3 pressure sensitive shaving elements that allow for a clean, close shave. The Panasonic Arc6 has a slew of features—a six-razor head, nearly 7-hour tested runtime and an … [+] impressive 22-position head pivot—to make it worthy of the best upgrade razor award. Lastly, if my partner were writing this article, the Philips Norelco 9800 rotary razor would be the top winner.
All the Braun shaver models belonging to a particular series and generation will have identical shaving performance. The more advanced and more expensive Braun series have specialized cutting elements (in addition to the basic foils) for capturing and cutting more difficult facial hair. Wirecutter is the product recommendation service from The New York Times. Our journalists combine independent research with (occasionally) over-the-top testing so you can make quick and confident buying decisions.
Most shavers are rinsable, and you can easily clean them under water with a quick brush of the foils. Some, like the Braun Series 7 and 9 models we recommend, come with cleaning stations. Generally, replacement cleaning cartridges last about three months and cost a little over $5 each if you buy them in six-packs. You should also follow the manufacturer’s instructions for replacing foils and cutting blocks. Braun recommends replacement every 18 months (the block and foil come as a single unit, running about $30 for the Series 7 and $50 for the Series 9); Philips Norelco and Remington recommend annual replacement. Modern electric razors can deliver impressively close shaves, but they can’t quite match the closeness of manual razors.
If you want the closest possible shave with an electric razor, Braun shavers are probably not the best option. With most Braun electric razors you are supposed to replace the head every 18 months. All Series 3 ProSkin models are waterproof and braun shavers very easy to clean manually with warm tap water and (optionally) some liquid hand soap. I wouldn’t really consider a cc Series 3 ProSkin with a cleaning station because those are a lot more expensive than the solo shavers like the 3040s.
You won’t get as close a shave, you’ll be more prone to nicks and cuts, and you’ll have to replace your blades more often. While several of our favorite electric razors on this list come with a trimming attachment, the Andis Slimline Pro’s design is fully dedicated to trimming. As a professional-grade tool, it can outperform any trimmer attachment, and it’s simple enough to use at home. The Panasonic ARC6 Electric Shaver is arguably the most advanced and premium shaver on the market. To help contour to the shape of your face and neck, each part of the Braun Series 9 Pro+ head moves freely to comfortably contact your skin. You can also use the precision switch to lock the head in place at your desired position.
You should simply get the S7 that meets your requirements (for example, if you want a cleaning station, you would get one of the cc models). Precisely, any Series 6 model, be it an s, cs, or cc, will work with a compatible cleaning station. The visual similarities are obvious, the shavers look and feel the same and the shaving performance is really close. The Series 6 family of electric razors debuted alongside the braun electric shavers Series 5 50 above and as we’ll see, it is extremely similar in many regards. It is similar to the Series 3 ProSkin 32b shaving head, and I actually prefer the Series 3 head since it’s the slimmest 3-blade head I’ve ever used and a lot nimbler and easier to use. Some even came with a more advanced station that would check the hygiene status of the shaver and choose an appropriate cleaning program (like the 5090cc).
With a long-lasting Li-Ion battery, now up to 18% longer with Gentle Mode. Hold the next generation of luxury shavers in the palm of your hand, and feel the power of cutting through a 7 day beard in one stroke. If you want a grooming tool that’s going to stand the test of time, it’s worth investing in one from a reputable brand. The top four devices on my list each cost more than $100—from the BaByliss Pro at $140 to the Panasonic Arc6 at $340—and you can really notice the elevated quality. Plus, Braun, BaByliss, Philips Norelco and Panasonic all offer a 2-year warranty for manufacturing and material issues, ensuring the longevity of your device. It’s setting the standard for other brands and far outpaces its predecessor, which itself remains one of the best in class.
The new Series 7 (7085cc) feels effortless, even in hard-to-shave areas like your Adam’s apple or jawline. The Braun Series 7 can “read” the density of your beard, automatically adjusting its power to give you the closest shave ever. Our top pick is Braun’s Series 9 Pro Plus, which can give you a close, personalized shave that’s worth the investment. For a more affordable option, our budget pick also comes from Braun, as the slightly older Series 7 model still stands the test of time and is a super high-quality option. If you are preparing for a trip or prefer not to mess with changing razor cartridges, disposable razors may be the right choice for you. Select Braun products are available for same day pick up at most locations.
You’ve probably guessed it by now, but in order to have a better chance at addressing the two aforementioned weaknesses, we shouldn’t overlook Braun’s main competitor in the foil camp, Panasonic. However, you may not need to change it if it still cuts the hair reasonably well. Also, if it has a protective cap, try to only use it while traveling or when there’s a real risk of damaging the foils.