They use the same motors and shaving heads and the only differences are related to included accessories (like cleaning stations or trimmer attachments), color, wet/dry or dry-only use. For most braun shavers people, foil-style electric razors typically provide a closer shave. But if you prefer a rotary-style shaver, we recommend the Philips Norelco Shaver 9300, which includes a cleaning system.
With that said, your skin could potentially fair better with an electric razor due to the buffer between direct skin contact. However, some users will need an adjustment period to let their skin get used to the new shaving style. There are a ton of specs to consider when looking for the right electric shaver, and that can make finding the right razor for you confusing. That’s why we enlisted the help of Calvin Quallis, founder of grooming brand Scotch Porter, and Dr. Corey L. Hartman, founder of Skin Wellness Dermatology, to break it down. November brought about a slew of new electric razor releases, including Bevel’s Electric Shaver, Manscaped’s Beard Hedger, and Panasonic’s ARC 6, which we’re testing now.
I have written a very comprehensive guide on the old Series 7 if you want to check it out. The integrated S3 ProSkin slide-out trimmer is better for quick touch-ups and I don’t particularly like the EasyClick trimmers of the Series 5 50, Series 6 and Series 7 70. For example, not all users will have any use for the stubble trimmer and its guards. It’s a Series 5 50 with a flexing head which as we saw, is really similar performance-wise to a Series 3 ProSkin. The price is usually reasonable and should be easy to source in most countries.
Second, and it’s somewhat already implied, if you shave once or twice a week, unless you have light facial hair or it grows back very slowly, the Series 3 will not be ideal. I still picked the Series 3 ProSkin as the better option since it’s easier to use thanks to the better designed shaving head. The Series 3 ProSkin is very comfortable, adequately powerful for someone with medium to slightly coarser facial hair and works decently even on longer, flat-lying hairs. They offer the best performance for the money, the cost of ownership is usually lower and you’ll have the best chance of buying a Braun shaver that will give you a comfortable, close and enjoyable shave. The cassettes are pricey as well, costing more than the ones needed for other Braun families of shavers. They are particularly impressive at cutting longer stubble (up to 5 days of growth) and are remarkably gentle to the skin, particularly the non-Pro models.
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. To get the smoothest, most comfortable electric shave, no matter which shaver you choose, you need to remember that electrics can’t easily get as close as a blade. Most electric shaver makers offer advice on how to get the optimal shave. (“We recommend that you shave before you wash, since the skin tends to be slightly swollen after washing.”) Philips Norelco says to wash but not shower (“…otherwise your skin will be hot, puffy…”).