Men’s razors may seem pretty straightforward—how different can they really be? However, even slight differences between products can lead to noticeably different results. For example, one of our testers reported an unusually nick-free shave when testing our best overall razor, while another tester gave positive feedback on the seeming black sheep in the lineup: a razor with a fixed-angle blade that doesn’t flex or move with the contours of a person’s face. And did we mention we found a razor with a cartridge refill option and enough blades to last up to three years?
And all of this matters because the right razor means a smooth, comfortable shaving experience that helps you look polished and professional at work. Read on to see our favorite models.
Best Men’s Razors of 2026
- Best Overall: Gillette Fusion5 ProGlide
- Best Cartridge Razor: Harry’s Original Blade
- Best Value Razor: Dollar Shave Club
- Best Single-Blade Razor: Henson Shaving AL13
Best Men’s Razors Comparison Table
Best Overall: Gillette Fusion5 ProGlide
Gillette Fusion5 ProGlide
| Fortune score | 5/5 |
at Gillette
- Our thoughts: Our tester had a nick-free shave thanks to how easy this razor was to hold and how well it adapted to facial contours
- Who it’s for: Professionals used to shaving quickly who want something easy to grip for better control
- What makes it different: The comfortable rubber grip and flexibility to adapt to facial contours
Pros
- Comfortable handle with grips
- Razor adjusts well to facial contours
- Easy to replace cartridge
Cons
- Replacement cartridges are pricier than others
- No subscription option available for cartridges
Our Thoughts on Gillette Fusion5 ProGlide
This shaving razor for men offers a larger lubrication strip designed to help prevent skin irritation while shaving, plus five “antifriction blades” and a precision trimmer on the back. The razor also has “Flexball technology,” which allows it to adapt to facial contours, and the ProGlide Shield blades can be used with all Gillette five-blade razor handles except GilletteLabs.
Blade refills last up to one month, and the blades are also compatible with any Gillette five-blade handles.
Sean, a member of our testing team, used the Gillette ProGlide razor and said, “It does everything you’re looking for well and fast.”
Sean said this razor is comfortable to hold, with a rubber grip on both sides of the handle. “The razor is also very easy to use, and changing the cartridge is as simple as just pushing up on top of the handle,” he added. Sean rated the ease of use a 5 out of 5.
He rated the shaving performance another 5 out of 5, saying, “It’s very easy to reach all areas because the handle has a good grip and the razor is able to adjust to contours. The razor gave a great shave overall, cutting the hair in a single pass with very few double passes needed in most areas.”
The razor gave a close and efficient shave, said Sean, adding, “It feels stable in your hand with no worry of slippage due to the rubber grip on both sides of the base. I also did not experience any tugging or pulling throughout my shaving experience, and I was impressed that it did not result in any cuts at all.” Sean added that he typically gets one or two cuts when he shaves, but that his skin was exceptionally smooth and injury-free after using this razor. He rated the comfort a 5 out of 5.
Overall, this razor has a comfortable handle with grips that help you control the blade, and it delivers a close shave. Plus, it’s easy to swap cartridges when it’s time for a new blade. Sean said it’s simple to clean as well, and that he was even able to get a close, smooth shave with no cuts. We’d recommend it for professionals who shave often—and sometimes while in a hurry—and need a razor with a great grip that produces a clean, nick-free shave.
Specs:
- Number of blades: 5
- Refill cost: 4 blades for $19.99
- Subscription option for refills? No
Best Cartridge Razor: Harry’s Original Blade
Harry’s Original Blade
| Fortune score | 4/5 |
at Harry’s
- Our thoughts: We appreciated the comfortable handle and the impressive shaving experience.
- Who it’s for: Professionals who want an overall efficient shaving experience, from the razor to the cartridge subscription
- What makes it different: The sleek-looking handle options, including one in bright orange
Pros
- Comfortable grip
- Razor offered a consistent, even shave
- Subscription option available for cartridges
Cons
- Hair took slightly more work to remove from the blade while cleaning
- Not designed for head shaving
Our Thoughts on Harry’s Original Blade
Harry’s Original Blade has five blades and a design that’s meant to help distribute pressure and protect against cuts. Each cartridge features a precision trimmer, a “flex hinge” that helps guide the razor over the contours of a face, and a lubrication strip to help the blade glide evenly. The blades are only compatible with the Harry’s Original razor (previously known as the Truman) and are designed for the face—not head shaving.
A member of our testing team, Andrew, tried Harry’s Original Blade, noting, “The razor has a nice grip that makes it easy to use and maneuver, and the weighted base of the razor also made it feel stable and easier to control.” He rated the ease of use a 5 out of 5, and the comfort another 5 out of 5.
After using the razor, Andrew reported, “The razor was extremely efficient. It provided a consistent, even shave throughout my face and my neck. I only needed to do one pass for the most part. After using this razor, my skin felt very smooth.” Andrew rated the shaving performance a 5 out of 5.
Andrew said this razor provided a close shave with minimal effort, and that it didn’t cause irritation. He did say that some hair got stuck between the blades, but that was a minor drawback. Overall, this is a good option for busy professionals who want a razor that feels good in the hand and offers a close shave, with the benefit of being able to start a subscription for cartridge refills .
Specs:
- Number of blades: 5
- Refill cost: 4 blades for $10
- Subscription option for refills? Yes
Best Value Razor: Dollar Shave Club
Dollar Shave Club
| Fortune score | 4.5/5 |
at Dollar Shave Club
- Our thoughts: Our tester liked the clean, close shave, but also liked the option to add things like a razor stand for additional convenience and efficiency.
- Who it’s for: Professionals who shave daily or almost daily and want a smooth, comfortable process
- What makes it different: Lots of options available, including four different handles to choose from, the option to add on a razor stand, and a cartridge subscription
Pros
- Easy to grip
- Provided a smooth shave
- Cartridges are compatible with four different handles
Cons
- Cartridges need to be replaced weekly
- Didn’t handle heavier stubble well
Our Thoughts on Dollar Shave Club
The Dollar Shave Club offers a “Signature 6 Blade Razor” with a cartridge that has six blades, which the company says works well for daily or frequent shavers. Each cartridge also has a precision trimmer and a lubricant strip, and the company recommends replacing the cartridge weekly. The cartridges can be used with four different handles offered by the company, including the Diamond Grip Handle, Heavy Metal Handle, Body Shaver Handle, and Goldmember Handle.
Dan, who tested this razor, said it was easy to add the cartridge to the handle, though fitting the handle in took “just a little bit of jiggling.” He added, “It also has a comfortable rubber grip that helps you keep the razor in your hand and maintain a smooth shave without having to focus too much. The package I chose also came with a sturdy metal stand that makes it really easy to put away the razor.” Dan rated the ease of use a 4.5 out of 5, and the comfort a 4.5 out of 5.
“The shave itself was very clean, with no touch-ups needed,” reported Dan, adding, “However, I’m not sure how well it would work on longer whiskers or scruff. While I wouldn’t say I had a full-on beard when I shaved, I definitely had heavier stubble, and I felt like I got a closer shave after I used clippers really quickly, then started with the manual razor. If you’re someone who shaves every day or even every three to four days, though, you should be more than fine.” He rated the shaving performance a 4 out of 5.
Dan said this razor delivered a “quick, close, comfortable shave” and was easy to clean and maintain, which makes it easy to maintain a polished appearance with minimal effort. You can also opt in to a subscription for replacement cartridges. We’d recommend this razor for professionals who shave frequently and don’t accumulate heavy stubble, and who want the option to add on extras like a razor stand or a cartridge subscription.
Specs:
- Number of blades: 6
- Refill cost: 4 blades for $10
- Subscription option for refills? Yes
Best Single-Blade Razor: Henson Shaving AL13
Henson Shaving AL13
| Fortune score | 4.5/5 |
at Amazon
- Our thoughts: We liked the high-quality materials and straightforward design, plus the massive refill pack
- Who it’s for: Professionals who value quality and simplicity, and who want a no-frills razor that really works
- What makes it different: The fixed, single-blade design and overall utilitarian aesthetic
Pros
- Clean, close shave even with a fixed-angle blade
- Didn’t leave any cuts or irritation
- Low maintenance
Cons
- Some people may not want to store 100 refill blades, even if it’s a great deal
- The price point may seem high to some, but the razor is made of high-quality materials meant to be maintained over time instead of replaced
Our Thoughts on Henson Shaving
The Henson AL13 is designed to reduce razor burn, and it purportedly does so by keeping the blade at a 30-degree angle—which the company says “cuts down the friction and tugging that cause razor burn and ingrown hairs.” That means there is no flexible head that adjusts to facial contours, and the company also notes that its razor has “no moisturizing strips covering up a flawed design.” This model has a blade that remains at one angle, which is meant to offer a clean, easy shave.
The company claims that so many features often seen on razors—flexible blades and five or six rows of them—actually create issues instead of solving them, and says a fixed, single blade offers a superior shave. One more thing worth noting: The blade refill pack, which includes 100 blades for about 10 dollars, should last the average person two to three years.
A member of our testing team, Logan, who used the Henson Shaving Razor AL13, said, “The razor was comfortable to hold and easy to use on my face and neck. It glides smoothly, even though the razor head doesn’t move. I didn’t have any issues moving from my jawline to my neck, even though it’s not a completely flat surface.” He rated the ease of use a 4.5 out of 5.
According to Logan, “This delivers an even shave, and I only needed to take one pass. It definitely provides a close shave, and I noticed I don’t get any cuts or snags with the single blade as compared to my usual razor. It took a few uses to get used to the different style, but it’s easy to use once you get the hang of it. It’s easy to control, too.” He rated the shaving performance a 4 out of 5.
The razor was comfortable to use as well, with Logan explaining, “It has a smooth glide to it, and I didn’t experience any tugging or snagging, which is why I like it. I didn’t have any cuts or irritation using this razor, and my skin felt smooth without any razor burn.” He rated the comfort a 4.5 out of 5.
Overall, said Logan, “This razor is really quick to use. I’ve even used it between remote meetings before, and the fact that it doesn’t leave any razor burn or cuts is great, too. I don’t want to be holding a presentation with a bunch of red marks on my face. The maintenance is also low and simple, which I like. My job is demanding as it is, so I like as little additional admin in my life as possible.” We’d recommend this razor for professionals who want a well-designed razor that offers a quick, efficient shave and a phenomenal refill option—100 blades for around $10, which is meant to last two to three years.
Specs:
- Number of blades: 1
- Refill cost: 100 blades for $9.99
- Subscription option for refills? No
Why the Right Razors Matter to Professionals
Many people are rushing out the door in the morning, and some try to squeeze in a shave before they go. To get a smooth, comfortable, close shave, choose a razor that’s right for you—because no one wants to show up at work red-faced from razor burn, or worse, with nicks and cuts dotting their skin. When you want to look polished and professional, the right razor matters.
How We Tested and Selected the Best Men’s Razors
Here’s how we chose our lineup.
Shaving Performance
We looked at how well each razor performed, noting how many passes it took to get a clean shave. We were looking for razors that offered a close shave with minimal effort.
Comfort
Even though shaving shouldn’t be rushed, we know many people are in a hurry when they use their razor. So we looked for options that were comfortable to grip and hold and that felt good in the hand during use.
Cleaning and Maintenance
Testers also shared whether they found cleaning and maintenance easy or difficult, noting whether hair came out of the blades easily or not.
Value
What matters most in a razor varies from person to person, but cost often plays a role. Here’s the price breakdown of each product we tested.
How to Find the Best Razor for You
If you’re in the market for a new razor, here are some tips to ensure you choose the best one for you.
Your Skin Type
Consider your skin type and whether you require certain features that might be best suited for that particular skin type. For example, if you have sensitive skin, you might want a sharp razor that offers a close shave on the first pass.
Frequency of Use
Some people shave daily, while others may shave on a weekly basis. Some razors we tested were designed specifically for more frequent use, so if you don’t shave often you’ll want to make sure you choose a razor that can handle thicker stubble.
Preferred Razor Style
We primarily tested manual razors with replaceable cartridges, but if you’re someone who prefers electric, we included a recommendation for that, too. Additionally, think about whether you’re more comfortable with a razor that has a pivoting or flexible blade, versus one with a fixed angle. We tested both, and both performed well, but if you prefer a razor with more movement, choose accordingly.
Subscription Options
Some of the razors we tested offer subscriptions for purchasing cartridges (replacement blades), so if that’s important to you, make sure to choose one of those brands.
What to Avoid in Men’s Razors
Here are some things to watch for when purchasing a razor:
- Dull blades: Make sure blades are sharp, as dull blades can lead to nicks, cuts, and discomfort.
- Poor grip: It’s essential that you have a firm and comfortable grip when using a razor, so models with rubber handles or other ergonomic features can be helpful.
- Expensive replacement cartridges: You want to make sure to replace cartridges in a timely manner, rather than overusing a blade. Cost can sometimes be a deterrent to getting new blades, or it can sometimes cause people to use an older blade for a longer period of time, so make sure that whichever razor you buy offers replacement cartridges at a price point that fits your budget.
Fortune’s Final Thoughts
The Gillette Fusion5 ProGlide razor was extremely comfortable to use and resulted in an unusually clean, nick-free shave for our tester. We found that it adapted well to facial contours, and it also felt secure to hold thanks to the rubber grip, making this our top-recommended men’s razor. We’d recommend it for professionals looking for a clean, comfortable shave, especially for those prone to nicks and cuts—as this model handled facial curves very well.
Frequently asked questions
Are electric razors better for sensitive skin?
Electric razors often have some kind of guard between the blade and your skin, which can result in fewer nicks and cuts—and even less razor burn. However, the trade-off is that sometimes you won’t get as close a shave. For people with highly sensitive skin, an electric razor might be preferable if a manual razor proves too irritating.
How often should men replace razor blades?
According to Gillette’s website, daily shavers should change blades every week, while occasional shavers should change blades every 10 to 12 shaves. If you have sensitive skin, you may need to change blades more often—as a sharper blade can help reduce irritation—and people with thicker or coarser hair may need to change blades more often as well because that can dull blades more quickly.
What is the difference between a razor and an electric shaver?
A manual razor has an exposed blade, while an electric shaver has a blade that’s usually located behind a guard or foil, so it’s not directly exposed. That’s why a manual razor generally produces a closer shave, while an electric shaver may not result in as close a shave, but it may lead to fewer nicks and cuts.