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Say goodbye to irritation and ingrown hairs and say hello to smoother skin.

Like getting a haircut, shaving isn't a one-size-fits-all process, but having the right tools—namely a good razor— can make the job a whole lot easier. There are loads of razor options for all kinds of skin types and grooming styles, and they're available at a wide range of price points, too. Considering that shaving is a daily activity for many people, it's definitely worth giving some serious thought to your razor choice before you buy.

These days, you have a choice of everything from old-school straight razors and traditional safety razors to electric razors with special attachments and features. Read on for our recommendations, plus a few things to consider before you shop.

There are a lot of razors on the market, and deciding on the right one for you will depend on how you like to shave, your hair's thickness and how fast it grows, and how sensitive your skin is, plus the style of facial or body hair you prefer. Here's an overview of the essentials you need to know.

Straight razors and some safety razors have retro charm and are good for a close shave, but there's a learning curve if you've never used one before. Cartridge razors are an easy-to-use alternative that provide a smooth, comfortable shave with multiple blades—typically between three and five—on the head. Electric razors are good for trimming beards and for a quick shave to clean up stubble.

If you're combating thick and coarse hair or need more coverage, an electric razor and trimmer will be less tedious and quicker than going at it with a single-blade manual razor, and some electric razors come with attachments to help you maintain your style. That said, there are also some multi-blade cartridge razors out there that'll get the job done nearly as efficiently, and we've covered a few of those below. For those with thinner facial hair or hair that grows only in spots, any single- or multi-blade razors will likely do; however, if you have sensitive or dry skin, look for features like lubrication strips and pivoting heads to cut down on nicks.

How frequently you shave will depend on how quickly your hair grows and the style you like to keep. Maintaining intentional stubble requires a lot less time than staying clean-shaven for someone who gets a 5 o’clock shadow every afternoon. If you’re looking to maintain some hair growth on your face or body and aren’t shaving daily, an electric razor with guard attachments will be your best bet. If you’re a daily shaver, a straight or cartridge razor will suit your needs better.

To determine the best razors on the market, we first considered razor users' various shaving needs, from fully removing leg, underarm, or facial hair to maintaining a well-groomed beard. The razors you'll find below include a variety of blade types, attachments, and finishes, and range in price from budget-friendly models to higher-end ones. All of our picks are customer favorites, as well, with each boasting an average user rating of at least 4 out of 5 stars.

Looking for more great personal grooming tools? Check out our stories on the best beard trimmers, the best nose hair trimmers, and the best body groomers.

Harry’s five-blade Winston razor is our top pick for overall quality and performance, its excellent price point, and the convenience of its subscription-based cartridge replacement model. The razor features a German-engineered, Swedish steel-hinge blade and a sleek ergonomic handle with a rubberized grip, plus it’s perfectly weighted.

This set includes one chrome razor, an extra cartridge, and a razor cover for travel. We also happen to love Harry's line of affordable skincare, like the foaming shave gel and the shave cream with cooling eucalyptus.

Traditionalists will love retro appeal of this exceptional razor from M. Mühle. The German company knows a thing or two about shaving products (it's been around for more than 75 years), and every component of their high-quality double-edge razor is handcrafted.

Their double-edge black-and-chrome safety razor features a closed-tooth comb, angled head, and a weighty, solid chrome handle with a jet-black grip. With its elegant silhouette and classic details, the result is practically a work of art.

Having an electric shaver in your arsenal of grooming products is essential for quick cleanups, and it's tough to beat the versatility that Philips Norelco OneBlade delivers. It effectively eliminates stubble without irritating skin and won't cause ingrown hairs, plus you can use it either wet or dry.

It comes with blades for the face and body, four stubble combs and one body comb, and a protective cap, and it's said to run for up to 60 minutes on a single charge.

This razor from Schick is a go-to if you have dry skin—or want some extra hydration in winter. Each of the five blades has a skin guard lubricated with Japanese rice bran oil, plus the razor features a flip-back trimmer for neatening up 5 o’clock shadow, including stubble under the nose.

There’s a nonslip grip on the handle and the razor is said to leave skin moisturized for two hours post-shave.

The Truman is another great five-blade razor from Harry's, with a lower price point than the Winston. It features a weighted core and comfortable, ergonomic two-tone handle that's available in several bright colors, plus a textured grip.

Like all the brand's razors, the blade is German-engineered from Swedish steel, and this value-packed set includes two extra blade cartridges, a protective cover, and a 4-ounce bottle of their foaming shave gel.

This handsome traditional straight razor is crafted with German carbon steel and a black handle made from ebony. The standard 5/8-inch-thick blade is attached on both sides and features a rounded tip and detailing in 24-karat gold. You'll need to pat the blade dry after each use, but the upkeep is well worth the investment. The razor is also available in other blade lengths and handle finishes, and makes a great gift.

If you have a thick, coarse beard and skin that's prone to ingrown hairs and razor bumps, this option from Bevel is your best bet. The double-edged safety razor is made of chrome-plated brass and nicely weighted to glide across skin for a close shave without irritation. It's sold singly or in a set that comes with a shaving brush, and the brand also has a complete shaving skincare line, including shave cream and after-shave balm.

This heated five-blade razor from Gillette is a game-changer for those seeking a hot-towel shave on the daily. It's completely waterproof so you can take it in the shower, it warms up quickly, and there's a button on the handle for temperature adjustment. Plus, the razor head flexes left and right to contour to your face for an extra-close shave and features textured, grippy sides. The set includes a wireless charger with a magnetic dock and two razor cartridge refills.

Newbie shavers need a razor with an especially forgiving design to avoid cuts, and this one from Merkur fits the bill. It features a fixed blade and heavily weighted, extra-thick short handle to prevent slipping and provide steady control, plus it has a well-textured grip. The blades (sold separately) are inexpensive and each are wax-paper-wrapped for extra safety.