Robb Recommends: The Pint-Sized Electric Shaver That Punches Above Its Weight

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Welcome to Robb Recommends, a regular series in which our editors and contributors endorse something they’ve tried and loved—and think will change your life for the better.

I’ve generally been skeptical of electric face shavers. In my experience, they’ve often been bulky, plastic gadgets—far from aesthetically pleasing—that feel disposable and rarely live up to their promises. Although it’s time-consuming, applying shave cream and using a manual razor has always provided the best results. So, I was intrigued when Panasonic invited me to test its new ARC5 Palm-Sized Electric Shaver, given its reputation as a top-tier electric shave brand.

When I first got the device in my hands, my skepticism turned to enthusiasm. This has been a game-changer for my shaving routine. It doesn’t just rethink the aesthetics of an electric shaver, bringing serious style to your sink; it also delivers a highly satisfying shave via its advanced linear motor and precision Japanese blades.

First, let’s talk about the fantastic design. The ARC5 is nothing like the clunky, plastic electric shavers you’d find in a big-box store. While it’s available in matte black, the white version stands out with a body made from Nagori, a material derived from sea minerals. It feels like cool carbon fiber but presents like marble, and despite its palm-held size, has a substantial weight. Unlike traditional handheld shavers that are awkward and bulky, the ergonomic design fits nicely in your palm. It’s oddly satisfying to use, almost like giving your face a massage and turning a mundane task into something to look forward to. And it’s not just about aesthetics—the reimagined design reduces plastic usage by 40 percent compared to Panasonic’s conventional grooming products.

The ARC5’s performance is just as impressive. Foil razors use sharp blades and an ultra-thin outer foil to cut hairs as close to the skin as possible, maintaining a delicate balance where the blades don’t touch your skin directly but oscillate behind a metal screen. The ARC5 elevates this concept with its five-blade system and hypoallergenic Japanese stainless-steel blades, which glide smoothly across your face, delivering a close, precise shave. It is powered by a high-performance linear motor that can easily handle dense hair and stubble alike. While I had to go over my stubble a few times, the ARC5 conforms to your skin more effectively than any other foil shaver I’ve used.

It’s also designed with convenience and portability in mind. It comes with a sleek, zippered leather carrying case that’s as stylish as the razor itself, making it easy to toss into your gym bag or suitcase without taking up much space. It easily withstands splashes, and has a waterproofness rating that means you can drop it in a full sink for up to 30 minutes before it has issues. That means you can shave in or out of the shower, with or without foam. It supports USB-C charging and provides up to 50 minutes of battery life on a single charge, so you can power up wherever you use your phone or tablet. Cleaning is easy—just run it under water or use the included brush, and the provided oil helps keep the blades lubricated. While you’ll eventually need to sharpen the blades, these accessories will help ensure they perform smoothly for years.

An electric razor will never truly match the closeness of a manual shave, so if you’re after that ultra-smooth finish every time, this might not be your best bet. However, if you need a quick, efficient, and satisfying shave or simply want an electric option in your grooming arsenal, the ARC5 should be your go-to. Yes, it comes with a premium price tag, but you get an exceptionally well-designed tool that feels more like an Art Deco piece you’d be proud to display by your sink. With its Japanese-crafted blades, powerful linear motor, hand-held contouring design, portability, and handsome looks, it’s an investment that’s hard to pass up.