Braun used to be noted in its glory days for producing perfect combinations of form and function, using cutting-edge design techniques. Now I’m not saying Dieter Rams would necessarily be upset by the design of this philips electric shaver but, while its functionality is hard to argue with, aesthetically the 9 Series is quite lacking. It looks and feels plasticky, and the way it slots into its charging and cleaning base is not very satisfying.
That said, nobody is likely to feel let down by Phillips Series 9000. This is so gentle on your face, it almost feels like nothing is happening. If you use the 9000 Series daily, the outcome is much the same as with the Braun, although I’d say the Series 9 just has the edge with longer or tougher stubble. Item prices do not include fees for pickup, shipping or delivery (if applicable) unless noted in the item description. Item prices may vary between online (for pickup, shipping or delivery) and in club. Unlike our picks, the lightweight Andis ProFoil Lithium Titanium Foil Shaver is not waterproof, and it is warrantied for only one year (whereas all of our picks are covered for two).
That extra power and performance come at a dollar and design cost. Series 9 razors are notably bulkier than Series 7 razors, and some testers found the Series 9 razors tough to maneuver in tight spots (like the equally ginormous Panasonic Arc5, which this Braun line somewhat mimics). The Quick Clean Pod is the world’s smallest and cordless cleaning station. The special cleaning formula is 10x more effective than water1, so you can keep your shaver hygienic. More importantly, overall shaving performance was very good indeed.
Although electric razors don’t offer quite as close a shave as manual razors, electric razors are a more convenient and safer option. If you’re looking for a quality electric razor that’ll contour to your face, provide a nice, clean shave and last a long time, Braun and Philips are great options to consider. Both brands offer several great electric razors with key features and shaving styles designed to suit user preference.
I find the Braun is quicker and feels more like ‘proper’ shaving but for those with very sensitive skin Philips’ rotary action might be better. Braun previously sold a Series 8 shaver only at select retailers, but additional models in this series are now more widely available. The series at the lower end of Braun’s foil shaving line that we tested—the Series 5 and Series 6—each performed fine in our testing, and with a bit more work and time all eventually gave the same shave as the Series 7. James used the Remington for two years, and it held up well during that period. It handled daily shaves without complaint and powered through more days of growth without too much issue.
It’s held up remarkably well and, aside from a dip after a little more than a year of use which was remedied by replacing the foil, the shave quality has remained consistent. You’ll need to replace the foil on your shaver more or less annually, depending on use. He’s written for Esquire, New York Magazine, Spotlyte, and Very Good Light and held staff positions at GQ and W. As the Style and Travel Editor at T3, Spencer covers everything from clothes to cars and watches to hotels.