The Babyliss X-Blade is a stylish rival to the Philips OneBlade

I’ve used plenty of electric shavers and trimmers over the years, and am yet to find a sleek option that manages to do a good job. But the new Babyliss X-Blade looks like a stylish contender in the space currently dominated by the ever-present Philips OneBlade. This one’s part of Babyliss’s Super-X Metal Series, which looks every bit as slick as the name suggests.

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The Babyliss X-Blad has clean lines, a minimalist design that actually belongs on your shelf, and a lightweight body that won’t drag down your hand mid-shave. It’s the kind of grooming kit you imagine a very well-put-together person would own. You can tell how slim it is because I thought it was an uber-fancy disposable at first.

What sets this apart, at least on paper, is its blade. This thing’s got a 0.2mm precision steel blade that’s sharp enough to leave a whisper of a shave while still claiming to keep your skin from turning into an angry tomato. And with a head that flexes 50 degrees, it apparently hugs your face closer than your nan at Christmas.

Battery life is decent too – up to 45 minutes from a three-hour charge, thanks to a lithium-ion battery. It’s waterproof, so you’re covered whether you dry shave or make a splash. And with four different comb guides, you can go from designer stubble to “I might actually grow this out” with minimal faff.

The Babyliss X-Blade is going for £80 and is available directly from the brand. You can also pick it up at third-party retailers like Boots, Argos and John Lewis. Replacement blades cost approximately £20. Unfortunately, there’s no US pricing as of yet.

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Connor Jewiss

About

Connor is a writer for Stuff, working across the magazine and the Stuff.tv website. He has been writing for around nine years now across the web and in print too. Connor has attended the biggest tech expos, including CES, MWC, and IFA – with contributions as a judge on panels at them. He's also been interviewed as a technology expert on TV and radio by national news outlets including France24. Connor has experience with most major platforms, though does hold a place in his heart for macOS, iOS/iPadOS, electric vehicles, and smartphone tech. Just like everyone else around here, he's a fan of gadgets of all sorts. Aside from writing, Connor is involved in the startup and venture capital scene, which puts him at the front of new and exciting tech - he is always on the lookout for innovative products.

Areas of expertise

Mobile, macOS, EVs, smart home