I Tested Dozens of Razors. These Are the Best for the Smoothest Shave

Razors are personal. It comes down to your routine, hair type, and the shave you’re after. I’ve been a grooming editor for over a decade. I’ve tested just about every razor out there, and while I’ve got my go-to for daily shaves, what works for me might not be your match. Some guys prefer classic cartridge razors for ease and reliability. Others enjoy the close ritual of a safety razor. Meanwhile, a select few swear by straight razors that deliver a barbershop-level finish. No matter the circumstances, there’s a best razor for your hair type, skin, and comfort level.Frauke Neuser, Ph.D., senior director of scientific communications for global grooming and shave care at Proctor & Gamble, notes that shaving isn’t just about grooming. It’s also tied to confidence and lifestyle. “Shaving is an integral part of many men’s daily grooming habits and goes beyond the purely functional effort to deliver broader well-being benefits,” Neuser says. “The best razor isn’t just effective and safe; it should also be comfortable to use.”Thanks to smart innovations from today’s top shave brands, the best razors now come loaded with skin-friendly tech, sharp blades, ergonomic handles, and high-end materials. We’ve rounded up eight of the best razors on the market, but our top pick, Gillette Labs Razor With Exfoliating Bar leaves skin smooth and clean for a great price. Men’s Journal aims to feature only the best products and services. We update when possible, but deals expire and prices can change. If you buy something via one of our links, we may earn a commission.For more of the 2025 Men’s Journal Grooming Awards, check out our lists of the best conditioner, best acne treatment, and best body lotion.Related: Best Shaving Cream for Men to Get a Closer Shave in 2025Best Razors of 2025 at a GlanceBest Razor Overall: Gillette Labs Razor With Exfoliating BarBest Safety Razor: Supply The Single Edge MaxBest Razor for a Smooth Shave: Harry’s Original Chrome HandlesBest Razor for Sensitive Skin: Schick Hydro Sensitive RazorBest Travel Razor: Dollar Shave Club 3-in-1 Freestyler Electric Trimmer/RazorBest Straight Razor: The Art of Shaving Black 5/8 Blade Round Straight RazorBest Razor for Thick Hair: Merkur 39C Double Edge Safety Razor Best Disposable Razor: Bic Flex 5 RazorThe Best Razors for the Smoothest Shave Best Overall Razor: Gillette Labs Razor With Exfoliating Bar

Gillette Labs Razor with Exfoliating BarCourtesy Image

If you’re after a close, smooth shave, Gillette Labs Razor With Exfoliating Bar is a great choice. It includes Gillette’s Next Generation Blade Tech: ultra-thin blades with a diamond-like coating that requires less pressure to shave. The blades are thicker up front to tackle coarse hair and taper off to minimize irritation. I’m a cartridge guy, and these glided over my stubble effortlessly. The strip got an upgrade with better lubricants, and there’s an exfoliating bar that sweeps away debris and lifts hairs before the blades even touch your face. What really sold me, though, was the new FlexDisc pivot—it moves side to side, not just up and down, contouring to your face and giving your forefinger a resting spot while shaving.The metal handle feels premium, with excellent grip and satisfying weight, and the sleek stand is a nice bonus. And all this—razor, two cartridges, and stand—costs les than $20. Best Safety Razor: Supply The Single Edge Max

If you prefer safety razors, try Supply The Single Edge Max.Courtesy Image

I’ve generally found safety razors a bit tricky. To me, it’s too easy to press too hard and end up with nicks. Yet somehow, they’d still miss spots, which is frustrating because they historically offer a close shave, customizable experience, and niche ritual by which loyal users swear. Supply The Single Edge Max completely changed my perspective. This razor democratizes the safety razor for everyone and minimizes the learning curve. The handle feels substantial and well-balanced, with a lightweight stainless-steel build and sleek, glossy finish. Loading the single-edge blade is intuitive: pop the top, sync it with the included blade dispenser—which has a dial to show when you’re running low—snap it closed, and you’re good to go. The Max also features a pivoting head that contours to your face—something you rarely see in safety razors—and this innovation helps maintain contact while delivering a close shave. There’s even a ribbed edge to guide hair. Supply uses a single-edge blade that’s thicker than your typical cartridge blade, and once I got the hang of it, I was shaving like a safety razor pro. Whether you’re a safety razor beginner or expert, Supply The Single Edge Max offers a well-designed, elevated, and innovative razor at an accessible price.Best Razor for a Smooth Shave: Harry’s Original Chrome Handles

Harry’s Original Chrome Handle is affordable and perfect for a smooth shave.Courtesy Image

Harry’s is one of my favorite shave brands. The shaving stalwart has redefined what guys should expect from a cartridge razor, all at a wallet-friendly price. The brand often top lists for best value overall, but what stands out is how ridiculously smooth the shave is. I tested Harry’s Original Chrome Handle (Winston), which has a nice hand feel thanks to its die-cast zinc body and rubberized grip to prevent slippage. But the real star is the razor itself. It glides over stubble like a race car glides over a track. Made in Germany using Swedish steel, the blades deliver a slick, close shave, with a flex hinge that contours to your face and a lubricating strip that adds extra glide.It’s a great deal, too. A pack with two cartridges and a travel cover costs less than $15. Best Razor for Sensitive Skin: Schick Hydro Sensitive Razor

To prevent nicks and razor burn on your sensitive skin, use Schick Hydro Sensitive Razor.Courtesy Image

If you have sensitive skin, you know how easily many razors—cartridge or safety—can leave you with irritation, razor bumps, or post-shave burn. I’ve learned that changing blades more frequently and using a soothing shave cream with aloe helps, but the razor itself is important, too. Schick Hydro Sensitive Razor is impressive. It goes beyond the typical lubricating strip with seven cushioning gel pools built right into the guard. They’re packed with aloe and pro-vitamin B5 to moisturize and create a protective layer before the blades even touch your skin. It also has smart shock-absorption tech that automatically adjusts to pressure thanks to a pivoting head that feels like it has a suspension system. After a few shaves, I had zero irritation.Best Travel Razor: Dollar Shave Club 3-in-1 Freestyler Electric Trimmer and Razor

Dollar Shave Club 3-in-1 Freestyler Electric Trimmer and Razor is the ultimate travel companion.Courtesy Image

We’ve all been here: You arrive at your destination, unzip your Dopp kit, and, damn, you forgot your razor. As a consequence, you buy a questionable disposable one that’ll probably wreak havoc on your skin. To avoid that situation, Dollar Shave Club 3-in-1 Freestyler Electric Trimmer and Razor is an absolute travel essential. One end gives you a reliable, close manual shave with its sharp blades and a built-in lubricant strip, while the other end features an electric trimmer for shaping stubble, cleaning up sideburns, or touching up anywhere else. It even offers up to 60 minutes of runtime and charges via USB-C, so it’s easy to keep powered up on the go. For your upcoming summer travels, carry this hybrid hero in your weekend bag—you’ll be glad you did.Best Straight Razor: The Art of Shaving Black 5/8 Blade Round Straight Razor

The Art of Shaving Black 5/8 Blade Round Straight Razor isn’t for beginners, but skilled users will love it.Courtesy Image

Straight razor shaves aren’t a beginner’s territory. They take skill to master, and many guys, myself included, are better off leaving them to a seasoned barber. Still, straight razors have loyal fans, and The Art of Shaving Black 5/8 Blade Round Straight Razor is a standout.The price might give pause, but considering that cartridge and safety razor costs add up over time, it makes sense as a long-term investment. Made by DOVO, a legendary German brand behind some of the world’s finest blades, this razor features a half-hollow carbon steel blade that’s razor-thin, sharp, and easy to maintain. The resin handle is more durable than wood and resistant to moisture and temperature changes. It’s an heirloom tool you could pass down. Just keep in mind that upkeep matters, so keep the blade sharp. Straight razors aren’t for everyone, but if you’re going for it, you might as well go all in with something sharp, precise, and made to last. Best Razor for Thick Hair: Merkur 39C Double Edge Safety Razor

Merkur 39C Double Edge Safety Razor is a heavy-duty razor that’ll stand the test of time.Courtesy Image

Merkur, a German brand, has been crafting top-tier tools since 1896. If you’ve got a thick beard, Merkur 39C Double Edge Safety Razor, nicknamed “sledgehammer” by fans, is one of the best you can have in your grooming arsenal. Its slant bar angles the blade just right to slice through coarse stubble with less tugging, giving you a clean, smooth shave. It’s a hefty razor, but that weight works in your favor as gravity does the heavy lifting. You don’t need to press down too hard, which is key when tackling dense growth. Its long handle offers better control and leverage, especially around tricky spots like the jawline or neck. Best Disposable Razor: Bic Flex 5 Razor

If you’re going to go the disposable route, purchase Bic Flex 5 Razor.Courtesy Image

While I wouldn’t recommend relying on a disposable razor for everyday use both for the sake of your skin and the planet, there are moments when having one on hand makes sense. Think about when guests stay over, when you’re traveling and need something quick, or when you want a low-effort option for the shower. We’ve all suffered through those flimsy two-blade disposables with no lubricating strip and plenty of facial tugging, but Bic Flex 5 is a different story. It’s surprisingly close in performance to a cartridge razor, with five ultra-thin blades that provide a smooth, clean shave and hold up better than you’d expect. There’s a solid lubricating strip to ease the glide, too, but the real standout is the pivoting head that hugs your face’s curves. That’s something you never see on a disposable. Additionally, the handle is weighty with a rubberized grip that feels solid in your hand. If you’re going to keep a few disposables around, make it these as they’re the most elevated option for the price.Related: Best Electric Razors for Men of 2024 to Trim Head to ToeHow to Choose the Right Razor for You”Identifying the best razor is a personal choice,” says Neuser. From growth patterns and hair density to skin type and shaving habits, every man is different. Regardless, a quality razor from a trusted brand is important for everyone, Neuser says. So when you’re deciding on the best razor for your needs, here’s what you need to consider.Cartridge, Safety, or StraightCartridge razors, safety razors, and straight razors offer effective shaving results, but each comes with trade-offs in convenience, skill level, and maintenance. Cartridge razors are the most modern and user-friendly, engineered with three to five blades, pivoting heads, ergonomic handles, lubricating strips, and sometimes exfoliating bars. “They’re the most highly engineered razors,” Neuser says, ideal for frequent shavers who prioritize speed and comfort. Safety razors appeal to those who enjoy a more hands-on, traditional shave: “They’ve seen renewed interest in recent years,” Neuser says. A single blade offers excellent control and cost-effective replacement blades, though they require more technique. “Hold the razor handle at approximately 30 degrees,” she advises, “so the blade is positioned at an optimal angle to the skin.” Straight razors go further in tradition and a close shave but require precision, blade sharpening, and maintenance. Although we included a stellar disposable option, they’re not ideal. They’re best for guests, traveling, or quick shower shaves—not long-term use.Handle Design“Like with all manual tools, the properties of the handle are fundamental,” says Neuser. A well-designed handle can significantly improve control and comfort—especially in wet or steamy environments—which helps reduce the risk of nicks or slips. “Depending on where, when, and how often you shave, features like non-slip handle textures and other ergonomic design elements are beneficial,” Neuser says. Handles come in various materials, including metal for durability and weight, rubber grips for secure handling, and plastic for a lighter, often more affordable option.Blade Type”Whether a multi-blade or single safety razor blade, looking at blade quality can often give a better indication of their performance than just the blade count or price,” says Neuser. “While most blades are made from stainless steel, the complex process of shaping the blade edge and applying microscopic layers of other metals and carbon determines their quality.”Single-edge safety razors use thicker blades that last longer but typically cost more and are easier to learn than double-edge razors, which use thinner, dual-edged blades and require more technique. “The thinner the blade, the sharper it typically is, and the less force is required to cut hair—but that also means it’s more fragile,” Neuser says. Ultimately, find the balance of thinness and durability that suits your shaving needs.How I Picked the Best RazorsWhether you’re spending $15 or $150, I aimed to provide the most informed recommendation possible. After over a decade covering the grooming market, I can vouch for the brands in this guide. I tested most of them over multiple shaves, paying attention to everything from razor glide and handle grip to closeness and how my skin felt afterward. Why You Should Trust MeIn addition to writing for Men’s Journal, I have covered topics ranging from menswear, fragrances, grooming, and style for GQ, InsideHook, Robb Report, Esquire, and Men’s Health. I served as the market editor at Esquire for several years, scouring the industry for the best garments and goods that were worth the investment. I also conceptualized and wrote many fragrance stories for Esquire and most grooming pages. See Full List of Winners From Men’s Journal 2025 Grooming AwardsRelated: Best Cologne for Men to Smell Your Best