When buying an electric shaver, the noise it might produce is an often overlooked, but impactful source of annoyance, discomfort, and distraction.
While we can’t make the whole world run more quietly, simple changes – like opting for a quieter electric shaver – can make a big difference in your life.
Today, we’re talking about why investing in a quiet electric shaver is the best choice for you – and the people who live with you – and to give our top low noise electric razor recommendations.
Let’s discuss, but first…
Best low noise electric shaver pick: Philips S9000 Prestige
The Downsides of a Noisy Electric Shaver
Few of us have the luxury of preparing for the day without regard for how much noise we make.
Bathrooms are often found in close proximity to bedrooms, and the irritating buzz of a noisy electric shaver could easily disturb the slumber of your partner, flatmate, or child.
As a Dad, I always do my best not to wake my child in the morning, as I know the importance of sleep for brain health and development.
My current electric shaver emits low decibels – to the relief of my family – but finding the right inaudible shaving tool took some trial and error.
Furthermore, science has shown that loud noise is detrimental to brain function. Research from the University of Texas demonstrated the negative impact of noise on speech processing, impairing the brain’s ability to distinguish and comprehend words.
Hardly a good way to start the day, and you sure wouldn’t want to send your kids to school tiered from your loud electric shaver waking them at the crack of dawn!
As if that weren’t enough, repeated, or prolonged noise exposure damages the microscopically small hair cells of the inner ear, leading to noise-induced hearing loss (NIHL).
Even if damage doesn’t occur, noise sensitivity can make the drone of a noisy electric shaver intolerable. Even if your house is empty, holding a noisy electric shaver close to your ear can be very uncomfortable.
Foil vs Rotary Electric Shavers for Noise Pollution
There exist two types of electric shaver – foil and rotary. Though both accomplish the same task, they do so by different means of operation. Each type of shaver has its own functional advantages.
Foil shavers feature straight-walled, rectangular shaving heads, covered by a curved section of thin, micro-perforated mesh foil.
It’s through these perforations that facial hair gets pulled, exposing it to the cutting elements beneath. The foil protects skin and allows foil shavers to provide a close, precise shave.
However, this type of electric shaver is best suited to finer, straighter, and less dense facial hair.
Men whose beards grow quickly, thickly, and in different directions, may struggle to achieve optimal results with a foil shaver.
What’s worse is that a lot of them buzz, loudly, and sound something like a lawn mower getting dragged over a pebble beach while shaving.
Rotary shavers are distinguished by their independently rotating, circular shaving heads – usually three – in which internal cutting elements are housed.
Hair is pulled through small, angular slits – typically arranged in concentric circles – and cut by rapidly moving, scissor-like blades. Rotary shavers allow for greater coverage of challenging contours – the neckline, jaw, and chin – providing better results for men with thick, fast-growing beards.
So, What’s the Quietest Type of Electric Shaver?
We’ll cut right to the chase – Rotary shavers are far and away the quietest type of electric shaver.
The cutting elements in a foil shaver are driven by extremely fast motors, cycling at between ten and fourteen thousand times per minute.
But wait – isn’t faster better?
Not always. That speed comes at the cost of noise.
Rapid movements produce irritating, higher-pitched tones, to which the human ear is especially sensitive.
The cutting elements in a rotary shaver move more slowly – around 1,000 times per minute – generating a relatively gentle low-pitched hum.
Additionally, the reciprocating blades found in a foil shaver are multidirectional, oscillating the motor shaft, and creating a loud, powerful vibration. The circular blades found in a rotary shaver travel a shorter distance, turning in only one direction. The result is fewer vibrations and a relative lack of audible resonance.
Low Noise Electric Shaver – Our Recommendations
Choosing an electric shaver isn’t easy – unless you’ve read our best electric shaver recommendation – then it’s really easy. Numerous factors, including noise level, build quality, performance, and brand reputation must be considered.
Philips produces some of the world’s finest – and quietest – electric shavers. You’ll find a slew of great features in Philips’ high-quality Series 5000 and Series 7000 models. Ergonomic Handles
All Philips Series 5000 and 7000 electric shavers feature heavily contoured handles, which transition from a narrow base, to a flared mid-body, tapered centre, and sloped upper section. This functional styling allows for excellent control, perfectly positioning the shaver heads against the face. Rubberized, textured sections enhance the comfortable handles, providing additional grip.
5-direction Flex Heads
Philips shavers, with their three, independently rotating 5-direction Flex Heads, provide maximum coverage, closely cutting even dense, stubborn, flat-lying facial hair that grows in different directions. A strong jawline or protuberant chin is no match for a Philips rotary shaver.
MultiPrecision Blade System
Designed to raise and cut both long and short hairs, then shear off any remaining stubble, the Philips MultiPrecision Blade System makes quick work of challenging facial hair.
Aquatec Wet & Dry
Though Philips rotary shavers provide a comfortable shave when used dry, patented Aquatec Wet & Dry technology means that Series 5000 and 7000 models can be used with gel or foam – even in the shower, for the ultimate in comfort, closeness, and convenience.
Battery level Indicators and Long Runtimes
Philips’ integrated, intuitive displays – embedded on the front of Series 5000 and 7000 shavers – provide information about battery status, cleaning, travel lock, and more. And with 40 to 50 minutes of runtime per 1-hour charge, these lithium-ion powered electric shavers will keep you looking your best, all week long.
Powerful Performance That’s Easy on the Ears
If you want ergonomics, speed, close-cutting performance – and a quiet shave – it’s hard to go wrong with the Philips Series 5000 shaver and Series 7000 electric shavers.
A wide variety of models means plenty of options to choose from, and the smooth rotary action is as easy on the skin as it is on the ears.