver you can take about two weeks, so you don’t have to bring foam, shaving gel or (extra) blades, unless you suffer from sensitive skin.
Much attention has also been paid to the design of the electric shavers.
Today they look beautiful in the bathroom. The design also ensures that the shavers lie perfectly in the hand. Perfect precision when shaving is therefore effortless.
Since most electric shavers are water resistant, cleaning is easy.
Do take into account fragile, moving parts. Therefore always use the supplied protective cap.
Do you suffer from irritations after shaving? Or do you notice that you have ingrown hairs after a shave?
Then switch to a different shaving method; go from the traditional razor to an electric razor.
After a few shaves, your skin is used to this, so you will experience less irritation.
In terms of convenience, an electric shaver always wins. In terms of shaving result, the difference is not too great, but the result is slightly better with an electric shaver.
Advantages of electric shaving:
- Possibility to both wet and dry
- Low maintenance
- Water resistant
- No preparation for your shave necessary
- Is a lot faster than shaving with a traditional razor
- Possibility to take with you in your hand luggage.
Which Philips shaver is right for me?
The range of Philips shavers is enormous. Within this range you have to make an important choice between two systems: vibrating or rotating.
You also have to think about the ultimate use: do you want to shave wet or dry?
About the Philips brand
In recent decades, Philips has had a significant share in the world of (electric) shavers.
Until 2006, the Philips appliances were called ‘Philipshave’. These shavers had a rotating shaver head including rotating blades.
Over the years, Philips has expanded its range of power tools considerably. In total, more than 100,000 people work for Philips, with consumer goods being part of the big picture.
Lighting and medical systems also belong to the Philips range.
Vibrating or rotating?
The right choice depends on your personal preferences, the type of beard growth and the type of skin.
The vibrating shavers make the blades move in a vibrating way. The consequence? Less noise when shaving. When shaving, the blades are protected by a kind of perforated fleece.
During your shave, the hairs stand upright in these holes, so that your hairs are shaved off by the underlying blades.
Compared to the rotary shavers, the vibrating devices give a smoother result.
A vibrating system is the most suitable option for your sideburns, neckline, beard and mustache.
If you see round or triangular shaving heads with the shaver, it is a rotary shaver.
These shaving heads all work independently of each other, following the contours of the face to perfection.
With a lot of facial hair, a rotary device is the best option; after all, you can effortlessly follow the contours of your skin.
A rotary shaver is suitable for:
- Full beard growth
- Shaving long hair
- Shaving thick and coarse hair
- A growth direction that goes in all directions
- Non-sensitive skin
- People who find the sound of vibrating devices annoying
- A hard to reach neckline
A vibrating shaver is suitable for:
- The daily shave
- A light to normal beard growth
- A super close shave
- A precise shave
- A straight growth direction
- A situation where you want to clean the shaver easily
You can use an electric shaver when:
- You have little time to shave.
- You suffer from razor burn (red and irritated skin with a burning sensation).
- You suffer from irritations or ingrown hairs
Wet shave or dry shave?
If you previously used a traditional razor, it’s an obvious choice to wet shave. The transition is easy as you already have experience with gel or shaving cream.
If you suffer from irritated skin, it is also better to shave wet. In that case, you can use the electric shaver in the shower.
Waterproof shavers are a lot easier to clean. You do not need special brushes to clean the area between the shaving heads.
Attachments and variations
Some Philips shavers have a detail trimmer or another attachment. With these attachments you can perfectly update the contours around the beard, mustache and mouth.
You can also use attachments to shave long hair.
Maintenance and replacement of parts
Do you want to enjoy your Philips shaver for as long as possible? Then clean the device regularly. With a rotating system you need special brushes for this, while you can detach the shaving heads from a vibrating system for cleaning.
You should replace the shaver head every two years with frequent use.
You can also use maintenance products, such as a cleaning spray and liquid. An overview of all cleaning products can be found here.
Price tag
For most versions of Philips you quickly pay more than € 50.00. With the premium variants, the price tag can go up to more than € 200.00.
Partly for this reason, we recommend using the Philips return policy.
When using the appliance it is important to pay attention to several aspects:
- How satisfied you are with the smooth result
- How well the appliance fits in the hand
- How well the skin responds
Note: a shaver head should, with normal and frequent use, to be replaced every two years. The price for this varies from € 35 to € 75.
The best Philips shaver top 10
With the above shavers, you will always make a good purchase. The devices are of the high quality that we are used to from Philips.
Your final choice is primarily based on personal preference. Consider your daily life, your needs and your budget.
For each review, we looked at the following key points:
- Result of the shave
- Charging time
- Battery life
- Possibility to use wireless
- Extra accessories and attachments
- The design
- The ergonomics
- The price tag
1. Philips 3000 Series 3333
The entry-level model from Philips has been named 3000 Series. These shavers all have a relatively favorable price tag. This has nothing to do with the quality, but with the lack of options and accessories.
The price for the 3000 Series devices is between € 50 and € 70. It is important to know that we no longer see these devices further developed by Philips.
This has to do with omitting certain features so that the price remains within the entry-level segment. Devices from the 3000 series are of course still of excellent quality.
Thanks to the presence of a fold-out precision trimmer, it is possible to update the contours, for example the sideburns.
The shaving head of the Philips Series 3000 S352006 can be characterized as flexible. By moving in 4 different directions, this shaver can follow the contours of the face well.
Are you done with shaving? You can easily clean this electric shaver from Philips under the tap.
Product properties:
- Smooth result: for beginning or light beard growth
- Sensitive skin: No
- Usable in shower: No
- Battery life: 50 minutes
Philips 3000 Series 3333 Pros & Cons
- Shaving head is easy to rinse off
- Uses a fold-out precision trimmer
- Quality is worth it's price
- Allows skin to get used to electric shaving
- Not suitable for sensitive skin
- Not suitable for (above) average beard growth
- Cleaning station not provided
2. Philips 3000 Series S3231
The 4 directions of rotation of the shaving head make a smooth shave possible. In addition, you should have a light beard growth and you should shave dry.
A protective cap is included as an accessory, with which you can extend the life of the device. Other accessories, such as a precision trimmer or cleaning station, are not included.
Thanks to the ComfortCut system, the skin is protected against nicks and cuts. This system also ensures that the contours of the skin can be followed smoothly.
Product properties:
- Smooth result: Light beard growth
- Sensitive skin: No
- Usable under shower: No
- Battery life: 45 minutes
Philips 3000 Series S3132 Pros & Cons
- Shaving head is easy to rinse under the tap
- Skin is protected against wounds and cuts
- Item is worth it's price
- Not suitable for sensitive skin
- Not suitable for (above) average beard growth
- Cleaning station not provided
Philips 5000 Series
The Philips 5000 Series is the bigger brother of the above 3000 series. The 5000 Series electric shavers are all slightly more luxurious and comprehensive.
The design is also different compared to the 3000 Series. The 5000 Series has a narrower shape, making it even more comfortable to hold.
An advantage over the 3000 Series is that you can shave both wet and dry with the 5000 Series. With regard to the purchase price, you should consider an amount between € 75 and € 150.
3. Philips series 5000 Aquatouch
When purchasing, you will also receive several accessories, including handy attachments for different areas of the face. For example, you can easily update your sideburns with this electric shaver.
Thanks to handy LED lights, you can also continuously monitor how full the battery is. When it is empty, you can quickly charge the battery with the quick charge function (very practical for traveling).
Product properties:
- Smooth result: Light and medium beard growth
- Sensitive skin: No
- Usable in shower: Yes
- Battery life: 45 minutes
Philips 5000 Series Aquatouch Pros & Cons List
- The whole device can be rinsed under the tap
- Can be used for both dry and wet shaving
- Several attachments included
- Fast charging function
- The rotating shaving heads will follow the contour of your skin
- Not suitable for sensitive skin
- Not suitable for (above) average beard growth
- Cleaning station not provided
4. Philips 5000 Series S5530
Thanks to the narrow fit, this electric shaver is particularly easy to hold.
During a shave, the shaver can closely follow the contours of your face due to the rotating shaving heads.
This electric shaver also has LED lights that indicate the battery charge. However, in practice, it turns out that these lights are a lot easier to read than with the aforementioned variant.
Finally, we would like to mention that this electric shaver is suitable for heavy beard growth. This is thanks to the turbo mode, with which 20% more power can be applied to the razor blades.
Product properties:
- Smooth result: Light, medium, and heavy beard growth
- Sensitive skin: No
- Usable in shower: Yes
- Battery life: 50 minutes
Philips 5000 Series S5530 Pros & Cons
- The whole device can be rinsed under the tap
- Can be used for both dry and wet shaving
- Various attachment included
- Turbo mode available: Suitable for heavy beard growth
- Handy LED lights for battery charging
- Uses rotating shaving heads that follow the contour of your face
- Not suitable for sensitive skin
- Cleaning station not provided
With this cleaning station, your electric shaver gets an immediate maintenance and cleaning service.
Furthermore, this electric shaver has almost all desired functions: Turbo mode, LED lights for the battery charge, attachments included for precision work, and suitable for both wet and dry shaving.
Philips 7000 Series
The top product of the Philips brand is called the Philips 7000 Series. In fact, these are the brand’s most comprehensive, most luxurious, and most expensive electric shavers.
The shaving result with these devices can in any case be called astonishing. This is especially the case if you suffer from sensitive skin.
The Philips 7000 Series has a special coating on and around the blades so that your skin does not get irritated.
The price tags for the devices from the Philips 7000 Series are between €150 and €210.
5. Philips Series 7000 S7970
Thanks to a soft and flexible coating around the shaving foils, your skin is perfectly protected. Red and irritated skin is a thing of the past.
Keep the electric shaver perfectly clean by using the cleaning station. This station cleans and maintains your electric shaver. This then prevents irritations to the skin.
Product properties:
- Smooth result: Light, medium, and heavy beard growth
- Sensitive skin: Yes
- Usable in shower: Yes
- Battery life: 50 minutes
Product Pros & Cons List
- The entire device is easy to rinse under the tap
- Cleaning station available
- Can be used for both dry and wet shaving
- Various attachments included
- Suitable for sensitive skin
- Handy LED lights for battery charge
- Cannot be connected to the GroomTribe app
- Attachments are unadjustable
6. Philips 7000 Series S7786
In addition, this electric shaver is also suitable for use in the shower. This is again thanks to the AquaTech Wet & Dry system (see review above).
Wet shaving is therefore possible. Shaving is very flexible thanks to the 5 directions in which the shaving head can move.
In fact, this device is the same as the variant mentioned above. However, the one mentioned above does have a cleaning station and this variant does not. In contrast, this electric shaver is slightly cheaper.
Product properties:
- Smooth result: Light, medium, and heavy beard growth
- Sensitive skin: Yes
- Usable in shower: Yes
- Battery life: 50 minutes
Philips 7000 Series S7786 Pros & Cons List
- Device is easy to rinse under the tap
- Can be used for both wet and dry shaving
- Various attachments included
- Handy display for reading the battery charge
- Comes with a handy travel bag
- Can choose whether or not be connected to the GroomTribe app
- No cleaning station available
- Attachments are not adjustable
Philips 9000 Series
The 9000 Series is the showpiece of the electric shavers from Philips. With the most extensive and luxurious electrical appliances, this is the best series.
Among other things, 8 directions of rotation, many included accessories and the option to shave hard or soft, are part of the Philips 9000 Series.
The price tags for the variants of the 9000 Series are between € 230 and € 310, whereby you buy a shaver with the best materials, the best stations, and the best shaving foils.
7. Philips 9000 Series S9711
Thanks to handy features it is possible to achieve a perfect shave on sensitive skin. Thanks to the different positions, you can also vary the power of the razor blades.
The included cleaning station ensures the desired cleaning and maintenance of the device. You can also find the remaining battery charge at a glance on the handy display.
Product properties:
- Smooth result: Light, medium, and heavy beard growth
- Sensitive skin: Yes
- Usable under shower: Yes
- Battery life: 50 minutes
Pros & Cons
- Cleaning station available
- Can be used for both wet and dry shaving
- Various attachments included
- Suitable for sensitive skin
- Includes attachments to trim your beard
- Different shaving modes
- Comes with a handy travel bag
- Can only be used wirelessly
8. Philips 9000 Series S9111
Broadly comparable with the above mentioned variant, but slightly less extensive. However, this variant is slightly cheaper.
Thanks to the included attachment, you can also trim your beard. Are you done shaving or trimming? Place the electric shaver in the cleaning station and you no longer have to worry about cleaning.
Unfortunately, you cannot set the shaving positions with this model. You only have one shaving setting at your disposal. Given the price tag, that could be a deal-breaker for some.
The other functions do compensate for the lack of the different shaving positions.
Product properties:
- Smooth result: Light, medium, and heavy beard growth
- Sensitive skin: Yes
- Usable under shower: Yes
- Battery life: 50 minutes
Philips 9000 Series S9111 Pros & Cons List
- Cleaning station present
- Can be used for both wet and dry shaving
- Various attachments included
- Suitable for sensitive skin
- Includes attachments to trim your beard
- Comes with a handy travel bag
- Can only be used wirelessly
- Doesn't offer other shaving modes
9. Philips 9000 Series S9031
Thanks to a handy shaving technique, where the hairs are pulled up first, shaving is painless and without irritation. The hairs are shaved off instead of pulled from your skin.
With the shaving heads, you can go in all directions since the 8 can go in different directions. Due to this amount of directions, the electric shaver follows the contours perfectly.
Unfortunately, you do not receive a cleaning station and you do not have access to different shaving positions.
In terms of finish and quality of parts, this is one of the best shavers on the market today.
Product properties:
- Smooth result: Light, medium, and heavy beard growth
- Sensitive skin: Yes
- Usable in shower: Yes
- Battery life: 50 minutes
Philips 9000 Series S9031 Pros & Cons List
- Product can be used for both dry and wet shaving
- Various attachments included
- Suitable for sensitive skin
- Includes attachments for trimming
- Comes with a handy travel bag
- No cleaning station available
- Can only be used wirelessly
- No different shaving positions
Summary
Choosing a Philips shaver that suits the situation is important since we average about 6 months of our lives standing in front of the mirror.
Philips shavers are among the best in the world today and are available in every price range, from € 50 to € 250.
The devices in terms of time and convenience are better than traditional wet shaving. The shaving result is almost as smooth.
The investment in a shaver with the most practical functions such as water-resistant and high-quality shaving heads starts at around € 75.
With a choice for a Philips shaver from this guide, you are guaranteed to buy a high-quality device that you will shave with for a long time.