Info from Consumer Reports.
Hey Mark, here's a clip Consumer Reports Jan. 2007
Sorry about the long post.
Quick Picks
Best overall value:
Braun FreeControl 1775 $40 CR Best Buy (foil shaver)
Remington Microflex 600 $70 CR Best Buy (rotary shaver)
The Braun FreeControl gives a very good shave, can be used corded or cordless, recharges in just an hour, has a quick-charge feature that allows for one emergency shave, and can be rinsed clean. But it can't be left plugged in without damaging the battery and doesn't have a charge indicator. The Remington Microflex 600 shaves well and is rinsable. It's quiet, can be left plugged in, and has a recharge warning light as well as a battery that lasts a long time between charges. But it takes 12 hours to fully recharge and can't be used with a cord or overseas without a transformer.
If you like to shave in the shower or use creams or gels:
Philips Norelco Cool Skin $70 (rotary shaver)
The Phillips Norelco Cool Skin rotary shaver is the only men's shaver that can be used wet or dry. It can also dispense creams or gels from separately purchased packets, and is easy to clean. But its shave was only adequate. Moreover, it takes 12 hours to recharge, can't be used to shave with its electrical cord, and is only one of two tested shavers without a long-hair trimmer.
If you're willing to pay more for a closer shave or extra features:
Braun 360° Complete $170 (foil shaver)
Philips Norelco Smart Touch XL $150 (rotary shaver)
The Braun 360° Complete had the highest score of any tested razor and was the only one with an excellent shave. It recharges in just an hour, works overseas, and can be used with or without its electrical cord. It comes with a self-cleaning system that pumps a sterilizing solution through the cutters, has a recharge warning light, and the quick-charge feature. But it is one of only three shavers we tested that can't be rinsed clean if you don't use the cleaning system, and is the most expensive shaver we tested (plus an additional $6 per month for the cleaning solution).
The Philips Norelco Smart Touch didn't shave quite as well as the Braun 360°, but it had the longest battery life (119 minutes, or about 24 to 40 shaves) of any shaver in our tests. It also costs a little less than the Braun 360° and is quieter and maybe a touch easier to clean on the road, since it can be rinsed. The Smart Touch also has a battery-level indicator, charges reasonably quickly, and can be used with a cord and overseas. But it can't be left plugged in without damaging the battery.