Braun is a German brand founded in 1921 by Max Braun which actually focused on radio parts in the beginning.
But over the course of time, Braun started developing electric grooming tools and became a giant in the industry with their highly revered and award winning products!
Right now, the brand has become synonymous with quality electric razors and therefore I feel obligated to rank the best Braun shavers there are at your disposal.
If you scroll through my article, you’ll see I’ve identified the best device from each generation with precise focus on their performance as well as price point!
Contents
Best Braun Shavers: 4 Razors that Transcended Time
In this section, I’ll discuss 4 of the top Braun electric razors that are currently relevant for facial shaving needs and break them down to grant you a better understanding.
| Product | Verdict |
|---|---|
| Braun Series 9 9370cc | Best for Professionals |
| Braun Series 7 7071cc | Best All-Round Shaver |
| Braun Series 5 5018s | Best for Beginners |
| Braun Series 3 Shaver | Best Budget Choice |
Braun Series 9 9370cc Men’s Electric Shaver
Braun Series 9 device is undoubtedly one of the best Braun shavers overall because of all the latest features, high-quality materials and unmatched performance!
Design-wise, the Series 9 houses the most ergonomic handle I’ve ever come across in the line! Despite being made with durable plastic, the razor does offer supreme degrees of grip because of its shape!
Also, the back parts of the handle is reinforced with rubber grips to make sure it’s never slipping out in any condition and even if you operate on someone else’s face.
The five cutting elements comprise one HyperLift & Cut cassette, one Direct & Cut cassette, two OptiFoil meshes and a Skin Guard for enhanced safety.
These altogether grant the most comfortable and irritation-free shaving experience across every sort of skin, hair texture and density.
With the help of Braun’s SyncroSonic technology, all five of these elements work in synergy to maximize the cutting efficiency by creating 10,000 micro vibrations per minute, rendering it a prime tool for professionals!
The motor inside Braun is agile as it can perform up to 40,000 cross cutting actions per minute without ever faltering.
Braun’s AutoSense technology reads beard texture and density to automatically adjust the power that delivers a highly comfortable shaving experience.
Series 9 shaver’s head can tilt and move in 10 different directions with its floating head and the pressure sensitivity of the cutting elements complete contour adaptability over any surface on your skin.
It’s completely waterproof as you can shave in both wet and dry, each showing remarkable similarity in closeness and comfort level.
Also, this waterproof nature allows you to rinse the shaving head if you don’t own a Clean & Charge station. Otherwise, you can simply dock it here for effortless cleaning and maintenance.
You’ll get around 60 minutes of runtime with a full charge and the LED display tells you about battery levels and maintenance requirements.
To improve things, the highly tactile tilt-lock slider locks the floating head in place according to your desire and a pop-up trimmer at the back can refine the edges of your shaving area.
While you may question the high price which is often mentioned by consumers, my opinion is that it’s catered toward professional groomers.
It cuts neatly and super fast, comfortable for almost anyone, can be charged, cleaned and maintained automatically using the dock – all of these are great positives for professionals.
And for home groomers, you’d be getting your money’s worth if you shave daily and want one of the finest electric razors out there on the market right now!
What I Like
- Super comfortable foils allow close shaves
- Highly ergonomic design
- Developed with latest features
What Could be Better
- Pricey
Braun Series 7 7071cc Flex Electric Razor
There’s a vast difference in aesthetics between Braun Series 7 and Series 9 because of the newfound route the brand has obtained with their recently revamped older models.
If I start with the ergonomics, the Series 7 shaver features a leaner handle with a higher degree of ergonomic reinforcements.
It has a rubber thumb rest spot which doesn’t do anything other than offering you additional grip and the overall weight of the Series 7 razor is slightly lighter for convenience.
The differences start to surface once we take a closer look at the cutting elements. Instead of 5, there are three cutting elements comprising two OptiFoils placing a cutting cassette in the middle.
These foils have sharp blades running underneath and the pressure sensitivity as well as hypoallergenic coating mark it down as a great choice to shave over sensitive skins.
Foil elements work only over a beard growth of 3 days or less though, so this is something you must remember to avoid tugs or pulls if you’re looking for a direct clean shave.
The Series 7 has a 24,000 cross cutting actions per minute record, which is quite less than the Series 9 but I can concede that because of the price gap.
In terms of contour adaptation, the Series 7 has interpreted the design quite differently with their 360 Flex Head.
The razor head in this case bends in all directions giving you flexibility and greater control over tighter spots, but sadly there’s no locking mechanism to hold the movement.
This device can shave in both wet and dry conditions. It’s fully waterproof and can be washed thoroughly or used under the shower.
I found wet shaves to provide closer outcomes than dry, maybe it has to do with the lesser number of cutting elements in the design.
The battery life is quite decent, 50 minutes with a full charge with the option for a quick charge to perform a fast shave in the morning.
It has a similar Clean & Charge station like the Series 9 but it comes with less features overall. Additionally, the Series 7 has the same AutoSense technology for motor power adaptability.
One great fact about the shaver is its EasyClick technology which allows you to replace the foil head with a trimmer or body groomer end, making it an all-round device for you.
So overall, Braun Series 7 has indeed been remarkable in many regards – not delivering the performance like the Series 9 but it’s not too far off in my opinion.
What I Like
- Affordable & great price to performance ratio
- Good for sensitive skin
- EasyClick turns it into an all-round grooming tool
What Could be Better
- Floating head cannot be restricted
Braun Series 5 5018s Men’s Electric Shaver
Braun Series 5 has uncanny resemblances with the Series 7 in terms of styling aspects, but it’s much cheaper since some of the latest tech hasn’t been used to cut down on the cost.
If the prices of the Series 9 or Series 7 seem like a big hit on your wallet, the Series 5 is here to offer you similar results and it’s definitely a great tool for beginners!
For starters, it’d be hard for you to differentiate between the ergonomic aspects if you lay your eyes on the device for the first time (disregarding the fact that it’s black colored as opposed to the silver Series 7).
But once you hold it, you’ll realize the materials used in the construction are not very premium, the grip points aren’t as tactile – be that the thumb rest or the rubber padding at the back.
Yet, this cheap feeling doesn’t reflect its performance or durability in any way. The only thing you’ll need is to maintain it regularly, and it’ll keep serving you in the best possible way!
When it comes to the cutting elements, you’ll find the Series 5 shaver going for the same two foils and one cassette design.
But this time, these meshes are SensoFoils – Braun’s previous technology which is slightly less comfortable on skin and can only shave over a 2-day stubble if you’re looking for higher efficiency.
While Braun claims the motor power to be exactly the same as the Series 7, I’d like to differ and my assessment tells me – the Series 5 is slightly underpowered in contrast despite the 24,000 cross cutting actions per minute claim.
You’ll require additional passes with this shaver, especially around the tight areas at your neck since the shaver head doesn’t float.
The only contour adaptive feature here is the pressure sensitive cutting elements. Good news is, you’re still getting the AutoSense tech here (which doesn’t do much).
It has a detailed LED indicator telling you the status of the shaver other than its battery level, so it’s a welcome aspect in a cost-effective device.
Since it’s waterproof, both modes of shaving are possibilities. However, my experience suggests that wet shaves are much more comfortable and caters to elderly men for their soft skins.
Like the Series 7, the same EasyClick feature is available here to instantly swap out the shaver heads for a quick trim.
I was shocked that the Series 7 blades can be swapped with the Series 5 despite belonging to different serial numbers.
There’s an EasyClean feature to directly channel tap water through the vents for a quick clean, but it doesn’t always work. I had to remove the blades for a finer cleaning job.
Battery life is decent, around 45 minutes with a full charge. For what it’s worth, I can confidently announce that the Series 5 is one of the most user-friendly foil shavers out there in the market!
What I Like
- A fine tool to learn foil shaving
- Good price for all the features and shaving quality
- Meant to last a long time with proper care
What Could be Better
- Limited contour adaptation
Braun Electric Series 3 Razor with Precision Trimmer
Braun Series 3 shaver comes off as something anyone could buy since the price tag is a decent one and the device itself has been a consumer favorite for many years up until this point.
Therefore, I can easily recommend the Series 3 to be a budget choice for groomers who are looking for a quality electric razor to do their daily grooming but don’t want to spend that extra money.
Stylistically the Series 3 is a little different as it contains a wider handle but the thickness is covered off by the extended rubber texture.
In general the design feels futuristic despite the shaver being released many years ago as Braun’s latest tool at that time. The handle also has a thumb rest spot but it’s not as tactile as the newer variants of Braun.
The three cutting element design prevailed at that time as well and the meshes are called SensoFoils, similar to Series 5.
These foils surround the cutting cassette built upon the ProSkin tech by Braun where the micro combs are agile at grabbing flat lying hair efficiently.
Also, these elements are better at pressure sensitivity and have a refined adaptive rate when it comes to holding the shaver firmly against your skin.
No, the neck doesn’t tilt here and it’s fixated over the wide handle. Still, you’ll get great contour adaptation if you manage to learn the tricks to shave at the tight areas.
The motor power is quite weak in contrast with 18,000 cross cutting actions per minute and that’s something you’ll have to make do with if you don’t want to spend the extra.
However, this level of power is no trouble for fine beard texture or even denser hair areas. It’ll only pose a challenge if you have a curly or kinky rooted beard – that’s why specialized shavers are needed for such tasks.
This is the major disappointment – a NiMH battery to power such a magnificent tool. Yet, I can understand Braun was restricted by the technology at that time with no better alternative.
With this battery unit, you’ll still get 40 minutes of runtime and the charging time from zero is surprisingly fast – around 2 hours!
Also, the AutoSense technology is absent in this shaver so you’ll be getting raw output at all times.
The Series 3 is a waterproof shaver ready for both types of shaving modes. Again, it excels in wet conditions with shaving lotions or foam and can be washed off without any hassle.
Even at this price range, Braun has endowed the shaver with a slide-out trimmer and the battery indicator shows charge levels in three increments.
So, I think the Series 3 is a great package for a clean and comfortable shaving routine on a regular basis without any advanced features and it’s most certainly one of the best Braun shavers ever to exist!
What I Like
- Quite basic and easy to use
- Good at picking up flat lying hair
- Supreme performance in wet conditions
What Could be Better
- Average battery department
Why Trust My Verdict?
I’ve been a fanboy of Braun shavers for many years and have followed their gradual development as one of the best brands in the industry!
As I know how the Braun razors perform from their previous generations, it’s easier for me to hold them side by side in a comparative manner.
Also, I didn’t miss out on insight from my barber friends and long term users across age, heritage and usage preference to broaden the perception.
I’m not being paid by Braun to promote their product and the top devices I’ve picked out are based on the assessment metrics I use to rank the finest grooming tools in the market!
Test Results for the Best Braun Shavers
Here are the test results based on the measurable criterion between the finest of Braun shavers ruling over the current grooming industry!
Shaving Closeness
As you could already tell, Braun Series 9 offers the highest degree of shaving closeness with its 5 unique cutting elements built upon the latest technology grooming products can afford.
Series 7 closeness is relatively close to Series 9 but it takes a little more time to reach that fine tuned outcome. Still, Braun Series 7 is considered as a prime close shave razor for the top-notch results!
Getting smooth and close outcomes with the Series 5 is a little hectic as you’ll need to shave in wet conditions and carefully spend your time reaching that root length.
Finally, the Series 3 shaver sort of matches the closeness of the Series 5 due to its unique mesh design but the overall device takes longer to trim down at that length.
Motor Power
Out of the 4 Braun shavers in my ranking, the Series 9 is the most powerful tool from the lot with the capacity of performing 40,000 cross cutting actions per minute.
Second spot is a tie between the Series 7 and Series 5 with their 24,000 cross cutting actions per minute. Although the former felt slightly more powerful from personal experience.
Series 3 shaver comes home last with its 18,000 CPM output and it’s understandable considering the time of its release and the current price tag.
Shaving Comfort
Which Braun shaver is the most comfortable to shave with? I’d say the Series 9 offers maximum comfort in both dry and wet conditions.
The Series 7 shaver is close by but the extra few passes add to the skin to blade contact. I’m grateful for the hypoallergenic mesh and contour adaptability which compensate for that.
Braun Series 5 and Series 3 offer similar comfort levels and the most comforting results are found with wet shaves in my opinion.
Ergonomics
All of the Braun shavers in my list are ergonomically sound. They have sufficient grip spots and a place to rest your thumb.
If I must scrutinize, I’ll still have to place the Series 9 on top of the rest despite having the thumb rest sliding around since it also functions as the tilt lock.
The balance in the Series 9 housing isn’t matched by any of the other razors here; the closest competitor has been the Braun Series 7.
Despite similarity in design, Braun Series 5 fails to live up to the grip level of the Series 7 because of the type of rubber texture around the thumb area.
I’d call it a tie with the Series 3 with its wider handle and reinforced ergonomics – it’s actually a matter of preference by the consumers in the end.
All four of these shavers are slip-proof and I’ve so far had no issue in any given shaving condition!
Battery Life
Battery life in the top Braun shavers are quite similar and there’s very little to separate between them.
Series 9 lasts the longest with its 60 minute battery runtime. Series 7 has a 50 minute runtime (these are approximate times from my experience, yours can differ in either direction).
Braun Series 5’s battery life is around 45 minutes, quite surprising if you consider its price. All three of these razors have endorsed lithium-ion batteries.
The last one, Braun Series 3, has a battery life that lasts somewhere around the 40 minute region but the NiMH battery unit makes it the least reliable of them all.
Buyer’s Guide to Pick the Best Braun Razor
In this section, I’ll guide you through the process of picking the Braun shaver that caters to your particular needs in the perfect manner!
For the Braun Series 9, I’ll recommend it mostly to the professionals because it’s tested in rough conditions, it functions across a wide array of facial hair types and the Clean & Charge station is handy for a barber shop!
As the Series 7 is a budget variant of the Series 9, I can easily suggest it to home groomers, especially ones who are looking for an all-round shaver that can trim as well (all thanks to EasyClick).
If you’re a beginner and have never used a foil shaver, the Series 5 would be your ideal entry point because it stands in a transition point between high functionality and affordability with straightforward features.
Lastly, the Series 3 is ideal if you’re within a budget and don’t want to spend that extra while getting a premium shaver from a revered brand like Braun!
FAQ
Let’s find out the answers to some of the questions asked by netizens about Braun shavers to enlighten you further in this particular area of grooming!
Q: How often should I replace Braun shaving head?
Ans: It actually depends on many things, like – how frequently you shave, how well you maintain the blades, what your beard texture or density is etc. My rule of thumb is to replace the shaver head every 18 months if you’re a home groomer and every 6 months if you’re a professional. Or simply replace it as soon as it starts tugging or pulling.
Q: Can I use my Braun shaver in the shower?
Ans: Yes! Most of the recent Braun shavers are waterproof and ready to be used inside the shower! Yet, I’ll urge you to check the box or the shaver housing if it states ‘Wet/Dry’ to make sure your Braun shaver has shower shaving capability!
Q: What should I do if my Braun shaver isn’t charging?
Ans: Initially, check if the power outlet is functioning and the cable is properly attached to the Braun shaver. If possible, use a different charging cable to locate whether the problem lies within your cable or is it a shaver issue. If the issue remains, contact Braun support for further guidance or claiming your warranty.
Concluding Remarks
So, I’m drawing the blinds on our today’s discussion about the best Braun shavers you can currently purchase off of the market.
Thus far you’ve seen four ideal products with their unique capabilities. I’ve broken down their features for your convenience and compared them side by side to gain further insight on them.
You should know that Braun is a long-running and trusted brand in the grooming industry and their German-made products generally last a very long time!
If you keep this consideration at the back of your mind, investing your hard earned money should still give you a little relief as it’s certainly going to be well spent on Braun!