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Parker Venus Compatible Travel Razor with Leather Case

Parker Safety Razor

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*New for 2021* The Parker Women's Venus compatible travel razor is the perfect way to bring some luxury on the road with a very small footprint. This compact model is 3.75" long and weighs 1.8 ounces; small enough for travel, but heavy enough to give you a smooth, comfortable shave. The razor is great for traveling or every day use - makes the perfect gift for the frequent traveler. Saddle Brown Genuine Buffalo Leather Felt Lined Case and one Gillette Venus blade included.

• Type: Venus compatible
• Weight - 1.8 ounces (2.5 oz. with case)
• Length: 3.75 inches (4.5 inches with leather case)
• Handle: Genuine Brass Frame, Chrome & Textured Rose Gold Electroplated for improved grip

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An extra smooth mini razor, perfect option for on the go or traveling, features 5 blades for instant smoothness on the go.

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Compact handle for on the go.

• Lubrastrip for glide
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• Any Venus Refill fits any Venus handle, except Simply Venus and Venus for Pubic Hair & Skin.

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The Best Travel Shavers In 2024: Tested And Reviewed

Electric razors are arguably the best option for shaving on the go: they’re practical, portable and easy to use.

Also, many of the so-called travel shavers are priced quite low, especially when compared to full-fledged electric shavers.

However, they also exhibit some specific limitations, so when choosing the right travel shaver you should take into account several key aspects.

In this article, we’ll take a look at what makes a good travel electric razor and what are their pros and cons.

As someone who enjoys traveling and shaving with electric razors, I’ve owned and used many of the popular travel-friendly models.

And some are actually really good while others are not worth the trouble.

As such, I’ll also be sharing my top picks for 2024 and hopefully help you choose the best travel shaver for your needs and budget .

Let’s get started.

Table of Contents

What to look for in a travel-friendly electric shaver

1. xiaomi mijia braun electric shaver 5603, 2. panasonic arc 5 es-cv70 (es-cv51), 3. braun m90 mobile shaver, 4. panasonic es4815p, 5. panasonic es3831k, 6. xiaomi 5-blade shaver (msw501), 7. philips oneblade, should you use a travel electric razor, using your main shaver when traveling, key takeaway.

There are a few hallmarks of a quality travel razor. Here’s a quick rundown of what to look for when buying one.

Decent shaving performance

As with any electric razor, how well a travel model shaves should be among the decisive buying factors.

And while I do think one’s expectations should be realistic — these are compact, less-advanced razors — you should still be able to get a decent shave.

The less advanced and powerful a shaver is, the more it will struggle with shaving longer, flat-lying hairs for example.

Therefore, a travel shaver should be used more often as short stubble will be more manageable and even a single-foil razor can get the job done.

A good travel electric razor should still be able to provide a reasonably close and comfortable shave.

Travel lock and protective foil cover

This one is pretty self-explanatory and of great importance in my opinion.

An electric razor suitable for on-the-go grooming must be fitted with a locking mechanism so it won’t turn on by accident in your luggage.

Also, the shaving head, particularly in the case of foil shavers , is very sensitive to mechanical shocks, so a protective cap is a must when traveling.

Many of the travel shavers I picked have ingenious ways of tackling both aspects.

For example, a protective cap that also covers the power button so it can’t be switched on accidentally.

Replaceable batteries or USB charging

I think replaceable batteries are a decent solution when it comes to travel razors.

These batteries are inexpensive and readily available anywhere in the world.

Moreover, this eliminates the need for a dedicated charger. So that’s one less item to forget at home or in the hotel room.

With that said, a travel shaver fitted with a micro-USB or better yet, a USB-C port would be even better as you can simply charge it using your phone charger.

Compact size

Portability is one of the main reasons one would buy a travel razor, so look for one that is compact in size and lightweight.

It shouldn’t take up too much space, especially if you’ll only be carrying cabin luggage.

If your razor doesn’t use regular batteries, then at least make sure the charger has an automatic worldwide voltage converter (100 – 240v) and is compact.

Integrated hair trimmer

With this one, we’re stepping into the nice-to-have features territory.

And that’s because trimmers are rather rare and difficult to implement on a travel shaver.

I think an integrated hair trimmer is very useful.

In fact, whenever I travel for more than 3 to 4 days, I always bring along a travel shaver that’s fitted with one.

My sideburns tend to grow very fast and a hair trimmer is perfect for some quick grooming.

Affordable and readily available replacement blades

Ideally , the replacement parts for a travel electric razor should be easy to source and inexpensive .

And in the past, not being able to buy them would’ve been a deal breaker for me.

However, as I’ve used various portable shavers throughout the years, I also somewhat reconsidered my stance on this.

And that’s because a travel shaver will be used sparingly while I’m traveling , so it won’t get nearly as much use as my main, regular shaver .

As such, the foil and blades will normally last for years before needing to be replaced.

And if I’m able to use a travel shaver for years for what would be a cost of $5 to $10 per year, that’s a win in my opinion.

Generally, replacement foils and blades for travel electric razors aren’t as easy to source as in the case of full-size shavers.

And in some cases, you’d be better off buying a new travel shaver, especially if the price won’t be that much higher.

So these would be in my opinion the main things to keep in mind when choosing an electric shaver for traveling.

However, there’s not a single one that checks all the boxes and no matter which one you’ll end up buying, you will be making a compromise.

So it just comes down to picking the one that makes the most sense for you and your budget.

With that out of the way, let’s take a look at some of the more compelling men’s travel shavers you can buy in 2024.

Top 7 best travel electric razors (2024)

See the price on AliExpress

This travel shaver — which is the result of a collaboration between Xiaomi and Braun — is the latest addition to my list.

And it went straight to the number one spot.

The reason for that is the surprisingly good shaving performance for a compact, double-foil electric shaver.

In my experience, this Xiaomi Braun shaver is the best affordable portable travel razor out there right now.

Side note : affordable is a key aspect — the number 2 pick on my list is on a whole different level, performance and price-wise .

This tiny Xiaomi shaver is among the most comfortable I’ve ever used.

Provided you’ll be using it more often, the shaving experience will be quite enjoyable.

I think most users will be happy with the result: closeness, comfort and the time it takes to complete the shave.

The shaving head is comprised of one foil element and a slit trimmer .

The foil cuts the hair close to the skin, while the slit cutter pre-trims longer, flat-lying hairs.

And while it is better with longer hairs than a single-foil shaver, I’d still recommend using it every two days at most .

Otherwise, your shave will just take too long to complete.

Apart from the remarkable performance, the Xiaomi Braun Mijia travel shaver has a few tricks up its sleeve as well.

The build quality is excellent — it feels and looks premium, while the rubber-like material ensures excellent grip.

The large protective cap covers the power switch as well, so it won’t switch on by accident.

It’s also a waterproof, wet/dry travel shaver.

And while most men will shave dry, being waterproof is a big plus since you can clean it quickly and thoroughly with warm tap water.

The shaver is fitted with an internal rechargeable battery .

However, it comes with a special cable you can connect to any USB-A charger or wall socket.

The included charger is among the tiniest I’ve seen, but it doesn’t really matter since you can just bring the cable with you.

So what about the negatives?

There are basically two main ones.

First, it doesn’t have a hair trimmer .

For me, this isn’t an issue if I travel for less than 4 days.

But for anything more than that, I prefer one with an integrated trimmer.

This aspect may or may not be an issue for someone else.

But the main shortcoming of this Xiaomi Braun travel shaver is its availability .

Precisely, you can only buy it from China (AliExpress), so the shipping time will be quite long.

It’s the same for the replacement foil and blade — you will only be able to order them from China.

However, I don’t think this is a deal-breaker and considering all the positive parts, I think the Xiaomi Braun travel shaver is one of the best out there right now.

See the price on Amazon

The ES-CV70 (ES-CV51 in Europe) is a special model in the Arc 5 range . Precisely, it is a travel 5-blade electric shaver .

What makes it special though is that Panasonic didn’t make any compromises when it comes to shaving performance .

Precisely, it features the exact same shaving head as the top-of-the-line, massive Arc 5 shavers and they fitted the same powerful 14 000 CPM (cycles per minute) motor.

However, Panasonic also managed to cram everything into a very compact and lightweight body.

The result is an outstanding shaving performance, by far the best of any travel shaver on the market right now.

The closeness is among the best you can get (and not just for a travel shaver) and the comfort is great.

You can easily shave a three-day beard and it will mow through a coarse beard with ease.

The build quality is exceptional: the body is made out of brushed metal which feels expensive and premium and also looks stunning in person.

Despite the massive shaving head, it is not top-heavy and the ergonomics are very good.

The Panasonic ES-CV70 comes with a plastic protective cap and features a travel lock function.

The included hard leather travel case is among the best I’ve seen.

It’s compact, looks great and offers excellent protection.

Like all modern Panasonic shavers , the ES-CV51/ES-CV70 is fully waterproof and extremely easy to clean .

The pop-up trimmer on this razor is also really good.

It’s wide enough and it cuts the hairs efficiently and close to the skin.

It is by far the best and most effective trimmer I’ve seen on a travel shaver.

So far this shaver would look like the perfect travel shaver. But we do know that there’s no such thing, so let’s get to the cons.

First of all, the price. This thing is expensive. We usually associate mobile shavers with a very low purchase price.

That’s not the case here as the ES-CV70/ES-CV51 costs pretty much the same as a full-size Arc 5.

In its defense, it does shave like a regular, full-fledged electric shaver and squeezing all the components in a tiny body is a challenge.

The Arc 5 replacement foil & blades are pricey as well. But they will last a lot since this is a travel shaver.

Also, all Arc 5 foils are compatible with it, so you will be able to easily source a set no matter where you live.

Finally, there’s the charging issue. The Panasonic ES-CV70 comes with Panasonic’s proprietary charging port.

While the battery life is excellent (45 minutes of use) and you can probably leave the charger at home if you’ll be gone for less than a week, on longer journeys you will need to bring it along.

That said, there is a very practical solution to that. Precisely, a cable with USB-A on one end and a Panasonic connector at the other:

This is a must-have accessory for anyone who uses a Panasonic electric shaver and especially if you’ll be taking it with you when traveling.

It takes no space in your luggage and you can simply use your phone’s charger or you can plug it directly into a USB outlet.

This Panasonic is currently my go-to shaver when I travel, especially on longer holidays.

The shaving performance is top-notch and the trimmer is very practical.

If you’re someone who travels a lot, I think it’s a worthy investment.

For more details on the shaver’s performance, make sure to check out my review of the ES-CV70/ES-CV51 .

The M90 from Braun ’s line of mobile shavers is in my opinion one of the best electric razors for its intended purpose .

And this little razor has quite a lot going on for it and it’s a very decent option for a travel shaver that is also very affordable and easy to get.

Let’s check out its main pros.

Integrated protective cap and travel lock .

This is one of the most unique solutions you’ll find on any electric shaver.

Braun has masterfully integrated a rotating protective cap that also doubles as a travel lock: when it covers the foil, the ON/OFF switch is physically locked and can’t be operated.

Integrated trimmer .

This is a rare find on travel razors; while it is very small and only suitable for touch-ups and light grooming, a hair trimmer is definitely a welcome addition.

Battery-powered .

The M90 is powered by regular AA batteries, making it very versatile and great to be used on the go.

The M90 is one of the more frugal travel razors, so a new pair of batteries should provide up to 90 minutes of use.

Fully waterproof .

This shaver can be safely rinsed with tap water as rubber gaskets are used around the battery cover and other parts to keep water away from the internals.

As a result, cleaning it is a breeze.

Integrated cleaning brush .

Another innovative and simple design solution is the integrated cleaning brush that stays securely attached to the battery cover.

Solid build quality .

The M90 is well built and feels very sturdy.

I would even go as far as saying that you don’t really need a travel case for it.

The foil is also very well protected by the integrated rotating cap.

The performance is what you would expect from a small, inexpensive single-foil mobile shaver.

It’s good enough for shaving daily , but don’t expect anything more than that.

It will get the job done but you’ll have to spend more time to complete a shave than you would with a proper electric shaver that has a more powerful motor and multiple cutting elements.

And while the M90 is not by any means large, it is not as compact as other travel shavers.

The Pansonic ES-RS10 for example is much smaller. That one isn’t however waterproof, so it didn’t make the top 7.

Finally, the M90 is not as comfortable as the Xiaomi Braun mobile shaver at number 1 nor as effective, requiring more passes to catch all the stray hairs.

It will however be good enough on short stubble (and if you don’t have very sensitive skin).

Overall, the M90 represents a strong package as far as travel razors go. The price is reasonable and you can also find replacement parts easily.

For more info, you can also check out my in-depth review of the Braun M90 .

The Panasonic ES4815P is a small, AA battery-powered travel electric shaver that does almost everything right.

Performance-wise, I would place it toward the very top, second only to the Xiaomi Braun Mijia at number 1.

The Panasonic Arc 5 ES-CV70 is of course a much more capable shaver but one that also costs almost 10 times more (literally).

So let’s get the negatives of the ES4815P out of the way first.

It doesn’t have a hair trimmer and the replacement foil and blades are not as easy to find anymore.

That’s really it.

Other than that, the ES4815P is quite a remarkable compact razor.

It features a double-foil shaving head and compared to the single-foil shavers in this roundup, the ones on the ES4815P are very narrow .

This makes it feel more nimble and you’re able to get into all the nooks and crannies.

Moreover, it is very comfortable and smooth, better in that regard than the Braun M90.

With a motor rated at 8200 CPM (cycles per minute), it’s also quite snappy for a shaver of this type.

The closeness was in my experience perfectly adequate as well, very similar to the Xiaomi Braun shaver.

The Arc 5 is of course the best when it comes to closeness, but again, it also comes with a premium price tag.

The Panasonic ES4815P is very well built, compact and in my opinion looks really nice.

It even features a foil head release button, something you normally only get with high-end, normal-size shavers.

The foil and foil frame seem very durable and of high quality.

In that regard, the Panasonic ES4815P and the Xiaomi Braun are ahead of the rest — again with the exception of the Panasonic ES-CV70 which comes with the outstanding Arc 5 foil & blades.

The travel lock on this Panasonic is cleverly implemented in the form of a tiny tab that you must press and hold in order to operate the power slider.

A plastic cover and a cleaning brush are included as well.

Since it’s a wet/dry shaver, you can use it with shaving cream and also clean it with warm tap water.

Out of all the AA-battery powered shavers on this list, the ES4815P would be my pick for its excellent comfort, decent closeness and great build quality.

A Braun M90 costs less and it’s also easier to find replacement parts for it, so if that matters more to you, the M90 does offer better value for money.

In fact, it’s the sole reason why I placed the M90 ahead of it.

Performance-wise the ES4815P is (objectively) better: more comfortable and shaves slightly closer.

The availability and price of the replacement parts are the main negatives of this travel razor.

But considering the high-quality foil head and that you’ll be using it only when traveling, I don’t think it’s that much of an issue.

For all the details you can read my complete review of the Panasonic ES4815P .

This Panasonic is another solid option for an affordable electric travel razor if you can’t get the ES4815P above.

It only has a single foil, but the performance is still quite decent. I do prefer the ES4815P because it’s slightly more comfortable.

But let’s check out its main features.

Powerful 8500 CPM motor .

The Panasonic ES3831K is powered by a snappy 8500 cycles per minute motor, which is quite powerful for an AA battery-powered compact razor.

This will translate into faster and closer shaves.

In practice, it feels just as powerful as the Panasonic ES4815P above with its almost identical 8200 CPM motor.

Just don’t expect Arc 5 level of performance — that one is in a different league.

Wet & dry operation .

The Panasonic ES3831K can be used with shaving cream as well, which will improve the comfort and the closeness of the shave.

I don’t think many men would go through the trouble of carrying and using shaving cream when traveling — after all, you buy a travel shaver to avoid doing that — but it’s nice to know you have the option.

And of course, you can just rinse it clean after you finish shaving.

Regular AA batteries .

Just like the M90 and ES4815P, the ES3831K uses two AA batteries.

According to Panasonic, these will last for roughly 60 minutes of cordless shaving, the same as in the case of the ES4815P.

Reasonably priced .

The price of the ES3831K is usually similar to the ES4815P.

The replacement foil and cutter set isn’t that easy to find anymore, but still available on eBay for example.

Protective cap and travel lock .

Located at the center of the triangle-shaped ON/OFF slider is a small button that you must press and hold in order to operate it.

It’s the same system as in the case of the ES4815P.

The protective cap also covers the top part of the switch, so that’s an extra layer of security.

As for disadvantages, there’s no pop-up trimmer, which is a bit of a bummer.

Finally, in my experience, the Panasonic ES4815P above was more comfortable and also managed to provide a slightly better shave when used on a short beard.

The performance of the Panasonic ES3831K was pretty underwhelming when shaving longer, flat-lying hairs, so it’s best to use it daily.

For even more details you can check out my in-depth review of the ES3831K .

Finally, there’s the 5-blade foil shaver from Xiaomi that I reviewed a while back.

Even though it isn’t a travel shaver per se, it has some key characteristics that would make it ideal as one.

It’s compact and sturdy

This is a full-fledged, 5-blade foil shaver. However, it is compact and lightweight.

Even the shaving head is smaller than the one on the Panasonic Arc 5.

It comes with a protective cap and there’s a travel lock function as well.

It has a USB Type-C charging port

This is in my opinion the right direction and all other brands should join.

You don’t need a separate cable or charger when traveling with this Xiaomi razor.

And on top of that, the battery life is fantastic with over 90 minutes of use on a single charge.

The shaving performance is very good

While the closeness isn’t quite on the same level compared to the Arc 5 ES-CV70, it’s still better than what you’d get from an AA battery-powered compact travel shaver.

It’s very comfortable and you can use it wet or dry. Cleaning it is also a breeze since it’s fully waterproof.

It’s reasonably priced

Granted, it costs more than a compact mobile shaver, but the price is still way below the Arc 5 for example.

There’s no travel case in the package, but with the protective cap, travel lock and the solid build I think it’ll be just fine among your clothes.

So what about the downsides?

Well, it doesn’t have a hair trimmer. This is by far the most important one, at least for me.

Secondly, it’s usually only available in China, so you’ll have to buy it from Aliexpress or Banggood.

Other than that, I think it would be a great travel companion.

Finally, there’s the Philips OneBlade which I think can be a great travel companion for some men .

The main thing about the OneBlade that sets it apart from the other ones in this roundup is that it’s not a foil shaver designed to provide a close shave.

Instead, it uses shearing blades with rounded tips that will get you a very short stubble beard .

If that’s something you prefer, it can work great when you’re traveling and you can also use it as a body hair groomer (with or without the included guards).

You can also use the compact head to shape and tweak your sideburns or goatee or edge your beard.

Because it doesn’t cut the hair so close to the skin, the risk of ingrown hairs is greatly reduced and it’s usually very gentle.

However, I would not recommend it to men with very coarse facial hair, I think it just doesn’t have enough power for that.

The OneBlade also works well on longer hair, so you don’t have to use it daily like you would with a single-foil travel shaver.

It’s waterproof, lightweight, easy to clean and the replacement heads are widely available and pretty reasonably priced.

The OneBlade does have an internal battery and a Philips charging port.

However, there is a special USB-A Philips cable available that you can buy and use with any USB-A charger or wall socket.

Well, it depends.

Some men can even get away with using a travel razor as their main, daily shaver, while others can’t even stand using one for a few days when traveling.

Travel razors can feel underpowered and usually have a less capable shaving system, so completing a shave takes more time.

If you want a close, comfortable and fast shave or you have coarse facial hair then just opt for a more capable, regular electric razor.

The same goes for men who don’t want to shave often as travel razors don’t perform well with long hair.

If the budget is not an issue, the Panasonic Arc 5 ES-CV70 or even the Xiaomi 5-blade razor will definitely provide a satisfactory shave.

The Panasonic ES-CV70 is currently my travel razor of choice and for my needs, it’s the best option.

I also enjoy taking the Xiaomi Braun double-foil shaver on short trips like city breaks.

But before that, I would often bring my main shaver with me when traveling.

I would rather give up a bit of space in my luggage for a proper electric razor and enjoy a decent shave.

When I am away for shorter periods I also leave the charger at home as a fully charged razor should easily last for a few shaving sessions (I only recommend doing so on short voyages).

Taking your main shaver with you when traveling does pose a risk though.

It can get damaged if not properly carried in a hard case or you can even forget it in your hotel room.

And some shavers are really expensive, so it’s something to consider.

Having a second, inexpensive portable shaver would probably be a safer option.

The strongest argument in favor of compact travel razors is their practicality and minimal financial impact should they get lost or damaged.

In the end, the right travel shaver can either be just your regular shaver or a dedicated mobile one.

The decision is entirely personal. You might as well use both depending on the circumstances.

Something like the Panasonic ES4815P works great if you want to travel light for just a few days.

But if a few cubic centimeters in your luggage are not a big deal or you’ll be gone for a longer period, then you can bring along a proper shaver and really treat yourself.

Finally, make sure not to overlook the must-have features of a travel razor if you decide to get one — those can really make a difference.

Over to you now: how do you deal with shaving when traveling? If you have any other questions make sure to leave a comment below.

Hey. I’m Ovidiu, the founder and editor of ShaverCheck. I independently buy and test electric shavers and I’ve been sharing my findings on this site for more than 10 years, hopefully helping others choose a suitable shaver.

If you found the information useful, consider subscribing to the ShaverCheck newsletter as well. It’s free and I only send a few emails a year. Unsubscribe at any time.

Home » Articles & Guides » Best Shavers » The Best Travel Shavers In 2024: Tested And Reviewed

55 thoughts on “The Best Travel Shavers In 2024: Tested And Reviewed”

I disagree that the batteries should be replaceable – unless of course they’re triple A. Then you can just “borrow” them from the hotel TV remote controller ! Seriously, it’s a major pain when you’re half way through your shave and the batteries crap out. Then it’s not only a question of where do I go to get some new ones but more importantly do I even have TIME to do this. Even if the hotel has some to sell me I hate being ripped off by the price they charge.

A better solution is to have a shaver that recharges from something you ALREADY CARRY – a USB cable ! Unfortunately the Chinese ones I’ve found so far are terrible. The heads are very narrow and the shave quality quite poor. I wish Braun would make one.

That’s actually a very valid point. I prefer replaceable batteries so I won’t have to carry a dedicated charging brick. A decent travel shaver fitted with a micro-usb or even better, a USB type C connector would be amazing. I think you’re on to something here.

Sincerely, Ovidiu

A Braun user on Amazon said batteries last a month. If that’s true, if you put fresh batteries in before your trip, I wouldn’t worry about them dying unless it was a VERY long trip. In which case, you’d have plenty of time to buy more or just take a couple more with you from home. Alternatively, there are many small AA USB battery chargers. But, has anyone actually tried rechargeable NiMH or Lithium batteries in any of these shavers? I ask because some electronics are optimized or alkaline batteries and don’t work well with rechargeables. For example, does the motor run as well with rechargeables vs alkaline?

Hi Bertran,

Thank you for your comment. I’ve only used the Panasonic ES3831K and the M90 with rechargeable AA batteries and they worked without any issues. I haven’t tried the Norelco yet, but I’m pretty sure it’ll work just fine as well.

Due to recent air travel regulation for checked luggage, you have to take removable batteries out of electronic devices and bring them on carry-on luggage. So, built-in rechargable batteries became a must for frequent travellers. E.g. my wireless mouse has built-in batteries and makes my life easier. I am now looking for a portable shaver with built-in trimmer, built-in battery, and… 5v USB port. In other words, I don’t want to carry a dedicated charger, but use my regular phone charger to keep my shaver alive for weeks outside home. This just doesn’t exist in US market, and manufacturers are not looking into this.

Hi Claudio,

Thank you for your comment. I agree, I’ve been wanting to see USB electric shavers for a long time. So far, out of the big brands, only Panasonic offers a micro-USB adapter, but from what I understand it’s not available for purchasing. It’s only offered as a gift in select countries. The other option that I know of is Xiaomi, they have several shaver models, both rotary and foil and all of them can be charged via USB. Can’t say anything about their shaving performance as I haven’t got the chance to use them yet.

I’m shocked. I expected to chose between shavers that charge from USB. Bummer.

Looks like we’ll have to wait. Except for a few models (mostly Chinese brands), the big players don’t seem too eager to jump on the USB bandwagon and will continue using proprietary chargers.

Any experience with or heard anything about the Panasonic Twin-X Compact 2-blade Shaver ES4815P? You can find it on Amazon – 2 blades, AA batteries and wet/dry sound good. My problem with the other two reasonably priced Panasonics (ES-RS10 and ES3831K) is they’re only single blades. And in my experience (with facial hair which seems like it’s just like yours) is that 2-blade foil shavers have the potential to do better with thicker moustache-area hair and flat neck hairs. Therefore, I’m curious of this Panasonic Twin-X can do better?

Hi Nicolas,

I haven’t got the chance to try it yet, but I think I can sort of speculate on its performance compared to the other single blade Panasonic shavers. Since it has two shaving elements, the performance will be slightly better and you’ll probably be able to finish your shave faster and with fewer strokes. However, I wouldn’t expect anything significantly better; for example, it isn’t more powerful than the other two and it only has an extra (identical) foil, so the performance when shaving flat hairs for example will be pretty much the same. There’s no slit foil to capture and cut them more efficiently.

I will probably order it and do a proper review in the future as well. But for now, that’s unfortunately all that I can say about the Twin-X.

–Ovidiu

I have tried to find the Panasonic ES-CV51 Arc 5 online. It doesn’t seem to exist. Not even at Panasonic.com. I did find a lot of razors with an LS code.

I think I bought mine from amazon.de, it’s quite easy to get this model in Europe. On Panasonic.com it is not listed as the ES-CV51 (ES-CV70) wasn’t officially released in the USA. You can however get it on amazon.com.

I just found a Panasonic plug-to-USB adapter on Amazon. It was the only one I could find, but I would love to not have to bring another charger along with me when I travel. I imagine it will charge slower, but I’m going to give it a go.

I have a Panasonic ES-LV65, and found this USB plug here: https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00J5YUZ98/ref=ox_sc_act_title_1?smid=A27SVFUT1EWV2K&psc=1

Thank you for the heads-up, Brandon. It’s definitely better to bring along a cable instead of a charger, that’s for sure. I still hope that the major manufacturers will start implementing USB type-C ports on all their shavers, not just on the travel models.

Thanks for the informative review. It seems there are a lot of people like me who are waiting for a decent shaver with USB-C. That way one charger can be used for my laptop and phone and shaver when travelling.

In my experience Xiaomi makes good quality devices. I’d like to see your review of their shavers.

Thank you for your comment, Greg. That was my experience as well with Xiaomi products, although I’ve never used any of their personal care products yet. But I will be getting some Xiaomi shavers and review them soon, they seem intriguing to say the least.

Yes Xiaomi make something good but don’t touch there shaver they are cheap and good looking, very bad performance and all break within a month I have try 3 model none are good.

What the Panasonic ES4815? It has two blades and seems like it would be far superior to the Bruan or other Panasonic travel shavers. Any thoughts on this?

https://shop.panasonic.com/support-only/ES4815S.html

https://www.amazon.com/Panasonic-Compact-2-blade-ES4815P-S-Alkaline/dp/B001MBV4WY/ref=sr_1_1?keywords=ES4815&qid=1577542724&s=books&sr=8-1

I actually have that exact model, but it’s still in the box. I haven’t got the chance to try it, much less to review it. But I did buy it for the same reason — it looked promising. I will be posting a detailed review once I test it.

I have just ordered the dual razor Panasonic and the catch seems to be that the two blades together are smaller than the one blade of. The cheaper Panasonic. They are two micro blades and the unit seems to spin slower than the one blade version. Not sure it is improved. Will two smaller blades clog more then one bigger one?

Will try both and see.

The two shaving elements on the ES4815P are definitely smaller and narrower — can’t say right now how it will impact the performance.

I tried both Panasonic Travel shavers and I can say that for me, the winner is clear. The Panasonic ES4815 with the dual smaller blades is superior by far. The smaller dual razors have much better flex on the contours of my face, shaves a bit closer and there is NO irritation! No matter how many times I go over the same spots, the ES4815 does not cause irritation. It has same comfort level as my Braun 9295 (not as close as the Braun, but just as irritation-free to use).

On the other hand, the Panasonic ES3831K single-blade razor was brutal on my face, causing redness and bloody spots. It does feel like a miniature orbital sander, more rigid, less flex and lots of irritation.

I only wish the duel razor Panasonic ES4815 had a trimmer, but otherwise, it is a far better shave for than the other offering from Panasonic.

I would add that both of the Panasonic travel razors had trouble cutting longer flat hairs in the neck area. But the dual head ES4815 razor was closer overall of the two.

Update: I have decided that for anyone with thick fast growing beards that include longer flat hairs, travel razors without a pop up trimmer are not for you. If I use the Panasonic travel razor ES4815 after two days of not shaving its fine. If I wait 4 or more days, it is a mess. If all travel razors had a pop up trimmer for sideburns, etc, then you could use that trimmer on the longer hairs that the razor heads miss.

Thank you for the update, Marc. I agree that it’s really useful, unfortunately not many compact shavers have one. It’s yet another reason why I like the Panasonic ES-CV51 the most. The price is quite high, even though I think it’s worth spending that much on it.

I recently bought the Xiaomi Mijia Shaver https://www.aliexpress.com/item/4000061592559.html and for less than $16 this is a good shaver. It’s not as close a shave as my Panasonic ES-GA20 but it’s definitely good enough. Most importantly for me it has a USB-C rechargeable battery so I don’t need to pack a separate charger, I just use my phone/laptop charger. It is slower, so what is usually a 2 minute shave with the Panasonic takes about 4 minutes with the Xiaomi. Overall I’m happy with the Xiaomi.

Thank you for the comment, Greg. I am yet to try Xiaomi shavers, they seem indeed very decent for the price and as you said, the USB-C connector is something I would sldo like to see on all electric shavers. I have a few reviews coming already, but I will definitely try some from Xiaomi, hopefully sooner than later.

I think you may want to give the Braun 190s-1 a try as a travel shaver. I managed to get one by chance for USD$28 while planning on giving the m90 a try, and it’s quite decent.

Slightly larger than the m90, but a lot lighter than a series 3. Also slightly lighter than my old faithful Panasonic es-st23.

In comparison to the st23, it’s about as wide at the top, slightly wider at the bottom, slightly shorter, and slimmer. The charging block is similarly sized but a lot lighter (and doesn’t need a charging cradle).

I usually go on 1 week long business trips with a single carry on luggage bag so both space and weight are a premium to me, and it doesn’t seem to take up much more space than a m90/60/30

Shave wise, i can get about as clean a shave as the st23 as long as I remember to really stretch my skin and shave against the grain. Shaves terribly especially around the neck if you don’t. Takes longer, and requires more passes, but I do have more time to shave when traveling so its fine.

The banana phone shape is great for grip and definitely necessary as it vibrates like it wants to give you a hand massage. The trimmer is also great.

Other than these, the cap fits better than on most shavers and it covers the power button so you can’t accidently start it in the bag. Also it’s 100% necessary as the foil seems very thin and friendly.

Oh, it’s also not very good for anything more than a day and a half of growth if you have quick growing coarse hair. My workaround was to gently glide it over as a “pre-shave trim” before shaving with the mentioned trick. Q

*the foil seems flimsy. Not friendly. LOL

Thank you for the detailed review, Noel. Those are some great insights. I did use a Series 1 back in the day and I recall that it shaved decently for a cheap single foil razor, but pretty similar overall to the M90. The trimmer is definitely better compared to the really small one on the M90. I will be updating this post soon and add a couple more shavers to the list.

The M90 Braun shaver is the best I have used. Close enough shave. Just buy batteries ahead of time.

Thank you for your comment. It’s definitely one of the better cheap shavers out there.

Thanks for the advice and reviews. Over the years I have been back and forth between travel electrics and cheap Gillette disposable blades. I prefer a blade shave and when I get the nerve Id like to learn straight-edge shaving. Of the travels, I have a Remington Microscreen II twin foil, and a Braun 350 single foil. The updates to those now-old shavers are the Remington TF70 and Braun M60 (or M90 and i cant see any difference between M60 and M90). My old ones still work fine and use AA batteries. BUT….I got these 20 years ago and never could decide which is better. The Braun shaver quality is better overall but it doesnt cut as well as the twin-foil Remington. I have really tried patiently to carefully shave to determine shave quality and have to say that a twin-foil is better at mowing down the roughest hair but the single-foil Braun is better at giving a closer shave if the hair is finer. Result? I carry both when traveling which seems crazy. I do the rough work with the twin-foil and finish with the single-foil. I really dislike doing this but havent found a better solution in ONE shaver. I have tried several rotary blade shavers and they torture my face, basically PULLING the hair out. About batteries and airports, in my experience the airports allow batteries that are installed in their devices, loose batteries have to be separately scanned and there is a MAH limit to what a passenger can have. Last, I agree very much that after a few days of a travel razor you dont want to continue. Because of logistics and Covid now, disposable shavers are extremely expensive so Im going to try to be on the travels full time for now. By the way, nobody has mentioned it but my good shaves came from first using the hard talc shaving stick. Its called Face Saver. You can find online. Its like a small deodorant stick. An alternative is brushing your face with body powder or talc powder before shaving. Lotions and bare skin ensure a painful shave. Because im going to be on the travel shavers for now, I wanted to see if there has been any improvements over the years. They seem the same as my old ones so maybe I wont buy anything yet.

Many thanks for taking the time to share this, Charles. In my opinion there hasn’t been any real progress made with the current travel shavers, so I doubt you’ll find any of them significantly better than your Braun and Remington. I guess there’s really not much that can be achieved when the final product has to be cheap and compact. The Panasonic Arc 5 ES-CV51 for example is in a different league, but the price is really high as well.

I am aware of the Face Saver stick and I’ve even used it in the past with good results. However, I switched to alcohol-based pre-shave lotions as those aren’t as messy (it’s a weird personal thing, I just don’t like talcum smeared on my face). Also, that powder is mineral-based, so it can lead to premature wear/dulling of the blades.

I want to add to recommend that people not buy any shaver with a fixed internal battery. Whether its a phone, shaver, haircut shaver, anything, these USB devices are garbage and replacing batteries are either expensive or non-existent. I bought a China wet-dry-cordless full size shaver and by the 10th re-charge, the battery was dead and wouldnt re-charge. The case has no screws or method of opening the device so I had to throw it away. I insist on user-replaceable batteries no matter what the type. The quality of fixed, internal batteries is terrible.

Sorry about your experience, Charles. I will however say that the internal (not user-replaceable) batteries of electric shavers made by reputable companies will normally last for years of constant use. I’ve been shaving exclusively with cordless shavers for the past 20 years and I own dozens (weird hobby, I know) and I can tell from personal experience that it’s not really a concern. Granted, any rechargeable battery has a finite number of charging cycles, but even so, under normal circumstances, you should expect a few good years of use. It’s obvious that the quality of that particular Chinese shaver was terrible.

I don’t have a thick beard and dry shave every day. I have the Panasonic ES-RS10, and find it really effective. It is very gentle on the face, and doesn’t suffer for only having one set of blades. It was £30 on Amazon, and comes straight from Japan, where it’s made. It’s tiny, elegant and uses 2AA batteries which last for ages. I use Panasonic eneloop rechargeable batteries, so the batteries will never fail. You don’t have to wait for it to charge as you just change the batteries. It’s a travel shaver, but it’s my everyday shaver. I love it!

That’s awesome, David. This is an ideal situation where the shaver works perfectly fine for your needs and your costs of using it daily are almost zero.

Is there no full fledged AA battery shaver? The Arc 5 seems solid, but it has a rechargeable internal.

Agree with Charles on this trend of internal battery, but looks like corded shavers are more viable.

Not that I know of I’m afraid. A full-fledged shaver, with a quality shaving head and punchy motor requires a lot of power and I don’t think a pair of AA batteries would be able to supply it. If you want a corded&cordless or maybe even a corded-only shaver, check out this post .

As a beardy, frankly I’ve never felt the need for a close shave. More important is that my beard is neat, and above all that my moustache doesn’t get so long it interferes with eating. In both respects, the trimmer is not an option, but the core utility. Effectively, there are at least two distinct use cases as far as travel shavers go.

A further point I’d like to make, however, is that batteries should not be of a type impacted by memory effects. For those that are, it doesn’t take many complete discharge cycles (in pressing need?) to trash an otherwise workable shaver.

Hi Douglas,

Thank you for the comment. If you need to trim and maintain your beard, I wouldn’t really use the pop-up trimmer of an electric shaver, let alone a travel shaver. In this case I think I would either buy a compact beard trimmer or a shaver with a trimmer attachment like the Braun Series 3 3010BT.

Current batteries are no longer affected by memory effect, so you can safely charge the battery whenever you want.

Is the m90 a better shaver than the m60. I bought the m60 and was impressed by everything, but…it’s shaving performance, which was dreadful. Back it went to Amazon. I now have the Norelco travel shaver which is only so-so

No, the performance is the same I’m afraid. I think only getting a proper full-size shaver will bring a noticeable improvement if you found the M60 unusable.

I hope you could also make a review on xiaomi mijia braun 5603

I’d really want to, unfortunately I can only get it from aliexpress or gearbest, so it will take a long time until it arrives. It does look very intriguing — like a Braun Series 3, but with only two elements, a foil cutter and a trimmer with wider slots.

I use the Panasonic ES4815P, which I think is the best thanks to its wet-shave capability, regular batteries, dual cutters and budget price. I often travel to tropical places like beach resorts, where a dry shave amid humid and sweaty conditions can feel unpleasant and give rough results.

Shaving gel isn’t an issue, as I use Molton Brown Sport or other all-in-one shower gel that also works well as a shaving gel. For facial hair and trimming, I take a Schick Groomer that runs on a single penlight battery.

As for the battery debate, definitely regular batteries. My wife and I take about 4 or 5 rechargeable devices like phones that are a hassle to keep charged in hotel rooms. For my shaver, I simply pop in two fresh batteries before the start of the trip, and they last the entire trip. No fuss.

Many thanks for taking the time to share this.

I actually got it as well after publishing the article (which I will also be updating). I liked how close and comfortable it shaves, but I can only get a decent result if I shave daily. I have lots of flat neck hairs and it’s a real challenge to get those with this shaver. The replacement foil and blades are kinda pricey though.

I have the Braun M90, Panasonic 3831 and Remington TF70, but none can match my JTrim JPT-TFS100 for closeness and comfort of shave, and it has a very useable slide-up trimmer. I would like to buy another one, but it seems it’s not sold anymore. I keep hoping one will show up on EBay or Amazon, or even replacement screen and blades. Meanwhile I’ll baby this one for as long as I can. I agree with you that the Braun M90 would be my 2nd choice. Unlike some other comments, I prefer AA battery shavers — replacement batteries are easy to get, and you get lots of warning that the batteries are getting spent.

Thanks so much for the comment. That shaver sounds really intriguing and I would absolutely want to try it. Apparently there’s in stock at Amazon (non-affiliate link), unfortunately the vendor won’t ship to my location in Europe. I’ll keep searching on eBay, maybe I’ll get lucky.

For the last 10 months I’ve used this shaver https://www.aliexpress.com/item/4000061592559.html

Pros Very cheap Light USB-C. I travel ultra-light and one small charger and one cable is all I need for my phone and laptop and shaver.

Cons Not as close as some other shavers but it’s close enough for me.

Even cheaper here https://www.aliexpress.com/item/33031318186.html

Thank you for the info and feedback, Greg. Haven’t tried that one yet. I don’t know if you’ve used the foil Xiaomi/Braun model, that one just might give you a closer shave. It costs a lot more though than the rotary.

The Xiaomi Mijia Braun looks just like the Manscaped Handyman.

Thanks for the comment. It does look like the Handyman. But the Xiaomi costs a lot less and while I haven’t used the Handyman, I would be inclined to think that the Braun foil will last more. I would also give the Xiaomi/Braun the edge for performance and overall reliability — again this is just my opinion prior to owning and trying the Manscaped travel shaver.

As a side note, my experience with other Manscaped products has been far from great so far.

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• Health and fitness
• Personal care

The Best Women’s Razors (for Every Body)

By Caira Blackwell

If you shave any part of your body that isn’t your face, a body razor, or “women’s” razor, is likely to be the best tool for the task. Unlike facial razors, body razors are engineered for use on broad expanses of skin and in the slippery arena of the shower. We asked 10 people with different hair types and shaving needs to compare finalists, and we’ve concluded that the Billie razor is the one that most people will like best.

Everything we recommend

Beautiful razor, handy wall mount

This is the most attractive refillable-cartridge razor we’ve tested, and it also gives one of the smoothest-feeling shaves. While its head has five closely spaced blades, we encountered very little clogging.

Buying Options

Gillette Venus Smooth

A no-fuss, widely available body razor.

This drugstore classic is one of the easiest razors to grip and maneuver, and its three-blade design keeps the blades remarkably free of hair.

What we looked for

This review covers easy-to-use and widely available cartridge razors that are available in local drugstores and online.

We considered the initial cost of the razor as well as the cost of refills—an ongoing expense.

We looked for razors that consistently provide a smooth shave. They usually include lubricating strips that protect the skin without blocking the blades.

We asked 10 testers with different body-shaving preferences and hair textures to try six models and rate their shaving results.

Almost all of our testers loved the look and feel of the sleek and functional five-blade Billie razor, and several of them found that it gave them one of the smoothest shaves of any model. Whereas other razors look fine (or, more often, ugly), the Billie razor is actually, dare we say it, beautiful. It does sacrifice some grip for that sleekness, but our testers still found that it was comfortable to hold.

It also comes with the only in-shower storage accessory we’ve found to work with a refillable cartridge razor: a handy magnetic wall mount that actually stays up. And if you replace your blades around once a month, the Billie razor is the least expensive of our picks to use over time.

The unassuming three-blade Gillette Venus Smooth does a clean and efficient job of removing body hair. Half of our testing panel named the Venus Smooth as their favorite model, and unlike several others we tested, the Venus Smooth is hard to hate. Its spaced-out blades prevent excess hair from clogging the head, as often happens with razors that have more blades. Its subtle aloe strips help lubricate your strokes without creating a snail trail in your pits. Plus, the grippy blue handle won’t slip through your fingers, even if your hands are covered in gel.

The research

Why you should trust us, who this is for, how we picked and tested, our pick: billie, runner-up: gillette venus smooth, what about the gillette mach3, other good body razors, the competition.

We’ve been researching and testing body razors since 2018, interviewing product engineers and dermatologists along the way. This guide builds on the research presented in Wirecutter’s review of manual razors for faces . Over the years we’ve asked test panelists of various genders to use an assortment of body razors and report real-world feedback .

I’m a Wirecutter senior staff writer covering all things sleep, and I’ve also reviewed face sunscreens. For this guide I let my armpit hair grow longer than I’ve ever been comfortable with, nicked myself shaving my legs, and learned how to load a safety razor.

Don’t be turned off by the term “women’s razors” if that doesn’t apply to you. If you shave any part of your body that isn’t your face, this guide is for you. And no matter where on the shaving spectrum you fall—from all-but-au-naturel to full-body-baby-dolphin—it helps to have a sharp and effective razor that lets you groom yourself as easily as possible.

What companies often call women’s razors are better described as body razors, designed for any kind of hair on a body. Unlike facial razors , body razors are better equipped to remove longer, finer hair in long strokes, rather than shorter, coarser facial hair, which requires shorter downward strokes at sharper angles. Facial razors tend to have smaller, boxy heads, as opposed to body razors’ rounded oval edges, which avoid nicking sensitive areas. Facial razors are also designed for shaving at the sink, whereas body razors are built to handle the less well-lit and more slippery arena of a shower.

In evaluating body razors, we looked for the following features:

• Cartridge razor systems: With cartridge razors you have to buy the handle only once, later filling it with disposable cartridges. Not only are these models cost-effective, but they’re also more environmentally friendly than disposable options.
• A comfortable handle: Razors are dangerous only if they slip, so the handle should be comfortable to hold and secure.
• A few blades: Although there is no ideal number of blades on a razor—as evidenced by people who swear by single-blade models —our testing indicated three to five blades as being a reasonable range.
• A rounded, oval razor head: Shaving the peaks and valleys of a body requires a softer shape, so we prioritized heads without hard edges or corners and those with a rounded face.
• Inexpensive replacement heads: Replacement blades should be both widely available and easily acquired, and we gave bonus points if the handle could accommodate different heads.

We eliminated certain categories of razors from testing because they serve a more niche population.

For example, single-blade razors, or safety razors , generally cause less irritation on the skin because they graze it only once, rather than three or more times. This gentle touch can decrease the skin’s likelihood of developing razor burn. But because that one blade has the same workload as a multi-blade model, it dulls faster and requires more passes to shave as closely. Shaving the same area with a single blade also takes more time, and as a result it’s a fine choice for a face but ill-equipped to handle the vast expanse of a body. In addition, proper use of safety razors demands a more precise technique—imposing a learning curve that makes them less ideal for most people.

We also dismissed razors with vibrating handles , which tend to cost more, since there’s scant evidence that they improve the shaving experience.

Across six years of testing, we’ve recruited 10 testers with a variety of hair types and shaving habits. Some testers shaved minimally (just the pits or legs or back), while others shaved most of their visible hair and bikini line. We asked each panelist to use each razor at least four times, taking notes on initial impressions as well as how the model held up to repeat use.

We also considered price and the “pink tax”—the phenomenon of products marketed toward women costing more than similar products marketed toward men. According to a 2015 report (PDF) by the New York City Department of Consumer Affairs, women pay an average of 13% more than men for equivalent personal-care products. A 2018 study by the United States Government Accountability Office also found that “women’s” razors and replacement cartridges are often, but not always, more expensive than those marketed toward men.

We conducted our own simple cost analysis of the razors we tested. And, at least with respect to our picks, we did not find substantial differences (in both initial and ongoing costs) of razors marketed “for women” versus “for men.”

Calculations assume that each razor ships with two heads, and blades are replaced monthly. All cost estimates are accurate at the time of publication.

A representative from Gillette told us that variations in pricing between facial and body razors are due to “differences in technology, materials, manufacturing, and promotional factors.” In comparing models, we found that “women’s” razors often include more-robust lubricating strips and have larger cartridges and wider handles than “men’s” razors.

Although we can’t say how much, if any, of the so-called pink tax is justified by material differences, we can tell you that there is a real difference between facial and body razors and that avoiding the pink tax is probably not a great reason to buy a “men’s” razor if a “women’s” razor is what you really need.

If you want a beautiful, effective body razor that comes with an ingenious storage accessory, the Billie razor is likely the best one for you.

It’s cost efficient. If you replace the heads every month, the Billie razor is less expensive than the next-best option to use over time (when purchasing refills through a subscription).

Billie claims to eliminate the pink tax by pricing its razors the same as subscriptions to “men’s” razors and at half the cost of offerings from women’s-shaving brands. The former claim is true—a $10 Billie razor costs roughly the same as the six-blade razor from Dollar Shave Club (whose pricing we discuss below in the Competition section ). The latter claim is murkier. The Billie $10 starter kit includes a handle, a magnetic holder, and two five-blade cartridges. Each replacement kit—which the company can deliver every one, two, or three months—includes four cartridges for $10. That averages out to $2.50 per refill, on a par with the pricing of other women’s razors.

It’s especially accessible. You can purchase a Billie razor in a store, or online if you’re not in a rush, at multiple retailers. If you choose to buy it directly through the Billie site, you can pick a starter kit without having to commit to a full subscription.

The company makes it easy to change your subscription. You can easily pause a subscription, or set later dates for shipments, if you find yourself flush with refills. We’ve also successfully signed up for a subscription and then cancelled it after the first package was delivered.

It’s a crowd-pleaser. The five thin blades gave some testers their closest shaves. The razor is easy to hold and navigate, and it doesn’t slip easily. Seven years of long-term testing have confirmed that the Billie razor performs as well as expected and is simple to maintain. It’s the cartridge razor our body-shaving testers reach for most often.

The lubricating gel is just right. Unlike the Gillette Venus Smooth ’s barely-there gel and the Gillette Venus Deluxe Smooth Swirl ’s goopy trail, the Billie razor’s gel occupies a pleasant middle ground, many of our testers found. It’s enough to allow you to shave with just a dab of extra gel or cream, and it doesn’t gunk up as easily as the Venus Deluxe Smooth Swirl’s purple rim.

It’s the only cartridge razor we’ve tested that comes with a wall mount that actually works. One of the best things about the Billie razor is its included magnetic wall mount. The tiny, attractive mount relies on a small mound of putty to stay reliably stuck to a shower wall. Two long-term testers who have maintained subscriptions for replacement cartridges cited this mount as the main reason they continue to buy Billie refills. Another long-term tester found that when they didn’t use the wall mount and instead placed the razor blades down on the side of their tub, the moisture strips deteriorated somewhat, creating a blade-clogging mess.

It’s beautiful. The Billie razor has a sleek silhouette and comes in a charming array of colors, from foggy blue-gray to millennial pink. Two long-term testers, who both own the blue-gray version pictured, have found that the underside of the handle has become slightly discolored over more than a year of use and storage in the shower.

Flaws but not dealbreakers

The width of the razor head may be too wide for some people. Some testers disliked the wideness of the Billie razor’s head, where the gel strips occupy a greater surface area than the blades. This design can make it slightly more difficult to shave the more nuanced nooks and crannies of your body.

The lubrication may be too goopy. While many testers said the lubricating strips were just right, others complained that it was too slimy. They noted that, though it was less gunky, the lubrication felt slimier than that of the Venus Deluxe Smooth Swirl—one tester even compared it to a snail trail.

Traveling with this razor isn’t as simple as grab-and-go. Packing it while it’s still wet from the shower can leave a viscous mess in your toiletry bag. Because the blade doesn’t come with a cover, you need to be sure that the cartridge is completely dry before packing it. The company sells a travel case for $5.

If you don’t like the look or design of the Billie razor, prefer three blades to five, or want a razor for which you can find refills in almost any store, get the Gillette Venus Smooth . It doesn’t have a shower mount, but the plastic guards that come with every cartridge keep the head from gunking up too much or sticking to a shelf.

It’s effortlessly simple. The Venus Smooth has a classic, capable, three-blade head separated by considerable slats of space (making it easier to clean) and lacking the polarizing shaving gel that coats the heads of competing razors like the Billie. “I wouldn’t say it gives me joy to use any razor, but the Venus Smooth works exactly how I would expect,” one tester reported. “It will keep being my staple.”

The lightweight handle is one of the easiest to grip and maneuver. The handle is contoured, with corrugated chevrons of rubber. Though our testers have a wide range of hand sizes, no one found the Venus Smooth difficult to grasp. Despite the significant ribbing, the Venus Smooth doesn’t feel too bulky (a complaint that some testers had with the wider, vaguely cherubic handle of the budget Dorco Shai razor).

All Gillette Venus razor heads are interchangeable. Like the body of any Venus razor, the Venus Smooth’s body is compatible with any other Venus head and with many heads from Gillette’s facial razors. If you ever want to experiment with more-lubricated heads, such as that on the Venus Deluxe Smooth Swirl , you can buy replacement cartridges and pop them onto the Venus Smooth’s body. Certain heads from Gillette’s facial razors, such as the Mach3 , may be a more agile option for shaving a bikini line, making this razor especially versatile.

It has a refreshingly neutral aesthetic. Many testers found the Venus Smooth’s blue hues refreshing in a “women’s” category full of pinks and purples. (On its website, Gillette sells Venus Smooth handles in a variety of colors, including a lighter blue, green, silver, and—yes—pink.)

The razor head doesn’t get tacky with lubricant. The Venus Smooth has simple aloe strips above and below the blades, which allows the lubricant to assist the shave without transforming your razor into a swamp. These strips also make the Venus Smooth more travel-friendly, as the lubricant is less likely to stick to the blade cover included with the razor.

No one hated it—but no one loved it, either. None of our panelists had anything bad to say about the Venus Smooth, but they also weren’t singing its praises.

The name may vary depending on where you’re buying it. Confusingly, the Venus Smooth appears for sale on some retail sites under the name Venus Close and Clean (and sometimes just Venus). They’re the same razor. If you’re unsure which Venus model you’re looking at, check for the Smooth’s three blades and trademark sea-foam blue color, as most stores carry. Refill cartridges cost around $3.13 apiece in the most economical packs—a bit more than the $2.50 per refill for our top pick, the Billie razor .

Although we dismissed most facial razors for this guide, we did test the three-blade Gillette Mach3 , the razor we recommend for most faces , as a basis for comparison. Testers liked the closeness of the shave, particularly for bikini lines, but none said they would continue using the Mach3 as their only body razor. The smaller head proved too narrow to efficiently handle a larger shaving task, such as legs. And testers found that the blades gunked up faster than those on any of the designated body razors. But if you frequently shave parts of your body that require extra precision, such as the bikini line, you might have good luck with a Mach3 blade fixed on a Venus handle.

If you want a cartridge-razor-like experience with a safety-razor-like device, and you don’t mind paying more for it: Consider the Leaf Razor , an all-metal manual razor with a flexible head that can accept up to three blades and provides a super-smooth body shave. Reloading the Leaf takes a bit more time and effort compared with popping a new, preloaded head onto one of our picks: You unwrap one, two, or three single-edge razor blades and place them into slots in the Leaf Razor’s head. The initial razor purchase includes 10 blades; a pack of 200 replacement blades usually costs $30, but you can use any blades you like, including double-edge blades snapped in half. We found that the weighty handle provides stability and control—and it doesn’t get too slippery when wet. New since we first tested this model is the handy Shower Holder accessory ($19), which stays put on most surfaces. (Removing it requires considerably more effort than uninstalling the Billie shower mount.) Leaf backs all its razors with a lifetime warranty and provides a 60-day window for returns.

If you want a razor similar to the Gillette Venus Smooth but with a pivoting head and five blades instead of three: Try the Gillette Venus Deluxe Smooth Swirl . The flexible head makes shaving tough-to-navigate areas a little easier, though it can also make the razor feel unwieldy. The Venus Deluxe Smooth Swirl also has a circle of gooey shaving gel around the blades, which ensures a silky experience, but we don’t like how fast it can gunk up if you don’t store the razor properly—and it doesn’t come with a handy mount to make that task simple. If, despite those compromises, the benefits of the Venus Deluxe Smooth Swirl align with your shaving needs, it may be the best model for you.

The Gillette Venus Deluxe Smooth Platinum , at $15, is a five-blade model similar to our runner-up from Gillette, except that it has a metal handle with soft-gel grip inserts. The metal handle feels nicely weighted, but coupled with the plastic head it makes this razor unbalanced and awkward to use. Our testers found that the grips weren’t useful when they were shaving, and the head had less flex in comparison with that of the Gillette Venus Deluxe Smooth Swirl . In addition, while this razor’s handle is compatible with most Venus blade refills (the Simply Venus and Venus For Pubic Hair & Skin heads excepted) and Gillette Mach3 replacement heads, we found that the Venus Extra Smooth Blade Cartridges that came with the razor quickly melted into a sticky, gummy mess after sitting on a shower shelf for only two days.

Our testers found that the Gillette Venus For Pubic Hair & Skin razor clogged more frequently even though its cartridge had only two blades. As a result, it required more mid-shave rinses than the Gillette Venus Smooth three-blade model and Billie five-blade razor we recommend.

Similar to Billie, Athena Club is an optional subscription service that charges $10 for the initial purchase of the handle and two razor-blade cartridges and then averages about $2.50 per refill. You can choose to get a shipment of four blades every month, eight blades every two months, or 12 blades every six months. Like the Joy razor (more below), the Athena Club razor felt too light in our hands. It also had limited head flexibility, and we found that its moisturizing “lubrastrip” quickly clumped into a gluey consistency in the heat of the shower.

Intrigued by the unique design, we tried the six-blade Aveline razor from HeadBlade. Unlike our picks, which consist of cartridges atop long handles, the Aveline cartridge is mounted to a stout, curved handle with a hook for slipping over a finger—so there’s no need to grip anything. Roller balls mounted in the handle that face the skin are meant to help the razor glide along. There’s a fairly difficult learning curve in using the device as intended; if you buy this model on Amazon, you receive from the company, along with a request to review the razor, a PDF with four recommended options for maneuvering the device. You can also grip the handle as you would any other razor. Owners who have arthritis or difficulty with hand steadiness laud the design. Overall, however, we found its six blades (two sets of three with a small gap between them) to be dull in comparison with those of our picks. And while the large pivoting head is helpful for shaving ankles and knees, it’s too cumbersome for shaving the bikini line.

The Dollar Shave Club subscription service promises to deliver high-quality razors to your doorstep for a dollar a month (video) . Though Dollar Shave Club claims that its products are unisex , they’re shaped more like face razors, and most of its media shows people shaving their faces. The only razor that actually costs $1 a month is the company’s twin-blade subscription; its more popular, four-blade model costs $6 per month, and a six-blade model costs $9 per month. In 2012, Ben Popken, the former editor of The Consumerist and the co-author of Wirecutter’s guide to electric razors, confirmed that Dollar Shave Club buys all of its high-quality blades from Dorco. While a 10-month subscription to Dollar Shave Club costs $90, a 10-month supply of razors from Dorco, for similar models with the same blades, costs less than $30. Either way, we found that razors designed for facial shaving all have smaller, rectangular blades that are less equipped to handle the nuances of shaving a body, such as the broad expanse of a leg or the grooved valley of an armpit.

Though the affordable, three-blade Dorco Shai 3 performed well in our initial tests, our panel generally disliked the small size of its blades and said that the inflexibility of the head made it awkward to use. We also found the razor’s handle uncomfortably curvy and almost bulbous, with huge indents that seemed designed for thumbs, not for the index fingers we normally use to guide a razor. None of our testers could manage to get the included wall mount to stay on the wall—the mount is a nice but ultimately empty gesture.

We twice tested the Flamingo Razor , a five-blade model from the popular razor company Harry’s that also has an optional subscription service. This $8 razor is beautiful, and the starter kit, which comes with a wall mount and an extra head, is an excellent value. Still, we think most people are likely to be happier with the Billie razor. In late 2021, Flamingo redesigned its razor, most notably incorporating a new blade that’s larger—and therefore harder to maneuver into tight spaces—and has very little protective coating to guard against nicks and bleeding. The designers also added a pivoting hinge that feels stiff, and they removed the handle’s metal accents so that it’s made of “at least 35% recycled plastics.”

We tried the Joy razor, which is available through a subscription service or as a standalone purchase . The initial cost of a direct subscription, which includes a razor handle and four refill heads, is $14, whereas a starter kit at retailers such as Amazon includes the handle and two refill heads for $15. The first shave from this razor cut comfortably close to the skin and left our testers’ legs smooth, but in our experience, the blades didn’t stay sharp enough for long enough. Compounded with the fact that this razor felt much lighter and the handle got too slippery in the shower, that shortcoming caused the Joy to fall short of our picks.

Rose’s Razors is a subscription service that offers monthly deliveries of its five-blade razor heads. The base plan costs $10 for the first month, and you get two replacement cartridges every month thereafter (billed every other month, so subscribers receive six shipments a year for $12 apiece). The textured handle has some weight to it, which makes it feel sturdy, and the blades, while sharp, are counteracted with aloe vera strips on both ends to help prevent irritation. The razors do provide a clean shave. However, the fact that the head does not swivel means the motion flexibility is little to none—following the contours of a leg is simple enough, but anything more intricate might prove challenging.

The Truly razor, which costs $20, is a five-blade option with a weighty, bone-straight plastic handle. In our tests, the razor head attached fairly securely, so dropping it in the shower didn’t always cause the head to go flying across the tub. And we did a lot of dropping—this razor was unwieldy and hard to manage with wet hands in the shower. The curveless, heavy handle was difficult to grip, especially when our testers were trying to shave some harder-to-reach areas.

Additionally, we considered the following models but dismissed them for irritating or nicking the skin: Beauty 360 3-Blade (currently unavailable), Equate 5-Blade Razor , Gillette Mach3 Sensitive , Gillette ProGlide Power , Gillette Venus Extra Smooth , Gillette Venus & Olay , Harry’s Men’s Razor , Schick Hydro5 Sense Hydrate , Schick Intuition F.A.B. Razor , Schick Intuition Sensitive Care , and Target Up&Up Women’s 5 Blade Disposable Razors ,

Sabrina Imbler contributed reporting. This article was edited by Tracy Vence and Kalee Thompson.

Meet your guide

Caira Blackwell

Caira Blackwell is a senior staff writer at Wirecutter covering sleep and mattresses. Her work has previously been published in Okayplayer, The Knockturnal, and Nylon magazine, and her book A Lullaby for the End of the World is available on Amazon.

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We put in another year and tens of thousands more miles of travel to test the best travel gear—and we stand by last year’s choices alongside a few new picks.

10 Best Electric Razors For Women In 2024, Tested By Dermatologists And Editors

Ditch the disposable.

"A closer shave can feel nice, but because the surface of our skin is not perfectly smooth, it inevitably results in removal of some skin cells," says dermatologist Caroline Robinson, MD . “This can lead to visible or microscopic nicks or irritation for some people over time." But DW, an electric razor can help you avoid this.

Best Electric Razor For Women

Best Cordless Electric Razor For Women

Panasonic close curves electric razor.

Best Electric Razor For Sensitive Skin

Philips lady shaver series 6000.

Most Loved Electric Razor By Beauty Editors

Epilator silk-épil 9.

Best Electric Razor For The Face

Philips beauty series 5000 electric facial hair remover.

Most Flexible Electric Razor For Women

Braun epilator silk-épil 9 flex.

Best Electric Exfoliator For Your Face

Dermaflash dermaplaning exfoliation device.

Best-Designed Electric Razor For Women

Schick hydro silk trimstyle bikini razor.

Best Electric Razor If You Often Miss a Spot

Brori electric razor.

Most Affordable Electric Razor For Women

Remington smooth & silky on-the-go shaver.

Best Electric Razor For The Bikini Area

Gillette venus intimate electric razor.

"Electric razors are traditionally less irritating because the shave they provide is not as close," says Dr. Robinson. Lasers, waxing, sugaring , and threading are all great options for hair removal if you've got the time (and the coin), but if professional-level silky smooth skin at-home is what you're after, the answer is electric.

Over the past year, Women's Health editors have been testing popular electric razors to determine which 10 are worth the investment. Ultimately, we found that the Schick Hydro Silk Trimstyle Bikini Razor was the best in design due to its five-blade razor and dual-sidedness that allows for a super close shave. Meanwhile, the Remington Smooth & Silky On-the-Go Shaver delivers on quality for quick touch-ups while being budget- and travel-friendly. Read on to see our other winners from our testing process.

What to consider

With the multitude of options available, there are a couple of features to consider the next time you're in the market for a fresh shave:

In this case, it's not necessarily "more is better." According to dermatologist Lauren Ploch, MD , more blades can sometimes increase irritation. On the other hand, fewer blades mean more passing over the skin, which can also cause irritation. It's all about finding a happy medium that works for you. This may take some testing, so remember to try out your razor on a small patch of skin to see how you react before going all in.

In addition to how well the razor feels and fits in your hand (this is an underrated necessity!), consider whether it will shave wet or dry. Not all electric razors can be used in the shower, Dr. Ploch points out. So, if you're a shower shaver, make sure to grab something waterproof and cordless.

You also want to make sure your razor head can contour to your body's curves, especially when you're targeting areas like the bikini line, underarms, toes, and even legs. Some of the razors on this list, like the Braun Epilator Silk-épil 9 Flex , can uniquely adapt to the body's curves with their rotating heads.

Battery Life

If a razor is rechargeable (big plus already), make sure to check out how long it takes to charge and how long a charge lasts. If you don't want to deal with a cord or annoying charge time, some of the options on this list—hi, Philips Series 5000 Electric Facial Hair Remover —are battery-powered, which may be more convenient while traveling.

Attachments

Some razors come with trimmers, blade guides, and changeable blade heads for different areas of the body. If you're looking for more of a Swiss army knife-type, aka a multi-tool situation, take a look at the available attachments. Then, see if those are compatible with the parts of your body you want to tackle.

Maintenance

If your electric razor is complicated to clean, let's be real—you're not going to do it. (You really should, but more on that later.) Make sure the maintenance instructions seem easy enough for you to follow them regularly. The Philips Series 5000 Electric Facial Hair Remover is the perfect example of an electric razor that's easy to clean, as the head can easily be removed so you can dump shaved hair and dead skin cells straight into the garbage.

Believe it or not, many razors have a warranty, so if you're unsatisfied with your purchase, you can most likely return it for a longer period than you might think. Most razors on this list have a 30-day warranty, which gives you ample time for testing.

How we selected

Our team tests a wide range of products and services to provide our readers with reliable, honest, and trustworthy information. It's our belief that our readers deserve the best, which is why our recommendations have been thoroughly tested and vetted by our very own editors. For the past year, Women’s Health editors, including our commerce editor Jasmine Gomez and editorial assistant Sabrina Talbert, tested the bestselling, most popular, and top-rated electric razors. Our team also consulted four dermatologists, and then evaluated thousands of customer reviews and ratings to narrow down the 10 best electric razors for a wide range of needs and preferences.

So, ready to get the closest shave of your life? Look no further than these editor-tested and expert-approved electric razors for women, below.

If you're looking for a cost-effective electric razor that gets the job done, here ya go. This three-blade foil razor hugs your curves, using ultra-thin outer foils for an easy back-and-forth motion. "I have super thick, coarse, black hair all over my body (TMI?) due to my Indian roots, and it makes shaving a huge chore that I never look forward to," says contributor Neha Tandon. She adds that she was shocked at how quickly and effectively it removed her hair.

Tandon also adds that the design made it super easy to remove hair, regardless of the location. BTW, this razor is totally waterproof, so you can bring it into the shower with you or shave dry if you're short on time.

Shop More: Best Face Razors For Women

The different blades of the Philips electric razor are designed to target specific areas of your body. This one comes with four attachments to ensure that you can shave safely, even in the tightest contours of your legs and underarms. Whether you shave wet or dry, the ergonomic handle design will make sure nothing slips through your fingers.

WH commerce editor Jasmine Gomez says she's prone to razor bumps no matter how gently she shaves, but this product is a game-changer. "This electric shaver has helped minimize my bumps," she says, adding that it trims her coarser body hair without tugging or leading to irritation.

A favorite of our editors and testers alike, this hair removal device comes with two different heads—one for shaving and one for trimming, so you can hit even the trickiest spots on your body.

It literally has 40 micro-grip tweezers in its motor to provide a super close shave (even closer than waxing) that keeps your skin smooth for weeks at a time. While that might seem intimidating, WH associate fashion and commerce editor Lily Wohlner says it revolutionized her in-shower shaving routine.

"Efficient on the underarms, bikini area, legs, and face, I prefer the Braun over my average razor as it removes the entire hair follicle versus just shaving the top of it," she says. As a result, the hair takes longer to grow back, which means no more daily shaving.

Side note: this product tends to sell out fast. While it does get restocked quickly, you can opt for another version of the same product. This upgraded Braun Epilator comes with more attachments for a slightly higher price.

It can be nerve-wrecking to take an epilator or electric razor to the face, but this compact buy was made just for that. It's designed with a 360-degree hypoallergenic head with self-sharpening blades, an LED light, and a built-in mirror so that you can conveniently see and remove even the smallest facial hairs.

" I love this face shaver when I'm having one of those all-out spa nights," says Wohlner. She notes that, when paired with a liquid exfoliant and a hydrating face mask, the results are truly out of this world. Pro tip: try using it before your skincare routine if you want your products to really penetrate the skin for a major glow.

An upgrade from the Braun Epilator Silk-épil 9, the more expensive but higher-tech Flex comes with a flexible head that can uniquely adapt to your body's curves and contours—even the complicated corners of your bikini line.

In addition to the epilator, the bundle also comes with a facial brush, body massage head, and more—definitely a bargain. "The face and body brushes are especially useful, and I love how you can interchange the heads depending on what type of cleansing you want to do," says WH assistant social media editor Isabel McMahon.

She notes that the light included on the device, which the brand calls a "smartlight," makes it a great option for those who like dimmer lighting while showering but still want to see what they're doing. At the same time, there's a bit of a learning curve with the razor and epilator, so this may be best for those who have tried other electric razors in the past.

This Dermaflash device for at-home dermaplaning is a solid razor substitute for your face. It helps gently exfoliate your skin by sloughing away dead skin and peach fuzz, leaving behind a super smooth canvas for makeup and skincare.

WH contributor Naydeline Mejia says she saw results after just one use. "My face is visibly smoother and feels soft," she says. "I feel like after applying my makeup in the morning, the products sit on my face more evenly."

You can use this razor once a week if you want glowing skin. And DW, it comes with four (!!) extra blades and a skin prep cleanser, so you don't have to worry about stocking up on that separately.

A space-friendly option, this dual-sided hair removal tool is great for both trimming and shaving. One side is a trimmer that's perfect for the bikini area, and the other side holds a five-blade razor. McMahon is a longtime fan of the Schick razor because it's affordable, compact, and the battery is long-lasting.

The most unique aspect of this razor is that it's infused with a moisturizing serum that keeps the skin hydrated for up to two hours after you're done shaving. "I've never had any problem with razor burn or accidental ouchies while using it," says McMahon. She also adds that it's super ideal for your bikini area and offers a close, clean, and comfy shaving experience.

For the people out there who are prone to missing a spot, this electric razor can give you a hand. "I have had this razor for a while now, and it has never cut me, even when my skin is having a bad flare up," says one user.

Others appreciate that it has an LED light to guide your shave in the right direction and a super quiet motor, too. It's also completely waterproof, so shaving in the shower and cleaning out any hair and shave gel from the blades won't be an issue. One thing to note: testers say the battery doesn't last super long, so it's best to recharge it after each use.

Remington Smooth & Silky On-the-Go Shaver

Bargain hunters, here's your pick: Toss this extremely travel-friendly razor in your shopping cart and then your bag for quick, simple touch-ups. Most testers say that it does a great job for the price.

This dual trimmer lifts and guides the blades for smooth results whether you're shaving wet or dry. Some users note that it seems to work best when the hair is longer, so it may not be ideal for targeting stubble. Despite being battery-powered, users are shocked by how durable it is. And yep, this little shaver is super lightweight to carry.

This razor can be used both inside and outside the shower, no matter your hair type. It's ideal for thick, coarser hair, though. Anyone who's shaved knows hair removal can get messy, but the head on this shaver opens up for easy rinsing, too.

WH editorial assistant Sabrina Talbert is pleased by how beginner-friendly the Gillette razor is. "The instructions are so clear and easy to follow, which made my experience a breeze," she says. Talbert also notes that the device is relatively small and very easy to get a secure grip on. Still, she notes that the device heats up quickly, which may be something to keep in mind if you're going for a longer shave sesh. It also isn't rechargeable, so you'll have to buy batteries once it dies out.

What should I keep in mind when using an electric razor?

If you struggle with bumps and irritation, an electric razor might be your new best friend. Of course, you still need to make sure you use that electric razor properly. Dermatologists say you should follow the below best practices for a smooth shave every time.

Start with hydrated skin

Make sure your skin is well hydrated before shaving because using an electric razor over dry, irritated skin can make matters worse, says dermatologist Joshua Zeichner, MD . Dr. Robinson adds that you should also use a gentle cleanser prior to shaving. And, avoid fragrance or products known to cause irritation immediately before and after shaving, she says.

Shave in single strokes

Plus, do so in the direction of the hair growth, says Dr. Zeichner. Repeated strokes over the same area increase the likelihood of irritation and ingrown hairs.

Moisturize again

"Use a light, fragrance-free moisturizer following your shave to hydrate the treated area," Dr. Robinson says. "I advise patients that they do not need a dedicated post-shave or aftercare lotion—a gentle moisturizer is just fine in these areas."

Aside from that, Dr. Robinson recommends making sure you follow any specific instructions on the product package—in other words, you should actually read the directions.

Do electric razors shave as close as a blade (or manual one)?

At the end of the day, everyone's going to have their personal preference, and it's not worth splitting hairs if you prefer one type of razor over another.

That being said, if your skin is prone to irritation, it might be time to ditch the traditional razor. With an electric razor, you’re not scraping against the skin really hard like a razor does, says dermatologist Cameron Rokhsar, MD . This means that you won't see a lot of the cuts and burns that sometimes result from a manual blade, explains Dr. Rokhsar.

There are also areas of the body that might be better suited to shave with an electric razor. "Most women's electric razors are designed for our curvy areas," says Dr. Ploch. "I prefer electric razors around the ankles because manual razors cut this area easily."

Can you shave your pubic hair with an electric razor?

Absolutely. Besides following the advice above, Dr. Ploch recommends starting with a trimming razor blade to clean things up a little before switching to a regular razor blade after. "Shaving a bikini line that hasn't been pre-trimmed can dull a razor quickly," she explains.

How should I clean my electric razor?

Keeping your electric razor clean is incredibly important, says Dr. Rokhsar. Many derms will recommend changing a manual razor every time you shave, but you can't do that with an electric one, which makes running the blades under warm water after use a crucial step. This will keep it free of hair, shaving cream, and other residues.

Dr. Rokhsar also recommends swiping over the blades and the outside of the razor with a rubbing alcohol-soaked cotton ball regularly. "Especially if it sits in your bathroom moisture, bacteria will accumulate on the blades," he says. "It's an easy entry point for bacteria to go down the hair follicle." That's a big no-no if you want to stay free of irritation or infection.

Meet the experts

• Caroline Robinson, MD, FAAD, is a board-certified dermatologist and founder of Tone Dermatology in Chicago
• Joshua Zeichner, MD, is a board-certified dermatologist in New York City
• Dr. Lauren Ploch, MD , is a board-certified dermatologist based in Georgia and South Carolina
• Dr. Cameron Rokhsar, MD, is a board-certified dermatologist in New York City

Shop other beauty tools for women

At-Home Laser Hair Removal Devices | LED Light Therapy Face Masks | At-Home Waxing Kits | Bikini Trimmers And Shavers | Derma Rollers | Microcurrent Devices

Jasmine Gomez is the Commerce Editor at Women’s Health, where she cover the best product recommendations across beauty, health, lifestyle, fitness, and more. When she's not shopping for a living, she enjoys karaoke and dining out more than she cares to admit. Follow her @JazzeGomez .  

Sabrina is an editorial assistant for Women’s Health. When she’s not writing, you can find her running, training in mixed martial arts, or reading.

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Travel-Friendly Electric Shavers (Our 6 Top Picks)

Published on June 30, 2023 by Ian Chandler · Grooming May contain affiliate links ( what's this? )

If you need an electric shaver that’s compact enough to bring on your travels, this article is for you!

Table of Contents

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.

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:

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.

Don't let its modest design and affordable price fool you—the Panasonic ES3831K delivers a shaving experience that rivals even the most high-end options on the market.

Designed to withstand the test of time, this remarkable razor is both waterproof and shockproof, ensuring durability that exceeds expectations.

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.

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!

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About Ian Chandler

Ian Chandler is a freelance writer with a penchant for men's hair and style (and hairstyle). He enjoys spending time with his girlfriend, reading, playing music, and overthinking. Background: Ian Chandler is a copywriter and writing instructor from Kent, OH. He’s been writing professionally for 9 years and specializes in business, marketing, and men’s fashion. He holds a Bachelor of Arts in English from Kent State University. Expertise: Ian is the cofounder of Writing Launch, an online training platform for freelance writers. As Head Instructor, he has helped thousands of new freelancers from around the world find success and grow their careers. Ian's book The No B.S. Guide to Freelance Writing was published in 2016. His work can be found in The Penny Hoarder, SitePoint, Social Media Explorer and more.

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Home » Europe » Moscow

EPIC MOSCOW Itinerary! (2024)

Moscow is the heart of Mother Russia. Just the mention of this city conjures images of colorful bulbous pointed domes, crisp temperatures, and a uniquely original spirit!

Moscow has an incredibly turbulent history, a seemingly resilient culture, and a unique enchantment that pulls countless tourists to the city each year! Although the warmer months make exploring Moscow’s attractions more favorable, there’s just something about a fresh snowfall that only enhances the appearance of the city’s iconic sites!

If you’re a first-time visitor to Moscow, or simply wanting to see as much of the city as possible, this Moscow itinerary will help you do just that!

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Best Time To Visit Moscow

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Here is a quick look at the seasons so you can decide when to visit Moscow!

The summer months (June-August) are a great time to travel to Moscow to take advantage of the enjoyable mild temperatures. This is considered peak travel season. Bear in mind that hotel prices rise along with the temperatures!

If you’re planning a trip to Moscow during fall (September-November) try to plan for early fall. This way the temperatures will still be pleasant and winter won’t be threatening.

Russian winters (December-February) are not for the faint of heart as Napoleon learned to his peril. Some days the sun will be out for less than an hour, and snow is guaranteed. Although winters are exceptionally cold, this is when you’ll get a true glimpse of the Moscow experience!

The best time to visit Moscow is during spring  (March-May). The temperatures will begin to creep up and the sun begins to shine for significant portions of the day. Hotel rates will also have yet to skyrocket into peak ranges!

With a Moscow City Pass , you can experience the best of Moscow at the CHEAPEST prices. Discounts, attractions, tickets, and even public transport are all standards in any good city pass – be sure invest now and save them $$$ when you arrive!

Moscow is a large city with many accommodation options to choose from. Staying in a location that fits with your travel plans will only enhance your Moscow itinerary. Here is a brief introduction to a few great areas of the city we recommend checking out!

The best place to stay in Moscow to be close to all the action is Kitay-Gorod. This charming neighborhood will put you within walking distance to Moscow’s famous Red Square, thus cutting down on travel time. This will allow you to see more of the city in a shorter amount of time!

It’s surrounded by restaurants, cafes, bars, and shops. If you’re a first-time visitor to Moscow, or just planning a quick weekend in Moscow, then this area is perfect for you!

Another great area to consider is the Zamoskvorechye district. This area of the city offers a blend of new and old Moscow. It has an artsy vibe and there are plenty of fun sites you can explore outside of the main touristy areas of Moscow.

Of course, as in all areas of Moscow, it’s close to public transportation that will quickly connect you with the rest of the city and make your Moscow itinerary super accessible!

Best Airbnb in Moscow – Exclusive Apartment in Old Moscow

Modern and cozy, this apartment is in the heart of Old Moscow. Bordering the Basmanny and Kitay-Gorod districts, this two-bedroom flat is walking distance to the Kremlin and Red Square. Safe, quiet, and comfortable, this is the best Airbnb in Moscow, no question!

Best Budget Hotel in Moscow – Izmailovo Alfa Hotel

The Izmailovo Alfa Hotel is a very highly rated accommodation that provides all the components necessary for a comfortable trip to Moscow. There is an on-site restaurant, bar, fitness center, and an airport shuttle service. The rooms are modern and spacious and are equipped with a TV, heating/air conditioning, minibar, and more!

Best Luxury Hotel in Moscow – Crowne Plaza Moscow World Trade Centre

If you’re touring Moscow in luxury, the Crowne Plaza Moscow World Trade Centre is the hotel for you! Elegantly furnished rooms are equipped with a minibar, flat-screen TV,  in-room safes, as well as tea and coffee making facilities! Bathrooms come with bathrobes, slippers, and free toiletries. There is also an onsite restaurant, bar, and fitness center.

Best Hostel in Moscow – Godzillas Hostel

Godzillas Hostel is located in the center of Moscow, just a short walk from all the major tourist attractions and the metro station. Guests will enjoy all the usual hostel perks such as self-catering facilities, 24-hour reception, Free Wi-Fi, and security lockers. This is one of the best hostels in Moscow and its wonderful social atmosphere and will make your vacation in Moscow extra special!

Godzillas Hostel is one of our favourites in Moscow but they’re not taking guests right now. We’re not sure if they’re closed for good but we hope they’ll come back soon.

An important aspect of planning any trip is figuring out the transportation situation. You’re probably wondering how you’re going to get to all of your Moscow points of interest right? Luckily, this sprawling city has an excellent network of public transportation that will make traveling a breeze!

The underground metro system is the quickest and most efficient way to travel around Moscow. Most visitors rely exclusively on this super-efficient transportation system, which allows you to get to pretty much anywhere in the city! It’s also a great option if you’re planning a Moscow itinerary during the colder months, as you’ll be sheltered from the snow and freezing temperatures!

If you prefer above-ground transportation, buses, trams, and trolleybuses, run throughout the city and provide a rather comfortable alternative to the metro.

Moscow’s metro, buses, trams, and trolleybuses are all accessible with a ‘Troika’ card. This card can be topped up with any sum of money at a metro cash desk. The ticket is simple, convenient, and even refundable upon return to a cashier!

No matter which method you choose, you’ll never find yourself without an easy means of getting from point A to point B!

Red Square | Moscow Kremlin | Lenin’s Mausoleum | St. Basil’s Cathedral  | GUM Department Store

Spend the first day of your itinerary taking your own self guided Moscow walking tour around the historic Red Square! This is Moscow’s compact city center and every stop on this list is within easy walking distance to the next! Get ready to see all of the top Moscow landmarks!

Day 1 / Stop 1 – The Red Square

• Why it’s awesome: The Red Square is the most recognizable area in Moscow, it has mesmerizing architecture and centuries worth of history attached to its name.
• Cost: Free to walk around, individual attractions in the square have separate fees. 
• Food nearby: Check out Bar BQ Cafe for friendly service and good food in a great location! The atmosphere is upbeat and they’re open 24/7!

The Red Square is Moscow’s historic fortress and the center of the Russian government. The origins of the square date back to the late 15th century, when Ivan the Great decided to expand the Kremlin to reflect Moscow’s growing power and prestige!

During the 20th century, the square became famous as the site for demonstrations designed to showcase Soviet strength. Visiting the Red Square today, you’ll find it teeming with tourists, who come to witness its magical architecture up close!

The square is the picture postcard of Russian tourism, so make sure to bring your camera when you visit! No matter the season, or the time of day, it’s delightfully photogenic! 

It’s also home to some of Russia’s most distinguishing and important landmarks, which we’ve made sure to include further down in this itinerary. It’s an important center of Russia’s cultural life and one of the top places to visit in Moscow!

In 1990, UNESCO designated Russia’s Red Square as a World Heritage site. Visiting this historic site is a true bucket-list event and essential addition to your itinerary for Moscow!

Day 1 / Stop 2 – The Moscow Kremlin

• Why it’s awesome: The Moscow Kremlin complex includes several palaces and cathedrals and is surrounded by the Kremlin wall. It also houses the principal museum of Russia (the Kremlin Armory).
• Cost: USD $15.00
• Food nearby: Bosco Cafe is a charming place to grat a casual bite to eat. They have excellent coffee and wonderful views of the Red Square and the Moscow Kremlin!

The iconic Moscow Kremlin , also known as the Kremlin museum complex, sits on Borovitsky Hill, rising above the Moscow River. It is a fortified complex in the center of the city, overlooking several iconic buildings in the Red Square!

It’s the best known of the Russian Kremlins – citadels or fortress’ protecting and dominating a city. During the early decades of the Soviet era, the Kremlin was a private enclave where the state’s governing elite lived and worked.

The Kremlin is outlined by an irregularly shaped triangular wall that encloses an area of 68 acres! The existing walls and towers were built from 1485 to 1495. Inside the Kremlin museum complex, there are five palaces, four cathedrals, and the enclosing Kremlin Wall with Kremlin towers.

The Armoury Chamber is a part of the Grand Kremlin Palace’s complex and is one of the oldest museums of Moscow, established in 1851. It showcases Russian history and displays many cherished relics. Definitely make sure to check out this museum while you’re here!

The churches inside the Moscow Kremlin are the Cathedral of the Dormition, Church of the Archangel, Church of the Annunciation, and the bell tower of Ivan Veliki (a church tower).

The five-domed Cathedral of the Dormition is considered the most famous. It was built from 1475–1479 by an Italian architect and has served as a wedding and coronation place for great princes, tsars, and emperors of Russia. Church services are given in the Kremlin’s numerous cathedrals on a regular basis.

The Grand Kremlin Palace was the former Tsar’s Moscow residence and today it serves as the official workplace of the President of the Russian Federation (Vladimir Putin seems to have bagged that title for life) .

Insider Tip: The Kremlin is closed every Thursday! Make sure to plan this stop on your Moscow itinerary for any other day of the week!

Day 1 / Stop 3 – Lenin’s Mausoleum

• Why it’s awesome: The mausoleum displays the preserved body of Soviet leader Vladimir Lenin .
• Cost: Free!
• Food nearby: Khinkal’naya is a charming Georgian restaurant with vaulted ceilings and exposed brick. It’s a popular place with locals and right next to the Red Square!

Lenin’s Mausoleum, also known as Lenin’s Tomb, is the modernist mausoleum for the revolutionary leader Vladimir Lenin. It’s located within the Red Square and serves as the resting place for the Soviet leader! His preserved body has been on public display since shortly after his death in 1924.

It’s located just a few steps away from the Kremlin Wall and is one of the most controversial yet popular Moscow attractions!

Admission is free for everyone, you’ll only need to pay if you need to check a bag. Before visitors are allowed to enter the mausoleum, they have to go through a metal detector first. No metal objects, liquids, or large bags are allowed in the mausoleum!

Expect a line to enter the building, and while you’re inside the building, you’ll be constantly moving in line with other visitors. This means you won’t be able to spend as long as you’d like viewing the mausoleum, but you’ll still be able to get a good look. Pictures and filming while inside the building are strictly prohibited, and security guards will stop you if they see you breaking this rule.

The mausoleum is only open on Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday, and Saturday – unless it’s a public holiday or a day scheduled for maintenance. The hours it’s open for each day are limited, make sure to check online before you visit to make sure you can fit this into your Moscow itinerary for that day!

Insider Tip: The Lenin’s Museum is there for people to pay their respect; remember to keep silent and move along quickly, it’s not intended for people to congregate around. Also, men are not allowed to wear hats and everyone must take their hands out of their pockets when inside the building.

Day 1 / Stop 4 – St. Basil’s Cathedral

• Why it’s awesome: A dazzling designed cathedral that showcases Russia’s unique architecture. This cathedral is one of the most recognizable symbols of the country!
• Cost: USD $8.00
• Food nearby: Moskovskiy Chaynyy Klub is a cozy cafe serving food items and pipping hot tea; it’s the perfect place to go if you’re visiting Moscow during the winter months!

Located in the Red Square, the ornate 16th-century St. Basil’s Cathedral is probably the building you picture when you think of Moscow’s unique architecture. Its colorful onion-shaped domes tower over the Moscow skyline!

The cathedral was built from 1555-1561 by order of Tsar Ivan the Terrible. It was designed with an iconic onion dome facade and enchanting colors that captivate all who see it. Fun fact: If you’re wondering why Russian churches have onion domes, they are popularly believed to symbolize burning candles!

This iconic cathedral has become a symbol of Russia due to its distinguishing architecture and prominent position inside the Red Square. It’s one of the most beautiful, wonderful, and mesmerizing historical cathedrals in the world!

The interior of the church surprises most people when they visit. In contrast to the large exterior, the inside is not so much one large area, but rather a collection of smaller areas, with many corridors and small rooms. There are 9 small chapels and one mausoleum grouped around a central tower.

Visiting the inside is like walking through a maze, there are even small signs all around the cathedral tracing where to walk, and pointing you in the right direction! The walls are meticulously decorated and painted with intricate floral designs and religious themes.

The church rarely holds service and is instead a museum open for the public to visit.

Insider Tip: During the summer months the line to go inside the cathedral can get quite long! Make sure to arrive early or reserve your tickets online to guarantee quick access into the cathedral!

Day 1 / Stop 5 – GUM Department Store

• Why it’s awesome: This is Russia’s most famous shopping mall! It’s designed with elegant and opulent architecture and provides a real sense of nostalgia!
• Cost: Free to enter
• Food nearby: Stolovaya 57 is a cafeteria-style restaurant with a variety of inexpensive Russian cuisine menu items including soups, salads, meat dishes, and desserts. It’s also located inside the GUM department store, making it very easily accessible when you’re shopping!

The enormous GUM Department Store is located within the historic Red Square. It has a whimsical enchantment to it that sets it apart from your typical department store.

A massive domed glass ceiling lines the top of the building and fills the interior with natural sunlight. There are live plants and flowers placed throughout the mall that give the shopping complex a lively and cheerful feel! A playful fountain sits in the center, further adding to the malls inviting a sense of wonder and amusement!

The GUM department store opened on December 2, 1893. Today, it includes local and luxury stores, including Fendi, Louis Vuitton, Prada, and many more! There are numerous cafes, restaurants, and even a movie theater inside!

For a special treat, head into Gastronom 1. This 1950s-style shop sells gourmet food items, like wine, freshly-baked pastries, cheese, Russian chocolate, and of course, vodka! Also, be on the lookout for a bicycle pedaling ice cream truck with an employing selling ice cream!

The ambiance is simply amazing, a trip to this idyllic shopping mall is an absolute must on any Moscow itinerary!

Insider Tip: Make sure to carry some small change on you in case you need to use the restroom, you’ll need to pay 50 rubles – or about USD $0.80 to use the bathroom in GUM.

Wanna know how to pack like a pro? Well for a start you need the right gear….

These are packing cubes for the globetrotters and compression sacks for the  real adventurers – these babies are a traveller’s best kept secret. They organise yo’ packing and minimise volume too so you can pack MORE.

Or, y’know… you can stick to just chucking it all in your backpack…

Novodevichy Convent | Gorky Park | State Tretyakov Gallery | All-Russian Exhibition Center | Bolshoi Theater

On your 2 day itinerary in Moscow, you’ll have a chance to use the city’s excellent public transportation service! You’ll explore a few more of Moscow’s historic highlight as well as some modern attractions. These sites are a little more spread out, but still very easily accessible thanks to the metro!

Day 2 / Stop 1 – Novodevichy Convent

• Why it’s awesome: The Novodevichy Convent is rich in imperial Russian history and contains some of Russia’s best examples of classical architecture!
• Cost: USD $5.00
• Food nearby: Culinary Shop Karavaevs Brothers is a cozy and simple place to have a quick bite, they also have vegetarian options!

The Novodevichy Convent is the best-known and most popular cloister of Moscow. The convent complex is contained within high walls, and there are many attractions this site is known for! 

The six-pillared five-domed Smolensk Cathedral is the main attraction. It was built to resemble the Kremlin’s Assumption Cathedral and its facade boasts beautiful snowy white walls and a pristine golden onion dome as its centerpiece. It’s the oldest structure in the convent, built from 1524 -1525, and is situated in the center of the complex between the two entrance gates.

There are other churches inside the convent as well, all dating back from many centuries past. The convent is filled with an abundance of 16th and 17th-century religious artworks, including numerous large and extravagant frescos!

Just outside the convent’s grounds lies the Novodevichy Cemetery. Here, you can visit the graves of famous Russians, including esteemed authors, composers, and politicians. Probably the most intriguing gravestone belongs to Russian politician Nikita Khruschev!

The Novodevichy Convent is located near the Moscow River and offers a peaceful retreat from the busy city. In 2004, it was proclaimed a UNESCO World Heritage Site. The convent remains remarkably well-preserved and is an outstanding example of Moscow Baroque architecture! 

Insider Tip: To enter the cathedrals inside the complex, women are advised to cover their heads and shoulders, while men should wear long pants.

Day 2 / Stop 2 – Gorky Central Park of Culture and Leisure

• Why it’s awesome: A large amusement area in the heart of the city offering many attractions!
• Cost: Free! 
• Food nearby: Check out Mepkato, located inside Gorky Central Park for a casual meal in a cozy setting. There are indoor and outdoor seating options and the restaurant is child-friendly!

Gorky Central Park of Culture and Leisure is a large green space in the heart of Moscow. The park opened in 1928, and it stretches along the scenic embankment of the Moskva River. It covers an area of 300-acres and offers a lovely contrast from the compact city center.

You’ll find all sorts of wonderful attractions, from boat rides to bike rentals to tennis courts and ping-pong tables, and much more! there are an open-air cinema and festive events and concerts scheduled in the summer months.  A wide selection of free fitness classes is also offered on a regular basis, including jogging, roller skating, and dancing!

Although many of the options you’ll find here are more suited for outdoor leisure during the summer, you’ll also a selection of winter attractions, including one of Europe’s largest ice rinks for ice-skating!

If you’re trying to decide what to do in Moscow with kids, the park also offers several venues designed specifically for kids. Check out the year-round Green School which offers hands-on classes in gardening and art! You can also feed the squirrels and birds at the Golitsinsky Ponds!

The park is very well maintained and kept clean and the entrance is free of charge, although most individual attractions cost money. There is also Wi-Fi available throughout the park.

With so many attractions, you could easily spend all day here! If you’re only planning a 2 day itinerary in Moscow, make sure to plan your time accordingly and map out all the areas you want to see beforehand!

Day 2 / Stop 3 – The State Tretyakov Gallery

• Why it’s awesome: The gallery’s collection consists entirely of Russian art made by Russian artists!
• Food nearby : Brothers Tretyakovs is located right across the street from the gallery. It’s a wonderfully atmospheric restaurant serving top quality food and drinks!

The State Tretyakov Gallery was founded in 1856 by influential merchant and collector Pavel Tretyakov.  The gallery is a national treasury of Russian fine art and one of the most important museums in Russia!

It houses the world’s best collection of Russian art and contains more than 130, 000 paintings, sculptures, and graphics! These works have been created throughout the centuries by generations of Russia’s most talented artists!

The exhibits range from mysterious 12th-century images to politically charged canvases. The collection is rich and revealing and offers great insight into the history and attitudes of this long-suffering yet inspired people!

All pictures are also labeled in English. If you plan to take your time and see everything inside the museum it will take a good 3-4 hours, so make sure to plan your Moscow trip itinerary accordingly! This gallery is a must-see stop for art lovers, or anyone wanting to explore the local culture and history of Russia in a creative and insightful manner! 

Insider Tip: When planning your 2 days in Moscow itinerary, keep in mind that most museums in Moscow are closed on Mondays, this includes The State Tretyakov Gallery!

Day 2 / Stop 4 – All-Russian Exhibition Center

• Why it’s awesome: This large exhibition center showcases the achievements of the Soviet Union in several different spheres. 
• Food nearby: Varenichnaya No. 1 serves authentic and homestyle Russian cuisine in an intimate and casual setting.

The All-Russian Exhibition Center is a massive park that presents the glory of the Soviet era! It pays homage to the achievements of Soviet Russia with its many different sites found on the property.

The center was officially opened in 1939 to exhibit the achievements of the Soviet Union. It’s a huge complex of buildings and the largest exhibition center in Moscow. There are several exhibition halls dedicated to different achievements and every year there are more than one hundred and fifty specialized exhibitions!

The Peoples Friendship Fountain was constructed in 1954 and is a highlight of the park. The stunning gold fountain features 16 gilded statues of girls, each representing the former Soviet Union republics. 

The Stone Flower Fountain was also built in 1954 and is worth checking out. The centerpiece of this large fountain is a flower carved from stones from the Ural Mountains! Along the side of the fountain are various bronze sculptures.

You will find many people zipping around on rollerblades and bicycles across the large area that the venue covers. It’s also home to amusement rides and carousels, making it the perfect place to stop with kids on your Moscow itinerary! Make sure to wear comfortable shoes and allow a few hours to explore all the areas that interest you!

Day 2 / Stop 5 – Bolshoi Theater

• Why it’s awesome: The Bolshoi Theater is a historic venue that hosts world-class ballet and opera performances!
• Cost: Prices vary largely between USD $2.00 –  USD $228.00 based on seat location.
• Food nearby: Head to the Russian restaurant, Bolshoi for high-quality food and drinks and excellent service!

The Bolshoi Theater is among the oldest and most renowned ballet and opera companies in the world! It also boasts the world’s biggest ballet company, with more than 200 dancers!

The theater has been rebuilt and renovated several times during its long history. In 2011 it finished its most recent renovation after an extensive six-year restoration that started in 2005. The renovation included an improvement in acoustics and the restoration of the original Imperial decor.

The Bolshoi Theater has put on many of the world’s most famous ballet acts! Tchaikovsky’s ballet Swan Lake premiered at the theater in 1877 and other notable performances of the Bolshoi repertoire include Tchaikovsky’s The Sleeping Beauty and The Nutcracker!

Today, when you visit the theater, you can expect a magical performance from skilled singers, dancers, and musicians with the highest level of technique!

If you don’t have time to see a show, the theater also provides guided tours on select days of the week. Tours are given in both Russian and English and will provide visitors with a more intimate look at the different areas of the theater!

The stage of this iconic Russian theater has seen many outstanding performances. If you’re a fan of the performing arts, the Bolshoi Theater is one of the greatest and oldest ballet and opera companies in the world, making it a must-see attraction on your Moscow itinerary!

Godzillas Hostel

Godzillas Hostel is located in the center of Moscow, just a short walk from all the major tourist attractions and the metro station.

• Towels Included

Cosmonautics Museum | Alexander Garden | Ostankino Tower | Izmaylovo District | Soviet Arcade Museum

Now that we’ve covered what to do in Moscow in 2 days, if you’re able to spend more time in the city you’re going to need more attractions to fill your time. Here are a few more really cool things to do in Moscow we recommend!

Memorial Museum of Cosmonautics

• Hear the timeline of the ‘space race’ from the Russian perspective
• This museum is fun for both adults and children!
• Admission is USD $4.00

The Memorial Museum of Cosmonautics is a museum dedicated to space exploration! The museum explores the history of flight, astronomy, space exploration, space technology, and space in the arts. It houses a large assortment of Soviet and Russian space-related exhibits, and the museum’s collection holds approximately 85,000 different items!

The museum does an excellent job of telling the full story of the exciting space race between the USSR and the US! It highlights the brightest moments in Russian history and humanity and is very interesting and fun for all ages!

If you’re a fan of space or just curious about gaining insight into Russia’s fascinating history of space exploration, make sure to add this to your 3 day itinerary in Moscow!

The Alexander Garden

• A tranquil place to relax near the Red Square
• Green lawns dotted with sculptures and lovely water features
• The park is open every day and has no entrance fee

The Alexander Garden was one of the first urban public parks in Moscow! The garden premiered in 1821 and was built to celebrate Russia’s victory over Napoleon’s forces in 1812!

The park is beautiful and well maintained with paths to walk on and benches to rest on. The park contains three separate gardens: the upper garden, middle garden, and lower garden.

Located in the upper garden, towards the main entrance to the park is the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier with its eternal flame. This monument was created in 1967 and contains the body of a soldier who fell during the Great Patriotic War!

The park stretches along all the length of the western Kremlin wall for about half a mile. Due to its central location in the city, it’ll be easily accessible when you’re out exploring The Red Square.

It provides a bit of relief from the city’s high-energy city streets. Bring a picnic lunch, go for a walk, or just sit and people watch, this is one of the best Moscow sites to wind-down and relax!

Ostankino Television Tower

• Television and radio tower in Moscow
• Currently the tallest free-standing structure in Europe
• Make sure you bring your passport when you visit, you can’t go up without it!

For spectacular views of the city, make sure to add the Ostankino Television Tower to your itinerary for Moscow! This impressive free-standing structure provides stunning views of the city in every direction. The glass floor at the top also provides great alternative views of the city!

It takes just 58 seconds for visitors to reach the Tower’s observation deck by super fast elevator. The tower is open every day for long hours and is a great site in Moscow to check out! There is even a restaurant at the top where you can enjoy rotating views of the city while you dine on traditional Russian cuisine or European cuisine!

The tower is somewhat of an architectural surprise in a city that is not known for skyscrapers! To see the city from a new perspective, make sure to add this stop to your Moscow itinerary!

Izmaylovo District

• The most popular attractions in this district are the kremlin and the flea market
• Outside of the city center and easy to reach via metro
• Most popular during the summer and on weekends

Travel outside the city center and discover a unique area of the city! The Izmaylovo District is a popular destination for locals and tourists alike, and one of the coolest places to see in Moscow! The two main attractions we recommend checking out are the Kremlin and the flea market.

The Izmailovo Kremlin was established as a cultural center and molded after traditional Russian architecture. This colorful complex is home to several single-subject museums, including a Russian folk art museum and a vodka museum!

Next to the Kremlin is the Izmailovo open-air market, which dates back to the 17th century! The market is connected to the Izmailovo Kremlin by a wooden bridge. Pick up all your Russian souvenirs here, including traditional handicrafts, paintings, books, retro toys, and Soviet memorabilia!

You will find many hand-made and hand-painted options available at higher prices, as well as mass-produced souvenir options at lower prices!

Museum of Soviet Arcade Games

• Closed on Mondays
• Filled with old arcade games that visitors get to try out!
• The museum also includes a small cafe and burger shop

For something a little different, check out the Museum of Soviet Arcade Games! The museum features roughly 60 machines from the Soviet era, including video games, pinball machines, and collaborative hockey foosball! The machines inside the museum were produced in the USSR in the mid-1970s.

The best part is, most of the games are still playable! Purchase tickets and try the games out for yourself! The museum also has a neat little screening room that plays old Soviet cartoons and an area with Soviet magazines! This unique attraction is a fun addition to a 3 day itinerary in Moscow, and an attraction that all ages will enjoy! 

Whether you’re spending one day in Moscow, or more, safety is an important thing to keep in mind when traveling to a big city! Overall, Moscow is a very safe place to visit. However, it is always recommended that tourists take certain precautions when traveling to a new destination!

The police in Moscow is extremely effective at making the city a safe place to visit and do their best to patrol all of the top Moscow, Russia tourist attractions. However, tourists can still be a target for pickpockets and scammers.

Moscow has a huge flow of tourists, therefore there is a risk for pickpocketing. Simple precautions will help eliminate your chances of being robbed. Stay vigilant, keep your items close to you at all times, and don’t flash your valuables!

If you’re planning a solo Moscow itinerary, you should have no need to worry, as the city is also considered safe for solo travelers, even women. Stay in the populated areas, try and not travel alone late at night, and never accept rides from strangers or taxis without a meter and correct signage.

The threat of natural disasters in Moscow is low, with the exception of severe winters when the temperature can dip below freezing! Bring a good, warm jacket if you visit in Winter.

However, please note that Russian views on homsexuality are far less accepting than those in Western Europe. Likewise, Non-Caucasian travellers may sadly encounter racism in Russia .

Don’t Forget Your Travel Insurance for Moscow

ALWAYS sort out your backpacker insurance before your trip. There’s plenty to choose from in that department, but a good place to start is Safety Wing .

They offer month-to-month payments, no lock-in contracts, and require absolutely no itineraries: that’s the exact kind of insurance long-term travellers and digital nomads need.

SafetyWing is cheap, easy, and admin-free: just sign up lickety-split so you can get back to it!

Click the button below to learn more about SafetyWing’s setup or read our insider review for the full tasty scoop.

Now that we’ve covered all the top things to see in Moscow, we thought we’d include some exciting day trips to other areas of the country!

Sergiev Posad (Golden Ring)

On this 7-hour guided tour, you’ll visit several scenic and historic areas of Russia. Start your day with hotel pick-up as you’re transferred by a comfortable car or minivan to Sergiev Posad. Admire the charming Russian countryside on your drive and enjoy a quick stop to visit the Russian village, Rudonezh!

You’ll see the majestic Saint Spring and the Church of Sergiev Radonezh. You’ll also visit the UNESCO World Heritage Site, Trinity Lavra of St. Sergius, one of the most famous Orthodox sites in Russia!

Lastly, you’ll swing by the local Matreshka market and enjoy a break in a nice Russian restaurant before returning to Moscow!

Day Trip to Vladimir and Suzdal

On this 13-hour trip, you’ll discover old Russia, with its picturesque landscapes and white-stoned beautiful churches! You’ll visit the main towns of the famous Golden Ring of Russia – the name for several cities and smaller towns north-east of Moscow.

Your first stop will be in the town of Vladimir, the ancient capital of all Russian principalities. The city dates back to the 11th century and is one of the oldest and the most important towns along the Ring! Next, you’ll visit Suzdal, a calm ancient Russian town north of Vladimir with only 13,000 inhabitants!

The old-style architecture and buildings of Suzdal are kept wonderfully intact. If you’re spending three days in Moscow, or more, this is a great option for exploring the charming areas outside the city!

Zvenigorod Day Trip and Russian Countryside

On this 9-hour private tour, you’ll explore the ancient town of Zvenigorod, one of the oldest towns in the Moscow region! As you leave Moscow you’ll enjoy the stunning scenery along the Moscow River, and make a few stops at old churches along the way to Zvenigorod.

Upon arrival, you’ll explore the medieval center, including the 14th-century Savvino-Storozhevsky Monastery. Next, you’ll take a break for lunch (own expense) where you’ll have the chance to try out the Russian cuisine! Next, you’ll visit the Museum of Russian Dessert and sip on tea at a Russian tea ceremony.

The final stop of the day is at the Ershovo Estate, a gorgeous place to walk around and enjoy nature!

Day Trip to St Petersburg by Train visiting Hermitage & Faberge

On this full-day tour, you’ll enjoy a a full round trip to St Petersburg where you’ll spend an exciting day exploring another popular Russian city! You’ll be picked up from your hotel in Moscow and be transferred to the train station where you’ll ride the high-speed train ‘Sapsan’ to St Petersburg.

Upon arrival, you’ll start the day by touring the Hermitage Museum and the Winter Palace. Next, you’ll visit the Faberge Museum, where you’ll explore the impressive collection of rare Faberge Eggs! In the afternoon, enjoy a sightseeing boat ride and a traditional 3-course Russian lunch.

If you’re spending 3 days in Moscow, or more, this is an excellent trip to take!

Trip to Kolomna – Authentic Cultural Experience from Moscow

On this 10-hour tour, you’ll escape the city and travel to the historic town of Kolomna! First, you’ll visit the 14th-century Kolomna Kremlin, home to the Assumption Cathedral and an abundance of museums!

Next, enjoy lunch at a local cafe (own expense) before embarking on a tour of the Marshmallow Museum – of course, a marshmallow tasting is provided!  Your final stop is the Museum of Forging Settlements, where displays include armor and accessories for fishing and hunting.

Discover this beautiful Russian fairytale city on a private trip, where all of the planning is taken care of for you!

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Find out what people want to know when planning their Moscow itinerary.

How many days you need in Moscow?

We recommend that you spend at least two or three days in Moscow to take it all in.

What’s the best month to visit Moscow?

The best time to visit Moscow is over the spring, from March to May as temperatures are mild, crowds are thin and prices are reasonable.

What are some unusual things to do in Moscow?

I mean, queuing up to see an almost 100 year old corpse is pretty unsual! Check out Lenin’s Mausoleum if you fancy it!

What are some fun things to do in Moscow?

The Memorial Museum of Cosmonautics is a fun place to explore the famous space race from the perspective of the ‘other side’!

We hope you enjoyed our Moscow itinerary! We’ve made sure to cover all the Moscow must-sees as well as some unique attractions in the city! Our addition of insider tips, favorite food stops, and day trips from Moscow is an added bonus and will guarantee you make the most out of your exciting Russian vacation!

Immerse yourself in the modern and traditional Russian lifestyle! Get lost in museums, witness awe-inspiring architecture, and indulge in Russian cuisine! Spend the day strolling through all of the charming sites of Moscow, admiring the beautiful scenery and discovering the city’s fairytale-like enchantment!

And for transparency’s sake, please know that some of the links in our content are affiliate links . That means that if you book your accommodation, buy your gear, or sort your insurance through our link, we earn a small commission (at no extra cost to you). That said, we only link to the gear we trust and never recommend services we don’t believe are up to scratch. Again, thank you!

Alya and Campbell

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